Story by: Pfc. Abel Trevino
LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, Iraq - Attempts to directly attack LSA Anaconda are combated by advanced electronic and physical countermeasures manned by vigilant Soldiers.
The devices and personnel involved in force protection have limited all direct attacks against the post - vehicle-carried improvised explosive devices and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices - to outside the perimeter.
One of the devices used by Entry Control Point Soldiers is the JLENS system. It is capable of watching incoming traffic, allowing the operator to zoom in on suspicious activities and guide other Soldiers to possible contact points, said Capt. Stan Seo, Security Force commander, 181st Support Battalion, 81st Brigade Combat Team.
The first line of defense has helped those at the North ECP prevent harm from coming to the residents of the post.
"Our mission is no penetration at the NECP, no loss of life, and no serious injury," Seo said.
"Because of the Soldiers here, to date, we've accomplished that mission despite numerous attempts," he added.
The process of vehicles getting on post involves scrutinizing every vehicle with electronic and manual visibility inspections, as well as thoroughly searching the personnel with the vehicle.
"Our job is to detect explosives coming through the g ate. We utilize [an electronic device] to detect explosives and stop them right here," said Staff Sgt. James R. Crambery, 181st Spt. Bn., 81st BCT. "We've had a couple of instances where we weren't sure, so we've blown it up in place and haven't let it on past."
The Soldiers manning the ECPs take their job as one of the first lines of force protection seriously.
"Any time there is any kind of question at all, we stop the traffic," said Sgt. Robert Coburn, 181st Spt. Bn., 81st BCT. "Nothing gets past unless I am 100 percent sure the vehicle has nothing in it."
Vehicles also undergo visual inspections by Iraqi National Guard and American Soldiers.
"Vehicles come in, dropping off supplies. We search them for bombs and contraband and to ensure what they are bringing in is what they are supposed to bring in," Spc. David Thome, 181st Spt. Bn., 81st BCT, said. "Nothing has happened since we've been here, so we've been successful so far."
Local nationals employed on post also undergo a search process, which involves a device designed to detect explosive residue on people and items.
"You take a test strip, wipe it down and put it in the [device] and it gives you a read out of what is on them," Seo said. "It's very thorough for explosives."
All local nationals have to receive a badge before coming on post.
"Badges allow us to know everyone who is on this post at every moment," said Sgt. 1st Class Earl Tennon, 301st Area Support Group. In efforts to improve force protection, local national badges are changing and escorts now go through training to teach them the proper procedures and expectations when on escort detail.
"The badges [for escorts] were started to make people responsible for their duties and make them aware of their duties in relation to escorting local nationals," Tennon said.
Soldiers on post can do their own part in force protection.
"Local nationals are not allowed to walk freely on post unless their badge says 'No Escort Required'," said Staff Sgt. Aleksander Restrepo, Department of Public Works Local National Escort NCOIC, 301st ASG. "If you see someone with an 'Escort Required' badge walking around, challenge them and hold them."
The elements of force protection are complex and have ensured that all attacks against the post have been from outside the perimeter and a direct attack has never breached the wire.
Editor's Note: Pfc. Trevino is a member of the 28th Public Affairs Detachment from Fort Lewis, Wash. and is deployed to Iraq in support of units at LSA Anaconda.
| Date Taken: |
01.26.2005 |
| Date Posted: |
01.26.2005 15:30 |
| Story ID: |
939 |
| Location: |
LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, IQ |
| Web Views: |
144 |
| Downloads: |
24 |
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