Cars head south down Main Supply Route Tampa June 2, 2009 in Iraq. Security and law enforcement on the highway was the subject of a conference of U.S. and Iraqi forces.
Lt. Col. Dale Slade, Task Force, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, discussed the presentation with Lt. Col. Riyadh of the Dhi Qar Iraqi Police, through a translator.
Leaders discussed the enforcement of proper speed limits and traffic laws, and maintaining a highway free of debris.
Keeping the highways free of debris helps prevent insurgents from placing IEDs among trash, broken down vehicles, and other objects along the highway.
“Each side was able to express its concerns of current and shared ideas in terms of how to share the road, not only to protect the U.S. forces, but the ISF and the local population as we execute a responsible drawdown out of Iraq,” said Maj. Robert Newbauer, an Allegan, Mich., native serving as plans officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
As the ISF continues to take the lead, the U.S. forces will coordinate closely with ISF operation centers in regards to convoy movements and checkpoints.
“It is important that as we retrograde and draw vehicles responsibly out of Iraq we have the full support of our Iraqi partners as they not only set up check points along the road,” Newbauer said. “They continue to build upon the gains that they have made in terms of security and are able to do things themselves.”
By Spc. Chastity Boykin, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. PAO
