New Dawn, New Mission

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Steven C. Moss and Pfc. David E. Garcia prepare the internal communication system of their Bradley Fighting Vehicle at Camp Beuhring, Kuwait, Sept. 11. E Troop soldiers have conducted extensive training in preparation for their role in Operation New Dawn.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION KALSU, KUWAIT

09.12.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Garrettgarrett Ralston and Spc. Adam Hefner

3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION KALSU, Iraq - Troopers of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment arrive here each day to prepare for missions as part of Operation New Dawn.

Soldiers will conduct a wide range of missions from civil and governmental stabilization and security to the training of Iraqi Security Forces and enabling Stability Transition Teams, a vast change from the regiment’s previous deployments where combat operations were the main focus.

For the soldiers of Troop E, 2nd Squadron, 3rd ACR, a vital task lies ahead as they seek to accomplish these missions in the Al Kut area of the Wasit province, an area historically fraught with civil and political unrest.

“The troop will advise, train and assist Iraqi security forces of the 8th Iraqi Army as well as the Provincial Directorate of Police in the Wasit province,” Capt. David H. Taylor, Troop E commander said. “Security and safety have the most bearing on quality of life here and the people will participate if we can help provide that.”

The 3rd ACR is, by design, a heavy combat brigade, but has conducted the necessary training for its mission and is ready to assume its new role in Iraq. Troop E fighting platforms like the Abrams Tank and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle will not see the daily service they once did.

“We are 100 percent trained and prepared for this mission,” Taylor said. “My troopers understand that the mission is to advise, train and assist the ISF while ensuring each other’s safety as well.”

Troop E has conducted combat operations during three previous deployments and their new mission presents many new challenges, especially for soldiers who are accustomed to the combat side of Iraq.

“In three tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom I hunted down insurgents and brought them down,” said Staff Sgt. Steven J. Curl, a squad leader in Troop E. “The threat is still alive, but we’ll maintain our focus on the new mission and ensure we get the job done.”

Despite the Sept. 1, declaration of the end of combat operations recent violence still continues to involve U.S. forces and present a danger to those serving in Iraq. Trooper will no longer be at the lead of their operations and will instead work alongside their Iraqi partners to stabilize the Wasit province.

“Partnering with our Iraqi brothers will be the largest key to success,” Taylor said.
Within Troop E are many Soldiers who have never experienced combat operations in Iraq. This mission will be their first and will be completely different from what they expected.

“I’m pretty anxious to get going and ready to start the new mission,” said Pfc. Brock Minnick, a gunner for Troop E. “My platoon is tight and I know we’ll get done what we came to do.”

Soldiers of Troop E are aware of the continual threat in Iraq, but remain enthusiastic about their opportunities to help the Iraqi people and its security forces.

“I feel totally confident that E Troop will succeed here,” Taylor said. “We will stay focused on our ISF brothers and ensure that their long term goals are supported by our actions.”

• Date Taken: 09.12.2010
• Date Posted: 10.14.2010 10:16
• Story ID: 58088
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION KALSU, KW