TROOP SCOOP

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-31

Dear Interested Reader,

TF Mtn Warrior continues to assist Pakistani refugees.  Forces kill, detain militants, confiscate 2,600 lbs. of black tar heroin.  Successful ops in eastern, southern Afghanistan.  Response to false accusations.

Iraq:  Kurdish students get supplies, new school.  Logisticians reach out to children.  Suspected insurgents nabbed in possession of bomb-making material.  VBIED-network members arrested.

Joanna

_____________________

October 31, 2009

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

TF Mountain Warrior Continues to Assist Pakistani Refugees 

(Photos by Sgt. Matthew Moeller) 

Army 1st Lt. Aaron Malcolm, plt leader with Co C, 1st Bn, 32nd Inf. Regt, explains how to use different medicines to a member of the Afghan govt in Kunar prov., Oct. 23.  Malcolm, and fellow 10th Mtn Div Soldiers, have been working closely with the Afghan govt to address the humanitarian needs of the thousands of refugees flooding across the border from neighboring Pakistan, as that country continues a major military op against insurgent forces.

An Army Soldier hands out medical supplies to Pakistani refugees outside an Int'l Committee of the Red Crescent aid station.  So far, ISAF has donated medicine, food, tents and basic living essentials.

Sgt. Sterling Newton, combat medic, checks the temperature of a Pakistani refugee.  

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Blackanthem Military News

Afghan, ISAF Kill, Detain Militants, confiscate 2,600 lbs of black tar heroin

By International Security Assistance Force

KABUL - An Afghan-ISAF killed a dozen militants and detained several suspected militants in Kandahar Prov. Oct. 21, after stopping a number of vehicles in pursuit of a Taliban cmdr of Maywand District.

The joint SECFOR initially targeted a number of vehicles in transit across southern Maywand District after intel indicated militant activity.  Several militants were killed after they failed to respond to warnings.  Additionally, several suspected militants were detained.  Subsequently, the joint force received hostile fire from militants in multiple vehicles maneuvering in the direction of the joint force.  The joint force returned fire, killing another group of militants.
   
The joint force searched each of the vehicles and recovered a number of small arms weapons, documents and 2,600 lbs of black tar heroin.  The joint force identified one of the dead militants as the sought-after Taliban cmdr of Maywand District.
   
In a separate op, the Afghan-ISAF detained several suspected militants after searching compounds in Wardak Prov. known to be used by a Taliban cmdr and facilitator and his element responsible for several rocket and IED attacks in the region.
   
The joint SECFOR targeted the compounds near the village of Patankhel in the Sayed Abad District after intel indicated militant activity.  The joint force searched the compound without incident and detained several suspected militants. 

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NATO ISAF

Afghan, ISAF Ops in Eastern, Southern Afghanistan

KABUL - Afghan and ISAF conducted 4 separate ops Oct. 25, in eastern and southern Afghanistan that resulted in several militants killed and a total of half a dozen suspected militants detained.

A joint SECFOR killed several militants north of Khowst City in Ghazni prov. after searching an enemy position in pursuit of a district Taliban cmdr linked to several other militant cmds and foreign fighters in the area.  During the op the joint force received hostile fire from an enemy position. Returning fire, they killed several militants. The joint force then searched the enemy location and found multiple RPGs, AF-47 rifles and ammo belts. 

In another op in Wardak prov., a joint SECFOR detained a couple of suspected militants after searching a compound known to be used by a Taliban cmdr. The joint force searched compounds near Maru village, SW of Kabul without incident and without firing shots.

In a third op Oct. 25, a joint SECFOR detained a few suspected militants after searching compounds in Khowst prov. known to be used by a Haqqani IED tech linked to several militant cmds in the area. 

In a separate op in Kandahar prov., a joint SECFOR detained a couple of suspected militants after searching a compound in Kandahar prov., known to be used by a Taliban cmdr and his group, believed to be responsible for several attacks in the Arghandab district. 

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DoD Imagery

Security patrol through the Nawa district of Helmand province

(DoD photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg, Marine Corps)

Marines with Bravo Co, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt conduct a security patrol through the Nawa district of Helmand prov., Oct. 18, 2009.  Marines conduct security patrols to decrease insurgent activity and gain the trust of the Afghan people. The Marines are deployed with RCT 3 to conduct counterinsurgency ops with ANSF in southern Afghanistan. 

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DoD Imagery

Patrolling the Nerkh district in Wardak province

(DoD photo by Sgt. Teddy Wade, Army)

Army soldiers from 2nd Bn, 87th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div patrol the Nerkh district in Wardak prov., Oct. 21, 2009. 

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Blackanthem Military News

ISAF Responds to Rumors

By International Security Assistance Force

KABUL - ISAF have responded to false accusations that a U.S. service member burned the Quran last week in the Maydan Shar district, Wardak prov.

In response to accusations that int'l forces dishonored the Quran after striking an IED in Wardak prov. Oct. 14, ISAF troops conducted an investigation in conjunction with local ANA cmds, and found the claim groundless.  

A spokesman for the Gov. of Wardak, Mohammad Fadayee, and Mullah Qari of the ANA unit in Wardak, publicly stated that ISAF troops were not responsible for the desecration, and found no wrongdoing by int'l forces.  

In his address to citizens in Kowte Ashrow, Wardak prov., Mullah Qari provided the results of the investigation into the incident and offered an explanation.  "Dear brothers, recently, the incident of burning of the Quran that happened in Kowte Ashrow, was the actions of the enemies of Afghanistan and Islam for their private purposes," said Qari. "The Enemies of Afghanistan are trying to make people go against the govt in order to start riots."

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MNF-Iraq

Kurdish kids get supplies, new school

By Mike Scheck, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Sgt. 1st Class Donna Sendelbech receives a hug from a student at the Shalaw Elementary School after receiving a backpack during a recent delivery of gifts donated by service groups back in the U.S. 

(GRD Photo by Mike Scheck).

SULAYAMANIAH — U.S. Soldiers and USACE employees recently delivered supplies to elementary students of the Shalaw School here.  However, the students are in for a bigger surprise after the first of the year when they move into their new school, thanks to the efforts of the USACE Gulf Region District.

The school supply giveaway was orchestrated by Army Sgt. 1st Class Donna Sendelbech, the NCO-in-charge of the Kirkuk office. Sendelbech had made contact with 2 orgs. back in the States that send packages to Soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rather than receive goodie bags for themselves, Sendelbech request that the orgs send backpacks and school supplies for needy school children in Iraq. “There were 2 orgs., “Winning Hearts and Minds” and “Any Solider,” that donated the gifts for the giveaway,” Sendelbech said. “These school children are an important part of our mission here,” Sendelbech admits. “I believe that they deserve the same opportunity at an education, as my little girl back in the States. I know our efforts can’t solve all the problems here, but as a parent we have do whatever we can to make their lives better.”

The demand for schools throughout Iraq has far outweighed the supply and financial resources. The Shalaw elementary students currently attend school in a converted house void of electricity. That’s all about to change after the first of the year with students moving into a new 12-classroom school house. The new school will serve over 1,000 elementary and middle school student in morning and afternoon sessions; a common practice in high density urban areas in Iraq.  In addition to the 12 classrooms, the new school will have an administration building, bathrooms and a backup generator to ensure that the electricity will always be on.

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Blackanthem Military News

MNSTC-I Logisticians reach out to the children of Iraq

By Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq

BAGHDAD - Seven members from the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq procurements section took time to visit the children of an Iraqi school and local family, Oct. 22 with care packages.

The children from the Minot AF Base Youth Center, N.D., put together these care packages, which were full of new school supplies and hygiene products. "Since my time here in Iraq, I have observed numerous Iraqi families living below poverty levels, and I believe there's more we can do to improve their quality of life, and guarantee success for the citizens of this country," said AF 1st Lt. Thy Pham-Cieliesz, MNSTC-I J-4 Class II procurement officer. "So, I coordinated efforts with my home duty station youth services center to have donations sent to Baghdad to be distributed to the families in need."

With seven boxes full of supplies, totaling approx 100 pounds, the logistics group made their first stop at an Iraqi school. "What Iraqis perceive about Americans and the military may be negative based upon their personal experiences, media portrayals and propaganda they have encountered the past couple years, but I figure there's no better way to show we (Americans) truly care, by taking off our armor and weapons and visiting them in their community, and not just give them supplies, but also to spend time with them," said Pham-Cieliesz.

More than 120 students received items, such as notebooks, pens, pencils, colored pencils, backpacks, shampoo, deodorant, soap, brushes and hair bands.
"It was great to see the smiles on their faces when we gave them their gifts," said Marine Staff Sgt. Stephanie Campbell, MNSTC-I J-4 Procurement NCO.

J-4's visit in the Int'l Zone continued with a trip to the home of a local family. Once their vehicles pulled up to the home, 3 young Iraqi girls ran barefooted toward the troops and gave each of them a big hug.  Immediately, the girls showed their hospitality and invited everyone into their home with open arms. With their parents at work, the 3 sisters, ages 3 to 10, were left at home to take care of themselves and their 2-month old brother.

The last care package included clothes, bracelets and snacks for the family.
"Their living conditions may not be the greatest, but their spirits are strong," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Cartier, MNSTC-I HQ Commandant Force Protection Senior NCO. "These kids are amazing. All they wanted from us was our companionship.
These children will remember us for the rest of their lives, and they'll always think about the U.S. troops who were there for them in their time of need," said Cartier.

The Airmen and Marine spent more than an hour with the young kids. From sitting on the ground in their home to sharing cookies and laughs to playing hide-and-seek in their backyard; the children couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces.

"I wanted to leave a small footprint in Iraq, and giving to the children was a great opportunity to do this," said AF Senior Airman Reynaldo Blythe, MNSTC-I J-4 Procurement agent.

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Multi-National Division - North PAO

IP nab suspected insurgents in possession of bomb making material

FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK - Kirkuk police detained 9 suspected AQI members Oct 26, in possession of possible bomb-making material. Of the 9, one is believed to have purchased thousands of pounds of ammonium nitrate throughout 2006 for unknown reasons.  The individual is also suspected of having ties to known AQI members associated with insurgent activity in Baghdad.

IP in the Domies neighborhood of Kirkuk city called on U.S. forces advisors to test suspicious material found when 2 vehicles were stopped during a routine traffic check point.  The IP discovered more than 300 lbs of ammonium nitrate, a can of gasoline, and other suspected bomb making materials in the vehicles.

Soldiers from 3rd Bn, 82nd FAR, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div submitted samples of the material for chemical testing to verify that it is explosive material. Ammonium nitrate, initiated by gasoline, is a common ingredient in many homemade explosives used by insurgents. The op also resulted in the discovery of 17 blasting caps and 4 initiator devices.

"At this point, it appears as if the IP have detained a low-level AQI or ISI [Islamic State of Iraq] cell leader based on evidence alone," said Capt. Corey Sherk, the intel officer.

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ 

ISF search Baghdad, Tigris River Valley for VBIED-network members          

BAGHDAD – ISF conducted a series of ops Oct 25 resulting in the arrest of 11 suspected members of VBIED networks operating between Baghdad and Mosul. 

ISF, with U.S. advisors, searched several buildings in western Baghdad for a VBIED network leader allegedly associated with those responsible for the deadly bombing yesterday, which struck govt buildings in Baghdad.  The VBIED cell leader is also suspected of staging the deadly Aug. 19 attacks in the capitol city.

Based on evidence found in the buildings, ISF arrested 8 individuals suspected of being linked to a VBIED network operating in Baghdad that receives support from cells stretching north along the Tigris River Valley.

The 3rd Emergency Services Unit, with U.S. advisors, also targeted a VBIED network today in southwest Kirkuk. The security team searched one building for a member of the Kirkuk-based terror org.  Credible intel indicates that this individual facilitates VBIED ops throughout the Tigris River Valley. The op resulted in the arrest of 2 individuals allegedly tied to the VBIED network.

Near al-Sharqat, located approx 85 km south of Mosul, IP, with U.S. advisors, acting on a warrant, arrested an individual suspected of procuring vehicles for use in VBIED attacks. 

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MNF-I

Learning Tools 

(Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Edwin Wriston)

U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers delivered supplies to local schools near Baghdad, Oct. 20. The Soldiers distributed more than 100 bags filed with pencils, notebooks and other school supplies to underprivileged students. 

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-30

Dear Interested Reader,

Displaced Afghans make their way home.  Gardez Lincoln Center of educational excellence opens.  Development projects in eastern Afghanistan.  Kunar PRT assesses conditions at local health clinic.

Iraq:  Exercise proves IA capabilities in Anbar prov.  Troops teach Iraqis to train their own.  Girls' school celebrates summer arts program.  In Sadr City the water taps are open.

Joanna

________________________

October 30, 2009

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Displaced Afghans make their way home with help from CF

Story and photos by AF Master Sgt. Sarah Webb

 

A child poses for a photo with his grandmother at their home in the returnee camp outside of Ghazni City.

GHAZNI – Children from the displaced Afghan returnee camp in Ghazni City,  gathered around the MRAP vehicle in anticipation of what CF have brought for them. The residents of the camp are returnees from Pakistan and Iran. They're Afghans who fled during the 90’s, a time of the Taliban take-over.  Some of them were originally from Ghazni prov.  Others are displaced from different districts in the prov., as well as other provs. throughout Afghanistan. Ghazni PRT and Texas HICT traveled to the camp to bring shoes donated by several churches in Austin, Texas.

The 2-year-old camp is now the permanent home for many of those who’ve found their way there. The villagers have only what they could carry with them when they returned from the countries they had escaped to. The fact that they're starting all over again adds to the difficulties and stresses of their daily lives.

The area has approx 100 homes, which hold around 10 family members each.  
“In their village, everything they own was either brought with them, or it's bought on the economy,” said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Chris Bollinger, from the 636 Military Intel Bn., assigned to HCT-10. “They don’t have any agricultural capabilities, so they have no way to grow food for themselves.  Some of the most beneficial things we’ve brought out to them were food items that can last through the winter such as rice and beans.”

Jawad, is the oldest child at the camp at 15 years old. “I'm much happier here than where we came from,” Jawad said. “I walk the younger kids to and from school, but most of the time, we play freely. I watch all the kids closely.”  

Civil Affairs members from Ghazni PRT work closely with people in the camp to promote development.  One project, led by Pfc. Kristin Day, is specifically geared toward working with the women of the camp. Tailoring clothes, teaching classes, and English language training, are some of the skills taught by the PRT.
 
The team is working with the Roshna-ee Social Service Org., a non-governmental org. (NGO) that offers numerous programs for women, based out of Ghazni City. “We’re using local NGOs instead of int'l NGOs, so that’s a big step. It’s Afghans helping Afghans,” remarked Day.  “Once they learn their trade, the women can take what they have made and sell it at the bazaar to earn money for their families,” said Day. “There're a lot of jobs available in Ghazni City for the women who know English, and those who are trained as teachers.” 

Currently, there are 120 women involved in the program.  “I think that someone needs to be involved,” said Day. “It’s good to know that I can have a part in it.  If no one helps them, then they'll not progress. The PRT has to take a part, because the returnees don’t have the resources to successfully manage such progressive projects like these by themselves.”  

The ultimate goal of the program is for the NGOs to successfully manage all the projects without the assistance of CF.  “This will help push women’s development in area,” said Day. “I want the women to be independent and treated equally within the workforce.” 

 

Spc. Alexander Best, Human Intel Team member from the 636 Military Bn, (left) and Sgt. Dontrae Wheeler, NG from Savannah, Ga., a SECFOR member of Ghazni PRT (right), pose for a group photo with kids from the returnee camp in Ghazni city after delivering donated shoes. 

Sgt. Marcel Ruales, from the 636th shakes hands with one of the kids. 

Curious kids from the returnee camp watch as donated shoes are boxed. The camp is located outside Ghazni City. 

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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Gardez Lincoln Center, Center of Educational Excellence Open

(Photos by Sgt. 1st Mike Winters)

PAKTYA PROVINCE - Asst Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne, coordinating director for Development and Economic Affairs, presents a certificate of appreciation to the Gardez Lincoln Center director during the education center's opening ceremony, Oct. 8. During the ceremony, the audience learned about the services and programs offered by the center, which is sponsored by the U.S. Dept of State, and had an opportunity to peruse through the center's library. 

Gov. Hamdard and Asst Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne, cut the ribbon signifying the opening of the Gardez Lincoln Center. Shortly after the ribbon was cut, the Afghan public was free to view the new library and all the new educational opportunities in the center. 

Gov. Hamdard, Asst Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne, Ching Eikenberry, wife of U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry, and approx 600 guests listen to speakers such as Paktika Senator, Dr. Aminzai.

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Development projects improve life in eastern Afghanistan

KHOST PROVINCE (Oct. 24) – ISAF service members paid a visit to several dam construction sites in the Tani district, Oct. 13.  Members of the Indiana 1-19th Agribusiness Development Team (ADT) performed inspections of the sites, and educated engrs on the best ways to construct the dams.  The dams will help control water flow during the wet months, and the ISAF troops, while offering a few tips, were pleased with the progress the engrs and their crews had made.

GHAZNI PROVINCE (Oct. 24) – Service members with the Texas ADT and reps from the U.S. Agency for Int'l Development paid a visit to grape farmers in Ghazni prov. last week.  The group visited to check on newly-built trellises in the vineyards, and noted that the grapes grown on these trellises were healthier, larger, more bountiful, and more likely to sell at a higher price than those not grown on trellises.  Due to difficulties among farmers trying to export the grapes, and ISAF service members and USAID members scheduled a meeting with produce exporters and juice companies for later this month.

PARWAN PROVINCE (Oct. 24) –The Kentucky ADT visited villagers in the Parwan prov. to discuss water issues on several fronts last week.  The ADT traveled to the Usbashi village to check on irrigation ditches, and well and pump facilities in the area.  The team noticed the irrigation system was in good condition, while the well house and windmill pump needed some repair.  The team also traveled to the Charikur village to check on the progress being made on the Salang river project, which will assist in the diversion of the Salang River, to protect the area’s large canal system that supplies more than 30,000 families with water.

 

PAKTIA PROVINCE (Oct. 23) – Members of the Tennessee ADT visited poultry training classes throughout Paktika prov., Oct. 23. The classes were started in conjunction with the U.S. Agency for Int'l Development, to provide training on poultry raising for both food and money, through sales of the poultry.  Training is currently being conducted in 3 districts of Paktia, including Zormat, Dand wa Patan, and Chamkani districts.  An additional site in the Mirzaka district will begin training students within the next few weeks.

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

The Crossing

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian Boisvert 

PRT Kunar SECFOR members from Camp Wright in Asadabad, cross a river bed on their way to the Dangam District Center and the local health clinic to conduct a survey on the conditions and welfare status of the clinic, Oct. 22, 2009. The security team, along with engrs and a Navy medic from the PRT, stopped along the road due to a road obstruction, but crossed the wash to reach the main objectives. Once there, the team was able to meet with locals, the resident clinic director and the owner of a micro hydro dam and corn mill. 

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MNF-Iraq

Exercise proves Iraqi Army’s capabilities

By Cpl. Triah Pendracki, II Marine Expeditionary Force

Iraqi Soldiers demonstrate their combat skills for spectators in Anbar prov., Oct. 20. The Iraqis have been training with MNF–W eMiTT throughout the prov. 

(Photo by Cpl. Triah Pendracki)

ANBAR — Shortly after a large audience gathered atop one of the many hills in the area, 2 IA helicopters kicked sand and dust through the air while showing off their high flying talents before dropping off several IA officials.

Squad leaders were seated around a terrain model of the battle zone they were about to enter for their briefs and specific assignments. When all the orders were given and there were no questions, the IA Soldiers made their way to their vehicles and fighting positions, waiting for the signal to begin their attack.

The mortar crews were the first to strike with their death from above approach. After a few rounds of mortar fire, IA Humvees appeared in the distance, slowly closing on their targets. The vehicles moved in from all directions on the horizon, flanking the simulated enemy using combat assault formations. The suppressing fire from the gunners in the vehicles' turrets made it easier for the foot Soldiers to dismount and engage their targets over a ridge in the hot desert.  As the smoke and dust cleared, the Soldiers looked left and right, acknowledging that the simulated enemy had been defeated and victory was theirs.

Following the exercise and in line with Iraqi customs, all participants and guests enjoyed a feast after the victory over the "enemy." The Iraqis plan to continue the partnered training with U.S. eMiTTs throughout Anbar prov. to further enhance their experience and professionalism.

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Special to American Forces Press Service

Troops teach Iraqis to ‘train their own’  

By Army Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence

An Iraqi captain shows his knowledge of the M-16 rifle by teaching a class of his peers on Camp Mirra, Oct. 15.  Army Maj. Scott Virgil organized a 3-week program in which his Soldiers taught their IA counterparts to teach their own. 

BASRAH — Iraqi Soldiers here recently learned skills from U.S. service members ranging from first aid to Humvee maintenance.  Before their graduation, Oct. 15, the Soldiers first had to pass an intensive evaluation.  During the evaluation, the "jundis" were separated into teams and sent to 3 stations: combat first aid, weapons, and vehicle maintenance.  At each station, they were expected to know the subject well enough to teach it.

“This is it,” Navy Chief Petty Officer Edward Telles told the jundis during the medical portion of the evaluation. “You either know it or you don’t.” One by one, the jundis talked their way through an imaginary scenario, explaining what they were doing to Telles, who served as the evaluator.

Among the jundis was Pvt. Wesame Mahmoud, who said he joined the service because he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father spoke English and Russian, and was a col. in the Iraqi Navy during the Saddam years.  Mahmoud, an administrative specialist, said he found the medical training most beneficial. “The training is very good. We got a lot of info,” said Mahmoud, noting that he used his medical training to help a friend who was injured during a soccer match.

The positive attitude of the jundis made the job simple, said Army Sgt. Darren Macomber, who was placed in charge of weapons training. “They’re real easy to teach. They’re all energetic and they show up on time,” said Macomber, a mechanic with the 308th BSB. “They retained info fast and well, and they’re pretty much able to repeat everything I told them.”

“The most important thing we thought they learned from me was the safety aspect,” Macomber said. “They pick up something, figure it out on their own; it seems like a lot of times. So, I think it’s good they’re learning how to train each other on good habits.”

The third section of the evaluation was the vehicle maintenance station.  Army Sgt. Ian Grant, a mechanic with 308th BSB, had been training the jundis on basic vehicle maintenance, “exactly what they’re looking for as far as leaks, and the troubleshooting they can do.”

When the evaluation ended, the eMiTT members were pleased to find that all the jundis passed. “They did excellent today,” Grant said. “They picked up well on the training.  In fact, I put out more info to them than I thought I did, and they all retained it really, really well.”

Virgil addressed the graduates and said he now hoped they use their newfound knowledge to teach their peers.

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Multi-National Division - Baghdad

School celebrates summer arts program

By Sgt. Jon Soles

BAGHDAD — Students at the Huda Girls’ School sang, acted and displayed artwork to celebrate the end of a summer performing arts program, Oct. 22, made possible by the U.S. Army and Dept of State.

Officials from the Baghdad ePRT North and Soldiers from the BSTB, 1st BCT, 1st Cav Div, were honored at the program's grand finale, which gave high-school girls the chance to participate in the performing arts for the first time in their lives.

The school was built with Commanders Emergency Relief Program funds, started under the Penn NG's 56th Stryker BCT. The seeds planted by the 56th SBCT were nourished by the 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. to help make the summer program possible.

According to Eric Shutler, a member of the ePRT and a rep from the U.S. Agency for Int'l Development, there was good reason to celebrate the summer program, as a victory over violence and insurgents. "This has been a troubled school," said Shutler, a retired Navy fighter pilot. "When it was constructed, it was built with explosives in the walls."

Insurgents' plans to use a school building as a weapon were discovered 2 years ago, and the building was safely demolished by U.S. forces. Today, the year-old school building stands as a modern facility for girls in grades 7-12.

Mary-Denise Tabar, the public diplomacy advisor for the Camp Taji-based ePRT, worked with local leaders and school officials to start the program.  An Iraqi non-governmental agency called Nusku also helped. "We engage the local educators, local councils, key leaders and find out what they need or like," said Tabar.

In the past, girls didn't participate in the performing arts in school, and the ePRT met some resistance in the community for a program that allowed girls to engage in the arts.  However, when the girls watched video tapes of performances by girls in other schools in the Baghdad area, they demanded the same opportunity, according to Tabar. "These girls in the beginning were not allowed to do drama, music and plays," said Tabar. "But they agitated for arts education on their own. Never underestimate the power of upset teenage girls."

The themes of the performances were peace, education, exercising the right to vote, honesty and Iraqi unity. Tabar was the guest of honor and was presented with a portrait and a plaque of appreciation. "It was very touching considering 2 years ago, that school was rigged up with explosives," said Tabar. "I think the students were the driving force behind the project."

Tabar said the entire program was not possible without the help of the 1st Cav Div Soldiers. "Their support was transportation and movement, because if we can't get out and meet these officials, we can't do our work," said Tabar.  Another way the Soldiers helped was to find female Soldiers to accompany Tabar on trips to the school. The cultural sensitivity of working with an all-girls school meant that the presence of male Soldiers was discouraged, and could have hindered the program.

The 2 months of summer school gave the students the opportunity to explore artistic talents.  If future artists, singers or other achievers contribute to Iraq's future, they may be able to trace their roots to a small school in Baghdad.

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MNF-I

In Sadr City the water taps are open 

By Mike Scheck

SADR CITY – In what is considered to be the largest reconstruction effort the U.S. has undertaken since the Marshall Plan following World War II, the USACE Gulf Region Div has completed thousands of reconstruction projects in Iraq including construction of roads, schools, military facilities, and oil production infrastructure. The most essential of these projects are those that provide the basic amenities to the Iraqi people to include water and electricity.

According to the State Dept, only 12.9 million Iraqi people, (less than half of the estimated 28 million population), had access to a safe and stable water supply. In the early post-war period the number of Iraqis with access to potable water dropped to only 5.5 million. Thanks to the reconstructions efforts in the area of water reclamation, as of July 30, 2009, the State Dept estimates that more than 21.2 million Iraqis currently have access to potable water.

One such critical problem area, identified early on in the reconstruction efforts, was the lack of adequate drinking water in Sadr City.  Located near Baghdad, it's home to over 2 million Iraqis. The city was built by Saddam Hussein as a massive urban community to house the thousands of rural Iraqis migrating to Baghdad in search of jobs. The city had seen decades of neglect under Saddam’s regime, in even the most basis areas including adequate potable water.

Although the city received its water from 2 existing water treatment facilities, the total potable water provided residents amounted to less than 46 liters (12 gallons) per capita per day. As a comparison, the average American uses 161 gallons per-day. It was then determined that a new water treatment plant was needed near Sadr City.”

According to project engrs, the modern water treatment process incorporated in the plant is designed with a filtering system that far exceeds the World Health Org. standards.

Col. Dan Anninos, cmdr of the Gulf Region District, and charged with completing the Sadr water treatment project, calls the facility a major success for U.S. reconstruction efforts and the residents of Sadr City. “This is a project we can all be proud of knowing that it was built by the hands, hearts and minds of our employees, for the citizens of Sadr City. The facility today is well maintained and it's being utilized as it was intended. This plant has the capacity to service thousands more citizens, and I'm confident over time it will.” 

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Joint Combat Camera Center-Iraq

Mighty Tigris 

Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Carmichael Yepez

An Army UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter with Charlie Co, 3-25th Aviation Regt, Forward Support Medevac Team, flies over a delta on the Tigris river, on its way back to FOB Diamondback, near Mosul, in northern Iraq, Oct. 22. 

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-29

Dear Interested Reader,

The 2-77th Artillerymen help support Laghman Prov.  Joint forces help keep Wardak Prov. safe.  Navy Culinary Specialist 1st Class Mark Shipley offers excellent cuisine.  Combined force kills enemy, detains suspects.

Iraq:  Cav. Soldiers help open new girls' school.  USACE compound designated Camp Wolfe.  Army marksman Staff Sgt. Dean Hills schools Iraqi sniper.  Terrorism suspects arrested.

Joanna

________________________

October 29, 2009

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Leveling the Playing Field: 2-77 Artillerymen Make an Impact

Story by Spc. Derek Kuhn

Soldiers with 3rd Plt, Alpha Btry, 2nd Bn, 77th FAR, 4th BCT, 4th ID, fire a M198 155 mm howitzer at FOB Mehtar Lam in Lagham prov, Oct. 3. The artillerymen  help support forward maneuvering elements.

LAGHMAN PROVINCE – It's a day like any other at FOB Mehtar Lam. Soldiers are going about their routines.  Sgt. Carlos Medina is relaxing in his room when his radio breaks the silence. The radio says Medina and his unit are needed; someone somewhere needs field artillery support. 

After receiving the message, Medina leaps into action. "Fire mission," Medina yells to the other artillerymen who live in the rooms adjacent to his quarters.  But, there's no need for Medina's shouting because his teammates have already sprung into action.

Word has spread throughout the FOB to all the members of his unit, who are collectively known as the misfits. They drop what they're doing. Phones hang up, video games are paused, and computers turn off as the artillerymen ready themselves for their mission.

The artillerymen have to be ready to go at any time. "We rotate," said Medina. "Each team has a 24 hour shift, during which we're always on standby."  Having donned their gear, the Soldiers hasten toward the gun line knowing that time is of paramount concern. "It's a rush," said Medina. "Once we get the call, we're ready to fire in about 5 minutes."

"There's an uneasy tension as you run down to the gun line," said 1st Lt. Regan Tatford, fire direction officer and plt leader. "The uncertainty of not knowing what the mission is for, really gets your adrenaline pumping."

Pfc. James Billasano, an artilleryman, agrees with his teammates and explained why the initial moments of a fire mission are so frantic. "We drop whatever we're doing, because when we get the call, it's game time; someone really needs us--lives can be at stake."  Using the M198 155 mm howitzer, Billasano said they're able to keep forward maneuvering units from getting ambushed at night with illumination rounds as well as fire support when patrols come into heavy contact. Oftentimes, the enemy is unaware of the artillery until it's too late for them, and just in time for the forward Soldiers. "It takes about 8 guys and everyone has to be in sync for everything to go smoothly," said Billasano. "We trust each other's skills."

According to Medina, the misfits are able to provide support up to 18 miles away, helping give the forward elements greater freedom to accomplish their missions.
"I'm proud of these guys and what we do," said Tatford. "We've fired several times toward COP Nagil when the COP was being directly attacked and helped neutralized the enemy there.  I'm proud to be here.  I feel like we're making a difference," said Medina.

Pfc. James Billasano takes a break after a fire mission. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Making Wardak Province Safe

Photo by Sgt. Matthew Friberg

Afghan commandos of the joint security force make a final sweep of the op just outside the village of Kuz Janjay, Wardak prov., Oct. 16.

A security element of the joint force recons another section of the compound before leaving.

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Navy culinary specialist serves it up Army style

By Army Capt. Thomas Cieslak

Navy Culinary Specialist 1st Class Mark Shipley prepares a meal for TF Protector Service members at the Street Fighter Café, located on Bagram Air field. 

(Photo by Army Pfc. Garett Hernandez)

BAGRAM AIR FIELD - Cooks operating at a life support area located on the eastern annex of Bagram Air field, are known for their excellent cuisine, and the attention to detail they place into each meal. 

However, for one Navy Service member, the only submarine he'll see will be the submarine sandwich he prepares at the dining facility he helps operate.  Navy Culinary Specialist 1st Class Mark Shipley is part of a joint culinary team serving TF Protector Service members who eat at the Camp Harrison dining facility, known as the “Street Fighter Café.”

Shipley is the only cook on a team of Sailors and Soldiers who has ever cooked for Military Service members aboard a sub marine.  On average, Shipley served meals to between 120 and 200 Sailors a day depending on the submarine.  In the Street Fighter Café, he supervises day-to-day ops, and ensures meals are prepared for up to 800 Service members a day.

“I miss my guys. I miss getting underway. I miss hearing the dive alarm,” said Shipley when asked about what he misses most from his previous assignments aboard submarines.  To Shipley, the coming Afghanistan winter and the snow and cold temperatures it will bring is quite the norm.   He carries the distinctive title of “Blue Nose,”  a title bestowed upon Sailors who have conducted ops while in the Arctic Circle.  A Sailor is designated as a “Blue Nose” after he has braved the Arctic cold in a ceremony conducted aboard the submarine.

“You guys are awesome.  You guys love every meal that comes out of here,” said Shipley about TF Protector Service members who eat meals cooked at the dining facility.  Many would agree, as the meal headcount of the Street Fighter Café continues to increase steadily since Sept.  One thing which doesn’t change whether aboard a submarine in the Arctic Circle or in a dining facility surrounded by former Soviet land mines, the joint Service member’s favorite meal:  Surf and Turf.

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American Forces Press Service 

Combined Force Kills Enemy Fighters, Detains Suspects

KABUL, Oct. 23, 2009 – A combined Afghan and ISAF killed enemy fighters and wounded another yesterday after forcefully entering and searching a series of compounds in Wardak prov. The compounds were known to be used by a Taliban cmdr and his group believed to be responsible for several attacks in the area. 

The combined force initially searched a building in the province’s Chaki Wardak district without incident.  But, after observing enemy activity in a nearby compound, the force pursued those suspected militants. The militants fired on the combined force as it approached, and the force returned fire, killing a militant armed with an assault rifle, a pistol, fragmentation grenades and communications gear. Hostile fire continued, and the combined force killed another militant and wounded another.  A search of enemy positions yielded multiple assault rifles and grenades.

In a separate Wardak prov. op., a combined force detained several suspected militants after searching buildings in the Saydabad district known to be used by a senior Taliban cmdr, believed associated with Taliban and Haqqani terrorist leaders in the area.

In Helmand prov., a combined force killed several enemy militants and detained half a dozen others today after taking hostile fire when approaching a compound known to be used by senior Taliban cmdrs, responsible for several attacks and other militant activities in the area.

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Multi-National Division - Baghdad

Cav Soldiers help open new girls' school           

By Sgt. Jon Soles

Spc. James Lewis hands out backpacks to a teacher at the new secondary school for girls in Tarmiyah, Oct. 20. 

BAGHDAD – Thanks to funding from the Cmds' Emergency Relief Program (CERP), hundreds of girls in the Tarmiyah area, south of Baghdad, now have a modern new school.

Soldiers of the 1st Bn, 5th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 1st Cav Regt, were able to see first-hand the fruits of cooperation between Iraqi leaders, as the new school was dedicated, Oct. 20.  Soldiers took the reins of the school project after the 56th Stryker BCT redeployed, to make sure all contracted work was completed.  Lt. Col. Scott Jackson, the regt's cmdr, toured the school with about 2 dozen guests, mostly local civic and tribal leaders.

According to Jackson, the 2-story building, with white paint and purple trim, is a vast improvement. The new girls’ school replaces several older facilities that were so crowded the teachers were forced to hold classes in split shifts. The new school has more classrooms, indoor bathrooms, and an inner courtyard surrounded by an outer wall for security. "It will serve up to 300 more students," said Jackson. "It's a great feeling. It's a good use of resources."

As the guests sipped tea and ate chocolates, Jackson made remarks about the importance of investing in children for Iraq's future.  Jackson said the new school, built by local contractors and laborers, would help maintain security and stability in the Tarmiyah area. "Education is a vital part of defeating an insurgency," Jackson said. "An educated youth helps stabilize the population."

As a way to celebrate the new school's opening, American Soldiers distributed backpacks to the students in each classroom. "It's a great looking school, and it's cool to give out school supplies to help them kick off a new school," said 1st Lt. Jeffery Wollenman, a fire support officer. "Before this school, there wasn't a female secondary school, so it's kind of a big deal."

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MNF-I

USACE compound designated Camp Wolfe  

Gulf Region Division

Baghdad – The USACE compound on Camp Victory was officially designated Camp Wolfe, Oct. 22, in honor of Navy Cmdr. Duane Wolfe.  Wolfe was the officer-in-charge of the Al-Anbar Area Office, killed when an IED struck the vehicle he was riding in on May 25, outside of Fallujah.  Also killed in the ensuing explosion were Terry Barnich, dep. dir. of U.S. State Dept’s Iraqi Transition and Assistance Office, and Dr. Maged Hussin, dir. of the Office of Water Resources, Public Works and the Environment at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

The designation ceremony was hosted by the USACE Gulf Region Div., and broadcast live via the internet to Wolfe’s family and friends in Los Osos, CA.  Maj. Gen. Michael Eyre, comm. gen. of the USACE Gulf Region Div., told the guests at the ceremony that Cmdr. Wolfe was “a force for stability, hope and trust among the Iraqi people.  His death was a tremendous loss not only for Gulf Region Div., but also for the people he was so determined to assist.”

Col. Dan Anninos, cmdr of the Gulf Region District, said that the designation is a lasting tribute to Cmdr. Wolfe’s commitment and accomplishments.  Anninos told the guests that, “Camp Wolfe is an enduring camp, charged to execute our reconstruction mission that Cmdr. Wolfe was such integral part…He was a father, a husband, a son and a sailor, who loved life and loved those around him.  I recognize that this may be of little comfort to his wife Cindi and many others, but please know we'll never forget, as evidence of today’s ceremony, and that our grateful nation will also never forget, as we honor those that have given their lives for our freedom.”
    
Cindi Wolfe, who was able to participate in the ceremony via the Internet, told the guests that “much like so many of you here today, Cmdr. Wolfe was a builder of both roads and freedom; an engineer of bridges and peace; a man of faith and honor.  It was my great good fortune to have spent the past 34 years building a warm home and a loving family with this fine man.”
    
Congresswoman Lois Capps from Wolfe’s home district, in an address on the floor of Congress soon after the incident, said, “Words can’t describe the loss felt throughout the South and Central Coasts by Cmdr. Wolfe’s death. By those who knew him best, he's remembered as a dedicated husband and father with a clever wit, strong sense of work ethic and kindness toward those in need.”
    
The mood of the event was best summed up in a poem written by Sarah Eilts, the daughter of Ted Eilts, the former Chief of Engineering for the Gulf Region District, and read by Maj. Gen. Eyre at the ceremony.

You set off to serve your country;
you didn’t know the cost,
but now that you have left us,
we all know what we have lost.

We’ve lost a brave man,
who in protecting us did pass.
We’ve lost a good man,
but his memory will last.

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MNF-I

U.S. Army marksman schools Iraqi sniper

By Pfc. Justin Naylor

Iraqi Sgt. Kaseem Abass, sniper, demonstrates how a ghillie suit does not blend with rocks during a training event in Kirkuk prov., Oct. 19. 

(Photo by Pfc. Justin Naylor)

KIRKUK — Dressed in a ghillie suit, the Iraqi sniper could have been half man, half plant; even his Dragunov sniper rifle was covered in frayed burlap to mask its outline.

Staff Sgt. Dean Hills, an infantryman with 1st Bn, 8th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, calling on his previous experience as a designated marksman, made the ghillie suit to teach Iraqi snipers how to blend into their environment, during a class here, Oct. 19. 

Ghillie suits are often handmade by snipers to help them blend into their surroundings. The suits are usually made using old camouflage uniforms, which are then covered in netting, frayed burlap, jagged cloth and other materials to imitate a more natural look.  Plants are also collected from the area where the sniper will be performing his mission and attached to the suit in order to more accurately match the area. "It's my first time seeing one," said Sgt. Kaseem Abass, an IA sniper. "It's a pretty good idea. I'm going to make one of my own."

This was the first time that Hills has had the chance to train with an IA sniper, and he hopes he'll pass this knowledge on to future IA snipers. "The initial training the IA snipers get isn't as comprehensive as what we can offer, so they really benefit from additional training events," Hills explained. "If I can give them a little extra training, it helps."

"It's something I've always loved, ever since my dad gave me my first rifle," Hills said.  He later joined the Army and worked in various scout units. He also worked with a few special ops units that helped him learn more about marksmanship and camouflage. "I've always been intrigued with the idea of being a sniper," he said. Hills hopes to attend the sniper school at Fort Benning, Ga., when he returns to the U.S.

During the rest of his deployment in Iraq, Hills plans to continue working with Abass, helping him improve his skills as a sniper. "We've worked with these guys so long," he said about the IA Soldiers, "we start to get a little close to them. They're always willing to help us. This is something I can do for them."

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American Forces Press Service

Iraqis Arrest Terrorism Suspects

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2009 – Iraqi police and soldiers, working with U.S. advisors, arrested 7 terrorism suspects in Iraq over the last 2 days, military officials reported.

IP captured a suspected ISI terrorist group leader and 3 accomplices today in Bayji.  Intel reports indicate he’s also involved with insurgent groups in Hawijah, officials said. 

In eastern Mosul yesterday, Iraqi soldiers arrested 3 suspects while searching for ISI extortion-network leaders. The soldiers were continuing a series of searches focused on extortion-network leaders in Mosul who are believed to have close ties with AQI, and are suspected of extorting profits from construction contractors, and using the money to fund bombing attacks against civilians and ISF.

Evidence at the scene linked the suspects with the wanted extortion-network leader, officials said.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-28

Dear Interested Reader,

Cooperative medical engagement near Camp Stone, Herat.  Road grand opening in Panjshir.  An in-depth patrol through Zabul prov.  Humanitarian aid for Logar prov.

Iraq:  IqAF leads first joint aerial mission over Baghdad.  Students participate in "Junior Hero Program" in Kirkuuk prov.  IZ construction contracts open to Iraqi bids.

Joanna

_______________________

October 28, 2009

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

Cooperative Medical Engagement

By Senior Airman Marc Lane

U.S. and Italian medical personnel apply lotion to an Afghan child's face during a cooperative medical engagement near Camp Stone, Herat, October 7, 2009.  

HERAT - ANA soldiers as well as Afghan civilian medical personnel, with the assistance of Italian, Spanish and U.S. forces, treated more than 300 people every day of the event. The ANA sent buses to multiple villages in the Herat area to ensure villagers were able to reach the care site.  Local citizens received treatment for basic cough and cold, seasonal allergies, aches and pains, high plod pressure, parasites and various infections.

ANA Col. Shirzad, medical cmdr, was glad to have the opportunity to use his skills to help his fellow Afghans. "It's a good way to help the people and show them that the ANA is here to help," said Col. Shirzad.  "It also works to show that CF are not here to take over; they are here to assist us, the people."

An additional benefit for the community was the more than $30,000 worth of medications, antibiotics and hygiene items purchased from the local economy and distributed to those in need. "We enjoy having a chance to come out and meet and treat the people," said Lt. Col. Richard Ruck, 4th Bde, 82nd Abn Div flight surgeon. "This is short term care.  Unfortunately we're not going to be able to give long term medical follow up.  For these issues we can only identify and alleviate some of their symptoms.  In cases of infections we can provide a cure." Various specialists in pulmonology, dermatology, dentistry and pediatrics were available to render care.

Italian medical personnel performed minor surgery on a man from Herat City who had a piece of foreign material lodged in the palm of his hand. They successfully removed the object, alleviating his pain. "I've had pain in my hand for a long time," said the man.  "I couldn't afford surgery. I'm very thankful for the aid."

Men, women and children from multiple villages near Herat came to receive medical care.

ANA Col. Shirzad checks out a patient.

An Afghan man leads his son and father outside after they received various medical care. 

U.S. medical personnel provide dental care for an Afghan man. 

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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

Khermensan Road Grand Opening in Panjshir

Photo by Capt. John Stamm 

Panjshir PRT director, Mr. James DeHart, speaks at the grand opening of Khermensan Road, Anaba District, Panjshir prov., Oct. 8. (PRT cmdr, Lt. Col. Eric Hommel, far left). Mr. DeHart stressed the importance of teamwork and cooperation between the PRT and the Panjshir citizens in enabling projects in the prov.

Panjshir PRT cmdr, Lt. Col. Eric Hommel, and PRT director, Mr. James DeHart, join Panjshir Gov. Bahlol, in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Khermensan Road. The improved road connects the Daraband pass to the main valley road.

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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

Crossroads of Afghanistan

By Sgt. Stephen Decatur

An Afghan Soldier armed with an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (right) patrols alongside Pfc. Jesus Cisneros of Co A, also armed with an M249, Sept. 30. 

KANDAHAR - A small group of Paratroopers navigated in darkness along their patrol route. Under a canopy of stars they led the way for their Afghan allies, using night vision goggles.  Another team of Paratroopers formed up the rear while a loyal dog from the ANA base tagged along.

The group began to climb down a dry river bed, called a wadi. "Is that thing really that deep?" the plt sgt asked. Inside the wadi an Afghan officer told the plt sgt that the previous ANA Kandak stationed in the area had been ambushed in that same

spot. "We need to get out of here," the plt sgt said. "This is a very bad place." One by one the plt sgt helped Afghan and American Soldiers alike across the wadi, and the patrol continued.

If you drive down Highway 1 through Zabul prov., it might look like there's nowhere to hide from the Baba Mountains in the SW all the way to the Hindu Kush in the NE.  Looks can be deceiving. Orchards, mud-brick walls, deeply tilled gardens, wadis and waist-high vegetation create a maze of chokepoints and hiding places.

The 1st Bn, 508th PIR, 4th BCT (TF Fury), 82nd Abn Div arrived in Zabul late

this summer to advise and assist the ANA in providing security for the prov. Zabul is a crossroads.  Highway 1 is the only paved road that links Kabul and the eastern provs. to Kandahar and the southern provs., while the Taliban use the rugged terrain to slip through the prov. on their way between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"Zabul is known right now as a transit point," said Lt. Col. David Oclander, cmdr of 1st Bn. "To the Taliban, Zabul has always been absolutely critical," Oclander said.  Zabul was the last prov. to fall to the mujahedeen and CF in 2002, and the first to see the reemergence of the Taliban in 2005. There is an 11% literacy rate in the prov., with only about 70 working schools in the entire prov.  Because 90% of the population lives in remote locations and relies on subsistence farming, there are very few opportunities for people in the prov., Oclander said. "It lends itself to the rise of an insurgency and the rise of a radical ideology," Oclander said.

In a recent shura, a traditional assembly of decision makers, community leaders from the Shajoy district met with Afghan and American cmdrs to discuss their concerns. Some village elders expressed their concern that their communities could become battlefields, because the Taliban use their towns as rest stops

and hiding places.  Others told the ANA rep that the Taliban were threatening university students who came back on break from school, that if they didn't pay extortionate sums of money to return to school they would either have to stay home or face violence. Several of the village leaders pointed out that many others who were invited to the Shura didn't attend due to Taliban intimidation. "As soon as they see a clear winner they'll make a choice," Oclander said. "Security is the main thing that will win people over."

Before the recent arrival of additional CF there were only a few hundred ISAF personnel, Oclander said.  In several cases TF Fury Paratroopers have replaced

eMiTT small enough to count on one or two hands with entire inf plt in remote ANA bases.  In addition to the Paratroopers, the prov. has also received another

bn from 5th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, and a contingent from the Romanian army.

"Hopefully the greater resources will translate to a larger, more complete mentor mission," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Taylor, an Army Reserve medic who was one of the last members of the eMiTT Venom to leave Zabul. The 13-man team has been replaced by an entire inf co. Though small in numbers, the eMiTTs laid the foundation for the incoming CF by establishing a positive relationship with the local Afghan Soldiers.

"My Soldiers know that our advisors are here to help," said ANA Maj. Ahmin, EO. "When we go together on missions, we're comrades." Several nights later the Afghan Soldiers are on patrol again. The night before, 2 insurgents had been killed by their own explosives while attempting to plant a roadside bomb. As the allies approached the wadi they had reconnoitered earlier, loud explosions and distant gunfire broke out behind them.

Afghan and American Soldiers alike instinctively faced out and pulled security while the plt sgt called higher HQ on his radio. The gunfire became more sporadic and finally stopped. A group of Romanian Soldiers had come under attack further down Highway 1.  As the patrol continued along its route, helicopters could be heard hovering overhead. The same dog tagged along, loyal as ever.

Afghan Soldiers conduct a combined patrol with Paratroopers.

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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

Soldiers Foster Good Relationships Through Humanitarian Aid

Photo by Pfc. Melissa Stewart

TF Spartan Soldiers from Co A, 710th BSB, unload winter necessities for locals in the village of Bidak in Logar prov., Oct 19.  Winter clothing, blankets and pots and pans were some of the many gifts brought to the village mosques.

A village leader in Bidak thanks 1st Lt. Alicia Morrison and Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Kittles for building a well a few months earlier.  In the past year, Spartans have made numerous humanitarian aid drops. 

ANP help TF Spartan Soldiers distribute winter necessities.  

A Soldier with TF Spartan interacts with the children in the village.

Soldiers from 710th BSB teamed up with ANP. 

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MNF-Iraq

Iraqis lead joint mission over Baghdad

By Sgt. Travis Zielinski

A U.S. Army AH-64D Apache attack helicopter (left) flies alongside an Iraqi UH-1 Huey during a joint air mission over Baghdad between 1st Bn, 227th Aviation Regt, 1st Air Cav Bde, 1st Cav Div, and the Iraqi AF, Oct. 21. 

CAMP TAJI — The leadership of 1st Bn, 227th Aviation Regt has spent the last 6 months working with the IqAF to sharpen their skills and strengthen bonds.

"We want to show the Iraqi people, through this flight demo, that we're linked together," said Lt. Col. Charles Dalcourt, cmdr, 1st ACB. "Our relationship is solid and the IqAF has emerged as a premier and pre-eminent force for movement of their troops."

Dalcourt said he established a relationship with 2nd Sqdrn on his last deployment to Iraq, which made the day a special one. "This day has evolved through a lot of work over the last 3 and 4 years," Dalcourt said. "To come to this point is not only a great sign of progress, but also a great sign of the mutual trust that has developed between the U.S. Army and the IqAF."

The American aviators took a step toward the background as the Iraqi pilots ran the mission briefing and took the lead on the flight itself, showing the ability of the IqAF to stand on its own, Dalcourt said. "They're very competent pilots and many of them have upwards of over 5,000 hours of flying," Dalcourt said. "They've fought in the Iraq-Iran war, and they've been fixed wing, as well as rotary wing aviators, so they're very capable."

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Frank Almeraz, the standardization pilot with the 1-227th, said although the Americans offered assistance, the Iraqi's briefed the bulk of the mission themselves. "We discussed the differences between the IqAF and Army, but we tend to be more similar in the way we do things than I thought," Almeraz said.

The joint mission was the first step in what Almeraz hoped would be a series of similar flights.  After numerous deployments, Almeraz said this was the first time he had flown an Apache alongside a Huey. "This is my 4th trip to Iraq ... my 3rd at Taji, and we've never been able to do a joint mission together," Almeraz said. "Sometimes we would do stuff where they would come from one side and we'd come from another, but we wouldn't really mix. Today we will be part of the same formation."

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MNF-I

Kids get to know their Iraqi Security Forces

 

By Pfc. Justin Naylor

Children receive backpacks from IA Soldiers during a “Junior Hero Program” supply delivery to their school in Arab Koy, Kirkuk prov., Oct. 20. The children also recited a pledge to become “Junior Heroes” in their community and respect the ISF who work to protect them.

KIRKUK — "I like to see them in my village; they make me feel safe," said Huda  Hussan, a 13-year-old 6th-grader, about the IA Soldiers he sees every day. In addition to safeguarding residents, the IA Soldiers are also trying to build trust and respect with the villagers they work so hard to protect.

This was one primary focus behind the “Junior Hero Program” in Arab Koy, Oct. 20, when IA Soldiers distributed backpacks and school supplies provided by the 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div.

"The Junior Hero Program helps introduce them [children] to the IA and IP.  It gives them a positive image of them at a young age," said Cpl. Adam DeArmitt, attached to the 4th Sqdrn, 9th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT. This helps the children not see members of the ISF as just another guy with a gun, but as someone who is here to help them, he explained.

"They're doing very well," said Huda about the IA. "I have 2 brothers in the IA, and I'm very proud of them."

Although the distribution of the backpacks was handled by the IA, U.S. Soldiers were there as well. "I think it's good for the kids to see us working together," said Thaer Saheb, a junior IA Soldier. "For many of the kids, this was the first time seeing the IA together with the Americans." According to Saheb, programs like this help improve the relationship between the IA and local communities, and encourage the children to follow the positive example set by the ISF. "I think they'll see this as a good thing, and maybe one day will want to join the IA, or even go further and become an engineer or a doctor," he said.

During the event, the children took a pledge to be loyal to their families and country; be obedient to their parents and treat them with respect; treat teachers and people in their community with respect; honor the Iraqi Soldiers and IP and report crimes to them; and to be a Junior Hero of Iraq.

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U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team

IZ construction contracts open to Iraqi bids

By Senior Airman Alyssa Miles

AF Master Sgt. Tommy Robinson, Joint Area Support Group (JASG) Dept of Public Works Team-2 NCO-in-charge, coordinates with Iraqi contractors responsible for construction projects located in the Int'l Zone, Oct. 18. 

(Photo by Tech. Sgt. Johnny Saldivar)

BAGHDAD — Military contracting officials are working to rebuild the Iraqi economy by hiring locals to build and remodel various facilities throughout the Int'l Zone.

AF Master Sgt. Tommy Robinson is responsible for ensuring structures are built according to code, and are safe for habitation. So far, Robinson has overseen 4 projects.  In addition to constructing the building, the contractors are responsible for running power throughout the structure, an area that is the Navy's specialty, according to Robinson.

"On a daily basis I come out and check what's going on with the electric side of the construction," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jack Frierson, deployed with the Army's 32nd Bde.  "We've a different way of viewing things, but I still feel like we're accomplishing a lot every day. Things that were hazardous and unsafe are getting repaired. It's a little different from being on a ship, but you can get acclimated pretty fast."

Robinson says that he hopes the work the Iraqis are doing on behalf of the U.S. forces will benefit the host nation long after the Americans redeploy. "We're reconstructing things they can use for a long period to come, and I'm hoping what I'm doing here will help the economy for a long time," he said.

Robinson feels the contractor's can-do-attitude will ensure that the structures and the Iraqi economy will once again be built on a strong foundation. "They like doing a good job, and they want to do a good job," Robinson said. "Being able to work with them, communicate with them, see where they've been and where they're going, is great. I think I had a big part of that -- helping them build their economy and putting them to work."

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DoD Imagery

Scissors Bearer

(Joint Combat Camera Center-Iraq)

 

An Iraqi girl stands with a tray holding a pair of scissors for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Al Moa'amen school near Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, Oct. 15. The school will provide primary and secondary education to 120 local children. 

(Photo by Pfc. Ernest E. Sivia III) 

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DoD Imagery

Steps to the Past

(Joint Combat Camera Center-Iraq) 

Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Carmichael Yepez, assigned to Joint Combat Camera-Iraq, (center) and Soldiers assigned to the 1st Cav Div stand in front of a temple at the Athar ruins, outside the town of Hadr, south of Mosul, Oct. 15. 

(Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Carmichael Yepez)

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-27

Dear Interested Reader,

Unmanned aerial vehicles keep watch.  Contractor Conference to help Helmand economy.  Forces disrupt terrorist networks.

Iraq:  Joint forces conduct 1st medical-civic ops clinic.  Father/son terrorists arrested.  First IA Strike Soldiers graduate.  MoD holds conference on national strategy.  I-BIZ, teaching skills for an independent Iraq.

Joanna

__________________________

October 27, 2009

Special to American Forces Press Service

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Keep Watch in Afghanistan

By Army Spc. Derek L. Kuhn

Army Spc. Mitchell Matney launches a Raven UAV at COP Nagil in Laghman prov, Oct. 13, 2009. 

LAGHMAN PROVINCE – Odin was a warrior god in Greek mythology who ancient warriors beseeched for victory and protection in battle. It was said Odin had ravens that would fly over the Earth each day. The ravens brought tidings of events from all corners of the earth.

Soldiers also are using Ravens to gather info, but though their Ravens do the same tasks as Odin’s informants, they aren’t birds. They are UAVs. The Raven is a portable UAV that provides soldiers a live video feed both day and night, and also has tracking and still-image capabilities. “If we need to get eyes on something, we’ll use the Raven,” said Staff Sgt. Tyrone Baird, the master trainer for the 4th ID’s 1st Sqdrn, 221st Cav Regt, 4th BCT. “The Raven has a couple of cameras. The first is the normal day camera, but when it gets dark, we switch to the thermal camera.” The Raven also has GPS tracking capabilities, Baird said. 

“The Raven allows us to gather intel,” said Spc. Mitchell Matney, a Raven operator for the regt’s HHT.  “We can track targets, gather intel and scout ahead with it.”  The Raven’s small size allows soldiers to carry it into the field without weighing themselves down. The total system weighs about 40 pounds, with the UAV itself weighing only about 4 pounds. “It’s modular,” said Matney. “You can distribute the system throughout the squad, which minimizes the amount of weight each soldier has to carry.” 

Baird said that the Raven ideally suited for Afghanistan’s more rugged areas, because soldiers can put it in flight to scope out an area, instead of sending soldiers up the mountains to investigate. 

Matney added he has witnessed first-hand the Raven’s capability to save lives. 
“The last time I was in Iraq,” Matney said, “my FOB was receiving mortar fire, and we sent the Raven out to find their position. The Raven found where they were. We sent out some guys. They ended up capturing 12 guys and stopping them from hurting anyone.” 

“It is definitely fun to fly,” Matney said, “but the more important thing is knowing that I'm contributing many different ways with the Raven.  I'm proud to be able to serve my country.” 

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Blackanthem Military News

Contractor Conference Cues Economic Stimulus

By Cpl. Aaron Rooks

Afghan contractors register with Marine Expeditionary Brigade-A (MEB) to potentially become bidders for military contracts while attending the first-ever Afghan Business Conference, Oct. 14, 2009, at Helmand Gov. Gulab Mangal's compound in Lashkar Gah. The bde, HQd at nearby Camp Leatherneck, hosted the conference to meet with local Afghans to better understand the goods and services available from the Helmand economy, and educate local entrepreneurs on how to bid for contracts with the U.S. military.

LASHKAR GAH, Helmand province - Mirwais Nassery, owner and mgr of Mirwais Nassery Construction Co, employs more than 150 Afghans in Helmand prov., but if he doesn't find his next build soon, he and his many employees will be out of a job. "Finding work for the last few years in Helmand has been tough," said 34-year-old Nassery, whose family relies on his company's profit for support. "I'm looking for future work. We can construct roads, canals, schools and other buildings. We will attempt anything."

"The vision of today is to maximize economic growth," said Army Maj. Nathan Winn, the MEB-A contracting officer, introducing the Afghan First Program. "This initiative is meant to increase opportunities for Afghan companies in Helmand," Winn said. "It will help the Afghan economy grow, employ more Afghan people and promote reconstruction." Winn said the U.S. military needs commodities, such as electrical supplies and gravel, services like delivery of water and recycling, and construction workers to build roads, buildings and bridges, both on military camps and in local communities.

Juma Khan, an engr with the Afghan Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, identified many locations throughout Helmand where construction projects are planned, as outlined by the Helmand Development Plan, which was structured by PRT-Helmand, and approved by the Afghan govt.

The PRT introduced the Peace Dividend Trust to the potential bidders following Khan's briefing. The PDT is a non-govt org with locations in Lashkar Gah, Kabul, Mazar, Jalalabad and Kandahar that assists local businesses in gaining access to military and int'l agency contracts. 

"We've the ability to reach out and touch a lot of people," said Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, comm. gen., MEB-A, in conversation with Helmand Gov. Gulab Mangal. "We've lots of potential contracts we would like to start working."

Lt. Col. Zachary Bennett, development officer, 4th Civil Affairs Group, MEB-A, said the brigade plans to hold another Helmand Business Conference in the next 90 days at either Camp Leatherneck or Camp Dwyer.

Juma Khan addresses different infrastructure projects in Helmand. 

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American Forces Press Service

Forces Disrupt Terrorist Networks in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2009 – Afghan and ISAF killed multiple militants and detained several suspects in ops over the past 4 days, military officials reported. 

A combined SECFOR in Khowst detained several suspected militants today after searching a compound in the prov’s Sabari district, north of Khowst City. Intel reports indicated militant activity there. The compound is known to be used by a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and his element, believed to be responsible for funding and supplying weapons and homemade bomb materials to other militant elements in the region. 

The Haqqani network has developed an extensive system of supply routes in eastern Afghanistan used to arm, man and equip its militant elements and training camps within the country, officials said. Afghan and ISAF are working together to block these routes.

In Oct. 17 ops -  A combined SECFOR killed several enemy militants and detained a few suspected militants after searching a compound in Khowst prov. known to be used by a key Taliban cmdr in charge of multiple fighters in the region. The force targeted the mountainside compound near the village of Afzal Kheyl in Sperah district after intel indicated militant activity. 

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Blackanthem Military News

Afghan, ISAF Kill, Detain Militants

By International Security Assistance Force

KABUL - An Afghan and ISAF killed half a dozen enemy militants and detained a few suspected militants Oct. 20 after searching 2 compounds known to be used by a Taliban cmdr and his element in Jaghatu district, Wardak prov. The suspected militants are believed responsible for guiding and directing other militant elements to conduct attacks in the area.  During the search, enemy militants displayed hostile intent outside of the compounds. The joint force used precision aerial fire to kill several armed militants posing a threat to the force. The joint force killed another armed enemy militant who displayed hostile intent inside the compound. The force also discovered AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, ammo, ammo belts, and communication gear. 

In another op Oct. 20, a joint force detained several suspected militants after searching compounds in Khowst prov, known to be used by a Haqqani facilitator and his element believed responsible for the supply of weapons and IEDs to other militant elements in the region. The joint force conducted the search in Sabari district without incident. One of the detained was identified as the sought-after Haqqani facilitator.

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DoD Imagery

Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Giardino and 1st Lt. Jason Loucks, both with Bravo Co, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, go over their patrol route during a security patrol through the Nawa district of Helmand prov, Oct. 14, 2009.  Marines conduct security patrols to decrease insurgent activity and gain the trust of local people. 

(DoD photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg, Marine Corps)

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DoD Imagery

Army Spc. Slagle Justin returns to FOB Lane from an air assault mission in Zabul Prov., Oct. 15, 009. Justin is a member of Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 4th Inf Regt. 

(DoD photo by Spc. Tia Sokimson, Army)

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Special to American Forces Press Service

U.S., Iraqi Troops Conduct Medical Mission

By Army Spc. Maurice A. Galloway

Army Sgt. 1st Class Maryfaith Payne soothes a child as his mother is seen during a medical engagement in Basra, Oct. 7, 2009.

COB BASRA – Soldiers of the Army’s 17th Fires Bde and IA Soldiers, conducted their first joint medical military-civic ops clinic at Basra Ops Center, Oct. 8, drawing about 150 people.

“The purpose of an event such as this is to provide treatment for minor illnesses, and teach these people how to better care for themselves,” said Army 1st Lt. Jennifer Leathers, ops mgr for the bde’s 1314th Civil Affairs Co. “With the right teaching and instruction, a lot of the illnesses and injuries that we saw here could have been treated at home or prevented.” 

In addition to providing medical attention, the soldiers dispensed food, medicine and personal hygiene items.  Iraqi soldiers provided security as the mission allowed the IA to showcase its civil-military role in helping the country’s people. The IA took the lead in security medical treatment, allowing U.S. soldiers the chance to evaluate and train their Iraqi counterparts. 

The soldiers at the clinic recognized the event’s value toward providing care for the city’s residents.  Iraqi Col. Altmymy, said the event’s large turnout indicated the people’s desire for coordinated health care in Basra prov., and the need to implement and sustain such ops. “Today we did something that was extremely positive and progressive for the people of Basra,” he said. “We were able to take care of the needs of 150 patients, which is no small task. With the help of our partners from the 17th Fires Bde, we’ll conduct an evaluation to see how we can improve to make our next community outreach project an even bigger success.”

“Having done similar events before, by working side by side with them, we’ve given them a template … to measure their progress by,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Maryfaith Payne, bde medical ops NCO for the bde’s HHB, a Honolulu native.

“It’s really good to see the people of Basra receiving the help and assistance that they need from the IA,” said Spc. Christina Kreite of the bde’s 206th MP Co. “We’ve been training them to handle these types of situations, and there was a time when a crowd this large would have been a bit overwhelming for the IA, but this shows just how far they’ve come.”

Army Pfc. Leah Brook, a medic and health care specialist with the MP Co, said she was honored to be a part of such a fulfilling experience, even if her role was limited to an advisory capacity. “As a medic, I find humanitarian missions to be undeniably fulfilling,” she said. “So, to be here in an observation role, as opposed to helping the people first-hand, is a little difficult, but seeing the Iraqis helping their own people lets me know that we're really making a difference.”

Army 2nd Lt. Kaveraber Reade provides care to a man suffering from minor burns. 

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Multi-National Corps-Iraq PAO

ISF arrest suspected father, son terrorists

TIKRIT - ISF, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested 2 suspected terrorists in the Salah ad-Din prov. under the authority of warrants, Oct. 16. The ISF arrested Diyah Nassir in his home in Bayji.  Nassir's son, Farhan, was found in the home and arrested after it was determined there was also a warrant for his arrest. Diyah is suspected of funding insurgent activities for several terrorist orgs. in northern Iraq.

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Multi-National Division - Baghdad

First Iraqi Army Strike Soldiers graduate

By Sgt. 1st Class Ron Burke

IA Soldiers march on the parade field at Muthana Air Base, Oct. 19, as new members of the Karkh Area Command's Strike Team. 

BAGHDAD — Sixty-nine IA Soldiers were the first to successfully complete and graduate Karkh Area Command Strike Team training. IA Soldiers from 6 different units formed the new team, training together for 6 weeks under the tutelage of combat advisors from the AF; special ops; the KAC Advisory Team; and D Troop, Div Special Troops Bn, 1st Cav Div.

Training focused on movement and weapons skills, advanced small unit tactics, mounted combat patrols, intel gathering, EOD, and physical fitness training, which culminated in a combat patrol in west Rashid.

"This is the first class of the Strike Team that will eventually number over 400 Soldiers," said Capt. John Stires, the KAC Advisory Team ops officer. "The Strike Team will be responsible for all quick response ops for MND - Baghdad west of the Tigris River."

The Strike Team was formed from collaborations between Iraqi Staff Gen. Ali Hamadi, the Karkh Area cmdr and Brig. Gen. Frederick Rudesheim, the dep. comm. gen. for support with MND-B. "We're honored that you're the first members of the Strike Team," said Hamadi during the ceremony. "We'll serve Iraq, the Iraqi citizens and ensure security in Baghdad from insurgents and terrorists.  We're very proud of the Karkh area units and this training class. Our thanks to CF who helped mold the Strike Team."

The Soldiers of D Troop, who trained the IA Soldiers, reflected on the last 6 weeks they spent with them before the ceremony. "These [IA] Soldiers have a lot of combat experience but no specific methods," said Sgt. Jose Munoz, a KAC instructor assigned to D Troop. "We're teaching them how to be more effective and make them better Soldiers," said Munoz.

"We've accomplished something here," said Spc. Ervin Lee, a cav scout. "They knew the principles of things like room clearing, and we fine-tuned that.  Now they'll be able to teach more of their own guys."

The IA soldiers' enthusiasm and dedication did not go unnoticed. "We know you've worked hard to get here," said Rudesheim during his speech to the Soldiers standing in formation. "You're proud examples of the IA and your mission is more important than gaining trust. It's about demonstrating to the Iraqi people that you can function as an elite unit within the IA."

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NATO TRAINING MISSION – IRAQ

MoD Holds Conference on Iraqi National Strategy 

BAGHDAD – Under the patronage of the Iraqi Minister of Defence Oct.18 in the National Defence College Hall at the Cultural Center, the first scientific conference on the subject “Towards Iraqi National Strategy” has been held.

Staff Lt. Gen. Hussein, IA Dep. Chief of Staff for training, took part in the event, among numerous Iraqi general officers.  Italian Maj. Gen. Giuseppe Spinelli, dep. comm. gen., NATO Training Mission-Iraq, and Brig. Gen. John Wootton, chief, Div. of Training Educational Doctrine Advisors, were also present. The MoD invited NTM-I because of its SECFOR training agreement with the GoI.

Staff Maj. Gen. Jassim, NDU cmdr, introduced the guest speakers, 2 Baghdad University doctoral researchers, Nasear Noori and Hazzin Al-Shumary. The 2 professors gave their lectures in which they highlighted the importance of having a national strategy for Iraq, based on a scientific approach.

This strategy, Noori said, must be instrumental in building a civil and democratic country in accordance with the int'l rules and procedures, where political partnership overcomes all divs. and dangerous rivalries. “We should forget about dictatorship,” he said.  Al-Shumary, on his side, said that national integration is the key word in its many aspects and approaches: economical, political, scientific, regional.  But in the end, he said, what matters is to put the people at the center of all concerns.  Only by doing so, the internal critical ethnic and political divs. and controversies can be solved.

This conference was intended to be the first one in a long, democratic and rigorous debate to shape the future national strategy of Iraq.

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Blackanthem Military News

I-BIZ: Teaching skills for an independent Iraq

By Spc. Shantelle Campbell

Electricians at the Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone on COB Speicher, near Tikrit,  work on a colorful concoction of wires in the electrician shop, Oct 19. The I-BIZ teaches useful skills such as plumbing, heating and a/c maintenance, welding, carpentry, mechanics and electrical wiring to local Iraqis to help them prepare to provide support services for ISF as the Army begins to draw down in Iraq. 

COB SPEICHER, TIKRIT - The Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone provides educational and job opportunities for Tikrit-area residents. Soldiers of 4th IBCT, 1st ID toured the center to see how the "Dragon" Bde can help move the Salah ad Din I-BIZ to the next level. 

I-BIZ facilitates are located throughout Iraq, located in areas close to or inside a U.S. military base. The I-BIZ provides opportunities for Iraqi business owners to create and sustain businesses, and this in turn provides valuable skills training and creates jobs. 

In preparation for the withdrawal of U.S. forces, I-BIZ facilities are designed so that once ISF take control of U.S. bases, the businesses located on them will be Iraqi owned and operated, rather than foreign businesses. The I-BIZ offers a "variety of businesses in secure areas to provide services and products to the coalition," while at the same time, "directing money into the Iraqi economy and stabilizing security through expanded employment," according to its Web site.

Sgt. Janelle Nesmith, the vocational educational rep with the 1320th Civil Affairs,  attached to the Dragon Bde, said local citizens are learning valuable skills at I-BIZ.  "When they finish with their training, they can go to a business course and put in for a micro-grant and open their own business outside of post," she said.  "The Iraqi people can take these skills and go back home with them," said Nesmith, "because everyone needs an electrician, mechanic or plumber."

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-26

Dear Interested Reader,

ANA participates in Combat Medic Competition.  AF lends Army a hand with communications.  Staff Sgt. Jonathan Taylor, a medic with a huge mission.  ISAF units continue to realign in Eastern Afghanistan.

Iraq:  Troops support Iraqis during market sweep.  Terrorism suspects arrested.  Brig. Gen Robert Brown sees security in Northern Iraq.  Humanitarian mission in Radwaniyah.

Joanna

_______________________

October 26, 2009

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan,  Bagram Media Center

ANA Soldiers Participate in Combat Medic Competition

(Photos by AF Senior Airman Evelyn Chavez)

First Lt. Adam Eich, 48th Bde, 1-121 Bn, Georgia Army NG offers an ANA soldier marksmanship pointers during the first Combat Medic Competition at FOB Thunder in Paktya prov, Oct. 11. The objective of the competition was to improve the medics' knowledge of medicine and to inspire unity within the 203rd Corps medical community.  A ruck march race, medical evacuation, hands-on demos and lectures, and marksmanship competition were some of the events that took place throughout the 4-day event. 

An ANA soldier places a splint on a U.S. service member. 

An ANA soldier provides simulated medical attention. 

An ANA soldier provides simulated medical attention.

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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

Battlefield: Air Force Lends Army a Helping

Story by Pfc. Melissa Stewart

AF Staff Sgt. Jeremy Emond operates the Virtual Secure Internet Protocol Router, Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Access Point (VSNAP), as well as other internet provider systems, to free up more Soldiers for combat ops at COP McClain.

LOGAR PROVINCE – Shoot, move and communicate. That's a Soldier's motto on the battlefield, but without stable internet connection, communication would not be possible. Staff Sgt. Jeremy Emond does his part in aiding Soldiers communicate by providing internet access. "Here I'm supporting the war fighters at ground zero," said Emond.

Although having internet access may not seem to be important, nearly everything from tacking intel reports, planning ops, and tracking troops outside the wire depend on internet connectivity. "Before he came out here the Secure Internet Protocol Router was really slow, and with most of my job I use SIPR," said Spc. Daniel T. Bailey, HHC, TF Spartan intel analyst. "Since he's come, everything has been really fast."

Emond is one of nearly 80 Airmen from around the world that deployed to various locations in Afghanistan. "This is probably the most fun I'll ever have on deployment," said Emond. "It's given me a chance to see how the war is being fought from inside a command post."

VSNAP is a system developed early this year to provide Soldiers in remote locations with internet connectivity. "It's a great system because the disc can be set up in about 15 minutes and you can probably be passing traffic in half an hour," said Emond. "It can pull power of a running Humvee; you don't even need a generator to operate the system."

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Emond inspects the satellite dish of the Virtual Secure Internet Protocol Router, Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Access Point system. 

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4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office

eMiTT medic with huge mission replaced by battalion

By Sgt. Stephen Decatur

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Taylor, a reservist with eMiTT Venom, trains ANP during a combat lifesaver course, Oct. 2 in Shajoy, Zabul prov.

KANDAHAR - A logistics convoy was driving across the desert Oct. 13, to resupply Afghan and American Soldiers at FOB Atghar in the remote Atghar district of Zabul prov. An Afghan route clearance patrol led the way, followed by a combined force of Afghan Soldiers, police, and American Paratroopers from 4th BCT (TF Fury), 82nd Abn Div serving as combat advisors.

An ANA pickup truck cruised up the side of the convoy and hit an IED.  Two Afghan Soldiers were killed instantly, but the other 4 survived their wounds, because of life-saving first aid. Among the first on the scene were medics from the ANA and ANP.

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Taylor has been an emergency medical tech (EMT) since 1993, and serves as a medic in the Army. Taylor was one of the last Soldiers from eMiTT Venom to leave Zabul when they were replaced by TF Fury.  His mission was to train Afghans Soldiers and Police to perform first aid, and to provide whatever medical care he could. "I've stayed here as long as I can," Taylor said. "There's nowhere else with such a huge medical need.  I'd stay here longer if they let me. There's lots of good work to be done."

Since April, that work has included 315 trauma patients, 55 urgent medevacs, amputations, head injuries, IEDs, vehicle rollovers, sucking chest wounds, gunshot wounds, children shot by the Taliban, and just about every sort of injury imaginable, Taylor said. There was also every kind of medical condition; bacterial infections, fungal infections, diabetes, heart attacks, drug use, and the common cold.

All of that care was provided in an environment where there were usually only 9  or 10 other American Soldiers around, and no doctors in a district with 50,000 people. "The normal support structure didn't exist, but the quality of care must

remain," Taylor said. "You're the only decision maker with broad overall guidelines. There's every medical condition you can think of, far more than you're qualified to handle."

Taylor trained 6 ANA Soldiers up to U.S. Army medic standards, 12 up to combat lifesaver standards, and 5 ANP up to CLS standards. All of the ANA Soldiers were illiterate, Taylor said. "It's hugely challenging teaching people who can't read or write to be a medic," Taylor said. "They have to memorize everything because they can't take notes. The ANP were easier to train because they were literate."

ANP Soldier Abdul Halim was one of the Afghans Taylor trained. He remembers one IED attack where a fellow policeman had his hand severed, and no one knew what to do. "I didn't know how to help," Halim said. "We thought the man would die, because no one could help him.  Now if I saw someone bleeding I'm

confident I could help."  Halim said that he'll pass his knowledge on to his fellow police.

During Taylor's tenure in Zabul, much of his time and effort was spent resupplying and supporting ops. He covered 8,000 miles on the road as a driver doing resupply or moving between bases.  Now that the eMiTTs in Zabul have been replaced by an entire bn of combat advisors and a Stryker bn, there are many more medics. There are even doctors and truck drivers.

"Hopefully the greater resources will translate to a larger, more complete mentor mission," Taylor said. "All missions in Afghanistan exist to support this mission. Everything we do is to bring the military and infrastructure up to have the capacity of managing this country's affairs. It all exists so they can stand on their own."

Even though he rarely receives thanks for his work, it's been incredibly rewarding, Taylor said. "I'm proud of my career outside the Army, but this is the best work I've done in my life," Taylor said.

ANP react to an IED attack.

Two ANA medics consult each other while waiting for patients to load a medevac helicopter. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

ISAF units continue to realign in eastern Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD (Oct. 20) - ISAF continued to realign forces to better secure and stabilize population centers in eastern Afghanistan by closing COP Lowell in the Kamdesh district of Nuristan today.

Prior to the closure, CF recently met with local leaders to explain the decision and discuss the handover of facilities to local authorities. The facilities were left intact for use by the local community after all military equipment was removed.

CF and the Afghan Govt will continue to seek opportunities to cooperate with and provide assistance to Afghans in the Kamdesh district. ISAF troops will use the opportunities provided by realignment to enhance combined action with ANSF, and to assist the Afghan govt to build governance and development capacity in populated areas.

It is the intent of the ISAF cmdr, Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, to place an emphasis on protecting the people of Afghanistan, by focusing on more populated areas.  Base realignment ops of this nature will continue throughout eastern Afghanistan to facilitate the success of this plan.

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MNF-Iraq

Troops support Iraqis during market sweep

By Sgt. Mary Phillips

Spc. Jason Hutt of Co D, 120th CAB, 30th HBCT provides security, while a military working dog, and IA Soldiers search businesses in the Mahmudiyah market, south of Baghdad, Oct. 17. 

BAGHDAD — U.S. Soldiers here served as advisors while supporting the IA during a clearance op. in the Mahmudiyah market. "In the last 6 weeks there've been about 4 IEDs and a VBIED," said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Stewart, with Co D. "None have actually been in the market, but they've all been in close proximity."

The Iraqi troops led the joint patrol through the market, searching businesses and alleyways for explosives and other materials used to make IEDs. American and IA Soldiers worked together to come up with a search plan after IA Col. Wassin said that he wanted to make sure the market was clear.

"2nd Bn, along with us, came up with a plan as a deterrent factor to do clearance ops," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Carpenter. "More so IA than us; we're just there as support with some of our equipment, like metal detectors and working dogs, so we can support their plan." 

"Wassin coordinated through our company cmdr," said Stewart. "He wanted dogs on site to help be able to sniff out any bomb making materials." The joint teams searched the market for over 2 hours. Nothing was found, but Co. D Soldiers still thought this mission was a success. 

"The IA wanted to come out to the market and let everyone see that they were out there, and that they're not going to be scared by IEDs," said Carpenter. "I think any time the people see the IA respond to IEDs with a show of force like they had out there, it's got to help."

Stewart also considered this op to be beneficial, even though no bomb making materials were found. "It showed the IA and the U.S. forces still working together, and it showed that the IA is a little bit more in the lead, " said Stewart. Their col. was out there and the lts. were both pointing out locations they thought we wanted to see.  Iraqis got to see a great combination of IA and U.S. forces working together. I think all in all it was successful."

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American Forces Press Service

Iraqi Police Arrest Seven Terrorism Suspects

BAGHDAD, Oct. 20, 2009 – IP, with U.S. advisors, arrested 2 suspects near Wajihijah, NE of Baghdad, during an op targeting a suspect believed to be associated with key members of AQI and the ISI terrorist group. The security team arrested the suspects based on evidence found at the scene. 

In a separate op near Bayji, SW of Kirkuk, IP and U.S. advisors searched a building for a member of a vehicle-bomb network suspected of operating in Salahuddin and Kirkuk provs. The security team questioned and arrested 2 suspicious people believed to be a threat to the local community.

Elsewhere, the Iraqi 3rd Emergency Response Unit, with U.S. advisors, searched 2 buildings for a Kirkuk vehicle-bomb network member near Hawijah, SW of Kirkuk. The security team questioned and arrested 3 people suspected of participating in criminal activity.

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American Forces Press Service

Northern Iraq Sees Security, General Says

By Gerry J. Gilmore

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2009 – The security situation in northern Iraq has improved greatly in recent years, a senior U.S. military officer told Pentagon reporters today.

Al-Qaida, which several years ago launched attacks with abandon in northern Iraq, is now “desperate,” Army Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, dep. comm. gen. for MND-N and the 25th ID, said during a satellite-carried teleconference. Today, the div’s area of ops “has completely changed,” said Brown, who was in northern Iraq as a Stryker bde cmdr in 2004 and 2005. 

Brown assumed his present duties in November 2008, with HQ in the Mosul area. Brown’s area of responsibility comprises the 7 northernmost Iraqi provs, including the Kurdish region.  He commands about 25,000 U.S. servicemembers.

The improvement in security came about, in large part, because of a strong partnership between the U.S. and Iraqi govts, Brown said, as well as good relations among U.S. troops and vastly improved Iraqi soldiers and police.

Brown said he appreciates “the professionalism and dedication” demonstrated by the ISF.  Iraqi soldiers and police, he told reporters, have taken the lead in providing security in his area.  The general attributed increased targeting of terrorist activities, especially the actions of al-Qaida operatives, as causing the reduction in violence.

Terrorists did target Mosul a few months ago during a spate of bombings, Brown noted, but added that al-Qaida’s ability to carry out such attacks is greatly diminished. “Now, because of the relentless pursuit of terrorist orgs such as al-Qaida, these large-scale spectacular attacks are rare,” he said. “In fact, numbers of attacks are at their lowest level since 2003.”  Though AQI is a nearly spent force that knows it cannot win in Iraq, it remains a dangerous enemy, the general added.

Meanwhile, U.S. troops remain busy coaching and teaching their Iraqi soldiers and police, Brown said. Though U.S. forces moved out of Iraqi cities and towns on June 30, he said, Iraqi and U.S. troops occasionally join forces to conduct anti-insurgent ops outside municipal areas.  And as long as that momentum is maintained, Brown said, the northern Iraqi provs. “have a very bright future ahead of them.” 

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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Humanitarian Mission in Radwaniyah

(Photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Edwin Wriston)

An elementary school student looks on as U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers deliver supplies to a school in the Radwaniyah area of Baghdad, Oct. 19.  

Elementary school students walk home from school at lunch time.

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MNF-I

Clearance ops in the Mahmudiayh market 

(Photo by Sgt. Mary Phillips)

Sgt. Mark Weaver, 30th HBCT, provides rear security while Iraqi Forces perform clearance ops in the Mahmudiayh market, south of Baghdad, Oct. 17.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-25

Dear Interested Reader,

Paratrooers conducts air assault in Bermel district.  Military working dogs save lives.  Afghans, TF Cyclone meet to mitigate land disputes.  Reaping the benefits of strong relations.

Iraq:  Building progress north of Baghdad.  Soldiers bring water to Iraqi desert.  Aid mission supports schools in Baquba.

Joanna

_______________________

October 25, 2009

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

Paratroopers Conducts Air Assault in Bermel District

Photos by Pfc. Andrya Hill

Paratroopers from 3rd Plt, Co B, 3rd Bn, 509th PIR, 4th BCT, 25th ID prepare to load a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in the Bermel District of the Paktika prov. in eastern Afghanistan, Oct. 13, during an air-assault mission to detain a known militant.

Paratroopers prepare to load a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter.

Paratroopers secure a landing zone. 

Paratroopers scan the ridgelines from the roof of a qalat.

Paratroopers ride in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter after completing an air-assault mission.

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82 PAO, Bagram Media Center

 

Military Working Dogs take a bite out of IEDS in Afghanistan

Story and Photos by Spc. Derek Kuhn

Army Staff Sgt. William Burger, NCO-in-charge FOB Fenty kennel, and his dog inspect the outside of a building during a patrol outside of COP Nagil, Oct. 15.  Burger and his dog were searching for signs of IED manufacturing. 

LAGHMAN PROVINCE -- To date, the Army hasn’t any piece of technology as effective at discovering ordinance, IED components or IED builders, than the noses of military working dogs.

In Laghman prov., Military working dogs help find militants that build, place and detonate IEDs.  Staff Sgt. William Burger, said the dogs are very quick and efficient when performing their duties, which includes searching houses. “Having a dog go in a house is a lot safer than sending in Soldiers, because the dogs don’t stumble onto anything. If they smell something, they will sit and then we’ll get (EOD) to come check it out,” said Burger.

Spc. Brandon Steffey, a combat tracking dog handler for Fenty canine, agrees with Burger and notes other advantages of using military working dogs. “They move quickly. The dogs are able to search an area more thoroughly with much more speed and safety than humans,” said Steffey.

Though finding IEDs and those who build them can be dangerous, to the military working dogs, their job is fun. “It’s a game,” Burger said. “To them, finding bombs is fun. It's like hide and seek.”

Regardless what mission they're doing, the dog handlers appreciate the risks they and their dogs are taking each day. “They're like Soldiers,” Steffey said. “They risk their lives just like us. Their lives are in our hands and that's why we look out for them.”

“Dealing with a dog, teaching a dog and watching him execute his job is very rewarding,” Steffey said. “I spend a lot of time with my dog, and he's my best friend. We're a team.”

Burger shares Steffey’s sentiments and takes pride in his job. “Dogs save lives,” said Burger. “They're a great asset here and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Staff Sgt. William Burger and his dog take a break during a recent patrol. 

Staff Sgt. William Burger's dog spots a duck and alerts the Soldiers to its presence.

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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

Afghans, Task Force Cyclone Meet to Mitigate Land Disputes

Photo by Spc. William Henry 

Col. Richard Shatto, bde cmdr, TF Cyclone, speaks with members of a land commission board during a meeting at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Oct. 11. The members worked together with TF Cyclone and the USACE leaders to discuss a method to clear up land ownership issues involved in the Bagram District area. 

Kabir Ahmad, Bagram District sub gov., speaks with Col. Richard Shatto. 

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DoD Imagery

Marine Corps Cpl. Adam Boland, with Bravo Co., 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, rides in the turret of a Humvee while it crosses a stream during a security patrol through the Nawa district of Helmand prov., Oct. 13, 2009.  Marines conduct security patrols to decrease insurgent activity and gain the trust of the people. 

(DoD photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg, Marine Corps)

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Multi-National Division - Baghdad

Reaping the benefits of strong relations

By Staff Sgt. Peter Ford

Iraqi Soldier Hussein Ali and Sgt. Jeremy Fouts, a security NCO assigned to B Troop 1st Bn, 150th Armor Recon Sqdrn, 30th HBCT, formulate a plan on how to pass out the school supplies to the children at the Mullah Fayyad Primary School in Yusifiyah, Oct. 15. 

BAGHDAD — U.S. Soldiers interact with the citizens of the Yusifiyah region every day to build stronger relationships and ensure the safety of the community. "This results in a peaceful community, with people living together in harmony," said Staff Sgt. Steve Matthews, civil affairs NCO. "The greatest benefit for me is to see a smile on a child's face when we give supplies to the children at their schools."

These goodwill projects developed between the local govts and the Americans not only bring smiles to children but they help out the community, and build a solid foundation for a stronger friendship, according to Sgt. Jeremy Fouts, a security NCO. "The strong friendship makes the community of Yusifiyah a safer place," he added. "Yusifiyah is safer because the people are turning criminals in and keeping bad people out of their community," said Fouts.

"It makes me feel as if we're doing something meaningful when we take school supplies to local schools," said Cpl. Joshua Allen, a medic. "Giving school supplies to kids builds long-term relationships, and they grow to love and trust us."

Many of the supplies are shipped in from the families of the Soldiers, small churches in the U.S., and humanitarian aid orgs like USAID, said Staff Sgt. Michael Hawf, civil affairs NCO. Unit cmdrs meet with the local govt to find out what is needed most in the communities, and try and accommodate the need with the supplies gathered.

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Multi-National Division - Baghdad

Building progress north of Baghdad

By Pfc. Bailey Anne Jester

CAMP TAJI – The shift of U.S. forces out of Iraqi cities has created a new set of tasks for troops in the Iraqi countryside, and a newly-formed group is concentrating on infrastructure projects here.

Combining the talents of the 1st Bn, 5th Cav Regt's leadership with members of the ePRT North and the 1479th Civil Affairs Co to form a Project Working Group (PWG). The goal is to highlight projects that benefit the local populace.

During a meeting held at the Tarmiyah Center, Oct. 13, district engrs from Tarmiyah, Abayachi, and Mushada met with members of the group to discuss possible area projects. Rebuilding the infrastructure of Iraq will create validity of the govt in the eyes of its people, said Capt. Mary Alice Keller, the 1479th team leader.

"The PWG just began in this area," said 2nd Lt. Nicholas Bryan, the bn's civil military ops officer-in-charge. "It's been successful in other areas, and I believe that it'll be successful here too."

The local Iraqi leaders created a list of 200 projects, but after much discussion and compromise, the list is now down to 70. "These projects will help keep the people happy," said Shaykh Ahmed, a SoI leader from the Abayachi district. "They've done so much for us, we're very appreciative."

Chosen projects focus mainly on essential services such as water and waste mgt, electricity, health services and schools. The idea of the PWG is to help as many people as possible with one project, explained Bryan. "I'm very satisfied with the list of projects that you've asked for.  It's a fairly spread list throughout the Qada," said Lt. Col. Scott Jackson, the bn cmdr, to area leaders. "They represent serious concerns in the Qada and the needs of the people."

The Commanders Emergency Response Program (CERP) helps fund the projects, but the Iraqi govt is required to pay for a portion of the projects. Because the GoI helps fund the projects, they'll have ownership as well. This sense of ownership is expected to keep Iraqi leaders involved in these projects after completion, and after U.S. forces withdraw.

"We're very appreciative of everything that the U.S. forces are doing for us," said Ahmed.  "They've done so much for us since they've been here," said Hameed, a city council engr from the Abayachi district.

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Special to American Forces Press Service

Soldiers Bring Water to Iraqi Desert

By Navy Lt. j.g. Christopher Deluzio

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flies over a farm in southern Iraq’s Muthanna prov, Oct. 11, 2009.  Soldiers are advising and assisting ISF in the prov. and collaborating with PRTs to provide essential services. 

(Army photo by Maj. Myles Caggins III)  

COB ADDER – Southern Iraq’s Muthanna prov. is a vast area, sparsely populated and dominated by wide expanses of desert. Life here remains much the same as it has for centuries.  Bedouin tribes herd camels while subsistence farmers scratch out a living in the harsh landscape.

The people of Muthanna are particularly hard-hit by geography, living near the end of river flows, obstructed further north by dams built under Saddam Hussein’s regime and never restored to their former glory. Access to clean water, reliable power, and health care are in short supply.  However,  through the combined efforts of the provincial govt, the U.S. State Dept-led PRT and soldiers of 2nd Bn, 29th FAR, TF Pathfinder, the basic needs of Muthanna residents now are slowly being met. 

TF Pathfinder incorporates civilian experts, engrs and civil affairs units, as it works hand-in-hand with PRTs to develop projects and training programs, to help the Iraqis deliver critical services to their people.  In Muthanna, the focus has been providing essential services.

Over the past several months, the Pathfinders have sponsored more than 30 projects in Muthanna prov. through the CERP. More than half are focused on providing water and power to impoverished villages. “These programs serve 2 purposes. First, they reduce the number of waterborne diseases we're seeing among the children,” said Army Lt. Col. Michael Eastman, TF Pathfinder cmdr. “Second, by helping the elected Iraqi officials deliver basic needs to their people, we reduce the incentive of dissatisfied local residents to oppose both American and Iraqi forces in the area.”

Muthanna residents have welcomed the change.  In areas where life was a daily struggle for existence, clean water now is available both for drinking and for irrigating once-dry fields. “Getting out among the people has been a great experience,” said Army Sgt. Hugh Gunnerson. “We can see the benefit of our mission in Iraq, when people have something Americans sometimes take for granted, like clean water to drink.”

While this mission is different from what most of these artillerymen from Fort Bliss, Texas, expected to perform, they've adapted extremely well.  Much remains to be done in Muthanna, but Iraqis, PRT members and TF Pathfinder soldiers agree progress is being made in southern Iraq.

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MNF-I

Troops, Iraqi Police support schools

Jabar, IFP officer, hands out books to young girls at a local school in Baquba. The Humanitarian Aid mission was overseen by the IFP, with support from U.S. forces, Oct. 12. 

(Photo by 1st Lt. Meghan Keefe)

BAQUBA — The 37th Engr Bn- Joint TF Eagle, joined the 6123 FP eMiTT,  and their FP counterparts to address the needs of school children in the area. The U.S./Iraqi mission was an opportunity for the FP to interact with the local population and contribute to their community.

Man ben Zaid Elementary School was the first stop, followed by a visit to Talabar Elementary. There were approx 100 children waiting the arrival of the humanitarian mission with an air of anticipation and excitement.  Col. Jabar, Iraqi FP officer, spoke to the children and informed them why they were there.

After meeting the FP and learning what was about to take place, the children ran with smiling faces into their separate classrooms to sit, stand, or peek through windows, as the FP proceeded to hand out the school supplies.

When the last backpack was handed out, Capt. Timothy Behnke, the JTF Eagle chaplain, thanked the school administrator for the opportunity to meet the children, teachers and staff.  Working with the FP and providing them with the opportunity to introduce themselves to local children, is essential in establishing a relationship with the community they serve.  Behnke also conveyed that the education of children "is one of the hardest, but most important jobs."

The teachers and students expressed immense gratitude for the school supplies that they received. The FP were very enthusiastic about the opportunity to distribute supplies to the children. "It's a good, personal and humbling experience to provide much needed school supplies for Iraqi children," remarked Capt. Ismael Flecha, physician's asst for JTF Eagle.

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DoD Imagery

Army 1st Lt. Christian McGinnis, assigned to the 1314th Civil Affairs Co, 17th Fires Bde, and Iraqi soldiers speak with residents during a joint patrol in Najibiyah, near Basra, Sept. 29, 2009. The patrol is gathering info about the area and nearby bridge traffic. 

(DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Chrissy Best, AF)

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MNF-I

On Guard 

(Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Alex Licea)

Sgt. Justin Blank, 82nd Abn Div, checks his surroundings while providing perimeter security during a combined clearance op, Oct. 17, in the town of Nahrawan. 

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-24

Dear Interested Reader,

Apache Troop patrol near COP Herrera.  Marines clear Taliban in Op Germinate.  Communication capabilities to improve in Nangarhar prov.  410th MPs train ANP on law enforcement techniques.

Iraq:  Federal Police learn Army hand-to-hand.  Washington NG medics care for local workers.  Deployed family members reunite on Camp Liberty.  Alleged AQI terrorists arrested in Ramadi, Baghdad and Mosul.

Joanna

_________________________

October 24, 2009

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs 

Soldiers Patrolling near COP Herrera

Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith 

Army Staff Sgt. Icar Morales walks up a mountain during a patrol with his platoon near COP Herrera, Paktiya prov., Oct. 13, 2009.  Morales is deployed with Apache Troop, 1st Sqdrn, 40th Cav Regt. 

Spc. Joshua Smith walks past Afghan farmers during a patrol.

Sgt. Zachary Adkins rests during a patrol with his platoon. 

Spc. Adrian Rosas walks past a group of Afghan men. 

1st Lt. Kevin Jewell, right, talks to his sgts to determine the best route. 

Spc. Scott Walker walks past a group of Afghan boys. 

U.S. Army Soldiers and Afghan Border Policemen walk along a mountain trail. 

An Afghan man on horseback watches as U.S. Army Soldiers and ABP cross a log bridge. 

Sgt. Jose Padillo uses his rifle scope to scan the terrain. 

Dogs follow U.S. Army Soldiers as they patrol through a village.

Sgt. Jose Badillo, left, and Spc. Joshua Smith, rest during a patrol. 

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DVIDS

Marines Clear Taliban From Buji Bhast Pass

Photos by Lance Cpl. John Hitesman

Sgt. Perry Bessant, a squad leader from Co. F, gives out meals ready-to-eat and water after a shura on the last day of Operation Germinate, Oct. 10.

Capt. Francisco Zavala, comm. officer of 2/3's Co. F, shows a local Afghan how to open a meal ready-to-eat, at a village in the Buji Bhast Pass. 

Lance Cpl. Alexander Shaver, of 2/3 Weapons Co., holds security. 

Marines from 2/3 and ANA soldiers move across a wheat field in the Buji Bhast Mountains, Oct. 10 during Operation Germinate.

Lance Cpl. David Parrotte covers the front entrance of a compound being used to host a shura and medical facility. 

Lance Cpl. Cody Adams practices Pashto with some locals waiting to get medical attention. 

Lt. Col. Patrick Cashman, 2/3 bn cmdr, sits next to the ANA cmdr during a village shura. 

Lance Cpl. Tim Persons, of 2/3 Weapons Co., scans the surrounding countryside for possible threats against a shura involving the bn cmdr and local village elders. 

Marines from 2nd Bn, 3rd Marine Regt, move across the rugged landscape of the Buji Bhast Pass during the final day of Operation Germinate.

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Regional GMIC set to give N2KL communications capabilities

By Army Maj. T.G. Taylor

NANGARHAR PROVINCE – Marine Capt. Staci Reidinger, the U.S. Forces—Afghan liaison to the Govt Media Info Center (GMIC) in Kabul, explains the role of the Regional GMIC in building, training the free and independent media. The objective of the project is to connect the people with the govt through better communication. 

NANGARHAR PROVINCE – Leaders from the GMIC and the Nangarhar PRT met with Nangarhar leaders in Jalalabad to discuss and assess the feasibility of a RGMIC in Nangarhar prov., Oct. 10. 

The GMIC is a ministry level office whose purpose is to operate as the official communication dept of the central govt, said Hakim Asher, dir. of the national GMIC.

A RGMIC is designed to close the gap between the GoA and the community by communicating through media in the region. “Modern communication in Afghanistan is a new experience,” said Amin Shafiee, dep. dir. of the national GMIC.  

Shafiee explained that the GMIC has a signed agreement with the Independent Directorate of Local Governance, an org. dedicated to strengthening local governance, to establish RGMICs in Jalalabad and Kandahar before the end of the year. 

“This is our first trip to Jalalabad and we're here to see what we can do to establish the office here,” said Sediq Sediqi, head of the media relations and coordination dept of the GMIC in Kabul.  “The RGMIC will establish strategies for the Nangarhar govt to communicate” with its people.

Establishing a functioning facility here will require some technical improvements to facilities in Nangarhar, said Shafiee. “It requires us to have modern facilities here; it’s essential that we share info between the region and Kabul by the internet, and video teleconference,” said Shafiee.  The Nangarhar PRT and IDLG will assist with those technical aspects of a facility.

“The Nangarhar PRT is willing to also assist with the technical capabilities of the RGMIC anyway we can,” said AF Capt. Melissa Milner info, ops officer for the Nangarhar PRT.  “We can also help develop training programs for the future employees and local media.”

“According to our strategy we will deploy 6 officers here—a director plus a staff of professionals,” said Shafiee.  “We will see the gaps and fill those gaps in terms of salaries and equipment.” 

The RGMIC will also have the task of training communication professionals in the region including civilian media, said Marine Capt. Staci Reidinger the U.S. Forces—Afghan liaison to the GMIC. “One of the most important things we do is build capacity,” Reidinger said.  “It’s essential that we identify what training is needed and then provide that training.”

“The public has a right to know what the govt is doing,” Sediqi said.  “That’s why we're here today, to see how we can do this better.”

 

Masood Azimi, chief of staff for Nangarhar prov., explains Nangarhar’s current media relations capabilities. 

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DVIDS

410th MPs train ANP on law enforcement techniques

By Army Spc. William  Henry

(Photos by Army Lt. Col. Mike Brady

PARWAN PROVINCE - Several ANP officers watch intensely as Spc. Brandon Meredith and Army Cpl. Christian Redman, both members of 410th MP Co, demonstrates a proper response measure, as a part of the hands-on portion of the immersion training. The immersion training will help prepare the ANP for law enforcement activities, by providing them with realistic hands-on training by mentors with the skills and background in law enforcement. “Our hopes are that upon completion of immersion training the ANP will be seen by the population as a professional force that will provide security for the citizens of Afghanistan,” said Master Sgt. John Plasse, TF Cyclone, ANSF coordinator, 38th ID PA.

 

The local police chief and group of ANP officers take a map reading test during immersion training with members of the 410th.

A group of the ANP are inspected during immersion training by one of the enlisted police officers. Members of the 410th teach and mentor the local ANP in proper response measures. 

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MNF-Iraq

Federal Police learn Army hand-to-hand

By 2nd Lt. Josh Risher

1st Lt. Mike Olvera (left) uses his forearm to block Spc. David Croft's simulated knife attack during combined combatives training with IFP at JSS Istiqlal.

(Photo by 2nd Lt. Josh Risher)

BAGHDAD — U.S. Soldiers recently introduced their Iraqi partners to hand-to-hand combative training at JSS Istiqlal, to better prepare the force for any situation it may face.

Soldiers from B Troop, 1st Sqdrn, 7th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 1st Cav Div, and a plt of IFP assembled around a combatives pit, Oct. 14, 1st Lt. Juan "Mike" Olvera, drew on his past experience in a variety of martial arts, a 2-year professional boxing career, and the Army's combatives program to lead the instruction.

The intent of the training was not to turn the Iraqis into professional hand fighters.  Instead it focused on training the IFP to deal with situations where a weapon is not available or not necessary. "You want to keep space between yourself and a potential opponent," Olvera told the class as he demonstrated how to approach a person displaying hostile intent.

After several weeks of proficiency training, this Iraqi plt knows how to effectively use their weapons.  Now they're learning techniques without weapons. Olvera shows them how to gain and maintain the advantage, with policemen working in pairs, and practicing techniques for pushing an opponent away when an assailant attempts to grab or strike them. As they push their opponents away, the policemen take additional steps backward which gives them time to raise a firearm. "Most of these guys had never done anything like this before, but they were really motivated. They learned fast," Olvera said after the class.

Several Soldiers from B Troop assisted in the instruction, demonstrating and holding sparring pads to develop the Iraqis' punching techniques.  Additional instruction focused on fending off knife attacks, taking an opponent down to the ground, and regaining control in the event that an opponent managed to take them down. "This was by far the most fun we've had training with them," said Spc. David Croft.

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MNF-I

National Guard Medics Care for Local National Workers

Story by Spc. Michael Camacho

JOINT BASE BALAD – Part of a medic's mission is to provide aid to anyone who needs it, in any situation.  Medics with the 547th Transportation Co, Washington NG, treat Iraqi Dept of Public Works (DPW) employees every Monday and Wednesday morning at JBB. "The reason we treat the Iraqi workers is because if they take time off to go to the Troop Medical Clinic or the hospital, they lose an entire day of pay," said Staff Sgt. Charles Robinson, the NCO-in-charge of the 547th Trans. Co.'s medic team. "It's good for us to go and help them out so they won't lose any time."

Robinson said the medics stay on site from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. to provide primary medical care for Iraqi workers before they have to go to work.  In that hour, the medics on duty can treat up to roughly 50 patients, depending on the nature of the injury or symptoms, he said.

"The DPW employs Iraqi citizens from Bakr Village," said Staff Sgt. Illya Edwards, NCO-in-charge of escorting DPW workers. "They do the manual labor on base, and although safeguards exist, sometimes accidents happen on the job," she said.

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Multi-National Division Baghdad

Deployed Family Members Reunite on Camp Liberty

Story by Sgt. Jon Soles

From left to right, Maj. Richard Dennis, Senon Valdilles Jr. and Spc. David Valdilles share a light moment in the Oasis Dining Facility, Oct. 16.

BAGHDAD – Circumstances at Camp Liberty, Oct. 16, allowed a rare meeting between Maj. Richard Dennis, a 1st Cav Div MP officer, his father-in-law Senon Valdilles Jr., a Dept of Army civilian, and Valdilles' son, Spc. David Valdilles.

Dennis and the elder Valdilles are both based on Victory Base Complex. Dennis, a Div Special Troops Bn officer, is deputy provost marshal on VBC, while Senon is a civilian working at the Camp Cropper detention facility. Valdilles' son, Spc. Valdilles, is a medic assigned to the Camp Taji-based HHB, 1st Bn, 82nd FAR, 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div.

When Dennis and Senon found out that Senon's son David would be passing through Baghdad Int'l Airport on his return from leave, they jumped at the chance for all 3 family members to get together. "It's been a while since I saw any kind of family. It's good to get some contact with the family," David said. 

Senon retired as a senior NCO in military intel after 21 years in the Army.
"Actually, I'm real happy. I was happy the first time I saw Richard, and I haven't seen my son since February when they left," Senon said. "To have the opportunity to see both of them, I don't have words for that."

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Multi-National Corps – Iraq

9th Regional Commando Bn arrests 9 alleged al Qaeda terrorists 

RAMADI – The 9th Regional Commando Bn, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested 6 alleged al-Qaeda cell members on warrants, Oct. 14, in the vicinity of Habbaniyah. 

The alleged terrorists are suspected of robbery, murder, and are believed to be connected to numerous terrorist activities and crimes.

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ

Baghdad VBIED-network member among 7 arrested in security ops 

BAGHDAD – ISF arrested 7 suspected terrorists Oct. 18, during 4 separate security ops conducted in the greater Baghdad area and Mosul.

An ISF team, with U.S. advisors, arrested a individual in southern Baghdad last night based on a warrant. The individual is a suspected member of an AQI VBIED network responsible for multiple vehicle bombings across Baghdad in April.

Near Balad Ruz, located approx 76 km NE of Baghdad, IP, with U.S. advisors, searched for an IED facilitator who also provides safe houses for AQI and ISI members. The security op resulted in the arrest of 2 suspects, both possessing forged documents at the time of their arrest.

The 3rd IFP Bde, with U.S. advisors, arrested 3 suspects in western Mosul while searching for an AQI emir of security and explosive devices for Mosul. IP apprehended one suspect after the individual attempted to evade arrest by running to a nearby building.  Another individual is allegedly responsible for a Sept. 17 VBIED attack against Kurdish forces, and the 3rd suspect was determined to be an accomplice to criminal activity.

In eastern Mosul, the IA with U.S. advisors, arrested a suspect while searching for the leader of an ISI oil extortion network.  Intel reports indicate the suspect is directly tied to extortion-related assassinations. The security team arrested the suspect without incident.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-23

Dear Interested Reader,

Soldiers help Afghan children with backpacks.  Local Afghans take advantage of humanitarian assistance.  Militants killed/detained in Zabul & Wardak provs.

Iraq:  A teen finds focus in the Army.  Food and water delivered to residents in need.  Interacting with children in a war zone.  Iraqis control Baghdad civil air traffic.

Joanna

____________________

October 23, 2009

American Forces Press Service

Soldiers Help Afghan Children, One Backpack at a Time

Soldiers with the 649th Regional Support Group (RSG) are helping children like this boy from a village in the Deh Chopan district of Kandahar prov. The soldiers are distributing backpacks filled with school supplies in the prov., where many children do not have the resources to attend school. 

(Army photo by Spc. Elisebet Freeburg)  

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Oct. 15, 2009 – In a country where fewer than 30% of people are considered literate, U.S. forces are working to help in rebuilding Afghanistan’s education system, which has been devastated from 30 years of war, anti-education politics and an unstable govt.

U.S. forces are building schools for boys and girls as they attempt to re-establish the education system. The Army’s 649th RSG is working with the local community to provide school supplies for teachers and students in Kandahar prov. 

“There's nothing more rewarding than watching a child learn,” said 2nd Lt. Shaela Bresnan, Backpacks for Afghanistan program coordinator. “Unfortunately, children here lack the opportunities to educate themselves. Even when they've access to a school that they're able to attend, they don't have the physical resources to get the most out of their education.”

Soldiers with the 649th started the Backpacks for Afghanistan program in August to meet the needs of students and teachers. Local students will receive backpacks with 5 pencils, 3 pens, 2 colored pencils, a pencil sharpener, 2 erasers, 2 notebooks and 2 folders. A kit also will be available for teachers with classroom materials such as world maps, construction paper and small chalkboards.

The 649th has set a goal to collect 5,000 backpacks and 200 teacher kits in 6 months. “We hope to reach as many students as possible within the Kandahar,” Bresnan said.

Backpacks for Afghanistan allows everyone to participate in building a future for generations. Many U.S. orgs, including churches and schools, already have donated.  "If you change the life of a child, you change the world," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Elaine Holten, a Backpacks for Afghanistan organizer from Florida.

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DoD Imagery

Army Spc. Steven Hamilton gives medical treatment to a 12-year-old Afghan boy in Mowtsi village in Zabul prov., Oct. 7, 2009.  Hamilton is a medic, attached to Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 4th Inf Regt.

(DoD photo by Spc. Tia Sokimson, Army)

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DoD Imagery

Army Sgt. Kyle Brown patrols through a village with his plt near COP Herrera, in Paktiya prov., Oct. 11, 2009. The soldiers were searching for sites the Taliban has been using to fire rockets at the outpost.  Brown is deployed with Apache Troop, 1st Sqdrn, 40th Cav Regt.

(DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith, Army)

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Local Afghans take advantage of humanitarian assistance

LAGHMAN PROVINCE – Col. Mohammad Jaan and other ANA soldiers visited students at the Gul Pacha Olfat Girls School, Oct. 5, to hand deliver more than 500 packages of school supplies. Marine Corps Maj. Scott Knapp, a member of the eMiTT, accompanied the ANA during the visit, and met with Mr. Assadullah, the school principle.

KONAR PROVINCE – Monogai District govt official, Shir Bahidir, assisted by CF, distributed humanitarian aid packages to local citizens, Oct. 15.  Villagers submitted applications to the district governor’s office for approval.  Later, the villagers were notified and given a time to come pick up their packages.  31 villagers received quantities of tea, sugar, beans, flour, blanket, rice, cooking oil and first aid kits.

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Blackanthem Military News

Afghan-ISAF Kills, Detain Militants

By International Security Assistance Force

KABUL - Afghan and ISAF killed and detained multiple suspected militants in search ops to interdict Taliban activity in Zabul and Wardak provs. Oct. 17.
 

A joint SECFOR killed enemy militants while conducting a search in Bahar district, Zabul prov. in pursuit of a Taliban cmdr and his element believed responsible for IED and armed attacks in the region.  During the search the joint force received enemy fire and returned fire killing the militants. The force found a suicide vest still attached to one of the militants.  Additionally, the force found AK-47 rifles, ammo belts and communications gear. 
   
In another op today a joint SECFOR killed several enemy militants in Wardak prov. after searching compounds known to be used by a Taliban cmdr and his element. The suspects are believed to be responsible for numerous attacks and for supplying weapons and fighters into the region.

During the op in Chak district the joint force killed militants who fired on them and posed hostile threats. The joint force continued the search of the compound detaining several suspected militants, and discovering a moderate amount of weapons.

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Blackanthem Military News

Afghan-ISAF Kills Militant

By International Security Assistance Force

KABUL - An Afghan and ISAF killed an enemy militant Oct. 13, in Zabul prov. during an op to pursue a Taliban cmdr and his element responsible for several attacks in the region.

The joint SECFOR searched a vehicle approx 5 kms west of Qalat City. When the force stopped the vehicle, the suspected militant did not comply with the force’s commands, posed a hostile threat moving against the force and was killed. The joint force searched the vehicle and identified the dead enemy militant as the Taliban cmdr the search was launched to pursue.

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Special to American Forces Press Service - Iraq

Face of Defense: Teen Finds Focus in Military

By Army Sgt. Andy Mehler

Spc. Timothy Markle stands by an Army truck at COB Adder. He cites the military as his primary inspiration for turning his life around by giving him the structure, discipline and motivation he needed. 

(Army photo by Sgt. Andy Mehler)  

COB ADDER – In a world full of choices, Army Spc. Timothy Markle, with the 628th Aviation Support Bn, 28th CAB, took a few wrong turns before finding his focus, first in football, then in the military. Markle’s upbringing was unstable and he mostly was raised by his grandmother, who remained a large influence for him until her death.

Despite his family’s frequent relocations, Markle played defensive end at York Suburban High School in 2001 and York High School in 2002, both in Pa.  But Markle also associated with a rough group in high school and began to lose focus. He spent more time on the streets and less time in school, and eventually dropped out. He felt he didn't need an education and saw no real future for himself. He became lost, he said.

The turning point for Markle was when he returned to high school at Crispus Attucks Youth Build, a charter school for troubled teens in York, Pa. The school involves its students in charitable work and teaches personal responsibility and a strong work ethic. Markle worked with his classmates on home construction projects for the poor, which taught him a valuable and marketable trade. He remained in school and was awarded his high school diploma in 2004.

After a 2-year stint in the Navy as an aviation ordnance specialist, working with F-18 fighter jets, Markle returned to York in 2006 when his grandmother died. Missing football, he tried out for a position on the York Silver Bullets, a semi-professional football team, in 2007, and played one season. That structure and his military training, he said, kept him focused, on track and off the streets.

While still playing football, Markle decided to join the Pa. Army NG in 2007. Enlisting in the Army meant he would have to leave football, but Markle liked the sense of community and structure that comes with a military life.  Markle chose to enlist as a water treatment specialist and now is part of Co A, 628th Aviation Support Bn, deployed here where he works with fellow soldiers providing fuel for aircraft.

Markle said he's enjoyed his time in Iraq and feels he's part of something bigger by doing important work for his country.  He plans to remain in the military, believing he’s finally found the perfect fit.  He said he'd like to further his education, and he hopes to be a pilot one day.

Markle’s days of working on houses for his school have paid off, as well. He now works in his father’s construction business, and has been getting his own business off the ground by attracting his own customers.

Now that his life is on track, Markle said he wants to assist young people facing the same challenges he did. At home, he visits Crispus Attucks Youth Build to talk with students and encourage them toward a better life.  He's found the stability of home and renewed relationships with his parents, and the discipline and structure of the military he loves so much, he said. When he returned home on leave, Markle participated in the crime prevention program National Night Out, where he protected the streets he once saw as a hangout.

Markle said the military made him who he is today, and even now as he finds himself in the desert of Iraq, he says he wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Multi-National Division - Baghdad

Food, water delivered to residents in need

 

By Mary Phillips

Sgt. Christopher Nekvapil, with Co D, 120th CAB, 30th HBCT, provides security in the Murtada neighborhood near Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad, Oct. 15. 

BAGHDAD — A poor neighborhood near Mahmudiyah, south of the Iraqi capital, was surprised with much needed humanitarian aid in the form of water and 275 bags of food; each containing cooking oil, sugar, tea, rice, lentils and evaporated milk, brought by U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers.

"We utilized some of our assets and they utilized some of theirs," said Capt. Christopher Cooper, of HHC, 120th CAB. This type of op not only provides assistance to the families, but also reminds them that they're not forgotten. "The people see the IA giving them the goods and are realizing that the IA takes care of their needs," said Cooper.

"Murtada's a very poor neighborhood and it's the main reason this site was chosen," said Read. "We try to help out neighborhoods that are likely to be targeted by insurgent groups. The people there need money. The insurgents are recruiting their workers from neighborhoods like this one. "Taking the people food and water shows them that the U.S. forces and the IA care about them and they'll know we're thinking about them."

Company D conducts humanitarian aid drops about once a month, and the Soldiers welcome the change of pace and the chance to do something positive. Read said he looks forward to doing these type of missions. "It's a good mission. It's a break from our regular missions and we get to do some good for the people of Iraq,” he said.  “That one bag of food and case of water … shows them that we do care about them and are continuing to work together with the IA to try to make life better for the Iraqi people."

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Blackanthem Military News

Children in a War Zone

By Staff Sgt. Liesl Marelli

An Iraqi boy plays in a school that's under construction in Kharma, Aug. 27. He approached the troops with a smile on his face hoping to get a photograph, “Mister, photo?” he asks. After he got his picture taken, he walked away still smiling, and continued watching the troops from a distance.

(Army photo by Staff Sgt. Liesl Marelli)

AL ANBAR PROVINCE - With curiosity apparent, they watch heavily armored American Soldiers driving and walking through their neighborhoods.  From a distance they appear the same as any group of American children; watching, sometimes waving, and occasionally even venturing closer. This is Iraq, however, and life for these children is different.

Recently, outbreaks in violence in Al Anbar are much less frequent, but it's still an active combat zone. Only on some unfortunate occasions does the sound of gun fire or attacks play out like an orchestra. The insurgency is increasingly focused on the IP and govt, so fighting continues, however reduced, in the same streets and districts where Iraqi children live, play and go to school.

American Soldiers travel through Iraqi neighborhoods protected by the gear they wear and the vehicles they drive. Iraqi children have no such protection and instead of protective gear, they display a colorful array of clothes similar to many American children.

Despite the chances of violence erupting or the intimidating sounds of military vehicles topped with weapons, many Iraqi children are friendly to Soldiers and interactions are good considering the language and cultural barriers. “Iraqi kids are the same as American kids.  They love getting their picture taken, always have smiles on their faces, always asking questions about your gear, and like to have fun,” said Maj. Clay Taulman, 3rd Bn, 157th FA EO. He said communicating with Iraqi children is hard but “as soon as you make an initial connection then the smiles start. I don't believe these kids know any different environment to live in.  They've been brought up hearing the explosions, gun fire and emergency service sirens,” said Taulman.

The prov. has calmed significantly in recent years, but the sounds of war have not stopped yet. It’s important for Soldiers to maintain a friendly posture with the children, because they will either be America’s future allies in Iraq or end up on the other side of the battle. Our goal is to remind them we are on their side.

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U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team

Iraqis control Baghdad civil air traffic

By Senior Airman Alyssa Miles

Ali Thamer (center), Baghdad Int'l Airport tower mgr, observes fully qualified and licensed Iraqi air traffic controllers manage traffic in the airspace, Oct. 14. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Johnny Saldivar)

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) assumed full control of daily air traffic ops at the Baghdad Int'l Airport, Oct. 1.

"ATC [Air Traffic Control]-wise, we work 2 runways -- one side is civil and one side is military," said Master Sgt. John Kirby, 447th EOSS chief controller. "On the civil side, aviation has been really coming up since we stabilized the country.  Now we have a liaison who coordinates any military ops in the area with Iraqi controllers to make sure military ops aren't happening in any air space civilian aircraft will be in. They direct the flow of traffic."

As more Iraqi controllers became qualified, Airmen were able to turn over their positions and focus on military flights arriving and departing from BIAP.  At present, the ICAA has a total of 17 fully qualified and licensed Iraqi controllers, 5 of whom are trainer qualified. Seven more individuals are in the process of receiving their qualification.

"This is not a routine job – every day is different," said Ali Thamer, BIAP's tower mgr. "I think it's better than other jobs, but it's not necessarily that easy. We need to be very vigilant all the time. We've a good quality of controllers working here – they are very young, they've a very good education. Their training has been successful and they have proven themselves to be very good controllers."

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Joanna/Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-22

Dear Interested Reader,

Kapisa PRT engrs. assist with rebuilding.  Kentucky ADT discuss agricultural collaborative efforts.  ANP has a positive presence in Dandar Village.  Marines attacked at Patrol Base Bracha.

Iraq:  422nd CAB helps refurbish school in Zaidon.  Student workers pave the Tal Abtha Rd.  Community Policing Conference highlights successes.  Terrorist suspects arrested.

Joanna

______________________

October 22, 2009

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Kapisa PRT engineers assist Afghans with rebuilding

(AF photo by Senior Airman Jason Troup)

A civil engineer for the Kapisa PRT, U.S. AF 1st Lt. Graham Auten (left) discusses masonry with Mohamad Ashraf (right), a local contractor for the Abdul Manan High School project in Nijrab Valley, Oct. 11. The PRT assists in developing schools, roads, and clinics for the people of Afghanistan. 

 

 

Sgt. Curtis Ralyea provides security for the team during an inspection of a road construction project in Shinsai village, Oct. 11. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

     

Kentucky ADT Discuss Collaborative Efforts

Army Sgt. Jo Ashley, Kentucky Agri-business Development Team, concludes a briefing with the Parwan Dir. of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock, Oct. 5. Ashley shakes hands with the head of Parwan prov.’s Dept of Woman’s Affairs, Ms. Shahjan, after discussions of collaborative efforts.

(Photo by AF Staff Sgt. Billy Vincent)

Sgt. Ashley discusses a saffron production with engr Bashear, Sept. 27. Bashear expresses his plan concerning land preparation for the projects chosen site. 

(Photo by Staff Sgt. Catherine Corson)

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

U.S. Soldiers provide ANP with tools to protect local communities

(Photos by Spc. William Henry)

A police officer in Kuh-e Safi district hands out flyers to children in Dandar village during a joint humanitarian aid mission with 4th Plt, Co B, STB, 82nd Abn Div Soldiers headed by the police in Parwan, Sept. 30.  The focus of the mission was to give the police a positive presence in the area by giving back to the community they work in.  

Pfc. Brian Parrish an infantryman with TF Cyclone, 4th Plt, stands guard. 

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DoD Imagery

Attack on Patrol Base Bracha

(DoD photos by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau, Marine Corps)

Marines with 2nd Bn, 8th Marine Regt observe the movement of enemy forces during an attack at Patrol Base Bracha in the Garmsir district of Helmand prov.,  Oct. 9, 2009. 

Marines with 2nd Bn, observe the movement of enemy forces.

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Multi-National Division - Baghdad

Troops help open school, more to come

By Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

Pvt. Vince Dalseg, 2nd Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, interacts with children during a ceremony to re-open a refurbished primary school in Zaidon, western Baghdad, Oct. 15. 

BAGHDAD — Children laughed and talked excitedly throughout the re-opening ceremony. The refurbishment project was a joint effort between U.S. troops and the local govt that came to fruition after 3 months of hard work, said Navy Lt. Ross Simpson, a civil affairs officer.

The project included cleaning up debris, painting the building, adding electricity and fixing the plumbing for the 128 local area children that attend the school, explained Simpson, who is assigned to the 422nd CAB. "Before, the school was dark; it had lots of trash and even broken glass,” he said.  “Now it's brighter and the students are much happier, have more energy and have pride in their building, which adds to their willingness to learn."

According to Simpson, the Nassir Wa Salem area council and U.S. forces from 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, worked closely to rebuild the one-story schoolhouse and provide desks and chairs for the faculty and students to foster a better learning environment.

"This is a very important day and we feel very happy because everything has changed," explained the school's headmaster, Kalid Ahmed. "Now students are more willing to show up to school."  According to Ahmed, one of the most important renovations was the bathrooms.  In the past, the students didn't have proper facilities, making the school an uncomfortable place to spend the school year. "I feel excellent today because we know that U.S. forces are good people and want to take care of us, the children and the school."

During the visit, the troops also donated backpacks to each one of the eager students who were quick to smile and shake hands with everyone. "What we're trying to do here is to help these kids become the future leaders of Iraq," said Simpson, as children proudly showed each other their backpacks.  According to Simpson, this was the 5th project completed in the area in the past 4 months.

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MNF-I

Iraqi student workers become road team

An Iraqi student worker paves the Tal Abtha Road as part of a project designed to employ and educate locals in the area. The road will give access to Mosul's markets and businesses, boosting Tal Abtha's economy. 

MOSUL — More than 300 Iraqi road construction students entered the working world following a graduation ceremony in Ninewah prov., Oct. 7.  A few months earlier, A Co, 3rd Bn, 8th Cav Regt "Warhorse," 3rd HBCT, 1st Cav Div, took over control of the Tal Abtha Road project from 1st Bn., 12th Cav. Regt. "Charger," which had identified the need for better roads throughout the greater Tal Abtha area, SW of Mosul.

The student workers had been part of a program that trained them as road construction laborers. The 365 students were the second wave of graduates in a program that will eventually train 1,095 road workers. After graduation, they will provide the work force for the TARP, which aims to connect 18 small towns in the Jazeera desert, west of Mosul, improving commerce and travel between them.

The workers are hired locally. The skills learned included basic vehicle maintenance and op, surface preparation, asphalt health and safety, and basic paving techniques.  Many of the young men were in the SoI during the U.S. Forces surge of 2007.  Projects like the TARP have provided employment for these young men, allowing some of them to transition out of the SoI and embark on a civilian construction career.

"The students who are standing here before you today are truly courageous," Capt. Ben Ferguson, the local U.S. cmdr, remarked at the graduation. "There are many ways to serve your country, and not all of them require a gun." The ceremony was the culmination of one project in a line of projects designed to help the GoI help itself, Ferguson said.  By overseeing projects that train workers and create skilled laborers, the U.S. forces hope Iraq can build a lasting economy.

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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq

Community Policing Conference Highlights Successes

BAGHDAD – More than 250 community policemen attended a conference Oct.14, to highlight successes and to present concerns. The conference was hosted by the Baghdad Provincial Police HQ in close cooperation with the Public Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.

According to the MoI PAO, the community police, or civilian police service, is a mediator between security institutions, like police stations, and orgs. of leaders of the communities. Its mission is to communicate and interact to achieve participation between IP and the community in making security responsibilities more visible.

The goals of the community policing org. include promoting the principles of citizenship, democracy, civil peace and human rights, under the rule of law. They also aim to strengthen awareness of human and national values of unity, coexistence and tolerance, along with fighting racism, discrimination and destructive values.

Another goal of this group is to provide psychological and social support to victims of crime, serious incidents and terrorism. The biggest goal is to open communication channels between the IP and the community to increase the confidence and positive interaction between the two.

“Police should be more open and available to let people know that they're working for the benefit of all civilians,” said Dr. Abdul Salim, dean of the School of Journalism at Baghdad University. “Community police should be careful and be responsible in their actions, and it's very important for public affairs to get the info out about the activities of the civilian police.”

U.S. Army Col. John Maietta addressed the huge crowd and complimented the community policemen by saying, “I’ve seen polling data showing public confidence in IP is up. Why is this? It's because of the more professional way that all police, including the civilian police, work to solve cases using evidence and upholding the rule of law in Iraq.  Your work helps police officers do a better job,” Maietta said. “You help to solve minor disputes before they lead to violence. You promote honesty and ethics, and provide social support to victims of crimes, especially the women and elderly.”

Brig. Gen. Alaa Al-Taie, general director of public relations at MoI, addressed the crowd by saying that they must close the gap between the police and the people.  He said that they can do this by reporting crimes to the police officers and building ties with the community.  He also acknowledged that the police need a new image. The community police will help greatly in this cause.

Iraqi media attended the event and conducted several interviews with the speakers. A traditional Iraqi lunch was enjoyed by the U.S. forces and their Iraqi friends in the Baghdad police dept.

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American Forces Press Service

Iraqi Forces Arrest Six Terrorism Suspects

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2009 – ISF, working with U.S. advisors, arrested 4 terrorism suspects today in 2 ops, military officials reported.

During a security op in Kirkuk today, an Iraqi emergency services unit arrested 2 suspects while searching for a vehicle-bomb network member with ties to AQI. The security team questioned 2 suspects during a building search and arrested them after determining they posed a threat to the community. 

Near Muqdaadiyah, NE of Baghdad, IP arrested 2 suspects today during another security op. The security team encountered and questioned the suspects while searching for a man known to have close ties to leaders of both AQI and the ISI terrorist group. 

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-21

Dear Interested Reader,

Sustaining the fight: 704th BSB in action.  eMitt 7-5 training under fire.  Afghans work with CF to make improvements.  ANP receive training on search, seizure techniques.

Iraq:  IP improve shooting skills on FOB McHenry.  New "Twin Schools" open for Taji students.  AQI terror cell suspects arrested.  Marines pass special skills to IA.

Joanna

_____________________________

October 21, 2009

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Sustaining the fight: 704th BSB in action

By U.S. Army Spc. Eugene Cushing

Army 1st Lt. Chris Fisher leads one of the plts tasked with escorting the local drivers. He explained that the 704 th BSB allows the maneuver bns to focus on their missions without having to worry about logistics.

KUNAR PROVINCE – Headlights of vehicles light up the early morning darkness at a remote base in Kunar prov.  Soldiers stir while contemplating the difficult drive up a snake-like mountain road that connects Kunar to its outlying provs.

Before their missions, units like Fisher’s spend a majority of their time planning the mission, and figuring out the best way to protect the local drivers and their vehicles. “Different trucks require different kinds of security,” Fisher said. “This is where all the training we did at Fort Carson is really paying off,” he said.

According to Spc. Jalan Marshall, a gunner within the unit, it feels good to help fellow Soldiers directly involved in the fighting. “We all appreciate what they’re doing, and we’re glad to be able to help them,” he said.

While conducting these missions, units also see their own fair share of the battle. It’s here that they use their training to keep supplies moving and have a positive impact on the entire bde. “It’s not easy,” Fisher said, “but, it’s rewarding.”

Spc. Omar Angulo, a gunner assigned to HHC, 704th BSB, checks his weapons after finishing a convoy mission in Nuristan province, Sept. 29.  Sgt. Patrick Stephens, also assigned to HHC, served as the truck cmdr for Angulo's truck.  Angulo's unit was in charge of providing security for a convoy of supply trucks delivering supplies to outlying bases in eastern Afghanistan. 

Army Soldiers assigned to the Co A, 704th, work to free a local truck after it ran off the road and became stuck in Kunar prov, Oct. 2. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Embedded Training Team: Training Under Fire

By U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller

An ANA soldier braces himself against a wall while explosive rounds burst around him, during a gun battle with insurgent forces in a remote mountain village in Kunar prov, Korengal valley, Sept. 24.  Marine Corps eMitt are responsible for training and mentoring the emerging Afghan military force serving in eastern Afghanistan. 

KUNAR PROVINCE – The sun has barely risen over the Korengal valley, Sept. 24, and service members with eMiTT 7-5 are under fire. “Are you ready to run?” asks Marine Corps Capt. Michael Shanahan, before darting across an exposed pathway in the mountainside village of Lanayal, with an Anti Tank-4 rocket launcher in his hands, ready to be fired.

Shanahan is the senior officer in charge of eMiTT 7-5, a small team tasked with training and mentoring the emerging Afghan soldiers serving in the volatile valley. Today the training ends and the "practical exercise" begins.  Off to the side, an ANA soldier fires his machine gun at the insurgents in the surrounding hillsides; his expelled cartridges litters the ground below. Above him, other ANA soldiers fire RPGs and AK-47 rifles, with eMiTT service members firing alongside.

 

An ETT Marine shouts a series of expletives as an explosion rocks the area near him. Fifteen minutes later, mortars fired from a nearby U.S. Army outpost, rain down on the insurgent positions, and the battle ends. The team and the ANA soldiers hike the mountain trail back home to the tiny Korengal Outpost, in Kunar prov.

 

With ISAF's plan to eventually turn all security ops over to the emerging ANA, eMiTTs across the country must transform their ANA counterparts from a rag-tag group of rebel fighters and farmers that helped overthrow the Taliban in 2001, into a modern military force capable of protecting its own borders and people.

 

The day after being attacked, a group of ANA soldiers sit together in the dark, windowless room, at the Korengal Outpost watching a presentation on effectively firing a machine gun.  Several Afghan soldiers had problems loading and firing their U.S. military M-249 squad automatic weapon, which are being used by a select few Afghan soldiers.  Shanahan and his troops want to make sure this doesn't happen again. “Where does this guy shoot first?” Shanahan asks, motioning to the graphic projected on the wall. The Afghans in the room look hesitant to respond. “None of you know the answer,” Shanahan says, grinning. Finally an Afghan soldier answers, and the eMiTTs in the room look impressed. “Let’s take a ten minute break and we’ll go outside,” Shanahan said.

 

Outside Cpl. Charles Kim is waiting. Like all the eMiTTs serving in the Korengal, Kim, a rifleman, volunteered to come to Afghanistan to train the ANA. In the month he's been here, Kim has seen more action than most service members will see during their entire tour. Kim admits that working with the ANA is "a lot different than patrolling with Marines or Soldiers."  However, he states he would "definitely fight with them any day."

 

Today he plans on testing the ANA on what they just learned in the class by taking them to the outpost's small weapons range to practice using the M-249 SAW, one of several NATO weapons ISAF hopes will eventually replace the ANA's Soviet-era weaponry.

 

With steady patience, Kim, a fellow eMiTT corpsman, and Shanahan walk the Afghans through all the steps required to operate multiple machine guns as a team, using balloons as targets. “Overall they did pretty well considering it was their first time,” Kim says. “There's some room for improvement, but that's to be expected.”

 

Training like this is why ISAF puts so much hope in the eMiTTs. Four days later the ANA along with their eMiTT counterparts are back in the village of Lanayal.

The village is empty of adult males. The local elder is nervous, not wanting to talk and staying close to the wall, while looking to the mountains that surround the small gathering of homes. To the Afghan and U.S. service members, it appears the "practical exercise" is about to begin again.

 

An ANA Soldier fires a M249 squad automatic weapon during a fire fight.

An ANA Soldier fires an M-249 squad automatic weapon at the Korengal Outpost. 

ANA Soldiers cram into a dark, windowless room, to watch a presentation by eMiTT 7-5 on properly firing an M249 squad automatic weapon.

Cpl. Charles Kim describes the proper coaching position while teaching ANA Soldiers how to fire an M-249 squad automatic weapon.

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Afghans work with CF to achieve development, security goals

KUNAR PROVINCE – A local Afghan civilian reported the location of a weapons cache, consisting of a RPG launcher and several rounds of ammo to U.S. Army Soldiers in Watapur district of Kunar Prov, Oct. 7. The local Afghan will receive a reward for identifying the location to the Soldiers.

 

That same day in the Pech district of the prov., shopkeepers and union leaders met with Kandigal base cmdr to discuss ways to boost the local economy. The village bazaar, which was the center of the discussion, provides revenue for more than 10 villages in the area. The base cmdr was eager to help with projects to include; trash cans and cleanup, solar lighting, cement sidewalks and awnings for shops.

 

LAGHAM PROVINCE – A security wall was built to protect a local children’s school from insurgents in the village of Mendrawol, Oct. 12. The wall, which was built by local contractors and workers, was funded through the Laghman govt. The wall will also provide protection from wind and dust storms as well as boost the local economy. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ANP receive critical training on search, seizure techniques

Photos by Spc. William Henry

The Sayed Kheil district police chief talks to a Soldier attached to TF Cyclone, 1st Lt. Sam Drzewianowski, 1st Plt, Co B, STB, 82nd Abn Div, following traffic control and vehicle search procedure training in Parwan, Sept. 28. 

1st Lt. Drzewianowski explains details of how set up and man traffic control points, and prepare to search individuals and vehicles in Sayed Kheil.

Spc. Salvador Rodriguez, a light wheeled mechanic, mans the hatch of a MRAP vehicle to secure an antenna during entry to an ANP compound in Sayed Kheil.

A class of ANP officers listens as Sgt. Justin Maddox explains how to set up and man a traffic control point, and prepare to search individuals and vehicles in Sayed Kheil.

Plt Sgts inspect their troops to show the ANP in the Kuh-e Safi district, during training on proper formations and mission readiness near Dandar village. 

Sgt. Sam Bieber, an infantry squad leader, attached to TF Cyclone, 4th Plt, talks with Kuh-e Safi district policemen outside Dandar village during a vehicle check point training exercise in Parwan, Oct. 1. 

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MNF-Iraq

Iraqi Police shooting skills on target

IP fire AK-47 rifles on the Bagara range on FOB McHenry, Oct. 8.  A total of 278 IP officers fired on this range supported by the 3rd Plt, 218th MP Co. 

FOB McHENRY — U.S. MP recently invited the Hawijah area IP to hone their skills during a 3-day marksmanship course. A total of 278 IP fired Automat Kalashnikova-47 rifles, also known as AK-47s, and Glock 9mm handguns.

"The great success of this range was that we were able to get all the ammo we needed from the Kirkuk Provincial IP HQ," said 2nd Lt. Megan Howell, plt leader. "This is some of the IPs' first time to fire on a range since the academy," said Howell.  During the training, Capt. Falah, the district training officer, coached the IP through a series of commands on the firing line. He also coached them on their form and other aspects of basic marksmanship.

The plt has also helped coordinate other training events, including biometric data collection certifications, investigative officer training on evidence collection, witness statements, anticorruption and police intel ops.

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MNF-I

New ‘Twin Schools’ open for Taji students

By Pfc. Adam Halleck

Students of the Twin Schools wait for the official opening of the schools in Taji, Oct. 12. The Twin Schools will provide education to more than 1,200 children. (Photo by Pfc. Adam Halleck)

TAJI — In the past 2 years, this project experienced many hurdles, and it wasn't until the Soldiers of the 1st Bn, 82nd FAR, 1st BCT, 1st Cav Div assumed the project, that the schools had any hope of being open for the new school year.

When he walked to the podium to give his speech, Lt. Col. Eric Schwegler, beamed with pride.  As the bn cmdr, Schwegler has played a large role in cultivating the progress of the Twin Schools project.  "The children standing here are the future doctors, engrs, and leaders of Iraq," said Schwegler during his ceremony speech. "This project is a testament to the GoI, local leaders, and U.S. forces, in our shared vision for the future of Iraq."

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Multi-National Force – Iraq release

Iraqis arrest three AQI terror cell suspects

BAGHDAD — ISF arrested 3 suspected terrorists today during separate security ops in the Baghdad and Salah ad Din regions.

ISF, with U.S. advisors, arrested one individual while searching for the suspected leader of an AQI cell that planned IED attacks in Baghdad.  While searching for the AQI leader, ISF apprehended an individual who was questioned on scene and determined to be a security threat. ISF arrested the suspected terrorist without incident.

During a separate security op, the 3rd General Directorate Salah ad Din Police Unit, with U.S. advisors, searched 2 buildings near Kawri, located approx 100 km north of Baghdad, for an ISI member suspected of staging suicide-vest attacks in the Duluiyah area. The security team searched 2 buildings during the op, and based on info gathered at the scene, arrested 2 suspected criminals.

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MNF-I

Marines pass special skills to Iraqi Army

By Lance Cpl. Jason Hernandez

An Iraqi Soldier carries a steal beam for practice during a welding course aboard Camp Mejid, Oct. 2.

CAMP MEJID — U.S. Marines and Sailors conducted training with IA Soldiers here to advance their skills in metal working and vehicle fuel systems. "We're giving the Iraqi mechanics lessons on how to better maintain and repair their vehicles," said Sgt. Nicholas Vincent, a quality control chief with Combat Logistics Bn 46. "Today, the focus will be fuel systems, where we'll take them through the entire fuel system of several vehicles."

The lessons included basics such as refueling certain vehicles and the paths and processes the fuel goes through inside a vehicle, as well as how to diagnose various problems inherent to fuel systems. "We want to help them understand these systems as thoroughly as possible," said Vincent. "They're going to need these skills after we leave.  If we teach them well enough, they'll be able to pass on that knowledge."

The Marines of eMiTT-7 brought over members of CLB-46 along with an actual oxy-acetylene torch kit, compressed gases and steel beams to be cut. Together, the Marines and IA Soldiers operated the welding equipment and ironed out common errors Iraqi welders were making. "It's good that the Americans teach us what we need to know; it's important," said IA Cpl. Jasim, a tire and undercarriage specialist. "We're proud to be part of the process of bringing our country into a new era and beyond."

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-20

Dear Interested Reader,

Firefight at Patrol Base Bracha.  Craig Joint Theater Hospital helps build nursing foundation.  Humanitarian aid mission in Dandar village, while roads are secured, and training continues.

Iraq:  Troops change lives with wheelchair donations.  Advise and Assist Bde helps bridge project.  Helping hand for Rashid elementary school.

Joanna

______________________

October 20, 2009

DoD Imagery

Firefight at Patrol Base Bracha

(DoD photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau, Marine Corps)

Marine Corps Sgt. Deacon Holten, a squad leader with 2nd Bn, 8th Marine Regt, directs fellow Marines during an attack at Patrol Base Bracha in the Garmsir district of Helmand prov., Oct. 9, 2009. 

A Marine reaches for more rounds during an attack at Patrol Base Bracha.

Lance Cpl. Joe Helmick runs for cover. 

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DVIDS

Craig Joint Theater Hospital Helps Build Nursing Foundation

Story by Tech. Sgt. John Jung

Center: 1st Lt. Nicole Pries, Intensive Care Ward nurse, deployed from David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB, Calif.

BAGRAM AIRFIRLD -- The Craig Joint Theater Hospital recently played a historic role in the new foundation of Afghan nursing.  Malika Faqiri and Laila Farahi, 2 female ANA soldiers, attended a special 2-week mentorship program  at the CJTH to work alongside U.S. doctors and nurses to hone their medical skills, and get first-hand experience with trauma-based care. The 2 soldiers were the first women to attend the special program.

The mentorship program was the final step in a year-long, trauma-based program whose goal is to produce the first formally-trained nurses in Afghanistan.  At the completion of a year's worth of training, the students are equivalent to licensed professional or licensed vocational nurses.

"The nursing program is an answer to a nursing shortage that is happening within ANSF," said Lt. Col. Vivian Harris, CSTC-A chief nurse. "The total focus is on nursing, and the goal is to produce nurses at the end of one year that are able to take care of trauma patients wherever they're working," continued Harris.

Western medical care and procedures are very different from what Ms. Faqiri and Farahi are used to they said, through Najla Momand, an Army contractor, who serves as a translator and nursing instructor for the 2 women. Getting Ms. Faqiri and Ms. Farahi to the CJTH was no easy task according to Ms. Momand, who has been working for the Army for 2 years. "Afghan culture does not allow women to leave their home-village unaccompanied by a close male relative," she said. "I was luckily able to broker a deal with the village elders to let them come here to learn, because of my good working relationship with the village in the past."

Cultural and personal boundaries were tested and sometimes fell during the 2-week mentorship program. "We treat anyone who is brought in due to combat," said 1st Lt. Nicole Pries, Intensive Care Ward nurse.  "Sometimes it's a local villager; sometimes it's an enemy fighter.  The ANA nurses were a really big help with us. A lot of times when we [Americans] come here there is a big cultural barrier between the patients and us," said Pries. "It's frustrating not speaking their language, but still having to get across to them what we need to do to take care of them.  However, once the ANA nurses come in, they've a cultural bond with them, and they know how to talk to them and they make a connection."

Connections were even made with the enemy. Ms. Faquiri's husband was killed by the Taliban years ago, but she did not hesitate to help an enemy fighter who was being treated at the CJTH. The enemy fighter stopped thrashing around and spitting at the doctors and nurses administering to him, when she spoke to him in his own language. She was compassionate and caring despite the fact he was the enemy, according to the CJTH hospital staff. Through the translator, she told us that she wasn't afraid of the enemy and was proud to be in the ANA. "Malika wore the ANA title like a badge of honor.  She's very proud to be in the army," said Ms. Momand.

"Nursing is not just from textbooks. It takes compassion, excellent patient care, and a heart for whoever you're treating, even if they don't like you," said Lt. Pries. It's been a humbling experience working with the ANA nurses and being a part of this milestone in their training."

Ms. Farahi said thorugh Ms. Momand, "I'm very excited to have learned new nursing skills and look forward to using these skills. My hope is to take back the medical knowledge I've learned here, to my people."

"It's a historic time in Afghanistan for building the medical infrastructure so that Afghans can care for their own people," said Army Capt. Mark Ebeling, dir. of the 2-week medical mentorship program.  "I'm very honored that I'm here at this time," said Ebeling. 

U.S. Army Capt. Mark Ebeling and Laila Farahi.

Laila Farahi (left), assists 1st. Lt. Nicole Pries, Intensive Care Ward nurse with a patient. She was one of first women to ever attend the special program.

Laila Farahi (left), bandages a patient's leg. 

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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

ANA Gives Back to Local Communities 

Photos by Spc. William Henry

Brian Parrish an infantryman, stands guard during a humanitarian aid mission with Kuh-e Safi District police in Dandar village, Sept. 30. The focus of the mission was to give the police a positive presence in the area by giving back to the community they work in.

1st Lt. Erik Buendia talks with the Kuh-e Safi District police chief and other local leaders.

A local girl carries a bag of lentils. 

ANA, Coalition Secure Afghan Roads - Policemen from the Kuh-e Safi District set up concertina wire for a vehicle checkpoint in nearby Dandar village during a conglomerate training exercise with TF Cyclone Soldiers from 4th Plt, 82nd Abn Div, Div Special Troops Bn, in Parwan, Oct. 1. 

Sgt. Sam Bieber, an inf squad leader, talks with Kuh-e Safi District policemen outside Dandar village during a vehicle checkpoint training exercise. 

Pfc. James Brunson, an Infantryman fires an AT-4 rocket during a range training exercise in Parwan.

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Special to American Forces Press Service - Iraq

Troops Change Lives With Wheelchair Donations

By Army Spc. Maurice A. Galloway

Spc. Jennifer Macdonald (left) and Spc. Stacy McCane, 34th ID, unload 20 wheelchairs that were given to pre-selected children with disabilities at the Moosawii hospital, Oct. 5. 

COB BASRA – U.S. troops and PRT members in Iraq’s Basra prov. completed what some say was a small task with a huge impact on improving the lives of some Iraqi families with disabled children. 

The wheelchairs were donated to the PRT by Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids, a non-profit org. created to meet the needs of Iraqi children who suffer from mobility-limiting disabilities such as cerebral palsy, chronic rheumatism, and kyphoscoliosis.

"These children are carried everywhere, and these mothers aren't going to be able to continue carrying these kids as they grow older," said Col. Michael  Rath, 308th CAB, 17th Fires Bde, 34 ID, medical surgeon. "After speaking with these families, I found that most of these children have bed sores from lying down constantly. These wheelchairs will help with the reduction of those open wounds, by giving the children a means of getting out of their beds.”

At age four, Husain Diaa was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, rendering him unable to control his motor functions. "It touches my heart that these Soldiers would give this wheelchair to my son,” said Husain's mother, as tears streamed down her face.  “We need it so much and I can't thank them enough."

Jeehied Wahav appreciated the Soldiers' caring during the event and remarked on the life-changing effect the wheelchair will have on the life of his 10-year-old daughter. "I'm very grateful to the Soldiers who took the time to do this," he said. "My daughter can't walk, and I've been carrying her around.  I've been afraid to send her to school because of this, although she's very smart, but now the chair changes that."

"It gives me joy to be able to give someone else joy," said Spc. LaFena Washington, 34th ID. "Back home I'm very involved with community outreach. It's very fulfilling to be able to continue to give assistance and provide hope to those who really need it."

"It's good to have a collaborative group come together to complete a goal that benefits so many people that really need assistance," said Maj. Diane Greenpope, 308th CAB, PRT Health Team leader. "Assembling these wheelchairs was a very simple task, but the impact it had on the kids and their families will be very hard to forget."

"I'm normally driving or providing security for these events," said Sgt. Demont Moore, 1st Bn, 377th FAR, 17th FB truck driver. "To actually have a hand in providing these wheelchairs is something that made me feel very proud."

Army Master Sgt. David Deuel assembles one of 20 wheelchairs.

Army Col. (Dr.) Michael Rath tries to better understand the challenges the Diaa family faces in providing medicine and treatment for their son, who has cerebral palsy.

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American Forces Press Service

'Advise and Assist' Brigade Helps Bridge Project

(From a 1st BCT, 82nd Airborne Division, news release) 

Army divers come out of the Euphrates River after a 2-hour dive to locate debris in the path of the new Saqlawiya bridge being built north of Taqaddum,  Oct. 5, 2009. The “umbilical cord” on shore includes the air supply and communications for the divers, who are assigned to the 86th Engr Dive Team. (Army photos by Spc. Michael MacLeod)  

SAQLAWIYA – On a floating bridge beside the stump of a modern concrete highway span under construction, 2 middle-aged men talk through an interpreter about the job before them.  One is Najee Hamed, shift supervisor for the IP who is manning traffic control points and providing security for the bridge and new construction. A large, heavyset man, Hamed is a former 1st sgt of an IA artillery btry, who was wounded by rocket fire in the Iraq-Iran War. The other is U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Scott Thomas, a paratrooper on his 5th deployment, whose family’s military service dates back to the U.S. Revolution. Thomas, with the 82nd Abn Div’s 504th PIR, is providing security for an Army dive team that is removing debris from a destroyed bridge so that Iraqi contractors may finish a new bridge project. 

The 504th was the first inf regt in the Army to be designated airborne.  Now it's part of the newest tool in the Army’s arsenal developed for this kind of mission: the advise-and-assist brigade. “Local residents are glad the Americans are here, because the Iraqi contractors were getting slowed by the old pontoons in the river,” Hamed said. “Our concern is to minimize the time this bridge is closed to the public while divers are in the water.”

Local people look forward to the additional food and services that will become available when the project is complete, Hamed said. “Above everything, they are most concerned with their economic survival.” The security situation at the bridge site is very good compared to years past, he noted. “Two years ago, we could not cross the bridge without getting shot at,” Hamed said.

With a 5-knot current, depths up to 40 feet and ink-like visibility, the surface-supply diving is done completely by feel. Mapping the river bottom is done by trigonometry. Evenly spaced knots in the diver’s tether line indicate the length of the hypotenuse. The depth gauge gives the 2nd leg of the right triangle, which allows the third leg to be calculated. “The conditions are right on the edge of what is possible,” said Army 1st Lt. Joe Lunn, cmdr of the dive team.

The divers work 2 at a time. The work is cold, slow and unnerving, said Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Hawkey, a father of 2.  Due to the amount of time involved in preparing to go into the water, they're only able to conduct 2 dives per day. At the deepest, swiftest point in the channel, it takes a diver 30 minutes to traverse 7 feet. 

Army Sgt. 1st Class David Schimant, a plt sgt with the 50th MRBC, is glad to have the support of such a highly regarded unit. On some projects, his bridge builders provide their own security. The presence of the 82nd paratroopers lets them concentrate on supporting the dive team with their boats, dozers and bridging expertise.

As with U.S. forces throughout Iraq, the 50th MRBC is teaching Iraqis to do for themselves, for when the Americans are gone. In Sept., the 50th trained up an Iraqi bridging company on a joint project in the Taji area spanning the Tigris. They named it Partnership Bridge.

Just up the road, a platoon from Thomas’ company has been training with the IA. At the request of the Iraqi sgt maj, paratroopers are helping Iraqis develop their NCO officer corps through classes and teaching materials on tactical and leadership skills, Thomas said. “We're calling it ‘Strike Training,’” he said.  It includes a full spectrum of soldier skills and strives to lay out standards for field techniques, hygiene, physical fitness and even rudimentary expectations, such as being on time. Currently, Iraqi officers must handle those sorts of tasks, handled in U.S. forces by NCO such as Thomas and Guzman.

“If you want to go to Ramadi or Fallujah, this is the best way,” Hawal said, waving a hand at the soon-to-be finished span. At 29, he has a friend who lost a leg in the violence of years past, and another who lost a hand. Still, he is unafraid to stand sentry at the new bridge with the Americans. “This is my home,” he said.

Pfc. Robert Whitehair watches traffic patterns while patrolling to assist IP. 

Army Sgt. Kevin Mikionis answers questions while assisting IP.

Pfc. Jacob Durant greets Iraqi children while on patrol. 

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MNF-I

Helping hand for Rashid elementary school

By Pfc. Kelly LeCompte

BAGHDAD — Children at a girl's school in the Rashid district here recently received school supplies from IFP and U.S. Soldiers with Co A, 30th HBCT.

The U.S. Soldiers gave new back packs stuffed with pencils, pencil sharpeners and educational materials to IA officers to hand to the students of the Imtithal Elementary School. The Soldiers also gave soccer balls, crayons, coloring books and office supplies to the school's principal, Eman Hussein, to distribute and use later. "It's a great thing to be able to do this," said one FP officer. "We need to do more of this. It's win-win for everybody."

Hussein accompanied the group as they visited each classroom.  Children smiled and giggled as the FP presented each child with the items. "It was nice to see the FP working with the schools, and see the children being comfortable around the FP," said 1st Lt. Troy Smith. "It's important to have that interaction." The students in each class called out a unanimous thank you as the group left one classroom to go to the next.

Hussein said the students were very happy to receive the gifts, and thanked both Iraqi and American forces as they were leaving. "They're so happy," she said. "Thank you. You are welcome here any time."

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-19

Dear Interested Reader,

Recon Marines revisit insurgents in Helmand.  2/8 Marines conduct ops in Lakari Village.  Forces disrupt terrorist networks, drug havens.  Marines bring marathon to Camp Leatherneck.  

Iraq:  Op Proper Exit help heal wounded Soldiers.  Farmers prepare for micro-dairy in Kirkuk.  Camp Korean Village helps locals find treasure trash.  37th Engrs give school children backpacks.

Joanna

For those that would like to send warm clothes for the children of Afghanistan, the address is:

OPERATION WARM HEARTS - WARM BODIES

VCR

CH (LTC) ERIC ALBERTSON

RELIGIOUS MINISTRY DEPARTMENT

CSTC - A

APO , AE 09356

____________________

October 19, 2009

Blackanthem Military News

Recon Marines Revisit Insurgents in Helmand

By Cpl. Aaron Rooks

Sgt. Marc Garcia, a radio operator with Alpha Co, 2nd Recon Bn, MEB-Afghanistan, waits to board a CH-53E "Super Stallion" helicopter Oct. 6, 2009, at Camp Bastion in Helmand prov. The Marines kicked off Op Butler in the early morning when they departed Camp Bastion for the Southern Oasis in Now Zad district.

SOUTHERN OASIS, Helmand province - More than 130 Marines, accompanied by soldiers from the ANA, conducted an op to disrupt insurgent activity in NE Helmand prov. They began clearing the Salaam Bazaar in Now Zad district upon their arrival under cover of darkness, with little enemy resistance.  "The enemy did exactly what I expected them to do," said Capt. Albert Flores, Alpha Co cmdr.  "We landed and the Taliban left right away. They didn't want to face us head on because they know they can't win."

The Marines spent the remainder of day one raiding the bazaar alongside U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents in search of drugs and bomb-making materials.  Their combined search resulted in the seizure and destruction of more than 2,200 kilograms of poppy seeds, more than 60 kilograms of opium, a pressure-plate IED and more than 200 lbs of fertilizer used in producing explosives.

"We succeeded in disrupting the enemy's logistics supply point for trafficking narcotics and explosive device-making materials," said 1st Lt. Brandan Finn, plt cmdr, 2nd Plt.  "It reduces their financial capabilities, and allowed Afghan locals to see how proficient the Afghan soldiers were."

This marked the 2nd raid of the Salaam Bazaar in recent months. The recon Marines of TF Raider seized and destroyed a much larger amount of drugs and IED-making materials Aug. 12, when they first visited the bazaar. Flores said he suspected insurgents in the area were resupplying the bazaar with similar materials. "The bazaar's a great place for people to link up and traffic narcotics, weapons and IED-making materials," Flores said. "We're here to take away their ability to conduct these criminal acts."

The Marines traveled farther south past the bazaar after destroying their finds despite the threat of repetitive indirect-fire attacks. Flores said their remaining mission in the op was to "gain and maintain," contact with insurgents in the area. "We chased them for days," Flores said. "They had no idea what to do."

The recon Marines faced a much higher rate of enemy resistance in the form of indirect and small-arms attacks as they steadily pushed south in the days to follow.  The Marines moved south from compound to compound, overcoming what Flores described as "effective" insurgent mortar and rocket attacks. When needed, the Marines utilized Cobra attack helicopters and Harrier jets to suppress the enemy.

He said the Marines overcame even the most dangerous of situations, one in particular being a moment when insurgent mortars were landing dangerously close to the Marines. "The Marines went right after those guys, right out in the open," Flores explained, noting the 2-km distance between the Marines and the origin of insurgent mortar fire. "The enemy had no idea how to respond to that. They had no idea American Marines would react to an attack like that.  We maintained contact with insurgents and took away a safe haven for them," Flores added. "They believed the Southern Oasis was theirs, and we went right in there and took it from them."

Sgt. Zack Tharp provides cover while Marines in the background prepare to destroy confiscated drugs. 

A Marine cuts a bag of poppy seeds open.

Marines pour gasoline on bags of poppy seeds.

Sgt. Brandon Temple leads his team through a series of compounds. 

Staff Sgt. J. P. Egnaczyk, waits under cover during an indirect-fire attack. The Marines faced more enemy resistance as they moved farther south past the bazaar.

Staff Sgt. J. P. Egnaczyk searches for the origin of insurgent indirect-fire attacks Oct. 7, 2009, in the Salaam Bazaar. 

A Marine patrols the Salaam Bazaar for drugs and IED-making materials. 

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DoD Imagery

2/8 Marines Conduct Counter Insurgency Operations in Lakari Village

Story by Cpl. Michael Curvin

Marines with 2nd Bn, 8th Marine Regt, RCT 3, MEB-A, leave a compound after speaking with the residents. The majority of the local populace supports their families through farming. The Lakari village market brims with freshly harvested crops and supplies essential to farming.

PATROL BASE LAKARI, Helmand province – Winning Afghan trust has been the cornerstone of the success of Marines with Echo Co, 2nd Bn, as combat ops take them farther south into Helmand prov.  By establishing open lines of communication and security for the villagers in their current area of responsibility surrounding Patrol Base Lakari, established Oct. 2, the Marines receive info valuable to their efforts to defeat the local insurgents.

"We're trying to defeat the enemy with unconventional means," said 1st Lt. Patrick Nevins, a plt cmdr with Echo Co. "We don't have to revert to our organic weapons in a COIN [counter insurgency] fight." The Marines understand that to win this conflict, the population must support them, according to Nevins.  By working together with the civilians, the Marines have improved security in a highly volatile area with aid from the U.S. Army and ANA.

Speaking with village elders before moving through their villages has produced positive results in this region, giving Nevins and his Marines a communication advantage over the enemy. "I let them know that I'm here for them," Nevins said. "If there's anything they need, then they can come talk to me. We're just working on building relationships and mutual trust."

Nevins says geography plays a major role in counter insurgency ops throughout Helmand prov. Villagers close to ISAF installations depend on the security these compounds offer and the communication they provide, whereas populations living farther away from coalition positions are not able to see what CF are doing for them.

As MEB-A continues ops in southern Helmand prov., more and more smiles greet Marines as they patrol through villages and surrounding areas.  More often Nevins sees his Marines treated as friends by communities that once met them with suspicion. "They welcomed us with open arms," said Sgt. Anthony Matthews, a squad leader with Echo Co, when his squad made their way for Lakari village, for just the 2nd time since moving into the area. "Even though we didn't give out stuff last time, they were all over us."

Often Marines, weighted down with flaks, helmets and weapons, also carry brightly-colored stuffed animals and candy as the walk the village streets. "They love us," Matthews said. "When we start getting a bigger presence, they'll recognize that we're here for them."

The patrols have also started to expose a shift in public opinion toward the Taliban and a new willingness by the Afghans to voice this shift. "They hate them just like we hate them," Matthews said. "It seems like they learned to live with them" and now they realize there's a better life available to them.

Cpl. Andrew Kara, a rifleman with Echo Co, plays with an Afghan child during his squad's patrol through Lakari village.

Sgt. Anthony Matthews, a squad leader, jokes with a villager. 

Marines patrol through a cotton field. The Marines often take the road less traveled as they make their way to compounds that do not have paths leading to them, in order to ensure they talk to as many villagers as possible during the patrols.

After meeting with the parents of children in Lakari village, Marines handed out toys and candy. The Marines provide security for the villagers, and assist in clearing roadside bombs from the streets of the village.

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American Forces Press Service

Forces Disrupt Terrorist Networks, Drug Havens 

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2009 – Afghan and ISAF have disrupted several terrorist networks in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

A SECFOR killed more than a dozen insurgents and detained a suspect after searching a mountainside compound in Kunar prov known to be used by an al-Qaida cmdr and his element, believed to be responsible for trafficking foreign fighters and conducting numerous attacks in Pech Valley.  During the search of the compound NE of Jalalabad, the force twice received and returned enemy fire, killing the militants. The force also found RPGs, machine guns, and assault rifles. 

In the Ziruk district of Paktika prov., a force detained several insurgents after searching a compound known to be used by a Haqqani terrorist org. leader and his element, believed to be responsible for financing and supplying weapons to other militants in the region. The force also found and destroyed several grenades and a cache of small-arms ammo.

SECFOR killed and detained several enemy militants during a search in Zabul prov.’s Shahjoy district in pursuit of a Taliban cmdr and his element believed to be responsible for attacks in the region.  During the search, forces stopped a vehicle reportedly associated with militant activity. The suspects did not comply with commands the joint force issued, moved with hostile intent against the force and were killed. Subsequently, forces found the vehicle was carrying an IED, IED components, rifles, hand grenades and ammo belts with multiple mags. All material found was destroyed in place. Forces searched another vehicle and detained several suspected militants.

In Kandahar prov., forces detained several suspected militants after searching a series of buildings known to be used by a Taliban leader and his element believed to be responsible for financing and supplying weapons and fighters to other Taliban elements in the region.

In Wardak prov., forces detained several militants after searching a compound known to be used by a Taliban cmdr and a group believed to be responsible for numerous small-arms and IED attacks across the region.

Joint forces detained several suspected militants in Logar prov.’s Pul-e Alam district during an op to disrupt a militant cell believed to be responsible for making IEDs.

On Oct. 11 and 12, a SECFOR killed and detained several suspected militants in 3 ops:

In Helmand province, forces detained a suspected militant cmdr and several suspected militants linked to the narcotics industry in Nahri Sarraj district. Haji Khan Mohammed is considered a senior power broker in the district, and officials believe his drug ops provided financial support to enemy fighters throughout southern Afghanistan.  During the op, forces received machine-gun fire from militants shooting from multiple compounds. The forces moved the fighting away from the compounds and detained the militants.  A weapons cache consisting of 40 RPGs, several thousand machine-gun rounds, several 5-gallon jugs used in constructing homemade explosives for roadside bombs, 3 assault rifles and 20 mortar rounds, was destroyed on site by controlled detonation.

SECFOR killed several militants during an op in Qalat district of Zabul prov., in an effort to disrupt a Taliban element believed responsible for several attacks in the region. Forces found and destroyed an RPG, an assault rifle with ammo, a pistol, a grenade, an ammo belt and communications gear.

In Kandahar prov., forces detained a suspected militant in a compound known to be used by a Taliban leader and his element responsible for supplying IEDs, weapons and ammo to other militant groups in the region.

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DoD Imagery

Marines Bring Marathon to Camp Leatherneck

Photos by Gunnery Sgt. Kimberly Leone

Maj. Lauren Edwards (left), future ops and engr officer, Combat Logistics Regt 2, MEB-A, and 1st Lt. Erin Demchko, maintenance mgt officer, Marine Wing Support Sqdrn 371, Marine Aircraft Group 40, MEB-A, run through rutted tracks of "moon dust" during an early morning workout Sept. 26, 2009, aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand prov.

Maj. Lauren Edwards (left), and 1st Lt. Erin Demchko, stretch prior to a workout. The 2 All-Marine Running Team members kept each other motivated while training for the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon.  Edwards will run in the satellite Marine Corps Marathon she organized at Camp Leatherneck, while Demchko will participate in the Washington, D.C. event.

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MNF-Iraq

6th Saber Squadron Help Warriors Heal Old Wounds

Story by Christopher Kozloski

Command Sgt. Maj. James Pippin, the command sgt maj of 3rd "Greywolf" HBCT, 1st Cav. Div., explains the significance of the Order of the Spur to Marine Sgt. John Eubanks, who participated in Op Proper Exit.  Eubanks and the warriors with him were inducted into the Order of the Spur at FOB Sykes, Oct. 12, in honor of their service and sacrifice in OIF.

MOSUL – Troops exited an aircraft on FOB Sykes in single file and quickly made their way across the tarmac to their rally point under the early-morning Iraq sun.  Any other day this would seem routine. However, for the troops exiting the plane it was anything but normal. They were returning to visit a country that had left them severely wounded.

As the troops filed out of the back of the aircraft, they were immediately met by sponsors, Soldiers from 6th "Saber" Sqdrn, 9th Cav Regt, 3rd HBCT, 1st Cav Div that volunteered to personally escort the troops during their visit to Sykes. With hugs and handshakes, it was as though the servicemen had known each other all their lives.

Eight individuals traveled to Sykes, sponsored by U.S. Army, and Troops First Foundation which allows wounded servicemen and women the opportunity to return to Iraq, gain some perspective on their injuries, and see the progress that has been made since their service and sacrifice.

The troops were given a short briefing by Lt. Col. Guy Parmeter, cmdr of the Saber sqdrn, focusing on how the Army's mission has changed over the course of the last several years. "One of the biggest changes you will notice is that the Iraqis are providing security for their cities and town," Parmeter said as he spoke to the troops. "Earlier in the war, you may have seen 50 to 60 reported incidents a day. In our area of ops, we may see 2 or 3 a week, and now we have an IA liaison that works right here with us."

The largest change these troops noticed was the true partnership between the ISF and U.S. Forces in Iraq. They received a tour of Saber's tactical ops center and got a chance to meet the IA liaison now working side-by-side with his Saber counterparts. They were amazed at the progress that had been made since their deployments, which in some cases dated as far back as 2003.

"This is great," said 1st Lt. Edwin Salau, retired, who was injured in 2004 by an RPG and small arms fire during an ambush, which resulted in the loss of his lower left leg. "This is exactly what we needed to see." After the briefing and the tour of the tactical ops center, the sponsors and troops broke off individually to tour the FOB. They checked out the living conditions, the morale, welfare and recreation facilities and the dining facility for a taste of good old Army chow.

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Olson commented on how the living condition had changed at the FOB, saying that the Soldiers had better conditions now than he remembered having during his deployment. Olson was injured in 2003 by an RPG blast resulting in the loss of his right leg from the hip down. He still serves in the Army as a competitive marksman and marksmanship instructor.

The day ended with a ceremony in honor of these troops.  Saber Soldiers came together in a horseshoe formation to thank the troops for their service and sacrifice.  Col. Gary Volesky, the bde cmdr for 3rd "Greywolf" and Command Sgt. Maj. James Pippin, flew in from FOB Marez to honor the troops by inducting them into the Order of the Spur, a rite of passage for U.S. Army Cav Soldiers, in which they earn their gold spurs through a combat deployment with a cav unit. "As you great Americans are here healing from your wounds, you are also providing healing for us," said Volesky. "We have 16 great Americans that we have to carry back in our memories from this deployment. You being here also offers us a chance to heal. Thank you for that."

IA Brig. Gen. Rahman, cmdr, and Dr. Abdl Al, mayor of the city of Tal Afar, also attended the ceremony and spoke to the troops. "We will always remember you and your sacrifice," said Rahman. "Our blood and your blood have mixed on the Iraqi countryside. Your service has helped us stabilize Iraq. We will never forget that."

The troops of Op Proper exit are expected to tour other areas of Iraq throughout the week.

Sgt. John Hyland, a Soldier participating in Op Proper Exit, closely studies 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt.'s tactical ops center, noting the extensive changes since his tour of duty in 2007. 

Col. Gary Volesky thanks Sgt. Robert Brown, a Soldier participating in Op Proper Exit, for his heroic service and sacrifice.  Volesky awarded Brown with the Order of the Spur and a Cmdr's Coin for Excellence to recognize and honor his sacrifice.

Lt. Col. Guy Parmeter, cmdr, greets Sgt. John Hyland, a Soldier participating in Op Proper Exit.  Hyland was a member of B Co., 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., when he was injured by an roadside bomb in 2007.

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MNF-I

Reviving an Industry: Farmers Prepare for Micro-dairy

Lt. Col. Hugh McNeely (right), the dep comm. officer for 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, listens as Sheikh Talabani (left) explains the workings of the micro-dairy farm that will soon be constructed on his property near Daquq, during a visit to the site, Oct. 8. The micro-diary will also be used by local farmers in a dairy cooperative.

FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK — Walking through a market in Kirkuk city, shoppers will notice something unusual while perusing the dairy section.  Milk, cheese, yogurt and the various other dairy products all have a common feature:  virtually none of them were made in Iraq. That's because up to this point, local dairy farmers couldn't compete with the larger dairy producers in the surrounding nations which export their products into Iraq. "If you look at the market, all the dairy products we have are Turkish or Iranian," said Sheikh  Talabani, a farmer. "We can do it ourselves; why shouldn't we?"

Soon, local dairy farmers will get some help from a new micro-dairy farm opening on Talabani's land near the city of Daquq, Kirkuk prov. A micro-dairy is a place where farmers near a local dairy cooperative can bring their milk to have it processed and prepared for sale at a local market.

Talabani said that since the invasion in 2003, it's been hard on small-time farmers because of a large increase in the cost of many essential farming supplies, such as equipment, fertilizer, pesticides and petrol. This opened the market for outside dairy producers to move their products into Iraq and sell them at a cheaper price than the local producers could afford to do. The local dairy business continued to spiral downward, until essentially no dairy products were being produced for sale on local markets.

With the introduction a micro-dairy farm in the area, Talabani said dairy farmers will again be able to produce a product that can compete in price with imported dairy products. Because of the closeness of this micro-dairy to the farmers who will use it, the cost of transportation will be minimal and the expense of pasteurizing and processing both cow and sheep's milk at the dairy farm will be very low.

In addition to this micro-dairy farm, 3 more will be placed in the prov. near the cities of Hawijah, Riyaad and Altun Kapri. "This will build an industry that currently doesn't exist here," said Lt. Col. Hugh McNeely, the dep. comm. officer of 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div. "Many of the farmers already have the cows; they just need something to do with their milk."

"I feel very comfortable that this is one that can work," said McNeely to Talabani about the project. "I think this is going to be good for your assn and the whole prov."

Talabani (hand up) shows Lt. Col. Hugh McNeely (right), where a new micro-dairy farm will be located. 

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MNF-Iraq

One man’s trash, another man’s treasure

Spc. Josef Lewis, and Spc. Justin Fox, interact and play games with local nationals from the village of Rupas prior to supervising them while they collect food for their sheep and other items the village can use from trash outside Camp Korean Village. 

ASAD — Soldiers stationed on Camp Korean Village are reaching out to help the local villagers living near their camp, feed livestock and collect useful items from trash sites.

1st Lt. Matt Branstetter, Charlie Co, 1st Bn, 186th Inf Regt, said an agreement made with the Rupas city council allows 10 villagers to come to the camp per day to sort through collected trash.  Each person may remove as many as 4 truckloads per day. "We go out and guard the trash to make sure they don't grab anything they could make IEDs with," said Branstetter.

However, Branstetter also mentioned that the things they find help the villagers more than they could have imagined, and that Charlie Co is building strong bonds with the locals. He said that they are able to feed their sheep with food that is thrown away from the chow hall, and often find a lot of lumber and clothes. "They're kind of hurting, so anything they can take out of there they appreciate, and it's nice that we can help them a little bit," he said.

"Anything that they can use on a regular basis they'll use,” Lewis said. “We also set a lot of the things we get from home aside, so we can give it to them. We'll give them stuff like toothbrushes and tea."

Spc. Justin Fox said it's a good feeling when the villagers find things like shoes and shirts because he knows they appreciate it. Charlie Co Soldiers have bonded with the people from Rupas who come out to look for treasures in the trash. They frequently laugh and play games with the villagers, and Fox and Lewis say it's been a great life experience.

When one of the villagers was asked why he likes coming out to sort through the trash, he said it's because he can feed his sheep, find shoes, and that the Soldiers are good.  Lewis said that most of the Soldiers like going out and interacting with the local nationals because as he puts it, "There're a lot of good people out here."

Spc. Justin Fox interacts with a boy from the village of Rupas. 

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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq 

Soldiers Give School Children Backpacks

Photo by Pfc. Ernest E. Sivia III

Army 1st Lt. Meghan Keefe from the 37th Engrs, 3rd Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, talks to kids who have just received brand new backpacks from the U.S. Army's humanitarian efforts near FOB Warhoarse, in northern Iraq, Oct. 12.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kirk Worley from Joint Combat Camera Iraq, photographs the reactions of kids who have just received new backpacks. 

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Worley takes a moment to socialize with local kids outside a mission, during a survey for the upcoming elections, Oct. 12.

Navy Petty Officer First Class Worley socializes with local kids.

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MNF-I

Army Strong 

Spc. Jake Norris shows off his strength by lifting an Iraqi boy in the air with one arm to the amazement of his friends, while providing security for a soccer game, Oct. 9, in the Ma'dain region, located outside east Baghdad. Norris is an infantryman assigned to the HHC, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn Div.

(Photo by Pvt. Jared Gehmann)

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-18

Dear Interested Reader,

Marines in a firefight in Nawa district, Helmand prov.  Marines facilitate veterinary care in Garmsir district.  PRT Kunar in downtown Asadabad.  Seabees building a SW Asia Hut in Kandahar.

Iraq:  Micro-grant follow-up in Lazaka.  IA engrs continue to take the lead.  Joint planning conference on COB Spider.  Backpacks come to Baghdad kindergarten.

Joanna

________________________

October 18, 2009

DoD Imagery

Marines Light It Up As Sun Sets on Insurgents

Story by Lance Cpl. John McCall

Marines with Co B, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, RCT 3, run for cover during a fire fight in Nawa District, Helmand prov., Oct. 2.  Marines were attacked while conducting a security patrol in the area. They suffered no casualties after exchanging fire with enemy insurgents for nearly 2 hours.

NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province – "I could hear the bullets flying over my head," said Lance Cpl. Michael Estrada, 20, a team leader. "They were impacting right in front of us."  

Marines conducting a security patrol were attacked by enemy insurgents hiding on the outskirts of a nearby village. "We were patrolling through an area that's known to be used by the enemy," said Sgt. Matthew Duquette, 23, a squad leader. "We were moving across this small field on our way back to the patrol base, and we started taking fire."

Caught in an open field, Marines rushed for what little cover they could find, attained positive ID of the enemy, and began returning fire. "They were firing at us from a few different positions.  Most of it was coming out of a small village directly in front us," Duquette explained. "Once we identified their positions, we returned fire. We knew where they were so we had no reason to leave."

"You could see a few guys poking their heads out along with the muzzles of their rifles," Estrada recalled.  With the sun beginning to set, the enemy continued to harass the Marines from various positions. The insurgents put themselves between the bright sun and the Marines in a failed attempt to stifle them. "They try to use the sun to their advantage," Estrada explained. "The enemy will attack a lot when the sun sets or when it rises, since it's hard to see anything with the sun in your eyes."

"The shots kept coming so air support was called in for us," Duquette said. "I'm glad the plane came when it did because it seemed like the enemy's shots started getting a lot more accurate as the fight went on. Once we had support from the air, the enemy retreated and stopped firing."

The gunfire ceased after 2 aircraft made their gun runs, laying down fire on the insurgent positions. After the fight, the Marines found hundreds of enemy bullet casings in many different buildings in the area. Fortunately, the Marines had suffered no casualties during the fight.

Lance Cpl. Roy Aeschilmann returns fire.  Aeschilmann is a 24-year-old rifleman. 

Sgt. Matthew Duquette checks his squad to see if anyone is injured.

Marines take cover in a trench after receiving indirect fire. 

Pfc. Travis Preciado runs for cover.  Preciado is a 21-year-old rifleman.

Pfc. Preciado returns fire. 

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DoD Imagery

Marines Facilitate Veterinary Care for Afghan Farmers

Story by Sgt. Scott Whittington

Army Capt. John Winston III, 28, veterinarian with the 993rd Medical Det Veterinary Services, injects a local farmer's cow to treat for parasites, Oct. 9. Winston participated with civil affairs Marines from 2nd Bn, 8th Marine Regt in the veterinarian project that provided free medical care for livestock.

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province – The expression "goat rope" usually refers to something unorganized, but service members here helped local farmers with their roped goats, sheep and cows with free medical treatment. "It's not just something nice to have," said Capt. Micah Caskey IV, civil affairs officer. "This is the people's livelihood."

More than 60 farmers, and a local veterinarian, brought 717 animals – sheep, goats and cows – to the market to get complimentary veterinary treatment to treat and prevent worms and illnesses. Two military animal doctors from the U.S. Army and British Royal Army provided their assistance for the civil action project.

Capt. John Winston III, 28, one of the 2 veterinarians, thought the clinic "was fantastic.  We directly engaged with and helped the Afghan people," he said. The plans for the project began in July. Part of the coordination was a meeting between Caskey, local elders and other community members to ensure it didn't impinge on the local veterinary supply store or veterinarians. "The last thing we want to do is adversely affect the local economy," said Caskey. "We bought medicine from the store and gave it out."

When the Marines arrived at the front of the market to set up the animal pens, some locals didn't know what was happening, but as animals began lining up for treatment, they got the idea and helped spread the word. "The people are feeling happy," said local fabric dealer Sheer Mohammad through an interpreter. Mohammad spread news of the 1-day clinic to some of his friends who, in turn, brought their animals for treatment. "It's a good thing you're doing this."  Mohammad added he was surprised to see a foreign military giving free medicine for livestock. He couldn't recall any previous foreigners providing this type of service for the community.

"The volume of animals in such a short time was a bit of pressure," said British Royal army Capt. Miles Malone, veterinarian. "Having another vet there was key to its success."

Capt. John Winston III and his vet assistant, Spc. Keron Croft, de-worm and treat a herd of sheep. 

An Afghan boy waits his turn. 

An Afghan girl waits her turn. 

British Royal army Capt. Miles Malone, veterinarian, injects a local farmer's cow to treat for parasites.

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DoD Imagery

Downtown Asadabad

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian Boisvert 

A local Afghan farmer in Asadabad watches from his apple stand, as members from the PRT-Kunar SECFOR from Camp Wright, walk past, Oct 11. The SECFOR, along with Civil Affairs members from the PRT, walked the area talking to locals about current living conditions and villagers' basic needs.

Two Afghans restaurant workers prepare a soup lunch for sale to locals in the Asadabad Bazaar.  U.S. Sgt 1st Class Cameron Anderson, assigned to the PRT-Kunar SECFOR, along with Civil Affairs members, stopped and bought several servings for an impromptu lunch. 

A local Afghan farmer tends to his stand. 

Army Sgt. Raymond Barquin maintains a security posture while local children cautiously make conversation just outside the village of Dam Kalay, Oct. 11. 

A young Afghan boy holds his pet monkey while watching SECFOR members. This boy and his pet monkey stayed with the team the entire time chatting about his pet, his family and school. 

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DoD Imagery

NMCB-74 Det KAF Builds SWA Hut

(Photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Lindsey)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Carlos Gonzalez, builder, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Stanley Lawrence, builder, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Bn 74, Det Kandahar, measure a piece of lumber.  Seabees, Gonzalez and Lawrence are part of a detail building a Southwest Asia Hut, which will serve in humanitarian ops center for Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Derrick Holt, steel worker, Petty Officer 3rd Class Stanley Lawrence, builder, and Petty Officer 3rd Class April Richardson (right), builder, work as a team to install a plywood ceiling. 

Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Shurtz, builder, shows Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Rick West the project site during a tour of the base in Kandahar. Afghanistan is West's third stop during a visit to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

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DoD Imagery

Brothers Reunited in Kandahar, Afghanistan 

(Photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Lindsey) 

Seaman David Vermillion (right), 22, culinary specialist, attached to Naval Mobile Construction Bn 74, and Army Pfc. Matthew Vermillion, 24, a food service specialist attached to the 4th Engineer Bn, are reunited in Kandahar. The brothers had not seen each other in 2 years. 

Seaman David Vermillion (right), and Army Pfc. Matthew Vermillion reunite.

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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq 

Micro-grant Follow-up 

(Photos by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe) 

U.S. Soldiers and an IA officer speak with a local mukhtar.

Army Pfc. Matthew McPherson (right), assigned to 1st Bn, 8th Cav, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, sits along a wall next to an Iraqi soldier during a mission to follow-up on micro-grant payments in Lazaka, Oct. 2.

Staff Sgt. Adam Rondon, and Staff Sgt. Semeli Toilolo, from Pago Pago, American Samoa talk with locals.

Pfc. Matthew McPherson speaks with Iraqi soldiers. 

A local Iraqi man and his daughter take a moment to pose for the camera. 

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Multi-National Corps Iraq Public Affairs 

Iraqi Engineers Continue to Take the Lead

Story by Spc. Amburr Reese

Iraqi Maj. Gen. Amir, chief of staff, Iraqi Ground Force Command, leads discussions at the IGFC Engineering Conference held at Camp Iraqi Hero, Sept. 29.

CAMP IRAQI HERO - "Today we're here to learn from the Iraqis about their successes and problems, and then learn what we can do to enable and help them as partners," Maj. Bill Redding, Iraqi Ground Force Command liaison officer said. "This is the first time that the Iraqis have brought in the agenda, the discussion points and they're bringing up issues, concerns and successes," Redding said.

The conference was designed to bring IGFC and field engineering regt cmdrs to one location to talk about personnel, ops and logistics of the Iraqi engineering regts. "The leadership here is all Iraqi; the conference is being facilitated by them. U.S. Forces are really just here as partners to answer any questions that we can, and to help facilitate any problems," Redding said.

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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Joint Planning Conference

Photo by Staff Sgt. Luke P. Thelen 

Iraqi Army Command, Sgt. Maj. Ahamed discusses calendar events with U.S. Soldiers from the 65th Engr Bn, 130th Engr Bde, 8th Theater Sust Command, during a joint planning conference on COB Spider, in northern Iraq, Oct. 5, 2009. The purpose of the conference was to teach the Iraqi soldiers how to develop quarterly training plans based off resources on hand and training requirements needed to complete specific mission sets.

Army Capt. John Charles Sivley (center), Cmdr, 95th Engr Co, 65th Engr Bn, speaks with IA Lt. Col. Shibeeb (right), Cmdr.

Soldiers from the 65th and Iraqi soldiers participate in a joint planning conference. on Contingency Operating Location Spider, in northern Iraq, Oct. 5, 2009. 

Lt. Col. Scott Petersen, Cmdr, 65th Engr Bn, speaks to leadership within his unit and IA soldiers. 

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Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula 

U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers Bring Backpacks to Baghdad Kindergarten

An Iraqi SOF Soldier hugs a kindergarten student after backpacks were handed out to children during a visit to a local school in Baghdad, Sept. 28. The visit was organized by ISOF's 1st Bde and Special Ops TF - Central Soldiers. 

A classroom of kindergarten students takes their seats after receiving backpacks. 

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Special on the attack on COP Keating/10-18

My son-in-law sent me this story he read on ABC News Internet, and I was astounded that I hadn't seen this story in such detail. This was one of the biggest story of the Afghanistan war, full of heroism, and until now I hadn't had any idea. I hope you're pleased that I'm sharing this with you. Please pass it on. Imagine our troops giving blood for the wounded, and our wounded not wanting to leave the battlefield.
Joanna
__________________________

ABC News Internet Ventures

Camp Keating That Was Attacked is Abandoned

By KAREN RUSSO
JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Oct. 8, 2009—

The remote U.S. outpost near the Pakistan border that was nearly overrun by insurgents last weekend, has been abandoned and destroyed by American troops, military officials announced today.
Americans demolished the base, dubbed COP Keating, just days after an all-day fight last Saturday in which 8 American soldiers were killed and 24 wounded. U.S. military officials estimate that as many as 100 of the attackers were also killed in the battle, which was the bloodiest in Afghanistan in the past year. Keating was destroyed so it could not be used by insurgents.

Keating and a 2nd base, COP Fritsche, were abandoned this week as part of Gen. Stanley McChrystal's new strategy to pull back from unpopulated areas and concentrate on defending population centers. "We had been planning to realign our forces to better protect the population for months. These closings are part of that realignment," said an Army spokesperson Major T.G. Taylor.

One of the commanders in the Keating fight rejected any suggestion that the battle was a defeat, and was frustrated that it could appear that way, especially since he estimated that as many as 100 to 150 attackers were killed in the fight. Lt. Col. Jimmy Blackmon, who commanded the Apache bn that flew to Keating's defense, told ABC News, "Knowing that American soldiers fought all day long, heroic valorous actions all day long, and a headline would lead the average person to believe that we may have lost that fight. Unequivocally untrue."

The closings were announced as fresh details emerged about the battle for Keating last Saturday from the pilots of 2 Apache gunships who helped repel the attack, and 2 ground controllers who were inside the base. By the time Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ross Lewallen and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chad Bardwell arrived over the embattled outpost, much of Keating was in flames and dozens of insurgents could be seen on the camp's perimeter.

"When we first showed up and put our sensors on Keating, it was just kind of shock," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chad Bardwell, 35, who piloted one of a swarm of Apaches that rushed the base's defense. "All the amount of flames and the smoke, and to see that amount of personnel running outside of their wire. It was really kind of shock."

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ross Lewallen added, "I've been on 3 deployments and I've never seen that large of a force attacking one static position." The number of attackers has been estimated from 100 to 200. Lewallen said he thought as many as 350 were involved in the assault.

Hunkered down inside the base's ops center were 1st Lt. Cason Shrode, 24, and Sgt. Jayson Souter, 22. The 2 men were working radios and directing traffic for the Apaches and attack jets that swarmed overhead. They knew the camp was ablaze, and that insurgents had breached the camp's defenses and were inside the wire. "It's definitely not a comfortable feeling to be at a place where you're most vulnerable, just not a comfortable feeling knowing these guys are right outside," Souter told ABC News.

The camp is located at the base of two steep mountains, allowing the enemy to fire down on the camp with a powerful .50 caliber machine gun and other heavy guns.

The U.S. and Afghan army soldiers inside Keating had been reduced in ranks, because the camp was scheduled to be closed as part of Gen. Stanley McChrystal's strategy of pulling back from sparsely populated areas to protect population centers instead. The camp's defenders, who endured small attacks several times a week, had been warned by villagers about 10 minutes before the onslaught began. While the camp prepared for a pending attack, soldiers were not alarmed by the warning because it was one of the almost daily stream of tips they received.
The soldiers quickly realized the assault was much larger than any they had ever endured. The camp's generator was hit immediately, plunging the camp into pre-dawn darkness. Soon the camp was on fire with strong winds fanning it along to additional buildings. Eventually, every building in the camp, except one, was burned. "We were basically surrounded 360 degrees," Shrode said. "I think there were significant numbers [of enemy fighters] throughout the day." He immediately called for air support.

"We had fixed wing [jets] 20 minutes after fight started," Shrode told ABC News. "We had helicopters 20 minutes later. ... We had so many different assets up in the air ... they were stacked on so many different levels." Nevertheless, the battle raged throughout the morning. There was a lull about noon, before the attack resumed.

"We had everything we needed. It was just a big attack with a lot of people. Bad things happen, but I think we did well, considering the circumstances." He added that cooperation with the air cover ensured that a "bad situation did not turn worse."

For the pilots, it was, at times, difficult to find the enemy, and because of the smoke, visibility was restricted to a half mile. "One of the primary reasons the fight took so long, it is in extreme terrain," said Lewallen. "There are a lot of rocks and a lot of cover. You really can't detect the enemy until they start moving again."

Three of the attacking Apaches were damaged by insurgent fire, officials said. By the afternoon, cloud cover moved in, which helped reveal the position of enemy gunners. "At that time we were able to see some of the larger muzzle flashes that were a little higher in the mountains," Lewallen said. "We started to eliminate the larger weapons."
One concern was a report that several large caliber weapons were trained on the helicopter landing zone, waiting for a Medevac flight to take out the wounded. The Medevac chopper didn't arrive until after 9 p.m. that night under the cover of darkness, and after those weapons had been located and destroyed.

ABC News had previously reported that when the Medevac flight arrived, some of the wounded refused a chance to leave Keating and kept on fighting. Soldiers also confirmed an earlier ABC News report that some troops gave blood during the fight to be transfused into wounded comrades.

When the attack was over, Souter and Shrode said the soldiers checked on each other and assessed the damage. The fire had destroyed much of the camp. Lost in the blaze were "cameras, movies, stuff that helps you pass the time ... but there were guys who literally lost everything except the clothes off their backs and the weapons in their hands," Souter said.

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-17

Dear Interested Reader,

Forces conduct Operation Wake Forest.  Police Mentor Team provides aid and training.  Kentucky ADT assists with agricultural improvements.  Militants killed/detained.

Iraq:  Stable security allows market to re-open in Mosul.  New bridge open in Ninewa prov.  Dragon Bde Soldiers receive piece of history.  Pursuit of ISI Mosul extortion network continues.  Micro-grants make a big difference in Basrah.

Joanna

________________________

October 17, 2009

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

ANA, U.S. Forces conduct Operation Wake Forest

By Spc. Matthew Thompson

Spc. Travis Owen, a scout with 3rd Sqdrn,  scans the iris of a local villager. 

LOGAR PROVINCE  - ANA and U.S. forces cordoned off the village of Baraki Rajan in Logar prov., as they searched for high-value targets, Oct. 2.  Working in concert, an ANA plt and units from 3rd Sqdrn, 71st Cav Regt, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn Div blocked roads and questioned locals who were passing through the town.

"We saw good inter-unit ops on all levels," Babington said.  "We were able to come together and operate cohesively on the battlefield in order to affect a positive result on the village." The Soldiers stopped and questioned the residents as they patrolled through the streets, as to who they were, where they were going, and where they had come from.

"In Afghanistan, there is no centralized system of ID," said Babington.  "There's no way to prove these people are who they are say they are except for the process we're about to go through." U.S. forces have a tool at their disposal to combat this issue called the Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment.  It's a small computer that captures biometric data such as fingerprints, iris scans and a front facial picture, which is consolidated in a large database.

"We enrolled as many people as we can into the HIIDE," said Spc. Travis Owen, a scout with 3-71 CAV who operates the HIIDE.  "It gets a database of the local population.  The ANA Soldiers are the ones who talk to the people and go into the houses first," said Owen. "Not only do they speak the language, but they are also familiar with the culture," Babington added.  "They really are our best liaison with the people."

According to Babington, the mentorship and partnership with the ANA and ANP helped enhance the mission. "This op was an example of how our ongoing mentoring with the ANA and ANP is developing them as a highly effective and positive military influence in our area of op," Babington said.  "The mission was a complete success due to our partnership with our local national forces and ability to operate multiple units in the same area at the same time."

Spc. Owen checks HIIDE, after entering a local's info. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

U.S. Army police mentor team, provides aid, training to ANP

By Spc. Matthew Thompson

Pfc. Sylvia Lopez, a medic assigned to the Police Mentor Team, demonstrates how to apply a tourniquet. 

LOGAR PROVINCE - "Stop the bright-red bleeding," instructed a Soldier from HHC, 3rd BSTB, 10th Mtn Div. Placing a tourniquet around an ANP officer's upper arm, the Soldier from HHC's Police Mentor Team (PMT), was able to quickly stop the bleeding. The officer's life was not in danger though. This was a part of the first-aid training the ANP at Baraki Rajan received, Oct. 1.

"My main focus was to control bleeding, stop the bleeding and other basic first-aid techniques," said Pfc Sylvia Lopez, a medic with the unit.  For Lopez, this was the first time she had trained with the Afghans, and her initial concerns were quickly erased when she noticed their proficiency. "I expected to walk them through each step and actually show them what I'm talking about.  They surprised me with how knowledgeable they were."

The lesson progressed from the simple self-aid to buddy-aid as the ANP learned how to splint broken bones and how to transport a casualty. According to Spc. Elijah Rodriguez, a MP officer with HHC, the PMT's main role is to train the ANP on police tactics, administrative maintenance, and accountability of themselves and their equipment. "We have to help teach them to be cops," said Rodriguez.  "We're training them to be police, but at the same time we're also training them to be Soldiers."

Rodriguez like other Soldiers relies on past experiences to enhance the training he and his team give to the ANP. "They need this help, because they're in a combat environment, and they're also trying to protect themselves," said Rodriguez.

According to Spc. Desmond Vaughn, an MP officer with HHC, the Afghan's mentality when it comes to training is no different than a new Soldier. "We have to go over the training every other day so they can grasp it," Vaughn said. "We're continually going over explanation, demonstration, and practice phases for training."

While at the ANP station on top of the hill overlooking Baraki Rajan, the PMT also helped with inventorying equipment, updating the roster of available ANP officers and ensuring the officers were registered in the Army's database. "I think now they're beginning to see that we're trying to build a foundation for them," said 2nd Lt. Gregory Avant, the PMT plt leader.  "It's a slow process, but it's going to change."

An ANP officer applies a tourniquet to a U.S. Soldier, while interpreter relays instructions from the medic. 

An ANP officer demonstrates his knowledge of how to apply a tourniquet on his partner. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

Agri-business development team assists with agricultural improvements

(Photos by Army Maj. John Holmes Jr.)

KAPISA PROVINCE - Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Moyer, Kentucky ADT, greets a local child while providing security for his team, Oct. 6. The Kentucky ADT meets with Afghan officials to develop programs that meet strategic goals for improving Afghanistan's agricultural needs.  

Sgt. 1st Class Moyer, provides security while his team visits the Director of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock. 

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Blackanthem Military News

Afghan-ISAF Kill, Detain Militants

By International Security Assistance Force

BAGRAM - Oct. 12, a joint SECFOR killed more than a dozen militants and detained a suspected militant after searching a mountainside compound in Kunar prov., known to be used by an al-Qaida cmdr and his element, believed responsible for the facilitation of foreign fighters and numerous attacks in Pech Valley. During the search of the compound located near Tantil village, NE of Jalalabad, the force received hostile enemy fire on 2 occasions and returned fire, killing the enemy militants. The joint force also found a number of RPGs, machine guns, multiple AK-47 rifles and other grenades. 
   
In another op in Ziruk district, Paktika prov., a joint SECFOR detained several suspected militants today after searching a compound known to be used by a Haqqani facilitator and his element, believed to be responsible for financing and supplying weapons to other militants in the region. The joint force also found several grenades and a cache of small arms ammo. 
   
In a 3rd op that marked one of the largest drug and weapons discoveries this year, a joint force found about 100 kilograms of heroin, 1,800 kilograms of opium, nearly 50 metric tons of opium seeds along with a morphine processing lab during a search in Kajaki district, Helmand prov., Oct. 6. The joint force killed multiple enemy fighters and detained several suspected militants.

The joint force, assisted by the Afghanistan Narcotics Interdiction Unit, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and the U.S. FBI, coordinated and conducted the search to disrupt Anti-Afghan forces, and to set conditions for effective future security ops in central Helmand prov.
   
The force also found a weapons cache that included: 35 RPGs, 5 hand grenades, an 82mm recoilless rifle, 600 links of 7.62mm ammo, 4 sniper rifles, an RPG launcher, 15 blocks of C-4 explosives, 2 blocks of Semtex plastic explosives, 50 detonation cords, 2 landmines, a passive infrared initiator, 350 rounds of various ammo and 35 tons of ammonium nitrate—a chemical used to make roadside bombs. All drugs were destroyed on site, and weapons were either positioned for safe disposal or destroyed on location.
   

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Multi-National Division - North PAO Iraq

Stable security allows market to re-open in Mosul

MOSUL - Local vendors and key leaders from the Mosul city council, Ninawa PRT, and 3rd BCT, 1st Cav Div, gathered on FOB Diamondback, Oct. 3 to announce the reopening of Al Baraka Market in east Mosul.

The Ninawa PRT leader, Patrick Murphy, provided opening remarks at the celebration and recognized the agencies that helped revitalize the market.

"The IA and 3rd BCT, in particular the 2nd Bn, 82 FAR under the leadership of Lt. Col. Benjamin Matthews, were responsible for engaging vendors, assisting them in the economic revitalization of the neighborhood, and taking on the role of being responsible community leaders," said Murphy.

"With nearly 50 individual businesses encompassed in this market, this project is a huge win that provides enduring employment for over 100 individuals and returns a sense of normalcy to the community," said Capt. Joe Himpelmann, cmdr for B Btry, 2-82 FA.

Lt. Col. Hussein, said he was very glad to see this market reopen. He and his Soldiers partnered with 2-82 FA to help make the market opening possible. "God willing, the market opens; the people can reopen their business and make a living," said Hussein. "They haven't had this in many years, and it will make many people in the neighborhood very happy."

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Multi-National Division - North PAO

New bridge south of Mosul open for civilian traffic

U.S. Forces constructing the Munirah bridge to span the gap between the east and west bank of the Tigris River, allowing free flowing traffic for the local populous in Ninawa Prov. 

MOSUL - ISF, U.S. and local provincial leaders came together to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Oct. 4 to commemorate the opening of the Munirah Bridge for civilian use.  The ceremony began with opening remarks by Lt. Col. Michael Fadden, cmdr,1st Bn, 12th Cav Regt, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav Div, who is responsible for the construction and security of the bridge.  His remarks were followed by speeches from the mayors of Ash Shura and Nimrud.

The completion of the Munirah Bridge provides a crossing-point across the Tigris River that will allow local citizens of Nimrud and Ash Shura sub-districts to travel shorter distance between both sides of the river, instead of having to travel south to the Qayyarah Bridge, or north to Mosul to cross the river. Local leaders stated that they planned to have the road on the bridges' eastern end paved so that it will support increased traffic in the future.

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Blackanthem Military News

Dragon Brigade Soldiers receive piece of history

By Spc. Shantelle Campbell

Command Sgt. Maj. Jefferson Moser, 701st BSB, 4th IBCT, puts the Big Red One combat patch on his color bearer during the patch ceremony at COB Speicher, Oct. 3.

COB SPEICHER, Tikrit - Since 1918, when the men who fought with the 81st Div during World War I donned an image of a wildcat on the sleeve of their uniform, U.S. Army Soldiers have bonded together through the history of their unit patch.

"Dragon" Soldiers of the 701st placed the historic Big Red One patch onto their right shoulder sleeves during a combat patch ceremony, held in front of the HQ building on COB Speicher, Oct. 3.  "What makes you feel the most proud about wearing the patch is the associations affiliated with the Big Red One and the Soldiers themselves, of how much pride they take within the unit," said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael McCoy, the 4th IBCT command sgt maj.

For many Soldiers at the ceremony, the Big Red One patch is their first combat patch binding them to a history that includes World War I and II, the Cold War, Vietnam, Desert Shield, Desert Storm and OIF.  "I feel honored and privileged to be wearing this patch, especially as my first combat patch," said Spc. Schennday Hansen, a supply clerk with HHC, 4th IBCT.

"With all the heritage and lineage that goes with the Big Red One, being the first - that's the key," said McCoy. "If you can't take pride in that then, what else can you take pride in?"

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Blackanthem Military News

ISF continue pursuit of ISI Mosul extortion network

By Multi-National Force - Iraq

BAGHDAD - ISF continued their search today for members of an Islamic State of Iraq extortion network based in Mosul.  Accurate intel resulted in the arrest of 31 suspected terrorists Oct. 12, including the Mosul extortion emir and the southern Nineveh extortion emir.

The first half of the security op began shortly after midnight yesterday and continued into the early morning hours.  Eighteen suspects were arrested during this phase.  The 2nd half of the op took place Oct. 12, bringing the total number of suspected Mosul-extortion network members arrested to 49.
 
The IA, IFP and U.S. forces advisors stopped 2 vehicles and searched several buildings throughout Mosul for warranted extortion-network members. The suspects are part of an ISI-led terrorist group that extorts money from innocent people by threatening violence against them. People typically targeted by the extortion network include those who own or work at construction sites and local businesses, although individuals at their private residences have been victims as well.  ISI extortionists then use the stolen money to fund terrorist attacks. 

During one of the first ops of the day, the security team stopped a vehicle in eastern Mosul based on intel tips, indicating that high-ranking extortion leaders may be in the vehicle.  Three suspects were arrested, 2 of them warranted extortion emirs in the Mosul area.  In the same vicinity, another security team arrested 3 additional suspects in a 2nd vehicle stop, which was conducted based on credible intel tips as well.

Additional security teams subsequently conducted searches of several buildings for other warranted criminals related to the Mosul extortion network, netting 25 more arrests. All suspects were arrested without incident.

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MNF-I

Micro-grants make a big difference  

Walter Koenig, PRT economic team leader, shakes hands with Nore, a member of the PRT's mentorship program and recipient of a U.S. micro-grant, in Basrah, October 2009. 

(Photo by Spc. Maurice Galloway)

BASRAH — The 17th Fires Bde (FB) and the Basrah PRT recently presented a few Iraqi entrepreneurs with small business development micro-grants.  After successfully completing an intensive PRT mentorship program designed to build strong business mgt skills, 30 entrepreneurs received micro-grants for the startup of new businesses, as well as the improvement of existing establishments.

"I'm so grateful for not only the money, but for the opportunity to improve my business with the knowledge I've gained from this program," said Novri Aeamish, a micro-grant recipient. "I'll use this grant money to buy tools, paint supplies, and a generator for my auto repair shop."

"This program's initiative is to cultivate an immediate impact for rapid business development," said E. Walter Koenig, economic team leader for the PRT. "It's going to take business developments like these, as well as the eventual development of a democratic system of open trade, to push Iraq on to the stage of global commerce."

The 17th FB has been evaluating areas in Basrah prov. that could benefit from assistance provided by the Cmdr's Emergency Response Program (CERP). Created as a financial resource for deployed U.S. military cmdrs, CERP is used to generate short-duration projects designed to alleviate urgent humanitarian need.

"We conducted several evaluations to determine the credibility of each and every business proposal," said Koenig. "We're investing a substantial amount of interest in the development of these entrepreneurs that doesn't just end with them receiving the funding to open these businesses.  We're prepared to continue the necessary training and mentorship to make sure that these businesses succeed."

"We're proud of what we've accomplished with this program so far," Koenig said. "We hope to have more success in the future. The need is there, but more importantly, the desire and enthusiasm is there within the people of Basrah who want to be the leaders of tomorrow in the community and throughout the business world.  "All we're doing is offering a hand up," he said. "How far 'up' depends on the men and women in this great city to decide for themselves."

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MNF-I

Euphrates Crossing and Surveillance 

(Photos by Spc. Michael MacLeod)

Paratroopers with the 82nd Abn Div, Advise and Assist Brigade (AAB), return from a joint patrol across the Euphrates River with IP, Al Taqaddum, Oct. 5.

Sgt. Kevin Mikionis, 82nd Abn Div, AAB, launches a Raven UAV for surveillance over a bridge project along the Euphrates River, north of Al Taqqadum, Oct. 5, 2009. 

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MNF-I

Sweet Tooth 

(Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Kirk Worley)

Army Staff Sgt. Timothy Mills, 2nd ID, gives a child a piece of candy during a joint patrol with Iraqi Soldiers in Diayala Prov., Sept. 30. 

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-16

Dear Interested Reader,

TF Cyclone trains ANP officers.  Tinsmith Vocational Training program graduates disabled participants.  Militants detained in Logar prov.  U.S. and Canadian Soldiers work with ANSF to secure Zhari district.

Iraq:  Oregon NG provide medical evacuations.  Academy at COP Carver prepares IA soldiers.  School suplies delivered to Rumaytha.

Joanna

_______________________

October 16, 2009

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Soldiers train ANP officers to perform security checks, first-aid

By Spc. William Henry

Pfc. Nick Weeks explains techniques of a traffic control point to police officers during training nearby Dandar village.

PARWAN PROVINCE - Soldiers attached to TF Cyclone with 4th Plt, Co B, STB, 82nd Abn Div, gave an intensive, interactive and hands-on 3-day block of instruction to an attentive group of ANP officers in the Kuh-e Safi district in Parwan Prov, Sept. 29 to Oct. 1

The training consisted of traffic control point ops, vehicle and personnel search, and first-aid ops, all culminating with a live training scenario incorporating all 3 days of instruction. The intention, according to police trainer Sgt. Sam Bieber, an inf squad leader, was to transform the ANP into a self sufficient org that operates more cohesively with CF.

"We're here to help these people build pride in being an ANP and someone to look up to," said Bieber. "I want to build confidence in them so their people have confidence in them. Honestly, the ANP is the first face of security presence that these people will see."

"It's tough sometimes because of the language barrier and the resources of the police officers. You can still train them how to be safe and how to do things that are going to help them and help their people," said Bieber.  "So far I'm impressed how fast they've picked everything up."

"They're willing to learn so that's good," agreed Army Pfc. Nick Weeks, an infantryman.  "One of the things we can really learn from this training is a little bit more of the social background of the people. Sometimes when you're learning it's a lot easier to get to know the people before you just start jumping into training, because it makes things run a lot more smoothly."

The policemen say they feel the same way about the training. "We don't have any problems learning and we like the training.  I can take what I learn here and show others.  Even if I relocate I can show others on the force," said 3rd Lt. Musawer, a 3-year veteran of the Kuh-e Safi district police force. "This training is very important. We have to learn from the American Soldiers, because we're here to do the same things," said Musawer.

Spc. Calixto Alvarado, a medical Soldier attached to TF Cyclone, observes ANP officers practice treating a sucking chest wound. 

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Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan

Tinsmith Graduation 
 
Photos by Master Sgt. Sarah Webb 

Friends and family members gather to witness a ceremony to honor the graduates of the tinsmith vocational educational training program. Thirty disabled participants completed the 90-day training course. The course was sponsored by USAID and coordinated by the National Disabled Assn and Dept of Labor and Social Affairs.

Cmdr. Wilson Marks, comm. officer for PRT-Ghazni, presents a graduate from the tinsmith vocational educational training program with his set of tools. The ceremony was held to honor the 30 graduates. 

Friends and family members gather to witness a ceremony to honor the graduates. 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Lytle, reservist from Naval Ops Support Center, member of PRT-Ghazni, stands guard. 

Local kids gather around to greet members of PRT-Ghazni.

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NATO ISAF

Militants Detained in Logar Province

KABUL - A joint Afghan and ISAF detained several suspected militants Oct 10, in Pul-e Alam district, Logar prov. during an op to disrupt a militant cell believed to be responsible for making IEDs. 

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NATO ISAF

Soldiers Work With ANSF to Secure Zhari District

FOB WILSON – U.S. and Canadian soldiers partnered with local ANSF to conduct an op in the village of Pasab, located in the Zhari District. Op PASAB was one of the first ops conducted in this area by the 1st Bn, 12th Inf Regt since they moved from FOB Ramrod to FOB Wilson.

"The main focus of the mission was to talk with local villagers in their compounds, so that Taliban wouldn't be able to influence what they said by using intimidation," said Capt. Sam Shepherd, HHC cmdr, 1-12th Regt. "We also wanted to clear the village of Pasab of weapons and IED making materials, link the people to the compounds using photos and full name, conduct a village assessment of their capabilities, and get the Afghan uniformed police (AUP) out to show security."

The AUP work throughout each district and are responsible for maintaining public order and security, preventing and discovering crime, arresting suspects, protecting public and private property, and regulating road traffic. By using the AUP and ANA, Shepherd hopes to help build the Afghan's confidence in their own Soldiers.

"It's important for the people to have the trust and confidence in their govt," said Shepherd, a 14-year veteran. "We have to link the people to their govt by backing up the AUP and ANA.  We have to show them that the govt works and can be trusted." Building that trust and confidence is one of the main goals of HHC, one of 5 companies operating under the 1-12 Bn. Keeping the population safe is also something Shepherd hopes his company will achieve during their time here. "The HHC area of responsibility is within walking distance of the district center," Shepherd said. "This area should be the safest place to be with the govt being right here. We just have to get them to mesh and get the message out that the govt is here and ready for them."

Re-building the Afghans confidence in their govt, providing peace and stability, and winning over the hearts and minds of the locals is what the Bn aims to do throughout the next year. For Maj. Chris Hormann, the 1-12 INF ops officer, he sees the shift from kinetic ops to non-kinetic ops as key to winning over the people. They plan to use that non-kinetic approach in the village of Senjaray.

"We're focusing on population centers where we can have the most impact," Hormann said, referring to Senjaray, which has a population of 10,000. "We're going to go into the village with a soft approach – protect the people from the insurgency – and help them fight against intimidation of the Taliban." 

Once they have established security for the village, the Bn will focus on meeting the needs of the villagers. "We'll identify the needs of the people, the threats in the area, and any additional resources they might need in the village," said Hormann. "Our goal is to help them live their lives by providing their security and needs."

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MNF-I

Oregon Guard Soldiers Provide Theater-wide Medical Evacuations

Story by Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg

Sgt. Tracy Braeme, a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief with C Co, 7th Bn, 158th Aviation Regt prepares her crew's helicopter for a medical evacuation mission, Oct. 8 at JBB.

JOINT BASE BALAD – Every day in Iraq, medical evacuations help save the lives of injured service members and civilians who would die without immediate care. The Oregon NG Soldiers with C Co, 7th Bn, 158th Aviation Regt, stationed at JBB, can't afford to take days off because lives are on the line. They perform theater-wide medical evacs and transport missions constantly.

"We're always on call, on alert," said Maj. Geoffrey Vallee, a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot and cmdr of C Co. "This mission is very reactionary." Vallee said the crews always have their helicopters and medical equipment ready, so when a mission comes along, the only variables are location and level of urgency.

When a 9-line medevac request is called in, the crew on rotation springs into action. An urgent call requires the helicopter to be off the ground within 15 minutes, said Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Casha, C Co.'s first plt sgt and a flight medic. "It's a pretty challenging thing," he said, "but everybody does their job as part of a team, and we get off the ground pretty quickly."

Each Black Hawk team is composed of 2 pilots, a medic and a crew chief. The medic provides en route care for the patient and, when necessary, is assisted by the crew chief. "My first priority is the security of the helicopter and all the people in it, but I also provide assistance to the medic," said Sgt. Tracy Braeme, a crew chief. 

The Soldiers of C Co. said the mission, while challenging, can be very rewarding. "I can't imagine doing anything else," said Casha, who works as a paramedic in Oregon.  Vallee said it's being able to do good things not only for American Soldiers, but for the Iraqi people that he finds most gratifying. "It's an easy mission to be proud of," said Vallee.

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Multi-National Division Baghdad 

Mada'in Academy Prepares Iraqi Army Soldiers

Story by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

IA soldiers bandage each other as Spc. Wesley Richards, an infantryman  looks on during the final exercise of the Mada'in Training Academy at COP Carver, Oct. 8.

BAGHDAD – Warrant Officer Haider Sada has been in the IA for 14 years.  Since 2003, he has worked closely with U.S. forces and understands all too well what is at stake for his country's future. "We live in a very tough situation, so I have to be involved to help my people," said Haider.

When Haider's military tactical and technical knowledge reached a plateau, he sought out the Mada'in Training Academy. "Whenever we reach a certain level of military knowledge, we need to find more," explained Haider, "so we come to American academies like this."

Throughout Baghdad, U.S. Soldiers have set up courses to impart their combat skills to Iraqi soldiers in academies like this one.  On Oct. 8, Soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn, 505th PIR, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn Div, graduated another class, bringing the total number of IA Soldiers successfully trained to 288. 

The 5-day course focuses on company-level leadership skills for lts and below, with instruction ranging from counterinsurgency ops, identifying IEDs, reflexive fire, checkpoint ops and first-aid lanes. "Everybody in the IA is supposed to be a Soldier and everybody should know these techniques," said Haider. "This is my motivation for going to this class. I'm a Soldier and this is my duty."

Like Haider, Sgt. Daniel Montijo, an instructor at the academy, has a military family tradition too. Both of his grandfathers fought in World War II; instilling a strong sense of duty in him. "I've always wanted to take care of Soldiers," said Montijo, a combat medic. "They're Soldiers just like us. The IA are allies and if I can help them secure a better future for Iraq, then it'll help keep us out of here."

According to Montijo, positive feedback from the graduates reinforces the fact that, given the chance, the students want to become better Soldiers. "I think that they don't have the opportunities available to further their military knowledge like we do in the States," explained Montijo. "So, if we can impart our knowledge and technical strengths, then we can help them as an army and a country."

"It seems like every class that comes through are better able to answer the medical questions," Montijo explained. "It's a testament that they're going back and spreading their knowledge learned here." The instructors noticed a change in the students when they combined their newly-acquired skills for the final medical lanes exercise. "Certain individuals may have had a problem with the PowerPoint and the lectures, but when they accomplish the lanes portion, they do have a sense of pride, and they feel better knowing that they can accomplish these tasks," said Montijo.

With smiles on their faces, all the students received diplomas and the coveted 82nd Airborne patch. Most of the students will return to their checkpoints, except 2. Instructors hand-picked Haider and another student for permanent assignment to the academy; the first students to do so. They will undergo a 2-week training regimen before they become primary instructors teaching alongside U.S. paratroopers.

An IA soldier searches Spc. Arnold Graham, an infantryman, during a practical exercise on proper searching techniques. 

Spc. Wesley Richards, an infantryman, demonstrates how to properly pull security while fellow Soldiers receive aid during the medical training lanes.

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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq 

Elementary School Visit 

Photo by Spc. Gavriel Bar-Tzur 

Students at Rridiyya Elemtary School examine their new school supplies purchased and passed out by CF in Rumaytha, Oct. 8. The 450 students take classes in tents while construction workers renovate their school.

CF distribute school supplies bought with their personal funds. 

Students of Rridiyya Elemenntary School run out to greet CF. The renovation is expected to be complete in two months, meanwhile, the 450 students take classes in tents.

Students anxiously wait for supplies from CF.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-15

Dear Interested Reader,

286th CSSB mentors ANA counterpart.  Kapisa PRT assists with economic development.  At Kandahar Airfield, program provides for humanitarian aid, economic growth.  "Backpacks for Afghanistan" program prepares pupils.

Iraq:  IP drilled on core medical skills.  "Operation Back to School" brings supplies to low income Nubai.  Senior AQI arrested in Kirkuk prov.  Terrorist media cell captured in the Salah ad-Din prov.

Joanna

________________________

October 15, 2009

DoD Imagery

286th CSSB Mentors ANA Supply Battalion

Story by Spc. Elisebet Freeburg

Capt. Jeff Whitten, the 286th CSSB HHC cmdr, shows an ANA soldier how to reassemble an M-16 rifle during rifle training. Whitten, along with Staff Sgt. Kyle Roy, a 286th ops NCO, trained ANA soldiers Sept. 5 and 6 at ANA Camp Hero near the base.

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD – Many ANA soldiers have previously used AK-47 rifles, but learn to use the M-16 because of its accuracy. The rifle training is part of an ongoing coalition effort to mentor the 286th CSSB's Afghan equivalent, a CSSB called Kandak Five, located at Camp Hero. "The M-16 will make a good weapon if we keep it clean," said Kandak Five Sgt. Kalamyar, a training participant. "It will help us."

"If you watch them [ANA soldiers] first thing Saturday morning compared to later in the afternoon, they come out of their shell a little bit," said Capt. Jeff Whitten. "We get them to do a little competition, breaking the weapon apart. We get them to cheer for each other."

"The good thing is they like to talk with their hands as much as I do, so I can kind of pick up on that," said Staff Sgt. Kyle Roy, the main mentor.  For more interaction, they moved outside where the ANA soldiers practiced elementary firing positions and then performed dime drills. As part of these drills, a dime is placed on the end of the muzzle. The troop must squeeze the trigger and keep the weapon steady, without shaking the dime off the barrel.

Canadian forces who mentor daily at Camp Hero, take the Kandak troops to the nearby firing range to put into practice their newly-acquired M-16 training.
"Currently we're working on a plan to implement more training based on a Kandak's need," said Whitten.

Servicemembers are evaluating a program that would teach Afghan soldiers how to drive wreckers and perform wrecker recovery. They also plan to eventually bring troops from Kandak Five to the 286th CSSB compound for hands-on mentorship. 

"The Americans are very good," said Kalamyar, "especially the instructors. We thank them and appreciate them coming here and spending the time with us."

Capt. Jeff Whitten explains, while Staff Sgt. Kyle Roy demonstrates the prone unsupported shooting position. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

PRT assists Afghan citizens with economic development

(Photos by AF Captain Darrick Lee)

AF Tech. Sgt. William Cobb, civil engineer, Kapisa PRT, discusses masonry techniques with an Afghan contractor at a construction project in Nijrab District, Kapisa province, Oct. 1. The PRT assists the Afghans in constructing schools, roads, and hospitals to help in the development of Afghanistan. 

A SECFOR Servicemember for Kapisa PRT, Spc. Mark Kusolnimit, interacts with a group of Afghan children. 

A civil engr for Kapisa PRT, AF 1st Lt. Anthony Raffaele (left), talks with store patrons at a local bazaar. In an effort to build rapport with locals the PRT went shopping at a bazaar, and conversed with local business owners.  

Kapisa PRT travelled to Nijrab District  in an effort to build rapport with locals. The team visited shops, while interacting with local business owners. 

Sgt. Carlos Velasquez, SECFOR team leader repairs an Afghan child's bicycle  while providing security for the PRT at the Gov.'s Compound in Mahmood

Raqi prov., Oct. 7.

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NATO ISAF

U.S.-led Program Provides Humanitarian Aid, Economic Growth

Story by Staff Sgt. Marcos Alices

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD – Success in the war in Afghanistan depends on winning the confidence of the people. U.S. forces attempt to achieve this goal by increasing reconstruction activities and changing the way U.S. troops interact with the Afghan population.

Joint Sustainment Command-Afghanistan is reaching out to the community as they establish only the 2nd humanitarian assistance yard in Afghanistan.
 "The military version of the Red Cross - we are providing needed supplies to communities around the region," said Spc. Antonio Charles, a JSC-A humanitarian assistance specialist.

The program started in 2005 at Bagram Airfield. The yard's purpose is to provide timely disaster and emergency relief to local Afghan communities. Poverty, famine, droughts and years of war have created a need for such a facility. It's a storage and distribution center for humanitarian aid supplies such as food, clothing, school and medical supplies, and certain household items.

"The humanitarian assistance yard will allow many Afghan families whose homes have been destroyed or damaged to stay put and rebuild instead of evacuate," said Sgt. 1st Class Corey Garner, a JSC-A humanitarian assistance NCO. "By staying, they can continue to use local merchants and services and build the community back up, and possibly bring in opportunistic businesses."

Several U.S. agencies work closely with local communities. They'll identify the needs of the community and submit a request to the humanitarian assistance yard, which will coordinate, transport and deliver items. The yard's presence here has provided jobs and opportunities for the locals. All supplies stored in the yard were purchased through local vendors.

"It's nice to help the people of Afghanistan and show the people another side of Americans instead of bullets and guns," said Pfc. Timothy Fiel, a JSC-A humanitarian assistance specialist.

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Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan

Preparing Afghan Pupils With Paper, Pencils 

Story by Staff Sgt. Marcos Alices

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD – In a country where education was once outlawed for many children by the Taliban, U.S. forces work to help rebuild Afghanistan's education system that has been devastated from 25 years of war and an unstable govt.

Units spread throughout the region are doing their part for the betterment of Afghanistan. U.S. forces are building schools for boys and girls, as they attempt to re-establish the education system. The 649th Regional Support Group is working with the local community to provide school supplies for teachers and students in the Kandahar prov.

"There's nothing more rewarding than watching a child learn," said 2nd Lt. Shaela Bresnan, Backpacks for Afghanistan program coordinator. "Unfortunately, children here lack the opportunities to educate themselves. Even when they have access to a school, they don't have the physical resources to get the most out of their education."

Backpacks for Afghanistan is a program started by the 649th, meant to meet the needs of students and teachers.  Local students will receive backpacks with 5 pencils, 3 pens, 2 colored pencils, a pencil sharpener, 2 erasers, 2 notebooks and 2 folders. A kit will also be available for teachers. It will provide them with classroom equipment such as world maps, construction paper and small chalk boards.

"When I was a little boy, if someone had given me a pen instead of a gun, this country would be a better place," said Afghan Col. Haji Jan, Afghanistan NP security cmdr of civil affairs.

The 649th RSG has set a goal to collect 5,000 backpacks and 200 teacher kits in 6 months. The program started early August. The RSG will work with CF and Afghan forces to distribute the supplies. "We hope to reach as many students as possible within the Kandahar area," said Bresnan.

Coalition troops in the southern region build and repair schools in local villages. The 649th RSG will supply every student attending these new and refurbished schools.  Afghan forces will also distribute school supplies to areas where no CF are present. "If you change the life of a child, you change the world," said Sgt. 1st Class Elaine Holten, Backpacks for Afghanistan organizer. 

In a society where the literacy rate is less than 30% of the population, all Afghan citizens have the opportunity to attend school. CF continue to develop programs to improve the current education system. "The program is very good for our future," said Toor Jan. "Our people will one day have doctors, pilots and engineers. This will be our future. "

Backpacks for Afghanistan allows everyone to participate in building a future for generations. Many orgs, churches and schools in the U.S. have already donated. 

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MNF-Iraq

Drilling Iraqi Police on Core Medic Skills 

Photos by Spc. Ruth McClary 

First Lt. Heather McGhee (left), a registered nurse with Co C, 230th BSB, 30th HBCT, applies make-up to create realistic visuals on casualties during a medic's training exercise, Oct. 6. 

Staff Sgt. Tory Jones (right) of Co C, teaches IFP officers basic pressure dressing techniques. Jones was one of the coordinators of a 2-day medic's training course for the officers at FOB Falcon. 

Hamid Matrood, IFP officer, coordinates with members on his team to make sure combat lifesaver bags are properly equipped before the medic's training exercise began.

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MNF-I

"Operation Back to School" Brings Soldiers, IA, Children Together

A young Iraqi student from Al-Abar Primary School pauses for a picture as she receives a backpack with school supplies Oct. 7, from Operation Back to School. Through the program, 81 girls and 130 boys in a low-income neighborhood received much-needed school supplies.

NUBAI – A combined effort between Soldiers, Airmen and the IA at Camp Taji,  brought much-needed school supplies to young school children – the first in a string of humanitarian efforts called Operation Back to School, a volunteer mission that has been months in the making, spearheaded by AF Lt. Col. E. Kent Wong, dir. of ops, 821st Expeditionary Training Sqdrn, who said a joint effort between Army and AF made this day possible.

Staff Sgt. George Warner, joint node network supervisor with B Co, 155th BSTB out of Tupelo, Miss., said that he put out the word back home to his friends and family to make donations. "Word has gotten around, and now supplies are being sent not only from Mississippi, but from all over the U.S.," said Warner. "We recently just put together 800 kits for the school children."
The kits include anything from pencils and pens to folders and rulers, which are put in backpacks for each child.

Warner said the service members work closely with members of the IA as a joint effort to help Iraqi communities. "This makes a good statement to the Iraqi people that both sides are working together to better the Iraqi people," said Warner.

Eleven IA soldiers were brought on the mission, performing security and handing out kits to the children. "The mission was safe and successful, and we brought smiles and happiness to the children of the school," said Lt. Col. Rafed  Edan, IA officer through an interpreter.

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MNC-Iraq

Senior al Qaeda member arrested, IED material found

FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK — IP, U.S. Soldiers with 4th Sqdrn, 9th Cav Regt, 1st Cav. Div., and Iraqi Soldiers arrested a senior member of AQI, and discovered a nearby weapons cache which stored materials for making IEDs near Daquq, Kirkuk prov., Oct 7.

The detainee, known as Yasser Gafour, is wanted in connection with kidnapping and intimidation of SECFOR and people throughout southern Kirkuk. The cache consisted of circuit boards, soldering guns, transistors and a pound of explosive material - all associated with the construction of IEDs.

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Multi-National Corps – Iraq

Terrorist media cell captured, propaganda machine disbanded  

TIKRIT - Soldiers with the 4th ERB arrested 5 suspected terrorists in the Salah ad-Din prov., Oct. 4. The arrested individuals are allegedly main contributors behind a central Jaysh Rijal al-Tariq al-Naqshabandi media cell, allegedly responsible for spreading terrorist propaganda throughout northern Iraq.

The terrorist media cell is also believed to be a key contributor towards unlawful efforts to disrupt the GoI and the spread of fabricated reports to the Iraqi media.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-14

Dear Interested Reader,

Midwives graduate training program in Gardez.  Bringing the Army 10-Miler to FOB Kalagush.  Counter-IED team donates supplies to children.  Paratroopers reenlist at FOB Sharana.  Forces reposition from 2 COPs, target insurgents.

Iraq:  Joint patrol in Basra.  Soldiers donate medical supplies in Kut.  IA Gen. visits with Bravo Co at Cam Taji.  Joint patrol in Basra.

Joanna

_________________________

October 14, 2009

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

Afghan midwives graduate training program in Gardez

A beaming graduate receives flowers and gifts from relatives at a graduation ceremony for the Nurse Midwife Training Program in the Gardez district of Paktya prov., Oct 3. 

(Photos by 1st Lt. Lauren Johnson)

PAKTYA PROVINCE – Twenty-four Afghan women were certified to deliver babies. The ceremony marked the completion of the third iteration of the training program, which equips 24 students with basic midwifery skills to serve in Paktya’s developing maternity and women’s healthcare industry.

Afghanistan has the second highest maternal mortality rate in the world; approx 16 out of 1,000 new mothers die from birthing complications. The Paktya Department of Health, using programs such as the midwife training, aims to reduce the provincial rate by 50%.

According to AF Maj Anita Chapel, Paktya PRT Medical Officer, who attended the ceremony, the training is expected to benefit Afghan women throughout the prov. “The females who graduated will return to their respective districts and provide the much needed care to the females in the villages,” said Chapel.  Similar programs have also been established in Zabul and Helmand provs, and, in the last year, the number of midwives in Afghanistan has nearly quadrupled.

Dr. Hayat, Deputy Minister of Public Health, speaking as both a mother and a govt official, congratulated the students and thanked their parents for allowing them to participate in the training. She stressed that health services are inseparable from human rights, and that they go hand-in-hand with security.

“These new graduates, besides bringing a much-needed skill to Paktya’s largely rural communities, will inspire young women across the Prov. to take advantage of new opportunities, and work to make a difference,” said AF Lt. Col. Carlos Halcomb, Paktya PRT cmdr.

Afghans perform a skit demonstrating the importance of proper maternal care. 

Gov. Hamdard hands a graduate her certificate.

Afghan women recite the midwifery oath. 

A graduate receives a gift package from one of the school’s instructors. Each of the 24 graduates received a similar gift package, including blankets, thermometers and stethoscopes to get them started in their new career. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Bringing the Army 10-miler to FOB Kalagush

By Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins

Servicemembers participate in the Army 10-mile shadow run on FOB Kalagush, Oct. 4. 

NURISTAN PROVINCE - The sun had not yet risen over FOB Kalagush,  but there were Army, Navy, Marine Corps and AF troops (18) on the track, preparing themselves for a long journey, a 10-mile shadow run in support of the 25th Annual Army 10-Miler.  It's an Army tradition that is held every October at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the largest 10-mile race held in America. 

Army 2nd Lt. Randal Maurer and 1st Lt. George Pierce, who are stationed together with the 2nd Bn, 77th FAR, decided to bring that tradition, to other servicemembers stationed at FOB Kalagush.

Maurer has participated in the D.C. marathon before, and thought it would be a good idea to let other troops unfamiliar with the Army tradition, get a taste of what he believes is a genuine self-motivating, valuable experience. "I wanted to try to better myself and to see if I could do it," Maurer said. "I wanted to give others the opportunity to do that also."

Pierce, who also sponsored the run for his former Army Reserve Officer Training Corps class at U of N. Carolina, decided to help promote the run as soon as he got to FOB Kalagush. "I decided, with Lt. Maurer, to coordinate the marathon as a fun run, a morale booster," said Pierce. "Something like this allows people to work hard and have fun at the same time. It also promotes camaraderie."

That camaraderie was shown by Soldiers of the 2-77 to a fellow trooper who was on his last 2 laps. They all decided to join him and encourage him to finish.  Everyone finished the race. The Army 10-Miler was a marathon that consisted of servicemembers from 2-77 FAR and the Nuristan PRT, which is a joint force of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and AF.

Army 1st Lt. Randall Maurer, runs by a concession stand. 

Spc. Rich Kutch reviews runners' times. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

Counter-IED team donate supplies to Afghan children

By Pfc. Melissa Stewart

Tech. Sgts. Michelle Stokes and Brandon Livingston hand out school supplies and toys to children in the village of Polerad in Logar prov., Oct 3. 

LOGAR PROVINCE - AF Tech Sgt. Michelle Stokes, administrative sgt for the counter-IED team out of FOB Shank, helped the local children of Logar prov. start a new school year with new school supplies.

To American children, buying new school supplies is a normal part of their back-to-school routines.  For the impoverished children of Logar prov., school supplies are hard to come by. "I always try to find a way to give back, whatever it may be," said Stokes. "To see the little kids' smiling faces was enough for me."

Stokes purchased colored pencils, pens, notebooks, markers, various school supplies, stuffed animals and shoes, with her own money, and had them sent to her.  Stokes stuffed backpacks with new supplies for the children, accompanied by the rest of the CIED team, and headed out to the local village of Polerad to distribute them.

Due to cultural dynamics, girls generally have fewer opportunities to go to school, or receive new supplies and clothes. "I liked seeing the girls actually get something," said Stokes. "That was my whole intention, to get the girls school supplies and toys."

Humanitarian efforts may not seem to directly affect combat ops. However, it demonstrates to locals that U.S. forces want to help improve their quality of life. "It's good to do something that will leave a lasting effect on the children," said Tech Sgt. Brandon Livingstone, EOD team leader. "Years from now they could say 'I remember when the Americans came through and gave us stuff to help us stay in school.'"

While the current CIED team is preparing to head home, they have laid the foundation for the next group of Soldiers and Airmen to continue to help the locals move towards a better and safer Afghanistan.

Tech. Sgts. Michelle Stokes and Brandon Livingstone distribute school supplies, toys and shoes to children. 

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Blackanthem Military News

18 Army Paratroopers reenlist at FOB Sharana

By Pfc. Andrya Hill

Col. Michael Howard, cmdr of 4th BCT (Abn), 25th ID, re-enlists 18 Paratroopers from the 725th BSB, Oct. 7 at FOB Sharana in Paktika Prov., where the Paratroopers are nearing the completion of their 1-year deployment.

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American Forces Press Service

Forces Reposition From Afghan Outposts, Target Insurgents

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2009 – NATO’s ISAF have completed their repositioning from 2 COPs in Nuristan prov., to other areas in eastern Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Militants attacked the 2 outposts – Keating and Fritsche – in the Kamdesh district Oct. 3, from multiple firing positions in the steep valley. ISAF forces on the ground, assisted by close-air support and attack helicopters, fought the militants, ultimately securing the outposts and killing an estimated 100 insurgents during the battle, officials said. 

Despite Taliban claims, the movement of troops and equipment from the outposts are a part of a previously scheduled transfer. The remote outposts were established as part of a previous security strategy to stop or prevent the flow of militants into the region.

In other news, Afghan and ISAF disrupted several insurgent strongholds in 3 different regions of Afghanistan today, military officials reported.

The forces detained multiple enemy fighters during ops in Herat, Wardak and Kandahar provs today and several insurgents were killed in the fighting. In the Guzara district of Herat prov. in the west, joint forces conducted an op overnight to search a compound known to be used by an insurgent leader responsible for roadside bomb attacks against ISAF and Afghan forces, and kidnapping Afghan civilians.  As the joint force approached the area, a large group of insurgents engaged the force with intense small-arms and RPG fire.  Attack helicopters supporting the joint force engaged the militants, killing a number of them. The force discovered RPGs, machine guns, ammo, grenades and chest racks at the compound and destroyed them in place.

In the Chaki Wardak district in the east, joint forces searched a compound known to be used by a Taliban fighter and his element responsible for attacks in the region. Enemy militants fired at the joint force from one of the buildings. The force returned fire, then issued several verbal commands to the militants to exit the building. The militants, posing a hostile threat, remained noncompliant. The joint force entered the building and killed several militants. The forces searched the building and uncovered RPG launchers and rockets, machine guns, AK-47 rifles, several fragmentation grenades, a cache of ammo and communications equipment. 

In Kandahar City in the south, a joint force detained several insurgents after searching a hotel without incident. The hotel is known to be used by a Taliban leader and his element responsible for recruiting, training and deploying suicide bombers against Afghan civilians and infrastructure in the region. 

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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Soldiers Donate Medical Supplies 

(Photos by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees) 

Army Spc. Brian Odom, attached to the 10th Combat Support Hospital, helps residents from the city of Kut load donated medical supplies, at FOB Delta, in southern Iraq, Oct. 8. The supplies were donated to the local Ministry of Health by the 10th CSH.

U.S. Soldiers and Sailors of the 308th CAB and the 10th CSH help residents from the city of Kut load donated medical supplies.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Juan Posada, attached to the 308th CAB, briefs members of his team prior to donating medical supplies to nearby residents.

Army Spc. Melanie Laureano, attached to the 10th CSH, helps residents from the city of Kut load donated medical supplies. 

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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq 

Iraqi General Visits With Artillery Soldiers 

Photos by Staff Sgt. Tyrone Clakel

IA Brig. Gen. Ayad, Chief of Staff, 11th Inf IA, speaks with U.S. Soldiers from Bravo Co, 1st of the 82nd FA, 1st Cav Div, out of Fort Hood, Texas, at Camp Taji, Oct. 8.

IA Brig. Gen. Ayad listens to stories. 

IA Brig. Gen. Ayad greets U.S. Soldiers from Bravo Co, after firing an M109A6 Howitzer.

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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq 

Joint Patrol in Najibiyah, Basra

(Photos by Staff Sgt. Chrissy Best) 

A local Iraqi woman poses for the camera at Alraheak Kindergarten, during a joint patrol between U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1314th Civil Affairs Co, 17th Fires Bde and Iraqi soldiers, to gather info about the local area and nearby bridge traffic, Najibiyah, Basra, Sept. 29. The Alraheak Kindergarten School was built by New Zealand Army Engrs, Sept. 2004.

Army 1st Lt. Christian McGinnis, assigned to the 1314th discusses the info gathered. 

Sgt. Thomas Jones, Jr., assigned to the 305th Psychological Ops Co, and an Iraqi soldier, talk with local business owners, while conducting a joint patrol with U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1314th.,

Sgt. Matthew Halfakera, assigned to the 1314th, pets a calf, while on a joint patrol. 

1st Lt. Christian McGinnis, assigned to the 1314th, and Iraqi soldiers speak with local residents. 

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DoD Imagery

Army Spc. Nathan Swelfer, assigned to Charlie Troop, 6th Sqdrn, 9th Cav Regt, 1st Cav Div, stands guard as locals walk away with food supplies, distributed to them by the soldiers and IP officers during a humanitarian aid mission at the govt HQ building in the town of Biaj, near Sinjar, Oct. 1. 

(DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Carmichael Yepez, Navy)

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-13

Dear Interested Reader,

Dangaleek patrol out of FOB Blessing.  New ABP policemen graduate training academy.  Apache troop prepares ANA for patrols in Pakatiya prov.

Iraq:  Army medic saves young boy's life.  Maintaining SoI security north of Baghdad.  Wolfpack heading home.  Explosive Ordnance Disposal demo.

Joanna

__________________________

October 13, 2009

Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan 

Dangaleek Patrol

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer Cohen 

Army 1st Lt. Gregory Sullivan kneels along the side of a road and surveys the area while on patrol in Dangaleek, Oct. 2.  Sullivan is a member of 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 4th ID, out of Fort Carson, Colo. 

An Afghan soldiers speaks with an elder of Dangaleek during a visit to the area. The meeting marked the first time troops have been in the area since an attack in July 2008.

Staff Sgt. Justin Greenwood of the 405th CAB stops along the side of the road while on patrol.  Greenwood was in the village with 2nd Bn to discuss the future needs and wants of the village elders. 

Pfc. Levi Pool stares intently into his surroundings while pulling security during a shura in Dangaleek. Pool is a member of A Co, 2nd Bn.

An elder of Dangaleek village sits with Capt. Kevin Hutcheson, cmdr of A Co,  and others to discuss future wants and needs of the village. 

Capt. Hutcheson speaks with men from Dangaleek.

Capt. Hutcheson points to the location of possible enemy movement, while questioning a village elder. 

2nd Bn Soldiers along with Afghan soldiers, meet with village elders. 

1st Lt. William Fio Rito leans his head down to hear info coming through his radio, during a meeting with village elders.  Fio Rito is the 2nd Plt Leader of A Co., working out of FOB Blessing.

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Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan 

New Afghan Border Policemen Graduate Training Academy

Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith 

Army Sgt. Wesley Woodard uses a sketch to illustrate a proper patrol formation, while training Afghan Border Policemen (ABP) at COP Herrera, Oct. 5, 2009. The training is part of the Combined Action Academy, which is a 4-week program on basic soldiering skills taught by U.S. soldiers with Apache Troop, 1st Sqdrn, 40th Cav Regt. 

An ABP signs his certificate of completion from his first phase of training on COP Herrera., Oct. 8. 

A view from COP Herrera, Oct. 8.

ABP line up to sign their certificates of completion from their first phase of training.

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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

U.S. Troops Prepare Afghan Soldiers for Patrols in Paktiya Province

Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith

Army Sgt. Wesley Woodard takes a break from training ABP on COP Herrera, Oct. 6, 2009.  Woodard is deployed with Apache Troop.

1st Lt. Kevin Jewell talks to an ABP during a break from training. 

Sgt. Wesley Woodard explains how to conduct a tactical patrol formation, to a group of ABP during training.

Sgt. Cody Prochaska teaches a group of ABP basic maintenance of their police truck during training. 

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145th Mobile Pubilc Affairs Detachment - Iraq

Army Medic Saves Young Iraqi Boy's Life

Story by Spc. Anthony Jones

DIYALA – An Army medic with 3rd Stryker BCT, 2nd ID saved the life of a young Iraqi boy after the child received several gunshot wounds from an unknown assailant, Sept. 20. Spc. Adam O'Krent, Co A, 1st Bn, 23rd Inf Regt, 3/2 SBCT, provided the care which saved the young child's life.

O'Krent's unit was patrolling near the village of Biwaniyah, north of the Diyala provincial capitol of Baqubah, when they received small arms fire, striking between their Stryker vehicles and ricocheting off a nearby wall, said 2nd Lt. Terrence Nolan, O'Krent's Plt leader. Since there was no positive ID of a shooter, the Soldiers did not return fire in accordance with standard operating procedures, he added.

O'Krent said he knew the situation was serious when his squad leader, Staff Sgt. David Hill, called for him. "I knew as soon as the ramp dropped and he called for me something had happened.  When he told me to bring my bag,  definitely something had happened," said O'Krent, recalling his first moments out of the vehicle before reaching the child.  He said when he reached the boy, he was laying face down with some bleeding underneath him but no wounds in his back. "When I rolled him over I saw that he was shot in the chest, and later I found he was shot in the pelvis," he said.

After the initial check of the boy's wounds, O'Krent's training kicked in and he went to work to save the boys life. "You're not thinking about anything at that point. It's instinctual at that point; you know what to do." O'Krent said. Once O'Krent stabilized the boy, the Soldiers loaded him into one of the Stryker vehicles.  As they were loading the boy, his father arrived on the scene and was hurried into the vehicle with his son. "From the time the shots went off, to the time we evacuated him, it couldn't have been more than 10 minutes," said Nolan.

The Soldiers transported the wounded boy and his worried father to the FOB Warhorse medical center, and from there the patient was flown to JBBalad.

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Multi-National Division Baghdad

Maintaining SoI Security North of Baghdad

Story by Sgt. Jon Soles

1st Lt. Peter Muse listens as Sheikh Yasin Hasayn shares concerns about the SoI during a meeting at JSS Hor al-Bosh near Taji, Oct. 6. 

BAGHDAD – As the SoI continue to carry out their job of helping maintain security, visits from their American and Iraqi partners provide assistance and support to make sure the SoI have the resources to keep the peace.

Soldiers of the 1st Bn, 82nd FAR, 1st BCT, 1st Cav Div, visited SoI checkpoints near Taji, Oct. 6, to inspect and check on supplies, and the SoI's contingency plans in the event of an attack. 

First Lt. Peter Muse, an inf officer, led a platoon of Soldiers that took the troops down miles of dusty back roads. The mission began on a diplomatic note, as U.S. troops met with Sheikh Yasin Hasayn. The conversation was mostly about such needs as water and pay issues, but the sheikh also delighted in telling Muse about his grandchildren. The small talk helps build the relationships that pay off in earned trust between American Soldiers and Iraqis, said Muse. "Sheikh Yasin is always helpful. He'll stop in a lot to make sure things are working between locals and SoI."

Most of the SoI members are from the local neighborhoods they defend. "The SoI guys are from around here, so they have a better understanding," said Muse. "They know the people in the area, so they are a valuable asset." At each checkpoint, Muse met with the SoI members to discuss their needs and tactical ops. "We wanted to make sure they've food and water. We wanted to make sure they've a response plan if they come under attack, if they have a serious injury," said Muse. "They had plans for both."

Staff Sgt. Michael Litteken stood outside one checkpoint, pulling security while Muse talked with the SoI guards.  Litteken said such missions contribute to the area's security. "We're making sure the area is safe and secure and putting out a U.S. Soldier presence. We want to let them know we're still out here, still involved, and to check on the SoI to make sure they're still doing their job like they're supposed to."

The inspection showed that the SoI is committed to the task of defending Iraq, according to Muse. "Overall, I'm pretty happy. I was glad to see they know how to respond to certain situations and they have a plan," said Muse. The future of Iraq's security is dependent on the preparedness of its SECFOR. The inspection of SoI checkpoints by American Soldiers was another way to check the SoI's readiness and hold them accountable for maintaining security.

Staff Sgt. David Ramirez, (foreground) and Spc. Charles Coberg pull security at a SoI checkpoint.

1st Lt. Peter Muse takes notes from Soi members at a checkpoint. 

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MNF-I

Wolfpack Heading Home 

Lt. Col. Kristan Hericks, center, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Swanson,  and Maj. Julie Aksamit, make up the 419th CSSB Command Team. The 419th CSSB successfully completed a 12-month tour at Camp Taji.

The 419th CSSB, 10th Sust Bde prepares to redeploy to Irvine, Calf.  The 419th CSSB, commanded by Lt. Col. Kristan Hericks, was the largest bn in Iraq, supporting more than 1,200 Soldiers at one point. 

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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Demonstration 

Photos by Staff Sgt. Luke Thelen

Key leaders of the ISF, Kurdish Peshmerga, and U.S. Army are briefed by Navy EOD personnel, during a counter IED demo on COB Speicher in northern Iraq, Oct. 6. The demo included a controlled detonation of an IED and showed the techniques and equipment used by EOD personnel to secure, process and investigate blast sites, by collection and analysis of key evidence pieces found post IED blast.

An Iraqi soldier from Bomb Disposal Co, takes a photo while U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Brian Lawrence from Weapons Intel Team 1, Combined TF Troy Counter IED, MNC - Iraq, measures the blast site during an EOD demo. 

An Iraqi soldier and U.S. Soldier stand together as they are briefed by Navy EOD personnel.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-12

Dear Interested Reader,

4th ID Soldiers patrol Korengal Valley.  ISAF realign in eastern Afghanistan.  Forces target Taliban in the south and east.  ANA Air Corps stand up new wing at Kandahar.

Iraq:  IA junior officers graduated from the MP Officer Basic Course.  Black Jack troops give aid to "Lost City."  First ever IA Basic Combat training for enlisted women.  Largest class starts Iraqi Infantry Officer Basic Course.

Joanna

___________________________

October 12, 2009

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

4th Infantry Division Soldiers Patrol Korengal Valley

Photo by Sgt. Matthew Moeller 

Spc. Jesus Sanchez and fellow Co B, 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt, 4th ID Soldiers patrol the Korengal Valley in Kunar prov., Oct. 1. The 4th ID Soldiers operating in the valley work closely with local Afghan govt and SECFOR to improve the lives of its citizens.

Army Soldiers and AF Airmen with Co B, patrol the Korengal Valley.

An Army Soldier scans the Korengal Valley walls while on patrol. 

Army Soldiers patrol the Korengal Valley. The Fort Carson, Colo., based Soldiers are deployed to the remote mountain valley.

Spc. Jesus Sanchez watches for suspicious activity. Sanchez is a combat medic. 

AF Airman 1st Class James Craddick crosses a fast-flowing river while on patrol  with Army Soldiers from Co B.  AF Airmen fight side-by-side with their Army counterparts, serving as joint terminal attack controllers, responsible for coordinating air-strikes for ground forces.

Army Soldiers pause during a patrol. Since arriving in June, Soldiers have seen some of the toughest fighting in Afghanistan.

Army Pfc. Damian Gardner looks for suspicious activity.  

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

ISAF units realign in eastern Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD (Oct. 9) - ISAF in eastern Afghanistan continued to realign forces to better support the ISAF cmdr's plan to secure and stabilize

population centers in Afghanistan.

As part of a previously scheduled transfer, ISAF troops and equipment were moved from an outpost in the Kamdesh district of NE Nuristan prov to other locations in eastern Afghanistan in preparation for future assignment to more populated areas. The outpost was attacked by militants Oct. 3. Within minutes of the initial attack, ISAF assets from nearby bases were able to respond with indirect fire. Close air support was immediately requested and responded within minutes from the initial request.

While stationed in the Kamdesh district, the ISAF service members provided training to ANSF, and worked alongside their ANSF counterparts. The ISAF soldiers also assisted in developing better coordination between the local govt and ANSF, a key to improving and maintaining security conditions in the remote area.

It is the intent of the ISAF cmdr, U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, to place an emphasis on protecting the people of Afghanistan by focusing on more populated areas.

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American Forces Press Service

Forces Target Taliban in South, East Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2009 – Several military ops in southern and eastern Afghanistan today and yesterday resulted in insurgents killed and captured, military officials reported.

A force of Afghan and NATO ISAF troops were conducting an overnight op against a Taliban cmdr and his unit in the Pul-e Alam district of Logar prov. when several militants were killed, officials said. The force received hostile fire upon arrival to the compound and returned fire. The force issued verbal commands for all residents to exit the building, and several women and children complied and exited safely. After no response to subsequent commands to exit the building, the force then assaulted the building and killed several enemy militants. They identified the Taliban cmdr among the dead. The force recovered AK-47 rifles, grenades and chest racks from the compound. This cmdr and his element were responsible for multiple attacks against and kidnappings of Afghan civilians, and supplied weapons to other militant elements in the region. 

In other ops, joint forces detained several insurgents in Zabul and Kandahar provs today. A force searched a compound in Zabul’s Qalat district known to be used by a Taliban cmdr and his element who are believed to be responsible for several attacks against Afghan civilians and infrastructure in the region.  During the search, the force shot and killed an enemy militant armed with an AK-47 rifle and chest rack before he engaged the force. The force completed the search and detained several suspected militants.

In a separate search in Kandahar City, a joint force detained a suspected militant who immediately surrendered, and identified himself as a Taliban member responsible for supplying IEDs used against Afghan civilians and infrastructure in the region. 

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NATO ISAF

Afghanistan National Army Air Corps Stands Up New Wing at Kandahar

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD – Afghan govt officials and religious leaders, along with senior officers from both Afghan and ISAF forces stood up the ANA air corps second wing, in a dedication ceremony, Oct. 5.  The wing, based at Kandahar, hosts rotary wing aircraft and supports multiple detachments around the region.

The primary mission of those transport helicopters is battlefield mobility, moving cargo and passengers from major bases such as Kandahar out to detachments or training facilities. With the addition of Afghan attack platforms, missions requiring escort for transports can now be done by ANAAC assets instead of coalition aircraft.

The ability to support their own ops and be a part of the larger effort is important to the Afghan cmdrs. "The Afghan air corps has a significant role in the fight here in the region," said Gen.  Dawran, ANAAC cmdr. "The corps' priorities are moving troops and supplies to where they're needed, helping civilians in need, and being an equal partner in the int'l coalition effort. The air corps is in the progress of modernizing its aircraft," said General Dawran. "We're very grateful for the helicopters and airplanes donated to us by our int'l friends."

The ANAAC is currently working with U.S. AF and Army mentors to further enhance their mission capabilities and skills. There're also approx 60 Afghan pilots attending English language and flight training in the U.S.

Echoing many of the statements given to the crowd by a myriad of speakers during the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Mike Boera, representing the ISAF and U.S. AF Central command, commented on the success the air corps has had in establishing the new wing at Kandahar. "Building an air corps in the middle of a war is difficult," said Gen. Boera. "It's like building an airplane in flight.  However, today is truly an historic day, both for the ANA air corps and for the country of Afghanistan," he said.  "It's been a challenge, but I congratulate you on your success here at Kandahar, and wish you more continued success in the future."

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Blackanthem Military News

An Numaniyah' MP School Graduates Officers

By Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq

MP Officer Basic students conduct MOUT training. 

(Photo by SSG Joseph Layman)

AN NUMNIYAH - On Sept. 26, 16 IA junior officers graduated from the Military Police Officer Basic Course.  Military Police training commenced Aug. 8 and included both classroom and practical field exercises. The soldiers were also required to pass a cumulative practical exercise and written exam. The officer's course emphasized leadership and training on small unit tactics and weapon systems.
  
The culminating event for this course was a weeklong practical exercise conducted at the Military Ops in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training site. This military training base has one of the largest MOUT training sites in Iraq. The training conducted at the MOUT site consisted of the many aspects of convoy ops.  

The MP Cmdr, Iraqi Lt. Col. Hatman, served as the guest speaker during the graduation ceremony.  Hatman briefly addressed the class and reminded them of their responsibilities as leaders. He emphasized the leadership qualities required to take the IA into the future. These soldiers will now return to their home units and continue their efforts in providing a safe and stable Iraq.

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Multi-National Division – North PAO

Black Jack troops give aid to “Lost City”

Soldiers from Bravo Btry, 3rd Bn, 82nd FAR unload and carry 100 bags of food and cooking supplies into the Hamza Bin Ab Al Mutlik School, where the bags were distributed to 100 families in the neighborhood of Huzzeran, near Kirkuk,  Oct 3.  Huzzeran is known as the “Lost City” by local residents. 

(Photo by Spc. Jared Sollars)

FOB WARRIOR — In the small, impoverished neighborhood of Huzzeran, near Kirkuk, jobs are few and far between.  Drinkable water is not readily available, and the school in the area doesn’t have running water.

A week after a clearing op led by an Iraqi emergency service unit and IP in the neighborhood, Bravo Btry, delivered essential supplies. “Things are bad here - people don’t have work or anything really,” said Mohammed Sadek, a teacher at the neighborhood’s school. “It’s very good that U.S. Forces are helping the people here who are without jobs.”

One of the goals of this mission was to assess the civil issues of the area and gather info about immediate needs. “We need good water in the school,” said  Sadek. “The children like coming to the school, but there're certain things it needs.”

The Soldiers were able to pinpoint 100 families in the area that were most in need, with the assistance of Brig. Gen. Hijran, cmdr of the Iraqi ESU, and Col. Adnan, the chief of the Adallah IP district. “Today was a great success,” said Capt. Tyler Donnell, cmdr of Bravo Btry.  “U.S. Forces have been doing this for years, but with the help of Col. Adnan and Gen. Hijran, we were able to help the people who need it most.”

The delivery presented an opportunity for the Adallah IP, the emergency service unit, and U.S. Forces to open lines of communication between the community, its civil leaders and local SECFOR. “It's a great thing the U.S. Forces have done for the people of Adallah,” said Col. Adnan. “It's a way of reassuring the people that they're not forgotten by anyone.”

The humanitarian assistance drop was performed at the Hamza Bin Ab Al Mutlik School, a central point in the neighborhood. “The school gave us a semi-secure location to do the delivery,” said Donnell.  “We chose to do it on a Saturday because school would be out.” Bravo Btry has tentatively planned future assistance drops, and evaluations to further assist the people.

An IP officer helps unload and carry 100 bags of food and cooking supplies. 

Soldiers from Bravo Btry carry supplies into the school.

Families in the neighborhood of Huzzeran, near Kirkuk, stand in line, waiting to pick up a bag of food and cooking supplies.

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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq 

American Culture Served to Female Basic Combat Trainees  

BAGHDAD – The first ever IA Basic Combat Training course for enlisted Iraqi women, held a cultural awareness training conference Oct. 5.  As part of the 6- week course, 36 Iraqi trainees were introduced to American women who serve in the military, to get a sense of American military training and lifestyle.

The American military women represented the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, and were from the Marine Corps, Army and the AF. “One of the worst things you can die with is potential.  It's something to be realized, not guarded or protected."  Marine Corps GnrySgt. Tricia Smith-Leavy told the Iraqi women. “So grasp your dreams and take appropriate risk, and the rewards will be greater than you can imagine.”

The youngest Iraqi trainee, Randa Mahmood, is 21 years old said she feels fortunate to be a part of the basic combat training. “I'm thankful for all the experiences, and I'm learning all things about life,” said Mahmood. The training lasted for about an hour, and the Iraqi women were able to ask questions of the American military women.

AF Capt. Kay Sipe, dep. chief of MNSTC-I’s ITAM Intel TT, served on the panel and gave the Iraqis her sense of American culture.  In turn, the Iraqi women asked back about American culture. “What’s your favorite television show?” asked one. Another asked, “Were you sad when Michael Jackson died?”  Sipe said that she loved how enthusiastic and curious the trainees were about American culture.

“It was an honor to participate in today's training with the female Iraqi soldiers,” Army Staff Sgt. Christina Simpson said. “Hopefully, they learned just as much from me as I did from them. Their eagerness to excel in the military is amazing, and I'm very proud to have shared my thoughts with them. They, too, should be very proud to be such pioneers in the IA. The trainees are scheduled to graduate from the Basic Combat Training Course Nov. 1.

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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq

Largest Class starts Iraqi Infantry Officer Basic Course

KIRKUSH – The new IA continues to expand and professionalize its forces with 383 new lts starting the Infantry Officer Basic Course at the Kirkush Military Training Base, Oct. 4. This is the largest class to go through training in the IA.

The Infantry school cmdr, IA Staff Col. Mahamood, was the keynote speaker for the opening ceremony.  He said that discipline would be the cornerstone of the class and that every officer would be held accountable for his actions. Mahamood challenged the students to do their best, to strive to be honor graduates, and to learn as much as possible so they can wisely lead their soldiers during times of peace and war.

The IOBC core curriculum covers all aspects of small unit leadership and warfighting at the platoon level. The course consists of classroom lectures utilizing power point slides and practical applications on live-fire courses and ranges. IOBC training also includes ethics/values, counter-insurgency ops, offensive and defensive ops, and a platoon/squad live fire maneuver course. The course will culminate with mounted combat patrol live fire exercises and traffic control points. Graduation for this course is expected around mid-Nov.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-11

Dear Interested Reader,

Patrolling in Korengal Valley with the 12th Inf. Reg.  Nagahar PRT advises TWGs as it rebuilds the govt.  Marines help civilians prepare for Afghan mission.

Iraq:  With 7 deployments, ops Sgt. William Altman hones his trade.  Suspected JAM leader arrested in Diyala.  New school offers students chance to excel.  "Farmer Fred" helps sow the seeds of hope, in Ninewa prov.

Joanna

________________________

October 11, 2009

Blackanthem Military News

Patrolling the Korengal Valley

By Army Sgt. Matthew Moeller

Army Soldiers with Co B, 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt, patrol Kunar prov., Korengal Valley, Sept. 29. The 4th ID Soldiers have been working with Afghan govt and SECFOR to help stabilize the troubled valley since arriving in June. 

 

Pfc. Perry Price patrols the village of Aliabad.  Price is a forward observer with Co B, based out of Fort Carson, Colo. 

 

Soldiers with Co B patrol the volatile Korengal Valley, assisting Afghan govt and SECFOR in humanitarian, reconstruction and security efforts. 

 

Pfc. Damian Gardner scans the hills surrounding the village of Aliabad. 

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DoD Imagery

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Shawn McKinney, attached to Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, climbs the bank after crossing a river during a patrol in the Nawa district of Helmand prov., Sept. 30, 2009. The bn is a combat element of RCT 3.

(DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Phillip Elgie, Marine Corps)

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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

PRT Advises TWGs As It Rebuilds Afghan Government

Story by Spc. Eugene Cushing

AF Capt. Melissa Milner, info ops officer for the Nangahar PRT, speaks with Mubariz Sohail, cultural adviser for the Nangarhar PRT, during a meeting with the Nangahar Info, Media and Culture Technical Working Group, Sept. 15, in Jalalabad, a large city in Nangarhar prov. The PRT has taken an advisory role at meetings like this in order to help mentor and build the Afghan govt.

Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings give Afghan govt officials and experts in different fields an opportunity to discuss challenges they're facing and ways to solve them. According to AF Capt. Melissa Milner, the PRT takes an advisory role at the meetings. "The meetings give these subject-matter experts an opportunity to sit down and discuss how they can help each other solve the problems that they're facing," Milner said. "It allows them to understand their own capacity to affect change, and then we can offer help only if it's really needed."

According to Milner, the TWGs were designed as a part of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, and are tasked with improving informational, media and cultural program by the govt.
The groups meet to prioritize projects and programming that is important to the region, before the group's director meets with the provincial gov.

Awrang Sameem, info and cultural dir. for the group, spoke about several ideas at the meeting, including book and poetry festivals, youth programs,  journalist and novelist symposiums, and training opportunities. "We'll not regain what we've lost in the 30 years of war we've seen," said Sameem. "But if we work really hard for the bright future of Afghanistan, we will see progress."

AF Lt. Col. Joy Mann, cmdr of the Nangarhar PRT, said the goal of the TWGs is to make development a local process, starting at the base of the Afghan govt and moving up. "We're trying to legitimize the Afghan govt and bring the people in closer to their elected officials," Mann said.

Although the PRT was just there to advise, Sameem was pleased to have them at the meeting, and expressed how much the Afghan people appreciate the work they're doing. "Afghanistan has been destroyed over the last 30 years," he said. "There's still a lot to be done, but the progress over the last few years is awesome. The PRT is doing well. They're doing a good job. We like them." 

A young Afghan studies English at the Lincoln Center in Jalalabad. The center is managed by the Info and Culture Dir. for Nangarhar Prov. 

Shafiqullah Waak, the Nangarhar public info officer for the UN Assistance Mission, listens to input. 

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Special to American Forces Press Service

Marines Help Civilians Prepare for Afghanistan Mission

By Army Sgt. Brad Staggs

A Marine with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit secures the perimeter while his comrades interact with “locals” during urban training at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Ind., Sept. 28, 2009. 

(Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Guerra)  

BUTLERVILLE, Ind. – The PRT course teaches civilian employees from the U.S. State Dept, U.S. Dept of Agriculture and the U.S. Agency for Int'l Development how to live and work in Afghanistan. They spend 4 weeks preparing for their assignments with the final week of training at Muscatatuck. 

Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit provided realistic scenarios for the training, guarding the mock embassy that the civilians had to enter and roadways they had to traverse. Team members also sat in on Marine briefings and saw first-hand how what they do affects the Marines in country.

Elizabeth Rood, director of the Stability Ops Div for the State Dept’s Foreign Service Institute, said she saw value in the interagency training, even when coordination issues arose. “There were some cases that the Marines were in a facility that we were intending to use,” Rood said. “The PRT or another civilian group might be going out to meet people and discover that there's a maneuver unit already doing something there that wasn’t a planned encounter. So it’s not a bad thing that these movements are going on simultaneously.”

Purdue and Indiana universities also take part in the training, providing important info on Afghan farming techniques and info on what to expect once the civilians arrive in country. 

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MNF-Iraq

With 7 Deployments Under His Belt, Ops Sergeant Hones His Trade

Story by Sgt. Brandon  Metroka

Sgt. William Altman, ops NCO for 28th CAB, stands outside the 28th CAB tactical ops center. Altman has logged 7 deployments during his 18 years in the military. 

COB ADDER – For Sgt. William Altman, doing a good job is the motivation that carries him through his daily shift. "I just enjoy doing a good job," Altman said. "Keeping the cmdr updated on the goings-on in our sector is pretty important and is the objective." 

Along with more than 20 other Soldiers working various shifts and taskings, Altman is responsible for manning the 28th CAB tactical ops center, which requires vigilant and continuous staffing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  For Altman, the bde's Blue Force Tracker and fires sgt, continuity is often the greatest challenge. "I think most people don't understand that concept. While we might work shifts, any issues must be resolved or worked to completion," Altman said. "Otherwise, we're creating a sort of 'butterfly effect' for the next shift."

"We manage to handle high-stress events well, mostly because we all know our roles," Altman noted. "Even when days are fairly quiet, we have to fight boredom by trying to stay proficient on our equipment." Although the tempo occasionally slows, there is never a shortage of work for current ops Soldiers. Organizing various document binders, from fragmentary orders to Red Cross messages, maintaining the daily log, making changes to personnel manifested to fly to different bases, and simply tracking the progress of scheduled flights, requires the TO staff to effectively utilize word processing, spreadsheet and slideshow software. 

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Multi-National Corps-Iraq PAO

Diyala ERB arrest suspected JAM leader

TIKRIT - Constables with the 6th ERB arrested Ghassan Adnan Hamza, a suspected terrorist cell leader associated with Jaysh Al Mahdi, Sept. 27, during an op in the Diyala prov. The individual was arrested with a warrant for suspicion of murdering several citizens throughout northern Iraq, attacks against ISF, laundering money, and for setting up multiple terrorist cells aimed at destabilizing Iraq.

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Special to American Forces Press Service

New School Offers Iraqi Students Chance to Excel

By Army Spc. Maurice A. Galloway

Army Sgt. Jennifer Macdonald, a vocalist with the 34th ID Band, performs Iraq's national anthem with students of Basra city's newest talent school, Oct. 1, 2009. 

(Army photo by Spc. Maurice Galloway)  

COB BASRA – Local community leaders and members of the Basra PRT attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 2-story Basra Talent School. “This teaching institution is for boys and girls who have been identified as having particular educational abilities,” said Tawded Al-Rida, the school’s principal. “The school will constitute an educational beacon for the city of Basra and the impact of this educational institution will be felt by generations to come.” 

Members of the 34th Red Bull ID Band were on hand to play several selections of U.S. and Iraqi standards. Accompanied by the school’s students, vocalist Sgt. Jennifer Macdonald’s rendition of Iraq’s national anthem highlighted the band’s performance. “They seemed so proud that we were able to sing their national anthem,” Macdonald said. “It was amazing. I felt so fortunate to be up there singing for them. I never thought being deployed to Iraq would include something like this.”

Several local actors gave an opera performance, depicting the possibilities students will have if they put forth their best effort and study hard.  John Naland, reconstruction team director and a featured speaker at the event, said the school’s design was a picture of progress for the future improvement of Iraq. “This beautiful school is the newest of 4 talent schools in Iraq,” he said. “This facility is another example of the people of Basra striving for progress.”

Located in Basra’s Jameat district, the school can hold up to 200 students and consists of 12 classrooms with enough space to hold 30 students each.  A science lab, language arts teaching center, and the school’s library are located in the central part of the campus. The campus also includes a computer and electronic media learning lab with 17 new computers, a gym with 6 new treadmills, free weights, a gymnastics balance beam and spring board, parallel bars and an array of sports equipment. The dormitory has dozens of rooms equipped for 4 students to a room. The rooms come furnished with wall lockers, bunk beds and desks. Students are required to pass an entry exam before gaining admission to the school.

Army Staff Sgt. Hugo Rivera, who assisted in the final inspection, commented on the school’s obvious impact on the Basra community. “The talent school will signal a return to normalcy for Basra City, and will provide a much needed tertiary educational facility in an otherwise poor al Jameat district,” he said.

The school’s completion marks the beginning of a process to provide the province’s youth with a sound educational foundation, Abd Al-Rida said. “This facility means so much to our community,” she said. “It'll inspire hope in the people of Basra and spark a substantial economic development that will have a stabilizing effect in our country.”

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Multi-National Division - North PAO

Sowing the seeds of hope in Iraq

COB MAREZ, MOSUL - Iraq, once a fertile land, has been devastated by drought, war and neglect.  Farmers in Ninewa prov. are looking for relief from a govt program called Greenhouse Demo, some structures called hoop houses, and an American called "Farmer Fred".  Fred Woehl, an agriculture specialist for the Ninewa PRT, has brought hope to the people of Qaraqosh, Nimrud, and Al Qosh through greenhouses, tractors and seedlings.

Before coming to Iraq, Woehl worked in Harrison, Ark., as a Farm Loan Mgr for the Farm Service Agency and US Dept of Agriculture. Over the course of a year, Woehl has forged relationships by addressing the needs of Iraqi farmers, and working with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture and the Ninewa General Directorate of Agriculture, to build greenhouses in the prov.

Recently, the PRT held a lottery for the Greenhouse Demo, a grassroots org. whose goal is to aid farmers.  Lottery recipients in Qaraqosh, Nimrud, and Al Qosh will receive greenhouses - or hoop houses, as they're locally known - along with training from the Ministry of Agriculture. In return, the farmers will repay a portion of their agricultural profits back to the agriculture assns to help fund additional greenhouses for its members. The simple design of the metal and plastic hoop house uses the heat from the sun to create a controlled environment to extend the growing season. The farmers of Qaraqosh are excited about Greenhouse Demo and hope it will spread to the rest of the Ninewa prov. This Qaraqosh group is the first agricultural org. in Iraq diverse in gender, religion and culture.

In Nimrud, farmers formed together in hope of creating a better life in their neighborhood. Recipients of 6 hoop houses decided to place the structures at one location so they can work together, and provide better security.  Nimrud remains one of the most violent towns in Ninewa. U.S. Forces recently constructed a floating bridge across the Tigris River to make travel easier for USF, ISF and civilians in the area.  The agricultural assn there, headed by 2 shaykhs, one Sunni and one Shi'a, agreed the bridge was very positive for the neighborhood even though attacks have increased since it was built. Assn members told Woehl they would report any suspicious activity surrounding the bridge - another sign of the PRT's successful relationship with Nimrud.

As one meeting began, the Sunni shaykh brought his 9-month-old daughter to sit on Woehl's lap. His relationship with the shaykh and his agriculture org. has grown since the birth of this child, with Woehl feeling welcomed into the shaykh's house as a member of the family.  He has built similar friendships in the Shi'a community. "Since the beginning of the war, we're proud to be friends with the U.S., and especially, Farmer Fred," said the Shi'a shaykh.

Agriculture in Iraq has been neglected for many years, and under Saddam, farmers were told what they had to grow. Once the hoop houses are completed, the General Directorate of Agriculture will show the org. how to successfully make the most use of them. The farmers will soon grow tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, squash, egg plant and okra. "We're very optimistic about the future of Iraq.  We, like everyone else, want a better life for our people," said the Sunni shaykh.

In Al Qosh and Yazidis, Muslims and Christian farmers met to discuss the future of their org., and inspect the hoop houses.  Women from an all-female agricultural group swarmed Woehl, asking him about opportunities to grow flowers and start their own businesses, while arguing amongst themselves, "We can't do this - Yes, we can!" The recent unification, enthusiasm and efforts of the farmers throughout Ninewa prov., supported by Farmer Fred's commitment and passion for the people, has instilled a sense of confidence in the farmers to overcome their many challenges.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-10

Dear Interested Reader,

eMitts teach ANA room clearing.  Provincial govt. building future with agriculture in Kunar prov.  Joint forces kill, detain militants.

Iraq:  37-9 cMiTT patrol North Taji.  Medevac pilot recalls 3 tours.  35th Inf. Regt. returns critical grain silo bac to GoI.  "Wagonmasters" take over MND-N Sust. mission.

Joanna

______________________________

October 10, 2009

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

eMiTTs teach ANA room clearing

(Photos by Army Sgt. Matthew Moeller)

Navy Corpsman Petty Officer 3rd Class Timothy Price shows members of the ANA how to properly hold an M-16 rifle while clearing a hallway of enemy forces during an instructional class on room-clearing procedures, hosted by U.S. servicemembers with eMiTT 7-5 in Kunar prov., Korengal Valley, Sept. 22.  eMiTTs across Afghanistan have been teaching their ANA counterparts on the proper use of NATO-style weapons, such as the U.S. military's M-16 rifle, in order to transform the emerging army from a Soviet-style military, into a modern fighting force.

Marine Corps Cpl. Charles Kim watches ANA Soldiers practice hallway clearing procedures. eMiTTs across Afghanistan serve mentoring the emerging army into a military force capable of defending its own boarders and people. 

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

Provincial government building Afghan future with agriculture

By Air Force Capt. Tony Wickman

Staff Sgt. Branson talks to some Afghan children who came to see what the patrol was doing in the neighborhood.

KUNAR PROVINCE - Farmers planted seeds of a better tomorrow in Kunar prov with help from the provincial govt, the U.S. Agency for Int'l Development and the Kunar PRT, Oct. 1.

According to the Kunar provincial agricultural dir. Mohasal Khan, the provincial govt is working hard to improve the quality and quantity of the agricultural production in the prov. "We grew 48,000 metric tons of wheat last year. This year, with more rain and improved seeds, better chemical fertilizers and insecticides, we grew 75,490 metric tons, a 92% increase," Khan said. "However, that's still not enough to feed all the people of Kunar prov. Also, when we get more crops we will need to find markets for those products."

"Natural resource mgt is the most important, and irrigation affects all other programs," Khan said. "We're helping farmers to get loans to buy better equipment, needed fertilizers and pesticides.  Also, we're using agricultural assns to teach farmers how to irrigate and plant to improve productivity. We teach things like how far apart plants should be planted, proper weeding and how to apply the fertilizer."

While there is much success in getting more production from provincial farmers, many challenges remain. One challenge is changing the perception of security in the prov. to get more help from non-governmental orgs (NGO) and inter-governmental orgs.  Khan said the provincial govt is having trouble getting agricultural NGOs in Jalalabad to come to Kunar Prov because of the perceived security situation.

Transporting their product from the fields to the market before it spoils is also a significant challenge for the farmers, said Khan. This limits the provincial govt's ability to distribute aid to farmers who do not have ready, reliable access to markets. "Electricity is a big problem," Khan said. "We're a subsistence culture, because we don't have a way to store our fruits and vegetables.  With electricity, we can build the 3 cold storage facilities we have planned. That will help our farmers because they would be able to grow and store their fruits and vegetables."

"Electricity takes a lot of time and cannot be done in a year.  It takes a lot of time to build the infrastructure to have electricity," said Army 1st Lt. Benjamin Millard, Kunar PRT Civil Affairs officer. "You can give everyone a generator, but where do they get the fuel? You have to find alternative solutions for this problem now. You need to build capacity at the same time you build your capability."

The 40th ID ADT from the California Army NG, is scheduled to arrive in October to begin work with the provincial and district govts to spur economic growth via agribusiness.

An Afghan father and his child walk down the street from the local farmers market in Asadabad district, Kunar prov, Sept. 30.  Kunar PRT SECFOR, from Camp Wright in Asadabad, performed a presence patrol by walking the street talking to local vendors. 

(Photos by Tech. Sgt. Brian Boisvert)

Staff Sgt. Steven Branson, Kunar PRT SECFOR section leader, surveys the local farmers market. 

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DoD Imagery

Army soldiers follow a road during a dismounted patrol to get a better observation of the landscape below the Afghan Security Guard Tower 3 outside of FOB Baylough in Zabul prov., Sept. 20, 2009. The soldiers are from Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 4th Inf Regt. The 1st Bn, 4th Inf Regt is deployed throughout southern Afghanistan. 

(DoD photo by Spc. Tia Sokimson, Army)

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NATO ISAF

Afghan-ISAF Kill, Detain Militants

KABUL - Afghan and ISAF killed and detained groups of suspected militants in 4 separate search ops conducted Oct. 6 and 7, in eastern and southern Afghanistan.

A joint SECFOR killed and detained several suspected militants in Saydabad district, Wardak prov. Oct. 7, after searching a compound known to be used by a Taliban group believed responsible for IED attacks against Afghan civilians and regional infrastructure. During the search the joint SECFOR received hostile fire and returned fire, killing several enemy militants. The joint force also found a suicide vest and destroyed it in place.

On Oct. 6, a joint SECFOR killed and detained suspected militants in Kabul prov. during an op to disrupt a Taliban element responsible for IED placement and attacks on joint forces.  Acting on reports indicating the presence of a known Taliban cmdr, the joint force searched a location near Niknazar Kalay in Shinkay district. The joint force received hostile fire from enemy militants and responded with small arms fire, killing them.  A search of the suspected militants revealed multiple AK-47 assault rifles and ammo, which were destroyed in place.

In another op Oct. 7, a joint SECFOR detained several suspected militants south of Marjeh in Helmand prov. The joint force searched a compound known to be used by a Taliban cmdr and his element believed to be responsible for transporting weapons to other militant elements, and for several small arms and suicide attacks against Afghan civilians and infrastructure in the region. The force uncovered 115 pounds of black tar heroin and destroyed all of it in place.

In a 4th op a joint SECFOR captured 2 wanted Taliban militants, Oct. 6 in the Tere Zayi district of Khowst prov. where enemy fighters had created a safe-haven. The suspected Taliban militants were wanted for conducting illegal activities including coordinating attacks against joint SECFOR, and for facilitating the distribution of weapons and narcotics. During this op the joint SECFOR searched a number of compounds known to be used by militants and Taliban leaders, who are believed to be responsible for roadside bomb attacks against ANSF in the area.  Several suspected militants were detained for questioning.  A supply of AK-47 rifles, ammo and mags was found during the search and destroyed.

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1st BCT, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs 

MiTT, Iraqi Army Patrol North Taji 

Photos by Pfc. Adam Halleck 

Capt. Michael Martinez (left), the ops officer assigned to 37-9 MiTT, provides guidance to an IA lt, Oct. 2, during a mission to determine if a former weapons cache site in a village north of Taji is still being used to harbor weapons. Soldiers of the 37-9 MiTT work and live alongside Iraqi soldiers, providing guidance and assistance to the Iraqi troops.

Capt. Michael Martinez (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Paul Mattes, discuss the building clearing skills of IA soldiers they train and advise. 

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MNF-Iraq

Medevac Pilot Recalls three Iraq Tours

By Sgt. Neil Gussman

Maj. Anthony Meador, a MEDEVAC pilot in Charlie Co, 1st Bn, 52nd Aviation Regt, TF Keystone, pauses for a moment while inspecting the tail rotor of a Black Hawk helicopter.  

(Photo by Sgt. Neil Gussman)

COB ADDER — Maj. Anthony Meador is near the end of his 3rd tour in Iraq as an Army aviator, and has memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition to his current assignment as the cmdr of Co C, 1st Bn, 52nd Aviation Regt, he also served in Baghdad in 2004 and at JBB in 2007.  During his first tour, Meador served as a medevac pilot during some of the most intense fighting of the war.

Meador returned home in 2005 to his wife and his first baby boy, who is now 5. He had almost 2 years of Stateside duty before returning to Iraq with the surge of troops in 2007. "I was EO of a general support aviation bn based in Balad, so I flew every kind of aircraft we had," said Meador. "With the surge, the operating tempo was high. Part of our mission was flying Gen. David Petraeus, Gen. Raymond Odierno, and Amb. Ryan Crocker."

Difficult weather forces tough decisions with medevac flights. One of the toughest decisions for Meador on this tour was whether to fly on July 2. A call came in from the Adder ER. A patient with a pulmonary embolism needed immediate transport to Balad for a type of surgery not available here.  Co C would fly the patient to Al Kut and transfer him to a waiting medevac helicopter for transport to Balad. The first segment of the flight was just 300 meters from the hangars to the COB Adder ER, but that flight was enough for Meador to reconsider the wisdom of flying with visibility less than a half mile in a huge dust storm.  According to Meador, winds were 30 knots with gusts up to 45 knots. Vertical visibility was 125 feet. To further complicate the flight plan, the patient's condition meant they had to fly close to the ground, as pulmonary embolisms are aggravated by altitude.

As they flew from the hangar to the clinic, he said, "We're going to have another conversation with the physician. I am about 60 to 70% sure we're going to cancel this mission." Staff Sgt. Jason Jones, a flight medic, talked to the physician on duty. The clot was moving toward the patient's lungs and heart, and he would die without surgery at Balad.  When Jones confirmed the patient's prognosis, Meador decided to go ahead with the mission. "When you get a patient on board, you're committed," he said. "Once you leave the airfield with a patient on board you're committed to the entire mission."

"The trip to Al Kut is usually 43 minutes," said Meador. "We flew low and slow for an hour and 20 minutes. The chase bird was at our altitude, flanked right and close behind us." Meador explained the bird was much closer than the normal following distance, but necessary because of the low visibility. "We were coordinating moment to moment throughout the entire flight. When one of us would pick up a power line or a tower, we would advise the other right away."

Eighty minutes after takeoff, they landed safely. The patient arrived at Balad in time and got the surgery he needed.

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3rd BCT, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs 

Soldiers Return Critical Grain Silo Back to Iraqi People

Story by Spc. Jazz Burney

Soldiers from the 2nd Bn, 35th Inf Regt tear down sandbags in preperation for the responsible return of the base to the GoI, Aug. 4. Soldiers removed more than 200,000 sandbags, 500 T-Walls and 400 housing trailers to return the base back to a provincial grain storage site.  A small ceremony will be held Oct. 8 to mark the base's return to the Iraqis.

COB SPEICHER, TIKRIT – A small ceremony marked the return of Salah ad Din prov.'s most important grain storage site to the GoI, Oct. 6. The Samarra Silo, formerly known as FOB Brassfield-Mora, had been occupied by U.S. military forces for several years, as U.S. Soldiers first fought an insurgency and later supported reconstruction efforts in the central Iraqi prov. 

As the security situation in the prov. improved and reconstruction efforts turned to agriculture, Soldiers realized the importance of their base to the prov.'s farmers. "We've been putting so much effort into rebuilding the agricultural infrastructure and yet here we were, sitting on the most important storage facility in the prov.," said Col. Walt Piatt, the 3rd IBCT, 25th ID cmdr. "We decided to return this facility to the GoI as soon as possible. We wanted to make sure we did it before we left the prov., so the incoming unit wouldn't have to worry about it," said Piatt.

"If you were to drive around the prov about 8 weeks ago you would see a lot of the wheat crop was piled outside, and in various local refineries because they had no place to store and refine the wheat," said Maj. Kareem Montague, EO of 2nd Bn., 35th Inf. Regt., the bn stationed at the Silo. "By returning this silo to the GoI, we're returning Samarra's wheat storage and refining capability," he said

The mammoth task of removing all the equipment and returning the base in pristine condition to the GoI in just over 2 months showed the dedication of the Soldiers and civilian contractors stationed at the Silo.  More than 400 housing trailers, nearly 200 concrete bunkers, 65 shipping containers, 1,600 concrete barriers and 200,000 sandbags had to be removed from the base, according to Montague. It took more than 200 convoys to transport all of the equipment off the base, he added.

Soldiers from the 4th IBCT, 1st ID, the 3rd Bde's replacement unit, will oversee reconstruction projects to renovate the seed separator, scales, warehouses and administrative building, to return the Silo to operational capacity in time for the 2010 wheat harvest.

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MNF-I

"Wagonmasters" Take Over MND-North Sustainment Mission

Story by Sgt. Matthew Cooley

Col. Larry Phelps, 15th Sust Bde cmdr, watches as Soldiers raise the "Wagonmaster" flag in front of the bde's HQ, Oct. 5, after a transfer of authority ceremony.

COB Q-WEST – The Fort Hood-based unit's new area of responsibility spans from the Turkish border at Habur Gate to northern Baghdad, an area roughly the size of Penn. 

One might say that the Wagonmasters have big boots to fill. "During the course of the deployment, the 16th planned and executed over 6,000 convoy logistical patrols driving over 6 million miles delivering supplies to the war fighter.  We issued out over 6 million gallons of fuel, 4.5 million bottles of drinking water, and delivered 23,000 tons of subsistence. We handled over 40 million pounds of mail.  We made facility and structural improvements across the bde footprint to the tune of 74 completed projects,"  said Col. Martin Pitts, 16th SB cmdr.

Although it could be said that the 15th has a lot of work ahead of them, the command and most of the Soldiers have done this before. "Finally, for the 3rd time in less than 5 years, the Wagonmaster colors have been unfurled in Iraq," said Col. Larry Phelps, 15th SB cmdr.  "Coach, your team is ready – put us in!" he told Brig. Gen. Paul Wentz, 13th Sust Command (Expeditionary) cmdr. "There's no better unit to replace the magnificent Soldiers of the 16th Sust Bde than the 15th," Wentz said.

The Wagonmaster's mission will entail much of the same things that the 16th's did, but with one large difference. American Soldiers are going home.
As Phelps told his Soldiers in a recent gathering, tens of thousands of Soldiers will return to the U.S. in the coming months along with all of their equipment. The 15th is responsible for sustaining the force in MND-North, closing bases across the area, and getting Soldiers home.

Phelps was proud and wasted no time in spreading the Wagonmaster "brand," the unique 15th patch. As the TOA ceremony was underway, civilian painters marked the walls surrounding the bde's HQ with the 15th patch, the trademark wagon, along with other Wagonmaster markings.

Following the TOA ceremony, the Wagonmasters raised their colors, the Belton, Texas flag, and the Texas flag in a short ceremony outside of the bde's HQ to the song "The Eyes of Texas are Upon Us." Belton is the 15th's adopted community and the raised flag was the city's first – made specifically to be flown in Iraq.

"Where we put our brand ... we bring our standard."

Muhammad Ramah (left), medical doctor and friend of Q-West leadership, observes the transfer of authority ceremony.

Pfc. Malorie Cano (left), 15th Sust Bde supply specialist, and Spc. Liz Rivera, 15th SB wheeled vehicle mechanic, raise the Texas state flag in front of the bde HQ, only minutes after a transfer of authority ceremony. 

Col. Martin Pitts, 16th Sust Bde cmdr and Command Sgt. Maj. James Spencer, 16th SB senior NCO, case their unit's colors at transfer of authority ceremony which officially marks the end of their 15-month tour in Iraq.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-09

Dear Interested Reader,

Quality Control Inspection of local vineyard.  Nangarhar ADT conducts wheat seed "shura."  Afghans take message to the airwaves in Garmsir district.

Iraq:  IAF pilots graduate, earn their wings.  1411th Civil Affairs Co. deliver supplies to students in Numaniyah.  3rd BSTB challenges soldiers through competition.

Joanna

___________________________

October 9, 2009

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO 

Quality Control Inspection 

Photos by Matthew McKinney 

Lt. Col. Jeff Cantor, Civil Affairs Team Chief, 353rd Civil Affairs Command, shakes the hand of an Afghan boy outside Bagram AF Base in Janquadam prov., Sept. 25.  Cantor was assisting the Kentucky NG Agri-business Development Team with conducting a quality control inspection of a local vineyard. 

1st Lt. James Lehman, Kentucky ADT, offers his hand to a local child while on security.  Lehman and the other members of the ADT assessed several vineyards as a part of their effort to help Afghans increase raisin yields.

Lt. Col. Toby Peterson, Kentucky ADT, listens as Hijig Walli discusses the progress of local vineyards.  Peterson stands outside the section of the vineyards where trellising is being introduced as a new method for local grape production.

1st Lt. James Lehman offers his hand to a local child while on security. 

U.S. Army Spc. Tommy Olivo, Kentucky ADT, greets local children while providing security. Olivo and his team conduct agriculture assessments in an effort to assist Afghans increase their ability to feed their country.

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

Nangarhar Agri-business Development Team conducts wheat seed shura

By Army Pfc. Beth Raney

Lt. Col. David Boyle and Dr. Mohammad Ishaqzai, the dep. gov. of Nangarhar prov., sign the Memorandum of Agreement for the wheat seed and fertilizer distribution.  Mohammad Safi, the dir. of ag., irrigation, and livestock, is seated to the right of Ishaqzai.

NANGARHAR PROVINCE - Service members from the Nangarhar ADT, along with Afghan provincial leaders and agricultural reps participated in a wheat seed and fertilizer distribution shura at Karzai Hall in the Nangarhar Gov's Compound in Jalalabad, Sept. 27.

The purpose of the shura is to provide district level govt officials with information on how the wheat seed and fertilizer will be distributed and to establish the cost of the seed and fertilizer. Those controls are needed to ensure successful and corruption-free distribution throughout Nangarhar.  Improved wheat seed can last 5 to 8 generations or more where standard market seed last 1 to 2. 

Army Lt Col. David Boyle, cmdr of the Nangarhar ADT, sang praises of the GoA for their cooperation and dedication to this project, and better serving the Afghan people. "GoA is planning for the future," Boyle said. "GoA not only is solving today's need, but starting with this distribution, they are making the community self sufficient for the future."

The attendees of a wheat seed and fertilizer distribution shura listen to the speaker. 

The attendees have lunch between the morning and afternoon sessions.

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NATO ISAF

Afghans Take Message To The Airwaves

GARMSIR DISTRICT – Afghans living near FOB Delhi tune in 3 times a day for music and news brought to them by Radio Garmsir. That's 3 times a day the citizens here tune out the Taliban, who essentially outlawed music.

"The people are happy,"

 said Asad Alkozay, one of the 2 disc jockeys for Radio Garmsir.  With a smile on his face, Alkozay pointed toward a pile of more than 1,000 letters – the fan mail he and fellow disc jockey, Mashuq Ullah, received during the month of September alone.  "Usually we get over 50 letters every day,"

 said Alkozay. "I'm very happy, because every day I walk out, open the box and see lots of letters. The majority of the letters express gratitude and song requests, according to Alkozay.  A growing pile of perfume-scented letters hints toward the popularity of the 2 disc jockeys among their female audience members.

Radio Garmsir operates aboard FOB Delhi and has a transmission of approx 20 kms.  Each day, Alkozay and Ullah host 2 music programs and a nightly Koran broadcast.  When the broadcasts started, local citizens voiced concerns about the format and content Radio Garmsir would air.  Ullah assured his listeners Radio Garmsir would be a tasteful, Islamic program with consideration given to the various languages and cultures represented in the district. "We're playing music from 3 languages," Ullah pointed out, "Pashtu, Dari and Hindi. We offer the best radio for people here."

As part of their efforts to offer the best radio for the people here, Ullah and Alkozay incorporate announcements about controlled detonations, and other news items related to the ISAF in the area. "We alert people to these explosions so they don't worry,"

 Ullah said. "We aren't just music, we're news too.  Sometimes when I'm walking around, some people come up to me and tell me how they want to talk with me and hear me,"

 Ullah said. "People want me to send a note to their village before I visit so they don't miss me. "I'm very happy to play music because it hurts the Taliban,"

 Ullah said. "They can't stop the people here."

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DoD Imagery

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Shawn McKinney, attached to Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, provides security during a shura, or consultation, at a police station in the Nawa district of Helmand prov., Sept. 29, 2009. The shura is being held to discuss the needs of the Nawa district.  The 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt is a combat element of RCT 3, which conducts counterinsurgency ops in partnership with ANSF in southern Afghanistan. 

(DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Phillip Elgie, Marine Corps)

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506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs 

Iraqi Air Force Pilots Graduate, Earn Their Wings

Story by Staff Sgt. Daniel Martinez

IAF airmen stand in line to congratulate their comrades for receiving their pilot wings, Sept. 27.  Eleven Iraqi officers became the first class of student pilots to earn their rotary-aircraft pilot wings, and 12 Iraqi airmen earned their fixed-wing pilot wings.

"Today marks a significant milestone in the rebuilding of the Iraqi air force," said Maj. Gen. Robert Kane, dir., Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission – AF. "The pinning of these young officers' wings could not happen at a more important time in the history of the IAF and the country of Iraq. These new airmen will arrive at their units at a time of rapid growth as the IAF increases ops across the country in support of all ISF who are taking full responsibility for the protection of the Iraqi people."

Army Chief Warrant Officer Alton Campbell, govt flight rep, USSATCOM that the airmen are the 1st Iraqi military rotary wing pilots to graduate in 12-15 years, and the new pilots are excited about their future in the IAF.

Second Lt. Ali Jamal Ali, an IAF helicopter pilot, said he and his family are very proud and knows that it comes with extra responsibility. "I hope they will feel very proud because ... all of the student pilots just want to serve this country, just want to protect them," he said.  Ali spoke passionately about serving his country and hopes to set an example for fellow Iraqis. 
"I hope that because we're so few, we need more pilots, more power for this country to save it and protect it," he added. "I hope that they can learn something from us to come here and serve their country."

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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq 

U.S., Iraqi Soldiers Visit School Children 

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees 

Army Staff Sgt. Nekolas Portella, attached to the 1411th Civil Affairs Co, distributes supplies to students from a primary school in Numaniyah, Oct. 5.

Sgt. Luis Hernandez attached to Red Plt, A Btry, 1-77th FA Bn, provides security for members of the the 1411th.

Staff Sgt. Nekolas Portella speaks with teachers.

Students watch as Soldiers from the the 1411th speak with teachers.

Iraqi schoolboys form a queue to receive school supplies.

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3rd BCT, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs 

3rd BSTB Challenges Soldiers Through Competition 

Photos by Christopher Kozloski 

Lt. Col. Quinton Arnold, cmdr of 3rd BSTB, presents Sgt. Victoria Siler, winner of the 3rd BSTB NCO of the Year competition, with an Army Achievement Medal for her accomplishments during the competition.

Lt. Col. Arnold presents Spc. Clinton Mampel, winner of the 3rd BSTB Soldier of the Year competition, with an Army Achievement Medal for his accomplishments during the competition.

Spc. Clinton Mampel, winner of the 3rd BSTB Soldier of the Year competition, prepares to disassemble the M240B automatic machine gun at one of the warrior task stations set up for the competition at FOB Marez, Oct. 1. 

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MNF-I

Family Affair

(Photo by Lt. Col. Pat Simon)

With his son, Pfc. Taylor Crooks (right) by his side, Lt. Col. Jerry Crooks (center), dep. cmdr 225th Engr Bde, is promoted to the rank of colonel by Brig. Gen. Owen Monconduit, cmdr of the 225th Eng. Brig., at an undisclosed location in Iraq, Oct. 4. 

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MNF-I

Friendly Chat 

(Army photo by Pfc. Bethany Little) 

Army Maj. Gen. Richard Rowe, dir. of Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq's Training and Advisory mission, talks with Maj. Gen. Isam  Yaseen, Zurbatiyah port director for Iraq's Border Enforcement Dept, before a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a cargo transload area on the Iraq-Iran border, Sept. 26, 2009. 

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-08

Dear Interested Reader,

Rapport is built in Maywand district. Combined forces patrol Korengal Valley.  Militants detained/killed in Wardak and Nuristan provs.

Iraq:  U.S. forces focus on civil programs.  Shaykhs/IA discuss concerns in Baghdad.  AQI terrorists arrested.  ISWAT rescues boy, disrupts kidnapping org.

Joanna

___________________________

October 8, 2009

NATO ISAF

Soldiers Build Rapport With Local Villagers

A U.S. Soldier with the 1st Bn, 12th Inf Regt, passes out candy to Afghan children in the village of Esquabad. Charlie Co Soldiers were conducting an assessment with the village elder to gauge their acceptance of CF in the area.

FOB RAMROD – As the shift in Afghanistan turns to winning over the local population, U.S. Soldiers operating in the Maywand District are noticing that they can build relationships by lowering their weapons and socializing with villagers over a cup of Afghan tea.

As Capt. Duke Reim, 1st Bn, 12th Inf Regt, Charlie Co Cmdr is finding out, the villagers are more receptive to him and his Soldiers when they see them interacting on a personal level, providing consistent security and meeting their needs. On this particular visit to the village of Esquabad, Charlie Co Soldiers were conducting an assessment with the village elder to gauge their acceptance of CF in the area.  An asset the 1-12 INF uses to help them asses a village is the members of the Human Terrain Team, which embeds anthropologists and other social scientists with combat units in the field, to help cmdrs understand local cultures. 

"The main purpose of our visit was a make or break type,"

 said Reim. "The last time we were up there, Habi Bullah, the son of the village elder, was very standoffish. Normally, we're greeted more openly."

Bringing in members of the HTT, helps cmdrs like Reim gain a better understanding of the villagers and how to build their trust. "These visits help build rapport and maintain a respectful relationship with the village elders,"

 said Stephen Lang, an HTT member. "My goal was to return to the village and assist the cmdr by lining my relationship and experience with his goals and expectations in hope to regain the support and assistance from the village elders."

Lang believes a lack of patrols and recent events in the area have affected the relationship between the 1-12 IN and the villagers. For Reim, increasing their patrols and honoring simple requests made by the village elder seems to have made a drastic difference. "It was totally different this time around,"

 said Reim. "They like the security we bring them, and overall they're open to us being there. The other night they had a wedding and they wanted us to keep our distance -- we didn't fire or fly anything over their area that night and he thanked me for honoring his request.  It's the simple things that will build relationships."

Building relationships is something the 1-12 IN hopes it can continue doing with other villages around Esquabad. Although, for Reim, he acknowledges the uphill battle they face. "This country has been at war since Alexander the Great - this is all this country knows,"

 he said. "These people have never known true peace. Even between wars they were ruled by warlords. If we can bring them govt that is somewhat fair and just, it will help change the direction of this country."

A U.S. Soldier from the 1st Bn, escorts the village elder of Esquabad to a village assessment with the Charlie Co cmdr.  As Capt. Duke Reim, C-CO cmdr, is finding out, the villagers are more receptive to him and his Soldiers when they see them interacting with them on a personal level, providing consistent security and meeting their needs.

A U.S. Soldier with the 1st Bn lets Afghan children inspect his uniform. 

 

Capt. Duke Reim and Human Terrain Team members talk with a local village elder.  

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Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Scanning the Mountains 

(Photos by Sgt. Matthew Moeller)

An ANA soldier scans the surrounding area while on patrol with Marines assigned to eMiTT 7-5 in Kunar prov., Korengal Valley, Sept. 29.  eMitts across Afghanistan serve as mentors to the emerging Afghan military, guiding them to become a military force capable of defending its own people and borders.

An ANA soldier scans the surrounding area while on patrol with Marines. 

An ANA soldier scans the surrounding area.

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NATO ISAF

Afghan-ISAF Detains Militants

KABUL—An Afghan and ISAF detained suspected militants in Wardak prov. Oct. 6, after searching a compound known to be used by a Taliban cmdr and his group, responsible for the supply of weapons and IEDs into the Tangi Valley. The joint search in Saydabad District was conducted without incident.

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NATO ISAF

ANSF, ISAF Repel Insurgent Attack in Eastern Afghanistan

KABUL – A more detailed battlefield assessment following the Oct. 3 attack in Nuristan has determined that enemy forces suffered more than 100 dead during the well-coordinated offense -- significantly higher losses than originally thought.

Additionally, ISAF now believes that while the attack was conducted by local anti-Afghan forces, local Taliban and elements of Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin may have helped facilitate the attack. The group responsible for conducting the attack was initially reported as "Nuristani tribal militia." 

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Multi-National Corps - Iraq

Al Anbar ISWAT rescues boy, disrupts kidnapping organization

Muthana Misha'an, the 10-year-old boy who was kidnapped Sept. 15, was finally freed with help from ISF led by Col. Sa'ad Hamoud.

(Photo by Army Sgt. Brandon Pomrenke)

RAMADI - As ISF continue to bring down terrorist and insurgent networks. The availability of funding and safe havens are becoming more difficult for these illegal orgs to find, which may often lead to drastic measures. "The insurgents' finance here has been cut off by the govt.," explained Col. Hamoud, cmdr of the Al Anbar Iraqi SWAT. "That's why they now go and kidnap people for ransom, to get their finances."

In the case of the Sept. 15 kidnapping of 10-year-old Muthana Misha'an, the kidnappers were smart, he said.  According to Hamoud, they referred to one of the kidnappers as "The Ghost", due to the fact that he constantly moved from one location to another.

As ISF raids took place at various locations, the kidnappers constantly relocated in a tireless effort not to be found. According to Muthana, they had taken him into the desert and left him alone at one point.  Muthana's father, Khalaf Misha'an, worked with Hamoud and the ISWAT to buy more time to get the money to pay his son's ransom.  During this time, the kidnappers came together in one location.

SECFOR were then able to locate 2 of the kidnappers. The following day, 2 men, who were brothers, were arrested and taken into custody.  While the arrest took place, Muthana was able to place another phone call to his father and tell him where he was.  Fearing capture, the remaining kidnappers had put Muthana in the trunk of a vehicle and drove him around in circles to confuse him before dropping him off in a neighborhood nearby. 

After his rescue and the arrests of the suspects, 3 individuals came forward and informed the authorities of the kidnappers' locations. These witnesses had previously been kidnapped by what ISF believe is the same group of individuals.

Muthana's father Misha'an was also a previous kidnap victim.  At that time (2004), there was no govt and no power. Either they would behead the hostage, or the hostage paid the ransom. "When they kidnapped my son, they used the same tone, Misha'an said. "When I met Col. Hamoud, I trusted him, and it gave me courage."

"The kidnapper knew he was being watched, but I was telling him the most important thing to me was my son," Misha'an said. "I was on the phone with them for 10 days.  Each minute felt like one year of my life.  I was thinking even if I could afford the ransom, he could get away with it, and he'll do it again and again to other people."

"In this case, we saw a lot of citizens' support, which gave us a lot of power and courage to continue," said Hamoud. "By detaining those individuals, it gave courage to some of those people to come and speak out, and there are more on the way."

"Getting back Muthana in our arms is when our lives started again," said Misha'an.

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MNC-Iraq

U.S. forces focus on civil programs

By Staff Sgt. Luke Koladish

Members of the Wasit PRT and local Iraqi leaders cut the ribbon at the opening of an engineering college in Kut, Oct. 1, 2009. With U.S. forces now out of Iraqi cities, they continue to support the improvement of civil capacity throughout Iraq. 

(Photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Vorhees)

KUT — "U.S. Forces will help the Iraqis in building infrastructure and developing essential services in order to improve their communities and achieve economic stabilization,"  said Maj. Gen. James Hunt.  He said service members and DoD civilians are working diligently in the areas of civil capacity and reconstruction. "They bring a great deal of experience and expertise, everything from city mgrs that are on a one-year sabbatical, to health dept professionals and lawyers," Hunt explained. "They teach provincial councils how to govern, run a council meeting, execute a budget and listen to their constituents."

In addition to the PRTs, Civil Affairs Soldiers are in the field to provide skills that may not be a part of the civilian team. "For instance, we've a local politician, a city councilman in his civilian life, deployed here for a year as an Army col.," Hunt added. "He's advising provincial councils how to operate." There are farmers from Nebraska and Iowa, part of the NG or Reserve, out with the PRTs teaching Iraqis how to improve their irrigation ditches and re-sow fields with various crops to increase the harvest. "Whether it's civilians training Iraqis in civic action programs or a Civil Affairs team helping to improve health care in a prov., we're establishing a long-term relationship at every level of society," he said.

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MNF-I

Shaykhs, Iraqi Army discuss concerns

By Pfc. Kimberly Hackbarth

BAGHDAD — U.S. and Iraqi cmdrs, along with prominent members of the Abu Ghraib community, met to discuss security gains as well as rebuilding dialogue in the western community of the capital city, Oct. 3.

Col. John Norris, cmdr of 4th Bde, 2nd ID, suggested a rep from IA attend the council meeting to help bridge the communication gap between Abu Ghraib shaykhs and the IA, following a recent rift.

At the meeting, Iraqi Lt. Col. Yaser assured council members that security in the past could not be compared to how it's now. He pointed out that things are safer and more stable all over Baghdad, largely due to actions such as patrols and warrant-issued arrests made by the IA and IP. "Every day is getting better," Yaser said.

Yaser's presence at the meeting opened lines of communication between the IA and the council members, by allowing the 2 groups to share thoughts and opinions on issues in the area with little input from Norris. "The IA could receive their concerns about security and could, in fact, respond and resolve the issues and the concerns they had with security instead of me being the interface," said Norris. "That's ultimately part of our strategy of irreversible momentum:  to be able to ensure that the people trust the IA, and that the IA support the people."

Security was not the only issue brought up at the meeting. Internally displaced persons are a growing concern for the Abu Ghraib council members.  Yaser reassured the council members the Iraqi forces look to help the IDPs and want those people to live in peace with the rest of the populace.

One of the final topics discussed was the need for people to go to the authorities if they had info about crimes committed.  He explained to the council that one of the biggest reasons violence still existed in their areas was because people would not come forward with tips. Overall, the meeting broke new ground for all members involved by repairing the partnership between the IA and the council members, and allowing them to work together to try to make the area a safer place for the citizens.

"Just Yaser's presence and his willingness to receive the info and the concern to discuss security-related issues, and the issues within the communities with the shaykhs, was a big victory for us in terms of improved security and immediate change in perception that the IA is, in fact, there for the people and supporting the people."

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ 

Iraqi Police search for AQI members in western Iraq, arrest 6

BAGHDAD – IP arrested 6 suspects in western Iraq today during 2 separate security ops targeting AQI members and conspirators.

The 3rd Emergency Services Unit, with U.S. advisors, searched several buildings for a warranted AQI member who supports and facilitates terrorist ops near Kirkuk.  The security team encountered 3 suspects, who after questioning, were identified as associates of the warranted AQI member. Iraqi authorities on scene arrested the 3 suspects.

In another security op near Qara Tapa, located approx 122 km NE of Baghdad, IP with U.S. advisors, searched for an AQI member who operates throughout Diyala Prov., and is known to provide weapons training for AQI members.  During the security op, the IP apprehended 3 suspects, who were subsequently arrested based on evidence found at the scene linking the 3 to criminal activity.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-07

Dear Interested Reader,

Patrolling in Kherwar district, Logar prov., COP Cherokee.  Foot patrol in Garmsir district, Helmand prov.  Airmen use football rivalry to help Afghan people.

Iraq:  Army Spc. Ikram Mansori serves as vital communicator.  University partnership for a brighter future.  Leader of an AQI terrorist cell captured.  Database boosts IA maintenance.

Joanna

__________________________

October 7, 2009

Afghanistan Gallery of Pictures

Patrolling in Kherwar district, Logar Province/COP Cherokee

(REUTERS Photos by Nikola Solic)

PFC John Kryzanek from the Army's Charlie troop, 371 Cav, 3rd bde of 10th Mtn Div based in Fort Drum, NY, takes position during a patrol in Kherwar district, Logar prov., Oct. 3.

Army's Charlie troop, Oct. 4.

Soldiers from Charlie troop patrol.

Soldiers from the Army's Alpha Btry, 425 FA, 3rd bde of 10th Mtn Div, fire their 155 mm Howitzer in COP Cherokee base, Oct. 4.

Soldiers from the Army's Charlie troop, 371 Cav (L) play volleyball against ANA soldiers, Oct. 5.

Lt James Boston uses his laptop inside his room. 

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AFGHANISTAN MILITARY IMAGES OF THE DAY

Foot Patrol in Garmsir District in Helmand Province

(Photos by REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih 

An Afghani family on a motorcycle passes by Marine SGT Peter Neubauer, from 8th Marine Regt, as he walks during a foot patrol in Garmsir district in Helmand prov., October 5, 2009.

An Afghani boy looks at Marine Sgt. Ryan Pettit, during a foot patrol. in Garmsir district in Helmand province, October 5, 2009.

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Special to American Forces Press Service

Airmen Use Football Rivalry to Help Afghan People

By Air Force Capt. David Faggard

AF Maj. Tobin Griffeth and AF Capt. Katie Illingworth are using the hotly contested football rivalry between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma to generate donations for the people of Afghanistan. 

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Oct. 6, 2009 – In a Soviet-era aircraft hangar, a rivalry born during the Battle of the Red River is still alive and well, but now that energy is supporting the Afghan people.  AF Maj. Tobin Griffeth, an avid University of Texas fan, and AF Capt. Katie Illingworth, a University of Oklahoma alum., created a personal game honoring the 2 schools' annual football rivalry, which every year is the talk of the 2 bordering states.

They enlist family-member support back home, giving one point to the corresponding school that donates a box of items such as school supplies, clothes and shoes to the people of Afghanistan. Texas is in the lead with 10 points, and Oklahoma has yet to get on the scoreboard, but Illingworth promised that "boxes are coming." 

"We started this because it's the right thing to do," said Griffeth, graduate of University of Texas. "In a war where we'll spend millions on bombs or missiles, it only makes sense to spend money on clothes, or socks.  I think this is a basic way we could help stop the Taliban and the insurgency -- by winning the Afghan people’s hearts and minds."  It's also a way for Americans back home to help the Afghan people, he added. “They don't have much,” he noted, “and they hear nothing but bad things about America."

"It's somewhat trivial," Illingworth, an OU graduate, said about the rivalry game back home.  "But, it's not as trivial as some think. Our rivalry is a big deal, and this is a unique channel that allows people back home to support their teams and support America. The energy is there already; we're just trying to redirect it somewhere else."

The group asks that no food or money be sent, but donations of winter clothes, school supplies and shoes are accepted. Donations can be sent via flat-rate priority boxes to CJTF-82-OSJA, APO AE 09354, addressed to Griffeth for Texas or Illingworth for Oklahoma.

The game started when their families asked the 2 officers what they could do to help. Soon, a postal worker in Texas started to send boxes as well, and now college fraternities, churches and an Eagle Scout are assisting. Even the airmen’s hometowns are involved, and donations are streaming in, Illingworth said.  It's the goal of the 2 to get help from other universities too. They hope other college rivalries will pitch in, and mentioned the Alabama-Auburn Army-Navy rivalries specifically.

Griffeth is deployed from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, and Illingworth is deployed from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Illingworth is a graduate of Catholic University's Law School in Washington, D.C. The lawyers are deployed with Combined Joint TF 82 in the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. They both are fiscal and contracting lawyers.

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AFGHANISTAN MILITARY IMAGES OF THE DAY

What a Doll!

(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A burqa-clad woman holds her infant child as they wait to see a doctor at a clinic in Wardak Prov., Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.

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Special to American Forces Press Service

Face of Defense: Soldier Serves as Vital Communicator in Iraq

By Army Pvt. Jared Gehmann

Army Spc. Ikram Mansori smiles as she is greeted by a group of Iraqi girls at an elementary school during a combined humanitarian assistance mission in Salman Pak. Mansori speaks 5 languages, including Arabic. 

BAGHDAD, Oct. 1, 2009 – For Moroccan-born Army Spc. Ikram Mansori, being fluent in Arabic, French, Spanish, Moroccan and English has served her well during her 12-month deployment. 

When Mansori enlisted in the Army in 2007, she committed herself to be a truck driver. However, because of her language skills, her unit’s senior leaders felt she would be a valued asset serving as a linguist.  Mansori currently serves with the 82nd Abn Div’s 3rd BCT.

While growing up in the town of Youssoufia, Morocco, Mansori thrived as a student, learning several languages while living with her father. During her junior year in h.s., she put a lot of thought into her future and what colleges would best suit her. Feeling that the U.S. offered her the best opportunity, Mansori said, she moved in with her mother in San Francisco in the summer of 2004. "At that time, I knew very little English, but I wanted to finish h.s. in the U.S. in order to go to a 4-year university where I could get a degree," she said. "After a year of being in the U.S., I could speak English well."

Mansori went on to attend college at the University of California, Davis, for her freshman year.  While Mansori was working on her degree, her mother introduced her to an Army recruiter, which prompted her to think about military service. "The recruiter was a friend of my mom's, and they were both encouraging me to join,” she said. “I saw it as a great opportunity."

With that encouragement, Mansori decided to take a break from her studies and enlist in the Army as a truck driver. Despite her language skills, becoming a truck driver offered her an immediate incentive. "I became a truck driver because the job came with such a large sign-on-bonus," she said. "However, I still planned on taking the Defense Language Proficiency Test and becoming a qualified linguist."

After finishing her individual training, Mansori obtained her Army linguist certification and attended the Army's airborne school. Jumping out of a plane was something that intrigued her. "I went airborne because I wanted to serve with the 82nd Abn Div," she said. "I knew how often the 82nd gets deployed, and I wanted to go to another country and experience new things."

"It's amazing that people on the other side of the world are just like everyone else,” she said. “The Iraqi people just want a better place to live and work. I believe the majority of the Iraqi people want us around to help. When I'm not working in the office or assisting the command team, I'm usually out on patrols and humanitarian missions, helping the paratroopers communicate with the Iraqi people,” she said. “I don't have one favorite experience in Iraq, because every time I dismount on a patrol, I know I'm going to have the best experience."

In the future, Mansori said, she would like to become an Army officer and serve as a language cultural advisor, or go back to school and eventually choose a career. She looks forward to becoming a U.S. citizen later this fall, she added.

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Blackanthem Military News

Partnership for a brighter future

By Spc. Shantelle Campbell

Dr. Scott Koewer, deputy dean of the Moore School of Business (MSB) at the U of S. Carolina (USC), and Dr. Kendall Roth, the chair and prof. of Int'l Business at the MSB, accept a small token of appreciation from Dr. Sabah Mahmood, Tikrit University (TU) dean of business admin. and economics, and other faculty members, following the first group of meetings between the 2 schools, to discuss building a partnership, Sept. 27. 

TIKRIT - The collaborative educational effort between TU and the USC started with a simple email sent by a member of the PRT asking the university to share its 'capitalist business model.'  "We really believed that the advantage of an institution like ours, with an int'l bus. history, would be best to partner with the Dept of Business Admin. and Economics at TU, in a manner that would enable them to develop their own bus. curriculum," said Dr. Scott Koewer, dep. dean of the MSB. 

During the meeting, Dr. Sabah Mahmood, TU's dean of business admin. and economics talked about his expectations and needs for the school to be successful, such as establishing ways to communicate and having access to important resources like libraries, books and certain int'l economic and business admin. mags.  "We could use real time communication, using it for meetings and lectures, and so we can watch how the profs teach at the MSB," he said.  Mahmood also talked about developing a language school and an exchange program that would enable 3 to 6 students to take up business studies at each other's universities each year.

Before the close of the meeting, Koewer gave a presentation describing the MSB' history and success rate.  It's our mission to "strive to be exceptional in teaching, research and service to our community," said Koewer.

"If we can have a role in helping TU transform into a vibrant university for the people of Iraq, that's a really critical mission," said Dr. Kendall Roth, the chair and prof. of Int'l Business at MSB. "It's especially critical when you think about the challenges, and who is going to win the minds of the youth? It needs to be the Iraqi higher education system, if not, they'll find an alternative. If we can be a part of the process of helping enable their higher education system to be effective amongst its own people, I would say that's critically important."

As early as 2007, TU has been the forerunner in the rebuilding of Iraq, as far as taking steps to further advance its higher education, having established relationships with 6 other American universities concerning different areas of studies.

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Blackanthem Military News

Military mind behind terrorist activities captured

By Multi-National Corps-Iraq PAO

TIKRIT - Constables with the 5th ERB arrested a suspected leader of an al Qaeda terrorist cell in the Ninawa prov., Oct. 3. The suspected cell leader, Hajji Ali al-Tikriti, was arrested for allegedly coordinating multiple attacks against ISF and Iraqi citizens, smuggling weapons throughout northern Iraq and for extorting citizens of Ninawa.  He's also suspected of being a key influence and contributor of numerous vehicle and roadside explosive attacks throughout Mosul, and the military mind behind a terrorist cell.
    

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MNF-I

Database boosts Iraqi Army maintenance

Lt. Col. Brian Coleman, adviser to the IA's Dir. of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Program, takes questions from Iraqi officers about the IA Maintenance Program, an electronic database designed to assist the maintenance workshops with organizing work orders and documenting inventory, at Camp Taji, Sept. 30. 

(Photo by Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg)

CAMP TAJI — IA maintenance sites, called Medium Workshops, recently transitioned from handwritten orders and logs to the new IA Maintenance Program (IAMP) computerized database. At the meeting, Lt. Col. Brian Coleman presented statistics from each workshop’s IAMP database, and discussed how the system will help the workshops work together to get what they need.

"This partnership is not only between the IA and the U.S. Army, but between the IA themselves," said Maj. Robert Catlin, program mgr for the Logistics Training and Advising Team (LTAT) with the 90th Sust Bde.  Each workshop site has a list of parts they need, and if they make an accurate inventory and share parts with other sites, they can complete their work orders, said Catlin.

During the meeting, IA members expressed concern that the IAMP inventory numbers were inaccurate. Coleman said the IA Soldiers need to take a bigger role in using the IAMP, which is currently being used mostly by civilian contractors whose contract is scheduled to end later this year. "What we want to do is fix it for tomorrow," said Coleman. "When the contractors leave, it will be the responsibility of the IA. "This is just the first step toward automated mgt for maintenance," he continued. "The real goal is to make sure the computer info is accurate after the meeting."

Catlin also said getting the different IA workshops to sit down together and talk was a big step forward. "We know we have some cultural disparities," he said, "but the end result is getting their officers, [NCOs] and Soldiers to know their job." Coleman said they are planning to have these meetings every 90 days to ensure progress is made.

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MNF-I

Corner Store 

(Photo by Spc. John Stimac)

Sgt. Carlos Rivera, 1174th Transportation Co, looks at some items for sale at the souq bazaar on COB, Q-West, Sept. 2009.

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update-10-06

Dear Interested Reader,

Forces disrupt, detain insurgents throughout Afghanistan.  Taliban under attack where 8 US Soldiers were killed.  Marines on patrol, and in a firefight in Nawa district, Helmand Prov.

Iraq:  Indiana Soldier makes history.  New school opens for girls in Erbil.  Businessman uses micro-grant wisely.  Large weapons cache seized, and AQI arrested in Mosul.

Joanna

_______________________________

October 6, 2009

AFGHANISTAN MILITARY IMAGES OF THE DAY

Marines on Patrol/in Firefight in Nawa district, Helmand Prov.

(AP Photos by Brennan Linsley)

U.S. Marines with Bravo Co, 1st Bn, 5th Marines, joke with one another as they prepare for a patrol., Oct. 3.

Marine Cpl. Matthew Doherty with 3rd Plt, Bravo Co, 1st Bn 5th Marines, walks on a joint patrol with the ANA, Oct. 4.

During a firefight with Taliban militants, Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Christie, left, and his rocket launcher teammate Lance Cpl. Vincent Morales, run together.  Taliban militants attacked the Marine patrol using assault rifles, medium machine guns, and snipers.

Lance Cpl. Jordan Christie, sprints down an irrigation canal to a location to launch his rocket.

During a lull in a firefight with taliban militants, ANA local cmdr Hussein, left, stands with Marine squad leader Sgt. Matthew Duquette, who shouts out orders to Marines. 

During a lull, Lance Cpl. Jordan Christie, takes cover at the edge of a muddy irrigation canal.

During a firefight with Taliban militants, Cpl. Bobby Orr returns fire.

Lance Cpl. Roy Aeschlimann takes cover as bullets fly around him. 

Debris and spent shell casing fly as Lance Cpl. Roy Aeschlimann returns fire.

Marine combat photographer Lance Cpl. John McCall returns fire.

Lance Cpl. Mark Voss takes cover in an irrigation canal and holds his M240B machine gun as he scans for the source of the incoming fire.

Cpl. Matthew Doherty (center left), runs for a new position with a group of fellow Marines, an Afghan soldier, and an interpreter, left.

Marine radio operator and infantryman Lance Cpl. Walter Jennings, with Bravo Co, 1st Bn 5th Marines walks in front of an armored vehicle, Oct. 5. 

Marine 1st Lt. Aiden Katz walks with ANA local cmdr Lt. Hussein, Oct. 5.

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Nuristan Province

POLITICS MILITARY IMAGES OF THE DAY

(AFP/US CF/File photo by Matthew Moeller)

A US soldier fires his assault rifle during a battle with insurgent forces. US forces suffered one of their bloodiest days in 8 years of war in Afghanistan with 8 soldiers killed when their remote outposts were overrun by hundreds of Taliban militants.

(AFP/File/Massoud Hossaini)

An aerial view of The Hindu Kush Mountain Range near Badakhshan. The Hindu Kush represents the southern edge of a great central upheaval or plateau. It breaks up into long spurs southwards, deep amongst which are hidden the valleys of Nuristan. 

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American Forces Press Service

Forces Disrupt, Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2009 – Afghan and NATO troops have killed or detained numerous militant fighters throughout eastern and southern Afghanistan in recent days, military officials reported. Forces detained a group of suspected militants today after searching compounds NE of Khowst City known to be used by a Haqqani terrorist network leader and his unit.  

In the Saydabad district of Wardak prov., forces detained several suspects today after searching a series of buildings known to be used by a Taliban leader and his unit. The group is suspected of providing financial support, weapons and bombs to other militants.

In a third op today, forces detained several suspects after searching buildings west of Kandahar City. The buildings are known to be used by a Taliban element responsible for the supply of weapons, explosives, fighters and money to other militant elements in the region.

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Taliban under attack in area where U.S. soldiers killed 

By Amin Jalal

Reuters – ANA soldiers walk past the marketplace in the center of Kherwar district in Logar prov., Oct. 5.

ASADABAD (Reuters) – ISAF and Afghan forces launched an assault Oct. 5,  against a group of Taliban in an area where the militants killed 8 American soldiers, an official said.

Nuristan's Gov. Badr, said ISAF and Afghan troops besieged a group of Taliban in an area of the prov.'s Kamdesh district, but did not give further details. "The op started this morning," Badr told Reuters by phone. A press officer for U.S. and NATO-led troops said there was "activity ongoing" in the area but gave no further details.

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Blackanthem Military News

Indiana Soldier makes history - Iraq

By Spc. Beth Gorenc

Indiana NG Chief Warrant Officer Chuck Sawyer, instructor pilot for Co C, 1st Bn, 137th Aviation Regt, stands by a UH-60 Black Hawk, Sept. 28, 2009, at JBB. Sawyer flew his 1000th combat hour while deployed in Iraq during an approx year-long mobilization. 

(Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry)

JOINT BASE BALAD - Chief Warrant Officer Sawyer, flew his 1000th combat hour Sept. 22, 2009, and became the first Indiana NG Soldier to do so. "It's an honor to be the first one," said Sawyer. "It's a capstone achievement in an aviation career."

Sawyer said he wasn't the first one to achieve more than 1,000 combat flying hours. "Soldiers from the Vietnam War have flown more than 1,000 combat hours," he said. "I learned to fly from those veterans when I was young."
    
"Even though we're in a combat zone, a non-training environment, I want to pass on as much info and training as possible to the younger guys," said the instructor pilot. "My goal is to ensure pilots get the best training possible," he added.
    
Spc. Donald Tharp, Co C, was on his first deployment in his 3-year military career during the mobilization to Iraq in 2009. "When I first starting flying, I was nervous," said Tharp. "He pulled me to the side and helped me calm down." Sawyer's mentorship did not stop at comforting the specialist during that first flight. "He's always pushing people to study academics of the aircraft," added Tharp. "He's always pushing people to be better at what they do."
    
The company's 1st sgt, 1st Sgt. James Hudnall, also recognized Sawyer as an asset to the company and deployment. "He's a very fit, dedicated and knowledgeable Soldier who is extremely confident," Hudnall said. "He's representative of the loyalty and professionalism of the military in general."

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MNF-I

New school opens for girls in Erbil

By Pfc. Justin Naylor

Zahra Azadin, 14, stands in front of her new school in the Bnaslawa District of Erbil, Sept. 29. Zahra is one of 1,600 female students who began attending the school. 

KIRKUK — Dozens of girls from the Bnaslawa area of Erbil gathered to celebrate the opening of a new all-female school in their neighborhood. The school is made up of 24 classrooms, and has modern amenities including a science lab, computer lab, auditorium, basketball court and a soccer field.

The school's construction was originally initiated by the Republic of Korea’s Army in June 2007, which redeployed back to Korea in December 2008. Several U.S. Army Civil Affairs Teams supervised the project from then until its opening.

"There was a lot of overcrowding in this area," said Lt. Col. Timothy Quinlan, who helped oversee the project from June 2008 to April 2009 while serving in Erbil with the 304th CAB. "This is a growing community and the gov. wanted to put schools in the poor neighborhoods that needed them most," Quinlan said. Opening a school of this size and quality in a downtrodden neighborhood like Bnaslawa, demonstrates to the people that the govt really cares, according to Quinlan.

For the young girls who will be attending school here, the new school is more than just a place to learn. "The building is very beautiful and new," said Zahra Azadin, 14, who will be attending 9th grade at the school. "If a school is small, we can still study, but here, we have more opportunity of moving forward. We can go from here to better things. I'm very excited to be here," said Zahra.

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MNF-I

Businessman uses micro-grant intelligently

By Spc. Ruth McClary

Mohammed Sameen, who received a micro-grant in June from Co D, 230th BSB, 30th HBCT, stands in his newly renovated grocery store, Oct. 1. Sameen used the money wisely, making noticeable changes in a 2-month period. 

BAGHDAD — A businessman from Risalah, in southern Baghdad's Rashid District, recently renovated his grocery store after receiving a U.S. military-sponsored micro-grant.

Sameen purchased shelves, an awning, a freezer, refrigerator, painting supplies and food to stock his shelves. "Before the renovations, the store was absolute garbage; the food on the shelves was out-of-date and the supplies were limited," said 1st Lt. John Burt. "Now it looks like a regular little store.

During a joint mission, Oct.1, Burt, along with partnered IFP HQ across the street from Sameen's store, dropped by to congratulate Sameen on the upgrades he made with his micro-grant funds. "I was surprised when I walked up to see all the changes he made," said Burt. "We'd driven by a few times and saw the new paint on the outside, but when we walked up, there was lighting and a/c inside and fresh supplies for the community.  He did exactly what he said he'd do with the money."

U.S. troops asked Sameen if he could remove plastic toy handguns stocked at the store as part of a turn-in weapon campaign. The toys are difficult to distinguish at first glance from real weapons on the street.  Sameen understood and said he would get rid of them.

"This is an example of how a micro-grant can greatly impact the community by providing assistance to a local business and gaining rapport for the IFP and U.S. forces working in Risalah," Burt said.

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE - IRAQ 

IP clear rockets, explosives from AQI weapons cache in Mosul 

BAGHDAD – ISF discovered a hidden cache of weapons and explosive material used to facilitate attacks by AQI operatives today, and arrested a suspect connected to terrorist activity in Mosul. 

The ISF, with U.S. forces advisors, confiscated numerous weapons and explosive material used by Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) members to build VB bombs and suicide vests for attacks against the ISF and civilians in Mosul. The security team cleared several buildings uncovering military rockets and industrial-grade chemicals used to manufacture bombs.  

In a separate security op, the ISF with U.S. advisors, entered several buildings in Mosul in order to arrest a warranted AQI member responsible for obtaining and distributing explosive material used to build IEDs and VBIEDs throughout Ninewa Prov. One individual was questioned and identified as an AQI criminal accomplice.  Iraqi Army soldiers arrested the suspect, who will be tried for crimes before an Iraqi judge.

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MNF-I

Fly Ball

(Photo by Spc. Gavriel Bar-Tzur)

Army Sgt. Miguel Pastrana, 3212th Psychological Ops Det, tosses a soccer ball to children during a visit to Nasariyah, Sept. 30.

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MNF-I

Sweet Tooth 

(Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Kirk Worley)

Army Staff Sgt. Timothy Mills, 2nd ID, gives a child a piece of candy during a joint patrol with Iraqi Soldiers in Diayala Prov., Sept. 30. 

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-05

Dear Interested Reader,

Mega Shura (meeting) in Jalrez.  Combined forces repel large insurgent attack in Nuristan prov., and detain militants in Zabul, Wardak and Paktya provs.  NCO Spotlight:  Staff Sgt. Tyler Fosheim.

Iraq:  Uncle, Nephew serve together at JBB.  Engrs. meet, plan way ahead.  VBIED cell members captured in Baghdad, Kirkuk.

Joanna

_______________________

October 5, 2009

DoD Imagery

Mega Shura Wardak 

Photo by Sgt. Teddy Wade 

Army Maj. Larkin, EO for 4th Bn, 25th FA, 3rd Bde, 10th Mtn Div, meet with local leaders during a Mega Shura meeting at a community center in Jalrez,  Wardak prov., Sept. 30.

Lt. Col. Michael Gabel meets with local leaders. 

Lt. Col. Gabel meets with local leaders. 

A school in Jalrez, in the Wardak prov., is in the final stage of construction, Sept. 30. The school was build with funds by the Afghan Public Protection Program. The AP3 program was designed to increase security, empower local residents and encourage them to play a larger role in protecting their villages, and keeping insurgents out of Wardak Prov.

Afghan students study inside an elementary school in Jalrez.

Afghan children carry bags with flour donated by the U.S. Army Soldiers. 

A U.S. Army K-9 military working dog from the 10th Mtn Div out Fort Drum, N.Y., sits at the entrance of a school during a Mega Shura meeting.

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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

NCO Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Tyler Fosheim

By Pfc. Andrya Hill

Staff Sgt. Tyler Fosheim interviews a local shepherd, Sept. 26, in Marghah in the Paktika prov., eastern Afghanistan. 

FOB SALERNO - Paratrooper, Staff Sgt. Tyler Fosheim, considers himself a history buff.  He said he uses common sense and the Army’s legacy for insight and inspiration in his NCO duties as a plt sgt for Co D, 3rd Bn, 509th PIR, 4th BCT.

“My great inspiration in life is probably my father and my grandfather.  My grandfather was in World War II and a very kind man. Then my dad, he really gave me my love of history, and that’s why I wanted to join the army,” he explained. “I wanted to live history, make a difference, and really find out what it’s like to be in the fight.”

Fosheim tries to instill an appreciation for history and Army values in his Soldiers, and said that it's important to understand what America’s forefathers endured to fully grasp the Army experience. “How can you know about the Army and how can you appreciate the Army if you don’t know the history of it?  If you don’t know how hard your grandparents had it, and their grandparents,” he challenged, “you can’t compare the conditions in World War II to what we have now; it’s just impossible. We can’t imagine not having a MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facility), and only being able to write letters, and living in a fox hole every day for a year. So I just like to impress that upon my Soldiers.”

Spc. Paul Nichols, one of the infantrymen that received a no-go from Fosheim during his EIB testing, said his opinion has changed since Fosheim became the plt sgt. “It’s strange how things work out,” he said. “It’s different now that he's with us. He’s pretty on-the-ball; he knows what he's doing. He likes to spot check people, look for mistakes, and correct them. He expects everyone to know their job and the next job up.  But, he's pretty cool. He’ll talk to me about family, and just how it’s going.”

Whether inspecting Soldier’s weapons and gear, teaching them something new, or challenging them with a pop question on Army history, he's constantly involved in their personal and professional development. “He asked me the other day who the youngest president was. I didn’t know,” said Nichols. “It’s Theodore Roosevelt,” he added, smiling.

From patrols, to routine missions, to down time on the FOB, Fosheim can be counted on to be a steadfast leader. Through history, Army values, and a desire to leave a legacy, he strives to be the best NCO possible, for his Soldiers, himself, his wife and 3 daughters. “My daughters, they're everything I have to live for,” he said. “That's why I want to make the world a better place.”

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International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs 

ANSF, ISAF Repel Insurgent Attack in Eastern Afghanistan

KABUL — Two joint ISAF and ANSF outposts were attacked in the Nuristan prov. of eastern Afghanistan the morning of Oct. 3.

Nuristani tribal militia launched the attacks from a local mosque and nearby village. CF effectively repelled the attack and inflicted heavy enemy casualties while 8 ISAF and 2 ANSF service members were killed.

"My heart goes out to the families of those we have lost, and to their fellow Soldiers who remained to finish this fight," said Col. Randy George, cmdr of TF Mtn Warrior. "This was a complex attack in a difficult area.  Both the U.S. and Afghan soldiers fought bravely together; I'm extremely proud of their professionalism and bravery."

CF' previously announced plans to depart the area as part of a broader realignment to protect larger population centers remain unchanged. The sources of the conflict in the area involve complex tribal, religious and economic dynamics.  CF will continue to assist in matching local resources with ANSF to bolster security and partner with local communities on development assistance if requested. 

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International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

Operational Update, Oct. 4: Afghan-ISAF Detains Militants

 

KABUL — Afghan and ISAF detained multiple suspected militants in a search near Qalat City in Zabul prov, Oct. 3., and in Wardak and Paktya provs during Oct. 4 ops.

In a separate op in Wardak prov's Saydabad District, a joint force conducted a compound search to disrupt Taliban IED attacks against civilians and regional infrastructure, detaining several suspected militants, Oct. 4. 

In a third op, a joint force detained suspected militants during a building search in Paktya prov. for Haqqani militants, and a facilitator responsible for coordinating and conducting attacks against Afghan civilians and infrastructure in the Khowst-Gardez Pass area.

The above ops do not reflect any addition to the Oct. 4, news release "ANSF, ISAF repel insurgent attack in Eastern Afghanistan," and are not related to that attack.

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MNF-I

Uncle, Nephew Serve Together, Continue Military Tradition

Story by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry

Indiana NG Soldiers, Lt. Col. Dan Kozlowski and Capt. Rodney Gervais, pose for a photograph at JBB, Aug. 28, 2009.  Kozlowski, 38th CAB staff judge advocate, is Gervais' uncle.  Gervais is the Co C, 1st Bn, 137th Aviation Regt cmdr, and they're both assigned to TF 38. 

JOINT BASE BALAD -- Some NG Soldiers say their units are like an extended family. For 2 Soldiers deployed to Iraq, and in TF 38, it is. "I got off that plane in Iraq and there's my nephew, meeting me at 4 a.m. and saying 'Welcome to Iraq, Uncle Dan,'" said Kozlowski. "I figured it would be nice to meet and welcome him here," said Gervais, on his uncle's morning arrival.

As the co. cmdr he said he didn't always have a peer to chat with, and found the position somewhat lonely.  After his uncle arrived, there was a Soldier and family member he could lean on. "It's good to have him here, to take my hat off and have somebody to talk to," said Gervais, a corporate aviation pilot in Indiana.

Even though the Army dictates mission and decides where Soldiers must go to serve their nation, a similar scenario happened 5 years ago. Both Soldiers were in Stabilization Force 15 in 2004 to help Bosnian reconstruction efforts.
Kozlowski agreed with Gervais that it's special to work alongside a family member while thousands of miles away from home. "It's good. It's just like it's always been. Whether doing something in Indy, doing something in Lake County, doing something in Bosnia, doing something in Iraq; he's just always been there, part of the same family," said the loquacious lawyer.

The NG Soldiers come from a family steeped in military service.  Kozlowski's father and Gervais' grandfather both served in World War II, and Gervais' father served 2 tours in Vietnam. "His dad is the reason why I joined the Army," said Kozlowski. Kozlowski, whose father died when he was 14, looked up to his brother-in-law and was a big influence on him. "He picked up that role of father or big brother, what have you," said Kozlowski. "His experiences over there in Vietnam are the reason why I joined 30 years ago."

"I've had a wonderful life.  Deploying with my nephew twice; what's that all about? That's a blessing," said Kozlowski. "What a way to deploy, ya know?" 

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Engineers meet, plan way ahead for Iraq

By Ron Elliott
Gulf Region Div

More than 100 U.S. and Iraqi engrs recently gathered here at Camp Iraqi Heroes to discuss the path forward in security and reconstruction efforts. 

BAGHDAD — “While our mission focus remains the same, we have many changes and challenges facing us,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Eyre, cmdr of the Gulf Region Div and senior engr at the Iraqi Ground Force Command Engr Conference. “It's never been more important for us to bring together our engineering forces, to synchronize our efforts and provide the full spectrum of mutually supporting engineering capabilities and services.”

As the reconstruction efforts continue to shift to the GoI, increasing the number and training of Iraqi engrs is essential to design, construct and maintain the country’s infrastructure.  According to Eyre, Iraqi engrs initially worked side-by-side with U.S. engrs only with route clearance, but have continued to increase their capabilities and capacity into full-spectrum engr ops to include construction, bridging, bomb disposal and geospatial ops.

“One of the things I've noticed as I travel across Iraq is that every day you're increasing your capacity to provide dependable engr support throughout the country — not only for today’s missions and projects, but for those of the future,” said Eyre. “Your officers, NCOs and Soldiers continue to develop professionally, while maintaining reliable engr support to the IA Divs.”

Participants around the room recognized the vital role engrs have in providing essential services and infrastructure to its citizens, but they also noted that engrs need the resources — manpower, equipment and training — to accomplish their mission. “The security environment has improved in Iraq as a result of the work done not only by the ISF and the CF, but also due to the hard work of engrs,” said Staff Maj. Gen. Abdul Ameer, Iraqi Ground Force Command chief of staff.

“Conferences like this are an opportunity for U.S. and Iraqi engrs to continue to work together as partners and engrs, and to discuss our shared successes and find resolution to our challenges,” said Eyre. “Each of you in this room plays an important role in building strong foundations today for tomorrow — ensuring a stable and self-reliant ISF and a secure, sovereign Iraq,” he concluded.

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MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ 

ISF capture Baghdad, Kirkuk VBIED cell members 

BAGHDAD – ISF captured 2 warranted AQI members responsible for multiple VBIED attacks throughout Baghdad and Kirkuk, Oct 2.

In Mansour, SW Baghdad, the ISF, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested an AQI VBIED facilitator named Khalid Husayn Khalif Mari al-Juwali, also known as Abu Anas, who was planning future VBIED attacks in Baghdad, threatening GoI institutions and security personnel.  

In a separate security op, the 3rd Emergency Services Unit, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested Khalid, also known as Hajji Khalid, near Taza Khurmatu, located approx 24 km SW of Kirkuk.  Khalid is an associate of AQI-sponsored Kirkuk Prov. VBIED networks, and he's helped plan and carry out indiscriminant attacks throughout the region. The security team found Khalid in the first building they searched. The team also encountered 3 additional suspects who, after questioning, were deemed to be conspirators who presented a threat to the local community.  The suspects were found with VBIED associated chemicals, as well as terrorist propaganda. 

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-04

Dear Interested Reader,

New school is coming to Kunar prov.  Extra troops are called for the north and west.  Pres. Obama meets for 25 minutes with Cmdr. McChrystal.  Militants detained in Paktika, Kandahar.

Iraq:  Face of Defense:  Army Staff Sgt. Cynthia Dalton.  IAF assumes control of C-130 ops.  Military docs meet for medical conference.  Hezbollah financier, recruiter arrested in Sadr City.

Joanna

__________________________

October 4, 2009

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center 

Kunar government, PRT bringing education, development to province

By Air Force Capt. Tony Wickman

Kunar provincial Gov. Wahidi (center); Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jay Burgess, (left) based at Camp Wright in Asadabad; Brig. Gen. Ziayee, Kunar Provincial chief of police (right), and village elders all took part in cutting the ribbon Sept. 28, 2009. The Loy Bachi school, together with the Lahor Dag school also in the Mara Wara District, represents an investment by the Kunar Provincial Govt and the PRT to improve development in the region.

(Photos by Tech Sgt. Brian Boisvert)

KUNAR PROVINCE - In the hot Afghanistan sun beneath a tent, Mara Wara district, Kunar prov., children watch their future being built.

Kunar PRT engrs visited the Lahor Dag School construction site, Sept. 28, to evaluate the progress and craftsmanship of the school that will house hundreds of area children.

According to Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jay Burgess, PRT senior engr, "This was the first contract we awarded when we got here in July, so we are doing a follow up to check the progress of the site as well as the quality of work. There were small issues, but overall the project's in good condition."  Burgess said the biggest concern on the project is making sure the contractor and builders use established construction practices when they erect the school. An area of special concern is ensuring the concrete being mixed is of good quality, so it will stand the test of time. "It's good to see the contractor using good building techniques, because it's important for the quality of the school," Burgess said.

For the site contractor, the visit was an opportunity to show the progress he's  made on the school while addressing the concerns of the PRT engrs. "We have no problems with the construction, and we'll address all the

issues identified," said Dr. Khalil Khan, the building contractor who was trained as a veterinarian before starting his own construction business. "I'll solve all these problems before you come back."

"Overall they're doing very good. I like their brick work and stone masonry; they just need to focus on their concrete work to make sure it's up to standards," said Daniel Dunleavy, USACE liaison to Kunar PRT. 

A young Afghan girl is reassured by her father (kneeling) and her teacher (standing), while her older brother peaks around his dad outside their temporary school tent, Sept. 28, in Lahor Dag. 

The Lahor Dag School children ignore their teacher's conversation for a chance to be photographed inside their temporary school tent.

Local Afghans work on an internal wall for a new school being constructed in Lahor Dag.

Two young Afghan girls listen to their teacher talk to Kunar PRT members inside their temporary school tent.

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U.S. Forces Afghanistan

Extra US troops for north, west Afghanistan

KANDAHAR MILITARY BASE – Extra troops called for by the head of foreign forces in Afghanistan would be sent mainly to the north and west of the country, the US military said Oct. 3. "It's where we've the fewest troops," a US official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

US General Stanley McChrystal, who commands 100,000 US and NATO troops in Afghanistan, has reportedly asked for up to 40,000 extra troops and warned that without reinforcements in the next 12 months, the mission could end in failure.  North and west Afghanistan were calm until the start of this year, but have seen a sharp deterioration in security in recent months, as Taliban insurgents intensified attacks before the August 20 presidential election.

McChrystal has called the situation "serious," but is still not certain of getting reinforcements, with the issue politically explosive in the U.S., and as public opinion turns against the Afghan mission.

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U.S. Forces Afghanistan

Obama meets Afghanistan commander on Air Force One

 

WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Obama met Oct. 2 with the cmdr of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Stanley McChrystal, aboard Air Force One, before flying home from Copenhagen, the White House said.

McChrystal had been in London, and flew to Copenhagen to meet with Obama to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The pair met for 25 minutes and McChrystal left the plane before takeoff, Gibbs said.

McChrystal, who is also the ISAF cmdr in Afghanistan, warned earlier in London that the Afghan conflict is deteriorating and will "not remain winnable indefinitely." The situation "is serious and I choose that word very, very carefully... neither success nor failure can be taken for granted," said McChrystal, who has reportedly asked for up to 40,000 more troops to fight the Taliban. "The situation is in some ways deteriorating but not in all ways," said the general, speaking Oct. 1, at the Int'l Institute for Strategic Studies think tank in London.

The White House has said that Obama will decide on more troops only after it first arrives at a new US strategy. The process could take weeks, officials say, warning that past conflicts like the Vietnam war have shown the folly of throwing thousands of men into a fight that is not properly defined.

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NATO ISAF

Afghan-ISAF Kill, Detain Militants in Paktika, Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and ISAF killed and detained several suspected militants in separate ops Oct. 3, after searching buildings known for Haqqani militant activity in Paktika prov., and a compound associated with a Taliban facilitator and his element in Kandahar prov.

During the search in Paktika prov. the joint force killed suspected militants attempting to employ IEDs against the force, and in another building the force killed a suspect who posed an imminent threat.

During the search in Kandahar prov. the joint force found 750 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound commonly used in making IEDs. The force destroyed the chemical onsite, and one insurgent was detained.

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Special to American Forces Press Service - Iraq

Face of Defense: Once a Medic, Always a Medic

By Army Sgt. Neil Gussman

Army Staff Sgt. Cynthia Dalton prepares a Black Hawk helicopter for a medical evacuation flight at COB Adder, Sept. 9, 2009.  

COB ADDER, Sept. 30, 2009 – For a flight medic here, notice of a medical evacuation mission starts the wheels turning in her mind, but then instinct takes over. “I'm never nervous on the flight out,” Staff Sgt. Cynthia Dalton said. “I go over every possible scenario in my mind, but when we touch down, I just go.” 

Dalton, is assigned to the 2nd Bn, 104th Aviation Bde -- part of TF Keystone  said, "I can see why people burn out.  I go over everything I could possibly have done differently. We do our jobs, but it always seems like there's something I could have done different or better.” 

Dalton, a daughter of military parents, said she knew from an early age she wanted to help soldiers, but tried various jobs before finding a career path that was right for her. “I joined the Army at 17 when I was a junior in high school,” she said. “I went to basic training between my junior and senior years, and started training to be a medic right after high school.”

While serving in the Army Reserve, Dalton got additional medical training as a civilian and worked for a nursing agency. She was serving as a reservist in Germany on Sept. 11, 2001, and was activated there, serving in a medical support unit and helping soldiers prepare for deployment to the Middle East. “I did literally hundreds of immunizations every day,” she said. When she returned to the U.S., she switched to the Penn Army NG to take advantage of the education benefits.

After getting soldiers ready for deployment at the beginning of the war in Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002, Dalton spent the 3 years leading up to her current deployment helping NG soldiers return to civilian life. “I love helping soldiers,” she said. “Soldiers come back from deployment needing many kinds of help to reintegrate into civilian life. The Guard has the help available. I make sure they can get access to the right resources.”

In preparation for deployment to Iraq, Dalton trained as a flight medic. She has worked with 2 medical evacuation companies during the deployment, including an Oregon-based unit during training in Oklahoma and Kuwait. She is currently serving with an Alaska-based active Army medevac unit. Dalton works a 48-hour cycle, sleeping and eating at the hangar while waiting for medevac calls.

When she returns to the U.S., Dalton said, she plans to take a full-time job as the medical sgt for the Penn NG’s 55th Bde in Scranton. “That will be the end of flying for a while,” she said. “I'm sure I'll miss it.”

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MNF-Iraq

Iraqi Air Force Assumes Control of C-130 Operations

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

NEW AL-MUTHANA AIR BASE - The IAF officially began fully independent C-130 air ops, Sept. 29, marking the end of the U.S. C-130 air advisory mission here. 

A ceremony deactivating the U.S. AF's 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Sqdrn and marking assumption of C-130 ops, maintenance and training by the IAF's Sqdrn 23, formalized the milestone. 

"Today, I say we're proud to have had the honor to work with you side by side as brothers, not less," said Brig. Gen. Kareem Abud, cmdr of the IAF's New Al-Muthana Air Base. "I've worked with about 8 advisors, and we've more than 60 groups at Al-Mathana, great in all fields: discipline, versatility, specialties and, more than that, humanity.  We can't forget the support you gave in the training of pilots, craft engrs, logistics, SECFOR and English classes," he continued. "We respect your sacrifices -- leaving your families behind just to support Iraqi AF. We're grateful for you and your families. We don't like to say goodbye. See you again with better situations in Iraq." 

In his remarks, AF Maj. Gen. Robert Kane, cmdr of the 321st AEW and dir. of the AF's Iraq training and advisory mission, declared the C-130 flight training effort 'mission complete.' "The Iraqi pilots, navigators, flight engrs, loadmasters, and maintainers have clearly demonstrated that they're ready to perform their missions and, most importantly, to do it well.  American advisors have also done what we've asked them to do: to stand side by side with their Iraqi partners and provide them the training required to operate the C-130 safely. This is a big deal -- something the people of Iraq, and even the world, will take note of. The Iraqi AF is on its way to independent ops." 

Col. Christopher Pehrson, cmdr of the U.S. AF's 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Group noted the milestone's importance. "Today's ceremony is possible because the US AF and the IAF were successful in their partnership to develop credible, professional and enduring airlift capability in the Iraqi C-130 fleet," he said. "It's an important step in the realization of a fully independent Iraqi AF that will one day defend and protect the people of Iraq. "From today forward, Sqdrn 23 will fly independently over the skies of Iraq, without direct support from a U.S. air advisory sqdrn," he added. "One day soon, other sqdrns throughout the IAF will also operate independent of American advisor support." 

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Multi-National Division - Baghdad

Military docs meet for medical conference

By Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

"Definitely everyone has experience out in the field and they come together here because IA and American doctors can exchange ideas," said Maj. Gen. Samir Abdullah (right), dir. of Iraqi military medical services, during a joint conference at al-Muthana Military Hospital, Sept. 30. 

BAGHDAD — U.S. and IA doctors gathered for a joint medical conference to share knowledge and experience for the first time at the Muthana Military Hospital, the sole Iraqi military hospital here, Sept. 30.

"We hope to keep these medical lectures going," said Lt. Col. Jeff Callin, the MND – Baghdad surgeon. "We're focusing on programs over projects, because in the long run you've educated a generation, instead of built a brick and mortar building." Callin, emphasized the importance of doctors with different backgrounds and areas of expertise coming together to educate each other. "We're trying to get these guys doing what doctors do— go to medical conferences and talk to other doctors," said Callin. "We're trying to get referral networks going.  Lots of people don't know there are specialists out here that are available."

One specialist attending the conference was Maj. Gen. Samir Hassan, the dir. of Iraqi military medical services. "This is a very important conference," he said. "Definitely everyone has experience out in the field and they come together here because IA and American doctors can exchange ideas."

Military doctors provided pertinent case-studies on civilians and Soldiers from around the area. An IA doctor lectured about the effects of diabetes on a shoulder condition known as 'frozen shoulder,' and a U.S. Army doctor lectured on trauma airway mgt.

Samir added that the case studies were applicable because IA doctors don't always have the same tools to treat patients the same way U.S. Army doctors can. "We've learned a lot from U.S. forces," Samir said to the audience of military and civilian doctors. "Like how to give equal treatment to everybody – terrorists and innocents. The Americans have taught us to treat all patients like people."

"This used to be the place in the Middle East to come for medical care," Callin explained about Iraq before the 1990s. "Hopefully, it becomes that way again. It takes some guts. As soon as you stand up around here, you have a target on you."

Samir said that he has high hopes for the future, eventually turning the conference into an int'l military conference, inviting other Arab and European countries. But, he added, this first conference is the most important step.

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Multi-National Corps – Iraq

Iraqi SOF arrests Hezbollah financier, recruiter (Sadr City)

BALAD – Khalid Masur Isma’il, who is also known as Abu Mustafa, was arrested by the ERB when he positively identified himself upon contact and admitted to working as a mgr for a security firm alleged to be a front for Khitab’ Hezbollah. 

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MNF-I

Combat Care

(Photo by Staff Sgt. Luke Thelen)

Army Spc. Lisa Haney, 65th Engr Bn, demonstrates how to dress a head wound to Iraqi Soldiers during a Combat Lifesavers course on COB Speicher, Sept. 26. 

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Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-03

Dear Interested Reader,

Laghman prov. gets introduced to Saffron.  Paktika PRT performs quality assurance checks on a library.  Pact signed to build 5 new schools in Kunar prov.  Militants detained in Kandahar, Logar, Ghazni.

Iraq:  Combined forces make intel gathering team.  Teamwork helps bring water to Q-West.  Team "Tribal" delivers smiles to children.

Joanna

________________________

October 3, 2009

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Laghman Province Gets Introduced to Saffron

By Pfc. Melissa Raney

Associate Prof. Sayeed, from Kabul University's Agricultural Dept, demonstrates the proper way to plant saffron. 

LAGHMAN PROVINCE - The Laghman ADT along with local and govt officials from Laghman province participated in a ceremony to introduce the profitable crop, saffron, to the prov. at the Laghman Agricultural Research and Development Center in Mehtar Lam district, Sept. 29.  Saffron is a type of crocus, deep orange in color, and is typically ground up and used as a cooking spice or food colorant.

Laghman's Dir. of Ag., Dowlatzai, expressed gratefulness for the introduction of saffron and thanked the ADT and the Associate Prof. Sayeed, from Kabul University, for their efforts. "This is a great day for Laghmanis and I hope this will bring prosperity for our people," he said.

Lt. Col. Roger Beekman, of the Laghman ADT, said the people of Laghman

will benefit greatly from the introduction of the saffron. "This is a monumental occasion for Laghmanis, and it all starts right here," he said.  "We're growing Laghman's future one seed at a time."

Sayeed planted the first corm, an underground stem base that stores food

over the winter and produces new foliage in the spring, and said that

saffron had been introduced in other parts of Afghanistan such as Herat,

but this is the first time that the crop had been introduced in Laghman. The team has high hopes for saffron and believes that the rate of success in Laghman is very good considering it is located in a fertile valley known for producing some of the finest crops in Afghanistan.

Sayeed said many local farmers have expressed interest in the product, and he's working to form an assn. to help market and build knowledge about saffron. He said that saffron was very promising because it was considered more valuable than poppies and it's relatively easy to grow, requiring little water, which is especially good considering Afghanistan's often drought-like conditions.

"This location is to test the saffron to see if it will grow here," Sayeed said.  "The first harvest should be ready in about 40 days and we hope to be able to have daughter corms, for next season, produced from this crop."

Dowlatizai, dir. of ag. speaks to local farmers and provincial reps about the benefits of saffron.

Sayeed demonstrates the proper way to plant saffron. 

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Blackanthem Military News

Paktika PRT, performs quality assurance checks

By AF Staff Sgt. Dallas Edwards

An Afghan works on a library that's part of a Paktika PRT development project in Sharana district, Sept. 22. The PRT is made up of U.S. military and reps from the U.S. Dept of State, U.S. Agency for Int'l Development, and the U.S. Dept of Ag., that funds and evaluates Afghanistan reconstruction projects in an effort of promoting self sufficiency and better quality of life for the Afghan people. 

Master Chief Petty Officer Glenn Niemitalo, a Paktika PRT engr, inspects the construction of a library during a quality assurance mission.

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NATO-ISAF

Afghan Government Signs Pact for Schools in Eastern Afghanistan

KUNAR PROVINCE - Govt leaders and PRT members here signed an agreement, Sept. 27, to build five new schools in the prov., and protect them for the future.

Kunar Gov. Fazullah Wahidi told more than 100 gathered religious leaders, village elders and government directors that the new school in Narang district and four schools in Asadabad district represent the Afghan government's commitment to improve education.

"The time of fighting is done; now is the time for education," Wahidi said. "Education is important for everyone, because it takes people out of the darkness and into the light. We want Afghanistan children to get an education."

The governor said while the buildings are important and the first step to improving the development and security of the country, education begins when teachers teach and children learn. He also stressed it's the community council's responsibility to help with security on the projects so the contractors can do their jobs, as well as the need to protect the schools if insurgents try to damage them.

"If the Taliban come to burn the schools, we as shura members need to say first, 'Burn my home, not the school,'" Wahidi said. "These schools will give our children a place to learn and must be protected."

Sayed Jalaluddine Hasani, Kunar's director of education, said the schools represent an investment by the government in the province's people.

"With good schools, we can have the darkness go away," Udin said. "We are building these five schools to make Afghanistan better."

A Narang community council member said residents are grateful to have a new school for the district.

"We have kids learning outside under the trees and sun, but now they will have a good place to learn," the village elder said. "On behalf of the Narang shura, I thank the [provincial government] for helping bring a school to Narang."

Army Lt. Col. Joseph Cantlin, the provincial reconstruction team's chief of civil-military operations, said the signing ceremony was a happy occasion and represents the combined effort of the provincial government and the United States to make Afghanistan better.

"We've been working hard to coordinate with the governor and directors to find the most important areas to put schools, hospitals and other projects across Kunar," the Fort Belvoir, Va., native said. "It's a privilege to work with the governor and line directors to bring this happy day to build five new schools to the people of Kunar province."

"I have two children myself," Cantlin continued, "and understand how important it is to the young people of Narang and Asadabad to have the opportunity to go to a good school and learn because they represent the future of Afghanistan. My hope is for the children to learn and grow up to be good citizens of Kunar and Afghanistan."

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jay Burgess of Oklahoma City, the team's senior engineer, echoed Cantlin's sentiments.

"Nothing is as special to me in my heart as building schools," Burgess said. "The contractor said, 'God willing, we will have the schools built in 12 months,' but the real work doesn't begin until the school is finished. That is when the investment pays off, because teachers will have the opportunity and tools to invest in the children of Afghanistan. So, while we celebrate today, I look forward to the decades when the schools still exist and the students have a proper education."

The contract was signed Sept. 20; the Sept. 27 ceremony was a promise-signing agreement among the Asadabad and Narang district development associations, the provincial governor and the provincial reconstruction team to support and protect the project.

An additional benefit to the provincial economy is that the prime contractor will hire local workers to build the schools, officials said.

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NATO - ISAF

ISAF Op in Helmand; Militants Detained in Kandahar, Logar, Ghazni

KABUL - After an extensive engagement with insurgents fighting from a compound in Nad Ali district, an ISAF aircraft dropped a single precision-guided bomb on insurgent's position in the compound, Sept. 30.

Following the engagement, ISAF received reports of a number of persons killed in the compound, including women and children. A shura on the incident is being held today between village elders and ISAF.  Also a number of civilians with injuries reported to ISAF troops and were given immediate medical attention, or were transported to an ISAF hospital for treatment.

"Afghanistan continues to be a dangerous place, and the loss of any life is a significant loss to the families involved and our forces here," said Col. Wayne Shanks, an ISAF spokesman. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends for their loss." ISAF values every life, takes every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians ,and is looking into the incident.

Afghan and ISAF detained and killed several suspected Taliban militants in separate search ops conducted in Kandahar, Logar and Ghazni provs Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, against Taliban elements responsible for suicide bomb and other indiscriminate attacks.

During the compound search near Kandahar City the joint force received hostile fire. Acting defensively, the force killed several militants. As a result of the site search the force removed multiple assault rifles, a machine gun, grenades and communication gear. 

During the joint force search in Logar prov., an armed militant was killed when he displayed hostile intent. A local Afghan civilian was also wounded during this mission. The joint force provided immediate medical care and transported him to nearby hospital.

During the op conducted in the Nawa district of Ghazni prov., the force detained suspected militants responsible for facilitating Taliban activity in Zabul and Ghazni provs.

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DoD Imagery

Marines with Helicopter Support Team, Combat Logistics Bn 8 prepare to attach an M777A2 Lightweight Howitzer to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at the landing zone on Fire Base Fiddler's Green in Helmand province, Sept. 28, 2009. The Marines are transporting howitzers to broaden 3rd Bn, 11th Marine Regt's support of RCT 3, whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency ops with ANSF in southern Afghanistan. 

(DoD photo by Sgt. Christopher Rye, Marine Corps)

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DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte, Navy)

Army Pfc. Michael Papp, assigned to the 19th Engr Bn, installs tin sheets on a roof during a construction project at Kandahar Airfield, Sept. 14, 2009. The 19th Engr Bn is forward-deployed to southern Afghanistan.

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DoD Imagery

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Daniel Lefebvre provides security as a convoy passes through an entry control point in the Nawa district of the Helmand prov.,  Sept. 28, 2009.  Lefebvre is assigned to Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, a combat element of RCT 3.

(DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Phillip Elgie, Marine Corps)

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MNF-Iraq

U.S., Iraqi Soldiers Make Intelligence Gathering Team 

Photo by Sgt. Mary Phillips

1st Lt. Joshua Childress (left), a plt leader with Co D, 120th CAB, 30th HBCT, and an IA 2nd Lt. look over intel info during a recent mission near Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad.  Childress works very closely with his IA partners to make missions like these a success. 

Spc. Jason Hutt (center) of Co D patrols in the rural areas of Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad, while on a joint mission. The 2 units work together gathering intel info about suspected terrorist groups. Their trusting relationship had made this process quicker and easier for all involved. 

An Iraqi woman waits with her children outside her home while U.S. and Iraqi soldiers conduct a joint patrol.

1st Lt. Joshua Childress, a plt leader with Co D, photographs evidence that could be used in future arrests. Childress and IA Capt. Fudol work closely together to gather intel info. 

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MNF-I

Teamwork Helps Bring Water to Q-West

Story by Capt. Murray Shugars

Vehicles of the Q-West Water Team and Force Protection Co. at the Al-Qayyarah pump house.  The pump house supplies raw water to Al-Qayyarah and to Q-West. An exceptionally dry summer, coupled with years of drought, caused a water shortage at Q-West.  Among the water-saving measures were closing the swimming pool, limiting the water consumption of all residents and vendors, closing non-essential ablution units, and restricting residents to 3-minute combat showers. These conservation measures will continue for the time being, but the water situation improves daily, said Lt. Col. William Smith, Jr., Q-West Mayor.  Smith is a member of the Miss. Army NG's 2nd Bn, 198th Combined Arms out of Senatobia, Miss.

COB Q-WEST — "The key to sustaining COB Q-West is our ability to pump water from the Tigris River. This is the most important Mayor Cell op. The Q-West Water Team, comprised of military and contractor personnel lead by Capt. J.J. Hatcher, has done an outstanding job of aggressively attacking the water shortage, pursuing numerous courses of action," said  Lt. Col. William  Smith, Jr., 2/198th CAB Mayor.

"All these missions, along with recent rains, have combined to increase water flow 10-fold in recent weeks," said James "J.J." Hatcher, Jr., officer-in-charge of Water Ops.  "I'm proud of the work of my 2 Water Team NCOs, for they deserve much credit for our accomplishments.  Neither of them had civilian or military training for this kind of mission, but they've learned on the job," said Hatcher.  "I loved doing this mission, but it's turned out to involve a whole lot more than I expected," said Sgt. James Haycraft, Water Team NCO-in-charge of off-post missions. "It's more labor-intensive, and I've learned a lot about plumbing. The Water Team doesn't just oversee the civilian contractors. We roll up our sleeves and help turn wrenches. This is truly a group effort," Haycraft said.  "When I first got here, I had no experience with plumbing and water treatment - anything.  I've learned a lot in the last months from the workers and from hands on experience," said Sgt. Eric Pettis, NCOIC for on-base water operations.

"I like working with NG members. The average Guard Soldier is 33 or so years old, has a good amount of civilian work and business experience. Those are important qualities during sustainment ops," said Buddy Winborn, Facilities Supervisor.

While the Water Ops Team and contractors take the lead during the pump house and pipeline ops, they receive support from a number of others. Foremost among these is A Co, 2/198th CAB, the COB Q-West force protection co. A Co provided security for every mission. However, there are numerous other participants who deserve recognition, said Hatcher.  Besides the TWDS pump, the 395th CSSB, Army Reserve from New Haven, Conn., has supplied fuel trucks and heavy equipment haul assets. The 1174th Trans. Co, Tenn. Army NG from Memphis, has provided heavy equipment trans. vehicles and drivers, and the 506th Quartermaster Co, HQ, has also supported the mission down range, said Capt. Jay Sullivan, support ops officer, 395th CSSB.

Capt. James Hatcher (left), reads the global positioning system grid coordinate for a concrete valve box on the water pipeline supplying Q-West, while Sgt. Claybon Turner pulls security during an Aug. 29 mission to catalog valve boxes and unauthorized taps on the pipeline. Hatcher belongs to HHC and Turner, belongs to A Co, 2nd Bn, 198 Combined Arms, Miss. Army NG. 

The cistern for the Al-Qayyarah pump house that supplies raw water to Al-Qayyarah and to Q-West. These conservation measures will continue for the time being, but the water situation improves daily, said Lt. Col. William Smith, Jr., Q-West Mayor.  Smith is a member of the Miss. Army NG.

The Mayor Cell Water Team poses for a section picture Sept. 1.  Sgt. James C. Haycraft (left) , Capt. James Hatcher (middle), and Sgt. Eric Pettis have spearheaded water ops for the Mayor Cell.

The Al-Qayyarah pump house supplies raw water to Al-Qayyarah and to Q-West.  In the left foreground is the cistern.  

Capt. James Hatcher (left) briefs Iraqi pump house employees on their duties and responsibilities. Hatcher brought in an Arabic document and employed an interpreter to ensure clarity. This was part of an effort to ensure that the pump house employees were following standard operating procedures. 

Capt. Drew Clark (left), force protection co cmdr, Buddy Winborn (middle), Facilities Supervisor, and Capt. James Clark, Water Team officer-in-charge, debate the feasibility of pumping water from the Tigris River at a location closer to Q-West during a recon mission, Aug. 11. Clark and Hatcher belong to the Miss. Army NG.

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Multi-National Division-South 

Team "Tribal" Delivers Smiles to Iraqi Children

Story by J.P. Lawrence

Sgt. John Young, a medic with Border Transition Team Tribal delivers food to Iraqi children Sept. 6. The 4th BCT, 1st Armored Div advise and assist ISF.

COB ADDER  – Kids love anything free, so when BTT Tribal delivered children's medicine and candy to the Iraqi people in Maysan prov., kids were elated – at least for the candy.

"What we're trying to do is build relationships with the village," said Sgt. John Young. "This medicine is mostly for the children.  There's a lot of good stuff here," said Young as he delivered the medicine, "Penicillin, cough medicine, children's vitamins." 

"We can give this to the children and we can help build relations," said Maj. Hussein Yuones, Iraqi cmdr. "For the medical supplies, we have plans for the children in the village here. If there are any children who are sick, they can find help."

Before leaving the base, Young had hatched a plan to hand out treats to children in the nearby village. There was a box of Meals, Ready-to-Eat stashed in the back of the truck, and Young, taking time to remove the pork products, took out all the goodies: candy, cookies, applesauce and energy bars. Soon there was a crowd of curious and eager children. The children held up their hands while the adults and teens stood in the background, grinning. The assertive kids ended up with armfuls of food while the shy kids hung around the periphery waiting for things to turn their way. Knowing this, Young and Mendoza made a conscious effort to reach over the thicket of children's arms to ensure everyone received something. The box of treats ran out in approx 5 minutes. The children came and left like the tide, but not before Young and Mendoza could pose for pictures with them.

There's something cathartic about helping kids, about giving armfuls of candy, cookies and treats to kids who need them, Young said. "Anytime you see a smile on their faces, it takes your mind off everything bad that happens here," said Young. "That's the reason we're over here."  And when those kids complain of stomachaches, at least now the citizens of Iraq will have the medicine to treat them.

Sgt. Young delivers childrens' medicine to Iraqi soldiers.  Rashead Tiema, an Iraqi medic looked through the box of medical supplies, and offered a simple "Thank you."

Sgt. Young delivers food to Iraqi children.

(right) Staff Sgt. Javier Torres, a member of BTT Tribal attached to 2nd Sqdrn, leafs through an Arabic language vehicle maintenance manual. Torres and Sgt. Jeremy Barton (left), were concerned that Iraqis didn't have the proper technical manuals in Arabic, but their concerns were alleviated. 

An Iraqi child gives a thumbs up with Sgt. 1st Class Alfonso Mendoza, Jr., a plt sgt. 

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