Oregon reservists patrol Baghdad's waters - Postmarks: from Army posts around the world - Brief Article

Baghdad, Iraq

WHILE foot patrols in Iraq are the most common way to gain information and ensure the safety of the troops, water patrols are just as important.

Every day the Soldiers of the 671st Engineer Co., an Oregon-based Reserve unit, travel the murky waters of the Tigris River ensuring things are running smoothly.

"We're out on the river making our presence known," said SGT Timothy Dorris.

Though the Soldiers' main mission is building bridges, they also gather information from people along the river.

"We've caught smugglers and found explosives along the river banks," he said.

He said they also serve as guards and escorts for psychological-operations Soldiers who use the river to disseminate information to the Iraqi people.

"The Iraqis know we're here to help," he said. "I know they appreciate it by all the waves we get during our water patrols."

--SPC Ryan Smith, 372nd MPAD

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