NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
August 26, 2004
Release Number: 04-08-81
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
QUARTERHORSE RIDES TO ENGAGE THE LOCAL POPULACE
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MCKENZIE, Iraq -- Since May, levels of Anti-Iraqi Forces activities against coalition forces have increased throughout the country, most of the attacks against Task Force Sabre have happened in the last three months, causing civil affairs projects in the area to cease. In order to re-establish communication with the local populace, Task Force Sabre conducted increased area security operations in the City of Ad Duluiyah.
"The commander's intent here was to move into an area that hadn't had a lot of presence in quite some time," said Maj. Michael C. McCurry, chief of staff for the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment.
The Soldiers in the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop convoy were a mix of people from 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, 324th Tactical Psychological Operations Company, the Tactical Human-intelligence Team and even American civilians working as Iraqi Police Liaison Officers.
Each had a different focus, but pooled together to provide security on the mission.
"The first night Alpha troop went in, we were successful in detaining five of the named attackers," Major McCurry said.
The following three days HHT's convoy traveled to the towns of Dawoodia and Bichegan.
It was in the town of Dawoodia that the CA team initiated an immediate labor project by hiring 44 Iraqi men for the day to pick up trash in the streets.
The project was designed to employ men on a temporary basis and help boost the local economy, said 1st Lt. Kevin Calkins, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry's S-5 officer. "It also allows them to earn money to take care of their families."
Civil Military Operations assessments, which evaluate the infrastructure, politics and even demographics are one of the major responsibilities of civil affairs.
The CA team surveys these small communities for any future civil affairs projects that will improve the local economy or the local infrastructure.
"Basically, we want to improve the quality of life for the people in that area," Major McCurry said. While the civil affairs team continued their mission and met with community leaders about the water treatment center and rebuilding the school, the Psychological Operations team passed out pamphlets and talked with the locals.
"We're just meeting the people, trying to build a rapport with them," said Sgt. Mark Williams, a team sergeant with the 324th Psychological Operations Company. "You know, the American troops coming around, just showing themselves."
-30-
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
