At the request of Iraqi security forces, U.S. Soldiers joined them March 1 in patrols of sites that will be used in Sunday’s election. A week before, Soldiers from 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, conducted a presence patrol along the Kandahri marketplace near Abu Ghraib. The aim was to ensure the Iraqis were prepared to protect voters.
"We're here working together with the Iraqis for a common goal," said Spc. Yahir Macias, assigned to B Company, 4-9th Infantry. "If the Iraqis succeed, then U.S. forces succeed."
The patrol demonstrated U.S. willingness to support the Iraqi people when requested, said 1st Sgt. Mark Ohme, first sergeant of B Co.
"The ISF have a good handle on security of the area," said Ohme. "They have a better understanding of security within their area than we do. We're here to support them when they need us."
As the patrol walked down the streets and alleys surrounding the Kandahri marketplace, children came out from alcoves to wave to the U.S. Soldiers as they passed. Macias waved back to a young boy standing in an archway.
"We're letting these people know we're still here for them," said Macias. At the second polling site, they discovered Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police already providing security.
"Iraq has become a proficient security force," said Capt. Derek Noel, B Co commander. "This is a sign of our success over the last seven years.”
Noel explained how the performance of the ISF has improved from his last deployment to this one.
"There was a time when American forces were in the spotlight," he said. "But now we can place the Iraqis on their own pedestal and take on a different role as advisors and a supplemental combat force."
Macias said it has been good to see how far the Iraqis have come in standing on their own.
"It always feels good to help someone else out," said Macias. "We're helping an entire nation, so the good feeling is even better."
