Dear Interested Reader,
Soldiers and their military working dogs are best buddies. Maj. Gen. James Flock visits Al Asad Air Base. Combined forces conduct Combined Strike Training. High value suspected terrorist arrested. Large weapons cache uncovered in Mahuz Triangle.
In Afghanistan, TF Warriors assist neighboring school. Op Viper Shake clears Korengal Valley. Taliban's strength in Pakistan frustrates Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Joanna
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April 29, 2009
Blackanthem Military News
Multi-National Division - North PAO
It's great to have a dog in the fight
By Sgt. Angie Johnston
SSgt. Conan Thomas trains his Military Working Dog, Sgt. 1st Class Britt at FOB Bernstein, April 8. When he receives cues from Thomas, Britt takes off toward his target, ready to intimidate any threat into submission.
(Army photo by Sgt. Angie Johnston)
FOB BERNSTEIN, TUZ - SSgt. Conan Thomas and his Army 'battle buddy,' Sgt. 1st Class Britt, have been working together for nearly 2 years. There's a mutual trust in their relationship - each knows the other won't let him down.
"It took a year and a half to get him to this point," said Thomas, kneeling down to pet his German Shepherd. "A year and a half for Britt and I to have this outstanding relationship." Thomas and Britt are assigned to the 148th MP Detachment and attached to the 3rd IBCT, 25th ID during their deployment. Thomas went to a special military school to become a dog handler. Britt is what's known as a PEDD - a Patrol/Explosive Detection Dog. That means he can be used for intimidation purposes and sniff out anything from detonation cord to bulk explosives.
Britt is definitely intimidating, according to Pvt. 1st Class James Frey. Frey volunteered to be the bad guy during an April 8 training session with Thomas and Britt, which entailed running away when told to stay put and then letting the Military Working Dog pounce on him to stop his flight - but not until he'd finished a class on how to behave, so as to actually train the dog. "I didn't get hurt, so it was awesome," said Frey. "He's very powerful. I did this last week with a friend of mine who's a lot smaller than me, and the dog was really blasting him around."
His snout covered with a thick, leather muzzle, Britt was only able to knock Frey down and bark menacingly. Part of the instruction Frey had received from Thomas was to hit the dirt and curl into a ball as soon as Britt bumped him - and that wasn't a problem, considering Frey only outweighed the dog by about 40 pounds. "Britt is trained on a bite sleeve, but we like to use a whole bite suit just for the safety of the decoy. Today we used a muzzle because we don't have all the proper training equipment at FOB Bernstein," said Thomas.
"How the decoy (Frey) acts when he goes down is important to make the training good for the dog. The drive for the dog is the bite, and he can't bite without us having at least a bite sleeve," said Thomas. He can only train Britt this way every ten days or so - otherwise he'll get frustrated by not 'winning' and may start to lose the motivation to do what he's trained to do. "It's just like anything else," said Spc. Jason David, who is also a MWD handler at FOB Bernstein. "If you don't train with it, you'll lose it."
David's dog, Sgt. Bandit, is trained specifically for detecting explosives; he's what's known as a Specialized Search Dog. The 5-year old English Springer Spaniel can unearth a hidden bullet or discover the faintest trace of a chemical used in bombs. During the April 8 training exercise, Bandit easily tracked down 5 pounds of C4 explosive that David had carefully hidden under a trash can at FOB Bernstein. "I use what's called a 'trigger' for him. When he wears his vest, he knows it's time to work," explained David. After Bandit finds what he's looking for during training, he gets to play catch with a neon-colored tennis ball. "The playing afterward is like the paycheck for the dog - that's what makes them want to work," said Thomas.
Although they have 2 very different MWDs, both Thomas and David use special verbal and visual commands to let their dogs know what to do next. "Not only do you have to trust your dog, but he has to trust you as well," said David.
When either of the dogs has to do his job, everything is put on the record. In fact, Thomas and David even keep detailed logs of training; without training records, the dogs' findings may not be admissible in court. "We don't have a full scent kit," said David. With the kit, the training could be even more thorough. Since there are different kinds of explosives used in Iraq than stateside, the MWD handlers need a theater-specific scent kit to fully train the dogs for their mission here.
Even without all the training aids that bigger bases are well-stocked with, the FOB Bernstein working dogs and their handlers are doing everything they can to stay current on training. They often accompany the Soldiers of the Special Troops Bn. on missions, doing what they can outside the wire to help.
"German Shepherds and Spaniels are known for their intel; that's why we use these dogs," said David. "They have the smarts to go and find what we need them to find."
Spc. Jason David instructs his Military Working Dog, Sgt. Bandit, to find 5 pounds of hidden C4 explosives.
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2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs RSS
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Comm. Gen. Visits Deployed Service Members
Story by Cpl. Ryan Young
Maj. Gen. James Flock listens to SSgt. Eric Williams, the maintenance control chief with Marine Aerial Refueling Transport Sqdrn 252 Detachment A, as he talks about the sqdrn's current ops and living conditions. Flock visited multiple work sections in various squadrons, often talking to Marines in small groups to get a better idea of what they need to accomplish their mission.
AL ASAD AIR BASE – Marines attached to units with 2nd MAW (Fwd) aboard Al Asad Air base, got the chance to meet their leadership face-to-face this weekend during a command visit to Marines and sailors serving on the base. Maj. Gen. James Flock, the comm. gen. of 2nd MAW, and Sgt. Maj. Danny Smith, the 2nd MAW sgt maj, toured Al Asad Air Base, April 19, 2009, and listened to Marines' questions and concerns, looking for way to better help them to accomplish their mission in Iraq's Anbar province.
"I want the Marines and sailors to see that leadership throughout the Marine Corps, whether at 2nd MAW or at HQ Marine Corps, believes what is being accomplished out here is important," said Flock. "We back this belief up by ensuring the service members have everything they need out here."
The visit included a tour of the base's facilities that showed the comm. gen. locations of Morale Welfare and Recreation areas, as well as multiple sqdrn locations. Each stop gave them a chance to tour work areas and speak with Marines about their contribution to OIF.
"The aircraft out here are at the highest availability in the Marine Corps," Flock said as he spoke to a group of Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 26. "We know they aren't going to make it very far without the support you Marines provide to them, and I thank you for your hard work."
The time spent at each sqdrn was also a chance for the general to speak in person with key leaders about concerns that arise out here, as well as a chance to see the good work of the Marines, said Lt. Col. Edward Lang, the comm. officer of Detachment A, Marine Aerial Refueling Transport Sqdrn 252. "The discussion with him will help solve issues that could become bigger problems in the long run," said Lang. "We also got to show him the good work the Marines do here."
During his discussions with Marines of every rank, Flock challenged them to stay alert and ready at all times. "We all need to keep in perspective that this is still a dangerous place," Flock said to Marines with Marine Wing HQ Sqdrn 2, who crowded the halls of their building as they listened to him. "Although we're beginning to transition out of Iraq, we still need to stay focused while we are here."
By the end of his visit, Flock had spoken with hundreds of Marines, sailors, and service members from more than 8 squadrons. "My visit went exceptionally well. I got to see exactly what I came for, and that was to see firsthand what they are doing, and if they have what they need for the mission," said Flock.
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145th Mobile Pubilc Affairs Detachment RSS
Iraqi Army and Coalition Soldiers Conduct Combined Strike Training
Story by Spc. Anthony Jones
SSgt. Joshua Wilson briefs IA Soldiers on how to clear a large room with multiple doorways, providing feedback on what they did properly, and what could have been done better.
DIAYALA – Even in the face of adverse weather, Soldiers of the IA trained alongside coalition Soldiers in combined strike training on the flight line of FOB Normandy, April 8.
The training, conducted by the IA's HHC, 20th Bn, 5th Div and 1st Plt, Co C, 3rd Bn, 21st Inf Regt, 1st Stryker BCT, 25th ID, was performed to keep the Soldiers prepared for their aerial quick reaction force mission, said Capt. Morgan Maier, plt leader, 1st Plt.
Due to the adverse weather, heavy clouds, sand and partial rain, a helicopter could not be provided for the static training portion, forcing Soldiers to improvise and use cots to simulate the inside of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
The training included how to safely enter and exit a helicopter while maintaining security. Coalition Soldiers demonstrated how to properly conduct the movement, then had the IA Soldiers join in and practice conducting combined entering and exiting.
"This training is important," said SSgt. Caleb Mellette, a squad leader with 1st Plt. "It builds the IA's confidence and allows them to establish their own tactics, training and procedures." Mellette added that the static training is productive for coalition Soldiers as well, pointing out the language barrier in coordinating movement to and from the helicopter.
As a way to bypass the language barrier the coalition Soldiers taught hand and arm signals to the IA. This allowed for info about movement and security to be passed between Soldiers of both Iraqi and CF easily and quickly.
After completing the static load training, there was another mandatory task: the completion of the house-borne IED lane, operated by a Navy EOD team. The IA Soldiers, lead by an Iraqi NCO navigated through several stages of the HBIED training complex, finding several hidden IEDs and booby traps. Once inside the final area of the HBIED trainer, the IA Soldiers collected several intel items and weapons placed by Navy EOD personnel.
Following the IA's completion of the HBIED training lane, Maier had his Soldiers navigate the lane in order to keep their edge and reinforce previous IED awareness training.
The day of training was completed after a brief demo by both IA and coalition Soldiers on room clearing. Both sides were impressed with the others ability to quickly enter and dominate a room.
IA and coalition Soldiers practice the "3 steps and drop" method of exiting a UH-60 Black Hawk.
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq PAO
ISOF Diyala raid leads to arrest
TIKRIT - Iraqi SOF arrested a suspected terrorist cell leader operating in the Diyala River Valley, April 17.
Overcoming limited reporting on the suspect's whereabouts, ISOF and the Diyala Regional Recon Team jointly conducted surveillance and info gathering missions within the community to satisfy intel gaps, said a CF intel analyst. "This mission was tactically successful because (ISOF) utilized the intel available to effectively plan and execute the op," said the ground forces cmdr. "Room clearing and priorities of work on the suspect were executed swiftly and according to standard."
According to Iraqi intel sources, the detained individual is believed to be an expert in manufacturing and emplacing roadside bombs, conducting attacks on Iraqi SF and Iraqi populace, inflicting sectarian violence and destroying private property. Furthermore, the individual allegedly recruits Iraqis for insurgent activities.
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Multi-National Division - North PAO
SoI help uncover large weapons cache in Mahuz Triangle
FOB WARRIOR, Kirkuk - SoI helped uncover several weapons caches April 15, resulting in the largest enemy weapons cache since 1st Bn, 8th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div began operating in the Mahuz Triangle.
The weapons caches contained 122mm mortars, 57mm projectiles modified to be IEDs, 100mm armor-piercing rounds, 60 lbs of bulk propellant, 68 mm rockets, 7.62mm ammo, 120mm mortars, 90mm armor piercing rounds, 105mm projectiles, 122mm projectiles, more than 169 assorted fuses along with various other material.
The caches were placed near a road to allow quick, easy access to the site. The SoI scouted an area where enemy forces had been active and found the first cache. They immediately notified the 15th IA Bde, who assisted in searching the area, and also finding another cache.
Co B, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt. was called to support the search the area using heavy-duty metal detectors and military working dogs. They uncovered several more weapon caches nearby. EOD teams performed controlled detonations to dispose of the weapon cache.
The villages surrounding the cache sights are known to harbor insurgents wanted by Iraqi SF and U.S. military, and it is believed that the discovery of such a large cache will most likely result in a lull of improvised explosive attacks in the area, said Capt. Eric Hong, the cmdr of Co B.
Two individuals that owned the farm where the weapons were discovered have been detained and will stay in ISF custody while their warrants are processed.
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DoD Imagery
Army Sgt. David Crebo attached to 3rd Bn, 82nd FAR, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, inspects the inside of a mini-bus during a cordon and search op in the Douria district bus station in Kirkuk, April 14, 2009.
(DoD photo by Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati, U.S. Army)
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DoD Imagery
A U.S. Army soldier takes a moment to use an Iraqi child's tape measure to see how tall he is during a joint cordon and knock mission with Iraqi SF in the village of Abu Atham, April 18, 2009. The soldier is assigned to Charlie Troop, 2nd Sqdrn, 104th Cav Regt, 56th Stryker BCT, 28th ID.
(DoD photo by Sgt. Jacob H. Smith, U.S. Army)
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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Task Force Warrior assists Afghan neighbors
Army 1st Lt. Christopher Riggs and Army Pfc. Johnny Lane, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Bde, TF Warrior, hand out backpacks to students from the Janquadam Middle School in Janquadam Village, Bagram District, during a humanitarian aid mission, April 20. Maps, paper, pencils, chalk and other teaching aids were given out to school workers, while approx. 1,200 students received school packs, first aid supplies and hygiene kits.
(Army photos by Sgt. Warren Wright)
Army 1st Lt. Riggs gives a backpack to a student.
A student from the Janquadam Middle School receives a backpack.
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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Operation Viper Shake clears Korengal Valley
Photos by Army Sgt. Matthew Moeller
Army Cpl. Thomas Bourget watches over the mountains surrounding the Korengal Valley, during Op Viper Shake, April 21. Bourget is an infantryman with Charlie Co, 1st Bn, 26th Inf Regt, 1st ID.
Bravo Co, 1st Bn Soldiers hike at elevations above 2,500 meters.
Army Spc. Harvey realizes he still has hours of climbing ahead, as he stares up at the mountain peaks overlooking Afghanistan's Korengal Valley. Harvey is an infantryman with Charlie Co.
Army Pfc. Matthew Boyd checks the distance to the next objective. Boyd is a forward observer with Charlie Co.
Charlie Co Soldiers establish a patrol base. During the op, Soldiers battled freezing temps, as they hiked to elevations above 2,500 meters in the mountains surrounding Korengal Valley.
Army Spc. Harvey trudges across the steep cliff sides of the Korengal Valley's surrounding mountains. During the op 1st Bn Soldiers' mission was to disrupt violent extremists operating in one of Afghanistan's most hostile areas.
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American Forces Press Service
Taliban’s Strength in Pakistan Frustrates Chairman
By Jim Garamone
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, answers questions from the traveling media, after a meeting with Gov. Mohammad Naseri of Afghanistan’s Zabol province at FOB Walton, April 24, 2009. Mullen is on a 6-day tour of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, escorting a USO tour, meeting with counterparts and visiting troops.
(DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad McNeeley)
QALAT – The Taliban’s growing strength in Pakistan is frustrating to the U.S., said the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told reporters traveling with him that Pakistani military leaders are very concerned with the progress of terrorists groups inside Pakistan.
Last month, Pakistani civilian leaders worked out a deal with the Taliban that essentially recognized them in Swat – a tourist area north of Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad. Lately, the terrorists have begun attacking in Besur, a region only 60 miles from the capital.
Yesterday, Mullen visited military leaders in Pakistan, and discussed the situation in the country with them. He said the discussions he had with Pakistani Army Chief of General Staff, Gen. Ashfaq Kayani were more focused on Swat, where the Taliban already are breaking their deal with the Pakistani govt. “It was very clear that General Kayani is very concerned about the Taliban activity,” a military official familiar with the talks said.
The U.S. has continued to offer training and equipment help to the Pakistanis to counter the Taliban threat. “It’s safe to say we want them to do more,” said the official. “The admiral came back from the meetings very concerned and increasingly frustrated with the situation.”
The Pakistani military does understand the seriousness of the situation. While in Pakistan, Mullen observed 2 Pakistani military divs going through counterinsurgency training. The 2 divs were in the 6th week of a 14-week course. Once done, the units will deploy to the border area. “What they're going to do about Besur or Swat is really a Pakistani civilian decision that hasn’t been made,” Mullen said.
Nothing demonstrates how interconnected Afghanistan and Pakistan are than ops in Afghanistan’s Zabul province. The region is tied together by tribe and family, and the people of the region historically pay no attention to the Durand Line, surveyed by the British in the 1920s, which forms the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The Taliban take full advantage of this situation.
“Our focus on the border since we’ve been here is tied directly to the freedom of movement that the Taliban has, whether it’s farther north in Regional Command East or here in the south,” Mullen said. “That’s something that has to be dramatically reduced.”
An effort to stem the flow has to involve Afghanistan, Pakistan and the coalition to be effective, Mullen said. “This is the time of year where their influx is considerable, and Zabol, in particular, is a path they use,” the admiral said.
Mullen met with the gov. of Afghanistan’s Zabol province, who has a good grip on the situation, despite being in office for less than a month, the admiral said. “I think we can get the security piece right here, and by doing that we can enable the other things that must be done here,” Mullen said.
Within the province and Regional Command South there is very broad agreement on what the challenges are and how to approach them, Mullen said. “Clearly, security is a key issue here,” he said. “But it’s not just security; there are other needs tied to it.” Development, agriculture and governance also are part of a winning strategy, he said. “I’m very optimistic and buoyed by the spirit and the leadership of the PRT, which is very focused on the needs as well,” he said. “But the challenges are significant. We know what they are. We have to move forward and execute.”
This will mean sacrifice, the chairman acknowledged. “I saw a sign on one of the FOB walls today with names of 7 American soldiers who lost their lives in this province,” Mullen said. The U.S. troops understand the challenges, and they are “incredibly patriotic, dedicated to the mission and dedicated to each other,” the chairman said.
The chairman made it a point to visit the PRT in Zabol to highlight the necessary cooperation among many agencies. The soldiers and federal civilians assigned to the team “are at the heart of what really matters, which is development and really helping the Afghan people,” Mullen said. “They're proud and excited about doing what they're doing. It makes me proud and humble to be associated with them and serving with such a great group of people.”
Mullen said he thinks of the sacrifices American servicemembers and their civilian colleagues make. He comes to the area of ops, he added, to thank them for their service and “to better understand what we ask them to do, and then do everything in my power to help them succeed in the missions.”
U.S. servicemembers understand their new strategy. “What struck me was how much our people understand the execution requirements of counterinsurgency,” Mullen said. “I’ve described it as part of our DNA, and a couple of years ago, that just wasn’t the case.” The troops know that success is not just about combat ops, Mullen said. “They know it’s about the Afghan people,” he said. “They know it’s about info ops and the messaging and getting out in front of the enemy. They're living and breathing it, rather than just studying it and learning how to execute it. That’s a huge change for me over the past year.”
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