Election of 2005 in Iraq
Election of 2005 Greg Chabot
January of 2005 was a very busy time for the 3rd BCT Dukes. It was very important that the elections for Iraq’s new government went off without fraud or interference from AQI. 2ND Platoon of 197 FA(MP) NHNG conducted many operations leading up to and during the elections.
In the weeks prior to the election missions were conducted to scout out polling locations and to help the Iraqi Police set up defenses of polling sites. Cpt.Chris Solinsky callsign Duke Sheriff took the lead in operations conducted from the police HQ in Baqubah. Patrols mounted and dismounted were conducted throughout the City. With cordon and search operations conducted to harass AQI supporters. Weapons and explosives caches were found and confiscated for disposal with some arrest being made of suspected AQI members.
During this time the enemy kept a low profile and things were relatively quiet. On January 27TH that changed. There had been a recent effort to recruit more Iraqi police officers. During this time a large number of applicants were applying for jobs as police. They were in a large group outside the station at one of the outer checkpoints. A vehicle pulled up and according to survivors the driver greeted the applicants then detonated the VBIED. Resulting in heavy casualties, immediately we went on full alert and QRF was sent out to render aid and secure the area. I was assigned as a driver in the 3rd squad Charlie team with Sgt.Messier. The site of the blast was very chaotic with body parts, blood and wreckage of the vehicle strewn about. CMOC sent over their QRF to support us. I spent most of that time treating Iraqis that were wounded and also doing the grim task of gathering body parts. Other fireteams were pulling security and checking the civilian ambulances for explosives. We eventually finished the grim task and returned to HQ to conduct AAR.
Election day started off very early for the Dukes. A city wide curfew was enforced and buses were being used to take Iraqis to the polling sites. US Forces were instructed to Patrol but keep a distance from polling sites and let ING and local Police do force protection. Big Red Ones would be QRF for any trouble spots. AQI vowed to disrupt the elections and to kill anyone who voted, we intended not to let that happen.
My squad was patrolling downtown Baqubah. Reports of a mortar attack on a polling site came over the net. 1-6 FA fired counter battery missions with their Paladins. We were constantly on the move throughout the city enforcing the curfew. We conducted hasty checkpoints and stopped and detained anyone who was not going to the polls on the busses. We were also tasked with escorting a News crew to one polling site. I admired how the News crew stayed there for the whole day knowing they could be in danger. Iraqis coming out of the polling sites proudly held up their fingers marked with dye to show they voted.
Around 1100hrs reports came in of troops in contact in the village of Buhriz. Buhriz had been a trouble spot throughout the deployment. We could hear the Bradleys really laying the hate on the enemy. We were tasked to do CASEVAC of wounded Troops. I was assigned as gunner for my vehicle. Rolling towards Buhriz sounds of fighting got louder and my adrenaline was pumping. We took some harassing small arms fire from a small palm grove. I returned fire at the muzzle flashes with my M240B to suppress it. Even with the incoming enemy small arms and RPG fire people were calmly standing in line waiting for their turn to vote. Made me very proud to see civilians braving that danger to elect their leaders. The Iraqi forces stood their ground which was a change from earlier incidents as they had proven not to be dependable under fire. The attackers were driven off and the wounded were evacuated to FOB Warhorse. More troops were sent in to Buhriz as a deterrent. My unit resumed patrolling the downtown area.
Once the polls closed the mission tempo picked up. We received a FRAGO to pick up ballots and bring them to HQ. Then escort them to FOB Warhorse. As we were readying to leave the wire Duke Sheriff reported contact and OP 1 engaged enemy that were displaying weapons across the street. The enemy ran off and we conducted a foot patrol to attempt to draw them out to fight. Conducting a search of two suspected safe houses. After we got back we prepared to pick up Ballot boxes and the News crew we dropped off earlier in the day.
Cpt.Solinsky joined us on this mission and ballots were picked up. With only one incident between ING and IPs fighting amongst themselves over who was responsible for the ballots. We broke them up and made sure the ballots were not tampered with and sent everyone back to their respective duties. Fatigue was starting to set in I was taking MRE coffee and putting it between my cheek and gums to stay alert. We had been going non-stop since zero dark thirty with no breaks. We dropped the ballots off at Warhorse refueled and headed out to do night patrolling before the curfew was lifted at dawn. We stopped and searched one vehicle that was driving around. While searching the vehicle a careless IP had an ND with his AK almost hitting me! The driver panicked and confessed he had artillery fuses in the trunk. The driver was arrested his vehicle impounded. Cpt. Solinsky then confiscated the careless IPs AK for the safety of others. Other violators were detained and released. We ended up giving one fella a ride home as he so drunk he could barely walk! We took some minor harassing fire which was suppressed with no US casualties. The day finished out quietly with the elections being a success and AQI failing to disrupt them.
It was very inspirational to see people voting for the first time. And never again will I take the right to vote for granted Ever!