4th Platoon (GREEN), Charlie Company

Recently Choctaw 6 has granted the platoons publishing access to the company blog. This will prove to be an excellent addition to the blog, allowing families and friends to see and hear from their soldiers' individual platoons. Below are some images from 4th Platoon:

On a day-to-day basis we find ourselves working closely with the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police as they continue to develop greater autonomy and proficiency in patrolling and securing the country of Iraq. The soldiers' of this platoon are, in my opinion, the hardest working men you'll find. They are constantly finding themselves in situations that require much flexibility and quick thinking, as many missions are not your standard combat misisons. The men work with interpreters and their Iraqi counterparts to support operations throughout our operational environment (OE). We've spent time chatting with the local nationals, and we've enjoyed tea and Iraqi food. The platoon looks forward to "banana day" (which is any day I allow them to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from the local markets). They'll tell you those days don't come often enough!

The platoon has made great strides in the past few months. It seems like it was just yesterday we were establishing ourselves as a newly created platoon at Fort Dix, NJ. But we are here, conducting full spectrum operations. We are a well oiled machine conducting business on a day-to-day basis, working together with our Iraqi counterparts. Many of our operations focus on supporting or enabling the Government of Iraq, through our Iraqi counterparts, to continue to strengthen the infrastructure, economy, and essential sites and services within this country.

I personally could not be in a better position surrounded by a better group of hard working, dedicated men. They are the hardest working soldiers here. They find themselves coping with many sleepless nights, working hard to maintain a high level of readiness and proficiency, and they continue to set the standard. You would (and should) be proud of your sons/brothers/husbands that work in this platoon!

In the future I intend to have you hear from the platoon sergeant and squad leaders, giving a different perspective and a greater focus on individual squads and the soldiers within.

Your love and support is much appreciated as we continue to push forward. We are a resilient group, and we stay close to maintain high spirits and high esprit de corps, but care packages never hurt!

Until next time,

1LT Fry

"Green 6"

Typical Day in Iraq

After a delay I am back. If I don't post for several days please don't worry. Unfortunately the only place I can log onto an open source computer is in the MWR room. This often means that I am occupying a computer that a soldier would use to e-mail home, and I try to limit my usage to maximize the soldiers time. I apologize if anyone was concerned by my absence.

For this post I wanted to talk about what a typical day is like for your soldiers. I will start off by saying that nothing is typical. Currently we have four platoons who each day conduct a different mission. We always have a platoon on security as well as on patrol. Our patrols are always joint, and lately we have been working very closely with the Iraqi Army. I have found that the IA are very aggressive and truly enjoy working with our soldiers. I believe the feeling is mutual. Often I have found our soldiers talking with the IA and interpretors over a cup of Chi (Tea). This is a very rewarding and informative experience.

1SG runs the JSS like a small town. He has a detail of soldiers who assist him with the details required to run the JSS. These soldiers are the unsung hereos who allow the platoons to patrol, and come back to a nice place to stay. It takes a lot to keep this place moving. All of our supplies from food to fuel need to be trucked in from Taji. With the size of the company you can imagine how difficult this task can be. This does affect the mail which usually is about five days late after arriving at Taji.

We also have a Forward Aid Station on the JSS operate by a Physician Assistant. This has proved to be a very valuable asset for helping out the local populace. We have helped several local nationals who have come to the JSS with a merried of injuries. The medics have down an awesome job treating the civilians and helping gain influence with the local populace.

We are a self sustained entity in the middle of Tarmiyah. We are surrounded by the town, and are an intrigal part of the security of this rejoin. With the IA and IP we are making a difference. The soldiers of C CO have continue to rise to the challenge. Everyday they suit up and move out with motivation and discipline. The NCO's continually demonstrate why Charlie Rock is the Battalions main effort. You would be proud and amazed at the level of maturity, discipline, and courage your soldiers demonstrate on a daily basis. I know I am!!

For now.
"CHOCTAW 6, OUT"

SSG Baum

Today was the memorial service for SSG Baum. It was an emotional event for all who attended. Several Charlie company soldiers were able to attend and show our support for B CO. I was proud to see the outpouring of support for a fallen warrior.

Continue to keep SSG Baum, his family, and the soldiers of B CO in your prays.

Welcome to JSS Tarmiyah- Pictures

THE WEIGHT ROOM

JSS TARMIYAH- OUTSIDE VIEW

THE KITCHEN- The cooks like to call it Fred Flintstone cooking.

MWR- We have a small basketball court.

MAIN HALLWAY

I will continue to post more pictures.

CPT Muller

A Long Time Coming

I apologize for the length of time since my last post. I want to start off on a sad note. Many of you know that B CO 1-111th, our sister company, lost a soldier the other day. SGT Baum was killed in the line of duty leading his soldiers like the fine infantryman that he was. I ask that you all keep SGT Baum, his family, and the soldiers of B CO in your prays. These are difficult times and it is especially important that we come together as a family and take care of our own. Help Debbie O'Connor out with the FRG. It is times like this that we need a strong caring FRG whom look out for the good of everyone. I appreciate all the support the families have shown. Continue to take care of each other and we will all get through this.

Things here have been very busy, and the time just fly's by. The whole company is at JSS Tarmiyah, and is learning to Love the unique living conditions. Moral is high and the soldiers of Charlie Company are continuing to perform at the highest levels.

We have been very active since the transition of authority on the 19th of February. We are working closely with the Iraqi Army, Police, and Sons of Iraqi. For the soldiers that were here in the past this is a whole new battle field. The Iraqi Army is very strong. Everyday they impress me with there aggressive motivated attitude. We have learned to depend on them for information and tactical advice.

I myself have learned to enjoy the unique Iraqi food. Continually I am meeting with Sheiks, Police, and Army officers who invite me for lunch or dinner. This has been a unique and very rewarding experience. The people I meet with are very engaging, and love to tell jokes and laugh. Often at my expense. The price you pay for being the new guy on the block.

The unit before us set us up for success. We are currently working many projects valued in the millions that will help build infrastructure, civil capacity and government. This is the way forward, and the only way we will someday be able to leave the country. Not only are we soldiers, but project managers as well.

We all look forward to the day we return home to our families, and can share the stories and experiences form our tour in Iraq.

Until next time.

CPT Muller

Tarmiyah Iraq

Last night the remainder of the Company closed on Camp Taji. Our equipment is arriving at a much slower pace then we had hoped. We are working steadily to prep our Strykers, and company equipment for the move to Tarmiyah.

Yesterday I had my first meeting with the Sheiks in Tarmiyah. It was an interesting session which culminated in my first lunch engagement. Out of the meeting some things became very apparent. The unit we are replacing truly has made great strides towards stabilizing the region. Tarmiyah at one time was a hot bed of insurgent violence, and now is relatively quiet with many rebuilding projects. Yesterday, as I drove through the market I was astonished by the number of shops which were opened, and the variety of goods which were being sold. This is a huge change from my last deployment. The streets were free of trash and rubble and their were construction projects everywhere.

As we continue forward with our mission it will be important for the company to continue these strides, and focus on building civil capacity. There is truly no one better equipped for this mission then the National Guard. Not only are we professional soldiers we are also civilians with unique skill sets (firemen, policemen, project managers, electricians, carpenters, etc). We will be able to leverage these skills to further advance this city and inevitable transition authority for good.

Over the next several days we will start moving out to the JSS. I will continue to post updates and pictures as we move forward.

CPT Muller

Arriving in Iraq

The majority of the Company has closed on Camp Taji, Iraq. So far things are progressing nicely. The Camp has everything you can imagine, bazaar, food court, gyms, awesome DFAC, PX, etc. The guys are living in two to three man barracks.

Shortly we will be moving out to our JSS (Joint Security Station). We will be living in the community working closely with the Iraqi Police, Army, and Governance. Once that takes place we will not be spending much time here on the main post. We have a really good mission supporting the Iraqi Security Forces. The outcome of the upcoming election will dictate how the remainder of our time here will go.

The unit we are relieving is great! They are more then willing to help us, and are trying very hard to set us up for success.

I am really proud of the men of C CO they have continually demonstrated the highest caliber, competence, and fortitude. They have more then earned the right to be the Main Effort for the Battalion.

I will continue to keep everyone posted as the situation develops.

CPT Muller