Photo By Sgt. Mitch Armbruster | Pfc. Akil Bryant, a Soldier with the 126th Transportation Company, loads the M2 .50...... read more read more
By Sgt. Mitch Armbruster
Security and combat logistics patrols (CLPs) are intertwined when describing the tactical movement between forward operating bases (FOBs) in Iraq.
The 126th Transportation Company from Fort Bragg, N. C., is stationed at FOB Speicher. Their mission is to escort coalition and contractor CLPs between FOBs to deliver essential items and personnel to help sustain these areas.
"We're here to provide security for Kellogg, Brown and Root," said Staff Sgt. Harold Allen, a Soldier with the 126th.
From the turret of a gun truck, the gunner can see the road and anything that might pose a threat to the other vehicles.
"As a gunner I'm here to provide security for the entire convoy and to keep a sharp lookout for anything that might hinder the convoy," said Pfc. Akil Bryant, a gunner for the 126th.
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mines and small arms fire have become a constant threat to the Soldiers on the road, but exhaustion and fatigue can pose a threat as well.
"Sometimes these are long and boring rides. We see the same stuff on the road," Allen said. "We try to keep everybody focused."
These Soldiers use humor to keep one another going during the long drive between FOBs. The active duty unit has been in Iraq nearly 12 months and the Soldiers have come to rely on each other for support and relaxation through a joke, a story or a memory.
"Sometimes we reminisce; we might talk about an old song," Bryant said. "We try to keep motivated and keep our minds off of the negative possibilities while keeping an eye out for everything."
Allen and Sgt. Rodicus Owens shared a story of their first incident with an IED. The explosive, which consisted of two landmines, hit their CLP. The patrol had to stop to tow a vehicle, yet no one was hurt. The Soldiers laughed at the situation in retrospect, but they also remembered the fear that was involved when it happened.
Bryant explained that his gun truck team is made up of great Soldiers and great leaders. Allen, Bryant and Owens are ready for challenges that they may face on the road while the Soldiers of the 126th are keeping the civilian contractors and the cargo of the CLPs safe on their way to their destinations.
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2005 13:12 |
| Story ID: | 3665 |
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| Web Views: | 181 |
| Downloads: | 39 |
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