By Spc. Cassandra Groce, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detach.
TIKRIT, Iraq – Every Soldier in Iraq contributes to the overall progress of the country’s independence and self-preservation.
For Army 1st Lt. Brian Cahill, commander of Bravo Company, 47th Command Support Hospital, 30th Medical Brigade, controlling a company is only the beginning of his duty list.
Cahill, a registered nurse and native of Lacey, Wash., also has been engaged in a new effort to improve the Iraqi medical personnel. Iraqi Army medics are brought to Contingency Operating Base Speicher to see trauma patients and operating procedures first hand.
“By allowing them to be here for an extended time, it reinforces their skills,” said Cahill.
The two-week course is just one of the many additions to the CSH’s involvement with Iraqi medics. The CSH also develops videos featuring operating procedures, in which an Iraqi physician translates them into English.
Through Cahill is just one of many Soldiers who assisted in developing the training program for the Iraqi medics, his contributions will have a lasting effect on the future healthcare of Iraq.
“I can’t say ‘I did this’ but as a unit, I think we have set up a precedence for future units with the Iraqi populace,” explained Cahill. “By allowing them to control how things run and decide what is important. The ultimate goal is an independently running Iraqi health care program.”
Cahill’s military motivation comes from a heritage of service in his family. His father was an officer, and both grandfathers served in World War II.
“The military offers opportunity, and it seemed it would be fun,” said Cahill.
Cahill has been in the service for three years, and became a company commander in April.
