Iraqi Army escorts secure Coalition convoys

IRAQ

09.26.2019

Story by 1st Lt. Haileigh Combs 

1st Brigade, 11th Airborne Division

IRAQ- On the morning of September 26th, Soldiers from the 3rd Engineer Route Clearance Platoon (RCP), Bravo Company, 70th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB) and Gladiator Company, 1-5 Infantry Battalion, strapped into their armored vehicles and exited the gates of their base in Iraq to provide a resupply to a nearby out station. For many of the drivers and gunners it was their first time outside of the security of their base on their first deployment.

The soldiers from the 3rd RCP received extensive instruction on the identification of obstructions and threats as part of their route clearance training prior to deployment. Their training combined with an armed escort provided by the Iraqi Army gave the soldiers confidence in the security of the convoy, despite their inexperience.

For Sgt.1st Class Timothy Hallberg the scene was extremely familiar; having deployed to Iraq in 2008 as a Team Leader, later promoted to Squad Leader due to combat losses. He also deployed to Afghanistan 3 times, making him one of the most experienced Non Commissioned Officers deployed with the unit. Even with this wealth of experience, he expressed appreciation for the Iraqi Army’s escort.

“We are tasked with the security of the FSC and their cargo; the Iraqi Army escort allows us to focus on that task while they focus on coordination with the local populace” said Hallberg, platoon sergeant for Yeti Platoon, as well as the convoy commander for the mission.

Capt. Chris Kelleher, the company commander of Gladiator Company the Forward Support Company (FSC) responsible for the coordination of resupplies to the out stations was also grateful for the escort.

“These convoys allow us to resupply the out stations in support of the overall mission to destroy the remnants of ISIS in the Iraq,” commented Kelleher.

In addition to ensuring the routes are clear, the Iraqi Army escort allows US forces to progress more easily through strict check points the IA have put in place along major highways. These checkpoints mitigate the emplacement of IEDs and identify any other enemy threats that could endanger civilians and Coalition Forces.

“It is encouraging to see the Iraqi Army taking an active role in the security plan of not only our Soldiers and mission, but also the routes we use. Their presence during our missions provides an extra level of safety to our Soldiers as well as the local populace we share the highways with,” stated Kelleher.

Kelleher and Hallberg’s units arrived with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska just over a month ago. The Arctic Wolves hit the ground running and continue to support and execute the mission of the coalition of 81 nations and partner forces; to defeat Daesh in Iraq as part of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.

• Date Taken: 09.26.2019
• Date Posted: 10.08.2019 15:27
• Story ID: 346696
• Location: IQ