Dear Interested Reader,
Lethal Warriors search mountains of Konar. ANA forward observers, artillery, FDC have 1st successful joint training. Lt. Col. Mary Cheyne - her trials and triumphs. Female soldiers continue footprint in Army Aviation. More than 1,000 attend meeting in Jaji.
Iraq: Partnership between U.S. and Iraqi Forces recognized. Soldiers run with the Big Dogs. Airmen teach aircraft maintenance. Kirkuk residents helped by IP.
Joanna
________________________________
August 7, 2009
MNF-I
Lethal Warriors search mountains of Konar
By Army Spc. Eugene Cushing
Sgt. Dustin Kaminiski, team leader, 1st plt, Co A, 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt, assigned to TF Mtn Warrior, and Army Staff Sgt. Johnny Bates, squad leader for weapons squad, stand guard in a small village in the Kunar prov. Bates and Kaminiski were part of a recon op their platoon was conducting in the Pech River valley, in support of larger combat ops planned for the near future, July 21.
KONAR PROVINCE – Army 1st Lt. Chris Capasso, plt leader, explained his unit was conducting recon of possible enemy positions and escape routes. Capasso said the platoon found actionable intel, including several enemy fighting positions and trails. “It helps plan and shape future ops,” he said. “The mission’s purpose was to gather info on the enemy.”
Army Staff Sgt. Joseph McKinney, explained why recon missions are important to the success of future ops. “The enemy we’re fighting is an enemy we can’t see,” he said.
Capasso praised his Soldiers for the work they did on the day’s mission and the work they continue to do in hunting down the enemies of Afghanistan. “These guys have been working real hard,” he said. “They’ve been doing missions back to back with little complaint. They understand that to go after these guys we have to get out there and patrol the mountains.”
Army Staff Sgt. Joseph McKinney, the plt sgt for 1st plt, examines a hillside through his rifle scope while conducting a recon mission in the Kunar prov. McKinney led his plt up a small valley while searching for enemy combat positions and mortar attack points.
-30-
CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
ANA forward observers, artillery, FDC hit the mark during joint training
By Army Sgt. Matt Moeller
Marine 1st Lt. Steve Murello listens as an ANA officer explains the coordinates used during a live-fire exercise.
NURISTAN PROVINCE - A 46-pound artillery round explodes into the hills surrounding FOB Kalagush, in Afghanistan's Nuristan prov., as a group of ANA forward observers watch patiently, consulting their maps. Into his radio, an ANA forward observer says, "right 500 meters."
The Fire Direction Control center, staffed by ANA officers, enters the new data into their computers and relay updated coordinates to the artillerymen waiting to fire. Within moments the 7,000 pound D-30 122mm Howitzer Artillery Cannon blasts another round, and this time it's a direct hit.
U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Steve Murello, with eMiTT 4-4, looks at the results, and says "good." According to Murello, the cloud of smoke growing in the distance marked the first time the ANA's forward observers, FDC personnel and artillerymen worked together to conduct live-fire training, Aug. 2.
"Most of the guys, when they come out of school, are trained for just direct fire. They're not trained to work with forward observers or the FDC, so if they can't see it, they can't shoot it," Marine GnrySgt. Enrique Munoz said. "But by incorporating the forward observers and the FDC, now the gun-line doesn't need to have eyes on...it's all done for them."
Starting with such basic techniques as reading a map and compass, and moving into more advanced methods, such as using the newly developed Afghan Field Artillery Computer, eMiTT members were able to step back and allow ANA officers to run the training. "It was some good training," said Murello. "Overall they did very well."
An ANA Soldier covers his ears as a fellow ANA Soldier fires a D-30 122mm Howitzer Artillery Cannon. The training marked the first time ANA's forward observers called in an artillery strike for Afghan artilleryman.
ANA forward observers look through compasses during a live-fire exercise.
An ANA Soldier, with the Fire Direction Control center, looks over data displayed on the Afghan Field Artillery Computer. The AFAC is a system designed to give instant coordinates for field artillery units, allowing for more timely firing.
ANA Officers check the coordinates on the Soviet-era D-30 122mm Howitzer Artillery Cannon.
-30-
CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Chances, trials and triumphs
By Army Pfc. Cody Thompson
Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, comm. gen. of Combined Joint TF-82, makes a speech before Lt. Col. Mary Cheyne's, promotion from Major, Aug. 1, on Bagram Air Field.
(Photo by Barry Wilson, Knowledge Mgt Office)
BAGRAM AIR FIELD - Lt. Col. Mary Cheyne, the knowledge mgt officer with Combined Joint TF-82, rose from a West Point cadet to her current position with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.
Her unspoken motto "make it happen," enables Cheyne to conduct her business every day with focused determination. To understand Cheyne's focus and drive for life in the present, one must review her past.
In her first year at West Point, Cheyne struggled with academics but, eventually realized that she needed to make a decision about her future. "That was a defining moment that shifted me towards a military career."
Cheyne, a secretary for the general staff at the Human Resources Command near the Pentagon, watched the tragic events of Sept. 11 unfold before her eyes. "9/11 affected everyone in some way. We lost a lot of good people that day including my co-worker," remembers Cheyne.
Cheyne explains that the best advice she can give on how to keep moving forward is to remember that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We need to know who we are, our strengths and weakness, and know that collectively, we can dig deep to accomplish anything.
Cheyne has dug deep to earn her promotion from Major to Lt Col, but still manages to stay modest, focused and cool. "Today isn't about me, it's about you guys working hard to help," said newly promoted Cheyne to the crowd of approx. 40 people during her promotion ceremony, August 1, at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.
"She's a hard worker and I respect her determination and drive," said Army Lt. Col. James Carpenter, Dir. of the CJTF-82 communications office. "She looks out for her people and makes sure her contractors aren't forgotten." It's this type of selfless dedication to her team that makes Cheyne respected and admired by her Soldiers, contractors and bosses.
"She's mission oriented, driven and a good leader," said Army Spc. Marvin Mayberry, portal content mgr and info mgt officer with CJTF-82.
"Her support for the field service reps throughout the bdes has been exemplary," said Steven Kinder, tactical ground reporting software theater coordinator with the Defense Advance Research Program Agency. "The divs rely on her leadership to get the info."
Cheyne has a message for those who may be walking the line between apprehension and action. "Don't let someone tell you, you can't do something" said Cheyne. Know who you are, be true to your values and be willing to take some chances. Good or bad, it's our choices in life that make us who we are today."
-30-
American Forces Press Service
Female Soldiers Continue Footprint in Army Aviation
Female medevac crewmembers pose for a picture. They are, from left, Army Chief Warrant Officer Monica Narhi, maintenance test pilot; Army Capt. Jennie Richey, medevac pilot and company commander; Army Sgt. Christie Chaney, flight medic; and Army Spc. Nicole Hyde, crew chief.
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD – Women have actively supported the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War. By providing medical care to wounded soldiers and support to their militia men, women introduced themselves as an asset to protecting the nation.
Today, female soldiers are offered the same jobs as male soldiers, with the exception of combat-arms careers such as infantry, armory and artillery. Women, continue to deploy in support of ops on the ground and in the air as truck drivers, MP, field medics and Army aviation aircrew members.
Army Capt. Jennie Richey, a medevac pilot, cmdr of the bn’s Co D. Her mission is to ensure the maintenance and operability of CH-47F Chinook helicopters. “I don’t change the standards set for my soldiers or see them different from each other,” Richey said. “It doesn’t matter if they are male or female; they all work hard to accomplish their missions.
Army Sgt. Christine Chaney, a flight medic with Co C, served in the Army for more than 5 years. “The team provides group support to each other while on missions,” Chaney said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a female medic or a male medic; what matters are patients receiving immediate care. The hardest part about being a flight medic is treating injured children,” Chaney said. Chaney said she hopes to pursue her medical degree and serve in the Army as a physician’s asst or doctor.
Along with flight medics and pilots, Army aviation also employs crew chiefs to assist in the maintenance and security of the aircraft. Army Spc. Nicole Hyde, a crew chief assigned to Co C, is responsible for helicopters’ serviceability, making sure the aircraft is ready for launch when a medevac mission is called in. “After I’ve made sure the aircraft is ready, … communication calls, engines are operational and equipment is secure, my focus is to assist the pilots and flight medic on board,” she said.
Women now make up 15% of the Army, and working side by side with their male counterparts, have expanded their footprint in the U.S. military.
Chief Warrant Officer Monica Narhi, inspects the engine components of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during preflight inspections, July 20, 2009.
-30-
CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Government, local leaders meet in Jaji
A tribal elder addresses a crowd of more than 1,000 Afghan residents and key leaders on issues of election security and voting responsibilities.
(Photo by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Richard Potterton)
PAKTYA PROVINCE - As part of an ongoing Govt Outreach campaign designed to strengthen ties between the Paktya Provincial Govt and the prov.'s 14 districts, the Paktya PRT facilitated the travel of provincial leadership and several national govt reps to Jaji district for a large meeting, Aug. 2.
Parliament member Wakil Dawud hosted the PRT, along with 1st Sqdrn, 40th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 25th ID leadership and staff, for a meeting with more than 1,000 village locals and key leaders to discuss election security concerns and voting rights and responsibilities.
Dep. Provincial Gov. Abdal Mangal closed the meeting, speaking of election security responsibilities, as well as tensions between Shia and Sunni in the Pakistan border area. He encouraged attendees to move beyond simple tribal differences, and come together for the good of the prov.
"This event marked the first Govt Outreach mission for the new PRT, and epitomized bringing GoA governance to the people of the Jaji region," said PRT Cmdr, Lt. Col. Carlos Halcomb. "The open discourse on elections, and more importantly the encouragement of village-wide participation in election security, demonstrated a growing sense of ownership and pride in the success of the elections, and further development in the region."
-30-
Multi-National Division - North PAO
Partnership between U.S. and Iraqi Forces recognized
Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen receives the Partnership Excellence Award from Lt. Gen. Majeed, ISF ground forces cmdr, Aug 4. The award is in recognition of Caslen's work with the Ninewa Op Command that has led to many successes throughout northern Iraq.
(Army photos by Spc. Daniel Nelson)
FOB DIAMONDBACK, MOSUL - Key leaders from the U.S. and ISF gathered Aug. 4, to recognize the continuous partnership that has led to many successes in northern Iraq.
Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby Jr., MNC-Iraq cmdr, and Lt. Gen. Ali Majeed, ISF ground forces cmdr, presented the Partnership Excellence Award to Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen, MND-N cmdr, and Maj. Gen. Hassan Karim, Ninewa Ops Command cmdr.
The first-time award was created to recognize the combined combat ops that took place in July, which resulted in the apprehension of one of Iraq's 10 most-wanted terrorists, and had been wanted since 2003. "That capture sent a shock wave through enemy networks, and we want to recognize these 2 great commands for that work," stated Jacoby.
The citations were read in both Arabic and English. Hassan and Caslen took a few moments after receiving their awards to address the group. "We are the fortunate ones, because the events and op that led to this award reflect really on the great work of the operational command of Iraqi Soldiers -- we were only in support," stated Caslen. "We are honored to be part of this partnership."
Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby Jr., (left), presents the Ninewa Ops Command cmdr, Maj. Gen. Karim (right), with the Partnership Excellence Award, for his continuous work with CF.
-30-
MNF-Iraq
Soldiers Run with the Big Dogs
By Staff Sgt. Jason Douglas)
1st Lt. John Reed, a plt leader with 15th BSB, attempts to evade Capka, a military working dog, during a demo at FOB Warrior, Kirkuk, Aug. 1. The demo was to not only entertain Soldiers, but to educate leaders on the capabilities of the military working dogs.
FOB WARRIOR — No matter how fast the dozen or so Soldiers ran, they couldn't outrun Buli and Capka, a pair of German Sheppard military working dogs.
Soldiers from the 15th BSB, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, volunteered to don bite suits and were given a head start before the dogs were released. Spc. Corey Jones, a water purification specialist sprinted with all his might, and although he made it farther than most, his run ended with him in the dirt and the dog still tugging on his arm. "It was pretty rough," said Jones. "That dog's got a little bit of power. The suit helps neutralize it, but if you weren't wearing it, that would be a wrap," he joked.
"I was surprised by the amount of power," said Spc. Stephen Price, a petroleum supply specialist, who observed the demo. "They may look light," he said about the dogs. "But they'll take you down."
"The goal of these demos is to inform cmdrs and leaders about the type of support military working dogs can provide," said Tech. Sgt. Matt Troiano, Buli's handler, 3rd BCT, 25th ID. "We do lots of raids, locate weapons caches, track spotters, and find IEDs buried underground," Troiano said. "Their nose is what saves lives."
"We just hope to educate units, so that when we go out with them they know what we can and can't do," said Sgt. Henry Rabs, Capka's handler, 3rd BCT, 25th ID. "It makes running missions with them a lot easier." According to Rabs, generally, the dogs are called on missions not for their ability to attack, but for their ability to safely identify hidden explosives. "To be able to say that a dog sniffed out an IED that could have killed 10 Soldiers is a great feeling," he said. "The dogs love it; it's all a game to them," said Rabs.
-30-
U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
Airmen Teach Iraqis Aircraft Maintenance
By Staff Sgt. Joseph Buzanowski
AF Tech. Sgt. Andrea Walton, 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Sqdrn (AEAS), helps an Iraqi AF maintenance student use specialized tools to find microscopic cracks and flaws in aircraft parts, during a training visit to the Army's NDI backshop at Camp Taji, July 13.
(Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Keller)
TAJI — Whether it's on the flightline or in a hangar, Iraqi AF (IqAF) Airmen are learning to fix their own helicopters, thanks to American Airmen who have shown them how. The IqAF, assigned to the 721st AEAS, take great pride in their work. "Once they can fix their own aircraft, they can make sure they're providing air support for their own forces," said Lt. Col. Mike McNerney, the sqdrn cmdr. The 721st assigns an American Airmen to each of the necessary maintenance fields. They do less hands-on work and more advising, as the Iraqis do much of their own repair work.
"What we can do is suggest ways to improve their processes, like using the supply line channels to order parts, rather than stripping them off of other helicopters," said Master Sgt. Chris Scott, a helicopter crew chief.
Another challenge has been to create training records for the Iraqis, which will create certified documentation on the skill levels of Iraqi Airmen. The program is modeled after the AF's specialty knowledge test. "We need the older guys in the sqdrn to start teaching the younger generation," Scott said. "If we can get them to take responsibility for their troops, they'll take a much more active role in their training."
American Airmen are also helping the Iraqis create a phased approach to fixing aircraft parts. For help with that aspect, Tech. Sgt. Andrea Walton turns to American Soldiers and their facilities. Walton is a non-destructive inspection (NDI) instructor. She routinely visits the Army's NDI backshop to show her Iraqi students how to use the specialized tools to find microscopic cracks and flaws in aircraft parts. "It's a team effort to get the Iraqis better trained," said Walton.
"I'm proud to work and serve with her," said Pvt. Gzwaan Majeed, one of Walton's students. "She shows us the step-by-step way to find cracks. She's a good teacher."
"With NDI, we're able to locate problems before they become bigger issues," Walton said. "What we want the Iraqis to develop is a routine way of inspecting aircraft parts at regular intervals. If a flawed component makes it onto an aircraft, it could be a disaster."
The IqAF flies the Mi-17, Mi-171, UH-1 Huey and Jet Ranger helicopters from Taji Air Base. In addition to training maintenance and aircrews, the Iraqi sqdrns defend infrastructure and resources here. They're also charged with providing air power for their troops on the ground, defending the populace from insurgents and providing stability.
-30-
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
Kirkuk Residents Helped by Iraqi Police
By Staff Sgt. Jason Douglas
IP in Kirkuk give a food bag to an elderly Iraqi woman during a humanitarian aid delivery, July 27. The IP, with assistance from the U.S. Army, delivered food, toys and school supplies to at least 200 residents.
FOB WARRIOR — In several sub-districts of Kirkuk city in northern Iraq, some of the less fortunate occasionally need assistance to make ends meet. The IP delivered bags of food to families and school supplies and toys to waiting children. On hand to assist in the delivery of the aid was the "Lion of Kirkuk", the official mascot of the Kirkuk IP, who has been visiting Iraqi children throughout the city.
1st Lt. Mike Sim and his 82nd FAR Soldiers supported the delivery. "Ops like this just further illustrate ISF ability to operate on their own," Sim said.
The Chief of Police for the Arafa sub-district, Lt. Col. Jaji, selected the area to receive the distribution. "I chose this village because it's very poor, the poorest in my area," said Jaji. "I wanted the people to know that the GoI haven't forgotten about them."
According to Jaji, he's involved in other projects to help the residents in his area by focusing on essential services like water and power. "The reasons for these projects and the food delivery is not just to give food, but also to build a relationship between local residents and the IP," Jaji said. Jaji is also working on developing the equivalent of a neighborhood watch program to gather info on criminal activities and other matters of concern to residents in his area.
-30-
DoD Imagery
A U.S. Army soldier with the 1st Plt, 1st CAB, 63rd AR, 2nd IBCT, 1st ID hands out backpacks filled with school supplies to Iraqi children in Zaidon market, outside Baghdad, July 23, 2009.
(DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Edwin L. Wriston, Navy)
-30-