CAV Soldiers help facilitate Kurdish supply transactions

By 1st Lt. Anthony Hoefler
1st Sqdrn., 89th Cav. Regt., 2 BCT, 10th Mtn. Div.(LI)

BAGHDAD — Soldiers from B Troop, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and the Kurdish Republican Guard conducted a logistical re-supply mission to get vehicles outfitted for Kurdish security forces in southern Mahmudiyah, Iraq on Dec. 27.
Two platoons from B-Troop escorted 82 KRG vehicles from southern Mahmudiyah to northern Baghdad in the operation.
The 60 brand-new vehicles, worth more than $3 million, were signed for by members of the KRG to aid in their security role in the Kirkuk and Irbil region north of Baghdad.
The civilian pick-up trucks were outfitted with the proper equipment necessary for their operational needs. The Kurdish contingent commanded by Col. Hosayr displayed great appreciation and excitement as they explored and drove their new vehicles. Soldiers of B-Troop showed the Kurdish soldiers how to operate the radios and the climate control system which came as a great surprise for them.
Capt. Christian Cosner, B Troop commander and native of Davis, W. Va., was pleased with the operation.
“This is greater evidence demonstrating the Iraqi Security Forces’ ability to sustain their role as an effective force,” Cosner said. “As Iraqi police checkpoints become an increasingly familiar site throughout the country, the vehicles serve as a method to conduct patrols staking their claim in the stability of the nation.”
The 1-89 Soldiers were also pleased with the overall mission and working with the KRG.
“The cavalry troopers were very impressed with the level of professionalism in which the KRG conducted the mission,” Cosner added. “It is good for our Soldiers to see that their Iraqi counterparts are taking responsibility for their part in Iraq’s democracy, we look forward to working with them again.”