By Staff Sgt. Carlos M. Burger II
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
DIWANIYA, Iraq – While conducting a dismounted patrol recently in Diwaniya, Soldiers from "Beast" Company, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, observed congested roads, debris everywhere and glares from the populace.
As the patrol continued however, they realized the roads were congested from ongoing construction, the litter was being picked up by garbage men at every turn, and although some citizens glared, most of the people smiled and waved.
The signs are evident that city of Diwaniya is bustling with activity.
"I think it's great that we saw a lot of people cleaning up, trying to improve," said Pfc. Mark Windam, with B Co 2-8 IN.
Most of the Soldiers in the platoon, including Windam, are on their first deployment to Iraq and admit that even though they haven't been here before, they seem surprised that the conditions here are different than what they've heard from either the media or those who have been here previously.
"I think there has been a positive change. Hopefully one day this country will be better [for its entire people]," Windam said.
The platoon from B Co. conducted the patrol from an over watch standpoint as soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 30th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army were in control and dictated how the patrol was conducted. The two groups worked together, as U.S. forces showed the IA soldiers how to conduct various dismounted tactical movement formations.
In fact, the overall ability to conduct improvements on the city can be attributed to the success of the IA and Diwaniya police forces.
"The threat has gone down," said 1st Lt. John Mullany, platoon leader and native of Gainesville, Va. "The IA has done a great job establishing security around Diwaniya. Every local that we talk to says 'we're safe'."
Mullany added that although there is a large variety in the quality of training, Diwaniya has become safer overall due to the professionalism and competence of the Iraqi security forces.
"Today they were pretty good. They all have great potential and are willing to learn," he said. "It's only a matter of time until [the ISF] get on the same page and don't need us anymore."
| Date Taken: |
10.25.2008 |
| Date Posted: |
10.25.2008 10:10 |
| Story ID: |
25545 |
| Location: |
IQ |
| Web Views: |
239 |
| Downloads: |
225 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, 'Recognizing Change'/Patrol reveals Iraqis seek to improve city, by SFC Carlos Burger, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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