Dear Interested Reader,
Forces join for clearing op in Alwash. Micro-grant program helps get vet clinic started. Iraqi Navy receives flagship from Italy. Marines train with their new Mark 12 rifle. Suspected assassins, criminals arrested, and caches seized.
In Afghanistan, rural village sees brighter future with new school in Safer Kala. In the Bagrami district, near Kabul a new school opens, with a well-house and generator, new desks and chairs.
Joanna
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May 21, 2009
Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq RSS
Forces Join for Alwash Operation
(Photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Pels)
Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Ybarra from 5th Bn, 1st Cav Regt, 1st Stryker BCT, 25th ID provides security during a clearing operation in Alwash, May 12.
An Iraqi girl brings water to a U.S. Soldier.
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Multi-National Division-South
Micro-grant Program Helps Get Iraqi Vet Clinic Started
By Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson
Veterinarian Ahmed Nimma signs and finalizes the paperwork for a 5 million Iraqi dinar micro-grant for his vet clinic in Numaniyah, May 9.
FOB DELTA — Economic growth for small businesses is hard enough to accomplish in an established free-market such as the U.S, let alone a new democracy getting on its feet. One of the tools available for small business owners in Iraq is the micro-grant, which a local veterinarian in Numaniyah is using to get his clinic up and running.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity and am thankful to the CF for the chance to get my clinic running so I can help the people of Numaniyah," said Ahmed Nimma.
"The micro-grants serve to build the economy as well as to help out the small businessmen that are out there," said 1st Lt. Stephanie Christopher, 41st Fires Bde., PPO. "Most of the commerce that's out there is small businesses, and the micro-grant is there to help build on that." According to Christopher, the micro-grant process is similar to applying for a loan. Although the process and paperwork is a little complicated, a micro-grant can really jumpstart a small business. In the case of Amhed, the money will be used for major pieces of equipment to get his vet clinic started.
"With the micro-grant he is able to buy big, expensive pieces of equipment such as centrifuges, microscopes, vaccination guns, nitrogen coolers, vaccines, micro-centrifuges and an artificial insemination gun, all to help get his vet clinic started," said Christopher.
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MNF-I
Iraqi Navy Receives Flagship
LA SPEZIA, Italy — The Iraqi Navy has reached a critical milestone today by receiving its first patrol ship from an Italian shipbuilder. The Fatah, meaning “Conquer” or “Victory” was reflagged to the country of Iraq, May 15.
Patrol Ship 701 is the first of 4 ships built, directly contracted from the Fincantieri Shipyard in La Spezia, and will be designated as the flagship of the Iraqi Navy. Fatah’s 34-member crew traveled to Italy in January to begin their training on the ship. The training encompassed all aspects of shipboard ops to ensure the crew will be ready to sail Italy to Umm Qasr, Iraq. The lengthy transit will be the Iraqi Navy crew’s first opportunity to develop confidence with their new ship during their 5,100 nautical mile, 29-day voyage.
Fatah’s voyage will begin in Italy, transit the Mediterranean Sea, pass through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, and ultimately around the Arabian Peninsula to the port of Umm Qasr. The Italian Navy will provide an escort ship to continue training opportunities and coordinate interactions with Coalition warships, the U.S. Naval Forces Europe, and U.S Naval Forces Central Command.
The Iraqi crew’s interaction with int'l navies in the NAVEUR and NAVCENT areas of op is a great training opportunity for them to build confidence and assist with the Iraqi Navy mission of taking responsibility for maritime security in December 2011.
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Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division RSS
Marines Train With Designated Marksman Rifle
Story by Lance Cpl. Alan Addison
SAHL SINJAR - Gunfire erupts in the distance, after which rounds impact targets down range and bury themselves in the dirt behind the targets. Unlike the expected sounds of an M-4 carbine or another other variant of the M-16 service rifle, the shots heard here lack the sharp crack of those weapons and are instead slightly muffled.
Marines from 3rd Light Armored Recon (LAR) Bn, RCT 8, recently conducted live fire exercises with their new Mark 12 designated marksman rifles. Unlike the M-4 or the M-16, the Mark-12 comes equipped with an M-16A1 lower receiver, a match grade free-floating barrel, a muzzle break suppressor, and an adjustable bipod. Other additions include a medium range tactical scope and back-up iron sights.
Although the Mark-12's production began in the late 1990s, it didn't reach the hands of Marines until 2003. "Marines don't get these weapons back in the states," commented Chief Warrant Officer Christian Wade, bn gunner for 3rd LAR. "These Marines are issued them when they're deployed, so I try to conduct ranges like this so they can become mechanically sound and proficient with the weapon."
Mark 12's are not issued to every Marine within a unit. They're specifically issued to one Marine per company who has received advanced marksmanship training. "This weapon is issued to certain Marines, because of its precision firing capabilities," Wade said. "As far as weapons within a rifle squad, it's definitely the most precise, and offers good advantages."
Wade was not the only one singing the praises of the M12. "This weapon is definitely my favorite Marine Corps weapon," said Sgt. Robert Montanaro, a chief scout with Co E, 3rd LAR. "The added suppressor is a great tool, because it gives you the opportunity to be stealthier, which is really important." Montanaro also added that since the weapon's frame was similar to an M-4 or M-16, it made it easy for him to become familiar with the weapon. The medium range scope was another feature the Marines seemed to enjoy. "Optics are key when dealing with a precision weapon, and I'm definitely happy with the optics on this weapon," said Montanaro.
"The scope is definitely better than a Rifle Combat Optic," said Lance Cpl Kevin Mitchell, a rifleman with Co C, 3rd LAR. "The RCO only does so much, but with this scope you can view more, and it helps you to better determine the size of targets."
Size and added accessories aren't the only things that separate the Mark-12 from its predecessors. The Mark-12 is also more accurate. "The M-4's maximum effective range is about 500 meters and the Mark-12's maximum effective range is about 600 meters," said Wade. "At 100 yards the M-4's shot groups are about 3-1/2 inches, but the shot groups from a Mark-12 are one inch or better," Wade added.
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Iraqi Commandos arrest five suspected assassins in Balad Ruz
TIKRIT - Commandos infiltrated the properties, detained all 5 suspected terrorist cell members and swiftly vacated the area.
"The 8th RCB executed tonight's mission quickly and efficiently," said the ground forces cmdr present at the time of the op.
All of the detained individuals were allegedly members of a terrorist cell, which develops and emplaces roadside bombs targeting Iraqis in the Balad Ruz area.
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Multi-National Division - Baghdad PAO
Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers arrest criminals in northwest
BAGHDAD - Iraqi SECFOR and CF Soldiers arrested 3 criminals in 2 different ops in northwest Baghdad, May 11 and 12.
Iraqi Soldiers and Soldiers serving with the 1st CAB, 18th Inf Regt, 2nd HBCT, 1st ID, arrested 2
criminals during an op in Kadamiyah at approx. 11:30 p.m., May 11. The individuals are allegedly responsible for conducting IED attacks on CF and conducting attacks against refugees in Kadamiyah.
In another op, Soldiers serving with the 5th Sqdrn, 4th Cav Regt, 2nd HBCT, 1st ID, and Iraqi Soldiers
arrested a wanted criminal in the Mansour district at approx. 6:30 a.m., May 12. The individual is allegedly linked to AQI and responsible for planning and conducting car bomb attacks throughout Baghdad.
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Multi National Force - West PAO
Mushiniyah Police find multiple caches near Karmah
AL ANBAR PROVINCE - Mushiniyah Police discovered multiple weapons caches during a partnered cache sweep near Karmah with 1st Bn, 7th Marine Regt, May 12 and 13.
The 5 cache sites yielded more than 280 mortar rounds, 11 artillery rounds, 15 machine guns of various caliber, 2 rifles, a grenade launcher and various weapons accessories.
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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Rural village sees brighter future with new school
By Air Force Capt. Dustin Hart
Nangarhar PRT, 3rd BCT, 1st ID, PAO
Army 2nd Lt. Steve Klenke, an engr with the Nangarhar PRT, cuts the ribbon with local officials during the opening of a new school in Safer Kala village in Dara-Noor District, May 12. The school is the 6th completed by the Nangarhar PRT since its arrival into the province, Nov. 2008.
(Photos by Army Spc. Nathaniel Allen)
NANGARHAR PROVINCE -- Local officials expressed their happiness with the completion of the
school, because of the benefits it will offer the people of Safer Kala village.
"This is a proud moment for everyone here because even in this remote area, where no school existed before, the govt, through the help of the ISAF was able to provide a school building for the children to be educated," said Mohammad Ibrahim, Nangarhar province dep. dir. of education.
The school took less than a year to complete, and includes 2 school buildings, 2 restrooms, and 2 wells. Elders from the area ensured the govt and PRT that the school would be protected from any outside threats. "We've requested the support from all the people here to take care and protect this school," an elder said during the ceremony. "This school will bring light to the people here, and the teachers are giving a bright future to the students. This is making a better life for this village. "If the insurgents could see the Muslims in this area that are working hard for a better future for their children, they could see what true Islam is about," the elder added.
In addition to the school, the PRT is also funding a flood wall project, which will protect the school and village from flooding by a nearby river. The contractor also provided a wall separating the school from a passing road to protect students from road hazards. The PRT also recently received approval to construct a footbridge over the river to help more students access the school.
Due to the rural, mountainous location of Safer Kala village and a nearby river that is prone to flooding, the construction of the school experienced some difficulties. "Anyone involved with construction knows all projects will have some problems," Army 2nd Lt. Steve Klenke, a PRT engr, said during the ceremony. "This project was no different. We're able to stand in front of this completed school thanks to the diligence and patience of the people of this village, district officials and the provincial govt. I'm happy to be a part of that team and play a small role in helping bring education to your children."
Education remains a top priority for the Nangarhar PRT. The school in Safer Kala village was one of 21 schools currently being constructed by the PRT. The PRT has recently completed 5 schools in 5 districts, and has proposed an additional 39 projects. Overall, the PRT is teamed with the Nangarhar provincial govt in working more than 52 active projects.
The new boys and girls school recently opened.
Village elders from Safer Kala village gather to celebrate the opening.
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33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team RSS
Soldiers, Afghan's Official Open School
(Photos by Sgt. James Sims)
Members from the Ministry of Education and Soldiers from Camp Phoenix Civil Military Affairs participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, May 13 at the Walayatee Primary School in the Bagrami District near Kabul. Combined Joint TF Phoenix VIII Civil Military Affairs in cooperation with the Afghan Ministry of Education provided funding for a well built next to the school. The well and generator will provide fresh water and water storage capacity for hundreds of students.
Students at the Walayatee Primary School enjoy the comfort of the desk and chairs provided by a joint effort between the Afghan Ministry of Education and Combined Joint TF Phoenix VIII.
Members from the Ministry of Education and Soldiers from Camp Phoenix stand in front of the well house.
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