Spc. David Hodge
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – Like a police headquarters in a major U.S. city employs separate precincts throughout an area for a better grip on would-be public offenders; coalition and Iraqi security forces use the same idea in Iraq to facilitate operations in an urban environment.
In the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers launch operations from the joint security stations and combat outposts enabling them to work closely with the Iraqi national police, Iraqi army, Iraqi police and, a key factor in defeating the insurgency, the citizens of Iraq.
"A JSS consists of representatives from the IA, Iraqi NPs, IPs, and coalition forces," said Capt. Brent Reno, the officer-in-charge of the JSS Doura tactical center, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B.
Reno and his Soldiers man the 24-hour command post, which acts as a liaison between the two security forces. He coordinates with different components to react to and support any missions that take place.
"I ensure the ISF and CF are on the same page when it comes to security in the Doura community," said Reno, who hails from Omaha, Neb.
Staff Sgt. Jeff Griffin, an infantryman and operations noncommissioned officer for the JSS Doura tactical center assigned to HHC, 2nd Bn., 4th Inf. Regt., attached to the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B, works as a liaison between the ISF and CF to ensure both forces are aware of exactly what is happening on the battlefield.
"The joint security stations build cohesion through combined efforts and battlefield tracking," said Griffin, a Chicago-native. "I think they are a success. Many tips have come through the ISF, and it helps us out very much. We have captured a few wanted criminals with their help."
Normally the existing COP or JSS started as an abandoned building in which Soldiers inhabited and fortified for security, said Spc. Brian Tran, an infantryman with the 7th Brigade, 2nd National Police Transition Team, assigned to the 2nd Bn., 4th Inf. Regt., attached to the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B.
"It's like an urbanized observation point for Soldiers," stated Tran, who hails from Westminister, Calif. "It is similar to a police station in the U.S. and allows us to localize with the citizens. A benefit of the JSSs and COPs are instead of traveling for 30 minutes to get to an objective, the outposts allow Soldiers to be stationed in a closer proximity."
The forward outposts allow Soldiers freedom of movement and 24-hour presence inside neighborhoods.
"We are to make a better life for the citizens of Iraq," said Sgt. James Murray, an infantryman and team leader assigned to Company C, 2nd Bn., 4th Inf. Regt., attached to the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. "A COP provides us that immediate presence in the areas of operation."
Although the COPs amenities are better now than in recent years, it is the hardships that bring Soldiers closer together, said Murray, who hails from Alexander N.Y.
"This COP has two well-prepared meals each day and some new gym equipment," Murray added. "As long as I have air conditioning, I don't need much to get by."
Tran said he believes the quality of life is better for him because the environment is more austere than life on the forward operating base.
"We get to have the real fun," explained Tran, "We get hot chow twice a day, roll out on missions, and get to enjoy the internet and weight room when we have down time."
The JSSs and COPs in the Rashid district offer Soldiers the latest amenities while continuing to better serve the people of Iraq by aiding the ISF in providing a safe and secure environment.