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    Quick Reaction Force reacts to a variety of needs

    Quick Reaction Force reacts to a variety of needs

    Courtesy Photo | Spc. Juan Graces, of Corona, Calif., an Individual Ready Reserve Soldier and...... read more read more

    CAMP LIBERTY, IRAQ

    02.05.2010

    Courtesy Story

    41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team

    Story by: Capt. Brandon Ditto

    CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq-- Patrolling the neighborhoods that surround Victory Base is a common force protection mission for Bravo Troop 1/82 CAV, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team's Base Quick Reaction Force.

    The QRF went out on patrol to conduct a Coordinated Medical Exchange, formerly known as a MEDCAP Jan. 14, in Baghdad, Iraq.

    A large part of force protection is based on positive relationships with the local neighborhoods. Throughout the deployment Bravo's QRF has built relationships with the locals to ensure a mutual cooperation is maintained and locals are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the local Iraqi Police.

    "The people were so grateful," said Sgt. Raymond Meyer, of Portland, Ore., and medic with Bravo Troop. "They were able to identify threats in the areas as we treated them. They all wanted us to help us help them. It's just great to see that."

    Force protection also means ensuring the contracted security force for the perimeter of the base maintains the standards of the U.S. military. Bravo Troop was chosen to train the contracted Ugandan force who secure the base.

    The Soldiers of Bravo received foreign weapons training on the AK-47 and PKM machine guns and in turn instructed the Ugandan force on weapon systems as well as intelligence reporting requirements, rules for the use of force, communication equipment, range cards and marksmanship.

    The end result was an increased trust and cooperation between the contracted force and the Soldiers of Bravo Troop.

    "I enjoyed being able to train the guard force," said Spc. Howard Pearson, of Gladstone, Ore., and a cavalry scout in the duty position as a gunner for Bravo Troop. "The guys [Ugandan guards] were eager to learn and fun to work with."

    The Soldiers of Bravo Troop were able to pass out toys, soccer balls and snacks, while guiding many of the local nationals to a secure area to be evaluated by a physician's assistant or army nurse. The Iraqi police assisted with security and all local nationals in the area were pleased to receive care and smalls gifts of goodwill.

    The Soldiers of Bravo Troop and all of Task Force Stetson remain vigilant and prepared for any mission that will increase the security of the base.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.05.2010
    Date Posted: 02.05.2010 04:44
    Story ID: 44959
    Location: CAMP LIBERTY, IQ

    Web Views: 292
    Downloads: 264

    PUBLIC DOMAIN