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by Spc. L.C. Campbell
138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, lead the way during a medical screening that took place in the Asad neighborhood in Mosul, Iraq Aug. 15.
U.S. Forces have been preparing for a solid transition an area of responsibility to the IA. Part of the transition is getting the IA to interact with the local populace, and one good way of doing this is to conduct a medical screening.
A medical screening attracts people throughout neighborhoods and invites them to get some basic, but free medical attention. Coalition Force medics treat ailments such as the common cold, upper-respiratory illnesses, muscle aches, and minor infections in wounds.
From the beginning of the year there was little support from IA. IA medics were not interested in helping out during medical screenings, because of safety concerns. They did not want to leave the IA compounds. Early on, medical screenings were primarily provided by U.S. Forces.
After several months IA medics started becoming more involved during medical screenings.
According to 1st Lt. Brett Phillips, platoon leader, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, Brigade Medical Support Company, the IA medics get involved more and more with each screening. It is important that the local populace see that involvement, because it instills confidence in there security forces.
All IA medics go through a base combat life saver course which is taught by U.S. Forces. Most medics have gone through the basic nursing school and have advanced to a more intensive medical schooling. The IA medics have the knowledge base of a state-side physician’s assistant.
The medical supplies that are administered during the screening are purchased from the local Iraqi economy, and are bought by U.S. Forces.
“Right now we are working with the IA logistical support to try to get them to purchase the medical supplies,” said Sgt 1st Class Namond Travis, medical platoon sergeant, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd SBCT, 2nd Infantry Division. “It is a slow road to travel, but the more we get the Iraqis involved the more independent they become. It allows the citizens to see the faces of the IA.”
According to the IA medics, they really enjoy helping the local populace. They are looking forward to a stable medical environment in Iraq. They wish that the citizens of Iraq would use and have more confidence in their medical system.