This was the 2nd time the Marines and sailors taught a hygiene class outside COP Castle. “It worked well, so the local schoolteacher asked us to come to the school, so we could teach more of the kids,” Albert added.
The 1st class employed a power point presentation, but the local schoolhouse doesn't have electricity, so the Marines and sailors had to improvise. The warriors used a demo method by showing the kids what soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste look like, and then acted out their proper usage. The kids watched intently and they laughed during an example story called, “The good sailor and the bad sailor.”
“You could tell they were paying attention, and I'm confident they're going to use what we taught them,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Herrera, a corpsman. After the class, the children were given a bag with hygiene products and snacks to eat. The bags contained a toothbrush, toothpaste, a bar of soap and shampoo.
While the Marines and sailors know the importance of hygiene, the class also had future implications for the health and welfare of the Afghan children. “This is a good start for cleanliness, but the best thing will be that they can teach it to future generations, and prevent diseases in the future,” said Herrera, 25.
Those involved said they benefited from the class as well. “It’s a great feeling to be able to work locally and teach these children,” Herrera said. “We're helping to build new and good relationships with the people.” The district governor and chief of police also attended the class and seemed pleased with the results.
The class may have been simple, but the Marines and sailors said that they plan to take the program on the road, and teach as many children of the neighboring villages as they can, to continue helping as many Afghans as they can.
TF ‘Iron Knights,’ received permission from the village to build a secure compound which would offer security, employment opportunities, and a place to address issues with local authorities. "Before construction began, 1-66AR distributed supplies at the site of the new outpost in order to generate the population’s interest and support," said Capt. David Ahern, cmdr.
Construction of the COP began with the help of local residents of the village. They played a significant role in the building efforts by operating the heavy machinery, transporting equipment around the site, and helping the soldiers set up perimeter barriers.
“We’ve done something that not many have done before, in that we’ve included the entire village in constructing the new COP,” said Ahern. “The residents have shown how appreciative they are by participating in the building efforts.” Ahern went on to say that the residents like the idea of the COP, and how the GoA has taken an interest in their village’s security.
“This project gave the ANA and ANP the opportunity to work together and strengthen their partnership, as well as their ability to provide security for the people,” said 1st Lt. Brian Miraglia, plt leader. “This will help them to achieve their overall goal of taking over security, without the assistance of CFs.”
"In the past, insurgents used the village as a sanctuary, because it was far away from SECFORs," said Miraglia. "The village is also close enough to the dense orchards, that insurgents use to hide when we came through on patrols, only to return to the village when we left."
“With SECFORs permanently residing in the village, we hope to exterminate insurgent activity so that the residents won’t have to live in fear,” said Miraglia. “The people are supportive of this, and are doing what they can to help achieve this goal.”
CAMP DWYER – In Afghanistan, coalition personnel face an unforgiving terrain that can damage their equipment. The primary function of CLB-3’s ordnance Marines is to support infantry and artillery units operating in Helmand prov., by repairing weapon systems that cannot be fixed at the organizational level, and returning them in a timely manner.
"Weapons systems deemed “irreparable” at the unit level are sent to Camp Dwyer for higher level repairs, from the ordnance Marines from CLB-3," said Staff Sgt. James Allbright, 32, staff NCO-in-charge. These weapons include the M32 A1 grenade launcher, M2 .50-caliber machine gun, M16 A4 and M4 rifles, as well as various optical systems.
"At times, CLB-3’s Support Co will send weapon techs to units in forward areas as a “contact team,” in order to expedite the process of repairing tactical equipment," said Sgt. Laura Townley, 26. “It’s rewarding to be able to work with other units operating in the area,” said Townley. “It gives a more ‘in depth’ look into parts of the operating forces that you may not usually see.”
“The efforts of our welders, machinists and weapons techs keep the weapons and optics serviceable and properly maintained; this is extremely important here,” said Townley.
However, he learned to turn the negative into the positive, and began to use music as an outlet of expression. Medina began to freestyle in studio basements and school lunchrooms in 10th grade. As time passed, Medina began to take music seriously.
“I started to articulate poetic consciousness and take the art of lyricism more seriously, as a stronger means of communication,” Medina said. In 2008, Medina joined the Army NG. The continuous trials he faced not only inspired his musical talent, but also influenced his decision to enter the military.
Medina said that he'd hoped to play college football, but when those plans did not come to fruition, he was encouraged to look for a new path. The NG provided Medina the opportunity to attend college, and the ability to develop and use his leadership skills.
He is once again turning the negative into the positive. Currently deployed with Paktika PRT in Afghanistan, Medina is using this experience to write new material, and learn the meaning of appreciation. He took this new situation of chaos and struggle, and found peace where others find stress.
“Somehow in war, I find peace of mind because grunts are comfortable in conflict,” Medina explained. “I’ve always performed best when under pressure, and it doesn’t get harder than being out here, while maintaining composure.”
His first show was in Boston’s Strand Theater, and he's since performed at the Youth Peace Conference for Teen Empowerment of Boston, the Verve Lounge, Zumix, Boston Festival, and more.
Medina’s stage name is Rey Leon, and while he's currently working on an official website, his music can be found on social media sites. His next performance is scheduled for Feb. 8 at an event called Verbalization in Boston, during his mid-tour leave.
“Being inducted into something like this is really important,” said McReynolds. “It just feels good to be finally inducted into the corps. I was a little nervous, but I got past that. It’s a good day.” Before McReynolds pledged himself to being a leader of Soldiers during the ceremony, the new sgt sat with approx 2 dozen others, as they were told about the position and responsibilities they must fulfill.
They were reminded of this by the program’s guest speaker, retired Sgt. Maj. Mark Sims, currently a deputy director of logistics for the Mission Essential Personnel Co. In becoming NCOs, Sims said that they were agreeing to take on a responsibility beyond measure. “The NCO induction ceremony takes place to serve as a reminder, that you've a critical role in the defense of the U.S.A,” Sims said. “It can't be done without you.”
For McReynolds, this was all the more reason to give his pledge. “I joined the Army because I wanted to experience the excitement of being in the military,” McReynolds said. “You know, I watched the commercials, and like most young guys, I just wanted to experience traveling the world, and make something out of myself.”
Two years ago, when McReynolds arrived at his current unit, his supervisor, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Starmack, noticed a future NCO in then-Spc. McReynolds, who would step into leadership roles when no leaders were present. “He just had a very outgoing attitude, willing to be in front of Soldiers, take charge, and show the younger guys what was right and what wasn’t,” said Starmack, a joint network node platoon leader.
A cable systems installer, McReynolds said he sees his job as an opportunity to contribute to the efforts of the Army in Afghanistan, and make a difference in the war. “I was just proud to be able to help in the fight any way I could,” McReynolds said. “You know, whether that’s running cable line so we can have phones up; I just wanted to play a part in the fight. So, it’s been good.”
McReynold’s deployment experiences, and those of the Soldiers inducted with him, will not end this war. They'll continue making contributions to the Army, as a whole, and to those who want to become its leaders, according to Sims. “For the Army it’s great. These young Soldiers, most of them, have been deployed several times,” he said. “This experience that they’ve garnered over the last couple of deployments, is very valuable to the Army. It’s going to be the experience that’s used to lead the next generation of Soldiers, and prepare them for this occasion to become an NCO.”
In each village, local leaders were invited to discuss concerns and grievances with CF, as well as share details and progress of ongoing repair projects, previously addressed by Ghazni ADT-IV. From prior discussions with the village leaders, Ghazni ADT-IV was aware of a consistent and well-known problem: a lack of water. Many areas in Afghanistan, including Ghazni Prov., have faced years of drought conditions, which have significantly reduced the water table. In May 2010 Mohammad Rahimi, the Afghan Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, was quoted in USA Today saying, “In Afghanistan, 85% of the population relies on agriculture to earn a living.”
However, measures can be taken to offer immediate relief to current problems. Dir. of Public Works Nezamuddin shared how a main drainage system, and 2 culverts in the village of Qalati were crushed by CF’ vehicles on a previous visit to the village in Dec.
Cmdr’s Emergency Relief Program (CERP) funds were used to repair the drainage system and culverts.
“Using bulk CERP funds in this way offers quick solutions to immediate problems, giving villagers increased confidence in their local leaders and CF,” said Capt. Wade Aubin, CERP funds mgr. for Ghazni ADT-IV.
On the 2nd day of patrols, the combined units conducted a village assessment of Pir Shabaz, located on the banks of the Ghazni River, on the east side of Ghazni City. Most villagers of Pir Shabaz are farmers who grow radishes, leeks, onions and potatoes, which they sell at the local market, or at the bazaar in Ghazni City. While the water levels are much lower than usual, due to the ongoing regional drought, this village is able to access the water in the river to irrigate their crops and trees during the winter.
Despite the low water levels, village resident Jaleed, a farmer who sells his produce in the local market, said that his crop output was good and business was steady.
“We demonstrated our willingness to listen to their problems, hear their concerns, and try to find solutions, by facilitating their issues through their leaders and governmental officials,” said 2nd Lt. Grant Gillaspy, Ghazni ADT-IV project mgr.
NASIRIYAH – At the start of the New Year, soldiers of the Pacesetter Bn, 3rd Bn, 29th FAR, were hard at work in Iraq, ensuring that the IA continues to succeed after the U.S. advise, train and assist mission is complete.
Immediately upon arriving at Camp Adder, located near Nasiriyah, the Pacesetters started working closely with the IA. “We're here to help them prepare for the future,” said Capt. Donald Mills, battery EO. This assistance culminated in the construction of the 10th IA Div. Training Center. Capt. Brenden McNichol served as the primary U.S. advisor during the construction.
The center is capable of housing 600 Iraqi soldiers, while they train on multiple skills including first aid, tactical engagement skills, and urban combat skills. The training site is also equipped with weapons ranges, a land navigation course, and mortar and artillery live-fire ranges.
"This project was definitely a large undertaking from the start, but the IA engrs rose to the challenge and did an outstanding job,” said McNichol. The most impressive aspect of the training center’s construction, according to McNichol, was the enthusiasm with which the Iraqi’s undertook the project.
“The IA leaders on the ground were able to maintain an aggressive timeline, utilizing all heavy machinery assets available,” he said. The training center was designed by retired IA Staff Maj. Gen. Abbas, Iraqi senior advisor, and was constructed by Iraqi contractors, and soldiers.
While the involvement of the Pacesetter Bn was far from over at that point, McNichol felt a sense of satisfaction. “Not only was this a worthwhile project to build, but the Iraqis really took the lead on this, designing the camp, providing the workers that built it, and providing all sorts of specialty engr assets. I was just there to help guide them,” said McNichol, with a sense of satisfaction.
IA units started training at the center in early Jan., with 25-day rotations for an entire battalion at a time. The first 2 weeks focus on honing combat skills, and the rest of the time the Iraqi soldiers exercise those skills in simulated combat scenarios. The training model is similar to a National Training Center rotation U.S. soldiers go through before deployment.
"This camp will be able to provide an excellent area to train, and what we learn here with our American partners we'll be able to build upon in the future," said retired IA Gen. Abbas.
Professionals discuss criminal justice mission
Story by Maj. Jason Billington
As an AAB, 3rd ACR is charged with responsibilities that are distinctly different from the combat ops of the unit's 1st 3 tours in Iraq. The regiment now invests time and energy into the processes and systems that will move the country toward self-sufficiency, as U.S. Forces draw down.
In this new mission, 3rd ACR and the various PRTs have seen some success from efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system in Iraq. "When I first arrived here, we had a lot of anecdotal evidence of judges and police taking money to release people," said Cleveland. "That anecdotal evidence has almost gone away in the prov. I'm working in, Wasit Prov. It's an indication that the standards are being applied in a much more consistent fashion."
"We have automated courthouses. We've refurbished courthouses so that witnesses may be secure, so that judges may be secure, and hopefully more transparent in the way that they do business," said Cleveland, who's been working as a rule of law advisor in Wasit Prov. for 18 months.
Discussions throughout the conference were tempered with realism, as participants weighed new ideas with an understanding of the impending changes to U.S. involvement in the country. Many of the PRTs are disbanding in the summer, in preparation for the planned withdrawal of U.S. Forces by the end of Dec.
"We'd like to be able to leave Iraq with a system where both parties are working together for the common good of the people, and that's prosecuting people who commit crimes, putting them in prison, and getting away from self-interest groups that are influencing the outcome of trials," said McGuire.
At the end of the day, new relationships had formed, and many gained a better understanding of the complex network of professionals available to support the criminal justice mission in southern Iraq. "Sometimes it's more about the sidebar conversations, and getting key players to meet and interact," said Radliff, describing the results of the conference. "Everyone walked away with a better understanding of seeing ourselves, where we are, and the tasks we have ahead of us."
"It's going to be a long road in Iraq, and success is measured in small improvements, rather than gigantic leaps forward," said Cleveland. "If everyone is expecting small improvements, I think we can meet those goals."
Participants of the 3rd ACR Criminal Justice Conference pose for a photo.
Kristopher B. Lulloff, criminal investigative advisor for the Joint Expeditionary Forensics Facility (JEFF) at COB Kalsu, addresses a group of IP at a training session, Oct. 17. JEFF law enforcement professionals regularly train elements of the IP force, in tasks ranging from crime scene protocol to fingerprint analysis.
Capt. Catherine Hamilton, rule of law attorney for 3rd ACR (third from right), and the 3rd ACR rule of law team gather for a photo with Babil Chief Judge Diya’a Omran (center), Sept. 10.
Photo by Senior Airman Andrew Lee