JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — Since the June 30 withdrawal of troops from Iraq's cities, subordinate brigades of the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) have made several adjustments to comply with standards outlined in the U.S./Iraqi Security Agreement.
With the 3rd ESC serving as the senior logistics headquarters under Multi-National Corps - Iraq, much of the command's mission depends on being able to deliver all classes of supply using Iraq's roads.
Because of the Security Agreement, the 3rd ESC's convoy security companies and transporters are adjusting their tactics, techniques and procedures to share the road with Iraqis while conducting missions.
One of the most recent adjustments has been the limited use of sirens and lights by U.S. military convoys traveling throughout the country.
"We are limiting the times and situations in which we use lights and sirens," said Maj. Christine C. Borgognoni, a 3rd ESC force protection officer and San Francisco native. "We used to use them as a matter of convenience, but no more. Now, we only use sirens as we would in the United States, when you would really have to warn the public of a problem."
Borgognoni listed possible reasons for using either as restricting an area because of an IED, medevac situations and when it's in the best interest of civilians and coalition forces to promote safety.
"We're not taking away a convoy commander's flexibility, but we're just providing strict guidance to help everyone not use them [lights and sirens] as a matter of convenience," said Borgognoni. "This is just the next step to returning the roads to the Iraqi people so that they feel safer driving on their roads with us."
The concept of "sharing the road" is nothing new to Iraq as British soldiers have conducted similar operations in southern Iraq. What they found with these operations was that insurgents didn't target convoys because of the civilian traffic surrounding them.
While this method worked in Iraq's southern region, it has not gone without growing pains in other areas upon implementation.
"Being a driver, I have noticed the changes and differences since we've begun to share the road more with the Iraqis," said Spc. James Ham, a driver with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment. "They're [Iraqis] are not as afraid as they once were to drive near our convoys. There's still situations where we would have to restrict access, but for the most part we've been able to adjust."
For future operations, Borgognoni explained that getting the information out to the local populace would be very important. Especially the standard and style of lights that would be used throughout the Iraqi theater. For now, that standard will be red and white flashing lights, similar to what's used in America.
"Red and white flashing lights tend to be a recognized symbol that Iraqis are already familiar with," said Borgognoni. "Similar to when we drive in America, you see red and white lights, you understand that something is happening that you may not want to be a part of."