Beefing up in Southern Afghanistan, Fruits of all the Training in Iraq
While more soldiers are being deployed to hostile areas in Afghanistan, bringing the fight to the enemy, the fruits from all the intensive training given to the Iraqi people is beginning to pay off. From the Sons of Iraq to the Iraqi National Police and beyond, a lot of brave Iraqi citizens have stepped up to do something for their country. And after being trained by US and coalition forces and experts, they’re doing a pretty good job at getting it done on their own.
They still may need a little backing and direction from US troops, but they’re doing more and more on their own. Recently in Mosul, Iraq, they began canvassing an older section of the city, taking census data. Up until recently, it was considered a safe haven for terrorists. The Iraqi people are doing something about the problem on their own, though, which is great. (And I bet you didn’t hear much about this on the news… maybe more about the so called scandal for Miss USA. Blech.)
Anyway, some great work has already been done over there and it’s showing. Work continues, though, with thousands of men and women giving their all to help bring Iraq back better than it was before. Whatever your thoughts about the war in the first place, it’s hard to argue with helping a country get back on their feet by training them and being there for them to support them. If you’re rational that is. If you disagree, leave a comment.
Sgt. Stryker out.
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Patrol in Mosul
Iraqi police officers stand guard during a cordon and search mission in the Al Siha District of Mosul, Iraq, May 14. Iraqi police ensures the security of the Iraqi population by clearing and disrupting insurgent activity and showing a presence in neighborhoods throughout the city of Mosul. Photo by Senior Airman Kamaile Chan
2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Arrives in Afghanistan
Marines with the Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan catch up on sleep May 3 during a flight to southern Afghanistan. The Marines hope to carry forward the successes of their predecessors currently serving in Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl. Aaron Rooks
Patrol in Kirkuk
A U.S. Soldier attached to 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, scans the horizon during a patrol in the Tigris River banks on May 11 in Kirkuk, Iraq. Photo by Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati
Patrol in Abu Ghraib, Iraq
U.S. Army Sgt. Heath Boyer attached to 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, discusses a patrol route with an Iraqi soldier in the neighborhood of Abu Nassir in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, on May 13. U.S. forces along with the Iraqi army work together in a combined effort to track down and arrest Iraqi insurgents operating in the Abu Ghraib province of Iraq.
Soccer Game in Baghdad, Iraq
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Samuel McAllister of 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, gives an Iraqi boy a “high five” near a soccer field in Karadah, eastern Baghdad, Iraq, on May 8. The local Iraqi public was invited to watch a youth soccer match followed by a game between joint teams of U.S. Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and Iraqi national police. Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick
U.S. Army Sgt. John Palmer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, holds a soccer ball donated in memory of U.S. Army Pfc. Nick Madaras, at a soccer field in Karadah, eastern Baghdad, Iraq, on May 8.Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick