AN NAJAF, IRAQ- Alpha Company, (Viper) 2nd Battalion 198th Armor, spearheaded into their eight month of their one year deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. With the end in sight, soldiers of Viper Company braced and continued to pray for the last months of the deployment to remain peaceful. The soldiers of Viper Company continued their support and stability operations and executed their first Coalition Forces Pure Raid of a target house within the Najaf Province. 
     The company’s three support and stability missions are to escort Civil Affairs teams, train the Iraqi Army, and the Iraqi Police. All three missions have been successful for the past 6 months as soldiers can clearly see the difference they are making. An- Najaf’s infrastructure has seen dramatic improvement, as the local population gained access to electricity, water, and schools, thanks to the support from civil affairs missions. The security in An-Najaf has also gone through a dramatic improvement. The city is virtually insurgent-free, rendering the population fearless as they conduct their daily business. With Coalition training, the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Army are able to work hand-in-hand from manning check points to conducting raids in order to keep the city safe.
     Other than the usual support and stability missions, Viper soldiers are also engaged in two surge missions in southern Iraq. The first surge mission, “Operation Hand Wave Reloaded”, was a joint operation with the 405th Iraqi Army Battalion and Viper 1st Platoon. This mission was based in Haswah, a city on the edge of the “Sunni Triangle” just 20 miles shy of Baghdad. The mission’s intent was to expose the Iraqi Army to the local population. The Iraqi soldiers conducted dismounted presence patrols around the city at a slow pace, while 1st platoon soldiers provided external security, allowing the locals to talk to them. The Iraqis were not only equipped with weapons but with leaflets and candy.  In the mist of two car bombs and improvised explosive devices the mission was a resounding success - leaving the citizens of Haswah feeling safe with an established report with their army.
     Operation Snakebite, the second surge mission Viper Company took part in this month, was purely a US Army mission. The mission was to capture two black list individuals suspected of smuggling arms and insurgents to fight in Northern Iraq. The mission consisted of two simultaneous raids on target houses within An-Najaf. Viper Company was tasked for one while the other was targeted by Viper’s sister company, A Co 1/198th AR (Avenger). The mission was extremely successful, capturing both of the targeted individuals as well as other targets of opportunity with no US casualties. 
 This month, Viper Company was also given short notice to relocate from its home in Forward Operating Base (FOB) Hotel to FOB Duke. This move was designed to show the Iraqi people that the United States military is here only in a supporting role while their (Iraqi) defense forces provide their security. 
     Also this month, Sergeant Coleman, from Nashville, TN, was selected along with four other Iraqi Army soldiers to attend the newly formed Iraqi Military Intelligence School. The five soldiers will be away from An-Najaf for a total of seven weeks studying in a city just north of Baghdad. Within the seven weeks they will learn an array of military intelligence skills ranging from interrogations to data analysis.

     Every month Viper company nominates its traditional Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Month. For the month of July, Viper Company’s leadership was unable to nominate only one soldier per category, thus resulting in the awarding of three Soldiers of the Month and two Non-Commissioned Officers of the Month awards.
     Specialist Sims, of Cleveland, MS, from first platoon is awarded as one of the Soldiers of the Month for his dedication to duty. SPC Sims has never let his leadership down in any way with his persistence in aiding others. His abilities are not only know within his platoon but also his company.
 Specialist “Viking” Caulfield, from Water Valley, MS, is also awarded Soldier of the Month for his dedication to duty and esprit de corps. SPC Caulfield is considered the communication guru for second platoon and is always in high spirits
    The third Soldier of the Month award goes to Specialist Tagert of Jackson, MS. SPC Tagert is recognized for his exemplary dedication to duty and his willingness to learn. In testament to his dedication, SPC Tagert volunteered to be the company’s demolition team leader during the recently conducted company raid. SPC Tagert, knowing that the success of the company’s mission rested squarely on his shoulders, stepped up fearlessly and performed flawlessly. SPC Tagert, SPC Caulfield and SPC Sims are outstanding soldiers and are characters that all soldiers try to emulate.
    Staff Sergeant Hudson of Hurley, MS, of second platoon is awarded Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month for his leadership. SSG Hudson, in the absence of his platoon sergeant, stepped up and took charge of his squad allowing for a seamless transition of authority within the platoon. 
    Sergeant Hatton from Senatobia, MS, of third platoon is also awarded Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month for his action during Operation Snakebite. Sergeant Hatton’s knowledge from his civilian occupation as a law enforcement officer was crucial to the mission as it increased the raid team’s combat power. His experience and expertise ensured the mission was successful and that all US soldiers remained safe.  SSG Hudson and SGT Hatton are both proud soldiers of Viper Company, representing the best of the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Corps.