1st Bn., 66th Armor Regt. gets hand from Macedonians

TAJI, IRAQ

05.16.2006

Story by Spc. Cal Turner 

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

CAMP TAJI, Iraq " The nation of Macedonia continues to support Multi-National Division " Baghdad with combat forces to fight the insurgency and bring stability to Iraq.

The Macedonian Ranger Platoon, attached to 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, is conducting operations in the Taji area.

The rangers teamed-up with soldiers from the Special Troops Company, 1st Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, and 1st Bn., 66th AR Soldiers, to search the Gumeria area May 4 after previously discovering rockets and launching platforms capable of firing 122mm rockets aimed at Baghdad.

"This mission was a follow-up to locate possible weapons caches and personnel involved with rocket attacks to see if they could find any more evidence to link anyone in the area with the recent attacks," said Maj. Donnie Yates, operations officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 66th AR.

Beginning with an early morning rendezvous, Iraqi soldiers reviewed the mission with the rangers before the entire group moved into a neighborhood to conduct searches of homes and two school buildings. Searches were conducted with translators, who worked with Multi-National Division " Baghdad Soldiers and the rangers, to gain information and intelligence from community residents while the Iraqi army secured the street and searched vehicles.

"They (the Macedonians) are extremely good at reconnaissance operations and developing targets," said Yates. "We've had good results in the past in locating persons we've been looking for and locating caches. The Macedonians did a good job locating the rockets and launchers. Their biggest strength is their ability to gather and develop intelligence."

The rangers stay busy going into their last month of their six-month rotation. The mission was their 251st in 150 days. They said they know the work they do is important for the Iraqi people.

"The Iraqis are good at what they do, and they wish to do more," said Maj. Micov Zvonko, commanding officer, MRP. "They need more practice working along side the United States, but they are doing well."

The Macedonians are one of several nations with personnel on the ground conducting operations with Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Every day we do checkpoints and patrols and work with Iraqis on searches," said Capt. Dragan Maksimovski, executive officer, MRP. "The Iraqis are doing well, but I think it will take a long time to make it safe for everyone."

Once the MRP finishes its tour, the rangers will be replaced by another unit from Macedonia. For most of the soldiers, this is their first time in Iraq. They said they look forward to going home and seem proud of the work they continue to do in Iraq.

"We get the chance to talk to our families about once a week or so," said Capt. Jordan Popovski, commander, 1st combat team, MRP. "We get a lot of support from back home. They care about us, and that's important for us while we are here representing our army and our country."

• Date Taken: 05.16.2006
• Date Posted: 05.16.2006 14:03
• Story ID: 6405
• Location: TAJI, IQ