The War in Iraq Through the Eyes of a Soldier

President Bush once said, "We will end a brutal regime, whose aggression and weapons of mass destruction make it a unique threat to the world." The question still remains in the minds of Americans: When will it end?

The United States of America is filled with conflicting viewpoints when it comes to the War in Iraq. There are a percentage of people who believe the President should evacuate all troops immediately. Conversely, there are individuals who believe we should stay until our goal is attained. When talking to the active military, it is extremely interesting to hear what they have to say about the war they are fighting. It is one thing to be an outsider looking in, but to be the one inside is a whole different story.

SGT Joe McGibney was in the active army from January 2000 until November 2004. He was stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., Yongsan South Korea, Fort Carson, C.O. and went to Iraq from April 2003 to April 2004. A few months after his homecoming, he was placed in the Inactive Ready Reserve (I.R.R.) to complete his eight-year commitment. Without warning, in September of 2006, Joe received a letter calling him out if I.R.R. for an 18 month mobilization. On November 5, 2006 SGT Joe McGibney headed out to Fort Jackson for processing, medical and psychological evaluations. After extensive weapons training and learning tactical situations, he was moved to Fort Bragg, N.C. and eventually to Fort Dix, N.J. for re-classification as a Civil Affairs Operator. This is where he learned that his responsibility in Iraq would be to educate the people who live on the battlefield and involve them in making their neighborhoods better than before the U.S. troops arrived in 2003. Eventually, Joe went back to Fort Bragg and was assigned to B. Company 492^nd Civil Affairs Battalion and deployed with them in early March of this year.

Joe's Civil Affairs team arrived in Kuwait then moved north to Iraq. Currently, they are stationed at Camp Liberty in Baghdad. B. Company 492^nd Civil Affairs Battalion is responsible for a neighborhood in Baghdad called Ameriya. Historically, this community once housed some of the richest and prestigious leaders (both political and religious) in all of Iraq. Before the predominately Sunni town left it in shambles, a beautiful shopping district was widely visited by the high-class residents. Amongst several projects being worked on within this Battalion, water and electric restoration is a top priority. They are also repaving roads, renovating schools and health clinics and going door to door to find doctors, teachers and government leaders. "Keeping the people busy keeps the enemy from getting to them and either killing them and their families or making them place roadside bombs or store weapons." Some people of Ameriya are even employed by local contractors to aid in rebuilding the community. "By rebuilding the community we are making friends and getting the people to trust us, therefore, if an insurgent comes to them they will tell us and not feel afraid for their family. The army calls this 'winning the hearts and minds' of the people."

According to SGT Joe McGibney it will take many years to rebuild this country. "I think that with email, fast food and On Demand TV, the people of the United States want instant gratification in Iraq. This is impossible." After my interview with Joe, I have come to the realization that we can't just leave. It makes sense to us to get them out so we don't lose any more soldiers and we stop spending massive amounts of money on the war, but in actuality it would make the whole situation worse. Per my conversation with Joe, the troops are fighting battles so their families and friends at home don't have to. He feels the negative comments about the War in Iraq hurt moral and decreases the motivation to fight. He even reminded me how after September 11^th, the U.S. flags and yellow ribbons were everywhere. "Where did it go? It made the troops feel good and made them want to eliminate this from ever happening again."

Needless to say, there are still wars going on in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have troops in Africa and Kosovo, South America and Asia. The United States Military is the "best military in the world with the best equipment and the best training." According to Joe, "we are defeating enemies and rebuilding the country. We are and will continue to win this fight!"

As mentioned earlier, this is Joe's 2^nd deployment to Iraq. This time is better than the last because he is on a larger Forward Operating Base (F.O.B.) which means they have internet, cable TV, air conditioning and showers - none of which he had before. He was also able to rest on a 4-day trip to Qatar and he came home for a two week visit. Receiving care packages always brings a smile to his face, especially when he received one from the Preston and Steve Show, a local radio show in Philadephia!

After coming home for two weeks, Joe is back in Baghdad where he will continue to put his heart into winning this war. He and his team will strive to complete their tasks and increase the trust of the people in Ameriya. He expects to come home for good in 2008 where he will resume serving as a firefighter for Oakmont Fire Company in Havertown, PA. He looks very forward to spending time with his family and friends!