Crazy Troop works with Iraqis to strengthen border security

Photo By Sgt. Rodney Foliente | Spc. Justin Fisher, cavalry scout, C Troop, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., assists a member of the Iraqi border security forces as he searches a suitcase of people coming to Iraq near Forward Operating Base Minden on June 16. Fisher comes from Buffalo, N.Y.  

BASRA, IRAQ

06.19.2009

Story by Sgt. Rodney Foliente 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq — The Soldiers of 'Crazy' Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, are currently working with Iraqi border security forces near Forward Operating Base Minden.

The troop has been providing additional security at a border entry point, monitoring the steady flow of people leaving and coming to Iraq, and working with the civilian and military teams to professionalize the BSF.

"We're working by, with and through the Iraqi border security forces to get them up to speed," said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Maloy, 2nd Plt. sergeant, C Troop. "I think our mission is one of the best missions the brigade currently has."

"Our Soldiers are more than up to the task. They are motivated, put in long hours, don't complain, get the job done and I think they are some of the best Soldiers in the Army," he said proudly.

The cavalry Soldiers and the Iraqi BSF have been working well together, said Maloy, who comes from St. Johns, Ariz. He said the members of the BSF have been working hard and show their determination to protect the citizens of Iraq.

"We work together [for the] people [of] Iraq," said Ali, a member of the BSF, as he smiled and pointed to himself and American Soldiers.

"I love working with these guys. We're getting to know each other pretty well and are building good working relationships," said Spc. Adam Sugg, cavalry scout, C Troop.

"It makes me feel like we're doing something really important here. If not for us — Iraqis and Americans — there'd be a greater chance that more threats would get past the border to hurt more people," said Sugg, who comes from Suffolk, Va.

"Our mission is to provide security for military and civilian teams out here and to assist in professionalizing the Iraqi border security forces," said 2nd Lt. Cody John, 2nd Plt. leader, C Troop. He said that in only a short time, he has seen improvements in the BSF performance and is optimistic of their future capabilities to maintain border security without assistance.

"If at the end of each day, the Iraqis are a little better at doing their jobs by themselves, it means we're doing our job and makes it all worthwhile," said John.

• Date Taken: 06.19.2009
• Date Posted: 06.19.2009 10:48
• Story ID: 35332
• Location: BASRA, IQ