Little Rock, Ark., native Capt. Alex Aquino (center), commander of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, speaks with Lt. Col. Majid Hentan, commander of the al-Wenda Battalion, 6th Bde., 22nd Federal Police Div., about an improvised explosive device in northern Baghdad Aug. 23. "They are very receptive when I offer my help," said Aquino. "They are beginning to lead and it shows they want to be independent."