TROOP SCOOP:

Dear Interested Reader,
School supplies are delivered to children in Tunis. US military makes last payment to SoI. One million Shiite Iraqis safely visit Golden Dome Mosque in Samarra. IA commandos train to lead in Maysan province, while humanitarian aid is provided. In Afghanistan, joint forces hold "shuras," and disrupt insurgents in Helman. U.S. team with the 28th fwd Agribusiness Development help to plant seeds.
Joanna
__________________________

March 14, 2009

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

School Supplies Delivered to School in Tunis

U.S. Army Maj. Ian Lauer of Echo Troop, 5th Cal Regt, 172nd Inf Bde, speaks with an Iraqi student at a school in Tunis, after presenting him with a backpack on March 12, 2009.
(Photos by Petty Officer 1st Class Wendy Wyman)

IP unload school supplies with help from U.S. Soldiers.

Iraqi school children wave goodbye to Soldiers from the 172nd Inf Bde.

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U.S. military makes last payment to Sons of Iraq

A soldier from the Iraqi Army makes a monthly payment to a Son of Iraq.
(Photo by Pfc. Justin Naylor)

FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK - More than a thousand Iraqis stand patiently outside of a gated compound. Three neatly aligned tables are set up inside the gates. Each table is manned by both Iraqi Army and U.S. Soldiers. Large stacks of Iraqi money rest on the tables awaiting the hands of the hard-working members of the SoI.
This was the sight in the city of Sudayra in the province of Kirkuk, March 2, where the U.S. military made its last payment to the members of the SoI. The GoI will assume full responsibility of payments, April 1. U.S. military members played the role of observers as Iraqi soldiers handled making the payments to the SoI. "This is a great step in the right direction," said Sheikh Farhan, a leader of the SoI in the Sudayra region. "Each day the GoI is growing stronger, and we are becoming more independent."
"By taking over payments, Iraq is showing us that they are truly taking over from CF," said Sheikh Razzaq, of the SoI.
"This is one of the many milestones that the GoI is hitting day by day," said Cpt. Justin Michel, cmdr, Co A, 1st Bn, 8th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div. "This transfer is a necessary step that the GoI is taking to show its citizens that it's taking the lead on more programs. The SoI and IA have done a great job so far at improving security," said Michel. "I think that will continue to build upon the foundation they have now, and the region will steadily become safer."
"We can reduce violence together," said Razzaq. "Just because the IA is going to be in control doesn't mean we are going to be gone altogether," said Lt. Col. David Lesperance, cmdr, 1st Bn, 8th Cav. Regt. "The IA, SoI and CF are going to be working side-by-side in the coming months to ensure that the transition goes well."

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Blackanthem Military News

One million Shi'ite Arabs visit Golden Dome Mosque in Samarra

By Staff Sgt. Tim Meyer

COB SPEICHER, TIKRIT - One million Shi'ite Arabs journeyed to Samarra, a city of 200,000 mainly Sunni Arabs, to visit the Al Askari or Golden Dome Mosque, March 6.
Sunni and Shia together prayed and paid homage to Imam Askari and his father, Imam Ali Hadi, whose remains are entombed in a mausoleum in the Shiite holy shrine.
IA and Police provided security for the peaceful event, which took place without any security incidents.

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Iraqi Army Commandos Train to Lead

(By Chang J. Ahn)

Iraqi Commandos rush to action during a recent joint training event in the Maysan province of southern Iraq.

FOB HUNTER — Another chapter on ops in southern Iraq was written, as Iraqi Commandos recently honed their combat skills with the ‘Black Dragons’ of the 4th BCT, during a 3-day training op in the Maysan province.
The IA Soldiers learned various skills required to become an independent SF. The first day of joint training consisted of classes on weapons safety, vehicle maintenance and proper room-clearing procedures. The day concluded with the IA Soldiers participating in a practical exercise where they were tasked to travel to a remote location and execute a room-clearing op.
“I was surprised how well the IA took to our classes,” said SSgt. Jason Marquez, an 82nd FAR Soldier. “They were always motivated and eager to learn.”
The following day, the IA Soldiers practiced the use of various formations and tactics, while crossing different types of terrain. The key emphasis was the importance of proper planning before conducting missions, and the ability to adjust formations and method-of-travel based on the area and weather conditions. “It's one thing to know various tactics. However, the challenge is choosing the proper tactic to use in a given situation,” said a plt leader of the Iraqi Commando element. “This is why planning and rehearsals are important in all missions.”
The final day of training focused on first aid and countering IEDs. During the first aid training, the IA Commandos learned how to properly evaluate an injured Soldier, as well as different ways to treat wounds. The Iraqi troops trained on the use of the High Risk Warrant Casualty Kits, which provide the IA with the ability to more rapidly extract injured Soldiers and initiate immediate care.
The training between IA Soldiers and the Black Dragons demonstrated the importance of the Iraqi and American forces working together. As the U.S. Army transitions into more of an advisory capacity, this training brings the IA closer to the goal of an independently secure Iraq. “The Iraqi Commando element is very motivated and as committed to seeing the end of terrorism as we are,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Evans, a Black Dragon Soldier. “These men are hard-working people who are ready to meet any challenges head on.”

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Humanitarian Assistance Provided by Iraqi Soldiers in Maysan Province

By 2nd Lt. Sean Frankum

A woman from Amarah thanks an IA Soldier during a humanitarian aid drop in Amarah, March 9.
(Photo by 2nd Lt. Sean Frankum)

FOB GARRY OWEN — Iraqi Soldiers recently traveled house to house in a small neighborhood in the Maysan province on the southeastern border of Iraq to hand out essential supplies to citizens in need.
The IA Soldiers, assisted by their American counterparts, provided blankets, canned food and other household necessities during the humanitarian aid drop in the city of Amarah. Along with food and bedding supplies, Iraqi children were also given comic books featuring their hometown heroes, the Iraqi SF. “If we can give them even just a blanket, they will be very grateful,” said Lt. Malik Theab, who aided the Iraqis while leading his IA Soldiers during the good-will op.
One of the residents that received items, a mother of 3 children, explained the mattress and blankets would be a big help because her sons currently sleep on the floor.
This humanitarian mission helped the citizens of Maysan with necessities they can’t afford. It also provided the Iraqi Soldiers with experience in planning, coordinating and carrying out civil military ops for future goodwill missions.

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Proper Reporting

An Iraqi farmer explains to U.S. Army 1st Lt. Andrew Williams, 2nd BCT, 4th ID, how he reported the unexploded munitions to the IA at a farm in Haswah, on March 10, 2009.
(Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Wendy Wyman)

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Blackanthem Military News

By ISAF/NATO

Joint forces in Afghanistan hold shuras, disrupt insurgents in Helman

ISAF forces talk with local Afghans. The talks help ISAF forces learn about Helmand province's Kanishin area.

KABUL - Afghan National SF, partnered with Int'l Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops, conducted a mission in support of Op AABI TOORAH in the Kanishin area of Helmand province, Mar. 6. The joint forces secured known insurgent compounds, disrupted enemy freedom of movement in the area, while gathering info for subsequent ops.
After being inserted into the Kanishin area by helicopter, Afghan troops, supported by the British 42 Commando Group, encountered a series of enemy-held compounds. The ANSF and ISAF combined efforts, including precisely targeted air support from helicopters, resulted in the insurgents' defeat. Searches of the secured compounds uncovered weapons and suicide IED vests.
"This op is all about understanding the area," said Colour Sgt Bob Maddison of 42 Commando Group. "Moreover, it's not just about ISAF's understanding; it's also for the locals' own awareness of what ANSF and ISAF represent."
Once the area was secured against insurgents, the ANSF and ISAF soldiers engaged with the local population through a series of shuras. During these gatherings, ISAF forces also offered dental assistance to the villagers, providing further opportunity for close interaction and dialogue with locals.
"We are both spreading and deepening the effect of our first insertion into the Fish Hook, exploiting our influence throughout this fascinating sector of the Helmand River," said Lt Col Charlie Stickland, the Comm. Officer of 42 Commando Group. "We've engaged the enemy decisively in what they considered a safe area. This has been a hugely successful op here in rugged, beautiful southern Helmand."

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Blackanthem Military News

U.S. Team Help to Plant Seeds for Afghan Farmers' Success

By Army Capt. Michael Greenberger

Army Sgt. Allen Abbott, left, and SSgt. Joseph McMurtrey, with the 28th Fwd Agribusiness Development Team (ADT), use a compass and measuring tape to accurately measure and mark a local farmer's field for the future planting of a vineyard west of Janquadam, Feb. 28, 2009.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD - As the noon sun crept toward the mountains west of Janquadam, children ran from all corners of the village, greeting the group of soldiers from the 28th Fwd. On this warm, late-February day, the team was on a mission to help a blind farmer develop his fields so he eventually can build a new grape vineyard.
The ADT, a National Guard unit deployed from Nebraska, has come to Afghanistan to assist and educate farmers on better farming techniques, and to introduce them to grasses and alfalfa for better animal health. No strangers to this village, soldiers of the 28th have visited several times before.
"On a previous mission, we assessed the farmer's fields," Army Sgt. 1st Class Eldon R. Kuntzelman said. "Then we got a letter of agreement from the land owner, and later presented our plan to him."
"Marking and measuring the field was our primary mission," Army 1st Lt. Eric Sattelberg, agricultural team chief, said. "Our goal on every mission is to improve relations with the local residents. In the long run, this type of mission will strengthen the bond between Afghanistan and the U.S., because they know that we are here to help grow this nation rather than destroy it."
The 28th has more plans for Janquadam, including installing grain storage bins, planting fruit and nut trees, working with animal health, water mgt, training and education in tractor maintenance, and setting up greenhouses and underground vegetable storage.
The future of ADT ops is simple -- grow this nation into a thriving country of different fruits and vegetables, Sattelberg said. "The goal is a continuation of the projects from one ADT rotation to the next," he said. "Several teams are either on the ground or being identified for a potential rotation. We are here doing one field at a time through demo farms as well as with other projects." The demo crops offer the farmers an opportunity to learn a variety of methods for growing crops, and then allow the local farmers to try different techniques for growing crops in their own fields.
About half of the unit has been deployed before, and all of the 52-member team volunteered for the deployment. The 28th works in 4 provinces -- Bamyan, Panjshir, Parwan and Kapisa. Four other ADTs operate across Afghanistan, with more on the way.
The farmers are becoming very familiar with the ADT soldiers and their mission, as the team has conducted numerous missions to the same locations, Sattelberg said. "We are respectful, ... and I think as long as we continue to respect them, they will continue to welcome us in their village."