TROOP SCOOP:

Dear Interested Reader,
Micro-grants give major opportunities to shop owners. Combined forces conduct Op "Lion's Roar." Advising and training IP to eradicate corruption. National Info and Investigation Agency receive "cyber-centric" training.
In Afghanistan, Paktya PRT participate in a bidder's conference. New Zealand PRT transfers authority in Bamyan.
Joanna
___________________________

April 27, 2009

Multi-National Division Baghdad RSS

Micro-grants give Major Opportunities to Shop Owners

Story by SSgt. Mark Burrell

SSgt. Tim Winn, a section sgt and cavalry scout assigned to Apache Troop, 1st Sqdrn, 7th Cav Regt, checks out a local vendor's merchandise in Thalba, April 13. Winn and his Soldiers stop by local businesses to talk with the owners and have been treated warmly. "American forces provide money for our businesses," said Hameed Fayadh, the moqtar of muhalla 365 in Thalba. "We are grateful that they are available all the time to provide security against attacks from terrorists."

BAGHDAD – $2500 isn't much to an American businessman. Maybe a computer or one month's office space rent, but $2,500 won't make or break his business. In Thalba, a neighborhood in northeast Baghdad, that amount can be the difference between not being able to feed your family, and providing jobs for many families.
For Soldiers of Apache Troop, 1st Sqdrn, 7th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 1st Cav Div, their mission is to make that difference a reality with micro-grants. The program is designed to give up to $2,500 to deserving local Iraqi business owners who have clear business plans and the ability to hire additional employees, explained 2nd Lt. Aakar Brahmbhatt, fire support officer, assigned to Apache Troop. The determined Apache Troop Soldiers have recently submitted 4 micro-grants that they hope will be paid by the end of the month.
"We go to local businesses to assess the situation to find out who'd be best to give a little money to to improve their business and boost their economy to create some jobs in their area," said SSgt. Daniel McHenry, a cav scout squad leader, assigned to Apache Troop.
The cav scouts spend countless hours patrolling Thalba and meeting with different shop owners in order to decide who will use the money efficiently and effectively. "For the most part, it goes to people who can actually create new jobs and actually bring more money into the area to help out the local community," McHenry added.
Meeting with the local business owners and even the local leader of the muhalla, or moqtar, ensures that the Soldiers fully assess the neighborhood, and are certain the grant will boost the local economy before awarding any money, emphasized McHenry. "The people who receive the micro-grants use the money to buy materials to help fill their shops," said Hameed Fayadh. "If it's available, my community needs more micro-grants and projects like this to help many people start small shops and hire more people."
The micro-grant program isn't a new project for CF, but Apache Troop Soldiers are noticing a difference in Thalba. "We're trying to boost some employment here and get some jobs for maybe people that don't have any," said Pfc. Daniel Isherwood, a cav scout vehicle driver. "It keeps them off the streets; gets some money in the towns, so they don't have to go to other not so good sources to get money for their families."
Patrolling the streets of Thalba talking to local business owners and keeping people off the streets is a daily task for Apache Troop Soldiers. "With our presence out there, most of the insurgent activity dies down," said McHenry with a long smile. "With the money and security, we're helping these people out a lot."
In Thalba, boosting economic prosperity and giving the opportunity to one local Iraqi businessman to hire more people improves the security situation and lives of Iraqis one micro-grant at a time. Yet, the effects of this program are not localized. This is just one step in rebuilding the entire economy of Iraq.

Spc. Adam Jolliff, a cav scout intel support specialist, holds the paperwork needed in order to request a micro-grant. Jolliff is working on a degree in political science from the University of North Texas and tries to use what he's learned in the classroom out in the field. 1st Lt. Christopher Szymanski (left), the platoon leader, and Spc. Justin Dayzie (center), a civil affairs specialist, assigned to the 450th CAB, discuss the details of the micro-grant program with local Iraq business owners in Thalba, April 13.

SSgt. Tim Winn, a section sgt cav scout shakes hands with a local business owner.

SSgt. Daniel McHenry, a cav scout squad leader stands guard outside of a shop while his platoon leader discusses a possible micro-grant with the business owner.

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MNF-I

U.S., Iraqi Troops Hear Lion’s Roar

(By Army Spc. Creighton Holub)

An Iraqi AF utility helicopter takes off after inserting ground troops onto a mock battlefield during a combined-arms live-fire exercise in Iraq’s Maysan province.
(Army photo by Spc. Creighton Holub)

COB ADDER — The 10th IA Div sent out its ground troops and air support assets to conduct Op “Lion’s Roar,” the 1st large-scale combined-arms live-fire exercise in southern Iraq, April 19. “They did outstanding,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, cmdr of the Army’s 10th Mtn Div.
A plt of IA landed on a mock battlefield in Iraqi AF helicopters to capture fictitious criminals. They moved forward in wedge formations while relying on cover from the terrain. Acting on a call for fire from Iraqi fire control experts, U.S. Soldiers with the 1st Cav Div’s “Long Knife” 4th BCT launched Excalibur artillery rounds from about 8 miles away, while an Iraqi and U.S. crew fired 120 mm high-explosive mortars from a position adjacent to the air-insertion point. The 41st Fires Bde fired its Multiple Launch Rocket System from FOB Garry Owen, while a U.S. AF fighter jet dropped a 500-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition for the explosive finale.
“It was a good exercise for us,” said SBrig. Gen. Jabar, the IA dep. cmdr. “The Long Knife Bde gave us every kind of support we needed. We have good social and professional relations with the bde’s Soldiers. Our Soldiers have been trained perfectly by the Long Knives.”
The senior NCO operating the mortar teams said his crew has been training their Iraqi counterparts for the majority of this current deployment. “They’re going in steps, to where we will be observing them doing everything,” said Army MSgt. Daniel Pilewski, mortar plt leader for 2nd Bn, 7th Cav Regt.
Although the Long Knife Soldiers administered the mortars, it was the Iraqis who put the steel on target. “We're capable and able to defend our citizens and our country,” Jabar said. “We can use cannons and aircraft – it’s just a matter of buying and training on them.”
The training event reinforced the IA’s capability and instilled confidence in the individual Soldiers. “I feel the security situation is better in our region,” said Pvt. Ali Mayah, an Iraqi Soldier. “We've been able to mitigate accidents while becoming a stronger Army. This training is making us stronger, and the Long Knife Bde is giving us new skills.”

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

Advising and Training the Iraqi Police to Eradicate Corruption

BAGHDAD – On April 19, U.S. AF Maj. Joseph Musacchia, Chief of Security Forces, Minister of Interior Transition Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq joined a roundtable of bloggers on “DoDLive” to discuss the tenets of IP training. Musacchia has been advising and training IP for just a few months, but the level of advice he gives will last the students a lifetime. He told the roundtable that the training is based on three building blocks; police ethics, police standards, and police professionalization, all which are used to launch anticorruption initiatives.
Musacchia told the roundtable that fighting corruption is a constant battle in almost every culture. “We’re actually introducing various aspects of knowledge, and criminological study and analysis to where they (IP) can take a look at what levels of corruption currently exist with the Minister of Interior, and then trying to teach them various ways that they can then address it”, he added.
“We look at the various problems and analyze the system effects in combating corruption, coupled with that members of the IP are taught basic statistical analysis because they have never really had to do this in police work. Forensics and inspector general applications are key components to riding corruption in the police” maintained Musacchia.
Musacchia also discussed the system of crime classification, criminological paradigms and various crime models that have been introduced to those IP who move up the ranks for advanced training. He added, “the American system of justice stratifies crime into 3 different categories: felonies, misdemeanors, and or administrative punishment. The Iraqis did not have a system or level of crime; it was all one general category. That has now changed so that when criminal activities are brought for adjudication, the punishment of that crime is certain and immediate”.
Training, equipping, and advising the IP is an integral part of implementing “police primacy” and moving traditional military forces out of the cities and allowing the numerous layers of police to shape the internal security. Iraq will hold a National Police Day later in the month of April. Training the Police is a necessary condition of the U.S. and Iraq Security Agreement, as US Forces will be out of the cities in June 2009.

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

National Info and Investigation Agency receive “cyber-centric” training

BAGHDAD – The National Info and Investigation Agency (NIIA) took another major step toward creating an infrastructure prepared to meet the challenges of 2009 and beyond. Members of the NIIA’s Internet Crimes Unit, a branch under the Technical Affairs General Directorate completed the inaugural Cyber-Centric First Responders Training. The course was taught by U.S. AF Capt. Steve DeVito and members of the Intel Transition Team - Law Enforcement, Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq. This training was the first step in a 3-part initiative supported by IA Maj. Gen. Hadi Allami, Dir., Technical Affairs General Directorate, to embed this critical capability within the NIIA. This course provided essential instruction on the proper ID, collection and preservation of cyber related evidence encountered at a crime scene. Because of the volatility of cyber evidence, improper collection can lead to destruction of critical elements of proof that may be pivotal to successful prosecution or exoneration of a subject.
ICU members received lecture and instruction on the processes and then demonstrated their understanding by successfully processing 2 mock crime scenes. Their knowledge and understanding of the concepts and requirements satisfied part 2 of the initiative. The computer science education and experience possessed by each of the ICU members established them as a reach-back asset for investigators in the field who may need technical assistance and/or guidance regarding collection and preservation of cyber evidence.
The ICU members again demonstrated their knowledge and technical proficiency, as well as their ability to teach by delivering this course to 30 students at NIIA HQ in AL Karadah. Among the students were IA Maj. Gen. Hadi and Iraqi Brig. Gen. Nezar al-Ani, Dir. for Training, NIIA Training Directorate, as well as instructors from the Regional Training Center and Technical Affairs General Directorate crime scene technicians and investigators from the provinces.
Nezar set the stage at the start of the class by emphasizing the need for this training. He highlighted the fact that as the use of computers in Iraq increases there will also be an increase in the frequency that computers will be seized during searches. He stressed the importance of ensuring collection of this type of evidence is done correctly.
The ICU members headed by IA Lt. Alaa Ali worked as a finely tuned team, provided a targeted professional lecture and hands-on training to the students. They also provided oversight as selected students processed mock crime scenes. Their success as trainers fulfills the 3rd part of the initiative thus establishing an indigenous resource within NIIA to continue this critical training independent of coalition assistance.
Hadi stated he was pleased to see the course taught by his members, “This was the first professional instruction led by an Iraqi instructor.” He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the CF for their training and assistance, and he looked forward to continuing this partnership.
Mr. Gregory Tyson, Dir., Intel Transition Team, MNSTC-I, described this training as, “An important step on the path to a modern investigative capability for the National Info and Investigation Agency.” He explained the ability to collect and safeguard cyber evidence, and items of intel value is essential in our computer age. Tyson further commented saying, “The unique Internet Crimes “Cyber Crimes” Unit has gotten off to an impressive start, immediately turning computer science educations and newly acquired crime scene handling knowledge back into instruction for fellow members of the NIIA”

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Baghdad - AF Pararescuemen from the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Sqdrn, Joint Base Balad, are hoisted into an HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter outside of Baghdad during a proficiency exercise, April 10.
(Photo by AF SSgt. James L. Harper, Jr.)

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Ali Base - Members of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group Honor Guard post the "Colors" during a ceremony at the 407th AEG Combat Dining-In, April 11. The dining-in provided an opportunity for 407th AEG Airmen to unwind and enjoy themselves, while sharing an important AF heritage with visitors from the Army and Navy.
(Photo by AF SSgt. Christopher Marasky)

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Kirkuk Regional Air Base - Airman 1st Class Andrew Frovarp, 506th Security Forces Sqdrn., sets the sites on his weapon, April 14. Frovarp was preparing for a vehicle patrol around the perimeter of the base.
(Photo by AF Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski)

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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Afghans bid on brighter future

By Army Pfc. Andrya Hill

AF Lt. Col. Daniel Moy, Paktya PRT cmdr, speaks with contractors, April 2, following a bidder's conference.

PAKTYA PROVINCE (April 22, 2009) - Village elders of the Paktya province, in conjunction with the Paktya PRT, held a bidders' conference at the Gardez gov's compound earlier this month allowing local contractors to compete for construction projects in the Gardez area.
In the past, the PRT has selected contractors from a pool of bidders based on pricing and reliability. Despite their careful selections, several contractors have not met expectations on various projects. Afghan elders expressed their concern in these instances, which has initiated a change, said AF Lt. Col. Daniel Moy, PRT cmdr. "Through this process, we are getting 2 things done at once; we are completing the project, which is how people see it's getting better, because they see that the govt is capable of getting things done here," said Moy. "We're also enabling the Afghan govt to build its necessary org. infrastructure, coordination and capacity to do these projects. It takes a lot of planning, discussion, and meetings for the govt to put one of these projects together."
The PRT is revamping the selection process, by assisting the govt in gathering contractors to convene with the elders and submit their bids. The dir. of economy and provincial gov. will produce a committee of elders, who will now be responsible for the selection of the contractors, as well as sharing in the oversight of their work, said AF Maj. Kimberly Riggs, the PRT engr officer. "The whole effort is to put the project in the Afghan's hands. We're going to let them actually control what is going on, allow them to take ownership of the project, and some responsibility, so that they have more say," said Riggs.
The PRT facilitated mediation at the conference and assisted the elders in their consideration of the contractor's concerns, after which they reached an agreement to inspect the sites frequently, Moy stated. While mixed feelings were evident, the majority of those in attendance responded positively to the changes. "Some of them are very excited and very glad to be involved in the process," said Riggs. "We've had a few that don't want to take responsibility and would rather us just choose it, but for the most part, they do like to be involved."
The conference also illustrated the effort that the PRT has been applying to these contracts over the past several years. "One of them said today that in the past they always thought the PRT would just blindly choose the contractor, but now they see that we actually look at the proposals, and now, that we're making an effort to
include them," said Riggs.
In addition to enabling the govt and elders to coordinate the projects, the new bidder's system is providing another route for Afghan independence. "Through this process, they're developing all kinds of new skills and capabilities, which ultimately, when they bear more of the responsibility and task org., it allows us to step back," said Moy.

AF Maj. Kimberly Riggs reviews a contract proposal with a local elder.

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American Forces Press Service
(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases)

Combined Forces Capture Seven, Kill Two in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2009 – Afghan NA commandos disrupted a Taliban network in Helmand province’s Nadi Ali district last night when they detained 4 armed militants, and confiscated a large cache of bomb-making materials.
The commandos found and destroyed more than 40 pounds of homemade explosives, RPGs, mortar rounds and pressure plates used to manufacture bombs.
In other overnight ops:
In Oruzgan province’s Tarin Kowt district, a combined Afghan-CF, using info provided by intel sources, maneuvered to an isolated area to capture Taliban militants spending the night at a temporary camp. As forces neared the camp, 2 armed men threatened the patrol and were engaged with small-arms fire, resulting in both men being killed. The forces found multiple pistols, an AK-47 assault rifle, chest racks and ammo on the 2 men.
In Lowgar province’s Baraki Barak district, Afghan and CF searched several compounds to locate and capture Haqqani network operatives connected to ambushes, kidnappings and homemade bomb ops. Afghan forces, who led the effort to call for residents to come out of their homes peacefully, resolved a potentially dangerous situation when a man did not comply with the initial calls to exit. Afghan forces conveyed the seriousness of the situation to the man, persuading him to come out on his own. There were no shots fired and no collateral damage to any buildings. Three suspects were detained.

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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

New Zealand PRT transfers authority in Bamyan

By Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens
TF Warrior PAO

Army Brig. Gen. James McConville, Combined Joint TF-101 dep. comm. gen. of support, participated in the ceremonial passing of a paddle between New Zealand Defence Force Task Group Crib 13 and TG Crib 14.

BAMYAN PROVINCE - A transfer-of-authority ceremony between New Zealand Defence Force Task Group Crib 13 and TG Crib 14 was held at Kiwi Base in Bamyan province, April 18.
Outgoing TG Crib 13 cmdr Col. Richard Hall and other command personnel of the PRT received commendations for their work over the past 6 months in Bamyan.
PRTs are a military contribution to the int'l development effort in Afghanistan. They work closely with govt officials to tailor development programs, and over the past 6 months TG Crib 13 has focused primarily on improving roads, agriculture and security.
"Crib 13 should be proud of their achievements in governance and development. The amount of effort provided to the people of Bamyan is unprecedented," said TF Warrior Dep. Cmdr, New Zealand Col. Stephen Jeselink.
"This is a great day, but also a sad day," said Hall, speaking to the soldiers and airmen of Crib 13. "It's great in that you have done a fantastic job and accomplished so much, but sad that it is now time to go."