Dear Interested Reader,
Unmanned aerial system fires weapons in combat for the first time. Critical medical supplies donated by "troops Need You" to police clinic in Baghdad. BBQ at Camp Liberty gives soldiers a taste of home. Comanche Soldiers turn JSS 2 into "crown gem." Iraqi SF say they have captured 11 members of the al-Qaeda network, while other criminals are detained. In Afghanistan, combined forces kill 10 militants in Oruzgan.
Joanna
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March 3, 2009
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Unmanned aerial system fires weapons in combat
(From left) Staff Sgt. Jerry Rhoades, Spc. James Pegg and Cpl. Phillip Cheng, stand in front of a Warrior Alpha UAS.
(Army photo by Sgt. Stephanie van Geete)
COB SPEICHER - A team of Soldiers from Alpha Troop, , 10th CAB, made history Feb. 23 when the unmanned aerial vehicle they were operating became the first armed Warrior Alpha unmanned aerial system (UAS) to fire missiles in combat.
SSgt. Jerry Rhoades, Cpl. Phillip Cheng and Spc. James Pegg were operating the UAS in support of 5th Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, 1st Bde, 25th ID. The team was providing surveillance for U.S. and Iraqi ground troops in the Diyala province when insurgents engaged the CF. "We neutralized both targets - [the ground forces] were satisfied," Rhoades said.
Although systems operators are trained to deploy the weapons platform, this was the first time the Warrior Alpha system engaged a target in combat. "We know we have the capability, but we've never had the opportunity to use it before," Cheng explained.
TF ODIN was activated in Iraq in 2007 as one of many initiatives to help defeat the threat of IEDs and give Recon, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) support to lower echelon field cmdrs.
At an Army Aviation Assn of America conference in May 2007, Gen. Richard Cody, then Vice Chief of Staff of the Army who ordered the creation of TF ODIN in 2006, said the TF "is really showing us why we need to put UAS inside the CABs...anytime you can see the enemy and he doesn't know you're watching is a good thing - but not good enough. You also must be able to do something about it, and that's what we've been able to do."
Pegg said he hopes TF ODIN operators will be called upon to use Warrior Alpha weapons more frequently now that the system has proven effectiveness in combat. Rhoades agreed, saying, "We were happy to be able to be a part of it, and show the ground forces what we are capable of."
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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348
Critical medical supplies donated to Police Clinic in Baghdad
BAGHDAD – A Dept of Army civilian serving in Iraq and a U.S. humanitarian org. donated medical supplies to the Baghdad Police College’s (BPC) renovated medical and dental clinic, Feb. 25. The clinic serves thousands of BPC students every year.
“This was a wonderful donation, providing much-needed supplies for our clinic,” said Iraqi Dr. Mustafa, clinic dir. at BPC. “These supplies will help us throughout the year in serving our patients’ needs. It is deeply appreciated.” The medical supplies, included stethoscopes, syringes, sponges, gloves, bandages and liters of intravenous fluids.
Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq contractor Eric Egland, a J-3 research and analysis cell team leader, coordinated the shipment of medical supplies. Egland, also a U.S. AF Reserve maj, founded the humanitarian org. ‘Troops Need You’ in 2007. Over 10,000 Americans have contributed various supplies to troops for distribution throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. He said the philosophy of the all-volunteer group is based on the belief that Americans can help U.S. troops succeed by delivering supplies that can strengthen relationships with Iraqis.
Egland said the shipment of medical supplies to BPC was organized by Steve Doll of Redding, Calif. In addition to volunteering with Troops Need You, Doll is a licensed physician’s asst who conducts post-deployment medical evaluations for returning soldiers. The cost of the shipment was underwritten by the Shasta Orthopedic Clinic, also in Redding. “Uncle Sam equips our troops to engage in combat, and the ‘Troops Need You’ org. empowers average Americans to equip them to engage communities,” added Egland.
He said these donations make a significant impact. “We have received school and medical supplies, water purification systems and sports league equipment. These supplies enable the troops to improve the lives of local citizens and undermine support for insurgents.” MNSTC-I’s efforts in supporting its GoI partners represents a vital step towards ensuring Iraq’s self-sufficiency for the future.
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BBQ Gives Soldiers Taste of Home
Louis Hunter, a Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff member, checks the ribs and brisket on the grill at the BBQ cook-off at the East Mayor's Cell on Camp Liberty, Feb. 22, 2009.
(Photo and story by Spc. Laura Johnson)
BAGHDAD — Camp Liberty’s East Life Support Area (LSA) Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) center recently hosted a BBQ cook-off, giving Soldiers an opportunity to relax, enjoy some good food, and visit with fellow Soldiers who are usually on the move.
Unfortunately, 4 of the 5 teams who signed up for the event weeks in advance cancelled due to unexpected missions. Still, the MWR staff continued with the cook-off, which eventually evolved into a cookout.
“We’re still going to barbecue, instead of it being a contest, we’ll turn it into a cookout for the Soldiers,” said Garna Patrick, an East LSA MWR staff member. “It will give them something to look forward to when they return tonight. We are trying to make it as close as possible to a Sunday afternoon at home,” said Patrick.
The eclectic mixture of music and the smell of mesquite wood burning under the meat on the grills attracted Soldiers from all over the area. Several Soldiers stopped and inquired if the BBQ was open to all. “I’m glad they stopped, as it gives us a bigger turnout,” said Tanla Roundtree, coordinator for East LSA MWR.
As the BBQ started winding down, some of the Soldiers who initially entered the contest returned from their mission and were able to sit and eat a plate of ribs, brisket, and steak. “These events such as the cook-offs …give the Soldiers a chance to relax and talk with us,” said Hunter. “It’s stressful to go outside the wire day in and day out. That’s what the MWR is here for.”
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Blackanthem Military News
Comanche Soldiers turn JSS 2 into 'crown gem'
By Spc. Josh LeCappelain
Comanche Soldiers prepare for a patrol Feb. 21, at JSS 2.
(Army photos by Spc. Josh LeCappelain)
CAMP ECHO - Deep in the heart of the Diwaniya Province, a bustling building stands behind huge walls. From within, the consistent hum of engines and electrical equipment signals the arrivals and departures of vehicles, constantly slipping through the entrance onto the busy streets outside. The vehicles are all shapes and sizes, and are driven primarily by 3 groups of individuals - U.S. Soldiers assigned to Comanche Co, 2nd Bn, 8th Inf Regt, IP and IA Soldiers. Together, the 3 groups share JSS 2.
Following their arrival in Sept., 2nd BCT, 4th ID, quickly sent Comanche Co to take control of JSS 2. Upon arrival, the Soldiers were shocked by what they found. "This place needed a lot of help to be up to U.S. and Iraqi standards," said SSgt. Josiah Cecil, Comanche Co HQ plt sgt and intel NCO-in-charge. "There were feral cats running around and garbage lying everywhere."
According to 1st Sgt. Dwayne Uhlig of Comanche Co, his Soldiers took out 30 truckloads of trash and debris when they arrived. A quick survey of the roof found that it too needed immediate improvements to protect and ensure the safety of everyone inside.
Working quickly, Uhlig and his Soldiers drew up a plan for weapon and bunker braces, and began bunker fortifications - filling approx. 17,000 sandbags, weighing close to 200 metric tons, within 2 months of arrival.
The improved roof security has earned it the title of "the crown gem," according to Uhlig. Visitors galore have come to JSS 2 to view its design and execution, including Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, MND-Center cmdr. and his senior-enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. James Redmore. Uhlig, is quick to give credit where credit is due. "I'm really proud of what my Soldiers have done in a short amount of time," said the 1st sgt. "I gave them basic guidance and they ran with it, doing it right the first time. We take great pride in what they've done here."
It is hard enough moving into a new home that needs tons of work when you are more than 7,000 miles away from loved ones. Add into that factor the dynamic of having new roommates that don't speak the same language, and it intensifies. "It was hard at first to get used to being around and living with Iraqis," said Cecil. "After a few weeks, you get used to it - and develop a closer relationship. You get to know them."
Spc. Andrew Minter, a Comanche Co tank gunner, agreed that it was difficult at first, joking that it took "a while to get used to living with people with AK-47s. There's a language barrier," noted Minter, "but they are good people. Sometimes they even go into town and bring us back (Iraqi) food."
Dealing with communication difficulties wasn't the only thing the Comanche Soldiers had to adapt to. "It's hard to go without amenities. The changes from Kuwait to Camp Echo, then to JSS 2, were large," added Cecil. "But, I don't think any one of us would want to be anywhere else now." While JSS 2 doesn't have the extras that somewhere like Camp Victory does, it isn't Spartan. Soldiers have hot food twice a day, as well as a MWR room equipped with televisions and video game systems, computers with internet capabilities, phones to call home and a variety of weightlifting and cardiovascular exercise machines.
As nice as all those amenities are, life would be difficult without good leadership. "We have a very good chain-of-command," said Pvt. Anthony Rogers, Comanche Co training room NCO-in-charge. "The NCO leadership has things very squared away here."
While improvements at the JSS and great leadership have made the adjustment easier, the improved environment in Iraq plays a large part in making life easier, as well. "The situation has changed for the better," said Cecil, who previously deployed in support of OIF in 2005. "The Iraqi SF have improved a lot - they are more professional than before. I've never seen a more secure city in Iraq than Diwaniya."
Minter agreed with Cecil's assessment of Diwaniya, calling it "quiet" and saying he isn't a huge fan of being "shot at. I can actually say that we have a definite mission," added Cecil. "We have actually accomplished something in this country."
1st Lt. Ray Crutchfield, a tank plt leader, discusses ops with 1st Sgt. Dwayne Uhlig, both of Comanche Co, during a patrol Feb. 21 in Diwaniya.
Diwaniya can be viewed from the top of JSS 2.
Spc. Andrew Minter, pulls security outside JSS 2 Feb. 23.
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Garcia, Comanche Co section sgt, conducts pre-combat inspections on Soldiers before a patrol Feb. 23.
Sgt. 1st Class Donald Anderson, a Comanche Co plt sgt, pauses before a patrol to point out pertinent info to his Soldiers.
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Iraqis detain al-Qaeda 'minister'
Iraqi SF say they have captured 11 members of the country's al-Qaeda network, including the group's self-styled "oil minister". Ali Mahmoud Mohammed and 10 other suspected insurgents were detained on Feb. 28, in a village in Iraq's volatile Diyala province, reports say. He is suspected of planning attacks on oil tanker trucks.
The US says al-Qaeda has been pushed out of much of Iraq, but is still capable of large-scale attacks. Reports say AQI used the self-proclaimed ministerial titles to refer to key members of their org. Iraq's interior ministry described Mohammed as the organisation's "oil minister".
The latest raids come just a week after AQIs self-styled "irrigation minister" and "finance minister" were arrested in another op on Feb. 21. The head of AQI is said to be known as the group's "war minister". Much of al-Qaeda's support comes from the area around Diyala and in the province of Nineveh. Although its capacity for staging attacks has been reduced, it's still viewed as a major threat in Diyala and around the northern city of Mosul.
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Suspects Tied to Recent Attack Arrested by Iraqi Special Ops
TIKRIT — Iraqi SOF, with Coalition advisors, arrested 2 suspected terrorists pursuant to criminal warrants during an op in northern Iraq, Feb. 26.
In Ninawa province, Mosul, Iraqi SOF arrested 2 individuals who planned and logistically facilitated the recent attack against IP and CF in Mosul, Feb. 24. One of the apprehended individuals, an influential member of ISI, is connected to an IED attack that killed a Coalition Soldier and an IA Soldier.
“The exploitation of these terrorist operations throughout northern Iraq will severely erode the cohesion within the ISI elements throughout the Ninawa province and facilitate the targeting of ISI leadership,” said a Coalition advisor.
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U.S. Forces - Afghanistan
Afghan National Army, Coalition Forces kill 10 militants in Oruzgan
KABUL – In the Shaheed Hasas District, Oruzgan Province, approx. 160 km north of Kandahar Feb. 24, the combined forces were conducting a routine patrol when they came under small-arms, mortar and RPG fire from an unknown number of militants. The friendly forces returned fire, killing one militant. After the combined force assured there were no non-combatants in the area, a precision strike was called. Nine militants were killed, and a fortified fighting position was destroyed during the strike.
Prior to the engagement, the combined forces conducted a Medical and Dental Civil Action Program, and a key leader engagement in a nearby village. While securing the area prior to the MEDCAP, ANA soldiers discovered a weapons cache containing IED-making materials and machine gun ammo. The munitions were confiscated by the ANA.
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