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Making Strides to Assume Control of their Country

Photo By Sgt. Dennis Gravelle | A Soldier with 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army checks a vehicle during a...... read more read more

MOSUL, IRAQ

02.16.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

Story and Photos by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq (13 Feb.2006) -- On the east side of the Tigris River, Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division perform routine patrols from Combat Outpost Resolve.

The operations building that resembles a bombed out building being used by 4th Bde, was converted to a barracks and headquarters. It now houses most of the Soldiers from 4th Bde.

Serving along side these Iraqi Soldiers is a U.S. Military Transition Team that lives with the 4th Bde to mentor and train the officers of the Iraqi Army. MITT advises, teaches, trains, and mentors the IA, moving them in the direction to assume Iraqi battle space from Coalition Forces.

"It has been a very rewarding experience to live with the Iraqi Army, it's a great pleasure to work with them, to learn their culture," said Capt. Jesse Bell, S-3, 2nd Bn, 4th Bde, 2nd IA MITT. "They have courage and want a free Iraq."

IA Soldiers conduct about eight mounted and dismounted missions a day. They do not patrol in Stryker vehicles or even up armored Humvees. They drive around in pick up trucks with no protection other than their individual body armor and a Kevlar helmet.

"These IA Soldiers make me feel proud to be with them, it shows a lot of heart and courage to go out without a Stryker or armored vehicle," said Capt. Michael Pregent, intelligence officer for 3rd Bn, 4th Bde, 2nd IA. "It makes you stand taller in our turret when we are out with them; they are very professional and courageous"

"We don't make a lot of money, but I did not join for money," said one Iraqi Soldier. "I joined to preserve my country, and to make Iraq a safe place for all the people and safe from terrorists."

One obstacle facing the Iraqi Army is an equitable working relationship with the Iraqi Police. This has been a constant struggle for the MITT's, but the relationship is improving by getting both organizations to sit down and talk to each other. The 4th Bde is mission-oriented to get rid of the insurgency in their area of operation, and that means working hand-in-hand with the Iraqi Police.

"We believe we can work with the Police to secure a better future for all Iraq. We have already made sacrifices and have faith that our relationship will improve daily," said Lt. Col. Haji Abdulla, Chief of Staff, 3rd Bn, 4th Bde, 2nd Ia.

Abdulla is a former member of the Peshmerga Army for the Kurdish. He served with the Peshmerga from 1987-2004. He joined the IA in 2004. His Soldiers show him a lot of respect and admiration.

"I am here to preserve my people and my country and with the help of Coalition Forces we are ready to assume control of our area of operation," Abdulla said.

The IA has received different types of training from the Coalition Forces to get them ready to assume control of their area of operation. IA Soldiers have learned how to search cars and houses. They also learned about flash traffic control points where they stop traffic and look for insurgents.

"We have gained a lot of knowledge from the Coalition Forces that has been very positive for our Soldiers, the training has been very good," said Abdulla.

In the future this battalion will assume an area of operation on the east side of the river. They have gained knowledge and experience from their Coalition counterparts and are confident they can control an insurgency and the future of their country.