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Iraqi guards working with 3rd ACR to secure border

Army News Service

Release Date: 2/20/2004

AR AR, Iraq (Army News Service, Feb. 20, 2004) - More than 15,000 pilgrims have passed through the Ar Ar border crossing during the past couple of weeks and the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment has helped the Iraqi border guards keep the western boundary secure.

The Iraqi border guards went through a two-week formal training program at the 3rd ACR's Rifles Academy and upon graduation were sent out to patrol the borders they already are familiar with.

"The recruits are from Ar Ar," says Captain David J. Palazzo, commander of Eagle troop. "They know all of the people who work and live around here, locals are willing to work with and establish relationships with them."

Palazzo added that in addition to knowing the people, the ability to communicate with the local people has been very helpful as well.

Working in their own community also creates a feeling of pride in protecting their neighborhood, one Iraqi officer said.

"It is our country, we have to control our own borders," says Ar Ar Iraqi Border Enforcement Battalion Commander, Lt. Colonel Abdulah Talal Karab Al Hathal.

"There has not been much control of these borders in the past, lots of smuggling, we are protecting these borders again," he said.

"The Iraqi border guards are processing pilgrims through quickly and thoroughly," said Sgt. 1st Class Gary Qualls, 3rd ACR public affairs officer. Qualls was at the border during the Hajj to observe the border guards' performance.

"They looked sharp and proud as they were processing entire bus loads of people through the border in just minutes," Qualls said. "I was proud of them."

Border guards check for weapons and perform a thorough inspection of vehicles passing through the checkpoint.

"We are very well trained at inspecting for contraband and checking passports," said Abdulah.

Border guards take the lead in searching all vehicles as well as checking passports. According to Palazzo, initially their role was an advisory and training role and now it is more of a supporting role, helping them to get the things they need.

The Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement has worked closely with members of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment's 2nd Squadron over the last several months to secure the border crossing and to ensure safe travel for pilgrims passing through.

Sgt. Andrew T. Fyfe, non-commissioned officer in charge of the tactical psychological operations team, works at the crossing distributing publications. He has noticed soldiers taking the back seat in dealing with any problems.

"Soldiers are not having to do as much work as they had to, they pretty much are trouble shooting at this point."

Palazzo is also impressed by the ability of the border guards to take control of situations. "They have come a long way, they do a lot of the stuff that needs to be done by them selves."

(Editor's note: Article submitted by 3ACR.)