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Marines, Iraqi Security Forces combine efforts at city entrances

A city once known as a heavily populated insurgent stronghold isn't carrying that reputation any more. Thousands of Fallujans moved back into their homes and businesses, but unwelcome guests meet a mixed crowd of forces at the cities limits.

An Iraqi Policeman checks a local citizen's badge at an entry control point leading into Fallujah. Several different checkpoints are set around the city to control who and what get into Fallujah. People passing through are required to produce a proper identification badge issued by Marines of 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, and must undergo a personal and vehicle search. Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army and Marines man the ECPs and work together to accomplish the demanding mission. Upwards of 1,000 vehicles pass through some of the main checkpoints each day, but many people are turned away when trying to get into the city without the proper badge issued by Marines.

Marines from 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, man several different entry control points leading into the city. They work hand in hand with Fallujah Police and Iraqi Army soldiers, controlling who and what gets into the city.

"It's a challenge," said Lance Cpl. Kevin C. Vanorsdale, a 22 year-old from Rochester N.Y., who spends his days at one main entry point. "We try and get as many vehicles and people through the ECP as possible, but we also make sure that no one trying to harm the people or Coalition Forces operating in the city make it through our lines."

At ECP 1, the Marines and Iraqi Forces search and let in an average of 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles daily. Recent months averaged upwards of 30,000 vehicles carrying everything from local Fallujans to business employees and contractors down the city's main road.

Cars can be seen waiting in line before the entry points open their gates to traffic. Marines here know how frustrating the long lines can be. Still, they don't underestimate the danger of insurgents trying to blend in with locals and make their way into the city.

"It's a balancing act," said 1st Sgt. Leon H. Rideout, a 43-year-old from Lancaster, N.H., assigned to the battalion Headquarters and Service Company. "We have to keep a steady flow of people moving through the ECP's while making sure the safety of the Iraqis and Marines is paramount."

The presence at the entry points and long hours is paying off for the Marines and Iraqi Forces here. More anti-Iraqi Forces and insurgents have been caught trying to get into the city by Marines and Iraqi Police and soldiers manning the checkpoints than those operating inside the cities boundaries.

Iraqi Police and Army soldiers are doing their part here, searching and interacting with locals constantly.

"You have to have them there. It is a huge help," Rideout said. "They have been the genesis of us capturing people that are not supposed to be in the city. They are just as actively engaged as the Marines are."

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