Dear Interested Reader,
Raven B operators maintain "eyes-on" for Airmen ground forces.  Marines hone martial arts skills at Al Asad Air Base.  Attempt to revive tourism is aided by 2nd Marine Logistics Group.  Combined forces conducted patrols through Maysan.  Athabiah Primary school celebrates renovations.  Iraqi mechanics are trained in generator repair.  Ministry of Interior is introduced to King Air capabilities.  In Afghanistan, 3rd Bn, 8th Marine Regt. are using 120 mm mortar system.
Joanna
________________________________

March 23, 2009

US Air Forces Central

Raven B operators maintain ‘eyes-on’ for Airmen ground forces

By Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Airman 1st Class Shane Corcoran, 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Sqdrn (ESFS) Raven B operator, holds an RQ-11B unmanned aerial system during pre-flight checks, Feb. 25. 
(AF photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher)

CAMP BUCCA -- "There it is," said SSgt. Jeff Tomkiewicz, 887th ESFS, as he pointed at a little, buzzing white dot in the sky.  As the Raven B operator approached the small strip of sand of Camp Bucca's Burge Field, the tiny Raven B unmanned aerial system (UAS) hovered above the ground for a moment then unceremoniously fell to the ground, waiting for Sergeant Tomkiewicz to retrieve it.
At 4 pounds and 4-1/2 feet across, the RQ-11B isn't as elegant as the sleek lines of the larger MQ-1 Predator, but it is rapidly becoming the new face of tactical intel, surveillance and recon, and is being used at Camp Bucca to provide overwatch for 887th ESFS patrols.  "The Raven B system is utilized to provide a persistent eyes-on, day or night, capability outside of the base perimeter," said 1st Lt. Maxwell Kimmel, 887th ESFS Small UAS officer in charge. "It enables us to watch an area or route without having a footprint on the ground in that area."
"It helps squads outside the wire conduct patrols," Sgt Tomkiewicz said. "We give eyes-on for them; see things they can't see like insurgents, IEDs and other dangers." 
"Using Security Forces Airmen to fly Raven B has proved to be very advantageous, as they are trained in protecting an area and watching for suspicious activity," Lt Kimmel said. "At night, when you have zero visibility, and you are in a hostile area, increasing your situational awareness is vital to successful ops and the safety of your fire team."
Unlike larger UAS that require runways or launchers, the Raven B can be launched by hand, thrown like a football. "It's a very flexible and responsive system," Lt Kimmel said. "It can be launched and flown from a moving vehicle, a base or a static position.  You can pack the entire system into a rucksack. It's the ideal squad-based ISR platform."
Airmen who fly and operate the Raven B are sent to a training course in Nev. before taking the helm of the system.  Sgt Tomkiewicz, deployed from Hanscom AF Base, Mass., said the training seems hard at first, but he and his fellow Airmen soon got the hang of it.  "We learned to fly the aircraft, de-conflict the airspace, and learned what things to look out for," he said. "At first it was a lot of info they throw at you, but once you get used to it, things run pretty well."
For Airman 1st Class Shane Corcoran, 887th ESFS Raven B operator, his first run-in with a Raven B was an eye-opening experience.  "We were out doing training at an Army base out there, and someone said, 'Hey, look at that UAV!'"  This is definitely new, and I couldn't be happier with this job."  Airman Corcoran said the best part of what he does is his job that allows him to watch over his friends out on patrol with the 887th.  "It's good to know you're out there, able to help out the patrols and possibly saving lives," he said. "I'd say we deter a lot of things that could happen, so I think us being outside the wire out there is very positive."

 

Airman 1st Class Shane Corcoran launches an RQ-11B UAS.

-30-

mnfwest.usmc.mil

Marines hone martial arts skills aboard Al Asad

By Lance Cpl. Jason Hernandez

Lance Cpl. Jeremy Jenkin, a clerk with the Al Asad Air Base Joint Reception Center, listens as GnySgt. Sylvester S. Smith, staff NCO-in-charge of the Joint Reception Center, teaches him how to properly execute an arm bar submission move during Marine Corps Martial Arts Training, Feb. 26, 2009. The Marine Corps Martial Arts remediation course is designed to help service members retain their basic martial arts skills.

AL ASAD AIR BASE – Famed Army Gen. John “Blackjack” Pershing is credited as once saying, “The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle!” In recent years, the Corps has taken that adage one step further by adding another combat skill to the individual Marine’s repertoire, and the Marines of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) are using their time in Iraq to hone their up close and personal fighting styles.
Since its formal inception in 2001, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, or MCMAP, has become firmly entrenched in the Marine Corps’ warrior ethos as every Marine has undergone some level of training in the 5-stage martial arts program. The introduction of the system came just in time – replacing outdated hand-to-hand combat techniques just as the Corps began extended combat ops in both Afghanistan and Iraq. “Not every situation is perfect,” said GnySgt. Sylvester S. Smith. “You need a diverse set of skills and techniques in order to be ready for any situation.”
Marines receive their initiation to MCMAP at either recruit training or The Basic School when they receive their tan belt, and once they enter the Operating Forces or Supporting Establishment, are given the opportunity to advance through the system, obtaining new skill sets and disciplines with each belt.  After tan, Marines can train for their grey, green, brown, and black belts, a progression based on rank and recommendations from the individual’s command.
Since 2001, Smith has worn a black belt with a red tab that signifies his status as an instructor.  “Marines need to know how to defend themselves,” said Smith.  “Everyone talks about leadership, but leadership is also training your Marines. This is a good way to show it.” Smith provides training opportunities to Marines twice a week during the afternoon.  “I love MCMAP,” said SSgt. Richard Powell, an administrative Marine with II MEF (Fwd). “It’s a good conditioning program that builds off of other techniques.”
Marines and civilians are encouraged to take part in a remediation course that is designed to refresh and refine many of the skills Marines learned earlier in their MCMAP progression. “It's outstanding training,” said Leonard Lewis, a govt service employee with MNF - West. “You learn how to handle different situations.  It teaches ground fighting, armed and unarmed, which is good because most fights end up on the ground.”
In addition to helping Marines stay physically fit and combat ready, the program also emphasizes a series of warrior ethos, or values, that helps prepare the Marines to deal with not only close combat, but a wide range of difficult life issues such as suicide, leadership, drug abuse, escalation of force, the law of war, and other topics.  “Through sustainment training we’re keeping the Marines here sharp,” said Smith. “Through the lessons they refresh here they can better assess the temper and the intent of any opponent.”

-30-

2nd Marine Logistic Group Public Affairs RSS

Quest to Revive Tourism Continues in Iraq

Story by Cpl. M. M. Bravo

Hamid Tarad, dir. of Habbaniyah Tourist Village and mgr of Tourist Hotel, Al Anbar Province, eats lunch with 2nd Marine Logistics Group Comm. Gen., Brig. Gen. Juan Ayala, Feb. 19 in the hotel's restaurant after a meeting. Once a honeymooner's getaway, Tarad hopes to restore the village to its original state of luxury and class for the people of Iraq to have a peaceful place to visit after years of war.

HABBANIYAH TOURIST VILLAGE - Taking a romantic walk or soaking in the Iraqi sun-rays on the lakeside beach in Habbaniyah Tourist Village, is no longer a reality for honeymooners and tourists.  It's just a structure of memories covered up by rust, dust, and a war that's left the village in a state of neglect.
Built in 1979 in Iraq's Al Anbar province near Fallujah, Habbaniyah Tourist Village was once voted as the best Middle Eastern tourist resort, until the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.  At that time, Al Anbar province was overrun with Sunni insurgents, refugees filled the village, and H.T.V. slowly lost its allure.
Throughout last year, Marines worked with the dir. of the village to try and get investors to put money into the resort and bring it back to its original state.  "They were asking me for help with a generator, our assistance in getting investors to come down to the tourist town, and internet service," Ayala said.  He explained there is a limited amount of funding, and an agreement in place where they have to work through the GoI to assist the local people.
"The assistance that we're able to offer is very specific because the money that's allocated to us by law has to enhance or provide essential services to the people," Ayala said. "Water, sewage, electricity, and those types of things will improve the quality of life for the people."
The general added that because the current Iraqi govt is so new, it's important to help them, but also imperative to encourage them to help themselves.  "If we do too much they become dependent and we don't want that," Ayala said. "We're trying to influence their leaders to be able to provide services for the people, because at the end of the day, it's not important if Americans do it.  It's important that Iraqis do it."
Ayala said the Iraqis were cordial and professional hosts.  He hopes to be able to assist Tarad and meet some of the requests made by the new director.  "My hope is that we can give them some projects that not only help the people in the area," Ayala said. "but the big picture is we're trying to get investors in this country ... that will in turn get jobs going."
Although tourism is a word you rarely hear associated with a recent warzone, Ayala said the re-opening of a tourist village at this point in time symbolizes stability.  "The quality of life has improved to the point where they can think of vacations and they can think of getting away," he said.  "This is my 4th tour, and things have really changed for the better," Ayala said. "Stability has gotten better, security has gotten better ... incidents of violence are a lot less ... I think the fact that we're talking about investments, tourists, and essential services, is a good sign of progress."
The visit went well and it ended with the traditional cup of Iraqi tea.  "We thank you for everything," Tarad said. "This is not the first and last we see you. Please come here again."

-30-

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

Iraqi Army Marches Through Maysan       

American and Iraqi troops interact with villagers near FOB Hunter. The village leader offered hot sweet tea, bread and bottled water to the hard-working troops.
(Photo and story by 1st Lt. Jason Frisco)

FOB HUNTER — Nearly 500 Iraqi Soldiers recently traveled approx. 20 miles to reinforce the idea that the IA is capable of ensuring security and providing stability here.  The IA Soldiers joined their American counterparts from the 1st Cav Div for ‘Op Thesinger,’ March 7.  “I’m always excited to work with the Americans,” said Lt. Nubrass Shaker, an ops officer in the IA. “My Soldiers always learn new things during these missions.”
The IA and American Soldiers conducted mounted and dismounted patrols. They tactically moved in full combat gear and body armor across open fields, villages and canal roads to interact with the locals, and establish relationships in the area. The purpose of this op was to emphasize to the Iraqi people that their Army is capable of providing stability in the Maysan province.
“This is my second time in Iraq, and the IA is a much more organized and disciplined unit than it was when I was here in 2005,” said Spc. David Dawson, a cannon crewmember with the 82nd FAR. “I think they will be able to handle things once we leave Iraq.”
As CF patrolled along suspected smuggling routes, the local citizens were very excited to see the Iraqi and American troops working together.  One local leader said his village consists of simple farmers who just want to live a peaceful life for themselves and their children, raise their crops and livestock, and not have to worry about the criminals smuggling weapons into their homeland.

-30-

Athabiah Primary School Renovated

FOB WARRIOR — A recent ribbon cutting ceremony at the Athabiah Primary School in Riyadh celebrated the completion of a much-needed makeover project for the school.  Built in 1972, the school had fallen into disrepair and, at the request of the Athabiah city council, the Riyadh Civil Service Corps (CSC) took on the project.
Responsible for the refurbishment, CSC employed approx. 70 Iraqi student workers, who recently acquired skills in painting, concrete work and carpentry, to help facilitate the 3-month-long renovation project.
The repairs to the school included new electrical wiring, new cement to refurbish flooring and fresh paint for the walls.
Jasim Khalaf, the school headmaster, said he is pleased with the renovations and is looking forward to using the refurbished facility.  “The completion of this project and others like it clearly shows the willingness of the Iraqi people to overcome adversity and pave the way for their children’s future,” Khalaf said.
Cmdr of B Co, 1st Bn, 8th Cav Regt, Capt. Eric Hong, was present during the ceremony and said the project was part of the Riyadh Public Works CSC program, which is upgrading other govt buildings in the area. "CSC is also renovating other buildings in the Riyadh area, primarily the police station and municipal building,” said Hong.

-30-

Iraqi Mechanics Trained in Generator Repair       

By Spc. Allison Churchill

IA mechanics proudly show off the skills they've learned in a generator mechanic class taught by U.S. Soldiers, March 12-16.
(Photo by Spc. Allison Churchill)

FOB DELTA — Seven Iraqi Soldiers recently learned how to repair generators in preparation for the handover of the JSSs in Wasit province.  U.S. generator mechanics from the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) section, 41st Fires Bde, conducted the training here, March 12 - 16.
“They’ve absorbed 6 months of training in a few days,” said Sgt.1st Class Vernon Watson, GSE NCO in charge. The training began with classroom-style courses, March 12. The Iraqis quickly moved to hands-on training using several inoperable control boxes and generator parts in the shop.  “Once you tear a piece of equipment apart, you get to see how it operates,” said Watson.  “We were able to show them on actual generators where wires go.  They also learned how to troubleshoot, perform preventative maintenance checks and services, and perform voltage checks. Instead of us telling them a battery is bad, they can use the battery load tester.”
The Iraqis picked up the fine details of the generators so quickly that Watson expanded the class to other services the GSE shop provides, such as vehicle a/c repair and welding.  “They were willing to learn, very excited about it, and asked a lot of questions,” said Spc. Daniel Britton, a ground support engr and a/c technician.
“We got good info about generators – and we are having fun with this class,” said Sub-sgt Yasim, a student in the class.

-30-

Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

MoI introduced to a bird’s eye view       

BAGHDAD – Local IP are preparing to enter a house to serve an arrest warrant.  They are armed with all the necessary equipment—weapons, body armor, helmets, radios.  But what they are missing could mean the difference between life and death, and Ministry of Interior (MoI) officials were recently briefed on the new capability that will undoubtedly help to save lives.
The senior intel advisor to the Iraqi AF Air Ops Center, AF Capt. Scot Washburn, briefed MoI officials on King Air capabilities at the National Command Center, Mar. 11.  While the MoD has long utilized this technology, this was the first demonstration to the MoI.
“The King Air is the newest and most sophisticated Iraqi Intel, Surveillance, Recon platform.  “This platform is coupled with ground stations to allow ground cmdrs. a bird’s eye view of the battlespace,” said Capt. Washburn.
Iraq has 5 aircraft and 8 ground stations-- 4 fixed and 4 portable.  The mission lengths are between 4 and 6 hours.  King Air has a 5 to 8-km range, and the aircraft flies in orbits to ensure the signal to the target is not lost.  While there are no weapons onboard the aircraft, the true benefit is the imagery the technology generates.
This capability is effective both day and night.  Images can be either infrared or electro-optical.  This technology can be used for ops as well as training scenarios.  These real-time relays can later be downloaded to DVD to ensure training situations are not lost.
“This capability can be beneficial to the MoI Police Ops,” said U.S. Army Col. Benjamin Lukefahr, senior advisor to the National Info and Investigative Agency. “This technology can enhance law enforcement ops by allowing senior leaders and operational centers to communicate directly with the aircraft operators.  These imagery systems have the flexibility to respond to requirements, and can immediately alter the coverage to ensure they are receiving as much info as possible—to provide direct support to police ops on the ground. This process provides an exceptional example of the interoperability between the MoD and MoI,” said Col. Lukefahr.  “By sharing this intel technology with MOI, support to Police Ops can be greatly improved.”

-30-

Green Grocer

Store keepers sell vegetables in a market in Baghdad, March 18, 2009.
(Photo by Sgt. Kani Ronningen)

-30-

Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan RSS

3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment in Afghanistan Using 120 Mm Mortar System

Story by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton

Lance Cpl. Anthony Lostal cleans a 120 mm mortar system, Feb. 18, at COP Barrow, Farah province. Lostal is a mortarman with Weapons Co, 3rd Bn, 8th Marine Regt (Reinforced).  Serving as the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground TF - Afghanistan, 3/8 is the only unit in the Marine Corps employing the 120 mm mortar system.  SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency ops, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan NP.

FARAH PROVINCE – Officials at U.S. Marine Forces Central Command worked for months to acquire the 120 mm mortars for Marine ops in Afghanistan.  Capt. Mike Hoffman, Co. I comm. officer, said the 120 mm mortars give the Marines of 3/8 an increased range to engage effectively and eliminate their targets, and illuminate the battlefield during hours of darkness.  The 120 mm mortars have greatly contributed to establishing and maintaining the security in the bn’s clearing of southern Afghanistan’s Route 515, which connects the important districts of Delaram to the east and Bakwa to the west, Hoffman explained.  “The 120 mm mortars have been instrumental to our success in Afghanistan,” Hoffman said. “They provide us certain advantages as opposed to the previous weapon systems. These advantages include increased firing range and illumination. They can also be manned by the same size crew as the smaller 81 mm mortar system.”
Hoffman said the 120 mm mortars also give local Afghan villagers a sense of security and faith in the SPMAGTF-A mission of conducting counterinsurgency ops. “The illumination of the battlefield lets the Afghan people know that we're watching the area, and insurgent forces will not be able to come into their village at night,” said Hoffman.
He also said that the mortarmen are professional and extremely proficient.  “We have an incredible group of Marines here,” he said. “They are very efficient and knowledgeable in what they do. They have adapted to the 120 mm mortars and they have adapted extremely well.”

 

Sgt. Brian Morris cleans the tube of a 120 mm mortar system as Lance Cpl. Anthony Lostal and Lance Cpl. Adam Sienkicwicz observe, Feb. 18.  Morris is a mortar section leader, and Lostal and Sienkicwicz are mortarmen. The trio is assigned to Weapons Co.

Lance Cpl. Brad Orso cleans a 120 mm mortar system.  Orso is a mortarman with Weapons Co

Sgt. Brian Morris fills sandbags to fortify a 120 mm mortar pit.

-30-