U.S., Iraqis partner during aerial mission

By 1st Lt. Dave Collins, 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Regt., 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAOOctober 3, 2008

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AMARAH, Iraq - Soldiers of the 38th Iraqi Army Brigade and the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division completed their second combined tactical air insertion Sept. 28.

"Today was a good operation, and we look forward to visiting these areas again in the future," said Josim Soban, assigned to the 38th IA Bde.

The 38th IA is focused on reaching the tribal villages in some of the more remote areas of the Maysan Province. The ability to move by air allows the Soldiers to search areas seldom patrolled by coalition forces.

The battalion, which has partnered with the 38th IA Bde. for the last three months, continues to support the IA units while conducting counter-smuggling operations along the Iraq-Iran border.

"These guys (38th IA) were top-notch; they really had a good understanding of what they wanted to accomplish out here today and just executed," said Tyler, Texas native 1st Lt. Jordan Hill, of 2nd Bn., 7th Cav., Regt., 4th BCT., 1st Cav. Div.

The combined patrol canvassed three different villages where the Iraqi and American patrol leaders met with local national officials. The leaders identified ways to work together to bring greater progress to the more isolated areas of the province.

Members of the patrol also handed out fliers promoting the Coalition tips line, which is used by locals to report smuggling and any suspicious activity.

The partnered units will continue to operate throughout Maysan as they work in coordination with the provincial government to integrate tribal villages.