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A Soldier’s Story First Sgt. Robert Jennings |
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The long road north
News of a sister unit's conflict around
Baghdad "hits you in the gut for real"As we closed the second week on the ground, preparations for our move north into Iraq have kicked into high gear.
We were able to establish numerous standard operating procedures. SOPs establish a method of completing a task to standard the same way every time. They are the cornerstones of success on the battlefield, but only if every person understands them and follows through with them. The 1st Platoon began this by conducting several different live-fire rehearsals. They spent three days at Udari range learning and practicing their drills for their convoy north into Iraq.
After their return, I was able to talk to all the soldiers about their experience. Staff Sgt. John Huddleston said: "It was quite different than our normal mission. Working with soldiers outside the unit that are in our convoy was a true challenge. I'm not worried about myself so much as I am for my men. We have gotten pretty close out here and I am just praying that this one goes smooth."
Feb. 3, 1100 hours >> The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Mark Dewhurst, gathers the entire 1-21 Infantry Task Force together for a talk. As he climbs on top of a Humvee to address his men, he has a confidence you can feel from 100 yards.
COURTESY OF ROBERT JENNINGS
Staff Sgt. Robert Ryder and Spc. Jon Pugh ensure that all equipment is covered and properly secured before moving on a convoy north to Iraq.
He talks about our proud regiment's history, and then tells us we are going to write the next chapter. After his speech, a loud "HOOAH" is heard from the soldiers. He steps aside as Chaplain Everett Franklin delivers a prayer before we head north into possible conflict with the unseen enemy.
After the speech and prayer, I made final checks with Staff Sgt. Robert Ryder of the 1st Platoon prior to moving out. He was conducting his final precombat checks on vehicles, weapons and equipment. After a thumbs-up, the convoys began their move north.
Feb. 3, 1420 hours >> The convoy secured by Alpha Company departs Camp Virginia in Kuwait on a four-day movement north. I feel kind of helpless, because I have always tried to be there for these guys in all times of need. I reassure myself by saying, "These guys are trained right and ready to perform." My prayer is short -- "They're in Your hands, take care of them" -- and I return to my tent.
The next day, we got news that one of our sister units had come in contact around Baghdad, but fortunately there were no casualties. We knew this was a possibility, but now it hits you in the gut for real.
Feb. 5, 1000 hours >> The 2nd Platoon is manifesting for its flight north. They are flying with the commander to set up our base camp. Not a lot is known about just where we are going, but soldiers are eager to get started. I know the unit we are relieving is also anxious for us to arrive. They have been here about nine months and are ready to return to their families.
COURTESY OF ROBERT JENNINGS
Battalion Chaplain Everett Franklin delivers a prayer prior to the convoy moving north to Iraq. Standing behind him on the Humvee is Lt. Col. Mark Dewhurst, battalion commander for 1-21 Infantry.
Feb. 5, 1500 hours >> We get news that one of our vehicles had a small accident, again no casualties. Relief can be felt from the unit members still at Camp Virginia. I will fly tonight, so I am anxious to get to the task at hand. Great news from the mainland: On Jan. 29, 1230 p.m., Sgt. Renato Leite became the proud papa of Jayden Malik Leite, 8 pounds, 12 ounces. Mama Sheenah Leite and baby are doing fine. They were able to go home Feb. 3.
1st Sgt. Robert Jennings is deployed in Iraq with 4,000 25 Infantry Division (Light) soldiers from Schofield Barracks. He writes a weekly column for the Star-Bulletin that began Feb. 1. Jennings, a 20-year Army veteran, has been assigned to Fort Riley, Kan., Fort Campbell, Ky., Fort Lewis, Wash., and Camp Casey in South Korea. He is now on his second tour at Schofield Barracks. He has been deployed to Panama, Japan, Germany, Egypt and Thailand. As the first sergeant of Alpha Company, Jennings is in charge of 135 soldiers.
