2ndBCT Article

2 BCT takes fight to enemy

[10/20/2004]

Source: Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sutton

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – Second Brigade Combat Team has taken the fight to the enemy over the past two weeks, yielding large caches of weapons and ammunition and rounding up anti-Iraqi force detainees. The brigade has captured more than 300 suspected anti-Iraqi fighters, dozens of rocket propelled grenades, mortar systems, rockets, anti-tank mines and tons of mortar, rocket and rifle ammunition. Units have also battled insurgents in fierce urban fighting. “We are relentless in our pursuit of terrorists,” said Col. Gary S. Patton, 2nd BCT commander. “We will take this battle to them at every opportunity, with overwhelming combat power, and without warning.” Patton said the brigade is making a positive impact in the brigade’s area of operations by degrading the terrorist networks, manpower, and supplies, and by denying them safe havens. The brigade’s recent successes can be attributed to the multiple brigade- and battalion-level operations conducted that give the enemy little, if any, time to reorganize and resupply before the brigade’s units conduct the next combat operation. “I am deeply proud of the men and women of this brigade combat team,” said Patton. “We have sustained some losses in close combat, but our fighting spirit remains very high. Our Soldiers and Marines recognize they are making the area safer and more secure for the Iraqi people.” The brigade’s units also are continuing efforts in the local communities to rebuild infrastructure and provide much needed humanitarian assistance to the local population. Units recently visited, and have a continuing relationship with, a local university and several local neighborhood schools, ensuring that the schools continue to operate, are safe for the students and are well supplied. Members of the brigade also recently conducted a census of a refugee camp near Habbiniyah in preparation for much needed humanitarian assistance. The unit is scheduled to deliver medical supplies to the camp this week. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, one of three brigades of the 2nd Infantry Division, deployed to Iraq in August from the Republic of Korea, where it has stood for more than 50 years as a deterrent to North Korean aggression. The brigade is organized during this deployment to include a Marine infantry battalion in addition to its six Army battalions. The brigade is scheduled to redeploy for stationing at Fort Carson, Colo., upon completion of its one-year tour in Iraq.