| An Estonian light infantry platoon attached to a US Army unit since June2003 is helping to establish peace and order in one of the troubled suburbs of Baghdad. The 32man platoon, wearing the blue, black & white flag of their small North European nation on their shoulders, is referred to in Estonia as ESTPLA. In Baghdad however US troops have nicknamed the Estonian team, the Stone Platoon. The calm and tenacious soldiers of the Stone Platoon are serving with 2-12 Cav of US 1stCavalry Division. Although 2-12 Cav is a tank battalion, the Estonians are using armored trucks for patrolling. By using these trucks the Stone Platoon believes it can observe the urban area more easily and identify suspicious activities more quickly. An added advantage is that the troops in the back of the truck have more immediate and personal contact with locals. Of course if the threat requires it, the battalion can provide heavy armor to support Stone Platoon's patrols. The 2-12 Cav (and Stone Platoon) area of responsibility is Abu Ghurayb, a market suburb in West Baghdad. Normal tasking for the Estonians involves patrolling in the area, both by truck and by foot, and setting up traffic checkpoints. In addition, Stone Platoon may be required to conduct search and arrest operations, and support the operations of other US units including Special Forces. During their missions, Estonian soldiers have detained a number of suspects, and have confiscated varying quantities of weapons, ammunition and IED components. One of the highlights for the Platoon was capturing a team of ACF that was preparing for a mortar attack. [snip] Much more at link. pdf file |