thedrifter
06-18-06, 07:30 AM
Marines and guardsmen 'embed' with the Iraqi army in restive Anbar
Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 18-Jun-2006 01:42 hrs
US marines take a rest during a joint patrol with Iraqi soldiers in a field in the town of Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad 14 June 2006. The marines are with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army. Scattered throughout the area are 150 marine officers and non-commissioned officers among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
The memorial service for army reservist Sergeant Richard Blakley was held in a courtyard dappled by the patterned shadows of camouflage nets.
It centered around a makeshift shrine featuring a portrait of the sergeant, his dog tags, boots, and his helmet balanced on top of his rifle -- the enduring symbol of a soldier fallen in war.
And the crowd of 60 some attendees was equal parts US military and Iraqi army, mourning the loss of a US national guard advisor in Habbaniyah, in Iraq's restive western province of Anbar.
"Every time his country called, he raised his hand and said: 'Here I am, send me,'" said the chaplain, his vestments draped over his soldier's uniform.
"He could have stayed in his Humvee, but he chose to walk with his Iraqi soldiers. He led by example."
The sergeant was shot dead by a sniper on June 6, while on patrol.
A one-time holiday destination situated on a lake, this green Euphrates valley town of Habbaniyah is located between the insurgent strongholds of Fallujah and Ramadi, and home to one of the closest interactions of US and Iraqi military personnel.
While Military Transition Teams (MiTT) of American advisors can be found with Iraqi troops all over the country, in Habbaniyah the teams are unique in how they live, sleep and eat with the Iraqis.
"You don't understand people until you live with them," said US Marine Colonel Juan Ayala, whose chiseled features hint at his Indian origins. "The good thing with this advisor program is that we actually get to live with the Iraqis."
The marines are here with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army.
Scattered throughout the area are 150 officers and non-commissioned officers, mostly marines, among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
Unlike MiTT teams elsewhere which have their own guarded bases separate from the Iraqis with their own US contractor-supplied food, the marines eat the Iraqi food and share their humble accommodations -- especially in the spartan advance bases.
"Welcome to the Shire," joked one marine in reference to the cramped underground dwellings of the diminutive hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, as he opened the door to a five meter long metal container with six beds stacked inside at one of the rudimentary fire bases.
Latrines are rough affairs that make up for absent plumbing with disposable plastic bags.
"We're here for advice and if necessary air support or artillery," said Major Thomas Chalkley, who advises the 2nd Battalion of the brigade. "I'll take control only in the event Iraqi leadership do something foolish or dangerous."
The trainers' job is to advise the Iraqis on how to wage war so that they can eventually conduct their own operations, which would lead to the much desired drawdown of US forces. But it is not an easy process, especially since they have to learn quickly on the job.
"The main problem is that we don't have enough time to train them, the only shooting 'exercises' we are doing is at the insurgents," said Captain Bryan Joseph Grass.
The aspects of this battle, which is referred to by military experts as a "360 degree battlespace" because the enemy can come at you from any direction, that make it so tough for the Americans to fight, also make it difficult to train the Iraqis.
"The military is trained to fight in a certain way and here it is completely different," said Ayala. "One minute you are having 'chai' (tea) with the imam, and the next minute you could be using your weapon."
But ultimately, what all the American trainers are saying is that it is a battle the Iraqis are better suited to fight than US troops, because Iraqis are better equipped to make that crucial decision about friend and foe.
Out here in Anbar, the specter of the Haditha incident -- in which US marines are accused of killing 24 civilians 100 kilometers to the west -- hangs heavy. Even though the marines never brought it up with their Iraqi counterparts, they did talk about it.
"They talk about it amongst themselves," said Ayala. "The Iraqi officers have been telling their men, if it can happen to the Marines, it can happen to all of us. It stresses the importance of training and discipline."
"You live with the people, you fight with them, you eat with them, they become your people, even if it doesn't mean we are the same," he said. — AFP
The memorial service for army reservist Sergeant Richard Blakley was held in a courtyard dappled by the patterned shadows of camouflage nets.
It centered around a makeshift shrine featuring a portrait of the sergeant, his dog tags, boots, and his helmet balanced on top of his rifle -- the enduring symbol of a soldier fallen in war.
And the crowd of 60 some attendees was equal parts US military and Iraqi army, mourning the loss of a US national guard advisor in Habbaniyah, in Iraq's restive western province of Anbar.
"Every time his country called, he raised his hand and said: 'Here I am, send me,'" said the chaplain, his vestments draped over his soldier's uniform.
"He could have stayed in his Humvee, but he chose to walk with his Iraqi soldiers. He led by example."
The sergeant was shot dead by a sniper on June 6, while on patrol.
A one-time holiday destination situated on a lake, this green Euphrates valley town of Habbaniyah is located between the insurgent strongholds of Fallujah and Ramadi, and home to one of the closest interactions of US and Iraqi military personnel.
While Military Transition Teams (MiTT) of American advisors can be found with Iraqi troops all over the country, in Habbaniyah the teams are unique in how they live, sleep and eat with the Iraqis.
"You don't understand people until you live with them," said US Marine Colonel Juan Ayala, whose chiseled features hint at his Indian origins. "The good thing with this advisor program is that we actually get to live with the Iraqis."
The marines are here with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army.
Scattered throughout the area are 150 officers and non-commissioned officers, mostly marines, among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
Unlike MiTT teams elsewhere which have their own guarded bases separate from the Iraqis with their own US contractor-supplied food, the marines eat the Iraqi food and share their humble accommodations -- especially in the spartan advance bases.
"Welcome to the Shire," joked one marine in reference to the cramped underground dwellings of the diminutive hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, as he opened the door to a five meter long metal container with six beds stacked inside at one of the rudimentary fire bases.
Latrines are rough affairs that make up for absent plumbing with US marines take a rest during a joint patrol with Iraqi soldiers in a field in the town of Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad 14 June 2006. The marines are with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army. Scattered throughout the area are 150 marine officers and non-commissioned officers among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
The memorial service for army reservist Sergeant Richard Blakley was held in a courtyard dappled by the patterned shadows of camouflage nets.
It centered around a makeshift shrine featuring a portrait of the sergeant, his dog tags, boots, and his helmet balanced on top of his rifle -- the enduring symbol of a soldier fallen in war.
And the crowd of 60 some attendees was equal parts US military and Iraqi army, mourning the loss of a US national guard advisor in Habbaniyah, in Iraq's restive western province of Anbar.
"Every time his country called, he raised his hand and said: 'Here I am, send me,'" said the chaplain, his vestments draped over his soldier's uniform.
"He could have stayed in his Humvee, but he chose to walk with his Iraqi soldiers. He led by example."
The sergeant was shot dead by a sniper on June 6, while on patrol.
A one-time holiday destination situated on a lake, this green Euphrates valley town of Habbaniyah is located between the insurgent strongholds of Fallujah and Ramadi, and home to one of the closest interactions of US and Iraqi military personnel.
While Military Transition Teams (MiTT) of American advisors can be found with Iraqi troops all over the country, in Habbaniyah the teams are unique in how they live, sleep and eat with the Iraqis.
"You don't understand people until you live with them," said US Marine Colonel Juan Ayala, whose chiseled features hint at his Indian origins. "The good thing with this advisor program is that we actually get to live with the Iraqis."
The marines are here with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army.
Scattered throughout the area are 150 officers and non-commissioned officers, mostly marines, among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
Unlike MiTT teams elsewhere which have their own guarded bases separate from the Iraqis with their own US contractor-supplied food, the marines eat the Iraqi food and share their humble accommodations -- especially in the spartan advance bases.
"Welcome to the Shire," joked one marine in reference to the cramped underground dwellings of the diminutive hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, as he opened the door to a five meter long metal container with six beds stacked inside at one of the rudimentary fire bases.
Latrines are rough affairs that make up for absent plumbing with disposable plastic bags.
"We're here for advice and if necessary air support or artillery," said Major Thomas Chalkley, who advises the 2nd Battalion of the brigade. "I'll take control only in the event Iraqi leadership do something foolish or dangerous."
The trainers' job is to advise the Iraqis on how to wage war so that they can eventually conduct their own operations, which would lead to the much desired drawdown of US forces. But it is not an easy process, especially since they have to learn quickly on the job.
"The main problem is that we don't have enough time to train them, the only shooting 'exercises' we are doing is at the insurgents," said Captain Bryan Joseph Grass.
The aspects of this battle, which is referred to by military experts as a "360 degree battlespace" because the enemy can come at you from any direction, that make it so tough for the Americans to fight, also make it difficult to train the Iraqis.
"The military is trained to fight in a certain way and here it is completely different," said Ayala. "One minute you are having 'chai' (tea) with the imam, and the next minute you could be using your weapon."
But ultimately, what all the American trainers are saying is that it is a battle the Iraqis are better suited to fight than US troops, because Iraqis are better equipped to make that crucial decision about friend and foe.
Out here in Anbar, the specter of the Haditha incident -- in which US marines are accused of killing 24 civilians 100 kilometers to the west -- hangs heavy. Even though the marines never brought it up with their Iraqi counterparts, they did talk about it.
"They talk about it amongst themselves," said Ayala. "The Iraqi officers have been telling their men, if it can happen to the Marines, it can happen to all of us. It stresses the importance of training and discipline."
"You live with the people, you fight with them, you eat with them, they become your people, even if it doesn't mean we are the same," he said. — AFP
The memorial service for army reservist Sergeant Richard Blakley was held in a courtyard dappled by the patterned shadows of camouflage nets.
It centered around a makeshift shrine featuring a portrait of the sergeant, his dog tags, boots, and his helmet balanced on top of his rifle -- the enduring symbol of a soldier fallen in war.
And the crowd of 60 some attendees was equal parts US military and Iraqi army, mourning the loss of a US national guard advisor in Habbaniyah, in Iraq's restive western province of Anbar.
"Every time his country called, he raised his hand and said: 'Here I am, send me,'" said the chaplain, his vestments draped over his soldier's uniform.
"He could have stayed in his Humvee, but he chose to walk with his Iraqi soldiers. He led by example."
The sergeant was shot dead by a sniper on June 6, while on patrol.
A one-time holiday destination situated on a lake, this green Euphrates valley town of Habbaniyah is located between the insurgent strongholds of Fallujah and Ramadi, and home to one of the closest interactions of US and Iraqi military personnel.
While Military Transition Teams (MiTT) of American advisors can be found with Iraqi troops all over the country, in Habbaniyah the teams are unique in how they live, sleep and eat with the Iraqis.
"You don't understand people until you live with them," said US Marine Colonel Juan Ayala, whose chiseled features hint at his Indian origins. "The good thing with this advisor program is that we actually get to live with the Iraqis."
The marines are here with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army.
Scattered throughout the area are 150 officers and non-commissioned officers, mostly marines, among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
Unlike MiTT teams elsewhere which have their own guarded bases separate from the Iraqis with their own US contractor-supplied food, the marines eat the Iraqi food and share their humble accommodations -- especially in the spartan advance bases.
"Welcome to the Shire," joked one marine in reference to the cramped underground dwellings of the diminutive hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, as he opened the door to a five meter long metal container with six beds stacked inside at one of the rudimentary fire bases.
Latrines are rough affairs that make up for absent plumbing with disposable plastic bags.
"We're here for advice and if necessary air support or artillery," said Major Thomas Chalkley, who advises the 2nd Battalion of the brigade. "I'll take control only in the event Iraqi leadership do something foolish or dangerous."
The trainers' job is to advise the Iraqis on how to wage war so that they can eventually conduct their own operations, which would lead to the much desired drawdown of US forces. But it is not an easy process, especially since they have to learn quickly on the job.
"The main problem is that we don't have enough time to train them, the only shooting 'exercises' we are doing is at the insurgents," said Captain Bryan Joseph Grass.
The aspects of this battle, which is referred to by military experts as a "360 degree battlespace" because the enemy can come at you from any direction, that make it so tough for the Americans to fight, also make it difficult to train the Iraqis.
"The military is trained to fight in a certain way and here it is completely different," said Ayala. "One minute you are having 'chai' (tea) with the imam, and the next minute you could be using your weapon."
But ultimately, what all the American trainers are saying is that it is a battle the Iraqis are better suited to fight than US troops, because Iraqis are better equipped to make that crucial decision about friend and foe.
Out here in Anbar, the specter of the Haditha incident -- in which US marines are accused of killing 24 civilians 100 kilometers to the west -- hangs heavy. Even though the marines never brought it up with their Iraqi counterparts, they did talk about it.
"They talk about it amongst themselves," said Ayala. "The Iraqi officers have been telling their men, if it can happen to the Marines, it can happen to all of us. It stresses the importance of training and discipline."
"You live with the people, you fight with them, you eat with them, they become your people, even if it doesn't mean we are the same," he said. — AFP
Ellie
Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 18-Jun-2006 01:42 hrs
US marines take a rest during a joint patrol with Iraqi soldiers in a field in the town of Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad 14 June 2006. The marines are with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army. Scattered throughout the area are 150 marine officers and non-commissioned officers among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
The memorial service for army reservist Sergeant Richard Blakley was held in a courtyard dappled by the patterned shadows of camouflage nets.
It centered around a makeshift shrine featuring a portrait of the sergeant, his dog tags, boots, and his helmet balanced on top of his rifle -- the enduring symbol of a soldier fallen in war.
And the crowd of 60 some attendees was equal parts US military and Iraqi army, mourning the loss of a US national guard advisor in Habbaniyah, in Iraq's restive western province of Anbar.
"Every time his country called, he raised his hand and said: 'Here I am, send me,'" said the chaplain, his vestments draped over his soldier's uniform.
"He could have stayed in his Humvee, but he chose to walk with his Iraqi soldiers. He led by example."
The sergeant was shot dead by a sniper on June 6, while on patrol.
A one-time holiday destination situated on a lake, this green Euphrates valley town of Habbaniyah is located between the insurgent strongholds of Fallujah and Ramadi, and home to one of the closest interactions of US and Iraqi military personnel.
While Military Transition Teams (MiTT) of American advisors can be found with Iraqi troops all over the country, in Habbaniyah the teams are unique in how they live, sleep and eat with the Iraqis.
"You don't understand people until you live with them," said US Marine Colonel Juan Ayala, whose chiseled features hint at his Indian origins. "The good thing with this advisor program is that we actually get to live with the Iraqis."
The marines are here with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army.
Scattered throughout the area are 150 officers and non-commissioned officers, mostly marines, among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
Unlike MiTT teams elsewhere which have their own guarded bases separate from the Iraqis with their own US contractor-supplied food, the marines eat the Iraqi food and share their humble accommodations -- especially in the spartan advance bases.
"Welcome to the Shire," joked one marine in reference to the cramped underground dwellings of the diminutive hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, as he opened the door to a five meter long metal container with six beds stacked inside at one of the rudimentary fire bases.
Latrines are rough affairs that make up for absent plumbing with disposable plastic bags.
"We're here for advice and if necessary air support or artillery," said Major Thomas Chalkley, who advises the 2nd Battalion of the brigade. "I'll take control only in the event Iraqi leadership do something foolish or dangerous."
The trainers' job is to advise the Iraqis on how to wage war so that they can eventually conduct their own operations, which would lead to the much desired drawdown of US forces. But it is not an easy process, especially since they have to learn quickly on the job.
"The main problem is that we don't have enough time to train them, the only shooting 'exercises' we are doing is at the insurgents," said Captain Bryan Joseph Grass.
The aspects of this battle, which is referred to by military experts as a "360 degree battlespace" because the enemy can come at you from any direction, that make it so tough for the Americans to fight, also make it difficult to train the Iraqis.
"The military is trained to fight in a certain way and here it is completely different," said Ayala. "One minute you are having 'chai' (tea) with the imam, and the next minute you could be using your weapon."
But ultimately, what all the American trainers are saying is that it is a battle the Iraqis are better suited to fight than US troops, because Iraqis are better equipped to make that crucial decision about friend and foe.
Out here in Anbar, the specter of the Haditha incident -- in which US marines are accused of killing 24 civilians 100 kilometers to the west -- hangs heavy. Even though the marines never brought it up with their Iraqi counterparts, they did talk about it.
"They talk about it amongst themselves," said Ayala. "The Iraqi officers have been telling their men, if it can happen to the Marines, it can happen to all of us. It stresses the importance of training and discipline."
"You live with the people, you fight with them, you eat with them, they become your people, even if it doesn't mean we are the same," he said. — AFP
The memorial service for army reservist Sergeant Richard Blakley was held in a courtyard dappled by the patterned shadows of camouflage nets.
It centered around a makeshift shrine featuring a portrait of the sergeant, his dog tags, boots, and his helmet balanced on top of his rifle -- the enduring symbol of a soldier fallen in war.
And the crowd of 60 some attendees was equal parts US military and Iraqi army, mourning the loss of a US national guard advisor in Habbaniyah, in Iraq's restive western province of Anbar.
"Every time his country called, he raised his hand and said: 'Here I am, send me,'" said the chaplain, his vestments draped over his soldier's uniform.
"He could have stayed in his Humvee, but he chose to walk with his Iraqi soldiers. He led by example."
The sergeant was shot dead by a sniper on June 6, while on patrol.
A one-time holiday destination situated on a lake, this green Euphrates valley town of Habbaniyah is located between the insurgent strongholds of Fallujah and Ramadi, and home to one of the closest interactions of US and Iraqi military personnel.
While Military Transition Teams (MiTT) of American advisors can be found with Iraqi troops all over the country, in Habbaniyah the teams are unique in how they live, sleep and eat with the Iraqis.
"You don't understand people until you live with them," said US Marine Colonel Juan Ayala, whose chiseled features hint at his Indian origins. "The good thing with this advisor program is that we actually get to live with the Iraqis."
The marines are here with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army.
Scattered throughout the area are 150 officers and non-commissioned officers, mostly marines, among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
Unlike MiTT teams elsewhere which have their own guarded bases separate from the Iraqis with their own US contractor-supplied food, the marines eat the Iraqi food and share their humble accommodations -- especially in the spartan advance bases.
"Welcome to the Shire," joked one marine in reference to the cramped underground dwellings of the diminutive hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, as he opened the door to a five meter long metal container with six beds stacked inside at one of the rudimentary fire bases.
Latrines are rough affairs that make up for absent plumbing with US marines take a rest during a joint patrol with Iraqi soldiers in a field in the town of Habbaniyah, west of Baghdad 14 June 2006. The marines are with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army. Scattered throughout the area are 150 marine officers and non-commissioned officers among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
The memorial service for army reservist Sergeant Richard Blakley was held in a courtyard dappled by the patterned shadows of camouflage nets.
It centered around a makeshift shrine featuring a portrait of the sergeant, his dog tags, boots, and his helmet balanced on top of his rifle -- the enduring symbol of a soldier fallen in war.
And the crowd of 60 some attendees was equal parts US military and Iraqi army, mourning the loss of a US national guard advisor in Habbaniyah, in Iraq's restive western province of Anbar.
"Every time his country called, he raised his hand and said: 'Here I am, send me,'" said the chaplain, his vestments draped over his soldier's uniform.
"He could have stayed in his Humvee, but he chose to walk with his Iraqi soldiers. He led by example."
The sergeant was shot dead by a sniper on June 6, while on patrol.
A one-time holiday destination situated on a lake, this green Euphrates valley town of Habbaniyah is located between the insurgent strongholds of Fallujah and Ramadi, and home to one of the closest interactions of US and Iraqi military personnel.
While Military Transition Teams (MiTT) of American advisors can be found with Iraqi troops all over the country, in Habbaniyah the teams are unique in how they live, sleep and eat with the Iraqis.
"You don't understand people until you live with them," said US Marine Colonel Juan Ayala, whose chiseled features hint at his Indian origins. "The good thing with this advisor program is that we actually get to live with the Iraqis."
The marines are here with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army.
Scattered throughout the area are 150 officers and non-commissioned officers, mostly marines, among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
Unlike MiTT teams elsewhere which have their own guarded bases separate from the Iraqis with their own US contractor-supplied food, the marines eat the Iraqi food and share their humble accommodations -- especially in the spartan advance bases.
"Welcome to the Shire," joked one marine in reference to the cramped underground dwellings of the diminutive hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, as he opened the door to a five meter long metal container with six beds stacked inside at one of the rudimentary fire bases.
Latrines are rough affairs that make up for absent plumbing with disposable plastic bags.
"We're here for advice and if necessary air support or artillery," said Major Thomas Chalkley, who advises the 2nd Battalion of the brigade. "I'll take control only in the event Iraqi leadership do something foolish or dangerous."
The trainers' job is to advise the Iraqis on how to wage war so that they can eventually conduct their own operations, which would lead to the much desired drawdown of US forces. But it is not an easy process, especially since they have to learn quickly on the job.
"The main problem is that we don't have enough time to train them, the only shooting 'exercises' we are doing is at the insurgents," said Captain Bryan Joseph Grass.
The aspects of this battle, which is referred to by military experts as a "360 degree battlespace" because the enemy can come at you from any direction, that make it so tough for the Americans to fight, also make it difficult to train the Iraqis.
"The military is trained to fight in a certain way and here it is completely different," said Ayala. "One minute you are having 'chai' (tea) with the imam, and the next minute you could be using your weapon."
But ultimately, what all the American trainers are saying is that it is a battle the Iraqis are better suited to fight than US troops, because Iraqis are better equipped to make that crucial decision about friend and foe.
Out here in Anbar, the specter of the Haditha incident -- in which US marines are accused of killing 24 civilians 100 kilometers to the west -- hangs heavy. Even though the marines never brought it up with their Iraqi counterparts, they did talk about it.
"They talk about it amongst themselves," said Ayala. "The Iraqi officers have been telling their men, if it can happen to the Marines, it can happen to all of us. It stresses the importance of training and discipline."
"You live with the people, you fight with them, you eat with them, they become your people, even if it doesn't mean we are the same," he said. — AFP
The memorial service for army reservist Sergeant Richard Blakley was held in a courtyard dappled by the patterned shadows of camouflage nets.
It centered around a makeshift shrine featuring a portrait of the sergeant, his dog tags, boots, and his helmet balanced on top of his rifle -- the enduring symbol of a soldier fallen in war.
And the crowd of 60 some attendees was equal parts US military and Iraqi army, mourning the loss of a US national guard advisor in Habbaniyah, in Iraq's restive western province of Anbar.
"Every time his country called, he raised his hand and said: 'Here I am, send me,'" said the chaplain, his vestments draped over his soldier's uniform.
"He could have stayed in his Humvee, but he chose to walk with his Iraqi soldiers. He led by example."
The sergeant was shot dead by a sniper on June 6, while on patrol.
A one-time holiday destination situated on a lake, this green Euphrates valley town of Habbaniyah is located between the insurgent strongholds of Fallujah and Ramadi, and home to one of the closest interactions of US and Iraqi military personnel.
While Military Transition Teams (MiTT) of American advisors can be found with Iraqi troops all over the country, in Habbaniyah the teams are unique in how they live, sleep and eat with the Iraqis.
"You don't understand people until you live with them," said US Marine Colonel Juan Ayala, whose chiseled features hint at his Indian origins. "The good thing with this advisor program is that we actually get to live with the Iraqis."
The marines are here with the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Division, one of the oldest and most battle-tested units in the Iraqi army.
Scattered throughout the area are 150 officers and non-commissioned officers, mostly marines, among the 1,400 men of the brigade, meaning two marines usually accompany patrols of 20 to 30 Iraqis.
Unlike MiTT teams elsewhere which have their own guarded bases separate from the Iraqis with their own US contractor-supplied food, the marines eat the Iraqi food and share their humble accommodations -- especially in the spartan advance bases.
"Welcome to the Shire," joked one marine in reference to the cramped underground dwellings of the diminutive hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, as he opened the door to a five meter long metal container with six beds stacked inside at one of the rudimentary fire bases.
Latrines are rough affairs that make up for absent plumbing with disposable plastic bags.
"We're here for advice and if necessary air support or artillery," said Major Thomas Chalkley, who advises the 2nd Battalion of the brigade. "I'll take control only in the event Iraqi leadership do something foolish or dangerous."
The trainers' job is to advise the Iraqis on how to wage war so that they can eventually conduct their own operations, which would lead to the much desired drawdown of US forces. But it is not an easy process, especially since they have to learn quickly on the job.
"The main problem is that we don't have enough time to train them, the only shooting 'exercises' we are doing is at the insurgents," said Captain Bryan Joseph Grass.
The aspects of this battle, which is referred to by military experts as a "360 degree battlespace" because the enemy can come at you from any direction, that make it so tough for the Americans to fight, also make it difficult to train the Iraqis.
"The military is trained to fight in a certain way and here it is completely different," said Ayala. "One minute you are having 'chai' (tea) with the imam, and the next minute you could be using your weapon."
But ultimately, what all the American trainers are saying is that it is a battle the Iraqis are better suited to fight than US troops, because Iraqis are better equipped to make that crucial decision about friend and foe.
Out here in Anbar, the specter of the Haditha incident -- in which US marines are accused of killing 24 civilians 100 kilometers to the west -- hangs heavy. Even though the marines never brought it up with their Iraqi counterparts, they did talk about it.
"They talk about it amongst themselves," said Ayala. "The Iraqi officers have been telling their men, if it can happen to the Marines, it can happen to all of us. It stresses the importance of training and discipline."
"You live with the people, you fight with them, you eat with them, they become your people, even if it doesn't mean we are the same," he said. — AFP
Ellie