Photo By Staff Sgt. Mark Miranda | U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher R. Hill discusses the role of Task Force...... read more read more
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - The U.S. Ambassador to Iraq met with the Task Force Pathfinder leadership at Contingency Operating Base Adder July 12, to discuss the ways military support is provided to provincial reconstruction teams in Iraq.
Ambassador Christopher R. Hill met with Lt. Col. Michael Eastman, TF Pathfinder commander. The battalion provides support to the PRTs in Iraq's Dhi Qar, Maysan and Muthanna provinces.
"We try to meet the central needs of each area, and every day we're making progress," said Eastman, dual-hatted as 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division deputy commander for civil capacity and TF Pathfinder, 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment.
Hill also met with Soldiers of TF Pathfinder and discussed the battalion's activities in each area.
"What we're seeing is a crucial year and it's good to see the military working with the PRTs," said Hill.
For the Pathfinder Soldiers, leading the way in efforts to advise and assist comes with challenges.
"Not only are you working with the State Department, there are about ten other civilian agencies working out there," said Hill. "Coming together can be tough; it's a bit like herding cats."
"We have to communicate constantly to make sure we're not in each others' way," said Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Smith, Jr., cavalry scout working with a Military Movement Team supporting the Muthanna PRT. Smith helps manage micro-grants and assists with projects to help businesses get started.
In response to Hill's questions about Iraqi's perceptions of the military's efforts, Smith said many Iraqis have mixed feelings about their country's future and the U.S. presence.
"They like what we can bring, but don't always understand our intentions. Iraqis wanted us out of their cities . . . but not to go too far away," said Smith.
Sgt. 1st. Class Samuel Encinias, serving as an assistant liaison to the Italian Provincial Reconstruction Team for Dhi Qar province, embraces his role in TF Pathfinder. He coordinates civil projects, site visits and meets daily with diplomats.
"Soldiers are stronger and smarter than any time in the Army's 233 year history," reflected Hill after hearing about a variety of new roles the Pathfinder Soldiers accomplish. "Intelligence and adaptability are exactly what's required on today's battlefield."
The specific program with the most effective results is the Commander's Emergency Response Program funds. These funds are applied to water, agriculture, electricity, rule of law, governance and other essential service projects requested by the government of Iraq.
"I expect to see a CERP surge," said Hill.
Hill added building Iraq's economic power and helping the population become self-sustaining will win out in the end over traditional military actions.
New infrastructures, with an educated and entrepreneurial population, are foundations to sustain, creating an environment that is peaceful and free of terrorism.
"There's a cycle. We've been at this for almost seven years and people are ready to see an end [to violence]," said Hill. "I appreciate what you're doing. You're a real credit to those who want to see a secure, economically stable Iraq."
| Date Taken: | 07.12.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2009 04:38 |
| Story ID: | 36391 |
| Location: | TALLIL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 308 |
| Downloads: | 224 |
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