Dear Interested Reader,
Soldiers of COP Sayed Abad shown appreciation. Police Mentor Team patrols fertile farmlands of Musa Qal'eh. Camp Leatherneck: Marines set up training ops for Cpls; Rocket Artillery Marines fire precision missiles.
Iraq: 209 Soldiers reenlist in 3-location ceremony at COB Adder. 'Pacesetters' get to know their Bedouin neighbors. 'Team Steel' begins training with IP in Basra.
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
DVIDS
Soldiers of COP Sayed Abad shown appreciation
Army photos by Pfc. Donald Watkins
COP SAYED ABAD - Capt. Kevin Smith, member of 2nd plt, 1st Bn, 503rd Inf, 173rd ABCT, receives a certificate of appreciation from a rep from Khalid Bin Walid Takya H.S., for the the aid the U.S. Army gave in the building of the school, in Salar, Wardak prov., Oct. 7.
1st Lt. Roy Yoo receives a gift from a rep from the H.S., for the the aid given in the building of the school.
A U.S. Army soldier speaks to Afghan children on opening day at the H.S.
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IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- RC-North
Women's Center Opens in Herat
KABUL - A new social center for women was opened in Herat City, Oct. 6, by the ISAF's Italian PRT. The purpose of the center is to provide a place for Herat women in need - especially those who are victims of domestic violence or from psychological distress - to have a place where they can recover through the development of professional and social skills, while receiving qualified assistance.
The 4-story building, funded by the Italian MoD, will host 36 shops ran by women, recreation/meeting rooms, and a legal and psychological support facility. The project was run by women, thanks to the coordinated work of the PRT's female engagement team, including a psychologist, architect, and project officer, along with Herat's provincial Dept of Women's Affairs. Many local officials attended the opening ceremony, including General Prosecutor Maria Bashir, head of the Dept for Women's Affairs, Manija Sadeq and Suraya Pakzad, who are leading "Voice of Women", a prominent Afghan org."We're particularly glad, not only for the project itself, but also for the cooperation established between the female engagement team and the local partners engaged in the improvement of women's conditions in the prov. of Herat, which will likely lead to other dedicated initiatives", said Sadeq.
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DVIDS
Police Mentor Team Patrols Fertile Farmlands of Musa Qal’eh
Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Hines
MUSA QAL-EH - Marines with Police Mentor Team, HC, 1st Bn, 8th Marine Regt, patrol through the local farmland, Oct. 7. The patrol went to take part in a continuous training regimen with the ANP at a local ANP security post. The training regimen covered tactics such as, weapons handling, individual movements, patrolling techniques, as well as personnel and vehicle searches.
Cpl. Terry Nash, a team leader, speaks with an ANP officer at the conclusion of a patrol through the local bazaar in Musa Qal’eh District Center.
Sgt. Danna Berry, 26, plt sgt for PMT, waves to on-looking Afghan children, Oct. 9. The patrol was a small part of a continuous training regimen.
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DVIDS
Marines Set Up Training Operation for Corporals
Story by Cpl. Skyler Tooker
Staff Sgt. John Juarez, the ANA chief for the ANSF cell for 1st Marine Div. (Fwd), goes over how to prepare for a convoy, and makes sure all the Marines have the proper gear before leaving, during the 1st Marine Logistic Group (Fwd) Corporals Course, Oct. 8.
CAMP LEATHERNECK — “The convoy op was to get them thinking to be able to make decisions under stress,” said Sgt. Victor Rodriguez, who works in the ANSF cell, 1st MarDiv (Fwd), and was a role player during the convoy exercise. “We put them through initial action drills for foot patrols and convoys, so they would be ready for the convoy ops.”
The instructors came up with different scenarios, including simulated enemy attacks with IEDs, RPGs, and small-arms fire. The students had to overcome these threats while traveling throughout the camp.
The 3 squads embarked on a recon convoy to check the route’s security, and to gather info, before conducting their mission. They identified possible landing zones for medical evacuation, and potential enemy ambush sites. This was also a chance for the instructors to see how well the Marines communicated between vehicles as they worked together.
“After the first convoy, I talked to them about how they needed to communicate better, and learn how to make decisions,” said Staff Sgt. John Juarez. "All the Marines corresponded better during the 2nd convoy, when they ran into the small-arms fire and IEDs," said Juarez, 30.
The Marines on the convoy suffered a mock casualty during their convoy, and had to move out of the kill zone to set up security for a medical evacuation. They also ran into hostile locals, who were disturbed with the Marine presence in the community.
Rodriguez played a local, who was upset with the Marines being in his village. This was just one of the different obstacles the instructors came up with, to make them work together and overcome adversities.
"The Marines were a little confused at first, but when they calmed down and took control of the situation, they did well in handling the different conditions the instructors came up with during the convoy training mission," said Rodriguez, 30.
“The Marines learned about reporting procedures, and used what we taught them,” Juarez added. “They were out there taking charge, and quickly making decisions.”
Juarez’s main point he wanted to make clear was that they need to learn this material, and that they must take all training missions seriously. “They need to work on finding themselves, and what leadership techniques work for them,” said Juarez. “They need to find what will make them gain the self confidence that they will need in the Marine Corps.”
Marines learn to load up a casualty, and move out of the kill zone as fast as possible.
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DVIDS
Rocket Artillery Marines Fire Precision Missiles
Story and photos by Cpl. Ned Johnson
Marines with Sierra Btry, 5th Bn, 11th Marine Regt, 1st Marine Div (Fwd), raise the launcher for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HMARS) during a fire mission rehearsal, Oct. 6. Sierra Btry Marines, who proudly call themselves Spartans, support CF throughout Helmand prov.
CAMP LEATHERNECK – A pillar of counterinsurgency (COIN) ops is protecting local civilians, and one specialized artillery btry is proving their weapon system does just that.
Marines fire a GPS-aided, precision rocket system called the HMARS. “We're the perfect COIN weapon,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Beck, a plt cmdr with Sierra Btry. “We provide precision fire that destroys everything you want it to, but causes very low collateral damage.
“The best example is that we've destroyed compounds, and the farm animals outside were unharmed,” Beck said. The 298 mm rocket, which is an M31A1, contains a 196-lb warhead with 51.5 lbs. of explosive that can detonate above the ground, on impact, or deep in a bunker.
"In a war often fought around locals and in villages, not causing civilian casualties is an important consideration, which the Marines take very seriously," explained Beck. “The rocket lands at 88 to 90 degrees most of the time and the fragment is small, which allows us to destroy what we want, and leave everything else,” said Beck, 24.
Precision is not the only thing that makes these Marines so good. Their ability to reach far beyond their firebase makes them even more deadly. “We've platoons that are spread across bases that cover the entire NATO area of ops,” said Capt. Jeff Curtis, comm. officer of Sierra Btry.
The use of multiple plts is effective, but the range of the missile helps as well, which is more than 80 kms, or 50 miles. “We want the troops on the ground to know we're there for them,” Beck said. “When that call comes in, it’s usually because Marines are pinned down, and we've the opportunity to save lives.”
“The Marines in this btry are great, because they've discipline, pride and a strong work ethic,” Curtis said. “Their motivation is incredible.” The Marines admit they have to be patient, waiting for fire missions to come in, but they use physical training, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, and individual development to keep their edge, said Curtis, 33.
Pfc. Juan Villanueva, a rocket artillery crewman, closes the door of a launcher vehicle for the HMARS, during training.
Cpl. Dylan Paylor, 22, a launcher chief, confirms mission info. Paylor controls fire missions in the launcher vehicle during ops.
Marines fire the HMARS, Sep. 13. (Photo courtesy of battery commanding officer)
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IRAQI STORIES:
USF-I
209 Soldiers Reenlist in Three-location Ceremony
Story by Maj. Alan Brown
COB ADDER - At the halfway point of their current deployment, 209 soldiers from 3rd AAB, 4th ID, simultaneously raised their right hands and reaffirmed the enlistment oath, Oct. 9, during a mass re-enlistment ceremony at 5 locations across southern Iraq and Kuwait.
Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, comm. gen., USD-S, Brig. Gen. Randal Dragon, dep. comm. gen.--support, USD-S, and Brig. Gen. Ricky Gibbs, dep. comm. gen.--maneuver, USD-S, each administered the oath of enlistment to “Iron” Bde Soldiers at Camps Basra, Adder and Garry Owen, respectively.
Eighty-one soldiers took the oath Camp Basra, 64 at Camp Adder, and 61 at Camp Garry Owen. In addition, 1 soldier took the oath at Camp Cropper, and 2 re-enlisted in Kuwait.
“You have expressed an extension to your commitment to your service to our nation, and not everyone does that in our nation. Really, 1% of our fellow citizens. 1%,” said Brooks. “That’s how small of a group you’re in when you say ‘yes I will support and defend. Yes, I’ll do it again.’”
Brooks credited the soldiers’ chain of command, saying that soldiers will only want to stay in the Army if they have strong leadership, and feel that they're part of a great org.
The number 209 is noteworthy, as it represents nearly half of the anticipated re-enlistment goal for the upcoming fiscal year. To put this into context, during FY 2010 the Iron Brigade’s re-enlistment goal was 472 for the entire year. That goal is anticipated to stay about the same this year.
"To have 209 soldiers reenlist this early in the fiscal year is a tremendous accomplishment for the bde," said Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Zielsdorf, brigade re-enlistment NCO.
Command Sgt. Maj. Miles Wilson, 3rd AAB senior enlisted advisor, said that the high number of re-enlistments is a direct reflection of the outstanding quality and dedication of this generation’s soldiers. “The average soldier re-enlisting today is a specialist on his 3rd deployment. They're combat vets 3 times over, and they still want to serve their country and remain in an org. that provides for them and for their families,” he said.
For Sgt. Reginel Tagalicod, a petroleum supply specialist, assigned to Co B, 64th BSB, 3rd AAB, this ceremony marks his 4th re-enlistment over an 11-year career. He said his motivation to stay Army is attributed to the soldiers he serves with every day. “It’s the brotherhood,” he said. “It’s the people to my left and to my right that keep me going.”
Spc. Jonathan McMullen, cannon crew member, assigned to the personal security detail at HHB, 3rd Bn, 29th FAR, 3rd AAB, took the re-enlistment oath for the 1st time, and said that he plans to stay in until he can complete his college degree.
“Since the 4th grade, I’ve always wanted to join the military,” said McMullen. “I never had a doubt about re-enlisting.”
"Soldiers who re-enlist while assigned to 3rd AAB, whether deployed or not, receive a 4-day pass, a 30-day exemption from staff duty after redeployment, and the opportunity to take a semester of college classes once back at Fort Carson," said Zielsdorf.
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DVIDS
Pacesetters Get to Know Their Bedouin Neighbors
Story and photos by Capt. Andrew Huth
Capt. Andrew Huth, Capt. Ryan Mendenhall, and Sgt. 1st Class Ovidio Mejia talk with several elders of a Bedouin tribe, with the help of an interpreter, Alex.
NASIRIYAH – On the evening of Sept. 11, members of HB, 3rd Bn, 29th FAR, took some time to meet and get to know their neighbors. In this case, the neighbors were members of Bedouin tribes that live close to Camp Adder, a sprawling hub of military activity, located in southern Iraq, near the city of An Nasiriyah. The Pacesetter bn operates out of this base, and frequently traverses areas occupied by Bedouins.
“Back home, most people try to get to know the other people in their community. That way everyone can live together without any issues. Essentially, we’re trying to do the same thing here,” said Capt. Ryan Mendenhall.
After conducting a safety brief, where they covered everything from what routes to take, to what to do in the event of a fire, the convoy, led by Sgt. 1st Class Ovidio Mejia, of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, set out towards the sandy expanse where the Bedouins live. The lumbering vehicles known as MRAPs had to take it slow over the uneven terrain, but before long, the patrol spotted several tents set up in the desert, and stopped about 100 meters away from them.
Once the solders got out of their vehicles, some of the Bedouin elders approached them, offering the traditional greeting of a kiss on the cheek. The elders then invited the soldiers into one of the tents to sit and talk. Inside the tent, the Bedouins brought out chai tea, and discussions erupted on subjects ranging from the Eid festival, marking the end of Ramadan, to democracy and the role of U.S. forces in Iraq.
Several hours later, and after many spirited discussions, the soldiers said their good-byes and left, but not before promising to return again later to continue building the relationship with the Bedouin tribes.
Afterwards, the unit’s EO, Capt. Donald Mills, reflected on the trip saying, “I think we accomplished a lot, even though we just sat and talked, and enjoyed their hospitality. Now, they know us and we know them, so they’re more likely to tell us when something's wrong, or if they notice something out of the ordinary. That can be all the difference between us being successful in our mission or not.”
Sgt. Jamal Davis and Sgt. Jonathan Arvay provide security, while their patrol talks to a Bedouin tribe.
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USF-I
‘Team Steel’ Begins Training With Iraqi Police
By 1st Lt. Adam Appleberry
BASRA – The soldiers of Team Steel, Co C, 1st Bn, 68th AR Regt, 3rd AAB, 4th ID, recently began training the IP at the Provincial Joint Coordination Center (PJCC), in order to help develop the Rule of Law, Oct. 9.
The PJCC is the HQ for all Basra law enforcement. The PJCC houses HQ for the Basra Provincial Directorate of Police, the crime lab, the Dept of Federal Investigation, and the EOD team. Included within the complex is a U.S. patrol base, permanently housing both military and state-dept law enforcement specialists.
Team Steel is co-located with the IP at the PJCC, and has developed a relationship with these IP for the past several months. “The IP who work at the PJCC, and the facility itself have both improved drastically, since we arrived this past spring,” said Spc. Marc Lloyd, member of the company intel support team. “We've developed a great relationship with our Iraqi counterparts, and this relationship is starting to show results within Basra.”
Now that Team Steel has successfully partnered with the law enforcement personnel, they'll spend the next few months training the IP to become a more competent force.
“The joint missions that have been conducted with the IP were successful, but there's always room for improvement,” said 1st Lt. Ian Norwalk, plt. leader. Norwalk’s plt. has been able to work with the Basra SWAT team on several occasions. The joint patrols have allowed Norwalk and his plt. to show their Iraqi partners various techniques that will allow them to keep increasing capability.
“Construction of the PJCC was challenging, but the effort has been rewarding. Every time we see a suspect arrested for terrorism by Iraqis, tried in a court of law by Iraqis, and put in prison by Iraqis, it's a validation of our work,” said Capt. Kristofer Thompson, cmdr.
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