Local task force trained by 1/327th infantry kicks in doors on insurgents in Adwar

Adwar, Iraq-

The Iraqis just got their uniforms fresh out of the bag. They tried on their new boots and their Marine surplus uniforms. By the time they received their almost full AK-47 magazines, yesterday's rag tag group was transformed into something resembling a cohesive force.

"This should give them the confidence that they've been trained by the best Army in the world," said Spc. Mark Mahurin, commenting they only had 60 days to mold the force.

Now it was test time.

Soldiers from 2nd Platoon of Charlie Co. led them out to an Iraqi Police checkpoint where they quickly integrated with the blue-uniformed police and began searching cars- basically checking for weapons and comparing male IDs with a list of wanted insurgents in the area.

Hetham Salim Nada, Captain of the new task force said the joint patrols are good for his new soldiers. Salim Nada said he understands the Iraqis, they need a strong man and that he has a lot of experience.

"Yeah, like shooting at us last time?" Staff Sgt. Timothy Griffin asked, half joking.

But Staff Sgt. Griffin wanted to make sure the new soldiers learned his way. He demanded that the U.S.-trained force stop every car. There has been problems with the Iraqi Police only stopping who they want to stop, and letting those with the same tribal loyalties go through unchecked.

Then it was onto the city of Adwar, which had been relatively quiet in recent weeks, but as Spc. Matt Groover, 20, of Knoxville TN, said, "We try not to stay in Adwar too long on patrols." Groover who just returned from his R-n-R leave a few days ago said before he left they had found some propane tanks rigged for bombs.

Groover's warning proved prescient. As soon as the police trucks and accompanying U.S. vehicles hit the city a pineapple grenade was tossed over a courtyard and exploded. Thankfully it was wildly off target. It takes a lot more accuracy and firepower to put a dent in a U.S. MRAP. But now the Iraqis had a prime opportunity to put into action their "stack training" which they practiced the day before at Patrol Base Woodcock.

"I want to see how they do this," said Staff Sgt. Griffin laying down a challenge, "I'll tell you what, the CLCs (Concerned Local Citizens), your trainings over with if you get this guy today."

Intelligence began coming in over the radios that a known cell leader may have recently passed through a checkpoint. The Americans gave the Iraqis his name. Fortunately, as locals they knew right where his house was.

Or thought they knew. Or maybe he had a few safe houses. As soon as they dismounted from the backs of their pick up trucks they were running through alleyways and lining up against the cinderblock walls better than they looked during training. Probably because it was real.

"Bam", several courtyard gates caved in to the force of their new boots and the Iraqis were through, while their partners rushed in from another side. They cleared about 30 houses, according to Staff Sgt. Griffin and couldn't find the cell leader. Typical, since the known insurgent probably has plenty of signs that the armored calvary was looking for him. An "early warning network," Capt. Gacheru, commander of 1st/327th, called it. Kind of like look outs for dealers in the hood, although a poor analogy.

They didn't catch anyone, but chalk it up to a passing grade. "That's why we're trying to bring in a small group we can trust, cause you can't do the whole (Iraqi Police) force," Gacheru said. "It's too corrupted. That's why they're a combat multiplier for us."

Small force, but multiplied by good training and even more, the potential for loyalty. At the end of the day Staff Sgt. Griffin told Captain Salim Nada, call me when you get any word on this guy.

"It'll take a couple of days to find out who did it," Griffin said.