CONTINGENY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - As the sun began to set on the base's soccer complex, 15 U.S. Soldiers warmed up for a big game here Oct 23.
The 'Rough Rider' Soldiers of 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division were set to play the Motorized Transportation Regiment of the 10th Iraqi Army Division in a partnership-building contest where both sides were eager to get started.
"We got players from all over the world out here," said Spc. Larry Walker, a Petroleum Specialist assigned to 27th BSB. "Plus, I'm a part-time soccer coach back home; so it's all good."
Walker, from Sacramento, Calif., was easily recognizable during this contest, as his large frame towered over the smaller Iraqi soldiers, but his size and coaching experience didn't help his team this day.
The Iraqi MTR dominated the Rough Rider Soldiers by a score of five goals to one in a contest where both teams came out winners.
"They came out here ready to play, but we'll get 'em next time," he said, as the sweat rolled off his shiny bald head.
The interaction and camaraderie the Soldiers shared during the game was the result of planning that began weeks before the match.
"We challenged these guys to a soccer match to do something with them on a social level," said Capt. Charles Montgomery, the commander of Company C., 27th BSB, of Houston, Miss. "We started practicing about 45 days ago, and we brought them here, and I think we did pretty well."
Although the units were on opposing teams during the soccer match, the Iraqi and American Soldiers are usually partnered while transporting essential goods and supplies to remote operating bases within the 4th brigade's area of operations.
"We really appreciate this opportunity," said Col. Ali Hanno, commander of the MTR, 10th IA. "It means we have a good communications between our units, and friendship."
The units are planning to have monthly soccer matches to continue building their partnership.
Social Sharing