Making the Brigade: 2nd BCT Comprised of Units From Around the Nation

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.01.2004

Courtesy Story

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CAMP VICTORY NORTH, Baghdad, Iraq -- E Pluribus Unum: Out of many comes one. Like the diverse nation it represents, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Commandos), 10th Mountain Division is a melting pot of units from around the United States.

The massive forging of the Commando team is both a unique and rapidly developed deployment, said Col. Mark Milley, 2nd BCT commander.

"This is my eighth contingency operation," Milley said. "I have never done one that is as complex and involves so many Soldiers from as many different installations on such short notice."

Milley said it took less than a week for the new Commando team from 10 separate locations to officially assemble.

"Within about four or five days all the major issues were resolved with regards to which units would comprise the 2nd BCT," he said. "Once they were settled, the units began to conduct home-station training in preparation for deployment. We had wheels up on the first Soldiers 36 days after notification."Units fighting alongside the 10th Mountain Division include 1st Battalion 41st Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, Kan.; Companies A and B, 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, Fort Polk, La.; 58th Combat Engineer Company, Fort Irwin, Calif; Company B, 27th Airborne Engineers, Fort Bragg, N.C.; 1st Platoon, 463rd Military Police Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo; 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, Santa Barbra, Calif.; the 345th Tactical Psychological Operations Detachment, Dallas, Texas, as well as Soldiers from the 101st and 81st Airborne Divisions. All attached units bring their own unique abilities to the Commandos, Milley said. Soldiers from 1-41 INF provide combat experience, especially as an attached unit. This is their third deployment in less than three years in this area of operations. It is also the eighth brigade 1-41 INF Soldiers have served under, said Staff Sgt. Robert Dannerberg, 1-41 INF.

"Why did we deploy as a lone unit? Because we do it all the time," Dannerberg said. "I"d say 65 to 70 percent of the people over here are combat vets from this unit."

"They are our most powerful punch on the battlefield," Milley said.

The Commando brigade also possesses training units that usually don't deploy. 509th Infantry and 58th Engineers train as Opposing Forces (OPFOR) in their respective units, playing the role of 'the enemy" on their posts. The 509th INF are the OPFOR at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La. and the 58th is the engineer company at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif.

"The 509th Infantry are a tremendous instrument to the team," Milley said. "They are among the finest trained infantry in the American Army. They are very familiar with the tactics, techniques and procedures that the enemy uses in Iraq."

Soldiers from the 58th ENG bring engineering capabilities as well as infantry training, Milley said.

While the 58th ENG would normally focus on constructing tank fighting positions or breaching larger wire and mined obstacles at the training center, its" roles here will focus on ensuring force protection, freedom of movement and old fashioned infantry tactics.

"We do a lot of route reconnaissance, route clearing, making sure the roads are clear of IEDs," said 2nd Lt. Patrick Armstrong, 58th ENG operations officer. "Our M-113 Armored Personnel Carriers also provide armored capabilities to infantry units."

Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs Soldiers have worked with the Iraqi community for several months before the Commandos arrive. Their goal is to strengthen Iraqi and coalition bonds and to win the trust and confidence of the Iraqi people, said Sgt. 1st Class Randy Gale, Civil Affairs Team B first sergeant. "We're doing great things, but there are a lot of things left to do," he said.

"We act as a buffer between the military and civilian population trying to rebuild the government.""They are critical to our success," Milley said. "Both capabilities provide a strong link to the community in our area of responsibility."

The Commandos come from many locations and provide diverse skills and talents. One thing all the units have in common is their understanding of their responsibilities and their wiliness to work together, Milley said.

"It's primarily due to the adaptive leaders, non-commissioned officers and officers we have throughout the Army," Milley said. "The units came together and bonded much more rapidly than I expected. It has succeeded beyond my expectations."

• Date Taken: 09.01.2004
• Date Posted: 09.01.2004 12:56
• Story ID: 325
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ