During the first six months in Iraq, HHC 2BCT planned and supported numerous missions in its Operational Environment.  1134 combined and unilateral patrols, 85 Combat Logistics Patrols, 214 building searches, and 795 vehicle searches were conducted in close coordination with newly established Iraqi Army and police units.  Additionally, they also facilitated operations by conducting Key Leader Engagements, water distribution, and public works improvement projects.  The overall result was an immeasurable improvement of the local national’s confidence of Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi government while simultaneously disrupting insurgent operations within the Operational Environment as well as in neighboring areas throughout the Mada’in Qada. 

HHC 2BCT went on to contribute to major civic advancements in the city of Narhwan as it improved over 100 brick factories.  These improvements were key to the economic development to the city as the factories provided over 30,000 jobs to local nationals.  The resulting stabilization of the economy by increased employment was the single greatest contributing factor in eliminating the economic power of the sectarian militia over the citizens of Narhwan.  On top of this success, the Iron Brigade also accomplished considerable civic improvement through renovation projects for 34 different schools which further strengthened the position of a legitimate Iraqi authority in Narhwan.

HHC 2BCT planned and coordinated several successful missions throughout their 13 month deployment.  The Iron Soldiers demonstrated an innovative ability to accomplish their mission above and beyond the call of duty.  The dedication and outstanding performance to support full-spectrum combined operations resulting in decisive lethal and nonlethal victories during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM earned the Iron Brigade a second Meritorious Unit Commendation to add to its collection of a Presidential Unit Citation, a Valorous Unit Award, and an Army Superior Unit Award.

            1/1 CAV, 1/6 Infantry, 1/35 Armor, 4/27 FA, and 47th BSB, combine with the  2d Brigade Special Troops Battalion continue to encompass 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division’s history as it will be written in the books.  Currently stationed at Fort Bliss, TX, 2/1 AD is the Army’s Evaluation Task Force.  This past July the Army concluded the first Network Integration Evaluation, also known as “NIE.” NIE 11.2 was the first in a series of semi-annual evaluations designed to integrate and mature the Army’s tactical network. The NIE is a key element of the Army’s emerging Network Strategy and was the first exercise in Army history of combined test and evaluation. NIE 12.1 was the second series of evaluation.  It was conducted this past October/November and included 3800 soldiers and 1000 vehicles.   2/1 prepares for future evaluations and builds off of lessons of those in the past in order to support the Army’s holistic focus to integrate network components simultaneously in one operational venue. Working side by side with the Brigade Modernization Command, the Army Test and Evaluation Command and the System of Systems Integration office, we are 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division.  And “We are the Future.”