1st Squadron
"The War Eagles"
The soldiers of 1st Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment were in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for nearly one year. During this time, the War Eagles developed a friendly, working relationship with the people of eastern Baghdad. They have built roads, fixed sewers, opened schools, and ultimately given new and refreshed opportunities to the people of 9 Nissan, Sumer, and New Baghdad. 1st Squadron has fought side by side with the Iraqi Army and seen fellow soldiers fall in battle. For the War Eagles, who represent every day the values and resolve of cavalry troopers everywhere, past and present.
In October 2003 the 1st Brigade Combat Team, known as the "Ready First Brigade" received a mission to enter an area of Iraq that had not seen any action during major combat operations. The Ready First Commander realized his fighting force was lacking in one major area. He needed scouts on the ground to provide reconnaissance for his heavy combat force. The WarEagle Squadron was called upon to fill the void for this mission, named OPERATION LONGSTREET. The troopers of 1st Squadron did not disappoint. The War Eagles conducted two weeks of continuous combat missions to locate and destroy former regime loyalists and deny them sanctuary between Fallujah and Baghdad. There were numerous engagements with the enemy during the two-week mission. The mission was a huge success, with numerous weapons caches discovered, former regime loyalists captured, and most importantly, no losses to American Forces. Many soldiers from 1st Squadron were decorated for their efforts in support of Operation Longstreet.
Another major event for 1st Squadron in October 2003 was the grand opening of the District Advisory Counsel (DAC) Hall in the 9 Nissan District. Since the first day in Baghdad, 1st Squadron had made many contributions in creating a new government for the people of Iraq. The hard work is beginning to payoff. The new government is making in impact on day-to-day life for the people of Baghdad. One if the more visible signs of this new movement was the opening of the DAC Hall. The Iraqi's now have a place to go and discuss the problems that are important to the people of Iraq. They no longer have to live in fear of the old Regime. The opinion and freewill of all people is welcomed and encouraged to be heard at this new meeting place. The DAC Hall is one of many signs of improvement in Iraq, and 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment is making a major impact in the new Iraq. Once again, the WarEagles distinguished themselves with their actions in support of Operation
The most notable mission the War Eagles have been conducting in November 2003 was the integration of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corp. If anyone had been watching the news in recent months, the push to give Iraq to the Iraqi is the major objective for the Coalition forces. These goals have been pushed down to 1st Squadron. The training of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC) is a significant success. To date the squadron is wrapping up training of a complete platoon, which is soon to be integrated into the different unit patrols. The Iraqi public is responding to the ICDC, with open arms. Seeing Iraqi men in uniform once again give these people a sense of pride the old regime could never have gained before. The various advisory councils in the area continue to enjoy success that is indicative of the hard work and desire the population have to embrace a legitimate government. This shows that the self-governorship of Iraq can be a reality. The squadron continues to secure the UN compound and serve as a deterrent to future attacks to this facility. The defense of the UN has been a major mission since the attack on the UN on August 19th. Since the Squadron taking over operations at the UN there was not be a successful attack on UN grounds.
The War Eagles, of 1st Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, moved from Baghdad to Kut during the latter part of April 2004. During the initial assessment of the town, the War Eagles were greeted with a looted and bombed CPA building. Many of the bridges, much-needed structures in the town that is dominated by dams and reservoirs off the Euphrates River, were damaged or rendered unusable by Muqtada Al Sadr's criminal militia. Many of the other major structures in Kut had also been looted or desecrated.
Just six weeks later, all of the buildings just mentioned have been fixed and circumstances rectified. City streets have become busier, but remain peaceful, as the threat of violence has been nullified by 1st Squadron, who patrols the streets with elements of 2/37 AR BN. The citizens of Kut have responded well to the presence of a more robust Coalition presence.
The War Eagles quickly added Civil Military Operations to their agenda in Kut, reaching out to tribal leaders, businesses, and municipalities in the city. Opening schools, cleaning streets, and getting the multi media outlets in working order were a few of the opening projects. " We did this in Sadr City for the past year. We can do it here too", said MAJ George Sarabia, who serves as the central Coalition representative in the CMO realm in Kut. LTC Mark Calvert, Squadron Commander for the War Eagles, quickly established a positive relationship with the tribal leaders of Kut, both meeting numerous times with them and producing several television and radio announcements pledging assistance from Coalition Forces. He now speaks candidly and on a regular basis with local officials on issues ranging anywhere from security to on going projects in the community.
The Coalition had spent close to $95,000 in materials and labor for the city of Kut. "We make sure everyone gets a chance to bid on a project that wants to do the job. No one tribe gets any favoritism over the other", said CPT Kelvin Mote, one of the officers that oversee project development in Kut. " It is important that Iraqis do the work. We try to contract Iraqi companies that hire local labor for each project." The Coalition has focused a lot of attention on schools in the area, cleaning them up, furnishing supplies, and making sure children of Kut can experience a comfortable learning environment.
