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'Big Red One' armored to teeth with smiles in Kirkuk

KIRKUK, Iraq (Army News Service, April 23, 2003) - Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade are conducting armored patrols through the streets of this northern Iraq city to prevent crime, ethnic harassment, and gather information on local military groups.

During a patrol in downtown Kirkuk Saturday, barefoot children chased Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M113 Armored Personnel Carriers, asking soldiers questions.

"We had one kid chase us for a few miles," said Sgt. Jeffry L. Reed, Bravo Company, 2/2nd Infantry, 1st Inf. Div. "Every time we thought we lost him he would show up again," he added laughing.

One teenager ran up to the patrol to give soldiers mortar rounds he had found.

"The kid gave us seven mortar rounds," said Reed. "It's nice to be getting these off the streets, but there's much more out there. A few days ago we found seven trucks full of rocket propelled grenades, hand grenades and other ammunition."

Looking for weapons and ordnance is a major focus of the patrols, along with identifying flags above military compounds in the area.

"By identifying flags we can tell who we're dealing with," said 2nd Lt. Jeffrey M. Bartel, a platoon leader with HHC, 2/63rd Armor. "So far we've noticed our area of operation has a high number of Turkish and Kurdish residents. It's important for us to identify ethnic backgrounds so we can try to prevent ethnic harassment."

After the sun went down, soldiers dismounted from their vehicles (except drivers and vehicle commanders) and walked on foot talking to the locals. Soldiers talked to residents about a wide variety of things.

"I was asking residents how they felt about us being here," said Bartel. "Most of the people were delighted that were here. Only one person told me he didn't want us here, but he still invited me back to his house for food."

"Most of the questions I was asking was just normal stuff," said Reed. "How old you are? What's your name? Do you like us being here?"

The patrol ended with soldiers getting back in their vehicles and driving off with whistles and applause from residents showing their appreciation.

"It's an awesome feeling," said Reed. "To be making a difference and actually seeing it in peoples faces."

(Editor's note: Pfc. Brandon R. Aird is a public affairs specialist for the 173rd Airborne Brigade based in Vicenza, Italy.)