Fort Bliss Monitor

Sgt. Paula Taylor

Troops from 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, head to Mosul, Iraq, to team up with soldiers from the local Iraqi Army for a cordon and knock operation December 14. The mission required the Iraqi Army to take the lead and show the people of the city that they are a capable and ready force.

Operation Samson
hits streets of Mosul

Sgt. Paula Taylor
4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

MOSUL, Iraq — In a joint effort called Operation Samson, Coalition Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment and the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade conducted security checks throughout the Ninewa Province Dec. 14.

The purpose of the mission was to maintain pressure on neighborhoods known to be controlled by anti-Iraqi forces within Mosul, and to show the American forces working together with the Iraqi security forces, who are in the lead. This would be accomplished by working side-by-side with the Iraqi police and the Iraqi Army.

“Today we went and did a joint cordon and knock with the Iraqi army out of Contingency Operating Base-Eagle,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Massarelli, platoon sergeant, A Troop, 1-9 Cav.

The main focus for Massarelli’s group was the Al Zaria and Al Islah areas.

“We basically split the sector in half, with 1st platoon in one area and 2nd platoon in another,” said Massarelli. “We searched block by block.”

“We were there to spread the word amongst the local nationals that the coalition forces are working in conjunction with Iraqi army forces,” said Staff Sgt. Jared Heisler, Bradley fighting vehicle commander, A Troop, 1-9 Cav. “We were checking the area and searching houses for any personnel of suspected enemy activity because that is just off a route that has a lot of improvised explosive devices planted on it.”

Bradley fighting vehicles and up-armored Humvees were positioned around the outer perimeter, alongside Iraqi army vehicles to provide security for the troops working inside the town, going door-to-door. There were also several vehicles placed inside the area of operation to add to the safety of those working within the area of operation.

In one of the inner perimeter Humvees was gunner Pfc. Brandon Jones, cavalry scout, 1-9 Cav.

“I pulled security and watched out for the guys on the ground while they went around and talked to local nationals about what they could do to improve the neighborhoods,” said Jones.

As with any operation of this size, communication also played a vital role to the mission’s success.

“When [Masserelli] was on the ground, I was on the radio relaying information to higher up and talking to the platoon, keeping them informed on what was going on,” said cavalry scout Pfc. David Vance, driver for the command truck. “I was also responsible for positioning Jones, our gunner, so he could see the field.”

“The mission was a success,” said Massarelli. “We were on the ground with the Iraqi army. The general public seemed happy with what they were seeing. All of our local leader engagements worked out well. They let us into their homes, treated us with respect and answered all of our questions. This allowed the general public to see the Iraqi security forces taking that first step forward, not the coalition forces.”

“I think it went well,” said Heisler, who was responsible for securing the outer perimeter. “A lot of people got to see us working together with the [Iraqi army]. Hopefully it boosts the local nationals’ confidence in everybody here so maybe they’ll start reporting the AIF.”

“I look forward to working with them again,” said Massarelli. “It’s a good outfit. I’m ready for the next mission with them.”



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	Jan. 4, 2007

	Sgt. Paula Taylor Troops from 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, head to Mosul, Iraq, to team up with soldiers from the local Iraqi Army for a cordon and knock operation December 14. The mission required the Iraqi Army to take the lead and show the people of the city that they are a capable and ready force. Operation Samson hits streets of Mosul Sgt. Paula Taylor 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs MOSUL, Iraq — In a joint effort called Operation Samson, Coalition Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment and the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade conducted security checks throughout the Ninewa Province Dec. 14. The purpose of the mission was to maintain pressure on neighborhoods known to be controlled by anti-Iraqi forces within Mosul, and to show the American forces working together with the Iraqi security forces, who are in the lead. This would be accomplished by working side-by-side with the Iraqi police and the Iraqi Army. “Today we went and did a joint cordon and knock with the Iraqi army out of Contingency Operating Base-Eagle,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Massarelli, platoon sergeant, A Troop, 1-9 Cav. The main focus for Massarelli’s group was the Al Zaria and Al Islah areas. “We basically split the sector in half, with 1st platoon in one area and 2nd platoon in another,” said Massarelli. “We searched block by block.” “We were there to spread the word amongst the local nationals that the coalition forces are working in conjunction with Iraqi army forces,” said Staff Sgt. Jared Heisler, Bradley fighting vehicle commander, A Troop, 1-9 Cav. “We were checking the area and searching houses for any personnel of suspected enemy activity because that is just off a route that has a lot of improvised explosive devices planted on it.” Bradley fighting vehicles and up-armored Humvees were positioned around the outer perimeter, alongside Iraqi army vehicles to provide security for the troops working inside the town, going door-to-door. There were also several vehicles placed inside the area of operation to add to the safety of those working within the area of operation. In one of the inner perimeter Humvees was gunner Pfc. Brandon Jones, cavalry scout, 1-9 Cav. “I pulled security and watched out for the guys on the ground while they went around and talked to local nationals about what they could do to improve the neighborhoods,” said Jones. As with any operation of this size, communication also played a vital role to the mission’s success. “When [Masserelli] was on the ground, I was on the radio relaying information to higher up and talking to the platoon, keeping them informed on what was going on,” said cavalry scout Pfc. David Vance, driver for the command truck. “I was also responsible for positioning Jones, our gunner, so he could see the field.” “The mission was a success,” said Massarelli. “We were on the ground with the Iraqi army. The general public seemed happy with what they were seeing. All of our local leader engagements worked out well. They let us into their homes, treated us with respect and answered all of our questions. This allowed the general public to see the Iraqi security forces taking that first step forward, not the coalition forces.” “I think it went well,” said Heisler, who was responsible for securing the outer perimeter. “A lot of people got to see us working together with the [Iraqi army]. Hopefully it boosts the local nationals’ confidence in everybody here so maybe they’ll start reporting the AIF.” “I look forward to working with them again,” said Massarelli. “It’s a good outfit. I’m ready for the next mission with them.”