DHI QAR, Iraq - The 2nd Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division has a mission that stretches across two provinces and 7,200 square kilometers in southern Iraq. Based on the large area of coverage, the Thunder Horse Squadron has moved a company-size unit to Joint Security Station Jenkins, where the unit is co-located with the 2nd Battalion, 40th Iraqi Army Bde.
By moving the Soldiers from Contingency Operating Base Adder, which is the headquarters for the 4th BCT,1st Cav. Div., the battalion can easily conduct joint patrols with the IA in northern Dhi Qar, an area that has not seen coalition forces for more than two years.
"Having the Americans here will help our patrols and bring more stability to this region," said Col. Al Kareem, of the 40th IA.
Along with the ability to accomplish the battalion's huge mission, the 2nd Sqdn., 12th Cav. Reg. is focused on providing quality of life resources for those Soldiers selected to live in the remote security station.
The Long Knife Brigade has made quality of life a high priority considering the unit is building two Forward Operating Bases - FOB Garry Owen and FOB Hunter - along the southeastern border of Iraq.
In addition, the brigade is in the process of resourcing JSS Jenkins with some of the same amenities the Soldiers were afforded at COB Adder. The project requires support from a number of agencies, to include Navy Engineers, who recently installed air conditioners, electricity and plumbing at the security station.
The next step, and possibly most important to the Soldiers, will be the installation of free internet service. This will allow the Thunder Horse Soldiers the ability to send and receive e-mails with family and friends back home in the states.
"That is what Soldier's really want," Said Capt. Matthew Prescott, assigned to 2nd Sqdn., 12th Cav. Regt., 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div.. "They are looking forward to the ability to communicate with their families even though they are in the middle of southern Iraq and living with the Iraqi Army."
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