By 2nd Lt. Michael Jue
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
CONTIGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – The 2nd Battalion, 11th Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement, partnered with Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, to assist the Iraqi security forces in the disruption of smuggling networks in November.
The American troops used air assets on a mission that began at the al Hawayza Border Fort. The operation was led on the ground by DBE personnel.
"The [Head Hunter Squadron's] non-commissioned officers have been working to mold the 2-11 DBE men," said Sgt. 1st Class Loshun Wilson from Killeen, Texas. The American Soldiers, led by Wilson, worked to stop smugglers from crossing a target area while another section coordinated on the ground with the DBE. The border patrol agents searched vehicles and detained smugglers as they came across the area.
"During our movements, we frequently observe training taking place without our presence," Wilson added. "There is more work to be done, but the rate of improvement is impressive."
The squadron's Soldiers arrived at the fort to find that the DBE personnel had just completed their morning training.
"The [border patrol] leaders understand that we need to present ourselves in a heroic fashion to encourage the youth to follow in our footsteps instead of fighting against us and the coalition forces," said Capt. Hameed a DBE officer.
Prior to the emplacement of the DBE, weapons and criminals flowed freely from Iran to Iraq. Now, the DBE is preventing that weapon smuggling.
| Date Taken: |
12.16.2008 |
| Date Posted: |
12.16.2008 02:16 |
| Story ID: |
27727 |
| Location: |
TALLIL AIR BASE, IQ |
| Web Views: |
204 |
| Downloads: |
178 |
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