Soldiers stay busy outside the wire

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Mary Junell | Spc. Daniel Clark, of Longs, S.C., a medic attached to Company C, 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, talks with a local woman about her daughter's health, south of Baghdad, Dec. 12.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.15.2009

Story by Sgt. Mary Junell  

30th Armored Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD — U.S. troops have moved out of Iraqi cities and Soldiers with 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team are still busy south of Baghdad; going outside the wire daily.

The missions are different now for the North Carolina National Guardsmen, as they have transitioned from aggressor to supporter.

"Our objective has changed," said Sgt. Aaron Butler. "We have gone from attack mode to helping."

Many of the Soldiers believe that they are still playing a crucial role in Iraq, helping prepare the Iraqi security forces for when U.S. Forces leave.

"We are still providing security and they're [the Iraqi army] still learning from us," said Spc. Cody Stewart. "They're still learning valuable tools and knowledge from us to help them better provide security once we're gone."

The Soldiers' patrol include meeting with local sheiks and Iraqi security forces leadership, counter improvised explosive devise missions, and being ready to respond as a quick reactionary force.

"We go out every day," said Sgt. Scott Bang. "If we're not going out we are on QRF supporting the other platoons that are going outside the wire."

The Soldiers have been able to notice the rewards of their hard work by the lowered violence seen in the area.

"To me, it seems like IED attacks have gone down since we started out CIED missions," said Bang, of Hope Mills, N.C.

Bang also said he feels that he is providing a beneficial service because of the large number of U.S. and Iraqi forces that use the roads his company performs CIED missions on.

1st Lt. Michael Mazie, a platoon leader, is proud of what his Soldiers have been able to accomplish and their continued dedication to their mission.

"Charlie Company, 252nd Combined Arms Battalion is used to conducting multiple missions at one time," said Mazie. "Second platoon is currently maintaining a strong force outside the wire to continue contributing to the security of Iraq and develop our Iraqi security forces counterparts and Iraqi federal government."

"There is still work to be done in Iraq, and the dangers are still very real, although progress is everywhere. My Soldiers use skill sets and advance soldiering tasks. Every day we remain vigilant and ready to respond."

• Date Taken: 12.15.2009
• Date Posted: 12.15.2009 02:21
• Story ID: 42763
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ