05.07.2009

DIYALA, Iraq - Being able to locate and detain those who wish to do harm to innocent people is frequently a difficult task. The ability to strike at a moment's notice must be mastered in order to be effectively complete this task.

Recon Platoon, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division specializes in time-sensitive-targeting in Baqubah. The roughly 30-man platoon must be ready around the clock for the moment when they are given the order to strike.

These TST missions are often source driven raids and can range from a high value target to targets that are felt to pose an imminent threat to the population or to security forces.

The Recon platoon trains and executes missions with their Iraqi counter-part, a police emergency response force. Recon trains the ERF on advanced tactics that allow the two to function as one entity while conducting raids.

"We have taught them discipline and respect for leadership that they don't usually have in the ranks. The Iraqis understand the seriousness of the mission and they work to do a great job," said Sgt. Austin Combest of Recon Platoon.

Austin also said that the Iraqis play a valuable part when interacting with the locals. "They can talk to the people of an area and find out what is really going on. Even our interpreters can't get the information that the Iraqis can, because this is their country and they know the people and what to look for."

The two teams' hard work and training has produced great results thus far. Their missions have captured multiple targets wanted by Iraqi security forces and coalition forces.

"Over the past 90 days we have detained over 30 personnel suspected of being linked to the RKG-3 cells," said recon platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Velasquez.

These detentions are important due to the RKG-3 attacks that have occurred not only in Diyala but in all of Iraq against coalition forces. The hand-thrown grenades have become a serious risk in the past 18 months to coalition soldiers and are responsible for many injuries and deaths. The detention of RKG-3 cell members has led to a decrease in these attacks recently.

"It feels really good when you get the guys that you know hurt your fellow Soldiers. Those are the most rewarding missions," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Head, senior team leader for Recon Platoon.

When getting ready to enter a target area to capture a wanted suspect many things go through the heads of the Recon Soldiers.

"It gets heart going real fast as we stack up to clear a house. It's an addrialine rush. It feels good though that I at the time I don't have to worry about if everyone knows their job or what to do. I know we are the best and I wouldn't want to go out with anyone else," said Spc. Khalid Jurdi of Recon Platoon.

For the Soldiers of the Recon Platoon just getting the job was a challenge.

"Every guy in the platoon was hand selected. We put them through various tests to measure their skills and physical ability. Only the best were selected for the platoon," said Velasquez.

The seriousness of the mission the platoon undergoes everyday has formed them into a close-knit group that enjoys each other's company.

"We have fun together. Everyone here watches the back of the guy next to them. We can trust each other," said Spc. Logan Robbins of Recon Platoon.

For the Soldiers of Recon Platoon success is eliminating the threat to other Soldiers and innocent people in the city of Baqubah. Their safety is the only reward desired.

5/02/2009

KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Afghan, French and American militaries recently established Combat Outpost Belda in the Alasay District here at the entrance of Skent and Spee valleys.

The establishment of this outpost is symbolic of the multi-national militaries working in Kapisa, as well as for the Afghan people, according to Task Force Tiger and Afghan national army leaders because no previous military forces have ever controlled the area.

TF Tiger is proud of the outpost, because COP Belda is named in memory of a French specialist with the 27th Alpine Mountain Battalion who died in combat, on March 14.

Before recent operations, insurgents controlled the valley and denied any penetration to the east. However, for the people of Alasay, a permanent presence of an Afghan military base represents peace and security, according to TF Tiger leaders.

"We know insurgents are watching us work in this area," said French TF Tiger Operations officer Lt. Col. Paul Sanzey. "With our American and Afghan friends, we are determined not to let [the enemy] move freely in this valley."

5/02/2009

BAGHDAD - Combat engineers from the 1st Platoon, 515th Sapper Company, completed another successful route clearance mission in Baghdad, April 30.

The 515th is somewhat of a special crew of route clearance personnel-special because during the past year within their deployment they have conducted more than 300 route clearance missions down some of the most dangerous roads all over central Iraq, never staying in one place for long.

"We started in Balad for a month, and then went to Adar near Tallil for four and a half months. Next came Striker then Kalsu... and now we are here in Baghdad," said Staff Sgt. Termayne Walker, from Lufton, Ga.

During their long journey transitioning from base to base, living conditions may have changed, food may have been a little different at the dining facilities, but one thing did not change, the mission.

That mission of the combat engineers with the 515th is simple - hunt down explosive devices planted along the roadside and get rid of them, making it safe for travel once again. No matter what base they happen to be stationed at when they depart for a mission, or what stretch of road they travel down that day, their presence increases safety for drivers on Iraq's roads. The 515th has just had the opportunity to see more roads then most teams.

"It is spectacular to work with Soldiers that are at this level of skill .... these guys just have it, they have it down. They have been doing this for the past year," said Guntersville, Ill. native 2nd Lt. Jacob Niewold, platoon leader, 515th Sapper Co.

The 515th was transferred to their current location on Camp Liberty to replace the 4th Engineer Battalion, 225 Eng. Brigade, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, who recently transferred combat theaters from Iraq to Afghanistan.

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