From a local Kansas City soldier.
Dear KCnet Team,I received the wonderful postcard of the gorgeous Kansas City night skyline from you today so I would like to extend my great thanks for that. Additionally, on behalf of the soldiers that I lead here in Tall Afar, Iraq, I would like to offer our most sincere gratitude for your expression of support.
I want to share with you my observations and thoughts concerning my experiences in Iraq to date. I hope that it offers you some first hand perspective that you may not be receiving at home while watching the news and reading the print.
The citizens of Iraq are fighting every day for their freedom. Unlike in Operation Iraqi Freedom & OIF II, Iraqi citizens are now in great numbers actively participating in the birth of their new Nation. During OIF and OIF II, Coalition Forces almost exclusively patrolled the streets and countryside's of Iraq. Few citizens were willing to work with Coalition Forces (CF) to help secure and rebuild the communities. This was in large measure due to fear, uncertainty and disorganization.
During OIF in 2003-2004, I spent my time in the Western region of Iraq known as the Al Anbar Province. In places like Fallujah, Ramadi, Rutbah and the Iraqi-Syrian border, I led a cavalry platoon in combat operations and performed a great deal of civil affairs work like coordinating the reconstruction of villages, schools, hospitals and government facilities. This being said, we barely had any Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and received little assistance from local citizens. While we killed or captured thousands of terrorists and insurgents, we only saw the tip of the iceberg.
All of that changed in January of this year when roughly 50% of the population turned out to vote for an interim government. Many Americans and people throughout the world did not believe the election would prove to be as successful as it was. Today, Iraqi Ministries grow more robust and organized every day. The reopening of schools, universities and various government agencies has given most Iraqi's a greater sense of daily normalcy. Electricity output has risen to the highest levels in over two decades, greatly improving the quality of life for most Iraqi men and women.
Iraqi citizens are actively assisting in the security of their new country. Every day, hundreds and thousands of "tips" are received by ISF and Coalition Forces. The majority of the Iraqi people are tired of terrorists and former regime elements (FRE) killing their families and stymieing the reconstruction efforts. Tens of thousands of volunteers have turned out to become Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and Border Police. Knowing full well the dangers associated with such work, they turn out seeking jobs and security for their communities.
The collateral damage caused by the methods and tactics of the insurgents have angered the average Iraqi man and woman. The death toll of innocent Iraqi citizens killed by Vehicle-born Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), IEDs, and other atrocious acts of violence is galvanizing the will of the Iraqi people to defeat the insurgency and prevail in the effort to create a new free and prosperous nation.
The ranks of the newly formed Iraqi Army units and Iraqi Police units have also been hit hard with casualties. The insurgents have targeted them, attempting to cause a disintegration of these ISF thereby prolonging the time needed to secure localities, provinces and the nation. Despite considerable losses, these new ISF have not only survived but are growing into more cohesive fighting units due to the losses of their compatriots. ISF units comprised of Sunni, Shia and Kurdish soldiers are growing closer together through bonds created while combating the insurgency.
The insurgent's goal to create a schism between CF, the ISF and the general population is backfiring. Coalition Forces are training and fighting alongside of ISF who are working closely with the Iraqi people. Despite losses that CF, ISF and Iraqi citizens are sustaining, the insurgency is failing miserably. The Iraqi people are fighting back. They are participating in the democratic process. They are turning in valuable information regarding the locations of terrorists and insurgents. They are swelling the ranks of the ISF causing a greater presence of security everywhere. Despite tribal, ethnic and religious differences, they are cooperating together magnificently in ISF units across Iraq.
All of this I have observed over several months spent in perhaps the most dangerous areas of Iraq; the areas known as "The Triangle of Death" located in South Baghdad in the cities of Mahmudiya, Yusifiyah and Lutafiyah and presently, the area of Western Ninewa, specifically, Tall Afar. As a special advisor to the ISF, I have trained and patrolled the region with them, have held the children of the wonderful citizens and drank thousands of glasses of Chi tea with village elders. Nearly all of them express the same thing - that they are weary of the insurgency and are eager for peace in their communities.
Most recently in September, the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment conducted "Operation Restoring Rights." This operation was conducted to dismantle the insurgent stronghold that the city had become due to an influx of foreign fighters from Syria and elsewhere. The operation was a huge success and set the conditions for the successful Constitutional Referendum held on October 15. Presently, the citizens of Tall Afar enjoy a renewed sense of hope and vision - the streets are being cleaned, reconstruction of infrastructure is underway and people walk the streets with a renewed sense of security.
The people of Iraq are indeed fighting for their future. Every day I witness the infant steps of freedom and democracy. The Iraqi people, while still scared, are now fighting back. They are doing so through their actions. They are watching out for each other, participating in and assisting their government, and working eagerly with Coalition Forces. It is truly a tremendous thing to see. My great hope is that the American people and the world see it too...
Thank you, again, for supporting the "Brave Rifles" of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry Regiment. It is with great pride that we stand on the front lines of freedom executing our duties every day in America's defense.
Very respectfully yours,
1LT LCM
RHHT, 3d U.S. Cavalry
Tall Afar, Iraq
Brave Rifles!
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