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Dec-15-2005 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

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By Margaret Friedenauer, News-Miner

Stryker soldiers also diplomats

MOSUL, Iraq—The job description for soldiers of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team includes an entry not often linked to the military: diplomat.

Patrolling polling places around this Tigris River city in Northern Iraq on Wednesday, Lt. Jeremiah Parker and his platoon looked like quintessential soldiers as they dismounted their Stryker vehicle in haste, moved into formation and entered the building, keeping their heads on swivels and rifles at the ready.

But once inside the soldiers were welcomed by Iraqi security forces, who shook their hands with boisterous greetings. Parker knows many of them already, having patrolled this area for four months and gotten to meet local leaders.

He removed his sunglasses and Kevlar helmet and spoke a few words of Arabic to the leaders of the elections committee, Iraqi police and soldiers responsible for the securing the polling place. Parker and his translator join the leaders in a sitting room to discuss specifics.

It was a fairly informal conversation. Parker asked how well the forces are prepared for election day. Does each location have enough female election workers so female voters don't have to be searched by men? He encouraged the forces to keep a presence around polling places to deter potential terrorist or insurgent attacks.

"That kind of show of strength, that is a sign of power against the terrorists," he said.

The visits Wednesday were important because today U.S. forces are supposed to remain at arm's length from the polling places, deferring to Iraqis to provide their own security. [...]


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