BAGHDAD - It was a standard mission for the cavalry scouts of 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment - secure a thickly vegetated island, set up observation posts, find possible enemy routes, clear the area of dangers and fortify their position. Except this time, Maj. Gen. Daniel Bolger, commanding general for Multi-National Division - Baghdad, was part of the platoon patrolling the island in northeast Baghdad, Aug. 3.
The patrol took the Soldiers through dense underbrush and precarious terrain to find "fast avenues of approach for the enemy, so we can defend the area," said Spc. Richard Olin, a cavalry scout from Metlakatla, Ala., assigned to 1st Sqdrn., 7th Cav. Regt., 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
The cavalry scouts provided security for engineers building a stronger bridge to the island to support the movement of larger U.S. vehicles.
"We're here to keep the engineers safe...they need the security because they can't work all day and guard their equipment at night, too," added Olin, who's on his second tour in Iraq.
After emerging from a possible enemy route deep in the thickets of the river bank, Olin and the other Soldiers were caked in mud while sweat stains started to spread on their camouflaged uniforms.
"Sometimes you get in there and can't move your feet," Olin said before he coughed. "There's dust choking you when you're crashing through - it's a little ruthless."
"It's so thick, if the enemy got to us they'd be pretty tired when it's time to fight," he said about the 10-foot high reeds that blotted out the sun on the banks of the island.
"But its a little surprising when we're tromping through it all and I turn around and he's [Bolger] right there," added Olin with a smirk on his dirt-smudged face.
"To have the [commanding general] come out here and do something that staff sergeants and specialists are doing really shows these guys he cares," explained 1st Lt. Jed Sargent, a platoon leader from Stark, N.H., assigned to 1st Sqdrn., 7th Cav. Regt., "It's good for us because we get a chance to see higher headquarters care about what we're providing."
As the Soldiers stopped to draw up sectors of fire diagrams on the island, they took up a defensive perimeter.
"One of the most important aspects for leadership is to set the example," said Bolger, a native of Aurora, Ill., as he pulled security. "I wouldn't ask the guys to do something I wouldn't do."
The platoon leader for the mission agreed.
"It brings back the human factor that shows they care and that goes up to the top echelon of leaders," added Sargent, who was a senior non-commissioned officer before earning his commission.
The platoon quickly formed back up to discuss the map and establish good places to lay down obstacles to prevent any enemy movement into their area during nighttime. The Soldiers, though drenched with sweat and covered with dirt, joked with one another and flashed grime covered smiles.
"It boosts morale when he comes out here and does what we're required to do," said Olin after taking a drink of water. "Since this island is on the outskirts of Baghdad, it's a good area to secure because it keeps the bad guys out of the city...If we find a cache, then that's one less bomb going off in Sadr City."
The outskirts of Baghdad have been high-traffic areas for insurgents funneling in weapons and materials for improvised explosive devices into the heart of the city.
"On the outer belt is where enemies hide weapons," explained Bolger. "This is where we're taking the fight to them, to their bases...It also helps our Iraqi Security Forces counterparts indirectly by taking the pressure off."
By applying a little pressure, the cavalry scouts and Bolger have provided security for the engineers, cleared an island, prevented the flow of insurgent activity into the heart of Baghdad and have secured yet another piece of Iraq for the Iraqis.
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