BAGHDAD - As part of the effort to support the Iraqi army and the Iraqi police, Soldiers from the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division participated in a combined patrol operation and cordon and search, Dec. 17, in northern Baghdad.
The operation provided security for the citizens of Baghdad by searching for insurgents in an effort to prevent terrorist attacks.
"We assisted the IA and the IP in the search because we have the same goal of finding all the bad guys to keep the people in this area safe," said 1st Lt. Phillip Matousek.
The operation focused not only finding insurgents, but also searching for possible improvised explosive devices using three teams of military working dogs.
"With the help of the military dogs, we were able to find two unregistered AK-47s and two small improvised explosive devices," said Sgt. Justin Southwick, from Monroe, Wash. "[The dogs] are an awesome tool because they gave us a heads up on what was in certain areas." 
Working with the 4th Brigade Soldiers gave the Iraqi army and police an opportunity to learn a few things as well.
"I like working with the Americans because they use a lot of different things that help them be very productive and they work fast," said Lt. Kaleb, with 6th IA Division. "It's great every time we work with Americans."
The operation continued through the area until the early morning when the Iraqi army let the Soldiers know that the mission was over.
"It doesn't matter how long the mission takes," said Matousek. "We are ensuring that we are performing a thorough job along with the IAs and the IPs." 
The Soldiers said they were pleased with the final results of the combined patrol.
"We accomplished a lot today because as we continue to assist the Iraqi people they are building more confidence in their own abilities," said Matousek. "We are heading in the right direction."