Disabling the Insurgency

Disabling the Insurgency
Dagger's Edge Magazine Vol 1, Iss 21
Sgt. 1st Class Sean O’Brien
September 5, 2007

The Distribution Platoon of G Company, 610th BSB (Forward Support Company for 2-32 FA) continues to do an outstanding job here in Iraq, providing “service to the line, on the line, and on time.” This diverse group of Soldiers is comprised of various military occupational skills ranging from mechanic to cook to driver; all of whom come together as one team to issue ammo, transport food, deliver fuel, dispose of trash and provide barrier emplacement in support of Task Force Patriot and the
2nd Brigade Combat Team.

On occasion, enormous transportation requirements arise to which the platoon must react quickly and aggressively. These requests have become somewhat of a learning experience and a challenge. This month, besides the normal weekly battle rhythm, Task Force Patriot called on Distribution Platoon to transport over 2,500 50-kilogram bags of ammonium nitrate from an abandoned factory in Hateen to Camp Liberty’s hazardous material disposal area.

We began the planning process with the idea of using connex inserts and ratchet straps, an idea which seemed great until one of the maneuver platoons brought us a bag of the material in question. At first glance, the awkward shape and solidity of the 110-pound bag presented a problem. The adaptive Soldiers of the platoon experimented with multiple configurations using an insert, reaching the conclusion that about 10 bags would maximize an insert without compromising its structural integrity. In doing the math, 2,500 bags of ammonium nitrate would require about 250 connex inserts. This meant Distro Platoon would have to make multiple trips to and from Camp Liberty to accomplish the mission. In order to maximize the capabilities of our five heavy transport vehicles and save time, we knew we had to adjust fire.

We next acquired Air Force pallets and cargo nets and coordinated forklift support from B Company, 299th FSB. The platoon made training on the Air Force pallets its priority, since none of the Soldiers had any experience with the Air Force’s nets and pallet systems. The platoon pulled together in preparation for the mission and became proficient on the equipment, experimenting with the best ways to use it until a new plan was in place.

At “O’dark thirty”, we staged our vehicles and conducted PCC/PCI, the mission
brief, and battle drills. The convoy moved out and set up at an abandoned warehouse in the Hateen Industrial Area. When the contracted Iraqi workers arrived, the security platoon searched them and led them into the factory, where they would upload the ammonium nitrate bags onto our equipment. All of the workers were excited; most had not been able to find work in nearly a year. The first warehouse was covered with inches of bird droppings, which we inadvertently stirred up into a kind of dust as we worked. We provided the workers with face masks and rubber gloves, but it was a dirty and hot first day’s work for everyone involved. Fortunately, the second and larger warehouse storing ammonium nitrate was not nearly as bad.

Over the course of five days, each truck averaged about an hour or so to upload and then a little extra time to tie and secure each load with cargo nets. On the final day, we loaded damaged and ripped bags into connex inserts for containerized transport. Despite the mid-afternoon heat, which soared each day to over 120 degrees, everyone consistently displayed exceptional motivation and teamwork throughout the duration of the mission.

Distribution Platoon, in conjunction with local national contractors, and elements of Alpha Battery, 2-32 FA, removed over 250,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate, preventing the insurgents from using the volatile compound against our forces in the form of home made explosives. With ingenuity, teamwork, and dedication, the Soldiers of this platoon continue to live up to the spirit of the Big Red One. “No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great, Duty First!”