Dear Interested Reader,
Soldier celebrates Army's birthday with his Afghan students. Paktika PRT building together. Training prepares engrs. for Afghan roads. Forces eliminate IED cells, secure weapons cache in Paktika prov.
Iraq: IA graduates 1st group of field artillery officers. Unit diversity, teamwork in the 102nd Quartermaster Co. Leaders discuss Q-West base turnover. Wounded Warrior returns to Camp Taji, finds closure.
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
RC-East in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Soldier celebrates Army's birthday in a special way
Newly-promoted Army Sgt. Lance Grubb (center), Co A, TF Knighthawk, 3rd CAB, TF Falcon, instructor of the ANSF’ Crew Chief Academy, goes over the in-flight training goals with his class June 14.
BAGRAM AIRFIELD – As Army Soldiers throughout the world celebrated the 235th birthday of the Army with ceremonies and cake, one Soldier spent this holiday in a UH-60 Black Hawk with 7 Afghan soldiers.
“Being able to do this after I just got promoted to sgt, instills in me that I'm an NCO now,” said Grubb. “There’s more responsibility that comes with the job, and this is an experience that a lot of people don’t get to have. It’s a privilege to teach the Afghan army how to do what we do, so that we can all be safe.”
During the in-flight instruction, their 2nd flight so far, the 5 ANA Air Corps crew chiefs and 2 flight medics sat in the back of the Black Hawk, connected through headsets. “In this flight, they were pretending to be the aircraft’s crew chiefs,” said Grubb. “In a previous flight I made the calls, but today we had a role reversal. They told me what needed to be done and made the calls, and I evaluated them. This showed what they do and don’t understand. This showed me where they are in the learning process, so I know what we need to go over.” During the academy, the students are taught crew chief responsibilities such as how to communicate clearly and consistently with their pilots. After the flight, the group returned to their classroom to conduct an after action review, and discuss what went well and how they can improve. For many of the students, the flight showed how much they needed to learn to become proficient, said ANA Air Corps Pvt. Abdul Malik, one of the flight medics participating in the academy. “On this flight, I learned that it's our job to control the aircraft and to have quality communication with the pilots,” said Malik. “When we took off I didn’t know we had 2 helicopters. I didn’t see them. I learned that you have to watch for them. That’s the main thing I learned as a crew chief. You have to watch out; your eyes have to always be open.” The academy is one of a series of academies within the TF Falcon Combined Action Program, which includes the ANSF Air Assault Academy, Flight Medic Academy, and the Close Combat Attack Academy. 
ANA Air Corps crew chiefs secure themselves into a UH-60 Black Hawk.
Sgt. Lance Grubb conducts an after action review.
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RC-East in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Paktika PRT Building Together in Paktika Province
PAKTIKA PROVINCE - Paktika PRT member, Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Gamache, (right) performs a concrete slump test, which measures moisture in cement, with a Afghan contractor. Gamache is an engr for the PRT which oversees the quality of production, and works with Afghan locals at a library being built in the Sharana district. Gamache is deployed from Naval Ops Service Center, London, Conn.
Paktika PRT member Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Lang performs a soil sample field gradation particulate test, which explains if there are excessive organics for concrete. Lang is the quality assurance rep for the PRT. He's a vital member of a team of roughly 100 military personnel and interagency partners throughout Paktika prov. Lang is deployed from Amphibious Construction Bn One, Coronado, Calif., where he's the communications chief.
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RC-East in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Training prepares engineers for Afghan roads
Army Spc. Christopher Dueitt, a combat engr with the 287th Mobility Augmentation Co of the Mississippi NG, prepares a Talon EOD Robot to investigate a simulated IED, as part of the Route Recon Clearance Course-Sapper/Blow in Place class, June 15. The training, hosted by TF Paladin, 539th Explosive Hazards Team (EHT), conducted the 7-day training event, designed to equip combat engrs assigned to route clearance plts throughout Afghanistan, with the knowledge and capabilities to identify and destroy certain types of IEDs without the help of EOD personnel.
The EOCA and R2C2-S courses are normally taught at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. However, with the influx of route clearance personnel in Afghanistan, the mission required the training to be offered here to produce more qualified route clearance Soldiers, said Army Capt. Gregory Black, 539th EHT detachment cmdr.
“In this class, we start at the crawl phase, teaching them route clearance from the level of identifying markers, and what to look for in their area of ops, and then work up from there,” Black continued.
The course was created to help alleviate some of the strain on EOD units who do not have the resources to participate in every route clearance mission. “This training gives combat engrs the experience they're going to need when they're out on route clearance missions,” said Army Staff Sgt. Sean Purdy, 539th EHT BIP-TST instructor. “Their main mission is mobility, so having the skills to blow up an IED themselves, and continue their mission, is vital to their overall success.”“Having engrs on the roads who know what to look for, and how to clear it, really helps Afghanistan to be more fluid, allowing the locals to go where they need to go,” said Army Lt. Col. Mark Leighton, Explosive Hazard Coordination Cell officer-in-charge, Joint Force Engr Command.“All the hazards they see here are taken straight off story boards, and from what’s happened recently on the roads,” said Purdy. “We keep the training up-to-date, and specific to the region of the country they are operating in.” A main focus of the training was the use of Talon EOD robots. The robots are used to investigate and place charges on an IED while the controller is a safe distance away.“This training is as real as you can get without using real demolition,” said Leighton. “The trainers have done this in the real world, and make sure the students follow, because they know that this is life or death.” The students, who already conduct daily missions on the roads of Afghanistan, will be better prepared and more confident against the threats they'll face through the training, said Purdy. “I was already confident on the roads, now through this class, I feel even more ready for whatever the enemy throws at me,” said Cpl. Kyle Kothstein, a team leader with the 23rd Engr Co, HQ at Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Sgt. Christopher Works, a combat engr from the 23rd Engr Co, controls a Talon EOD Robot through a video control panel. A main focus of the training was how to properly operate EOD robots.
RC- East in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Forces eliminate IED cells, secure weapons cache
ANSF and TF Rakkasan Soldiers from 3rd Bde, 101st AD, conduct clearance patrol. Recent ops in Paktika have helped increase security for locals travelling in and around the Sharana area.
PAKTIKA PROVINCE – ANSF and Soldiers from B Co, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, recently conducted ops that targeted IED cells, leading to weapons cache finds, insurgent hideouts, and the identification of an insurgent IED team in the Mata Khan district, June 12. The combined force conducted an air assault op in the outskirts of Amanah village in Kushamond district, which is located at the northern edge of what is locally known as the Gwasta pass. "This was a suspected insurgent safe haven," said Army 1st Lt. R.J. Peek, 3-187th spokesman.“Although insurgents were not on the objective area, we confirmed that this area has been utilized by the enemy to conduct meetings and possibly training,” said Army Capt. Aaron Schwengler, B Co cmdr.
"With the goal of increasing security to the area by disrupting insurgents’ activities, the combined forces conducted foot patrols in addition to the air assault, to help locate IED cells and insurgents. This lead to the identification of several large holes in the surrounding area that were previously used to hide weapons caches, a mortar firing point with a mortar site, a Global Positioning System, and an insurgent instruction manual," said Schwengler. "After the search, the combined force met with local villagers to discuss security and economic concerns," he added.
However, another foot patrol in Mata Khan district, brought the combined forces to the heart of the action, where an insurgent IED attacked them with small arms and RPGs. The combined forces returned fire, killing 3 insurgents, with no ANSF or CF casualties. "After the attack, the ANSF confiscated an RPG launcher with rockets, multiple AK-47s and hand grenades, IED materials, maps and instructional notes," said Army Capt. Robert Kellum, 3-187 intel officer.
ANSF and TF Rakkasan Soldiers conduct a clearance patrol. Several recent ops in Paktika have helped increase security for locals travelling in and around the Sharana area.
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IRAQI STORIES:
USF-I
IA graduates first group of field artillery officers
BAGHDAD - The 1st class of IA field artillery officers graduated from a 152-day course at FOB Constitution, June 6. The course, which started in Jan., gave 120 IA Lts the fundamentals of field artillery doctrine, tactics, skills, and institutional knowledge needed to increase the capability of the IA.
According to Lt. Col. Patrick Martin, senior Army advisor at the Field Artillery School and Directorate, the IA will be receiving 7 bns worth of U.S. artillery. "The addition of these officers into the fold of the field artillery is very significant," Martin said.
For Martin, the graduation was significant, not only because these were the 1st Iraqi field artillery officers to be trained since March 2003, but also because the course was run almost entirely by Iraqis, with U.S. Army advisors providing a minimum amount of assistance.
"This shows that the Iraqis are doing this on their own," said Martin. "We're advising and observing; this is what we want to see - the Iraqis continue to take the lead and instruct on their own."
Iraqi Staff Gen. Ganbar, the graduation keynote speaker, said he was thankful for the field artillery school. "I feel that we've a fully capable teaching facility and school," Ganbar said. "To graduate the officers and fill the assigned staff for the Iraqi artillery branch, this 1st graduation means very much to us."
Newly graduated IA 2nd Lt. Ajeel, agreed. "I'll serve my country honorably," Ajeel said. "We'll decrease the amount of terrorism with our new capabilities, and build a great Iraq."
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Wagon Wheel, 15th Sust. Bde.
Unit Diversity, Teamwork
Story by Capt. Charles Allen
Members of the 102nd Quartermaster Co, (left to right), from Fort Campbell, Ky.; SPC Muhammed Wahid, from Bangladesh; Spc. Jatniel Rodriguez, from Puerto Rico; Spc. Joseph Smith, from Taiwan; and Spc. Sithu Tin, from Burma, Yangon, serve as an example of the diversity within today’s Army; the diversity that leads to teamwork and true camaraderie.
JOINT BASE BALAD – Army of One, Army Strong, camaraderie, battle buddy, duty, diversity, team work, and commitment are just a few of the words and terms of endearment that are used to describe the modern Army culture and the Soldiers that comprise the force structure.
In the 102nd Quartermaster Co, 13th CSSB, 15th Sust Bde, 13th ESC, there are 4 Soldiers in particular that embody these attributes. Although they're all from very different backgrounds, their friendship is evident, and their commitment to the Army, the unit, and the other members of the unit is undeniable.
Seldom separated, these 4 Soldiers serve as a constant, positive reminder throughout the unit of the strength found in diversity and teamwork.
“We’re fortunate to have a variety of Soldiers in our plt, to add diversity and experience to the group,” stated 2nd Lt. Lanea Sudweeks, a plt leader assigned to the 102nd Quartermaster Co. “One of our Soldiers is a devout Muslim and held strong to the fasting during Ramadan,” Sudweeks said. “He still pushed himself during physical training, and worked outside in the heat, but he ate no food and drank no water during the day - that’s dedication - to both religion and the Army.”
Spc. Muhammed Wahid, from Bangladesh, speaks English, Bangali, Hindi, and Urdu. Wahid joined the Army out of a desire to work for the U.S. govt, and he likes the Army because of the discipline, physical fitness, and organized battle rhythm. However, what he enjoys most about being in the Army is the opportunity to work with people of many different backgrounds, Wahid said. His goals are to become a linguist and an Army officer. He eventually wants to become a civilian linguist, and an immigration inspector.
Spc. Jatniel Rodriguez, from Puerto Rico, speaks English and Spanish. He joined the Army to learn more English and make better money. He likes the Army and likes being a Soldier because of the teamwork, battle buddy support, and the feeling of being brave. His goals are to finish his degree in business administration, and become an officer. Rodriguez wants to eventually work for a federal agency in Puerto Rico.
Spc. Joseph Smith, from Taiwan, speaks English and Chinese. Smith joined the Army to become a U.S. citizen and learn English. He also likes the way the Army treats Soldiers. He likes being a Soldier because it makes him feel proud and equal among fellow Soldiers, Smith explained. His goals are to finish a degree in computer programming, help people, and become more physically fit.
Spc. Sithu Tin, from Burma, Yangon, speaks English, Burmese, & Chinese. Tin joined the Army to become a U.S. Citizen, learn English, and develop a future career. He likes the Army because of the teamwork, discipline, and physical activity. He feels very proud to be a Soldier, Tin said. His goals are to finish a degree in electronic engineering, become a civilian Army tech, meet many people, and develop lasting friendships.
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Wagon Wheel, Sust. Bde.
Iraqi Leaders Discuss Base Turnover
Story by Sgt. Matthew Cooley
Army Col. Larry Phelps (far right), 15th SB cmdr discusses the turnover of Q-West with future base cmdr, IqAF Col. Natik (far left) and Dr. Mohammad (next to Natik), the shaykh of the nearby village Jedellah Sofla, along with other local US and Iraqi civilian and military leaders.
COB Q-WEST – US Army, AF, IqAF, and local Iraqi civilian leaders had a luncheon meeting at the dining facility, May 20 to discuss the largest base turnover from US forces to the IqAF, since the drawdown began.
Q-West, a US base since 2003, is scheduled for turnover from the US Army’s 15th Sustt Bde, 13th ESC, to the IqAF in July, as part of the US military’s drawdown of forces.
According to Natik, the IqAF plans for Q-West to be fully equipped with 3 sqdrns, including new helicopters and multiple US-made F-16 Fighting Falcons by 2011. He also said he plans to improve base security.
In an interview May 11 when Natik arrived on base, he said he worked for 18 years on the base earlier in his career. “We’re very happy, and it was a very good decision to open this base again,” Natik explained.
"It's important that someone who was on Q-West before and understood it, would be in charge," said Phelps.
According to IqAF Lt. Col. Almeferjy, Q-West is of vital strategic importance in the area. “It's in the interest of both govts that our mission succeeds,” he said. Almeferjy said he hoped the US military would continue to help with the transition as much as possible.
“We're working as one force,” Natik said, explaining his belief that the Iraqi military would continue to adopt a more Western style of military.
"Most good militaries work similarly," Phelps said, citing the time he spent working with other countries’ armed forces while working at NATO. “They find a different path, but they end up at the same place. I think we’re like that,” he explained.
Mohammad discussed local issues in the area including poverty, trouble getting clean water, and terrorism. “Unemployment is one of the reasons people turn to terrorism,” he said. Mohammad asked Natik to keep hundreds of civilian workers, employed by the US Army on Q-West, after the base turnover. Natik explained he was aware of the issue, and would recommend to the Iraqi MoD to keep some of the employees who meet certain criteria.
Almeferjy mentioned that it's been done before. “I'll do my best to help them. I have this concern in my mind,” Natik told Mohammad. “This base belongs to the people in this region; it’s not mine.”
Mohammad reminisced about his and his village’s relationship with the base and US Army. “When I met them there's more friendship; we break down the barriers,” he said. Mohammad spoke of his many friends in the US Army including Gen. David Petraeus, whom he met when Petraeus was still a maj. gen.
With the help of Mohammad, the US Army found insurgents operating in the area, and was able to determine friend from foe, he explained. “Main thing I discuss with the CF is how to win the people beside us by giving them jobs,” Mohammad said.
In those early days, he invited area leaders and US military leaders to his home to discuss local issues, he said. He continues this practice today. Mohammad said much had improved in Iraq, and in his local area. He praised the GoI for systematically attempting to rid the country of corruption, and claimed that voters are beginning to elect those who aren't corrupt.
“In the next parliament I believe the corruption will be down 50 – 60%,” he said. With the help of CF, 20 schools and a clinic were built in the region since 2003, Mohammad explained.
“We'll all miss this place. I think there’s something very special about this area, and I’m happy that someone who cares about the area will be in charge,” Phelps told Natik.
Mohammad invited the leaders to his home at a later time to continue to discuss the future of the area. He also mentioned that he would be happy if Phelps and his other US military friends could visit him in the future.
“I think we could all count ourselves as successful, when I can visit without this,” Phelps said, pointing to his own uniform.
Dr. Mohammad (right background) discusses the turnover of Q-West with future base commander Col. Natik (left) and Col. Larry Phelps (foreground).
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Blackanthem Military News
Wounded warrior returns to Iraq, finds closure
Story and photos by Spc. Roland Hale
Retired Staff Sgt. Chris Bain talks with CAB, 1st ID Cmdr Col. Frank Muth during an Op Proper Exit VII visit to Camp Taji, June 13. Bain was ambushed on Camp Taji, April 8, 2004 while serving with the 1st AR Div, and now has partial use of his right hand, and no use of his left.
Bain walked out on his first medical board. The man, whose war wounds resulted in the loss of the use of his left hand and minimal use of his right, felt he deserved more than the 30% disability the civilian-led medical board offered him. Bain spent 3 years in care, and like many wounded combat veterans, battled with the pervasive terror called memory, but Bain is now one-step closer to healing. A recent trip to Iraq with a program called Op Proper Exit brought Bain back to the place where 6 years earlier, the blast of a mortar threw him yards away from his troops. The program, which is designed to offer wounded warriors a sense of closure from the war, takes them to ground-zero of their pain, and that's where Bain knelt June 13, digging a knife into the spot where the mortar landed. On Taji, the veterans were hosted by the CAB, 1st ID, a unit that among other things, flies the type of medevac aircraft that evacuated many of the wounded Soldiers. CAB, 1st ID Soldiers led the wounded warriors on a tour of the bde. Many of the wounded warriors were unconscious during their first encounter with a medevac helicopter, and do not remember it.The wounded warriors toured Taji, making an emotional stop at Gunner Gate, the spot where Bain was injured. There, they followed Bain as he re-lived that afternoon 6 years ago. When the wounded warriors arrived at the gate, it took a minute for the emotions to sink in. They joked with each other like any Soldiers would, often making light of their handicaps. Bain stood apart from the rest of the group. Leaning with his good hand on a tree, he looked towards the gate. After a few minutes, Bain found the spot where he thinks the mortar landed. He took a knee and asked his buddies for a knife. The mood had shifted from a seemingly incongruous cheer to sympathy, and as Bain used the knife to scrape dirt from the ground, another wounded warrior collected it in a small plastic bag. "I came here to get closure - to feel the dirt - to walk on the ground that I couldn't walk away from before," said Bain. Op Proper Exit is a program of the Troops First Foundation, a non-profit org., founded in 2008 by Rick Kell and David Feherty. Bain and 11 others are participating in the program's 7th tour and will bring the total number of involved veterans to 50. "They want to come back and see that their sacrifice is meaningful," said Kell, the executive director of the Troops First Foundation. After visiting Gunner Gate, Bain talked to Soldiers during a town-hall-style meeting. "I feel that when I was injured...I know it wasn't done in vain," he told them. Bain also described to the Soldiers the purpose of Operation Proper Exit. "I didn't get to go home and visit my family," he said. "I woke up in a hospital room. Then I spent 3 years there. Now I get to return the right way." Bain was medically retired during his 16th year of service, and he is now a motivational speaker, and certified mentor for the Wounded Warrior Project. "I don't need a uniform to serve," Bain told Soldiers on Taji. "I can still serve all of you."
Retired Staff Sgt. Chris Bain stares towards Gunner Gate on Camp Taji.
Bain stands at Gunner Gate.
Bain (center) touches the ground near Gunner Gate.
Bain collects a handful of dirt from the spot where a mortar struck.
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flickr
Doctor's Visit
(Army photo by Spc. Katie Summerhill)
An Iraqi child is examined by 1st Lt. Jessica Larson, a physician’s asst with the 307th BSB, 1st Advise and Assist Bde, 82nd AD, during a 1-day, combined U.S.-Iraqi medical engagement in Kubaysah, June 6, 2010. Nearly 400 townspeople were examined, with some 90% requiring and receiving treatment.
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