Dear Interested Reader,
Status of development projects discussed at FOB Blessing. Marines train, mentor police in S. Helmand. Elders meet to discuss future of Kherwar district. 377th Parachute FAR take part in Op Champion Sword.
Iraq: Grants help business owners expand. Iraqi leader hosts feast, honors friends. Sgt. Maj of the Army tours Camp Cropper. Restoration planned for ancient Arch.
Joanna
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August 11, 2009
Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan RSS
Status of development projects discussed at FOB Blessing
Photos by Staff Sgt. Christopher Allison
1st Lt. Alex Armstrong assigned to A Co, 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt and his interpreter discuss the status of development projects with Qudadaah, a village elder, Aug. 5, in Qala, Chapeh Darreh. The visit to Qala was part of Op Mtn Warrior Fox, which included a visit to several villages in the Chapeh Darreh District of the Konar prov. Armstrong is deployed with the 4th BCT, 4th ID.
Pvt. Soloman, left, is promoted by Staff Sgt. McKinney to Private 1st Class, Aug. 5, at FOB Blessing prior to the start of a mission.
Staff Sgt. Turnboo, A Co, share a laugh with a few of Afghan locals, Aug. 5.
Staff Sgt. Turnboo hands out candy to local children.
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Regimental Combat Team 3 RSS
Marines Train, Mentor Afghan Police in South Helmand
Story by 1st Lt. Kurt Stahl
Cpl. Mark Swindall, a squad leader with the Police Mentoring Team (PMT), gives a class on conducting a cordon and knock, using rocks to demonstrate squad members' positions to policemen with the ANP, Aug. 3 at an ANP check point on Route Cowboys.
GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand Province - How many Marines does it take to turn men who know little about law enforcement into a well-disciplined unit with the ability and knowledge to deal with anything that might come their way? In Garmsir District, the answer would be 20 field-MP with MP Co, 5th Bn, 10th Marine Reg.
The PMT operates within RCT 3's area of responsibility, and in conjunction with 2nd Bn, 8th Marine Regt. As this ANP force continues to improve, it will have a direct impact on the partnered security efforts between 2/8 and the ANSF.
"It has been a fun and rewarding experience," said Cpl. Mark Swindall, a squad leader with the PMT at the police HQ here. "It's been pretty amazing watching these men go from knowing almost nothing about being policemen to being able to conduct patrols, cordon and knocks, and working as a disciplined unit."
We conduct partnered patrols with the ANP and teach them valuable skills through real-life situations, according to Lance Cpl. Adam Blackman, MP. "You have to have patience in working with them, but they've actually gotten to the point where they're leading the patrols, and we're just there for guidance."
"There've been certain obstacles we've faced since working with the ANP, such as the language barrier and the limited education of the men," said 1st Lt. Justin Grieco, officer-in-charge of the PMT. "But even with the challenges faced, the reward of seeing what these men have accomplished in such a short time has made the work worth it."
According to Swindall, the Marines visit each ANP checkpoint and give classes over everything from patrolling tactics to first aid. After the classes, the Marines visit with the ANP at the checkpoints to make sure everything is going smoothly.
This group is just one of several PMTs deployed in Afghanistan to help train and mentor the ANP to become a police force capable of providing security for Afghan people without assistance from int'l forces.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Afghan elders meet to discuss future of Kherwar district
By Army Spc. Jaime De Leon
TF Spartan Public Affairs Office
Local elders of Kherwar district voice their opinions.
LOGAR PROVINCE - Logar Provincial Gov Lodin spoke with the sub-gov and local elders about plans to bring a stronger govt presence to the district, July 27, during a Mega Shura, (large meeting), at the Kherwar District Center.
"This is the time of opportunities," Lodin said. "Let's take these opportunities now and build a future for our children. I'm telling you now, let's work together, shoulder to shoulder." Part of Lodin's plan for Kherwar involves upgrading the infrastructure. Kherwar currently has dirt roads and a district center made of metal containers and mud-huts.
"Kherwar is far from Logar and govt," Lodin said. "If you're driving on dirt, it takes 3 to 4 hours to get to Logar. When we get the roads paved, it will take 20 min." His plans for building do not merely end with the building of roads. "We can build hospitals for our wives and our children," Lodin said, adding that he also hopes to build more schools. But, roads and buildings can't change everything. Fighting between ISAF troops and local insurgents, as well as locals with each other has also been a problem.
"If people are having problems, have them come to me," Lodin said. "Let's solve problems with talking, not guns and fighting."
Lodin also made a point of letting the people of Kherwar know that ISAF is part of the solution, not a part of the problem. In a crowd of men who are old enough to remember the Russian invasion, Lodin made sure to make a clear distinction between the former Soviet superpower and the current foreign forces. "The Russians were here to colonize and make us part of their kingdom," Lodin said. "ISAF is here as our guest, to help us. They left their brothers and sisters and children far away." Lodin also reiterated the fact that the Soldiers were came to help and not hurt the people kherwar.
With so many plans for the future, the 3rd Sqdrn, 71st Cav Regt, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, who currently occupies COP Cherokee, just a quick walk from the Kherwar District Center, has no plans to leave anytime soon. With Kherwar's security improving, the unit will maintain a presence to ensure the progress made at the Shura does not backslide.
"We believed that Kherwar was the ultimate boogey man, but things are starting to change here, now that we have started to focus more on the area," said Lt. Col. Thomas Gukeisen, TF Iron Titan cmdr.
"We're executing projects, we've conducted security ops to increase security in Kherwar, and today we had between 53 and 58 elders from the Kherwar bowl," said Col. David Haight, TF Spartan cmdr.
"I feel very proud, coming down here to meet the brave people of Kherwar," Lodin said. "The first time I came to Kherwar as the gov, people came to me with their problems. I'm glad they came to me; I wanted to help. The people of Kherwar have the right to voice their complaints, and I'm here to back them up," Lodin concluded.
Capt. Jose Vasquez, cmdr, Cherokee Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 71st Cav Regt, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, greets local elders as they arrive at the Mega Shura.
Soldiers and members of the ANSF, pull security side by side.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Paratroopers, ANSF joint operation
Photos by Staff Sgt. Marcus Butler
4th BCT, 25th ID Public Affairs
Spc. Aja Roy waits as ANA soldiers pass, making their way to an objective during a joint cordon and search op with Paratroopers from the 2nd Bn, 377th Parachute FAR, 4th BCT, 25th ID, in Khost province, Aug. 5, as part of Op Champion Sword. ANSF and TF Yukon Soldiers teamed up for the op to target specific militants in eastern Afghanistan, in order to bolster the security for the upcoming elections.
Army 1st Lt. Jake Phillips checks his GPS device as he waits for pick-up after conducting a joint cordon and search op.
ANA Soldiers along with Paratroopers walk through rice patties on their way to their extraction point to await pick-up.
ANA Soldiers along with Paratroopers, run toward a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter for pick-up.
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ISAF HQ Public Affairs RSS
New Surveillance Technology Employed to Protect Kabul
KABUL - To better protect the people of Kabul and support regional security ops of ANSF, the GoA is installing a new state-of-the-art security system in Bala Hissar, Kabul.
The Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) consists of an aerostat (a "blimp") mounted with camera equipment. It's flown on a tether at several 1,000 feet to enable around-the-clock surveillance of a wide area. Through the PTDS, ANSF will have access to high resolution imagery, including full-motion video and audio data from the greater Kabul area. This info, together with surveillance data from other security systems, will enable better and earlier threat recognition, which in turn will facilitate ANSFs' effective responses to threats and attacks.
The system is capable of immediate reaction to emerging incidents to capture video of unanticipated events. It'll fly at an altitude that puts it out of range of most weapons systems, and is not expected to be at great risk.
"This is an invaluable tool we've available to fight the enemies, and encourage peace and security," said Afghan ministry of interior spokesperson Zemarai Bashary. Plans are underway to launch the system in areas around Afghanistan over the coming months.
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MNF-Iraq
Grants Help Business Owners Expand
By Spc. Ruth McClary)
Army 2nd Lt. Andy Zaidi sits with Iraqi veterinarian Majied Ahmead after presenting Ahmead with a $5,000 grant to upgrade his business with medical supplies for farm animals, Aug. 5.
BAGHDAD — 9 business owners from the Zaydon, Yusifiyah, and Radwaniyah areas south of the Iraqi capital have been approved for microgrants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to help stimulate the local economy.
"Microgrants are a tool the cmdr can use to affect the local economy," said Capt. Tim O'Neil, 150th Armored Recon Sqdrn. "This is a rapid response to get money flowing into the economy to help businesses, create jobs in the community, and in turn get them to help us."
While many types of businesses will benefit from the grants, local farmers will likely receive the most help, as the area is heavily agricultural. Crop yields, however, are small as irrigation water is scarce or hard to transport. "The cmdr has made water the number one priority," said 1st Lt. Adam Penfold. "These people have lived without electricity for a long time, but no way can they live without water."
Several grants will fund drip irrigation projects, the digging of small wells, and purchase of water pumps and filters, all of which are expected to give each of the recipients about 250 gallons of water per day. "One of the interpreters is an engr by trade," said Penfold. "He worked with a local contractor to fund the irrigation projects for $5,000 each. We're not only funding business owners, we also purchase supplies from the locals, feeding the economy from both aspects." These grants, officials say, are like tiny seeds that will help the economy grow and eventually flourish.
A grant was given to Radwaniyah fish farmer Deyaa Salman who will expand his business by adding a generator, feeder building, and another pond for silver carp.
"He said it's been passed down through generations, from his grandfather to him," said Wooten about the fish farm.
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Iraqi Leader Hosts Feast, Honors Friends
By Capt. Murray Shugars
16th Sustainment Brigade
Dr. Muhammed Ahmed, a general practitioner and tribal liaison, speaks with Col. Martin Pitts, bde cmdr, 16th Sust Bde, during a dinner hosted by Ahmed at Katar Restaurant at COB Q-West, July 30.
COB Q-WEST — A local Iraqi leader hosted a traditional feast at Katar Restaurant, a Turkish owned and operated eatery, to say goodbye to 2 bns from the Washington Army NG, July 30.
Dr. Ahmed, known as "Doc Mo" to military leaders here, acts as a liaison to CF for more than 50 rural villages surrounding Q-West. He said his farewells to Soldiers and leaders from the 81st BSTB and the 181st BSB, and welcomed Soldiers from the 2/198th CAB, Mississippi Army NG, during the meal.
"It's an ancient Iraqi custom to share food and drink as a sign of friendship and brotherhood," said Ahmed, who holds a medical degree from the University of Mosul. "I want to show that we're brothers, that we're one family. I want to thank all our brothers, those who have been with us this last year and those who have arrived to be with us during the coming year."
Col. Martin Pitts, 16th Sust Bde cmdr, thanked Doc Mo for the dinner and the opportunity to say goodbye to many leaders he has worked closely with for the past 10 months. "I'm grateful that Dr. Ahmed has given us this opportunity," said Pitts. "He's been a friend to U.S. Soldiers, and he's played an important role in strengthening U.S. and Iraqi relations in the region, helping us achieve our shared goal of building a safe and secure Iraq."
Lt. Col. William Smith, Q-West Mayor, 2/198th CAB, said that working closely with Iraqi leaders is essential to success. "The U.S. military's approach has changed, and we've a smaller footprint in the sovereign nation of Iraq," said Smith. "For us to continue our success here, we must sustain and further strengthen relations at the local level, with regional and city leaders, especially with those who reach out to us as Dr. Ahmed has done over the years." Smith said the 2/198th CAB will continue to work with Doc Mo, as the 181st BSB had done before. "He's a respected figure in the local Iraqi community, and we want to build on the relationship we have with him," said Smith.
Ahmed said he was born into this role. "It's a tradition in my family to build bonds with different tribes," said Ahmed. "My grandfather, who owned a 1000 sheep and a 1000 goats, built strong relationships with the tribes 80 or 90 years ago, and so did my father in his day. The Americans are to me like another tribe. They're different, with different customs and religions, and we must work together."
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Blackanthem Military News
Sergeant Major of the Army tours Camp Cropper
By MNF-IRAQ, JOINT TF 134, Detainee Ops
Sgt. Scott Van Zeeland, HHT, 1-105th Cav Sqdrn human resource sgt, was promoted from specialist by the Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Kenneth Preston, Aug. 3. "As I was standing in front of the Sgt. Maj. of the Army and he was promoting me, he took my rank and said ‘make sure you give this to the soldier who deserves it the most,'" Van Zeeland said. "Soldiers like you make others want to be in your position."
CAMP CROPPER - Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Kenneth Preston arrived Aug. 3 in order to discuss detainee ops in Iraq with members of TF Griffin. During his tour Preston visited the Combat Support Hospital, Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center, and the Remembrance II Theater Internment Facility.
Before leaving, selected Soldiers had the honor to be promoted or presented a coin by the sgt maj of the Army.
"It was an honor to be promoted by the sgt maj of the Army and have Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, the MNF-I Command Sgt Maj present," said newly-promoted Sgt. David Rollins, HHC, 89th MP Bde team leader for the personal security detail.
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MNF-I
Restoration Planned for Ancient Arch
By Pvt. Jared Gehmann
Spc. Ryan Ringi, 82nd Abn Div infantryman, leads a security patrol toward the ancient Taq-i-kisra Arch in Salman Pak, Aug. 5.
(Photo by Pvt. Jared Gehmann)
SALMAN PAK — In an attempt to restore national pride and tourism to one of the oldest landmarks in Iraq, American Paratroopers and IA Soldiers discussed plans for renovating the area surrounding the famous Arch of Ctesiphon, Aug. 5.
The all-brick arch was built nearly 16 centuries ago and is one of the oldest free standing arches in the world. But, years of neglect and war in the region have transformed the once popular attraction into an IA outpost surrounded by acres of trash and rubble.
"About 25 years ago this area was very popular and people came from all over Iraq to trade at the marketplace that used to be here," said Capt. Kadhum, an IA officer who grew up in the region, and currently oversees the outpost around the arch. "There was music playing all the time here, and the large fountain used to have running water that the kids would play in. "It was sad to see this place get torn apart in the 1990s when residents started taking ancient bricks from the arch to build their houses and walls," added Kadhum.
Iraqi and U.S. forces discussed their hopes to start several projects at the arch site within the next few months. "We want to start improving the area by working around the arch, I think that's our quick fix," said Capt. Dallas Cheatham, comm. officer of Co B, 1st Bn, 505th Inf Regt. "The first thing we are going to try and do is build a fence around this area and plant grass and trees, trying to make the area more beautiful and inviting." Cheatham said another goal for the project is to bring some tourism to the area that will display Iraq's history and culture. Cheatham also said that once the surrounding area is complete, restoration of the surrounding buildings on the site will be looked into. These areas include the courtyard fountain, a nearby pool, visitors' center, and the large panoramic building, which were all built in the 1980s to help bring more people to the ancient attraction.
Cheatham emphasized that the reconstruction of this area would also symbolize the overall reconstruction of the war-torn nation and would give many of the Iraqi people hope and encouragement for the country's future.
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