Here are two articles from the military illustrating our efforts to help the Iraqis secure their long border with Iran.

Soldiers from Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment emplace an Unattended Ground Sensor during a nighttime operation Feb. 25. The sensors allow the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement to track potential smugglers and their routes, making sure their illegal cargo does not enter Iraq. Photo by Cody Harding

The border between Iraq and Iran is heavily guarded, with numerous forts on both sides. However, illegal weapons and other dangerous items are still carried into Iraq by smugglers who supply extremists fighting against the Iraqi government.

The Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement is tasked with dealing with security and interdicting smuggling along the border. With the national elections approaching, its job becomes even more important to the security of the voters across the country.

With tactical and technological assistance from A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, the DBE’s 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade keeps a watch on the border with Iran in Wasit Province.

Spc. Paul Gauthier, a Cavalry Scout with “Assassin” Troop, said that working with the Iraqis is vital in protecting the border with Iran.

“There’s been talk of a lot of smuggling,” he said. “So we’re working with the Iraqis to try to minimize and cut down on all of the corruption and smuggling that’s going on.”

First Lt. Allan Keefer, A Troop, has patrolled the area several times and said that the Iraqi border guards in the area have been willing to train themselves and work with A Troop.

“They’re well trained; we’ve had a lot of previous MiT [Military Transition] Teams and U.S Border Enforcement agents here,” said Keefer. “So they’re trained on the individual tasks well. We’re working with them now so they can do their collective tasks.”

Gauthier, a Honey Brook, Pa. native, said that working with the Iraqis on stopping smuggling has been a great experience.

“They’re great to get along with,” said Gauthier. “They’re easy to talk to, they’re willing to learn, and it’s been going great so far.”

Keefer, from Mercersburg, Pa., shared similar sentiments.

“The Iraqis that are working on the border are getting better every day,” he said. “Their capabilities aren’t quite where ours are, but they’re using what they have and they’re doing a good job with it. Of course they can always get better.”

“We’ve denied a lot of terrain to the smugglers by dismounted patrols and different systems we use,” Keefer said. “And we’ve done that all with the Iraqis.”

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Story by Cody Harding

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Frederick Do of Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment briefs his Soldiers before heading out to inspect Iraqi Guard Towers Feb. 25. The towers, which are used by the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement to help stop smuggling, are placed near the Iraqi border by the DBE. Photo by Cody Harding

The Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement, the Government of Iraq’s primary force for border security and the interdiction of smuggling, continues to keep an eye on the border with Iran.

They pursue and catch smugglers who attempt to cross the border with weapons, drugs or other means of harming the Iraqi people.

With help from A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, the Iraqi border guards of 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade, Department of Border Enforcement, have added a new watchtower along Iraq’s border with Iran. The new tower will help trained observers crack down on smuggling and reduce the presence of insurgents.

Sgt. Steven Glatfelter, a non-commissioned officer with 1st Platoon “Assassin” Troop, said that working with the Iraqi DBE is a good mission for the unit.

“It’s like working with any Iraqis,” he said. “There’s challenges like language, but they’re eager to learn and they like working with us. They’re very friendly and engaging.”

The two-story tower, emplaced on the boundary between the 7th Brigade and 8th Brigade of the DBE, was placed in the area due to intelligence suggesting the area to be a possible smuggling route, said Capt. Travis Trammell, Assassin Troop commander.

The experience of working with the DBE is a new one for Assassin Troop, who have worked with the Iraqi Police and Army in the past, but not with the DBE, said Trammell.

“The tactics and techniques of the DBE are somewhat foreign to the troops”, he said. “But it has given them an opportunity to learn and they’ve enjoyed it. It’s an interesting setup that the DBE have and it’s something to see.”

Glatfelter, who is from Kinsers, Pa., said that he has seen substantial improvement in the border guards since his two previous tours in Iraq in 2005 and 2007.

“First time we were here, they were just following our lead”, he said. “It was a fledgling military force we were working with, and now they run the show. We are here now as an advise and assist brigade and that’s what we’re doing.”

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Story by Cody Harding

Iraqi Lt. Col. Khalil Meflik Hamad (left), the deputy commander of operations at Port of Entry Ar Ar, takes Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, the commanding general of Multi National Force - West, on a tour of POE Ar Ar, Iraq, Oct. 21, 2009. During his visit, Tryon spoke to Hamad about the POE's preparations for the Hajj season. Photo by Cpl. Meg Murray

In the Islamic faith, all able bodied Muslims are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at least once in their lifetime. This great movement is known as the Hajj, and it is the fifth pillar of Islam, set into place by the prophet Muhammad. In 2008, about 1.7 million Muslims from around the world made the journey to Mecca, and the number has been rising every year.

In Iraq, security improvements have been making this sacred journey safer for Iraqi Muslims. In southern Iraq, Port of Entry Ar Ar stands on the border between Iraq and Saudi Arabia and is a main route for pilgrim caravans. It is opened each year during the Hajj season, and this year, Iraqi soldiers and police are working together to keep the pilgrims and their country safer than ever.

“No matter how good security is, it can always be better,” explained Iraqi Lt. Col. Khalil Meflik Hamad, the deputy commander of operations at POE Ar Ar, speaking through an interpreter. “We will be paying special attention to details like passports, vehicles … you name it.”

Border security will be especially important this year, because the Hajj falls just before the Iraqi national elections. Iraqi army and police are beefing up security not only at the port of entry, but also along the entire Hajj route through Al Anbar province. Among their plans are various checkpoints and 24 hour route security.

“We are confident all around with everyone’s joint effort to secure the roads from here to Ramadi,” said Hamad.

U.S. forces will play only a miniscule part in security for the Hajj. They will help the Iraqi soldiers at POE Ar Ar clear a parking lot for busses, move cement barriers and clear sand that has accumulated on the road. Once the POE opens for business, the U.S. military’s only role will be standing by in case they are called on for help.

Iraqi forces have been communicating with their Saudi counterparts across the border, and they expect about 8,500 pilgrims to pass through POE Ar Ar.

While the pilgrims’ vehicles are searched and their passports are checked, Hamad said the POE will be able to provide the pilgrims with water and health services. But, he stresses that above all, security is priority.

Soon, POE Ar Ar will be assessed to see if it is capable of remaining open year round, not just during the Hajj. Hamad said he would be elated to see that happen, but for now, he and his fellow soldiers and police are solely focused on keeping this year’s Hajj pilgrims safe as they make their journey to Mecca.

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Story by Cpl. Meg Murray