Photo By Spc. Grant Okubo | Sgt. John Ray, a Milwaukee native, searches the back of a large van for prohibited...... read more read more
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By Spc. Grant Okubo
4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq — A setting sun signals the end of the workday for many, but Soldiers of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division – Baghdad work toward ensuring a safe and secure environment for Iraqis day and night.
Soldiers of 2nd Platoon, Battery B, 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, patrolled the streets of Karadah March 20, just as they have for many evenings before. Capt. Stephen Swan, Ben Lomond, Calif., native, and who serves as the platoon leaders for 2nd Plt., along his Soldiers went out that night to engage possible extremists reported to be operating in that area.
Some of the patrol's goals that night were to engage the cell's leader, uncover any additional evidence against him and identify other extremists of the cell, explained Swan.
The 2nd Platoon Soldiers identified suspects of the cell and subsequently went to several locations, searching their homes, gathering more information and inputting the data into their system, said Swan. Additionally, the patrol informed the suspected cell leader they are watching him closely to deter future illegal actions and would return if he continued his activities.
The mission was successful, and 2nd Platoon Soldiers were able to "throw a monkey wrench into his organization," claimed Swan. They convinced the cell leader to identify members in his extremist organization and, in essence, undermine the organization and trust within the cell, he explained.
Operating at night, versus in daytime, brings different challenges and opportunities. It also changes battlefield conditions. One difference, noted Swan, is night operations offer a greater sense of control because fewer civilians are moving about. It is easier to identify groups who have gathered at night and to investigate their activities.
As an artillery unit, Soldiers of 5th Bn., 25th FA have had to adjust to missions and tasks handed to them. Swan said he is pleased with performances and adjustments his Soldiers made and attributes much of the platoon's success to his non-commissioned officers who have multiple deployments under their belts.
Being deployed and conducting the missions is not too different from the training Soldiers received at home station. Sgt. Sean Conner, a former drill sergeant who recently joined the unit from Fort Knox, Ky., attested that a lot of the techniques used in Iraq are the same as those used to teach basic training recruits – especially building-clearing techniques, he explained.
The training helps build the foundation of their performance, but it is the relationships Soldiers establish with Iraqis that are the keys to their operations.
"I receive ... intelligence from the people on the street," said Swan.
In addition to gathering information about good and bad people in area neighborhoods, 2nd Plt. Soldiers assess the general needs and situations of the Iraqi people they protect, explained Swan.
As he patrols, Spc. Navoild Bradford, a Chicago native, and senior line medic for 2nd Plt., said he realizes the importance of establishing a good relationship with the Iraqi people, adding that he believes this platoon has shown Iraqi people they are here to help.
One of the platoon's goals is to inform the Iraqi populace there is someone on the streets helping Iraqi security forces look out for their interests so they don't have to look to, or fear, extremist organizations, said Sgt. Rocky Kulick, a Lakeland, Fla., native.
Whether their missions occur at day or night, the Soldiers of 2nd Plt. are happy with how things have turned out and with the contributions they've made so far. Bradford said he is pleased with the performance of the platoon and how they've "come together as a team." Discipline has been a platoon focus, he said.
"I feel like the biggest challenge for us, and every other unit, is staying disciplined," said Bradford. "We seem to be doing a real good job at it. Without discipline, bad things happen."
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.01.2008 10:58 |
| Story ID: | 17955 |
| Location: | RUSTAMIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 334 |
| Downloads: | 309 |
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