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4-27 FA MOUTs continue missions in Iraq

USARCENT

Release Date: 6/2/2004

Story by Spc. Jeanine Kinville 1AD PAO

BAGHDAD, IRAQ (June 2, 2004) - Soldiers in Battery C, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, have been making Baghdad safer by patrolling the streets and conducting raids for the past year.

However, the battalion, headquartered at Baghdad International Airport, is now preparing for a new mission.

"This new mission is completely different," said 1st Lt. Eric Hallgren, a platoon leader with C, 4-27 FA. "We will be patrolling areas to catch people putting (improvised explosive devices) on the roads. These roads include main and alternate supply routes that Soldiers and civilians frequently use."

Leaders within the battery have started military operations in urban terrain training to teach their Soldiers on patrolling and raiding techniques by conducting mock cordon and search operations.

"We keep training to become better Soldiers," said Hallgren. "We put the Soldiers in different scenarios to better prepare ourselves for the real battle. You never know what's going to happen when you go out."

The artillery Soldiers have been conducting this training nightly for the several weeks.

"Repetition is the key to confidence," said Hallgren. "As we do things more often, we can train new Soldiers and retrain other Soldiers. Training establishes confidence in yourself and your fellow battle buddy."

When the platoon is in an assigned sector, they conduct patrols in the area. The battalion assigns targets based on information obtained from several sources including local Iraqis who want to help build a safer and more secure community.

"Our primary targets are 'funders' of attacks on Americans and Coalition forces," said Hallgren.

When Soldiers prepare to dismount to begin a cordon and search operation, radio communications keeps them in touch with their platoon leader while he and another team secure the perimeter.

"I monitor the radio and all communications," said Spc. Robert Scott, a cannon crewmember with C, 4-27 FA. "I call up situational reports to the commander in situations like enemy attacks, casualties, and loss of positions."

Once squads are in position, they dismount to begin the cordon and search.

"We set up security around the first house while the search team clears the house," said Spc. Michael Powell, a cannon crewmember, of one training exercise. "My team's mission is going into the training village to get the target."

When a target is detained, he is searched for contraband which could include weapons, Saddam Hussein paraphernalia, IED-building supplies and rocket-propelled grenades. The contraband is then turned over to military police.

"Every illegal weapon we find is one less casualty of an American Soldier or Iraqi," said Hallgren.

With this training, Hallgren is very confident his troops will be ready for the missions ahead of them.

"I have the utmost confidence that when I go out, I can depend on the guy to my left and my right," said Hallgren. "No matter when happens, the mission will always get accomplished."