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Monday, June 22, 2009 7:40 PM For N.C. soldiers, Iraq is a balancing act By Kelly Lecompte | Special to the Times BAGHDAD - They're called grunts and ground pounders, but the infantrymen of Company B, 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, are also finding out that they are also celebrities on the streets of Baghdad. A recent night mission in southern Baghdad's Saydiyah neighborhood was to be a joint patrol with Iraqi army soldiers, but although the aim was to let the Iraqis practice taking the lead on such missions, the neighborhood residents focused their spotlight on the Americans. As they walked the streets, U.S. Soldiers were greeted by Iraqi civilians with waves and smiles and children ran to shake their hands and give them high fives. Company B Soldiers said they get that reaction a lot. "There was one kid following me the other night," said Sgt. Dustin Butcher of Wilson. "Then there were three, then five, then a whole crowd. It was exponential." Other soldiers said they have the same experience. "Kids especially will flock to you in a skinny minute if you're not careful," said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Mooring, of Pine Level, a platoon sergeant with B Co. Even though the soldiers had to remain sharply guarded and ready to respond in a flash, they smiled and greeted the citizens. But within minutes came a call that reminded them why they are in Iraq in the first place.
"Coalition activity takes precedence," said Sgt. Olin Wilkinson, of Greenville. "If we're doing anything else and we get a call to support them, we go." National police had found the cache and Iraqi Gen. Fasil had requested American support to document the find and brag about his policemen's work. The next morning, a different group of Company B soldiers went out on another joint patrol with the Iraqis to verify completion of a coalition-funded street light project. The American soldiers usually put Iraqis in the lead, but since it was the first time the U.S. Soldiers had worked with this particular group of Iraqi troops, the Americans led the patrol instead. "IPs (Iraqi police) haven't realized yet that they can take the lead," said Mooring. "They want to do it and once they see you've got security, they get confident and will start working." Mooring said missions with the Iraqis help build the locals' respect for the police. The soldiers patrolled through a marketplace in the Saydiyah district. Though maintaining security was their primary concern, they balanced protection and politeness. Mooring said the locals pay attention to the soldiers' behavior, and sometimes even try to reassure them if the soldiers seem too guarded. "If they see you with your weapon up too much, they'll come ask you, 'Do you feel safe?'" Mooring said. Mooring also said U.S. troops must be able to read the people. "We can tell from the people if it's a bad neighborhood," Mooring said. "It's a tell-tale sign when the locals aren't nearly as friendly towards us." First Lt. Bruce Riggins, a platoon leader in B Co., said his Soldiers have to be sharp and able to think on their feet. "The battle field is ever changing," said Riggins, of King. "The enemy is smart. Soldiers have to pay attention and look at everything around them and process everything at once." |
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Sue Britt said...
The NC Guard soldiers would especially appreciate small meals that thet can carry in their pockets & eat while on missions...tuna salad & crackers in packets, for example.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Support the troops said...The NC Guard soldiers would especially appreciate small meals that thet can carry in their pockets & eat while on missions...tuna salad & crackers in packets, for example.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 6:45 PM
If you would like to help our troops, go to the website Give2theTroops. You will be amazed at the letters from the troops and the list of things they need to make their lives easier. This is a reputable operation. They have a warehouse in Greenville. If you doubt go see for yourself. This is a mission of mercy for our troops and is an ideal way for groups to gather together in support of our American Sons and Daughters placing their futures on the line for America.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 5:48 PM
