V CORPS UNITS INSPIRE COURAGE, FEAR WITH PATROLS IN ABRAMS MAIN BATTLE TANKS
V Corps Release
Release Date: 11/24/2003
By Spc. Chad D. Wilkerson 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- At the iron point of V Corps' 1st Armored Division's is the M1A1 Abrams tank and the soldiers who operate it.
Soldiers from the division's A Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment have been putting the M1A1 on the streets of central Baghdad to inspire courage in coalition troops and fear in the coalition's enemies.
A Company's area of responsibility is home to 15,000-25,000 people, as well as several historical monuments and important Iraqi cultural sites. Capt. William T. Cundy, A Company commander, often accompanies his soldiers on evening tank patrols through Zawra Park, Zawra Zoo and Ceremony Square in the Al Kindi and Al Hariihiya districts of central Baghad.
"All the parades that Saddam used to do came under the 'Arches of Victory' and through Ceremony Square," said Cundy. "This is one of the main historical areas for the Iraqi people, and it is our job to make sure it stays in pristine condition."
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an amphitheatre-shaped structure located on the park grounds, commemorates Iraqi soldiers who died in battle, said Cundy. The Arches of Victory -- two massive sabers held by sculpted hands said to be Saddam's own - arc over the helmets of Iraq's fallen enemy in its war against neighboring Iran in the 1980s.
Cundy and his team said they enjoy patrolling the streets and monument grounds because it gives them an opportunity to get out and see Baghdad's people and its history.
"Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of the Iraqi people want safety and security, and want their children to have a better life than they have," Cundy said. "Unfortunately, there is that point-one percent that wants to cause trouble. Fortunately, however, there have been no problems in the park district."
As the tanks rumble down the city streets at speeds slow enough to allow a few seconds of eye contact with pedestrians, the soldiers are met with a sea of stares. If nothing else, the Abrams is one heck of a head-turner.
The stares soon turned to smiles as soldiers wave to the rapt pedestrians on the street seven feet below, who often eagerly wave and smile in return.
"It is definitely an attention-getter," said 2nd Lt. Sean Lyons, fire support officer for A Company. "We patrol to let the people know that we are here making their homes and neighborhoods safe. They can see us and they can see the M1A1."
According to Spc. Brian Witt, gunner on a tank lovingly nicknamed "Aloha," the Abrams' purpose is to be a strong deterrent to any would-be attackers.
"We do not use the tanks . often," Witt said. "Only if there is a riot or major disturbance do we roll out. At this point, people do not really pay attention to Humvees."
With a menacing iron growl, gargantuan mass and the firepower to back it up, the Abrams is definitely a crowd-pleaser in A Company. Cundy said his soldiers know their tanks "through and through" and are proud to be able to ensure a secure future for the priceless people and landmarks of Baghdad from the turret of the M1A1.
"The M1A1 Abrams is the premier battle tank in the world, and the American soldiers are the best trained, best equipped troops in the world," Cundy said. "We are here to maintain a peaceful and stable Iraq, and if anyone wants to challenge that, my soldiers are always ready."
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