New Task Force Baghdad Soldiers settle into camp life

Photo By Spc. Kelly McDowell | Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, return to Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah South from an aerial reconnaissance mission.  

MAHMUDIYAH, IRAQ

11.10.2005

Courtesy Story

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Spc. George Welcome
2/101st Airborne Division PAO

MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq " With the official transfer of authority from the 48th Brigade Combat Team to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division behind them, Soldiers of the "Strike Brigade" have begun to settle into their sectors and undertake various missions.

Soldiers of 2nd BCT's 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment are already adjusted to life inside the North Mahmudiyah walls. Despite what could be considered sparse living conditions, the camp is better than some of the brigade Soldiers had expected.

"We have been here for a week, and things are pretty decent," said Sgt. Jason Carden, squad leader, A Company, 1st Bn., 502nd Inf.

"It has been better than we anticipated," said Sgt. Christian Peters, a squad leader in the same unit.

Some things the Soldiers give high marks to is the ability to call home and use the internet. The Soldiers also praised the contracted laundry service which has a turnaround time of two days, and the zero range where troops can continue to hone their marksmanship skills.

The morale of the Soldiers is high, said Capt. Primitivo Davis, a chaplain with 1/502. "The troops are eagerly anticipating the time they can start their mission and help the citizens of Iraq."

The chaplain is working on improving the chapel by adding more seats and curtains.

"The main chapel can hold 63 (people) up from 40," Davis said. "There is also a chapel annex, which is now a complex of two tents."

With 10 worship and 18 bible study services per month, Strike Soldiers will have ample opportunity to give praise.

The brigade has also been attending to its Soldiers" taste buds by improving meal preparation.

"502nd personnel took over the dining facility and the food quality went up tenfold," Peters said.

The dining facility manager, Staff Sgt. Leonel Macias, said he noticed a boost in Soldiers" attitudes after 2nd BCT took over cooking duties.

"The troops are happier, especially after we started preparing the meals," he said. "Division standard is two hot meals a day, usually breakfast and dinner. Command has been very helpful in getting us prepared and trying to get the things we need."

Although Soldiers stationed at Mahmudiyah North must wear full combat gear outside of their tents, they say force protection measures are great.

"I feel perfectly safe here," said Staff Sgt. Mike Dover, D Company, 1/502.

• Date Taken: 11.10.2005
• Date Posted: 11.10.2005 14:27
• Story ID: 3695
• Location: MAHMUDIYAH, IQ