Tropic Lightning "strikes" in Kirkuk, Iraq

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Maurice Smith | Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team disembark a C-130 aircraft moments after arriving at their new home in Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

09.07.2006

Story by Spc. Michael Alberts 

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

by Spc. Mike Alberts
3rd BCT, 25th ID PAO

KIRKUK, Iraq -- Worn by every 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldier, it can now be seen in the chow hall, Post Exchange and living quarters. It's the 25th Infantry Division's signature lightning bolt and Taro leaf patch and it's replacing the 101st Screaming Eagle unit patch in Kirkuk.

Soldiers of 3IBCT are transitioning into their new home in Iraq, replacing the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq.

"The 101st occupied this theater for the past year. It's important for us, as a new unit in this territory, to understand their daily operations and routines," said Capt. Brian Yanowski, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3IBCT. "The purpose of us being here with the 101st is to get them to show us the ropes so-to-speak. We need information regarding the 'ins-and outs' of the area, daily business and standard operating procedures that [have been successful for them]," said Yanokski.

The 1st BCT has been operating from FOB Warrior since late September, 2005 and has a wealth of knowledge to share with their Tropic Lightning friends. The transition of units into theater connects arriving Soldiers with their counterparts and precedes the formal transfer of authority that will occur later this month.

"The 101st has worked to make things better, both economically and socially, in this area of operation," said 1st Lt. Mark Welch, executive officer, HHC, 3IBCT. "We need to make sure that there is continuity with the people of this country. "We're here now [in part] to understand how the 101st is driving their missions so that we're not starting from scratch," said Welch.

According to Welch, battle continuity is established by actually sitting down with one's counterparts and developing a relationship so that the transition of job responsibilities from a garrison mentality to a wartime mission runs smoothly.

"Everything we can learn now before the 101st Soldiers leave is setting us ahead and helping to ensure that our mission here is a success," he said. The Soldiers of 3IBCT agree.

"Our goal out here right now is simple," said Sgt. Eric M. Howard, team leader, 2nd Battalion, 27 Inf. Reg., 3IBCT. "We're getting together with our counterparts to gather intelligence about our equipment, our enemy and the operational tempo. We're basically asking the 101st anything and everything that might help us with our mission," said Howard.

Howard is one of several Soldiers serving a second tour in Iraq. He operated out of FOB Warrior during his first tour.

"I was here between January 2004 and February 2005," he said. "The thing that has changed the most is the quality of our equipment. We are also now being more cautious, and the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Security Forces are playing a much bigger role in our operations."

The value of the transition time before the formal transfer of authority between units occurs is of particular value to the younger Soldiers

"Getting together with our counterparts is the most important thing about being here a little early," said Sgt. Michael Anderle, veteran of a tour in Afghanistan and team leader, 2-27, 3IBCT. "They are showing us how they set up their TCP's (tactical control points), how they have conducted daily patrols and the kind of the IEDs (improvised explosive devices) they've encountered," said Anderle. "But, for our guys that haven't been here yet and don't know what to expect, it's critical training," he emphasized.

"The 101st Soldiers have been very helpful and tolerant of all our questions," said Spc. John C. Lynch, gunner, 2-27, 3IBCT. "As for advice for a successful deployment, they've told us to take really good care of the vehicles and our weapon systems because it truly is all that we have out here in addition to each other."

• Date Taken: 09.07.2006
• Date Posted: 09.07.2006 11:41
• Story ID: 7666
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ