Getting a Taste of Iraqi Food, Culture

By Sgt. Dustin Roberts, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

Master Sgt. Moty McKinney (left), a native of Saginaw, Mich., an advisor with the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division Military Training and Transition Team, shares a laugh with Command Sgt. Maj. Mahmud Lafta, 24th Bde. 6th I.A. Div., during lunch at Forward Operating Base Constitution, May 26. Photo by Sgt. Dustin Roberts.

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division - Baghdad food service Soldiers had the opportunity to experience a meal that isn't served in the dining facility where they work.

Soldiers serving with the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, MND-B, who help feed 2nd HBCT Soldiers at the Dagger Inn Dining Facility on Camp Liberty, took a trip to Forward Operating Base Constitution, May 26, where the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division is headquartered.

Walking into the 24th Bde., 6th IA Div. "chow hall", the troops noticed a few cultural differences between where the IA soldiers eat and their workplace.

The Soldiers sat in Iraqi-style padded chairs in the facility, equipped with decorated rugs and drapery, and learned a little bit about their counterparts.

They discovered similarities in how the Iraqi Soldiers work and train and learned about each other's families and cultures.

"It's important to come to a better mutual understanding and learn how to respect each other and our cultures," said Pvt. Richard Smalls. "We are accustomed to doing certain things, but when we step foot on someone else's ground, we still show our upmost respect."

After the Soldiers formally met each other the aromas of fish, lamb and rice filled the room as the large dining table was set with Iraqi food.

"It was good to actually sit down and get to know them," said Smalls, who tried the food for the first time. "It was a good experience eating an Iraqi traditional dish; the food was great."

When the meal was over the Soldiers drank chai tea together and danced to Iraqi music before getting a tour of the facility's kitchen and storage rooms.

"The Iraqi Soldiers were very interested in this visit and I think the U.S. Soldiers were even more interested," said Lt. Mustafa Abbas, 24th Bde. 6th IA Div. "This visit was to better our relationship with the U.S. Coalition forces. We will benefit from this visit now and in the future."

Because the meeting was such a hit among the Soldiers, their leadership is planning to visit FOB Constitution again.

"I learned a little more about our counterparts today," said Smalls. "I believe the mission that we came out to do was accomplished."