From friendly contests to focused missions, coalition forces learn from each other.
By Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte
13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT AREA ADDER, Iraq, May 15, 2007 — There are differences in uniform, equipment and language, but to members of the Romanian Army’s 495th Infantry Battalion and their coalition partners, the similarities among troops are more important.
The Romanian paratrooper unit patrols certain areas in southern Iraq, provides a quick reaction force for British Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, and maintains a safe route for convoys 24 hours a day.
While the soldiers are trained in airborne operations, scuba diving and climbing, they are “just infantry guys” during their missions in Iraq, their commander, Lt. Col. George Constantin said. Their paratrooper status has helped them bond with the 82nd Sustainment Brigade, but overall he sees troops from both armies in the same light.
“I don’t see boundaries between Americans and Romanians,” Constantin said. Their efforts have gained the respect of many U.S. soldiers, who provide additional equipment and training to the unit stationed at Logistical Support Area Adder.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael E. Proctor of Jacksonville, Fla., a senior maintenance adviser with the 546th Maintenance Company, said he enjoyed working with the Romanians when he recently taught Humvee maintenance to more than 50 of them.
“I’m pretty impressed with them,” Proctor said, noting the Romanians were eager students who constantly asked questions about the unfamiliar vehicle. The southeastern European country has participated in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom since their beginnings. Currently, there are nearly 600 Romanian soldiers serving throughout Iraq, with a majority of those at the Tallil base, according to their spokesman, Lt. Dorian Constantin Balan.
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