Raider Brigade witnesses hard work pay off as Iraqis head to polls

Photo By Kimberly Hackbarth | A military policeman with 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, watches from a distance as Iraqi security forces provide security in Mansour, Iraq, March 7 during Iraq's national elections. The 4th Brigade Soldiers were responsible for escorting United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq personnel and some Western media to polling sites.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.07.2010

Story by Sgt. Bryce Dubee and Pfc. Kimberly Hackbarth

4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

BAGHDAD — Roughly halfway through their deployment, Soldiers from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, witnessed the fruits of their labor, as well that of those who went before them, as Iraqi citizens went to the polls to vote in their national elections Sunday.

"The election today, as demonstrated by the high voter turnout, was years in the making, and validated the time and effort invested by the U.S.," said Col. John Norris, the brigade commander. "Today was personally rewarding, having witnessed years of growth, change and progress."

While most of the brigade's Soldiers remained either inside the wire or at prepositioned Iraqi security force's headquarters, available to provide support if so requested by the Iraqis, some were busy escorting United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq personnel and Western media to polling sites.

"The security was tight," said Guy DiDomenico, a U.N. field security specialist while touring a polling site in Mansour. He explained that early in the morning around 8:30 a.m. polling was slow; however. more voters had arrived between 10 a.m. and noon.

Compared to the 2009 elections, where he was also present, DiDomenico said that security has improved greatly, and that the polling locations appeared much more organized, with more people working the sites.

Watching from more than 300 meters away as their ISF counterparts handled the security at polling sites; U.S. Soldiers said they were impressed by the process.

"The ISF did a good job," said Cpl. Andrew Canvasser, a military policeman with the MP platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div.

"The ISF used show of force to keep order," he said, explaining that both Iraqi army and police were present at the polling sites. "[They] did a good job minimizing [the] threat as much as they could."

Meanwhile back on Forward Operation Base Constitution, the location of the 6th Iraqi Army Division's Joint Operations Center, 4th Brigade Soldiers and leaders were carefully monitoring the security situation alongside their Iraqi partners.

Together, the two military partners shared intelligence about the situation on the ground, coordinated the use of U.S. intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance equipment and received updates from the field.

"The JOC was instrumental in ensuring that Iraqi and U.S. forces were synchronized, updated on each others' activities, and allowed us to quickly and effectively maneuver ISR assets at the request of our partners," said Norris. "The JOC has proven to be a valuable tool and an asset that will continue to be used by our ISF partners long after we have gone."

Even though the threat of violence against voter by insurgents was high and throughout the morning the sound of explosions could be heard in the distance, ISF were committed to providing a safe and secure environment for voters.

"As anticipated, AQI attempted to disrupt the elections, but the determination of the Iraqi people and the ISF has prevailed and Iraq is moving forward," said Norris.

DiDomenico agreed.

"I give a lot of credit to the Iraqi people for going out and voting even though there's real danger out there," he said. "It's sight to see people voting."

• Date Taken: 03.07.2010
• Date Posted: 03.08.2010 08:23
• Story ID: 46319
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ