Paratroopers have say in word on the street

Photo By Sgt. Michael Tuttle | Soldiers from A Co., 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division talk with merchants in front of their produce store outside the city of Samarra. The meeting was an opportunity for the Soldiers to make it clear that they were fighting for the merchants' security.  

SAMARRA, IRAQ

01.05.2002

Story by Sgt. Michael Tuttle 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

By Sgt. Michael Tuttle
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SAMARRA, Iraq – A group of 82nd Airborne Division Soldiers met with local merchants at their storefronts along Tar Tar Road outside the city to inform them about operations in the area.

The talks are part of efforts by A Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment to counter rumors and misinformation spread by insurgents to the local Iraqi public, said Capt. Adisa King, A Co. commander.

"It's a chance to tell the public what we're about," said 1st Lt. Daniel Robbins, platoon leader. "We can give them information directly so they understand what our purpose is and that we're fighting for their security."

Robbins first made sure that the merchants understood the need for his platoon to block off the street in front of their stores while they spoke. He described the dangers of vehicle borne improvised explosive devices and explained why local drivers must stop at cordons.

The area near the businesses on Tar Tar Road has been a hot spot for insurgent activity, including five to eight IED attacks there per month, according to Robbins. The merchants were also informed of a large weapons cache uncovered recently in the area.

This exchange of information will hopefully build more trust and cooperation among the Soldiers and the locals.

"We are trying to gather information and learn about them, as well as make it clear why it's important for them to fight the insurgency," said Robbins.

Robbins handed out tip cards to the merchants that included his unit's contact information in Arabic. He offered to help them if their businesses faced any type of threat.

"We will fight for you but we need you to help us out," Robbins told a group of merchants before moving on. "You're out here all the time. If you see anything, give us a call."

The tips cards have been an effective way to continue communicating with locals.

"We have gotten calls fairly frequently," Robbins said. "Sometimes they're scared to give us information on the street and feel safer talking on the phone."

• Date Taken: 01.05.2002
• Date Posted: 01.05.2007 10:29
• Story ID: 8748
• Location: SAMARRA, IQ