Iraqi Army Soldiers Tackle New Mission
By Sgt. Michael Moody, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Iraq has seen remarkable gains in security during the last nine months, due in part to the hard work of the Iraqi army.
Until recently the IA only dealt with kinetic-type missions such as kicking in doors, serving arrest warrants, patrolling and defending security sites. However, the continued growth of the IA, both in terms of numbers and operational experience, allows them to take on missions formerly handled exclusively by coalition forces.
Now, due to the increased confidence and experience of IA soldiers, and their leaders, they are beginning to tackle missions through diplomacy, public relations and engaging local leaders.
One such example is the role the IA is taking in the town of Nassir, northwest of Baghdad.
Up until late spring Nassir was a suspected area of activity for the insurgency and there was not a firm grasp on security in the area.
That all changed in June.
When approximately 4,000 workers returned to the steelworks factory at Nassir, securing the area became a priority, said Capt. Gary McCormick, a native of Orlando, Fla., and former commander Company C “Rock,” 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. McCormick was responsible for Nassir during from December 2007 until July 2008.
The ‘Rock’ Soldiers, along with the IA, worked together to ensure the security of the residents and the factory workers.
More than 20 percent of the Nassir factory’s 4,000 employees are from the surrounding area. The fact they can move freely, without fear of attack, serves as a testament to the effectiveness of joint CF and ISF operations, McCormick said.
To keep the people of the area safe, the soldiers of the 3rd IA Battalion, 36th IA Brigade, 12th IA Division, conducted an operation, Sept. 5, 2008, in and about the town of Nassir. The purpose of the operation was to introduce themselves to the residents and show them they care about the safety of their everyday lives.
An IA officer, with the 3rd IA Bn., spoke with residents about their security concerns and reported insurgency threats in the area.
During the mission the IA soldiers took time to meet the children of the town and pose for pictures. The citizens of Nassir seemed appreciative and responsive to the efforts of the IA, said a military transition team chief. They showed enthusiasm at the prospect of seeing more of the Iraqi army in the future.
“The battalion continues to help provide increased security for the area,” said Maj. Lance O’Bryan, a native of Monroe Mo., and military transition team chief, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn. 14th Inf. Regt. “Not only are they protecting critical infrastructure, but the unit has begun to build a capability that will bring security to the local population. This is the first step in the process and the people here are very excited about the prospect of a very professional and disciplined [Iraqi army] unit taking the lead in security in their area.”
