Deep Strike Soldiers operate out of their traditional roll to keep others safe in Baghdad

News: Deep Strike Soldiers operate out of their traditional roll to keep others safe in Baghdad

Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs

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CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Sgt. 1st Class Luis Baez, master gunner, Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, takes time out to make conversation with local Iraqis during a patrol outside the Victory Base Complex Oct. 3. The battery is charged with patrolling outside the base to detect threats, which could cause harm to fellow Soldiers or their Iraqi neighbors.

by Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Malec
Fires Bde. PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Multi-National Division Baghdad's Fires Brigade Soldiers have had a break from their usual mission manning the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System during the past four months.

The Soldiers of Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, Fires Bde., 4th Infantry Division, known as the Black Knights, recently had an opportunity to join in conducting reconnaissance patrols outside the wire on a daily basis.

The Soldiers make it their personal mission to locate threats before they can harm their fellow Soldiers or local Iraqi citizens.

The Soldiers patrol outside Victory Base Complex in up-armored humvees, traveling at a cautious pace and seeking signs of anything out of place that could indicate an improvised-explosive device or other threats, such as abrupt changes in landscape, suspicious people or vehicles, said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Gauwitz, patrol leader, Battery B.

"I look for anything that's a threat to me, whether it be a wire across the road or going out from the road – basically, anything that gets the hairs on the back of my neck standing up," said Gauwitz, who hails from Perham, Minn.

Besides looking out for signs of potential trouble, the Soldiers also make an effort to foster positive relationships with local residents, said Spc. Christopher Nicewonger, assistant gunner, Battery B.

"We talk to them – see what they're up to – see if they need anything, and hopefully we can help them," said the Houston native.

Each time they leave the gate, their priority is keeping their fellow Soldiers safe while helping out with the rebuilding of Iraq by keeping the residential neighborhoods safe as well, added Sgt. Walter Cook, vehicle commander, Battery B.

"We're trying to let the (Iraqis) take full reigns, and we're just trying to help them along," said the Little Rock, Ark., native.

"Back in 2003, we were pretty much in control; but now, we're slowly ceding the power over to them so we can go ahead and go back home," said Cook.