Estonian Soldiers in Iraq

Blackfive has an interesting post on Estonian soldiers in Iraq who are playing a major role in helping the U.S. 10th Mountain Division secure a 15-km section of road in Western Baghdad that is known to be a "hot spot" for improvised explosive devices. This doesn't sound exactly like "window dressing" as John Kerry once described our coalition partners.

“It is an honor and a privilege to work with coalition Soldiers,” Capt. Jade Hinman Co. C. Commander, said. “It is great to have another country who works so well with us.” “I’d stack them up with any infantry platoon I’ve ever seen,” he said. “I’m not getting a second-rate team; I’m getting first-rate soldiers.”

Sgt. Michael Fragassi, Co. C, 2nd Bn., 70th Armor Rgt., echoed similar comments:

“They are awesome,” he said. “Outstanding soldiers. I’d put them on par with our rangers as far as their training and weapons are concerned.”

Likewise, Estonian Army Capt. Neeme Brus, a media relations officer with Multi-National Corps - Iraq, knows the value of freedom and takes his country's mission seriously:

"We have to prove that we are capable military partners for Americans and other nations in the coalition. We want to be considered as a serious nation when it comes to international security.”