3rd AAB Soldiers provide front-line security

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Ahmed Buck, of Nashville, Tenn., a heavy wheeled vehicle operator, Company G, 3rd Bn., 29th FA, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., supervises the inspection of local vehicles by the explosives dog. (Photo by: 2nd Lt. Theresa Ockrassa)  

ADDER, IRAQ

11.07.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Story by: 2nd Lt. Theresa Ockrassa

ADDER, Iraq – Soldiers from 3rd AAB are the front-line defenders for all possible threats coming through the gates of Camp Adder near Nasiriyah, Iraq. Recently, the soldiers of Company G, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, were recognized by United States Forces-Iraq during a random inspection of the gate and its check-point safety standards, based on a predetermined scale.

The Ghostriders received one of the highest security ratings making it one of the most secure gates in Iraq, according to inspectors.

Having faced many challenges, this team of mechanics, cooks, drivers and fuel supply specialists learned what it takes to secure the base.

“Staying on Adder you don’t actually realize all the threats at the gate, and I’m glad to do my part,” said Spc. Vera Stelzer, of Killeen, Texas, a health care specialist, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg. “Working at the gate has opened my eyes to the dangers that are here.”

In the past three months, Company G has confiscated an estimated $96,000 worth of contraband items to include cell phones, fake badges and identification cards, airplane parts, wigs and masks.

“Everyone gets x-rayed, everyone gets searched and their bags get searched,” said Sgt Nathaniel Ojeda, of New Berlin, Wis., 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., “If anyone attempts to bring contraband on base, then they are banned from all bases.”

Contraband items are not always easy to find and are often hidden in secret compartments within the vehicles. The Ghostrider soldiers and their contracted security counterparts have become very skilled at finding these hiding places.

“You have to check everywhere, they’ve gotten incredibly sneaky,” said Sgt. Javier Gonzales, of Hesperia, Calif., heavy wheeled vehicle operator, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.

The Ghostriders worked together and developed new crowd control measures and identification processes which streamlined entrance to the base and maintained security. They also added more security cameras, a two- way intercom, and more x-ray equipment.

The pedestrian entrance was improved to accommodate the high number of Iraqi workers coming and leaving around the same time each day. Too much time was spent controlling groups of Iraqis trying to get to work before the upgrades were complete.

“One morning I was working the X-ray. I looked out the door and saw the interpreter and the guard chatting one minute and then overwhelmed by a wave of pedestrians who were trying to get to work,” said Spc. Nathaniel Mott, of Pendleton, Ore., mechanic, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.

Within the first month of their arrival, the Ghostriders redesigned the pedestrian entrance to provide enhanced security and areas for preliminary searches. This provides pedestrians a smoother, more secure commute to work.

The Ghostriders register each Iraqi in a country-wide database using new technology such as electronic fingerprint tools and retinal scanners, according to Ojeda. Once registered in the system, every person coming on Adder is checked against this database for any criminal history or warrants for their arrest.

“We use this technology to help identify those who don’t belong,” he said. “These instruments are the heart and soul of the process because it helps keep the bad guys out.”

• Date Taken: 11.07.2010
• Date Posted: 11.09.2010 01:38
• Story ID: 59702
• Location: ADDER, IQ