Dear Interested Reader,
A most informative story (for all you dog lovers), on a Raider K-9 team showcasing a beautiful dog named Ryky. A community celebrates the completion of school renovations. Sustainers assist the IA with a Master Driver Program, while the Iraqi SF demonstrated their integrated training facility's capabilities in Shaibah. Training is ongoing for the Iraqi Highway Patrol, by the 8th Inf. Regt. on Close Quarter Marksmanship. Tribal shaykhs meet to discuss issues critical to their neighborhood. In Afghanistan, PRT well project brings water to Afghan villages; and Pres. Karzai awards Army Maj. Gen. Robert Cone, recognizing his accomplishments in developing a stronger Afghan National Army.
Joanna
__________________________
Dec. 21, 2008
Blackanthem Military News
Raider K-9 team brings added capabilities to Rashid district
By Sgt. David Hodge
Sgt. James Harrington, assigned to the 947th MP Detachment, part of the 3rd Inf Regt "The Old Guard," stationed out of Fort Myer, Va., attached to the 1st Special Troops Bn, 1st BCT, 4th ID, poses with Ryky, while out on mission Nov. 24.
FOB FALCON - Sgt. James Harrington, a military policeman and dog handler, along with Ryky, his K-9 partner, patrol the streets and communities of southern Baghdad's Rashid district to search for weapons, and make Soldiers a more effective force. Harrington and his 3-year-old Belgian Malanois partner, completed approx. 52 missions and uncovered more than 25 finds since arriving to Rashid in October.
Harrington said that Ryky made several significant finds since beginning her mission in Baghdad, to include an AK-47 rifle hidden in a false ceiling and four mortar rounds that led to the discovery of a large mound of hollowed-out munitions.
Ryky detects odors from many types of munitions, such as ammo, weapons, mortar rounds, artillery rounds, homemade explosives and trigger devices with residue on them. Harrington said what makes the hollow ceiling discovery so significant is the fact that most K-9s do not acknowledge space above their own height.
"Ryky is a very friendly dog," explained Harrington, a former infantryman in the Marines. "She is not a trained attack dog, so I allow her to be sociable with Soldiers. I let others pet her because it is a big morale booster." Harrington met Ryky at the Specialized Service Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. "At the school, the dogs are exposed to helicopter rides, simulated gunfire and simulated mortars to see how they react," said Harrington, a 14-year military service veteran with 6 deployments since 1995. "The dogs must be confident around the noises; they can't just take off running."
Capable of detecting 19 separate odors on the battlefield and the ability to run off of a leash, the SSD dogs have a distinct advantage out in sector, said Harrington. "Having Sgt. Harrington and the SSD dog gives me the extra capability to unleash the dog into an open area," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Ogle, the kennel master for the Falcon K-9 Team, 40th MP Det., attached to the 1st STB. "It is that off-leash capability that puts the handler out of danger."
Recently, Harrington and Ryky cleared a 600-meter portion of a main thoroughfare in Baghdad for a distinguished visitor; it took them approx. an hour. "It would take another dog 3 hours to complete that stretch of road because they would be on a 6-foot leash and the handler has to present everything to the dog." Usually, the team uses a leash while out in sector due to stray dogs and small confined areas, he added, but, if needed, Ryky could be up to 200 yards away and still effectively search an area.
According to Harrington, the SSD program has potential, and is quickly becoming more widespread across all facets of the military. One particular advantage of SSDs is the dog graduates ready to deploy right after completing the school, added Harrington. Normal working dogs leave their school able to detect 9 odors and receive additional training by their handlers in theater, said Harrington.
In the future, the need for working dogs may increase on the battlefield thanks to their keen sense of smell and ability to discover weapons with minimal Soldier over watch. The Falcon K-9 Team currently keeps 7 dogs in its kennels to support military ops in southern Baghdad, explained Ogle, who has 6 years experience handling dogs.
Ryky rests next to four 60mm mortar rounds she discovered while on patrol, Nov. 26.
(Army photos by Sgt. James Harrington)
Sgt. Harrington poses with Ryky, in front of a weapons cache they discovered while on mission, Oct. 26.
Ryky
-30-
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Students, community celebrate Al Kanat School renovations
FOB LOYALTY - Students, faculty and community members celebrated as a local leader cut a ribbon to recognize completion of renovations to Al Kanat School in Baghdad's Rusafa district, Dec. 16. Soldiers from 3rd Sqdrn, 89th Cav, 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, joined in the celebration too.
The school is a secondary school for boys in grades 7 through 12, and was improved with many small refurbishments said Capt. Timothy Green, effects coordinator for 3rd Sqdrn. "A fresh coat of paint, new tiles, (and a renovated) bathroom, small stuff like that adds to the appearance of the school and the overall mentality of the students," said Green, adding a good, clean school is conducive to a good learning environment.
Mohammed Alraw, owner of Alburjass and contractor in charge of the school renovations, remarked he was quite happy with the results of his labors. He said he spent a lot of his own time - time not in the contract - on the project just to give a little more to the students. "It's a 100% change," said Alraw, highlighting a new water system, pipes and new computers as some of the major improvements his company made to the school.
Spc. Lucas Peterson, HHT, 3rd Squadron, hands out donated toys to students.
(Army photo by Sgt. Grant Okubo)
-30-
Sustainers assist the Iraqi Army with a master driver program
BAGHDAD - The IA's Gen. Transport Regt (GTR), under the guidance of the 68th Transportation Co, 165th CSSB, 10th Sust Bde, conducted a master driver's class from 1-6 Dec.
The mission was to provide a program of instruction to standardize drivers training by providing master driver trainers with the knowledge and resources necessary to establish and maintain a driver's training program and a driver's training academy for the GTR.
The 68th Trans. Co.'s partnership with the GTR has made significant progress within their 4 months of existence. They now have 6 qualified master drivers and are on their way to establishing a driver's training academy, and achieving logistical self-reliance.
Sgt. 1st Class Sergio Balcazar (center) 68th Transportation Co, poses with Soldiers from the GTR after they received their master driver trainer badges and certificates on drivers training. The overall objective of the course was to provide guidelines for standardized driving training, testing, and licensing policies for operators within the GTR.
(Army photo by Spc. Luis Irizarry)
-30-
ISF demonstrates integrated training facility's capabilities
BASRAH - An Iraqi forces capabilities demo Dec. 19, showed how integrated training can be an effective, efficient way to meet the continuous training needs for a secure Iraq.
Iraqi SF cmdrs. led by Maj. Gen. Hwaidi and Coalition leaders witnessed the day's events at the Basrah Training College in Shaibah. The divisional training facility featured displays by the IP Service, Dept. of Boarder Enforcement, IA and emergency medical services.
"The process has begun for making Shaibah an excellent logistics base for all of the Iraqi SF," said Lt. Col. David Sosa, Iraqi SF planning liaison officer. He said that many new facilities were built in the last few months to provide an environment where all Iraqi SF can train and meet their future logistics needs. "It will help develop all Iraq SF and ensure that Iraq will remain safe and secure," Sosa said.
Although Coalition leaders said the college is off to a good start, the long-term success of this program depends on the GoI continuing to fund the program. "We're hoping that more funding is put into training and that the SF leaders here in Iraq will realize that continuation training is a key part to maintaining a sustainable security system," said Maj. Steven Lowe, staff officer with MND-SE HQs in Basrah. Lowe said that getting all of the key leaders of all of the armed SF together to see the facility's potential, was an important part of this effort. "We think it's been a resounding success, both for the multinational SF here, but more importantly, for the Iraqi SF who have been able to network and see training at all the different facilities," Lowe said.
Maj. Gen. Andy Salmon, cmdr. of MND-SE, sits on the Basrah Security Council with these Iraqi leaders. He said that communication and interaction is the key to solving problems for Iraq. "It's the same issue in every single country in the world that is coming out of the darkness of violence," said Salmon. "If everyone is tightly knit, then we can all have stability and security for a long time and do things together."
Iraqi Maj. Gen. Hameidi, cmdr. of the Basrah Ops Center, watch Iraqi SF' demonstrations with MND-SE Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Andy Salmon.
-30-
Tribal shaykhs meet in Suleikh to discuss issues
By Maj. Mike Humphreys
BAGHDAD - Members of the Suleikh Tribal Support Counsel and MND - Baghdad leaders met at a local restaurant in north Adhamiyah district of Baghdad Dec. 16, to discuss issues critical to the neighborhood.
During the meeting, Col. John Hort, cmdr. of the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, highlighted some of the tenants of the Security Framework Agreement recently passed by the Iraqi Parliament, which in part requires warrants for the arrest of Iraqi civilians, and an end to unilateral ops by CF. He thanked the shaykhs for their support, which has allowed 3rd BCT, 4th ID, and their partners in the Iraqi SF to make the move to combined ops and turn over more control to the ISF, well ahead of the SFA timeline. But, he asked for their continued support to keep the threat of terrorist groups from returning to the area.
"We need your help to keep the streets safe," Hort told the 12 shaykhs present at the meeting. Hort told the leaders that they were an integral part of maintaining peace in the region. "I believe there are 3 pillars to security here: the Iraqi SF, the SoI, and the shaykhs," Hort said.
Shaykhh Ahmed said he was thankful for the work of CF, referring to them as "friendly forces," but he is hopeful for more influence over detainee ops and detainee release, as control is transitioned to ISF and local governance.
During the meeting, one of the shaykhs introduced Hort to a young Iraqi man, formally detained and now working in the area's SoI program. Hort shook the young Iraqi man's hand and thanked him for now working to help keep his community safe. "Keep your nose clean," Hort said. The young man responded with an enthusiastic smile and an Iraqi salute indicating that he would.
Col. John Hort speaks to a former detainee turned SoI.
(U.S. Army photo by Scott Flenner)
-30-
MND-C Soldiers, IHPs conduct information exchange
DIWANIYA - The Iraqi highway patrol (IHP) must handle much more than a patrolman in U.S. would. In order to ensure they have the necessary tools for success, U.S. forces from COP 4 visited an IHP station for a friendly info exchange, Dec. 13.
Soldiers from Co D, 2nd CAB, 8th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 4th ID trained members of the IHP on close quarter marksmanship tactics during their visit. "I enjoyed the training. It's very good because it's useful for me and my fellow comrades," said Ahmed, an Iraqi highway patrol officer for 3 months.
This exchange was the second in a series that taught the IHPs basic close quarter marksmanship movements, high and low clearing techniques, and marksmanship on the move, said Sgt. Eric Lemelin, one of the instructors. The Soldiers offered the IHPs first aid and sobriety test instruction in previous exchanges. "We're training to help the IHPs better protect the routes. We're showing them our tactics to help, and they seem to get it," said Lemlin.
"Thanks to the IHPs and SoIs, IEDs on the routes we patrol are slim," said Lemelin. "Diwaniya is getting better and better," Ahmed agreed.
Sgt. Paul Baca, Co D, helps an Iraqi highway patrolman with his weapon stance.
(Army photos by Staff Sgt. Carlos M. Burger II)
Spc. Eddie Andrade teams up with an Iraqi highway patrolman for a demonstration of high and low clearing techniques.
Sgt. Eric Lemelin demonstrates proper move and shoot techniques.
-30-
Prime Minister addresses British troops in Iraq
BASRAH - U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown informed a group of British troops that their mission in Iraq will be completed by May 31 next year, during a visit Dec. 17, to MND - South East headquarters in Basrah.
Brown, along with Maj. Gen. Huwaidi of the IA, laid a poppy wreath at the foot of the memorial wall. Brown also thanked the U.K. troops for the work they are doing for the British people and for their courage and patriotism. He said the military will have achieved the 4 objectives they set out to complete during their mission in Iraq: the handover of Basrah Airport to Iraq officials, training the 14th Div to provide security for the region, enabling economic development, and facilitating elections.
-30-
Blackanthem Military News
PRT well project brings water to Afghan villages
(By AF Capt. Dustin Hart, 3rd BCT, 1st ID PAO, Nangarhar PRT)
Afghan girls draw water from a recently completed village well in Kuz Konar District.
KABUL, Afghanistan - The Nangarhar PRT recently completed an 8-well project that will bring much needed water sources to 6 districts throughout the eastern Afghanistan province.
"As we travel throughout the province, the Afghans tell us water availability is one of their biggest concerns" said AF Lt. Col. Steve Cabosky, Nangarhar PRT cmdr. "This project allowed us to directly address some of those needs and demonstrates the team's ability to work closely with the local govt to improve the lives of the Afghan people."
The new wells will bring a reliable water source to thousands of people across these districts, said AF Capt. Elisabeth Leon, chief engr. for the Nangarhar PRT. "These wells bring water to areas that have had their clean water reserves depleted," Captain Leon said. "They will help reduce water-borne illnesses, improve sanitation and provide a higher quality of life for the people."
Overall, the PRT is currently funding approx. 60 projects throughout Nangarhar Province. The team's mission is to work directly with the provincial and district govts to assist in the province's security, governance and reconstruction efforts.
Children draw water from a well in Dara-I-Nur District.
-30-
Blackanthem Military News
President Karzai Awards Army Maj. Gen. Robert W. Cone
By US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs
Afghan Pres. Hamid Karzai presents Army Maj. Gen. Robert W. Cone, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan comm. gen., with the Ghazi Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan State Medal at the Arg, the Presidential Palace of Afghanistan on Dec. 15.
(Photos by Seaman Tim Newborn)
KABUL, Afghanistan - Cone received the award for his accomplishments in the development and strengthening of the capacity of the Afghan National Army and for playing a key role in maintaining stability and security in country during the period of his services in Afghanistan.
CSTC-A's accomplishments during Cone's 18-month tour of duty include assisting the ANA expanding its force by 26,000 soldiers in the last year, tripling the growth rate of previous years; initiating a program to train Afghanistan's NP, training 22,000 police this year; and assisting with the growth of the Afghan Nation Army Air Corps, which now flies 90% of their own missions.
CSTC-A provides advisors, mentors and trainers to help the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior to organize, train, equip and support the Afghan National SF.
Pres. Karzai presents Maj. Gen. Cone with gifts following an awards ceremony.
-30-