KIRKUK, Iraq - “When they first hit the ground, they immediately established security around the area and did it without being over-intrusive on the civilians,” said Capt. Charles Roush, commander of Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, ‘Gunners’ 3rd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, out of Fort Bliss, Texas, speaking of the 1st Kurdish Regional Guard Brigade’s first patrol.
The 3rd Battalion, 1st KRGB successfully conducted their first joint patrol with U.S. forces since the Peshmurga brigades joined to form the 1st KRGB, in the village of Bash Balach, near Kirkuk, Iraq, June 29.
The ‘Gunners’ were not the only people impressed by the actions of their partners during their first patrol; the village leadership was also very surprised.
The KRGB provided books, pens, pencils and other supplies to the children, which really proves they care about what happens in the village, according to Abdul Sharif, the village leader.
After providing supplies to the children, the KRGB introduced themselves as the people who would be providing their security, continued the village leader.
“We thank them for coming to our village and providing good security to our village and we are willing to assist them in any way,” he finished.
Brig. Gen. Sherko Fateh Shwanny, commander of 1st KRGB, said his Iraqi forces will continue to do these types of patrols in villages in the area to continue building relationships like they did in Bash Balach.
“We want to be a good face for the people, so we will do these types of patrols as often as we can,” he said.