Human Terrain Team helps ‘Bulldogs’ meet neighbors

Courtesy Photo | Capt. Zachary Quintana, of Phoenix, and Capt. Brian Ivany, of Washington D.C., pose for a picture with an Iraqi Policeman from Al Shatrah Police Department during Human Terrain Analysis Team operations in Al Gharraf.  

JOINT SECURITY STATION JENKINS, IRAQ

07.03.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

JOINT SECURITY STATION JENKINS, Iraq – The Soldiers of Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, recently met with Iraqi citizens while supporting a Human Terrain Team in its mission of conducting assessments of local infrastructure and interviewing local population.

The “Bulldogs” of Battery B, alongside the Iraqi Ash Shatrah Police Department, provided security and assistance to a Human Terrain Analysis Team from United States Division—South out of Basra.
An HTA Team consists of social scientists who conduct cultural data research and analysis that can assist the military in improving its strategy and operations.

“The information that the HTA Team is gathering will undoubtedly provide U.S. forces and Iraqi security forces with pertinent insight into our neighbors’ concerns and further our working relationship,” said Staff Sgt. Dustin Silvis, of Littleton, Colo., company operation and intelligence support team noncommissioned officer in charge, Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.

The HTA Team consists of two Department of Defense civilians, Julianne Ivany, and Mohammed, an Iraqi-born United States citizen who asked not to give his last name.

The team conducted assessments in the villages of Al Sagban and Al O’wayad on the first day of their mission, and in the city of Al Gharraf on the second, said Capt. Brian Ivany, executive officer, Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., of Washington D.C., who is also Julianne’s brother.

Al Sagban and Al O’wayad are tribal villages located in the rural area near JSS Jenkins, while Al Gharraf is a city, with improving infrastructure and active political and economic systems, he said.

While conducting these assessments, Capt. Ivany said the HTA Team interviewed local shop owners, clinic workers, and tribal leaders.

At each location, the team heard from the people that they were pleased to see Iraqi Security Forces and American Soldiers working together in such harmony, he said.

“Missions of this sort provide value at several levels. Commanders receive tangible, refined data about the operating environment. And it brings U.S. forces, Iraqi security forces, and the local citizens together. It gives credibility to everything we do, as the Iraqi people are able to witness the partnership between American and Iraqi forces for themselves,” said Capt. Michael Scott, of Manassas, Va., commander, Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.

• Date Taken: 07.03.2010
• Date Posted: 07.03.2010 07:43
• Story ID: 52333
• Location: JOINT SECURITY STATION JENKINS, IQ