FORWARD OPERATING BASE HUNTER, Iraq - Operational security was at the forefront of discussions during the Maysan-Security Conference here March 10.
Leaders from the 41st Brigade, 10th Iraqi Army Division, the al-Kahla and Qal'at Salih police departments and local shaykhs journeyed from locations throughout the region to meet with Lt. Col. Timothy Daugherty, commander of the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division 'Black Dragons,' and Lt. Col. Daryle Hernandez, commander of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4BCT, 1CD 'Head Hunters.'
This was the third security conference between the American Soldiers and Maysan leaders since the cavalry Soldiers arrived in Iraq last June.
During the meeting, all parties assessed the security in their areas and how to best synchronize the efforts of the Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. The leaders agreed that working hand-in-hand with the province's citizens to stifle outside influences and criminal activity is the best way to stabilize the region.
"We secure the area from al-Sheeb to here," said Lt. Col. Isam Salim Hussein, the 41st Bde.'s operations officer. The border bases in al-Sheeb mark the eastern-most tip of the province. "We are very good at coordinating with the American units here and we are making the area safer every day."
Capt. Keith Williams, the Black Dragon Battalion's lead intelligence officer, reinforced the Iraqi officer's statement during the conference.
"Because of the Iraqi brigade's efforts, I believe we will stop the criminals in this area," said Williams.
Preventing criminals from operating in the province, and committing crimes against the citizens is just part of the work being done by the Iraqi and American allies.
The 5th Bn., 82nd FA Regt. recently facilitated the completion of a water treatment plant near the base here. The plant is already pumping clean water to nearby citizens. The 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. is nearing completion of two more water-treatment projects, as well.
"At first we focused on the larger towns in the southeastern province," explained Capt. Travis Hacker, the battalion headquarters company commander and civil-military operations officer. "We've found they all have common problems with getting clean water and electricity."
Police leaders from Qal'at Salih and al-Kahla consider their towns to be safe, but explained that more needs to be done outside of their jurisdictions.
"It's a lot different now than before the Iraqi and American troops arrived nine months ago," said Lt. Raad, a police officer from Qal'at Salih. "It's more secure out here, too. The entire area used to be the police departments' responsibility."
The al-Kahla police department's executive officer said his department is also looking for weapon smugglers, but his city has been quiet.
"We work with the Iraqi Army's 41st Brigade to go after these criminals," said Maj. Ali Hussein, the city's second highest-ranking police officer. "So far it's been quiet inside the city and outside its perimeter."
Although the two American units stationed here are confident the Iraqi units can provide security for the region, the Black Dragon and Head Hunter forces have plans to continue assisting the Iraqi forces to ensure the region is completely stabilized.
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