Brig. Gen. Joseph J. Chaves is commander of the 29th Brigade Combat Team. The brigade was split up in Iraq, with some Hawai'i units reporting to different commands. Chaves, who is based at Logistical Support Area Anaconda, north of Baghdad, responded to questions from The Advertiser as Iraqis headed for the polls in a referendum on a new constitution. An election is expected in December.

Q: With the referendum approaching, has there been an escalation of attacks, both mortar and (roadside bombs), against LSA Anaconda and Hawai'i soldiers?

A: As we approach the election, insurgent activity in the area surrounding LSA Anaconda has actually been slightly below anticipated levels. We suspect there will be a spike during the election period to discourage Iraqis from voting.

Q: What's it been like over the past couple of weeks?

A: We occasionally continue to see spikes in enemy activity in the areas surrounding LSA Anaconda; however, the overall trend indicates a downward pattern in insurgent activities. There appears to be an emphasis by the insurgents to use improvised explosive devices and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. Our soldiers are well-trained and are dealing with these threats effectively.

Q: Any statistics on injuries in the past few weeks?

A: The 29th BCT has suffered nine killed-in-actions and 87 wounded-in-actions thus far during our deployment. With the exception of the four soldiers (who were killed in September) from the 1-184th Infantry (a California battalion attached to the 29th BCT), we haven't seen any significant changes from previous weeks.

Q: Have there been any serious injuries of late, and what type?

A: Fortunately, none of the soldiers assigned to the 29th BCT have suffered serious injuries recently. This is a positive trend that we all have worked hard to maintain.

Q: What kind of role will Hawai'i soldiers have for the referendum?

A: The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) is responsible for the security for the elections. However, the two squads from the 227th Combat Engineer Company with us at LSA Anaconda have done superb work in placing concrete and concertina wire barriers around polling sites in towns in the vicinity of LSA Anaconda. These barriers will aid the Iraqi police and Iraqi Army, who will secure these sites during the referendum vote. The 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry will provide security patrols. The 29th BCT maintains a Quick Reaction Force to assist in base defense should the need arise.

Q: Are the improvised explosive devices changing in nature outside LSA Anaconda?

A: I know the maneuver forces that operate in the area of LSA Anaconda have seen many variations of IEDs and (vehicle-borne) IEDs. LSA Anaconda has seen a slight decrease in mortar attacks. We had expected more attacks than we've received.

With regard to mortars, the constant patrolling by maneuver units around LSA Anaconda combined with the vigilance of my soldiers manning the guard towers as well as the JDOC has definitely contributed to a decline in mortar attacks against LSA Anaconda.

Q: Have any major changes been made? Soldiers go out in bigger convoys, have to wear body armor on base every day?

A: During the month of Ramadan, I have focused the efforts of the brigade on increasing our force protection levels as a precautionary measure. The soldiers are wearing their body armor while on base as a precautionary measure. In general, we continue to follow our standard operating procedures regarding base security.

Q: Is there any change in attitude toward going (off the base) with the deployment winding down?

A: No, it has been business as usual. Our soldiers fully understand their mission requirement and have never hesitated to go outside the wire. They also understand that whenever they leave LSA Anaconda, the threat remains high.

Q: What's it like to be part of Iraq's history in terms of the referendum on the constitution and December election?

A: Our soldiers are fully aware of the historical significance of the referendum on the constitution and December election. They are proud to be making a difference in the lives of the Iraqis and being a part of the effort to bring security to this region.