Mr. Ann Thropic

'Ranger' Mortarmen illuminate strategic oil pipeline
First Lt. Tim Kuppler contributed to this story

Soldiers with the 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt, 4th IBCT, 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Riley, Kan., participate in Op White Lightning to combat oil smuggling along a 40 km stretch of pipeline, April 1.
SHARQAT - Throughout the night, mortarmen lit up the sky with 52 illumination rounds over the pipeline, exposing terrain to Iraqi Soldiers on the ground, so they could prevent smugglers from gaining access to the pipeline.

According to Capt Paul Godson, cmdr of Co D, 2-16 Inf., the pipeline is a significant piece of infrastructure in the area. "The purpose of this mission was to assist the IA in deterring and disrupting criminal activity along the Strategic Oil Pipeline," he said. "One of the greatest challenges the IA faces is securing this vast area at night."

The op brought together each of the "Rangers" co. mortar sections. Each section trained and rehearsed to ensure the effectiveness of the illumination rounds. "It's a very coordinated and synchronized set of events, that has to happen before a round leaves a tube," said Staff Sgt. Justin Harper, a mortar team chief. As rounds illuminated, adjustments were made on the 60mm mortars to ensure accuracy, before the crew was able to provide 5 full minutes of illumination for the IA.

"It takes a lot of training in order to sustain an illumination mission without a break in effects; it's always impressive to see," said IA Maj. Sa'ad, as he observed the mortar fire. "This was a great opportunity for us to compare the mortar firing techniques of our 2 armies."

The op also served as a training event for the "Rangers" and the 14th IA. To prepare, leaders in both units examined maps, terrain and developed a plan. "We taught the IA how to utilize enablers, such as fire support, to supplement their security ops. Now they're more aware of what tools are available, and different ways to integrate them into their missions," said Godson.

Pvt 1st Class Alex Johnson and Pvt. 1st Class Gage McKeag, both mortarmen with Co. B, 2-16 Inf., were eager to fire with their mortar sections. "We fired in basic training, but today was the first time we fired a real fire mission in combat," Johnson said.