by Sgt. Carlos M. Burger II
Desert Voice Staff Writer
"We're not worried about not going home, that idea is not even an option to us. We're well trained and we're the best," said Pfc. Chris Tucker, an infantryman with Company H, 121st Infantry Regiment, Task Force Ready.
The task force, comprised of the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade from Fort Hood, Texas, the 502nd MI Battalion from Fort Lewis, Wash., the Miami-based 260th MI Battalion from the Florida National Guard, and the Fort Gillem-based Company H, 121st Infantry Regiment from the Georgia National Guard, will be sent all over Iraq to conduct various intelligence missions.
"Task Force Ready will provide the Multi-National Corps Iraq commander with human, signal and imagery intelligence across the Iraqi area of responsibility," said Col. Keith G. Geiger, the task force commander.
"I'm very confident in your ability to accomplish the mission," said Geiger to his Soldiers before they rolled forward. "We're here for 365 days and we're going to give it 110 percent the whole time."
Geiger, a veteran of Desert Storm and the first Iraq troop rotation, said he is much more grateful to be a commander of troops this time around.
"We have young Soldiers and many leaders with previous OIF experience. I know they're up to the task. They're fully capable and motivated," he said. For many of the Soldiers this is their first deployment.
"I'm excited and not too nervous about going there," said Pfc. Joshua D. Baker, an intelligence Soldier. "You don't know what to expect, but I feel prepared because I have good leadership and a great team."
While many of the Soldiers are mentally ready, it will be the noncommissioned officers and officers that guide them. Most of leaders of Soldiers have previous combat experience....
"Once you have a basis for leading troops in combat, it's something you don't forget about," said Staff Sgt. Adam Champion, a human intelligence collector.
The Soldiers give credit to the training they received at their home stations and at Camp Buehring, which included convoy training, Improvised Explosive Device training, and weapons training.
"Our IED training went really well. I'm more confident about going forward now. The training was really efficient," said Pfc. Heather N. Hodges, an automated logistical specialist.
The Soldiers of TF Ready had once last formation early on Aug. 28, and as the chaplain gave his invocation, some of the Soldier's expressions changed. Geiger then addressed his unit, saying that although this would be the only time the whole task force would be together, he was proud of each one of them and he would personally come visit each unit,regardless of where they were.
He then dismissed the task forceand the Soldiers dispersed to continue with preparations for the days ahead.