Dear Interested Reader,
The 2nd BCT partners with Iraqi SF at FOB Warrior. Women's programs will improve quality of life. Two police stations are transferred to IP in Tikrit. Iraqi Navy prepares to protect key oil platform. Recon Marines take training to the next level for Iraqi SF. An induction ceremony for New NCOs is held at FOB Warhorse. In Afghanistan, Latvia prepares to ship supplies to U.S. forces, via Russia and central Asia.
Joanna
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Feb. 20, 2009
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
2nd BCT partners with ISF at FOB Warrior
Soldiers from the IA and U.S. Army stand beside one another holding their country's flags.
(Army photos by Pfc. Justin Naylor)
FOB WARRIOR, Kirkuk - The Iraqi and American flags were marched together proudly as the 2nd BCT assumed responsibility of FOB Warrior, Feb. 14, in a Provincial Partnership Ceremony attended by Iraqi citizens, IP, IA and CF. The area was formally the responsibility of the 3rd Bde, 25th ID, with assistance from the 18th Engr Bde.
The 2nd BCT arrives at a time of reconstruction in the province of Kirkuk, and with their arrival a new chapter has begun. Col. Ryan Gonsalves, cmdr, 2nd BCT, spoke of the importance of a strong partnership between all communities during his address. "The upcoming year will be an important one for the 2nd Bde of the 1st Cav Div, because we will learn a great deal from our partners," said Gonsalves in reference to the Iraqi SF. "We have a great deal of respect for your competence and professionalism, and we welcome the opportunity to support and train together as brothers."
The current operational climate in Iraq has changed, Gonsalves noted. While there is still a very real security threat, the emphasis is on reconstruction, and enabling Iraqi leaders to solve Iraqi problems. Therefore, another important partnership is with the PRT. "Your expertise, continuity and passion toward helping put the final brick in the wall of Iraqi reconstruction, is what allows CF who move in and out of this area to be successful," Gonsalves said of the PRT. "We see our relationship as one of equals, and we will support your efforts with every means at our disposal."
Gonsalves also addressed the importance that Kirkuk province plays in the reconciliation process between different ethnicities that call Iraq home. "Kirkuk represents an opportunity for Iraq to prove its ability to resolve differences through meaningful discussion, with all parties represented," said Gonsalves. "Each one of us believes that the future of Iraq is bright, but we still have work to do. As partners, we will share in the labor ahead of us, and each one of us will feel personal pride when that goal is reached."
Lt. Col. Terry Cook, cmdr, 3rd Bn, 82nd FAR, 2nd BCT, is partnered with the Kirkuk Provincial Police, and has taken a new view of the Kirkuk region. "Goals have changed in this region," said Cook. "Without a spirit of partnership between Iraqi and CF, we cannot hope to accomplish any change in this province." Cook emphasized how he wants himself and the Soldiers in his command to feel about their mission here that, "We consider ourselves to now be citizens of Kirkuk province."
"Together we will help improve the future of Iraq," said Lt. Col. Andy Shoffner, cmdr, 4th Sqdrn, 9th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, partnered with the 15th IA Bde. Shoffner said that the Iraqis must build their own future, and that CF should help any way possible, to ensure a safe, politically and economically sustainable Iraq. "I believe that it is through, with, and by the Iraqis that we can come up with a solution to help keep peace in Kirkuk, and also to improve the economic situations for Iraqis in the province," said Shoffner. "They have done a good job so far in reconciling the different ethnicities, and are on their way to making a viable future for Iraq. Together we can build the capacity of the Iraqis in the Kirkuk province."
Soldiers and Iraqis listen to both the Iraqi and U.S. national anthems.
Col. Ryan Gonsalves claps along to the 1st Cav Div song "Garry Owen."
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Women’s Programs Improve Quality of Life for Iraqi Females
(By Spc. Debralee P. Crankshaw, MND – Center)
Capt. Jennifer Glossinger, Women’s Initiative coordinator, 413th CAB, speaks with an Iraqi woman about issues women in her area face.
CAMP VICTORY — Women play a vital role in the U.S. The same is true in Iraq, but there has historically been little emphasis placed on their well-being. The Women's Initiative is a 3-part program designed to improve the role of women in Iraqi society.
The first component of the program is to decrease women suicide bombers. In 2007 there were 7, but in 2008 the number increased to 38. To help alleviate this trend, the initiative began. "The thought behind it is that the women have lost so many of the men in their families - fathers, brothers, husbands, friends," said Capt. Jennifer Glossinger. "What happens to so many is they become very vulnerable because they don't have many resources. A lot of times they're left with many children to take care of. They may not be able to read or write. The Women's Initiative looks to fill in the gaps and provide some of those basic needs to mitigate some of those female suicide bombings."
The second part of the initiative is economic development. "80% of employment comes from the agricultural sector in MND-C. 70% of that work force is composed of women. Women do just about all of the work," said Glossinger. The initiative works with PRTs and agriculture teams to include women's programs at their extension center. "The extension center’s main goal is to create a place where people can come and learn about new technology," said Glossinger. "They can come together and pool their money to buy equipment or work as a team and help strengthen each other." Providing literacy and youth programs is another idea Glossinger has for these centers. Rural areas are the main focus of the program. However, the initiative also encourages women in the cities to obtain grants and start businesses.
The final area the initiative looks at is human rights, but the other components are usually the avenue used to obtain these rights. There are a few other ways this is pursued. One way is to encourage women to help other women. "In Dhi Qar, there are 12 women lawyers and they are talking about opening a women's center there and providing legal services to women," said Glossinger. The initiative focuses on these areas to provide communication, info and support, to pass on the best practices to the MND-C areas of op, in regards to women and programs to assist them.
"Our main goal is not to change the culture, but to strengthen what they have in terms of employment and education," said Glossinger. "I think it's important to be realistic in what you focus on. Most of the women in the MND-C area are rural and need the most basic things like jobs and education."
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Two Stations Transferred to Iraqi Police
By Spc. Ryan Elliott
IP and CF stand side-by-side as a sign of unity and brotherhood at an IP station validation ceremony, held last month in Massahag. The ceremony marked the official turnover of security for the area to the Iraqis.
(Photo by Spc. Ryan Elliott)
TIKRIT — A group of enthusiastic, wide-eyed Iraqis recently gathered in front of the Massahag Police Center here as they tried to catch a glimpse of the validation ceremony occurring inside.
“The local IP have made great strides in providing security over the previous year and are ready and able to provide security to Massahag and Makahul, both with populations exceeding 5,000 residents,” said MSgt. Kevin Daley, ops sgt, 561st MP Co. “Shaping the IP into an effective competent force has been our focus since we took control of this area,” said Daley. “I have a great deal of confidence in them; I am more than hopeful that they will be able to rise to the task of providing security for this area,” he added.
“The IP here have shown an unsurpassed level of professionalism, and an eagerness to take on the task of providing security for their city,” said 1st Lt. Lindsey Gerheim, 561st MP Co. “When we got here in April, they were already well on their way to taking over security ops; we just helped refine some of their skills, and gave them the necessary tools to provide security,” said Gerheim.
Because the IP are from the area which they patrol, they are in tune with the needs and demands of the residents, and are able to respond in a quicker, more effective fashion. “The day-to-day security ops in Massahag and Makahul will now be handled by their own IP Centers, thereby lessening the need for any Coalition presence,” said Daley.
“This is a big step forward for this area; the IP are very enthusiastic, very knowledgeable, very competent, and they are up to the task of providing security for their city,” said Gerheim.
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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348
Orderly Transition - Iraqi Navy prepares to protect key oil platform
BAGHDAD – The leadership of the Iraqi Navy and their Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq partners met here at the Blackhawk Conference Center in the Int'l Zone, Feb. 17 to go over plans for the orderly transition of the offshore Khwar Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) to Iraqi control.
KAAOT and the nearby Al Basra Oil Terminal are critical to Iraq’s future since 75% of the nation’s oil is exported through these terminals. The oil platforms are key targets for those who want to harm Iraq and its future.
Rear Adm. Muaffaq, Dep. Head of the Iraqi Navy, and Commodore Adele, Chief of Staff, represented the Iraqi navy at the meeting. “We are aware of the region and our neighbors,” said Muaffaq. “We look forward to protecting our nation once again.”
Royal Navy Capt. Richard Ingram, cmdr of MNSTC-I’s Coalition Naval Training Team - Umm Qasr, briefed the group on the transition plans. R.N. Capt. Nick Hine, CNATT director, said to the Iraqis, “Obviously, you were doing the job long before we got here. If we are suggesting something that you know will not work, please tell us. We’re here to help you prepare for the transition.”
Today, Iraqi Navy and CF are working together to protect the platforms from harm. By Dec. 2009, the Iraqi Navy will take full responsibility for the Khwar Al Amaya Oil Terminal and the security of a proportion of the nation's oil wealth. This is a vital step towards ensuring Iraq’s self-sufficiency during the critical transition from coalition to Iraqi-led ops in support of the Security Agreement between Iraq and the U.S.
The Iraqi Navy is also preparing to take the lead, by taking delivery of new fast attack boats, patrol vessels and building a new pier and seawall at Umm Qasr.
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mnfwest.usmc.mil
Reconnaissance Marines harden Iraqi Special Forces
Story by Sgt. Dorian Gardner
CAMP RAMADI – With Iraqi training and partnered ops taking priority in Iraq, Force Recon Marines have taken it to the next level, incorporating SF training with an elite group of Iraqi soldiers during a 10-day training exercise that started here, Feb. 7.
GnySgt. Timothy Davis, plt sgt of 3rd Plt, Bravo Co, 1st Recon Bn, RCT 6, assembled a group of team leaders, asst team leaders and snipers to lead these classes.
“In the long run, the IA wants its own recon unit,” said Sgt. Dwight Anderson, Team 2 team leader, 3rd Plt. “We are trying to give them a basic understanding of recon ops.”
Now conducting their own patrols, protecting their borders, and patrolling their streets, the Iraqi SF have come a long way since the beginning of this war. Their next goal is to develop the same advanced recon abilities recon Marines bring to the table. Recon Marines have undergone many months of advanced training in covert ops and advanced combat tactics, and they are eager to help open the door for these Iraqi soldiers.
Recon Marines operate on a different scale in comparison to an average inf bn. Trained to operate in small groups, a recon team executes a mission with a team of 5 or 6 members, rather than a squad of 13. They often operate without direct support in enemy territory for extended periods of time. They are the proverbial tip of the spear.
According to IA Sgt. Maj. Mohanad Abuod, his unit has conducted missions along side Marines in the past, and trained with other special-ops units. “We have received the best training from these recon Marines,” said Sgt. Maj. Mohanad. “This training has taught me and my soldiers a lot of things; different ways to attack the objective … how to support your men in a mission.”
As training progresses, the Marines will no longer lead their training, but walk along side them in drills and practical application. Marines are optimistic about the change of strategy for these soldiers, and according to Anderson, the soldiers are picking up basic maneuvers and adjusting their approach. “They have already started to change the way they operate and they learn quickly,” said Anderson.
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Induction ceremony at FOB Warhorse
Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Cervantes speaks at the ceremony.
Diyala - An induction ceremony for new NCOs in the 202nd MP Co, 607th MP Bn, 8th MP Bde, took place at FOB Warhorse, located in the Diyala Province of Iraq, Feb. 17.
"Inducting NCOs into the corps is important for them, because it teaches them the line that they have to separate between Soldier and NCO, and becoming a leader as opposed to a follower," said 1st Sgt. William F. Finch Jr., first sgt, 202nd MP Co.
Speakers at the ceremony included Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Cervantes, 1st Stryker BCT, 25th ID, and Command Sgt. Maj. of the IA Adel Hamad.
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Latvia prepares to ship supplies to US forces in Afghanistan
Riga - The U.S. was set to open a new 4,000 kilometre-long supply line to its forces in Afghanistan Feb. 18, with the planned departure of a freight train carrying US military supplies from the Latvian capital, Riga. The precise departure date has not been made public, but the first trainload will leave within hours or days rather than weeks, according to unofficial sources and local media speculation. The 100-wagon train contains only "non-lethal commercial goods" according to Bruce Rogers of the US embassy in Riga, who agreed on the shipment terms after a meeting with Latvian president Valdis Zatlers on February 11.
Supplies will be shipped via the Baltic Sea to Riga port and transported onward by rail to Afghanistan, via Russia and central Asia. If the route proves successful, the frequency might be increased to up to 30 trains per week, Rogers said.
Latvia is a NATO member and has a contingent of troops serving alongside other foreign forces in Afghanistan. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has ruled out the possibility that military hardware might be included in trains crossing Russian territory. The US has been seeking new supply routes after the Kyrgyz parliament voted to close the Manas air base used by the US military.
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