Dear Interested Reader,
Ohio native chases dream into combat zone. ISAF, Afghan and Pakistan military officials meet at FOB Spin Boldak. Soldiers making Camp Nathan Smith their own. Ballistic underwear make their way to Marines. Kandahar govt opens road, conducts shura in Dand. Progress being made in Uruzgan prov.
Iraq: 'Hamilton's Own' enters OND on Fire Base Manila. 'Black Jack' Bde takes reins in 2 Iraqi provs.
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
DVIDS
Ohio Native Chases Dream Into Combat Zone
He knew it was going to be a difficult journey, but he was ready for the challenge. Suschak excelled throughout the Officers Candidate School and The Basic School, where his passion for military tactics and discipline was renewed. Although hoping to be an infantry officer, Suschak was proud to have the opportunity to lead Marines in any manner.“When I graduated from The Basic School I was told I was going to be a logistics officer,” said Suschak. “When life puts you in the situation that you’re in, you make the best of it, and I’m going to do the very best I can.” As the logistics officer, Suschak is responsible for ensuring the logistics shop, bn. supply, and motor transportation are operating properly. “He came into the shop with a good head on his shoulders,” said GnrySgt. Brian Scarbrough, Headquarters Bn Supply and Logistics chief. “What makes a good officer is someone who doesn’t come in thinking they know everything, and are ready to change the world. He found out and accepted quickly that a leader can only be as good as the Marines who work for him. He has faith and trust in the Marines who work for him, and he’s working to keep them motivated, as well as mentally and physically fit.”
Story by Pfc. James Frazer
2nd Lt. John Suschak performs warm-up curls as he prepares to take on his physical training regiment, June 22. The logistics officer for Headquarters Bn, 2nd Marine Div (Fwd) graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2008, majoring in Exercise Science.
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand Province – After graduation, Suschak began working as a physical trainer. It was a job doing what he loved every day, and he made a good living, yet there was something missing. It didn’t take him long to figure out what that missing piece was. “I’ve always wanted to join the military,” said Suschak. “After college I felt a very strong, patriotic need to serve my country and do something that had meaning. I wanted to experience the sacrifice service members make to serve something bigger than themselves.”Suschak said he was first introduced to the military in his third year of high school when he received the opportunity to follow an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps group for a day. The unit was practicing battlefield movements to demonstrate the knowledge the Army had taught them. Suschak discovered a fascination for the practice of battlefield tactics and strategy.
Over the course of his first year as a physical trainer, he remembered the soldiers he'd seen while in high school. He realized that if he wanted to serve his country, time was running out and he had to act quickly. Of all the uniformed services, for Suschak, one stood out above the rest. He went to the nearest Marine recruiting station, and filled out the necessary papers to become a Marine officer.“Marines have always impressed me with the discipline and professionalism they present,” said Suschak. “When I decided I wanted to join, I knew I wanted to lead Marines. To me, being a Marine is a huge honor, but having the opportunity to lead and serve my Marines, is an honor very few people will ever experience.”
He knew it was going to be a difficult journey, but he was ready for the challenge. Suschak excelled throughout the Officers Candidate School and The Basic School, where his passion for military tactics and discipline was renewed. Although hoping to be an infantry officer, Suschak was proud to have the opportunity to lead Marines in any manner.“When I graduated from The Basic School I was told I was going to be a logistics officer,” said Suschak. “When life puts you in the situation that you’re in, you make the best of it, and I’m going to do the very best I can.” As the logistics officer, Suschak is responsible for ensuring the logistics shop, bn. supply, and motor transportation are operating properly. “He came into the shop with a good head on his shoulders,” said GnrySgt. Brian Scarbrough, Headquarters Bn Supply and Logistics chief. “What makes a good officer is someone who doesn’t come in thinking they know everything, and are ready to change the world. He found out and accepted quickly that a leader can only be as good as the Marines who work for him. He has faith and trust in the Marines who work for him, and he’s working to keep them motivated, as well as mentally and physically fit.”
“To be a Marine and a leader of Marines, there’s nothing else I could ask for,” said Suschak. “My Marines and the Marine Corps deserve nothing less than 100% of what I have to offer and that’s what I attempt to give every day.”
2nd Lt. John Suschak punches away at his keyboard, as he completes his daily responsibilities.
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Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan
ISAF, Afghanistan and Pakistan Military Officials Meet
Photos by Sgt. Joseph Johnson 
Photos by Sgt. Joseph Johnson
FOB SPIN BOLDAK -- Pakistani army Brig. Gen. Rasheed, sector cmdr., north sector, Pishin Scouts commandant, review a slide on the screen, during the Border Flag meeting held at the Joint Border Coordination Center (JBCC), Kandahar prov., June 21. The JBCC meet every month to discuss the progress of projects and plans for ops at the Afghan-Pakistan border.
Pakistani army Brig. Gen. Rasheed, speak to members of ISAF, Afghanistan, and Pakistan military officials.
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DVIDS
Soldiers Making Camp Nathan Smith Their Own Photos by Sgt. Ruth Pagan
KANDAHAR -- Soldiers sleep in climate-controlled tents at Camp Nathan Smith, June 14. All tents are equipped with electrical power, and Wi-Fi internet connection is available for purchase.
Soldiers utilize the phone and internet stations in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) area. A new MWR is being built, and will have TVs and gaming systems for soldiers to use.
Soldiers can utilize the gym at Camp Nathan Smith day or night, 24 hours a day. The gym has an indoor running track, so that soldiers can still run even when the outside temps don't permit.
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DVIDS
Ballistic Underwear Make Their Way to Marines
Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha
A Marine with 2nd Combat Engr. Bn, 2nd Marine Div (Fwd), sweeps the ground for IEDs. The unit was the first unit to receive the ballistic underwear, and has become a standard part of their proper protective equipment. A significant function of the ballistic underwear is their ability to prevent fine sands and other small particles hurled up by the initial blast of an IED from lodging into exposed tissue and infecting wounds, and protects the femoral artery, located in the inner thighs.
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province – Once you get past the humor of “ballistic underwear,” the threat it helps mitigate is real, and the protection is necessary. Made of lightweight silk, the black pair of underwear, that resembles bicycle shorts, is in high demand throughout Afghanistan. According to Marine Corps Systems Command officials, “what the garment does is more wound mitigation.” The tier 1 ballistic underwear is manufactured from scientifically-tested ballistic silk material. The underpants are coated in an anti-microbial agent which protect against infections, and they come in a range of sizes, while the tier 2 protection is a unisex one-size-fits-all according to a report from BBC News. Both are washable, though forces will have to first remove the extra ballistic protection from inside the tier 2. The 2nd Marine Div (Fwd) surgeon, Cmdr. Sean Barbabella said that he believes the underwear is definitely a step in the right direction. “I think it's a positive move, and the Marine Corps has pushed to get this taken care of and get research done,” added Barbabella. “You know, things might not get done as fast as you want initially, but it’s definitely moving down the road rapidly, and ultimately saving lives.”“I’ve already seen a couple of the Marines that have come in where small fragments were actually stopped or caught up in the underwear,” said Barbabella. “The fragmentation that went through didn’t leave as much damage, as if the Marine wasn’t wearing any at all.”Marines who have responsibilities that put them at a higher risk for blast injuries received tier 2 ballistic underwear, which has Kevlar sewn between the silky material around the inner thighs, colon, and groin area. Lance Cpl. Abdel Jibbou, works as the company clerk. In his experience with the protective gear, Jibbou believes the underwear should be a part of everyone’s standard protective equipment, when they leave the bases and outposts. “They’re a little bit heavier than your average underwear, and thick, so during the heat they can get a little uncomfortable,” explained Jibbou. “The good thing about them is they're better than nothing, and I do feel safer wearing them on missions.”While the tier 2 ballistic underwear are still being tested for standard issue by the Marine Corps, their goal is to have at least 3 pairs of tier 1 ballistic underwear per Marine who go outside the FOB more often than others, and have at least one pair for the rest of the Marines who don’t.
A Marine models a pair of tier 1 ballistic underwear. Made of lightweight silk, the black pair of underwear, that resembles bicycle shorts, is in high demand throughout Afghanistan. The ultimate goal for the underwear is to better protect Marines from IEDs, the number one cause of American troop casualties since the start of the war.
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DVIDS
Kandahar Government Opens Road, Conducts Shura in Dand
Story by Chief Master Sgt. Richard Simonsen
Ahmudullah Nazek, the sub-gov. for the Dand District of Kandahar prov., addresses civic leaders at a governance, reconstruction, and development shura, June 21. The Kandahar PRT observed the meeting to provide advice and guidance to the GoA.
KANDAHAR PROVINCE – Provincial and district govt leaders celebrated the grand opening of 16 kms of new road in the Dand District, June 21, outside the Dand District Center south of Kandahar City.
Canadian Brig. Gen. Dean Milner, cmdr. of TF Kandahar, and Tim Martin, the rep of Canada in Kandahar and the deputy dir. for the Kandahar PRT, attended the grand opening as one of the last official acts of the Canadian forces in Kandahar, before Canadian forces transition to a training mission in Kabul.“Today is another significant day in an impressive district,” said Milner. “When I arrived in Afghanistan 10 months ago, my goal was to flatten the fighting season, and focus on security here in Dand. My other main focus was to assist the govt and development of Dand.” The opening of the $8.9 million road project is one project to help with the commercial development of the district.“We have witnessed a lot of projects in Dand,” said Gov. Wesa. “Most of the roads will be joined to the Dand District Center. It's a very well constructed project, and should be very useful to the people of the district.”Roads were a major focus of effort for the joint-U.S. and Canadian PRT in Kandahar prov., particularly because of the ability to move people and products that the roads provide to the people.“Dand is the most advanced district in Kandahar, and is a model of what we're working with the GoA to achieve in other districts,” said Ben Moeling, dir. of the Kandahar PRT. “We've moved from battling insurgents to building community police. We're advising and consulting with the govt, instead of providing services directly. In place of cash-for-work and stabilization programs, we're working with investors to create real economic and employment growth.”The substantial progress in the Dand District was evident in the questions asked by civic leaders at the shura. “Sometimes you can judge progress by what people complain about,” said Navy Cmdr. Bill Mallory, the comm. officer of the Kandahar PRT. “Now the complaints are about power to the district center and to their homes. They're not complaining about security.” Besides the progress already made, Milner has high hopes for the people of the Dand District. “I see this as a district that could easily transition to full Afghan control," said Milner. “I've been very proud to work alongside the proud Afghan people.”
Canadian Brig. Gen. Dean Milner, cmdr. of TF Kandahar, and Tim Martin, the rep of Canada in Kandahar and the deputy dir. for the Kandahar PRT, attended the grand opening as one of the last official acts of the Canadian forces in Kandahar, before Canadian forces transition to a training mission in Kabul.“Today is another significant day in an impressive district,” said Milner. “When I arrived in Afghanistan 10 months ago, my goal was to flatten the fighting season, and focus on security here in Dand. My other main focus was to assist the govt and development of Dand.” The opening of the $8.9 million road project is one project to help with the commercial development of the district.“We have witnessed a lot of projects in Dand,” said Gov. Wesa. “Most of the roads will be joined to the Dand District Center. It's a very well constructed project, and should be very useful to the people of the district.”Roads were a major focus of effort for the joint-U.S. and Canadian PRT in Kandahar prov., particularly because of the ability to move people and products that the roads provide to the people.“Dand is the most advanced district in Kandahar, and is a model of what we're working with the GoA to achieve in other districts,” said Ben Moeling, dir. of the Kandahar PRT. “We've moved from battling insurgents to building community police. We're advising and consulting with the govt, instead of providing services directly. In place of cash-for-work and stabilization programs, we're working with investors to create real economic and employment growth.”The substantial progress in the Dand District was evident in the questions asked by civic leaders at the shura. “Sometimes you can judge progress by what people complain about,” said Navy Cmdr. Bill Mallory, the comm. officer of the Kandahar PRT. “Now the complaints are about power to the district center and to their homes. They're not complaining about security.” Besides the progress already made, Milner has high hopes for the people of the Dand District. “I see this as a district that could easily transition to full Afghan control," said Milner. “I've been very proud to work alongside the proud Afghan people.”
Sgt. Maj. Jason Roark, senior enlisted advisor for the Kandahar PRT, travels via Black Hawk helicopter to Dand District, June 21.
Canadian Brig. Gen. Dean Milner (left), Ben Moeling (center), the director of the Kandahar PRT, and Gov. Wesa, meet before a road opening.
Ben Moeling and Gov. Wesa, listen to speeches before a road opening.
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Flickr
Progress being made in Uruzgan Province
Photos by Staff Sgt. Kaily Brown
URUZGAN PROVINCE -- Members of a U.S. Special Forces team conducted a shura held in Yakdan, June 8, 2011. A series of shuras are being conducted in the area to create dialogue, and assist the local populace with enhancing security, development, and governance in the area.
An elderly Afghan man waits to be screened prior to a clinic visit during the Village Medical Outreach Program, conducted in Tagaw, June 11, 2011. U.S. Special Forces Soldiers partnered with a U.S. Army Female Engagement Team (FET), to promote the relationship between CF and the Afghan local populace.
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IRAQI STORIES:
U.S. Division-North
‘Hamilton’s Own’ enters the New Dawn
Story and photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins
Col. Michael Pappal, cmdr., 1st AATF, 1st ID, speaks at a graduation ceremony for Kurdish Regional Guard (KRG) soldiers and officers, at the Manila Training Center (MTC) on Fire Base Manila, June 2, 2011. “Golden Dragons” Soldiers assigned to 1st Bn, 14th Inf Regt, marked the end of their mission teaching KRG soldiers at the training center, following the graduation. U.S. Soldiers of 1st Bn, 5th FAR, “Hamilton’s Own,” 1st AATF, assumed the advise, train and assist mission at MTC.
FIRE BASE MANILA – Lt. Col. Keith Casey, cmdr., 1st Bn., 5th FAR, joined Lt. Col. Andrew Ulrich, cmdr., 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., as the 2 units assessed the progress of the IA soldiers graduating the course.
“The Golden Dragons have established a world-class facility that trains not only Soldiers, but leaders,” Casey said. “The training their Soldiers have conducted with the ISF has afforded the Soldiers of "Hamilton’s Own" the opportunity to build an enduring partnership, and enhance the capabilities of our partner units.” Casey said that he looks forward to the opportunity he and his Soldiers now have to continue improving the MTC and the capabilities of KRG bdes.
Col. Michael Pappal, cmdr., 1st AATF, complimented the work of the units in building up Iraqi capabilities in Kirkuk prov. “You may not realize it, but you're the ground floor of the important structure we’ve built here,” said Pappal. “You’re instrumental in building the capability of the KRG bdes., to conduct future ops. You can have all the equipment, facilities and things of war, but it’s the individual person and training that has the biggest effect on how everything turns out.”
“Today we’re recognizing 16 lts, 3 capts., and 75 soldiers for their successful completion of 4 weeks of training,” said Capt. Cory Faison, cmdr., Co B, 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt. “The training consisted of individual tasks, team tasks, squad tasks, and finally platoon level tasks.” Faison said that the course helped KRG soldiers understand the training and knowledge necessary in further developing the MTC, as their own instructional facility for future soldiers.
“It will help them lead soldiers and guide them in the direction they need to go,” said Faison. Sardar said that the course not only provided a high level of skill and knowledge to the KRG Bde soldiers, but served as a model for the soldiers to pass on to others in the future. “Now we can begin taking steps to assume full responsibility for the MTC,” said Sardar.
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U.S. Division-North
‘Black Jack’ Brigade takes reins in two Iraqi provinces
Story by Sgt. Justin Naylor
Soldiers from 2nd AAB, 25th ID, join Soldiers of 2nd AAB, 1st Cav Div, and IA soldiers, form the color guard during the Transfer of Authority ceremony at COB Warhorse, June 13, 2011. Second AAB, 1st Cav. Div., “Black Jack,” assumed responsibility of the advise, train and assist mission in Salah ad-Din and Diyala provs. of northern Iraq.
(Army photo by Sgt. Quentin Johnson)
COB WARHORSE – The transfer of authority marked the start of Black Jack Bde’s 4th tour of duty in Iraq, and the unit’s first deployment in an advise, train and assist role in support of OND. “Second AAB, 1st Cav. Div., will conduct stability ops and SECFOR assistance in Diyala and Salah ad-Din provs. to support Iraq’s continued development as a sovereign, stable, and self-reliant strategic partner, committed to regional stability,” said Col. John Peeler, cmdr. of Black Jack Bde.
"Black Jack Bde, from Fort Hood, Texas, will continue with the efforts and initiatives that have already been set in motion by 2nd AAB, 25th ID, with a focus on the successful completion of the advise, train and assist mission in Iraq," said Peeler. “We're proud of how far Iraq has come, but we're also aware of the challenges ahead,” said Peeler. “Our Black Jack Soldiers are determined to work toward lasting stability and security, while continuing to build an enduring relationship between our 2 countries.”
Col. Malcolm Frost, cmdr. of 2nd AAB, 25th ID, whose unit will return to their home station at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, said that U.S. forces working with their Iraqi partners saw huge advancements in security, governance and economic areas. “I'm simply staggered by the incredible progress that has been made by local provincial govts, the IA, IP, and border patrol,” said Frost. “You can be proud of your accomplishments,” said Frost to local provincial and ISF leaders attending the ceremony. “Iraq is now an oasis of hope in the Middle East.”
Frost also reminded Black Jack Bde Soldiers that gains made in security and governance can be easily lost if Iraqi and U.S. forces do not continue to work toward increased regional stability. “The reward for success is always more work and greater responsibility,” said Frost. “The Iraqi people desire to build on recent successes, improve their quality of life, and obtain SECFORs who can defend not just their cities, but Iraq’s borders. Therefore, I challenge you to keep moving forward toward a brighter destination for Iraq.”
“Although the Warrior Bde is departing, I'm confident that the Black Jack Bde, under Col. Peeler, is no less committed to assisting and supporting the govts of Diyala and Salah ad-Din, and their SECFORs, as they provide enduring security and stability for all Iraqi People,” he added.
“We'll work as one team to meet our shared goals and vision of security and stability within these provs.,” Peeler said of his Soldiers and their ISF partners.
Col. Malcolm Frost, left, cmdr. of 2nd AAB, 25th ID, and Command Sgt. Maj. William Hain, senior enlisted leader of the bde, case their colors.
Col. John Peeler, left, cmdr. of 2nd AAB, 1st Cav Div, and Command Sgt. Maj. Emmett Maunakea, command sgt. maj. of the bde., uncase the “Black Jack” Bde colors.
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