Iraqi army assists hospitalized soldiers

Photo By Sgt. Judith Dacosta | Iraqi Army soldier documents information at the Logistical Support Area Anaconda Theater Hospital, March 9.  

03.30.2006

Courtesy Story

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U.S. military and civilians are not the only ones working at Logistical Support Area Anaconda. Iraqi army officials have been working at the LSA Anaconda Theater Hospital since January, contributing to IA self-sufficiency by helping to transfer wounded IA soldiers to their own facilities.

"I provide soldiers with [Iraqi] dinar for [a] taxi if they live nearby and we give soldiers clothes and shoes," said an Iraqi interpreter for one of the IA officer's assistants at the hospital.

"[IA Surgeon General Brig. Gen.] Samir Hassan decided it was a good idea for Iraqi soldiers to assist their wounded in the hospital because they can coordinate with the injured soldier's unit," said Lt. Col. Albert G. Zakaib, the 3rd Corps Support Command civil affairs officer.

"They have the same cultural background and speak the same language," said Zakaib. "They also know and understand the Iraqi military's hierarchy of command."

"Currently, we don't have the means to transport patients like we do in the states," said Zakaib. "Therefore, we rely on the local economy to provide transportation. The hospital provides funding for the patients" clothing and their journey back to an Iraqi hospital facility, or their home."

Traveling while wounded in an IA uniform can be dangerous for soldiers; therefore, the hospital has taken steps to protect the identity of the wounded soldiers during their trip to an Iraqi medical facility.

IA soldiers are easy targets for the enemy when in uniform, said Zakaib, so the hospital has given civilian clothes to injured soldiers upon their departure.

The civil affairs office has established methods to protect the identity of IA liaisons as well.

If liaisons" lives are in danger, they may request a transfer from the Iraqi surgeon general, said Zakaib. So far, one request has been made and is pending approval.

Understanding the dangers of working for the IA, soldiers put their lives in perspective by focusing on attainable goals for their future.

"I don't know about tomorrow," said the interpreter on behalf of an IA officer. "I might get killed tomorrow â?¦ but I love this job. If I stay in life, I stay in job," he added.

Currently, civil affairs representatives are working to improve the procedures for transporting IA patients.

"Right now we are trying to establish an ambulance system and improve the lines of communication between the hospital and IA units," said Zakaib.

"We are also working with the Ministry of Defense to acquire funding to transfer Iraqi soldiers to Iraqi facilities, their unit or their homes," he added.

Acquiring funds to relocate hospitalized Iraqi soldiers can be difficult because they must be approved by the IA Ministry of Defense, said Zakaib.

Challenges remain ongoing, however Army civil affairs is keeping abreast of communication and funding issues as they arise to better facilitate the transfer of IA soldiers to their own facilities. Gradually, efforts to support the IA and aid them in achieving self-sufficiency are becoming more and more evident.

Only time will determine how civil affairs" continued efforts will impact the mission in Iraq.

• Date Taken: 03.30.2006
• Date Posted: 03.30.2006 09:45
• Story ID: 5906