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Active Unit News
Johnson: Cautious optimism among GIs
Reactions ranged from elation to complete indifference
December 15, 2003
CENTRAL IRAQ - News of Saddam Hussein's capture was greeted by Fort Carson soldiers here Sunday night with a mix of elation and trepidation, most saying they suspect die-hard loyalists might now step up their resistance to the American presence.
Lt. Col. Laura Loftus, commander of battalion forces in this northern province, called Saddam's capture "terrifically amazing." She cautioned, however, that it could increase the threat posed by outraged, and now fearful, loyalists against American troops as they attempt to identify those carrying out attacks.
"It's a defining day, a defining moment in this country and for the troops here," Loftus said. "But it won't change our mission one bit."
Loftus had just returned from a communion Mass with some of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team troops based in Colorado Springs.
Some two dozen soldiers gathered around the lone television at this forward base, which the Army has asked us not to identify, to watch the news and see video taken of the heavily bearded Saddam.
Their reactions ranged from elation to complete indifference.
"It's not going to get me home one day faster," said one soldier, turning to leave.
"It's still up to the Iraqis to step up and take control of their country," said another.
"It's a big lift to a lot of the men here," Staff Sgt. Michael Sanchez said. "It makes our deployment even more worthwhile. It's the best news for every soldier who has walked even one step in this country.
"It was the question we all asked, 'When are we going to capture Saddam?' Doesn't matter where it happened, because we all played a part in bringing him to justice."
Will attacks on Americans slow as a result? Soldiers here were cautiously optimistic that they would.
"We'll know soon," Sgt. 1st Class Tom Lauchard said. "It could go either way - spike up from those loyal to him, thinking it'll bring about his release, or, once the news sinks in, give them cause to stop with the knowledge this man is never coming back."
Only the true hard-liners will continue their attacks, predicts Sgt. 1st Class Keith Kempke, who for months now has been charged with finding and disposing of roadside explosives along Highway 1 in this northern province.
"The real difference will come from the Iraqis who were afraid Saddam was coming back, and kept up the fight out of loyalty," he said. "But once they start seeing and believing it more and more, things are bound to change. A troop here would be crazy to at least not be happy about it."
Sgt. Maj. Gerald Kinloch said he expects that his troops likely will encounter greater resistance, particularly in predominantly Sunni areas.
"Some might say, 'He's gone now, so let's move on.' Many, particularly those who once were in power, are still holding onto hope. They may think they now have nothing to lose and step up the fighting. We'll have to see."
Lt. Col Loftus believes word of the capture likely will affect what the infantry will encounter in the days ahead. Some insurgents could now give up the fight and seek refuge.
"We do expect a higher number of people will now attempt to flee certain areas," she said. "It'll be interesting. We might catch some bigger fish than what we otherwise may have caught."
Columnist Bill Johnson and photographer Todd Heisler are on assignment in Iraq. johnsonw@RockyMountainNews.com.
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