British Soldier Serves with American Unit

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.24.2004

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

By Pfc. Matthew McLaughlin

CAMP AL TAHREER LIBERTY - On an average sweltering summer's day in Iraq, an intercom in the tactical operation center screeched in preparation for an announcement.

"Attention in the TOC," the voice said in a thick British accent. "The daily [order] is now posted. God save the Queen!"

The voice belonged to Maj. John Wright, a British plans officer with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Wright's diverse experience with both British and American militaries makes him a valuable asset to the plans team.

Wright volunteered to work with American forces through an exchange program with the United Kingdom and the United States. He and his wife and three children moved to Fort Drum, N.Y. and Wright began working for the 10th Mountain Division. He served in Afghanistan training the Afghan National Army. There he met and worked for Col. Mark Milley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team commander.

When 2nd BCT received confirmation that they were going to Iraq, Milley requested that Wright come with them. Wright enthusiastically agreed.

"I knew we were doing good things in Iraq and I wanted to be a part of it," Wright said. "I wanted to see the world's superpower at work." Wright is no stranger to combating terrorism. Aside from serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan, he also served as a company commander in Northern Ireland. Wright said the United Kingdom has a common cause with the United States in the war on terrorism.

"It's not just the United State's war. It is a war against terrorism," he said. "We had potential terrorist attacks in the UK. They were fortunately stopped. We are just as much a target. Everyone in the free world has to assume responsibilities for their freedom."

Wright said he enjoys working with American Soldiers. Sgt. Matthew Crowder, a plans non-commissioned officer, said 2nd BCT has also enjoyed and benefited from Wright's expertise. "He gives us a different perspective," Crowder said. "He gives us a different way to look at a problem other than the traditional plans process. When we reach a road block, having an outside view gets you thinking about a different way to view things."

Wright's personality, especially his dry humor, is also a welcome relief from the daily pressures of a combat zone, said Staff Sgt. Robert Ross, plans NCOIC. "He's a very good guy," Ross said. "He's very lighthearted. He keeps the stress level down in stressful times."

"The stories he tells really lighten the mood," Crowder added. "But when it comes down to work, he's all business. He makes sure the mission is accomplished. He's a very hard worker who is tireless in how he tackles projects."

Wright also said his American counterparts are learning to deal with his "quirks and eccentricities," referring to sayings and mannerisms foreign to Americans.

"He says regular British sayings, slang terms that most people don't understand that we now understand," Crowder said.

"They're basically all dirty," Ross said, about the new slang terms Wright taught his fellow Soldiers. "If we didn't see James Bond movies, we"d have no idea what he was saying." Despite differences in language and culture, Wright said American and British Soldiers share similar work ethics and beliefs.

"They're enthusiastic, dedicated and professional Soldiers," Wright said. "Our countries are very similar. I enjoyed working with our allies. It's been a worthwhile experience. It was good to be here, a great opportunity. I made some good friends."

Crowder agreed that working with Wright was a rewarding experience. The combined effort of Coalition forces will also reap benefits for both sides, he said. "Working hand-in-hand shows it wasn't just the U.S. fighting alone," Crowder said. "It's reassuring that even in the hard times, we have someone watching our backs."

Wright said British and American forces have the same intentions in Iraq- they both want to create a safe and secure environment for the people of Iraq to thrive in. "We're doing the right thing," Wright said. "We do it for the Iraqi people to have a chance to prosper in peace without fear. We're sincere in our efforts. If we don't follow through [in Iraq], there will be anarchy. A rouge state would be created. We have to succeed here."

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• Date Taken: 11.24.2004
• Date Posted: 11.24.2004 08:18
• Story ID: 652
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ