Iron Six Sends…

Iron Teammates

Over the last few weeks, we have experienced a drastic reduction in attacks in the Multinational Division – North area of operation. With that, we’ve seen a significant decrease in improvised explosive devices against our convoys on main routes we travel and large increase in the number of weapons caches found by our forces, the Iraqi Security Forces and the Sons of Iraq organizations. Combine an increasing number of insurgents who want to reconcile and become part of the solution, instead of part of the problem in Iraq with a slowly improving job market in the key cities, and you can understand why many of us are becoming increasing optimistic about the future situation in our area of operations.

These things are occurring because of a number of reasons, and it might be good to use this forum to discuss them.

First, the attitude of our Soldiers and their units toward the Iraqis they come in contact with. I’ve watched how our Soldiers in the various units that are part of Task Force Iron treat and interact with the Iraqi citizens. I truly believe the dignity and respect you pay to the Iraqis shows you have their best interest at heart. This is a wonderful culture with terrific people who have been traumatized by years of abuse. Your treatment and interaction amongst them is the best way to win their hearts. This is the best way to beat an enemy who is barbaric and horrendous in the methods he employs.

Second, the way all of our units and Soldiers conduct operations is professional and geared toward one philosophy: You’ll find us to be your worst enemy if you’re going against our mission (which is to bring peace and stability to this land, while eliminating terrorism), but you’ll find us to be your best friends if you have the interest of the nation of Iraq and the safety of our Soldiers in mind. Your raids have been driven by great intelligence, and your actions are precise and disciplined. I’m constantly amazed at how well all of you are performing. Keep it up!

Third, our Soldiers have a better understanding of this culture than we’ve had it previous tours. There have been some unbelievable bad examples of Soldiers and Marines in other MNDs going against the Iraqi cultural norms (the reported incident of the Koran shooting, or the proselytizing by handing out Christian religious coins to Sunni Imams), but I know those were isolated incidents, and our Soldiers – who are well led and understand the mission – would never do anything like that. I expect leaders to ensure our Soldiers keep the right attitude in dealing with those of the Islamic faith, and I know they will.

Finally, you are all good people. There’s a book that many leaders have read entitled Once An Eagle, which talks about the growth of a Soldier through the ages. It’s a classic. At one point, the lead character is giving advice to a younger Soldier, and he says, “If it ever comes down to a choice between being a good Soldier or being a good human being…because that will make you a great Soldier!” Again, I think all of you are good – in fact, great – human beings. And you are phenomenal Soldiers. And it’s an honor to serve with you.

Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling
Commander,
Task Force Iron