Troops building joint security stations in Iraq

JSS MAYSAN, Iraq (Nov. 30, 2009) - As efforts in Iraq are shifting to a smaller U.S. presence, more things are being disassembled than erected.

Yet, as part of the partnership between U.S. and Iraqi forces, some camps are still being established, although to a very different end and in a very different way from those in the past. These are the joint security stations.

The arduous task of building one such camp, JSS Maysan, fell to the Soldiers from 1st platoon, "Apache" Company, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment. Through JSS Maysan, the Soldiers will work in an "advise and assist" role with their counterparts in the 38th Iraqi Army.

When the 1st platoon "Reapers" arrived at the proposed living area, there were only two concrete slabs and blast walls constructed from "HESCO" (Hercules Engineering Solutions Consortium) barriers - essentially very large sand bags.

Still, on receiving the mission to construct JSS Maysan, the Reapers were ready.

"I am glad that I am doing this, it's a change of pace and it is something that I have never done before," said Sgt. Christopher Brink, an infantry team leader from Nashville, Tenn.

The Soldiers' days typically start at 6 a.m. and do not end earlier than 11 p.m. An average day consists of 10 to 14 hours of physical labor as they establish a security perimeter and improve the quality of life at JSS Maysan.

More than 3,000 sandbags have been filled to secure living areas and provide force protection.

"We have been working hard to ensure that we complete JSS Maysan on time and to standard," said Spc. Dallas Redmond, a machine gunner from Alexandria, Minn.

Now, through grueling work and tireless dedication, the Maysan Soldiers have living quarters, a Morale Welfare and Recreation center and an excellent communication system.

"It's good that we are building this JSS, because it shows that we are capable of doing many things," said Pfc. Gerardo G. Galvin, an infantryman from Lexington, Neb.

JSS Maysan's construction was expected to take a minimum of eight days to complete, but the Soldiers of 1st platoon constructed the JSS in two days.

"This shows that there's nothing that the 'Apache' Company Reapers can't accomplish with teamwork and motivation," said Brink. "Now that JSS Maysan is functional, we can resume our role in our assist and advise mission."

(2nd Lt. Randolph Powell serves with the 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment in Iraq.)