AN NAJAF, IRAQ- Alpha Company, (Viper) 2nd Battalion 198th Armor, continued on to its ninth month of its one year deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III amidst a period of high tension in An Najaf, Viper’s host city. With the end in sight, soldiers of Viper Company continued to work hard in hopes that time would pass a little quicker. With support and stability operations still the main focus of the company, Viper Company was tasked with additional Out of Sector missions such as a logistical patrol to Kiev, a small Iraqi city next to the Iranian border, and Baghdad. 
     Viper Company, the Task Force’s main effort in training the Greater Iraqi Army (GIA), finished up its Company and Platoon level training with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 8th Division (formerly the 405th Iraqi National Guard) and initiated a Battalion level training focus.  The new battalion level training is the final step in ensuring that the Iraqi Army is prepared to take on greater tasks in establishing national security.  This training is primarily for Battalion Staff Officers, training them on their tasks with an increased efficiency, therefore enhancing their ability to take on larger-scaled missions. 
     Viper Company also continued its Civil Affairs escort missions.  Soldiers continue to help develop Najaf’s infrastructure by encouraging commerce and development of public works.  After nine months of aiding the Civil Affairs mission, Najaf has clearly become a better city - especially for the young. These missions helped build and refurbish countless schools and parks, paving the way for a brighter and better future for Iraqi children.
     An Najaf, a typically peaceful city, endured a period of increased political tension, however with the establishment of a new government, many political parties are competing for political power. Unfortunately, this time the bid for power flowed down to An Najaf.  An Najaf being the most holy city for the Shiite majority means its stability is a key part in the reconstruction of a stable Iraq.  As angry party members flowed onto the streets, Viper Company was forced to suspend the usual support and stability operations and take on the role of the Quick Reaction Force (QRF).  Viper Company’s role was to support the Iraqi Security Force (ISF), consisting of the Greater Iraqi Army (GIA) and Iraqi Police.  Thankfully, due to the training the ISF received from US forces, they defused the tension on the streets within two days. Viper soldiers believe this month’s sequence of events proved to be beneficial as the local populace gained trust in their local security forces, thus indicating our mission in Iraq is almost over.
     This month, Oxford soldiers also executed several long range patrols.  These patrols were logistical runs to supply the Greater Iraqi Army’s Southern Division.  One of these patrols was to Forward Operating Base Kiev. This base, located on the Iraqi and Iranian border, brought the company into a different environment.  Najaf, a city with an agricultural based economy is relatively lush.  However, FOB Kiev is desert-like with many undulating hills.  Kiev was also the front where the Iraqi and Iranian War was fought in the 1980’s. Soldiers were able to see and take pictures of the many border forts along the way and the many tanks that littered the dessert. 
     Alpha Company also made a logistical patrol to Taji, a northern city near Baghdad.  The patrol led the company through Baghdad’s many neighborhoods particularly Abu Garrib.  The purpose of the patrol was to escort soldiers of the GIA Southern Brigade to military technical schools at the local academy.  49 GIA soldiers were sent to schools to receive instruction in such military specialties as:  Mechanics, Medicine, Supply/Logistical Operations and Weapons/Armaments for three weeks.  After the GIA soldiers were escorted to their training academy, Viper Company headed further north to Logistical Support Area (LSA) Anaconda to conduct soldier maintenance.  At LSA Anaconda soldiers were able to conduct personal business ranging from legal to financial issues.  Soldiers also enjoyed the rare opportunity to swim at the local MWR swimming pool and dine at Burger King and Pizza Hut. 
     Viper Company also chose its traditional Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month. The criteria for the award is based on the soldiers’ performance and their ability to lead and inspire their fellow soldiers and peers.  Sergeant Phillip Smith, a member of Headquarters Platoon, is Viper Company’s Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month for August.  SGT Smith has been the integral part of Viper Company’s Information Technology capabilities.  His construction of the Viper Network system, consisting of multiple satellites and computers, has been the central nervous system of the company. Through this system and his knowledge of electronics, SGT Smith has helped the company on many different fronts.  He has helped keep the company updated with events around Najaf, keeping the company informed and allowing for ample reaction time.  His efforts were also key in helping Viper soldiers keep in touch with their families and friends back home.  Viper Company is proud to award SGT Smith as August’s Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month. 
     Viper Company soldiers are very proud to be serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom III.  Even through these hard nine months, deployed away from their families, Viper soldiers still believe in their mission for a safe and stable Iraq.  With the end in sight, soldiers are proud of what they have accomplished and are ready to go home.  The wheels are already in motion for the redeployment home as soldiers have already begun to pack away their non-essential equipment. This little step is small but it is a step closer to home.