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2/3 ACR Area of Operations. 17
Partnered with 1st Brigade, 3d Iraqi Division, 2d Squadron initiated an extensive area
reconnaissance on arrival in Tall ‘Afar. The squadron’s operational philosophy, which
evolved over the course of its deployment, “followed . . . five tenets…, regardless of the
level of resistance … faced.” They were, first, to “Secure the population” by creating and
safeguarding an environment in which all Iraqis felt safe and unthreatened by insurgents, thus
making the people tacitly, if not overtly, supportive of the counterinsurgency. The second
charged Soldiers to “Enable the Iraqi Security Forces” by helping them develop their ability
to conduct operations with minimal or no American assistance, an important symbolic and
real necessity. Third, “See first, understand first, act decisively.” The guidance enjoined
troopers to reconnoiter thoroughly and aggressively wherever they operated to develop their
17 Simmering, 2/3 ACR Actions, 7.
