A 150 ARS gun truck crew fires a MK19, belt fed, 40mm grenade launcher
Col. Gregory A. Lusk and Personal Security Detail member, Staff Sgt. Charles A. Smith
The 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team of North Carolina’s Army National Guard made history when it deployed to Iraq in 2004 as the first National Guard brigade committed to combat operations in the Global War on Terror.
Old Hickory was also the first National Guard brigade committed to combat since World War II.
While in Iraq, Soldiers captured insurgents, began rebuilding Iraq’s infrastructure and began establishing security for the people of Iraq. As the war continued and the surge of 2007 occurred, progress began to take hold in Iraq. Iraq is now a more stable nation with a functioning government and security forces that can stand and fight in partnership with Coalition Forces. In January, Iraq held its first provincial elections.
The time has come for the 30th to return to Iraq.
In a recent interview, Col. Gregory A. Lusk, the 30th Brigade Commander, shared his thoughts on our 2009 deployment.
Here’s what he had to say:
“There are striking similarities and stark contrasts with this deployment as I see it.
Protecting Iraqi citizens and providing security will remain our primary mission. Through civil security, all other aspects of Iraqi life will be enabled. Security will enable economic growth, which creates much needed jobs. Security enables the continued growth of sound governance which links the Government of Iraq to its citizens.
The stark difference exists in our methodology of providing civil security. We will provide this through and in direct partnership with the Iraqi Security Forces (Police and Army).
During our 2004 deployment we executed many operations unilaterally as there was a minimal capability in the then infant Iraq Security Forces.
Having just returned from a visit to Iraq, it is impressive to note the increased professional capabilities the Iraqi Police and Army. With this increased capability we now have the opportunity to conduct all operations in a combined role, partnering with the Iraqi forces to further their ability to provide and maintain security for their citizens on behalf of the Government of Iraq. Iraqis are designing and executing the plans, which puts us in a partnership. We are there to assist with Iraqi Forces while remaining alert and prepared to fight is not easy, but he also emphasized the benefit of having brigade of Citizen Soldiers to do the job.
“We are asking our Soldiers to serve in partnership with Iraqi Security Forces, to be approachable and fair to the Iraqi people, and at the same time we expect our Soldiers to be ready to fight at a moment’s notice,” Lusk said. “But one thing we have in this brigade is a civil maturity, in that we inherently know how to act with our neighbors. This is a talent that we recognize and will leverage in our mission.”
In the upcoming deployment, we must be ready to fight in order to assist in the defeat of insurgents and terrorists. This is why warrior task training is so crucial.
The situation in Iraq today has greatly improved from what it was in 2004 or even 2007, but the potential for violence is a present and constant threat. This deployment will be about supporting the Iraqi government’s efforts in providing for its people. We will work with the Iraqi Security Forces, in combined operations, in partnership.
This deployment will be about ensuring that the progress made to date endures, and about ensuring that the sacrifices and hard work of our Warfighters has not been in vain. It will be about an Iraq that does not harbor terrorists that would do our families and neighbors harm.
This deployment is about winning and maintaining peace for Iraq.
Public Affairs Guidance for dealing with the media from “Old Hickory’s” first deployment to Iraq.
• Always check media ID and credentials. If none, contact 30th Brigade PAO, Maj. Al Hunt.
• Never discuss troop locations and current or future plans.
• Everything you say is always on the RECORD with the media.
• Only discuss what you know and never speculate. Stay in your lane. If you do not know, say you do not know. NEVER lie to the media.
• Notify chain of command of media presence
• Be prepared by knowing three things you can say about yourself and three things you can say about your job.
• If you don’t want to, you do not have speak, grant interviews or answer a reporter’s questions, but always be polite.
Remember, if we do not tell the story, the media will be forced to write it on their own. We can be proud of what we are doing and the sacrifices our families are making. Let the world know that you are making a stand and what you are willing to defend.
~ Maj. Al Hunt
The HEAT trainer is used to teach soldiers how protect themselves during a vehicle roll-over, and how to best exit the vehicle once it has come to a stop.
Taking heat
Camp Shelby, Miss. – Spc. Ariana Higgins of B Co., 30th STB, takes a spin in the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer.
(1) The HEAT trainer begins to roll-over.
(2) Higgins braces herself in the upside down simulator and (3) exits the trainer.
Wild Thing’s comment…….
God bless these men and keep them safe.
I loved what Maj. Al Hunt said about the media.
I love this brigade’s rules for dealing with the press. Especially the last rule; you don’t have to respond to the press. Obviously this unit had some dealings with the media on their first deployment and tose reporters probably weren’t totally truthful.
Go Old Hickory!
I cannot for one day forget that our troops are the best in the world and a true reflection of us as a nation. Well, most of us.
Tom, me too, I sat here and laughed the first time I read this, laughed with a big cheer for what he said. I love how he shot the meida down like that and did it in such a totally cool way. haha
cuchieddie-25th ID Vet, DITTO all of that!!!!!!
This blog is encyclopedic and very interesting. You should consider presenting it to a book publisher and having it published.