By Pvt. Zachary Zuber

3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

DIYALA, Iraq – Members of Battle Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Division, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, joined with the 2nd Brigade, 18th Iraqi Army Division, to search and clear the village of Imma Assad and the surrounding area, March 19.

            This mission, which is part of a larger four-day operation to clear four different areas, was led by the Iraqis, with American forces following and offering advice or assistance if needed. The Soldiers were able to instill confidence and goodwill in the members of the community by showing concern for their security, according to an Iraqi officer.     

“We are checking on this village while looking for weapons caches and people of interest,” said 1st Lt. Ziat Karim Abdallah. “Today our focus is on security but we also are trying to show the people we are looking out for them.”

            The people of the village showed appreciation and welcomed the Soldiers. One citizen, Fatim Samayd, greeted those passing through her courtyard with a bright smile and kisses on the cheek.

            “It is very good for them to come here,” said Samayd. “The people in the village need help and we like to see that they are coming to see us.”

            People in the village weren’t the only ones who received a confidence boost, Iraqi soldiers were able to prove their skills while doing a part of the job that they all enjoy.

            “Our favorite thing is tracking down bad guys and making sure our people are safe,” said 1st Lt. Abdallah. “With our U.S. partners coming with us, we can build confidence by not needing to ask for their help.”

            On this day, the Iraqis proved that, requesting only the help of dog teams from 5/20 Inf., 3rd SBCT, 2nd ID brought along. This is not the first time the Soldiers have seen how proficient the IA have become, and they are confident in the progress they see.

            “The IA is doing great work,” said Sgt. Michael Olberding, a Lincoln, Neb., native. “Sometimes it feels like they don’t need us anymore.

            “They did all the planning and we just walked along with them to offer assistance if needed and advice when we saw anything that could be improved on.”

            Whether or not they feel needed, the Soldiers still are happy to be out there and know they are helping to complete an equally important mission, building their relationships with the IA and citizens as well.

            “It’s good for us to go out there and work with them so we can build partnership with the IA and citizens,” said Sgt. Olberding. “They have a different style than us and like to take a break once in a while, which gives us time to talk with them.”

            When all is done, this mission proved once again that the work done by U.S. forces has led the Iraqi Army to fulfill their potential. It also proved that the Iraqi Army is more than capable of securing the future of their country.

            “The IA are very capable of taking care of their people, and we are looking forward to seeing them do that on their own, said Sgt. Olberding. “Like us, they just want a safe country.”