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DIYALA, Iraq — Being able to locate and detain those who wish to do harm to innocent people is frequently a difficult task. The ability to strike at a moment's notice must be mastered in order to be effectively complete this task.
Recon Platoon, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division specializes in time-sensitive-targeting in Baqubah. The roughly 30-man platoon must be ready around the clock for the moment when they are given the order to strike.
These TST missions are often source driven raids and can range from a high value target to targets that are felt to pose an imminent threat to the population or to security forces.
The Recon platoon trains and executes missions with their Iraqi counter-part, a police emergency response force. Recon trains the ERF on advanced tactics that allow the two to function as one entity while conducting raids.
"We have taught them discipline and respect for leadership that they don't usually have in the ranks. The Iraqis understand the seriousness of the mission and they work to do a great job," said Sgt. Austin Combest of Recon Platoon.
Austin also said that the Iraqis play a valuable part when interacting with the locals. "They can talk to the people of an area and find out what is really going on. Even our interpreters can't get the information that the Iraqis can, because this is their country and they know the people and what to look for."
The two teams' hard work and training has produced great results thus far. Their missions have captured multiple targets wanted by Iraqi security forces and coalition forces.
"Over the past 90 days we have detained over 30 personnel suspected of being linked to the RKG-3 cells," said recon platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Velasquez.
These detentions are important due to the RKG-3 attacks that have occurred not only in Diyala but in all of Iraq against coalition forces. The hand-thrown grenades have become a serious risk in the past 18 months to coalition soldiers and are responsible for many injuries and deaths. The detention of RKG-3 cell members has led to a decrease in these attacks recently.
"It feels really good when you get the guys that you know hurt your fellow Soldiers. Those are the most rewarding missions," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Head, senior team leader for Recon Platoon.
When getting ready to enter a target area to capture a wanted suspect many things go through the heads of the Recon Soldiers.
"It gets heart going real fast as we stack up to clear a house. It's an addrialine rush. It feels good though that I at the time I don't have to worry about if everyone knows their job or what to do. I know we are the best and I wouldn't want to go out with anyone else," said Spc. Khalid Jurdi of Recon Platoon.
For the Soldiers of the Recon Platoon just getting the job was a challenge.
"Every guy in the platoon was hand selected. We put them through various tests to measure their skills and physical ability. Only the best were selected for the platoon," said Velasquez.
The seriousness of the mission the platoon undergoes everyday has formed them into a close-knit group that enjoys each other's company.
"We have fun together. Everyone here watches the back of the guy next to them. We can trust each other," said Spc. Logan Robbins of Recon Platoon.
For the Soldiers of Recon Platoon success is eliminating the threat to other Soldiers and innocent people in the city of Baqubah. Their safety is the only reward desired.
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2009 10:04 |
| Story ID: | 33312 |
| Location: | DIYALA PROVINCE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 934 |
| Downloads: | 762 |
This work, Recon Platoon/ERF taking RKG-3 cell members off the street, by SGT Jeremy Pitcher, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
