Quick Reaction Force secures Area of Operations for VIP

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Mark Wojciechowski | Spc. Keith Steward of the 101st Airborne Divisions, 1-32 Cavalry QRF watches over the town of Balad Ruz during a VIP visit to the government center here.  

BALAD, IRAQ

05.15.2006

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Wojciechowski 

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BALAD RUZ, Iraq (Apr. 29, 2006) " In a combat zone, a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) has to be prepared for anything at a moments notice providing extra security for important visitors.

Elements of the 101st Airborne Divisions 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry are serving as Forward Operating Base Caldwell's Quick Reaction Force.

The unit's platoon leader 1st Lt. James Wilson said, "We have a variety of missions â?¦ from providing security for (explosive ordnance disposal) on (improvised explosive device) calls, cache response and vehicle recovery."

On this mission, the QRF was given the responsibility of establishing primary, secondary and tertiary landing zones in and around the city of Balad Ruz in anticipation of a visit to the local mayor's office by Gen. George Casey, the Commanding General of Multinational Forces in Iraq.

"Just in case something happened and we need to get him out of the area fast," said Wilson who is from Mt. Vernon, Ill.

They also visited the meeting place at the mayor's office downtown prior to the visit to give a thorough search for anything that might cause harm.

"Pay attention to the backside of the building," Wilson told his rooftop security element during the mission brief.

The mayor's office is backed up to a populated residential area that could provide cover for an insurgent attack on the building, explained Wilson

As Casey entered the government compound, the QRF assumed the role of outside security, complete with a rooftop sniper to provide surveillance over the activities outside.

Staff Sgt. Hugh McGonagle of Mohegan Lake, N. Y., explained, "There were basically four parts to this mission today. Initially we conducted a route clearance into the town, establish the primary, secondary and tertiary landing zones, clear the mayors building where the VIP would be visiting, and lastly provide outside security while the meeting was taking place."

The nine-man team stands ready to react throughout the day and night for any impromptu combat tasks that come its way. Whether it is clearing the way for a VIP or assisting with security during the recovery of an unexploded roadside bomb, the 1-32 QRF is always there when you need them.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2006
• Date Posted: 05.15.2006 13:24
• Story ID: 6384
• Location: BALAD, IQ