IA, U.S. Soldiers Work Together to Search for Weapons

Clearing the area of weapons caches is a vital mission for Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers.

In fact, it is so important they combine their efforts as they scour the streets in an attempt to safeguard the Iraqi people from the devastation caused by extremist weapons and munitions.

So it was with this in mind that Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, worked side-by-side with their Iraqi Army partners as they conducted a cache clearance mission in Al Awad, northwest of Baghdad, June 25.

Cache searches are not uncommon missions for the Soldiers, who conduct searches up to four times a week in their area of operations. In the past, they have found numerous weapons, to include air missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, improvised-explosive devises, mortars and machine guns, said Sgt 1st Class Ernest Oberst, native of Gladstone, Mich., and platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, Co. B, 52nd Inf. Regt.

“These missions keep us occupied and very busy but getting boots on the ground is the only way we are going to secure the area,” he said.

Although nothing was found in Al Awad that day, Oberst said the mission was a success.

“We have systematically cleared this area from the west to the east and have found at least 25 caches in the past,” said Oberst. “This was another step to make sure that area is clear. Later we will check again to see if anything has been replanted.”

In conjunction with looking for caches, the IA soldiers and MND-B Soldiers make it a priority to speak to the local community. The missions allow the Soldiers to get out in the communities and speak to the people.

“Telling the locals what we were doing and why we are here makes sure the relationship with the people is enhanced instead of taken away by our presence,” said Staff Sgt. Donald Fabian, native of Miami, a team sergeant attached to 1st Bn. 27th Inf. Regt.

It is also necessary for the Iraqi army to learn how to conduct cache searches and be involved in the communities they patrol.

“These weapons are always going to be here and so will the Iraqi army.” Oberst said. “They are starting to get to know the people. This is important because they need to know who their enemies are.”