Dear Interested Reader,
Servicemembers celebrate Super Bowl with pizza, beer and t-shirts! The 589th BSB teach the Iraqis proper logistics procedures. JSS Adl gets transferred to Iraqi Minister of Trade. Iraqi ERB leaders, along with CF conduct a tough pre-selection course to select candidates. The 321st AEAS aid in Iraqi ballot transport. USMC teaches Martial Arts to Iraqi Marines. Iraqi Counterinsurgency School hosts Civil-Military Ops Course. In Afghan, Pres. Obama is being asked to authorize troop build up; and Afghan doctors complete joint Int'l Medical Program.
Joanna
______________________________
Feb. 4, 2009
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Servicemembers celebrate Super Bowl
Camp Victory, Iraq -
Pizzas donated by Lou Malnati's pizzaria in Chicago, through the Pizzas 4 Patriots initiative, were served at the Oasis Dining Facility on Camp Victory, Feb 2. Pizzas 4 Patriots was started by Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mark Evans who, with his son, wanted to create an organization to send a piece of home to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The pizzas had a long journey from Chicago, with DHL delivery services taking special care to ensure the cargo remained frozen from start to finish to ensure freshness and food safety.
(Army photos by Staff Sgt. Joy Pariante)
Servicemembers wait in line to receive beer during Super Bowl festivities. Servicemembers were authorized to consume 2 beers while at the DFAC, watching the game to bring them a little piece of home.
Sgt. 1st Class Theresa Snow, NCO in charge, Oasis Dining Facility, arranges shirts donated for servicemembers prior to the Oasis Dining Facility's Super Bowl party.
-30-
8th MTR learns ropes from 589th Soldiers
Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, MND-Center dep. comm. gen. for ops, tours the 8th MTR's working area on a
battlefield circulation trip, Jan. 29.
(Army photo by Spc. Tiffany Evans)
FOB DELTA - In Numaniyah, living side-by-side with the 8th MTR are about fifty Soldiers from the 589th Bde Support Bn (BSB), which make up a small logistics MiTT, teaching proper logistics procedures, how to run a motor poo,l and how to fix military vehicles.
"We benefit from the American Soldiers knowledge and experience with up-armored vehicles," said Sgt. Kadum, 8th MTR mechanical sgt. "Our mechanics have a shortage of experience with military vehicles, so it works to our advantage to have the American Soldiers advising us on how to fix and house these vehicles." Kadum said that another benefit has been receiving spare parts when there is a shortage. They have a growing fleet of vehicles and Soldiers, so all help is appreciated and respected.
"As every day passes, I see a growing knowledge and familiarity in how to run logistics in the Iraqi officers," said Maj. Gerardo Pulido, MiTT team leader, B Co., 589th BSB. "This translates into confidence, which spreads through the ranks."
-30-
MND-B hand Joint Security Station to Iraqi Ministry of Trade
Iraqi Brig. Gen. Ghassan, cmdr., speaks with Lt. Col. Monty Willoughby, prior to the transfer.
(Army photo by Spc. Dustin Roberts)
BAGHDAD - The 4th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, attached to the 2nd HBCT, 1st ID, transferred JSS Adl, which was once a 4-story shopping center, to the Iraqi Ministry of Trade (MoT) in the Mansour district of northwest Baghdad, Feb 2.
"This location gave us the opportunity to work close with the Iraqi people and close with the Iraqi SF," said. Lt. Col. Monty Willoughby, cmdr., 4th Sqdn. "We have seen a decrease in significant activity against the population in western Baghdad, and now it's time to give this facility back to its rightful owner, the MoT."
"This is a measure of the continued progress here and it's a result of a partnership between us and the ISF and, frankly, their great capability in providing for the security of the people here in Baghdad," said Col. Joseph Martin, cmdr., 2nd HBCT. "We continue to transfer the JSS to our ISF counterparts as part of the security agreement."
"With a safe and successful election, it is evident that the ISF are willing and ready to take more responsibility in securing the population of northwest Baghdad," Martin said. "The transfer of this land is a product of the devotion the ISF have committed to the irreversible momentum towards a more free and prosperous Iraq."
With JSS Adl in the MoT's control, more jobs will be created if the shopping center is renovated and opened to the public. "This will help the people. Many shoppers will gather here again: people from Baghdad and others who will visit Baghdad," said Moufaq al-Suhail, civil defense chief, Adl market. "Plus, it will return over 300 employees and we hope the govt will do its best in refurbishing this building and return it back to its previous purpose, which is very important to the people."
Col. Monty Willoughby presents the key to the Adl Shopping Center to a rep of the Iraqi MoT.
-30-
Elite policing force beefs up selection course process
Iraqi National ERB hopefuls push a humvee down a road for two miles.
(Photos by Air Force Staff Sgt. Heidi Davis)
AL KUT - Iraqi National Emergency Response Brigade (ERB) leaders and CF initiated the first 2-week, pre-selection course to select candidates for the ERB's Operator Selection Course, Jan. 26. This new course was designed to help select candidates before they enter the formal ERB training. Candidates who have graduated from the police course or were members of nationalized SWAT units were eligible to attend this course.
Although the pre-selection course began with 30 candidates, ages 18 to 33, less than half will be recommended for ERB's selection process. "We're looking for candidates who lead by example and can physically endure," said an advisor. "This way, only the best and most motivated are sent forward to attend the ERB course."
From day one, the course is designed to push candidates' physical and mental capabilities to full capacity. Events include a 21-mile course to test candidates endurance, basic rifle marksmanship, combat-lifesaver skills and close-quarter-battle techniques in urban environments.
"All here hope to be Iraqi ERB officers," said an ERB graduate. "Completing this course will put them one step closer to that dream."
Iraqi National ERB hopefuls transport a personal sandbag over a two-mile stretch.
-30-
U.S. Air Forces Central
Airmen Aid in Iraqi Ballot Transport
By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham
MSgt. Louis Carter, 321st Air Expeditionary Airlift Sqdrn (AEAS) combat aviation advisor, performs a pre-flight inspection on an Iraqi C-130E, Feb. 2. The C-130 was one of 2 aircraft on its way to pick up Iraqi election ballot boxes. Sgt Carter is deployed from the 550th Special Ops Sqdrn at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
(Photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham)
SATHER AIR BASE — While many service members were watching the final moments of Superbowl XLIII, Maj. Scott Volk, Capt. Chris Dickens, both C-130 evaluation pilots and aviation advisors for the Iraqi AF, and MSgt. Louis Carter, were preparing to board an Iraqi C-130E on its way to Mosul to pick up election ballot boxes from Iraq's recent elections.
"We all volunteered for this mission; we all knew it was a part of history," said Captain Dickens, who is deployed from the 62nd Airlift Sqdrn at Little Rock AF Base, Ark. "Today we will be on the airplane actively advising the Iraqi aircrew in case they have any issues that come up." As advisors, these aircrew members have played a significant role in helping Iraq become an independent AF.
"Our primary role first and foremost is to train the Iraqi C-130 pilots; we also upgrade other crew positions," said Captain Dickens. "We have upgraded a couple people to instructors. We also help them with their squadron programs, for example, we advise them on flight safety, standardization, evaluations and training." These Airmen, who have already been deployed here for several months, said today was extra special because they were directly involved in Iraq becoming a democracy. "It feels like you are actually making a difference today and this goes to us maybe getting home," said Sgt Carter.
"We're all very proud to be a part of this," added Captain Dickens. "The fact that we are gradually getting the Iraqi C-130 aircrews closer and closer to becoming independent, where they can operate on their own, is a pretty big achievement, not only for us but for them as well."
The 321st AEAS is a squadron that falls under the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing, responsible to the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, which is charged with standing up the Iraqi AF through the Coalition AF Training Team.
-30-
USMC Teaches Martial Arts to Iraqi Marines
UMM QASR — Hand-to-hand combat training is now a reality for Iraqi Marines training here as they continue to become well-rounded in all aspects of combat. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program developed here teaches the Iraqi Marines various armed and unarmed martial arts techniques, both lethal and non-lethal.
“The reason this class exists is to ensure the Iraqi Marines performing their missions are well-trained in all aspects of combat,” said SSgt. Jose Esquivel, USMC advisor/trainer with Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq. The month-long curriculum consists of training that runs all day and includes an obstacle course purposely designed with a high degree of difficulty. Through attrition, far fewer Iraqi Marines actually reach graduation. “The first course started out with 21 Iraqi Marines, but graduated with 9,” said Esquivel. “The integration of martial arts training into a realistic and challenging fitness program is essential to develop combat fitness,” Esquivel continued. “This concept not only develops a more physically fit Iraqi Marine, it also develops an individual who is mentally tough and confident.”
The first Iraqi Marines to graduate the course are now instructing. This train-the-trainer concept is vital as the Iraqi Marines move towards self-sufficiency during the critical transition from Coalition to Iraqi-led ops.
-30-
Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348
Iraqi Counterinsurgency School hosts Civil-Military Ops Course
By Lt. Col. F. Cale, USMC
TAJI – Iraqi Army Col. Saleem, Commandant, Iraqi Counterinsurgency School at Camp Taji, recently announced the successful completion of the latest Iraqi Civil Military Ops Course (ICMOC). The course was held at the ICS HQ at Phoenix Academy, an installation within the greater Camp Taji IA Training Base. The course took place Jan. 18-22, and is the fifth such course to be conducted.
The ICMOC is a result of an ongoing partnership between the Iraqi COIN School and successively-deployed Civil Affairs Bdes from MNC - Iraq. Civil Affairs and Civil Military Ops are an integral part of the spectrum of counterinsurgency ops, capitalizing on the populace as the ‘Center of Gravity’ in the fight against insurgent elements.
The current CA partner is the 304th CAB. The 304th CA team, led by U.S. Army Maj. Anderson, closely engaged with action officers from the ICS on all stages of planning and execution of the course. Iraqi and Coalition planners and instructors worked together to determine the learning objectives, develop a plan of instruction and certify Iraqi instructors for various classes and practical application periods.
ICS and 304th CA instructors, with linguist support, shared the podium throughout the course. Course participants were IA and Iraqi NP officers. Thirty seven participants from many different locations in Iraq, with ranks from 2nd lt and col., attended the course.
Course attendees enthusiastically participated in discussions and even presented blocks of instruction based on their expertise and experience. The new course design, coupled with the highest attendance ever, made this the most successful CA and ICMOC to date. After taking the course, the idea that Military and Civil authorities can work together for the best interests of the population was unanimously embraced by the attending officers.
-30-
Go Steelers!
Sgt. Cyril Illidge, a human resources specialist from the 408th Human Resources Command, waves his "Terrible Towel" while cheering for the Pittsburg Steelers at Coalition South Dining Facility in COB Adder, Feb. 2. The tip of left index finger was marked with ink to prove that he had received beer for the event.
(Photo by Spc. Creighton Holub)
-30-
Little Hands
Senior Airman Tarann Earl, 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Sqdrn, plays with an Iraqi child, Jan. 27 at Camp Bucca, while they wait for transport to the detainee visitation center. The 887th ESFS provides security and transportation to the center for Iraqis who are allowed to visit daily with detained family members held at the Theater Internment Facility.
(Photo by Capt. Angelic Dolan)
-30-
Next Generation
Iraqi children proudly display their ink stained fingers during the Iraqi provincial election in Kadhimiya, Jan. 31. Voters must be at least 18 years of age.
(Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert J. Whelan)
-30-
American Forces Press Service
Afghanistan troop buildup
by Gerry Gilmore
Marine Sgt. Brian Morris shovels dirt into protective barriers on a COP in the Farah province of Afghanistan earlier this month. The Marines can expect several thousand more U.S. troops to join them in Afghanistan in the coming months, according to Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.
WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is expected to present the Pentagon’s proposal for a U.S. troop increase in Afghanistan to Pres. Obama in the near future, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said Jan. 29. “I think everybody’s committed to doing this as quickly and responsibly as possible,” Morrell told Pentagon reporters. “In the coming days, the secretary hopes to present the president with his recommendation.”
Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, who commands U.S. forces in Afghanistan as well as NATO’s Int'l Security Assistance Force, has asked his bosses for a 30,000-troop increase, which effectively would double the U.S. military contingent in Afghanistan. Gates and other senior civilian and military officials at the Pentagon have said they believe it is necessary to send more troops to Afghanistan to suppress resurgent Taliban fighters and al-Qaida terrorists.
During his Jan. 27 testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gates said if Obama approves the Afghanistan troop increase, that most of those extra forces could be provided to McKiernan by midsummer.
-30-
Combined Joint Task Force 101 RSS
Afghan Doctors Complete Joint Medical Program
Story by Senior Airman Megan P. Lyon
Five Afghan doctors from Kapisa province graduated from the Int'l Medical Mentorship and Training Program, Jan. 29.
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – The program was taught by medical professionals from the US, Egypt and Korea. “The students are learning how to train their colleagues, so they can start building and developing their health sector,” said U.S. AF Lt. Col. Montserrat Edie-Korleski, TF Med plans and programs officer.
The 90-day medical course, which began in early November, is the first of its kind in Afghanistan. The students divided their time between the Egyptian and Korean field hospitals and the U.S. Craig Joint Theater Hospital.
Students attended lectures at the Korean hospital, hands-on training at the Egyptian hospital and focused on life, limb and eye trauma at the U.S. hospital.
“The U.S., Korean and Egyptian medicinal communities understand that the way ahead is for the Afghan medicinal community to be able to take care of their own people,” said U.S. AF Col. Dave Geyer, TF Med cmdr.
During the training, the Afghan doctors commuted from Kabul to Bagram multiple times each week for 3 months. The medical staff has plans to do away with that long commute by building a campus on Bagram where the students can reside during training.
Speaking through an interpreter, Dr. Abdul Wahid talked about the student’s hopes to pass on their education to the next generation of Afghan medical professionals. “We struggled and suffered during the time of the Taliban,” said Wahid. “We will never forget the help we received.” The other graduates included Dr. Mirza, Dr. Laila Zia, Dr. Qader and Dr. Jasim.
-30-