Thursday, Mar. 11, 2010

3rd HBCT helps security forces prepare for national elections

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION KALSU, Iraq — The night before the Iraqi national elections, Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were still going through their system checks.

While they would not be in charge of security for the polling sites in the Najaf, Babil, Wasit, Diwaniyah, and Karbala provinces, they were determined to be ready if a call for help came.

In the days prior to the election, the 3rd HBCT provided Iraqi Security Forces with materials such as concertina wire and concrete barriers to help secure polling sights, allowed Iraqi observers into their command center and shared information about possible threats to voters.

Their duties weren’t as intensive as when 3rd HBCT helped provide security during the national election in 2005, but brigade leaders felt confident their Iraqi partners had a firm grip on the security situation.

“We feel we are helping the ISF set the conditions for a successful Iraqi election,” said MAJ Melvin Sanders, the 3rd HBCT’s assistant operations officer. “We feel comfortable with them in the lead ... This is an Iraqi election. It is led and orchestrated by them and them alone.

“This is, perhaps, the most historic election in the country’s history based on the fact that the responsible drawdown of American forces is coming right after it. The administration that is elected will work with our current administration for the next four years. It is important that it isn’t viewed as anything but legitimate.”

As voters headed to the polls, 1st Lt. Ali Abrahim, the 8th Iraqi Army Division’s representative in the 3rd HBCT’s control center, was pleased with what he saw.

“What I’m seeing is very assuring,” he said through a translator.

“When people can do something and help change their government, it is a great thing. There will be very happy people in Iraq today.”