Paratroopers build combined
operations center in Iraq

by Sgt. 1st Class
Brian A. Money
37th Eng. Bn. — JTF Eagle

DIYALA PROVINCE, Iraq — A combined partnership construction mission between Iraqi and U.S. Army Engineers resulted in the completion of a new Combined Tactical Operations and Information Center in Diyala province, Iraq which opened its doors Jan. 20.

According to Lt. Col. Paul Huszar, commander of the 37th Engineer Battalion — Joint Task Force Eagle, this joint construction mission executed by the 52-Soldier, vertical construction platoon and their counterparts from the 5th Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regiment, was significant for two reasons. The combined operations center is the first of its kind to be solely constructed from concrete masonry blocks. It was designed to serve as the nucleus for the upcoming elections to be monitored by the 5th IA Div. and demonstrates the growing capacity of Iraq.

1st Lt. Courtenay Cullen, vertical construction platoon leader said that the month-long project provided the engineers of JTF Eagle and the 5th IA FER an opportunity to cross-train on carpentry and masonry skills during construction of the 30 by 70 foot concrete masonry block building which serves as the primary location where the 5th IA Division will hold intelligence and operations meetings in the Diyala province.

The biggest impact the partnership project had on all the JTF Eagle Soldiers was the ability to convey to the Iraqi soldiers a structurally sound standard for concrete construction, since there is not one within the Iraqi engineer regiment. This presented a great opportunity for the Soldiers to work together on the technical aspect of construction by using tools and techniques that serve in a critical aspect of structural integrity.

“In the United States Army, construction project management is used by platoon leadership in order to manage time and resources, while the project is inspected by the unit construction inspector,” said Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, company commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company.

“The Iraqi army however, does not currently have vertical construction engineers that serve in a similar capacity for quality control and quality assurance purposes. This became an opportunity for JTF Eagle engineers to demonstrate their skills and teach their counterparts”, said Bowman.
“It was a great experience working beside the Iraqi soldiers. I feel that, with what I have taught them, they can utilize these skills to make Iraq a better place,” said Cpl. William Mesing, a senior electrician assigned to JTF Eagle. 

By the end of the mission, the Iraqi soldiers learned how to effectively use all basic masonry, carpentry and electrical tools. Those with prior construction experience enhanced their understanding of concrete walls, wooden trusses, knowledge of the corrugated steel roof, and how to establish a solid foundation of standards for future construction projects, said Mesing.
“Once the Iraqi soldiers understood the construction techniques and methods, they assisted in the remaining work with outstanding results,” he said.

Both units were commended by Brig. Gen. Kendall Cox, U.S. Forces - Iraq.