Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/6-20-11

Dear Interested Reader,

Marines uncover IED during patrol in Garmsir.  Soldiers graduate from special trade courses at FOB Delaram.  Kunar PRT opens Bar Narang School.  Zambar elders, GoA meet for first time.  ISAF Joint Command Operational Update, June 18.  New ANA barracks for FOB Pasab.

Iraq:  'Longknife' Sqdn. help provide humanitarian aid in Kadhamiyah.  'Griffin' Bn. receive promotions, recognition for achievements.

Joanna

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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

DVIDS

Marines Uncover IED During Patrol in Garmsir

Photos by Cpl. Colby Brown

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province -- Local children interact with Marines of 3rd Squad, 2nd Plt., Charlie Co, during a security patrol here, June 7. The squad was conducting a security halt in their village. During the patrol, the squad found an IED. The squad has encountered 3 IEDs, the most of any squad in 1st Bn, 3rd Marine Regt., during the deployment so far. The bn. supports RCT 1, under 2nd Marine Div (Fwd), which serves as the ground combat element in Helmand. The mission of the division is to partner with ANSF to conduct counterinsurgency (COIN) ops, to secure the Afghan people, defeat insurgent forces, and enable ANSF to assume security responsibilities in the region. Ultimately, the partnered forces promote the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.    

Lance Cpl. Scott Knapp sickles through a haystack during a security patrol. Knapp is a dog handler with 3rd Squad. 

Lance Cpls. Aaron Ferencik and Bryan Schuler notify units in the surrounding area, that their squad found an IED.  Ferencik is the squad leader of 3rd Squad, and Schuler is a team leader. 

Lance Cpl. Ryan Maloney watches a controlled detonation of an IED during a security patrol here, June 7. Maloney is a team leader with 3rd Squad.

Marines of 3rd Squad walk away from their patrol base (PB) during a security patrol.

Lance Cpl. Aaron Ferencik shakes the hand of a local elder.

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DVIDS

ANA Soldiers Graduate From Special Trade Courses at FOB Delaram

Story by Sgt. Rachael Moore

(From left to right) ANA Lt. Col. Mirrshaun, the ops officer, and ANA Maj. Mujtaba, the EO; 1st Lt. Andrew Booth, the officer-in-charge of the Embedded Partnering Team (EPT), Combat Logistics Bn 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Fwd), and Cpl. Stephen Reynolds, an instructor with the EPT, listen as the guest speaker talks to ANA soldiers, during one of the largest graduations to date for the 5th Kandak, at FOB Delaram, June 5, 2011. Fifty-one soldiers graduated from various courses that focused on specific trades like radio operator, driver, combat life saver, weapons familiarization, and wrecker operator.   

FOB DELARAM –  “It’s important to teach the ANA about the weapons systems, because their proficiency in shooting, as well as communication and movement, will enable American forces to confidently withdraw from Afghanistan,” said Sgt. David Saunders, the weapons course instructor with CLB-8’s EPT. “Many of the ANA soldiers are familiar with the Russian weapons systems, and they prefer them, because they've less moving parts,” explained Saunders. “My goal in the weapons course is to teach the ANA more about the Russian weapons systems, such as maintenance, cleaning and lubricating, and then teach them the basics of American weapons systems.”  During the course, the soldiers learned the characteristics of each weapon, different types of ammo, shooting positions, and what to do if the weapon malfunctions.

“We’re working with the Shock Trauma Plt., and EPT corpsmen will have ANA medics observe local national patients when they come in,” said 1st Lt. Andrew Booth, the officer-in-charge of the EPT. “They watch as the corpsmen treat the patient. It allows them to observe the procedures, and to gain an understanding of what they do, which is much better than doing medical procedures on a dummy.”

In addition to those courses, other soldiers graduated from a basic driving course, which teaches them how to properly operate vehicles, as well as improve their overall driving skills, during both day and night. “We noticed that it’s uncommon for Afghans to drive after dark, but during some missions, we have to travel then,” explained Booth. “We're conducting more night driving courses to better prepare our soldiers.” 

Some soldiers graduated from a wrecker operator course, and the remaining soldiers graduated from a basic radio operator course. “We've seen these courses build great confidence, in our soldiers to act without advisors present,” said Booth. “The 5th Kandak, for the first time, supported a ground transport to Sangin District, Helmand prov., independently last week. They've never gone that far by themselves before, and that mission is a direct reflection of our instructors’ hard work.”

Since CLB-8’s EPT started the series of 7 courses, 174 ANA soldiers graduated and became certified in their trade.  “They like knowing they can drive a truck or operate a radio,” added 1st Sgt. Mohammad Balouch.  “These things go a long way, and will help us to continue to teach our fellow soldiers, when the Marines aren't here anymore.”

As the EPT Marines prepare for the next set of courses, they plan to tweak the syllabus to better benefit the ANA in the long run. “The biggest change for future courses is transitioning to more ANA instructors teaching the material, and our EPT Marines can advise more and instruct less,” concluded Booth.

Staff Sgt. Richard Near, a radio operator course instructor, helps 2 ANA soldiers communicate with other soldiers via radio. The course consisted of 54 hours of classroom instruction, and 28 hours of practical application. The soldiers learned the different components and capabilities, as well as how to set up and program the PRC-1077 VHF radio, and the RT-7000 HF radio.     

Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Bradley, a corpsman, demonstrates how to properly tie a tourniquet during a combat life saver course. The course consisted of 40 hours of classroom instruction, and 20 hours of practical application in the areas of abdominal injuries, controlled bleeding, airway mgt., and job-shadowing with the Shock Trauma Plt.   

A Marine helps ANA soldiers untangle the tow rope on one of their vehicles during a driving course. The course consisted of 32 hours of instruction, and 105 hours of practical application, which included driving time, vehicle familiarization, preventive maintenance, driving in reverse, towing procedures, and convoy fundamentals.     

Marines pose next to graduates after a ceremony. 

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DVIDS

Kunar PRT Opens Bar Narang School

Story and photos by U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Nicholas Mercurio  

Kunar Provincial Gov. Wahidi, with reps from the Kunar provincial govt, and Kunar PRT, cuts the ribbon, officially opening the Bar Narang School in the Narang District, June 13.  

KUNAR PROVINCE – During a ceremony following the ribbon-cutting, Kunar Senator  Hidari thanked the PRT for their outstanding support to the people of Kunar. “We'll always remember your outstanding services,” he said.

Hidari said that the leading cause of setbacks in Afghanistan’s development as a nation, is the overall lack of education across the population. “Orgs. like the PRT provide us with the facilities to educate our children,” he said. “It now falls on us to make good use of them.  Education will bring peace and stability to our homeland.”

The PRT cmdr., Navy Cmdr. Brian Goss, showed that he'd made use of similar educational opportunities during his time in Kunar, by delivering his remarks entirely in the prov’s. native Pashto. “The Afghans are my brothers,” Goss said. “I've worked with your leadership every day to bring progress to Afghanistan. The enemies of Afghanistan see the progress and are too weak to stop it. Together we can build a brighter future for Afghanistan.”

Elders from the Narang District greet Kunar Provincial Gov. Wahidi in the courtyard of the newly constructed Bar Narang School. 

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DVIDS

Zambar Elders, GoA Meet for First Time

Story and photo by AF 1st Lt. Ken Scholz

Sabari District Gov. Qayoumi promises Afghan govt support to Zadran tribal elders in a Zambar village shura, June 16. The district gov. asked for elders to be truthful and supportive of their govt, in order to maximize its ability to help the Zadran people.

KHOWST PROVINCE – The striped, beige turban hung cocked to one side of Doulat  Qayoumi’s head, as he spoke with elders for the first time. Qayoumi is a lanky, charismatic man. His easygoing, quirky demeanor helped put local elders at ease during the meeting, in an area widely regarded as a haven for insurgents.

“We believe that this is the center of the Haqqani network’s support in Khowst,” said Lt. Col. Jesse Pearson, pointing to the expanse of rolling hills and fields, punctuated on one side by a sharp perimeter of craggy mountains.  Pearson is the cmdr. of the 1st Bn, 26th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 1st ID, TF Duke.

The Zambar area, like many of the outlying areas in Khowst prov., is only now becoming open to cooperation with the Afghan govt, as news of the successes of more developed districts continues to spread. “I’m here to ensure that this area has 2 rights. Your rights and the rights you owe your people,” said Qayoumi to the elders.

The shura, a first in the area, took place in the shade of a small grove of walnut trees with 11 of the village’s elders, alternately listening and speaking to Qayoumi, Col. Nasrah, the ANA bde. cmdr. for Sabari, and Lt. Roshan, the ANP cmdr. for the area. “We know that you're feeling pressure from the bad guys too,” Qayoumi continued. “I don’t want to win. The govt doesn't want to win. We want you to win,” he said.

Sitting at the far edge of the shura ring and listening was Pearson, Navy Capt. Steve Deal, Khowst PRT cmdr., Capt. Steve Baunach, PRT Civil Affairs Team Leader, and other coalition and ASF.

The district gov. took the opportunity to ask for feedback from the elders. Opening lines of communication and providing the locals a mechanism to address their concerns, was a priority of the meeting. “I've hope that the next time I come here, there'll be 100 people sitting here,” said Qayoumi, stressing the importance of including more community members, to help improve the area’s security.

“All of us should be aware of what our sons and brothers do,” said Nasrah to the villagers, who claimed not to know those who launched attacks on Afghan and CF. “Where does security come from? It comes from you first,” Nasrah said. He told the elders not to be surprised if they see ANA or ANP patrolling through their villages. "They're here to help," he said.

Qayoumi and the Zambar elders agreed to meet again at the district center to discuss their problems.  At the conclusion of the shura, the district gov. took down the names and personal info of the elders at the meeting, and promised to work with them to not only improve area security, but also the lives of their people.

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ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command Operational Update, June 18, 2011

BAGHLAN PROVINCE – An Afghan-led security op resulted in the death of an insurgent cmdr., and the detainment of several others in Dahanah-ye Ghori district, June 17.
When Afghan forces arrived to the site, the individual pointed an AK-47 toward them, and was killed. The Afghan force then detained 4 men associated with him. 

Following the detention, the Afghan force requested the presence of a CF. The combined forces conducted clearing ops, which resulted in the recovery of wires, weight scales, dismantled cell phones, a voltmeter, other IED materials, and various reading material.
The combined force also discovered 882-lbs (400 kilograms) of ammonium phosphate, a common fertilizer; however, there were no farms in the area.
 
URUZGAN PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and CF discovered a weapons cache in Shahid-e Hasas district, June 18, consisting of 16 RPGs.
 
GHAZNI PROVINCE --  A combined Afghan and CF patrol seized a number of IEDs during an op in Ghazni district, June 17. The combined force seized 11 IEDs for a weight total of 728-lbs (330 kgs) of explosives.
 
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Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan 

New ANA barracks for FOB Pasab 

Photos by Pfc. Courtney Russell

FOB PASAB -- Navy Rear Adm. Martha Herb, chief secretariat, Military Technical Agreement Joint Coordinating Body, ISAF, allows a local boy try on her glasses, at the Women's Center, June 5.   

Navy Rear Adm. Herb receives a tour of the new ANA barracks. 

Navy Rear Adm. Herb seems pleased with the new accomodations. 

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IRAQI STORIES:

DVIDS

‘Longknife’ Squadron helps Provide Humanitarian Aid in Kadhamiyah

By 1st Lt. Devin Osburn

Two IFP offer a school bag to a girl from Baghdad’s Kadhamiyah neighborhood, June 7, during a humanitarian aid mission with soldiers from 5th Longknife Sqdn, 4th Cav Regt, 2nd AAB, 1st ID. While the girl was at first hesitant to take it, her mother gave her approval, and the girl’s face lit up as she accepted the gift. (Army photos by 2nd Lt. Jude Cooke)   

BAGHDAD — Soldiers with C Troop, 5th “Longknife” Sqdn, and IFP provided food and school supplies to be distributed amongst the poor families, living in the city’s Kadhamiyah neighborhood, June 7. The children of Iraq are just like any other kids—generally, they enjoy playing with toys, eating handfuls of candy, and playing games. Unfortunately, a number of families in the Kadhamiyah neighborhood don't have the financial means to purchase the bare essentials required for their children to conduct their schoolwork. 

“When we first arrived in Iraq, it surprised me when the kids asked for pens and pencils instead of candy or toys,” said Sgt. Dustin Taylor, a scout. The children, shy at first, were soon gathering around the Soldiers and asking to get their pictures taken. 

“It's great to see their faces light up when we pass out the schoolbags,” said 1st. Lt. Christopher Garlick, an armor officer. “It's such a great feeling.”

This humanitarian mission provided the IFP with a chance to positively interact with local residents, which is one step toward building a stronger relationship between the IFP and those in the neighborhood.      

A member of the IFP gives a book bag to a young boy in Baghdad’s Kadhamiyah neighborhood. The boy showed the officer an injury on his leg, and soldiers from the Longknife Sqdn. saw to it that he was medically treated. 

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DVIDS

‘Griffin’ Bn Receive Promotions, Recognition for Achievements 

Army photos by Spc. Rachael Sullivan   

BAGHDAD -- Sgt. 1st Class Nigel Agloo, plt. sgt. with Co B, “Griffin” STB, 2nd AAB, 1st ID, shakes the hand of Pfc. Arthur England, communication specialist with STB, June 11 at Camp Liberty. “It's important to recognize excellence in soldiers.  It helps motivate soldiers to keep up the good work, and continue to give 110% to the mission,” said Algoo. 

Pvt. Kevin Ibarra, communication specialist, gets promoted to pfc. by Capt. Allen Avery, co. cmdr. “It’s a big day for 1st plt. with the 4 of us getting promoted, acknowledging our efforts,” said Pfc. Ibarra.

Spc. Steven Salas, communication specialist, gets promoted to sgt. by Capt. Allen Avery, and Sgt. 1st Class Nigel Algoo, plt. sgt.  “Salas is a great role model for soldiers.  Earlier in the year his excellence was recognized as the “Dagger” soldier of the Month, an accomplishment that helped pave the way for his promotion to sgt.,” said Algoo.

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