Jim Spiri in Iraq

I had heard much about Col. Welsh when I arrived here in Mosul. At that time, he was on his mid tour R and R, and just recently returned. The other day I ran into him on a mission and today, I was hooked up with him step by step as we proceeded into the streets of Mosul, seeing what there is to see and searching for items the bad guys hide.

He is the battallion commander for the "Ghost Battallion", 2/7 1st Cav, out of Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX.

The troops I had been travelling with as of late, had told me that Lt. Col. Welsh is a true leader. They love to go with him on missions, as long as he is back before the chow hall closes...! His timing is good.

Welsh is somewhat small in stature, stocky in build and a basic live wire that just doesn't mess around.

He is quick on his feet, never misses a beat, and can handle a crowd of locals better than any diplomat I've ever come across. I have no idea where they trained this man, but I would like to clone that class and spread it all around the Army. He is just a blast (literally) to be with on a mission.

The night before, at the chow hall, a Major had stopped me and told me when to hook up in the morning.

I prepared and gathered my things that night and was up early, so as to get my cup of coffee for the days events, before we got going. Upon my arrival at the staging point, many familiar faces greeted me and as usual lately, I was made to feel at home with these warriors.

The driver would be Spivey, touted to know the roads in Mosul better than anyone in country. On my right, from Michigan, would be Cortez, a big guy that kept me supplied with cold water throughout the mission. Up top, in the turrent, is Miller, who by all respects is a weapons expert and I have yet to find one more willing to do his job than he. To me, at times, all "weapons" look alike, but when I ask Miller what's what, he details to me in eloquent language, all the ins and outs of what each weapons specs are with an authority in speaking that captures the listener.

He's basically a hilarious gun-totting soldier that would be among my first picks on any team. In the front right, directing the lead, is Sgt. Hjelm. A mild mannered soldier, who has encountered scores of IED attacks on his deployment here. He is rock-steady, and sharp as a tac. He also makes funny faces everytime I try to snap a photo of him, no matter what situation is that's going down. We all agreed that for today, they would be called the "A-Team". I agreed, as long as I could be Hannibal!

As we headed out the FOB, I could hear in my mind the jingle to the "A-Team". I figured it would be an interesting day. We first went to the Iraqi Police station and conferred with the IP commander. He is quite a character, big, speaks some English, and I have been around him before. He remembers me and always strikes a pose with a big cheezy grin. I like this guy. After the discussion was completed, we mounted up and headed in trail behind the IP to the location in the city of Mosul that was our objective.

We arrived, and began exiting the vehicles and moving at a fast clip to the area we were headed for.

There were other units already in place, that had coordinated with us and the familiar Kiowas were overhead buzzing the rooftops keeping an eye on things below. Once again, I see the plan unfolding and now know some of the ones involved and each mission as it all becomes more personal than the last one. Like a big team that plays well together.

Pressing right ahead is Lt. Col. Welsh, following the lead of his well trained soldiers of his detail. He's right there with them. Running, covering the corners as they cross the open areas of the streets, moving straight ahead, just like everyone else. One could not tell whether he was the battallion commander or one of the highly skilled privates weaving in and out of the streets. As we pushed forward, I snapped photos of each of them, but specifically snapped photos of Welsh. While looking through the viewfinder, side-stepping so as not to fall over backwards over my own two feet, I had the thought come over me strongly, "this is a true leader", one that cannot be distinguished any differently than the rest of his men. What I realized is, all of them are "battallion commanders", Welsh just happens to be the one with the title. Not only do his men respect him, he too respects his men. It is not something that anyone said, it is what they all "do" just in moving in unison. It is a sight to see, and, be a part of now.

We entered this place that was at one time, years ago, an amusement park of sorts. It had not been used in years. There was a broken down water slide, a basketball court, a swimming pool, swings and other ammenities, all that had been overgrown with weeds.
We searched the area and found about a dozen chlorine gas tanks that had recently been brought there. Smart move on the enemy's part, but chlorine gas is not used in pools, granulated is. In recent months, throughout Iraq, there had been chlorine bombs detonated by suicide drivers that wreaked havoc on soldiers and civillians alike. Todays find would eliminate that threat and the IP was directed to coordinate with the Iraqi government to remove the tanks.

During our further search of the area, small arms fire erupted. Then, an RPG round, and then another landed nearby. Although everyone goes on "alert" mode, no one really flinches. I snapped a few more photos as everyone scanned the area. At one point, Lt. Col.
Welsh and the IP commander were discussing the next place to move to during these times of "fire" being taken. As we were moving into a mode to push to the next place, the Lt. Col. said to me, "you know Jim, you've found the right place when the enemy starts firing at you", with a grin on his face. It was a confirmation of sorts that his days mission was successful in the locating of the chlorine tanks. We kept moving and went to the next location.

Each time we moved, we went as one. I do see the reality in the phrase, "Army of One", in times like this. Again, the Lt. Col. was leading the way, but blending all along the way in and among his men. I was again impressed as the soldiers speak to one another up and down the streets of Mosul, as "fellow soldiers", not just men of varrying ranks. It is hard to describe, but it is easy and beautiful to watch.

We came upon a place that was the municipal offices for some kind of public works in Mosul. Many of the employees had been lined up along the wall outside for this was the area that some firing was coming from in close proximity. It was here that I saw the "diplomat"
side of Lt. Col. Welsh, as well as the savy warrior who does not miss a beat. As the 50-or so workers were lined up, I watched as many were talking, Lt.
Col. Welsh scan each and everyone of them. He was reading body language like a machine and never showing it outwardly. I knew it though from many past experiences around the globe. As others were talking and questioning, he picks one out of the crowd and brings him forward. He begins to ask him questions, smiling, holding onto him, all being answered through the interpreter. Welsh in the middle of it, directs Stevens, to get the equiptment that tests for residue from bombs and weapons firing from the humvee.
Stevens sprints over to the truck and retrieves it, and begins the testing. One by one, while the conversations continue, with a large crowd, Welsh picks out another, and another, and another, all for testing. All of them in turn prove positive on the testing, and are eventually detained by the IP for questioning.

Then, as the crowd is gathered and talking volume increases, Welsh takes over like a candidate working a crowd for votes. He begins to speak to them through the interpreter, and they all begin to listen. As Welsh stops a sentence, the interpreter follows immediately with translation. This continues for a while. Welsh asks the crowd if there has been any gain from Al Queda, and they listen intently. He tells them, "Al Queda has done nothing for you but create violence". They listen. He continues. A member of the crowd speaks up and tells Welsh that the ones that come and pressure them are not from here.
They are outsiders. They are the ones causing problems.

Welsh continues with the crowd. He has them captivated. It is not the soldier in him speaking, it is the humanitarian now. The diplomat. The professional. I am witnessing what "leaders" in todays Army do. They not only fight battles physically, they cultivate neighborhoods, tribes, races and groups, to listen and see what is going on in their communities. It is agreed among the crowd, that everyone wants there to be peace. Lt. Col. Welsh continues working the crowd and gains their hearts, to an extent. In the end, it is all in a days work. But it is quite a days work.

After much time with the crowd, we leave with the half dozen detained ones. The IP have them now and will question them at a later time. Later we would hear another RPG round. We would search a business area. Then we would depart. We would go to the IP station where I would be invited to lunch with the Lt. Col. and the two commanders of the IP in Mosul. It was good food, and a wonderful experience. Words just cannot covey the entirety of it all. As we stepped outside, I took a dip of chew and gave a pinch to Lt. Col. Welsh. We both were out of Coppenhagen, but the dry skoal would do us for now.

We would then mount back up and return to the FOB.

All of us were soaking wet with sweat. It had been another successful mission, and once again, no one got hurt. As I left, I kept thinking of what kind of leader I had just been on a mission with.

I do not know the first name of the battallion commander of Ghost Battallion, 2/7 1st Cav. But I know him as Lt. Col. Welsh. Perhaps his first name should be "Hannibal". He surely deserves it more than me.

He is a true leader.

Jim Spiri
FOB Marez, Mosul-Iraq