Dear Interested Reader,
Despite a suicide bomber, members of MTAG are left undaunted. PB Fulod: Marines, ANA patrol Sangin streets; machine gunners find new camaraderie deployed. ANA takes the lead during Op TOR Kanjak. Mujahideen experience helps Hossieni lead ANP recruits. Florida Corpsman treats Helmand child.
Iraq: Cordon and search in Kirkuk. Mail clerk receives promotion at COB Adder.
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Despite a Suicide Bomber, members of MTAG are left UndauntedStory by Lt. Russell Wolfkiel
Lt. Jeremy Young works with the staff at the National Military Hospital (NMH) in Kabul. Young is a mentor for the Medical Training Advisory Group (MTAG), which provides guidance and expertise to the ANA's Medical Corps, May 25.
KABUL -- MTAG provides mentors and training to the ANA Medical Corps as they work toward medical self-sufficiency. Their classes are largely conducted on the NMH compound in Kabul. May 21, a suicide bomber attacked the NMH trainees at their dining facility, killing 6 students and injuring many more, but the members of MTAG are undaunted in their desire to help.“I think this mission is very important and very valuable to Afghanistan”, said Navy Lt. Jeremy Young, certified registered nurse anesthetist mentor. “The way they care for their soldiers, who are actively defending the freedom of Afghanistan, makes our mission worth it. They're worth our time, energy and insight. For them to have the sense that they're not in this alone has a huge impact. We are ‘shona ba shona,’ shoulder to shoulder with them.”In many ways, Afghan medical care is decades behind U.S. care. The first challenge that mentors face is going back to the basic fundamentals of modern medical care. “Things we’ve identified as being critical are cleanliness and sterilization,” said Young. “Before we got here, they didn’t sterilize their surgical instruments.” Immediate gains made through basic improvements give the team credibility with the Afghans. “Through cleanliness, sterilization, nutrition and safety these things will show immediate return. We've got to have the things we work on provide immediate gratification for them, or else they don’t trust us,” said Young.The Afghans working at NMH are enthusiastic to improve the quality of the care they provide. Young pointed out the sterilization dept. “We’ve had successes here. Let me tell you about sterilization. If you want sterile equipment, the only place in Kabul you’re going to get it is down there. That’s it.”According to Cmdr. Diane Capri, the sterilization team at NMH did a great job at improving their capability. “This is the dept.” Capri also said. “This is also the cleanest dept. These guys wash their hands; they have their chemicals; everything is organized; logbooks for sterilizer A and sterilizer B. Everything is logged in; they test the sterilizers every day to make sure they're up and running. This is the way it's supposed to work.” “This is as good as we’re going to get right now, until they remodel the whole hospital,” said Capri. “They have worked phenomenally hard on their own; there are only 4 guys here. They’re really proud of their dept.”Training the Afghans to be self sufficient is still the number one goal of the MTAG team. “They like to be known as the best,” Young said, “So, we keep showing them we’re not going to do this for you; you have to do it. But, we’re going to guide you, mentor you in a good direction that is safe and effective.”“When the patients get to the ward, change how they do wound care. Get them better faster; get them back to either their kandak [Afghan bn], or home. Once you start doing that, you're going to have fewer people in the hospital, which means you've more personnel and resources to apply to more complex problems.”
Cmdr. Diane Capri poses with the sterilization staff.
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DVIDS
ANA, Marines Patrol Sangin Streets
Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly
Lance Cpl. Kody Hansen, 20, a designated marksman for 2nd Plt, Co C, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, patrols along a tree line near PB Fulod in Sangin, May 17.
PATROL BASE FULOD, Helmand prov. - Six months ago Sangin was the most volatile battle space in Afghanistan. Even though the region currently enjoys a relative peace, Marines and ANA soldiers still patrol the now crowded streets of Sangin.When they stepped outside friendly lines, May 17, the Marines of 2nd Plt, knew they had a specific mission to provide security for the agricultural initiative held at Patrol Base Fulod. The partnered patrol secured areas of the battle space that could provide cover and concealment to insurgents, trying to prevent people from attending the initiative, or target Afghan govt reps. This meant Lance Cpl. Anthony Hufford, a team leader for 2nd Plt., had to lead the patrol across the foliage of the Helmand River Valley, and then instantaneously maneuver through alleys with 12-foot walls towering over the Marines.“It’s important for us to be out there during the initiative, for the local people to know it's safe,” said Hufford, 22. “It shows the people we're there to help them and can.” Farmers travelled to Fulod, and exposed themselves to insurgents who would attempt to thwart the govt’s attempts to reach out to the community. "Providing security also included preventing threats to citizens travelling far from where they live and work," said Lance Cpl. Kody Hansen. When the people see their own soldiers out patrolling alongside the Marines, it makes them feel more comfortable, and shows them their govt is able to provide security as well, said Hansen, 20.
Marines and their ANA counterparts patrol near a compound heading into a field near PB Fulod.
Lance Cpl. Kody Hansen sticks the landing after jumping over an irrigation trench.
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DVIDS
Machine Gunners Find New Camaraderie Deployed
At EMV the teams were able to start building those bonds, and learning the tactics of their platoon. "It was important that the teams laid the foundation before deploying," said Lance Cpl. William Calhoun, a machine gunner for Weapons Plt. “Being assigned to one squad is easier for me. I know how 1st Squad operates and what to expect,” said Calhoun, 28. “More importantly I know what's expected of me.” After deployment the machine gunners will become their own section again. For NCOs like Wienke, it means they'll maintain their camaraderie as a platoon, but will also have varied experiences from different areas of the battle space. “We're spread out right now, so it makes the bond stronger, and makes it really nice when we get to the others,” said Wienke, 23. “Every weapon’s Marine is going to have a different way of training, coming off this deployment.” When 1/5 deploys again, the machine gunners will have a broader base of experiences, because of what the Marines have learned this deployment. This experience will better prepare them for future deployments, by reaching back to the lessons they're learning in Afghanistan serving throughout the battle space. Despite getting swapped around during the work up, the machine gunners from Co. C have adapted to new tactics during their deployment in support of Op Enduring Freedom.
Pfc. Thomas Seneika takes a knee during a security pause on patrol near Patrol Base Fulod.
Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly
Pfc. Thomas Seneika, a machine gunner for Weapons Plt attached to 2nd Plt, Co C, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, loads his M240B Medium Machine Gun before a patrol near Patrol Base Fulod in Sangin, May 19. As an M240B gunner, Seneika is attached to 2nd Plt., and supports one squad. Seneika, 18, is from Chelmsford, England, and graduated from Royal High School in 2010.
PATROL BASE FULOD, Helmand prov. - Pre-deployment training is a time when Marines bond and learn to anticipate their fellow Marines. They need to act as one finely-oiled machine when on patrol in Afghanistan, so they'll know exactly how each Marine reacts in every situation. Machine gunners with Weapons Plt, were the exception, but have used their time in Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) and Afghanistan, to build a great working relationship with their Marines. Sgt Sam Hoffman III, the machine gun squad leader for Weapons Plt., began the pre-deployment cycle with his Marines in one squad. When needed they were broken down and attached to the rifle platoons, and then returned to their section after the training event. “Before EMV, we broke up and were attached to each platoon during an exercise or two,” said Hoffman, 25.
"The teams bounced around a lot during the work up, which meant with every new assignment they had to learn another squad’s way of operating," said Cpl. John Wienke, a machine gun team leader. The idea is for the teams to work with the platoon they'll deploy with, so that they have consistency.
At EMV the teams were able to start building those bonds, and learning the tactics of their platoon. "It was important that the teams laid the foundation before deploying," said Lance Cpl. William Calhoun, a machine gunner for Weapons Plt. “Being assigned to one squad is easier for me. I know how 1st Squad operates and what to expect,” said Calhoun, 28. “More importantly I know what's expected of me.” After deployment the machine gunners will become their own section again. For NCOs like Wienke, it means they'll maintain their camaraderie as a platoon, but will also have varied experiences from different areas of the battle space. “We're spread out right now, so it makes the bond stronger, and makes it really nice when we get to the others,” said Wienke, 23. “Every weapon’s Marine is going to have a different way of training, coming off this deployment.” When 1/5 deploys again, the machine gunners will have a broader base of experiences, because of what the Marines have learned this deployment. This experience will better prepare them for future deployments, by reaching back to the lessons they're learning in Afghanistan serving throughout the battle space. Despite getting swapped around during the work up, the machine gunners from Co. C have adapted to new tactics during their deployment in support of Op Enduring Freedom.
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RC-Southwest
ANA Takes the Lead During Operation TOR Kanjak
Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker
A British Royal Marine talks to an Afghan local through an interpreter during a patrol in Nad ‘Ali South, during Operation TOR Kanjak, May 17. Royal Marines from 45 Commandos accompanied ANA soldiers during the patrols.
NAD 'ALI SOUTH - During the op the ANA and 45 British commandos conducted patrols and established a presence in an area which had not previously seen CF. The partnership was also backed by Marines from 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Co. This marks the first time ANA soldiers from 3rd Bde, 215th Corps searched compounds on their own. On day one, Afghan soldiers successfully located and destroyed 3 IEDs. According to Sgt. Bruce Khoo, an ANA advisor of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Afghan forces have showed the ability to be independent and effective in finding IEDs during the op. While locating IEDs, Afghan soldiers and their counterparts took fire from insurgents, and still held their ground. “We want our people to know that we're here to stay,” said ANA Sgt. Hilaluvvin. ANA soldiers also took charge in establishing relationships with locals, who expressed frustration about insurgents living in their villages. “The insurgents aren't treating the locals well, and they're sick of it,” said ANA Capt. Maroof, cmdr of Heavy Weapons Co. “The locals are happy CF and ANA soldiers are here.” Throughout the op, locals and Afghan forces built a trusting relationship through communication and understanding of the mission. “It’s good to have the ANA leading patrols, and the locals have been very welcoming to the ANA soldiers,” said Sgt. Ryan Napier, IED destroyer advisor for 101 Royal Engr Regt [EOD].
Sgt. Hilaluvvin, an ANA engr., checks the ground for a possible IED.
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NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Mujahideen Experience Helps Hossieni Lead ANP Recruits
Story by 2nd Lt. Douglas Magill
Mohammad Hossieni (center) helps instruct AUP recruits during a patrolling exercise, May 18, at the Joint Security Academy SW (JSAS). Hossieni is the class leader for the AUP basic training class, 11-8. Hossieni has 3 years of experience in the AUP before attending the course.
CAMP LEATHERNECK – A broad smile swept across the face of Mohammad Hossieni when he thought about Ahmad Shah Massoud. “There's no one like him,” Hossieni said. “In all of the world, there's no one like him.” Massoud, The Lion of Panjshir, helped lead the Mujahideen in its resistance against the Soviets occupation in the 1980s, and then against the Taliban in the 1990s before being assassinated by al Qaida, Sept. 9, 2001. The man who led Massoud’s troops in Badghis prov. was Abdul Gheeyas, Hossieni’s father. Hossieni followed in their footsteps, when he joined the Mujahideen at the age of 13. “We've a lot of documents from Massoud, because my father was always in contact with him,” Hossieni said. “I'm proud of the Mujahideen, and I'm proud of Massoud, because he's my leader. If I live a hundred years, I'll be proud to tell that I was Mujahideen.” Hossieni joined the ANP 10 years later, and has been assigned to a checkpoint in Nimruz prov., near the Iran border for last 3 years. Stationed there with 12 other patrolmen, Hossieni said that the checkpoint had no NCOs. So, his cmdr. sent him to the basic patrolman’s course at JSAS. The course began April 23 and will graduate on June 16, after a final field exercise June 11-13. After graduation, Hossieni will return to the checkpoint, be promoted from no rank to staff sgt., and be appointed as the NCO-in-charge of the facility. Among the class of 45 recruits, all of whom have previous ANP experience, Hossieni quickly stood out as a leader. The class is organized into squads, with 4 squad leaders and a class leader. “We decided about a day after he got here that he was the class leader,” said Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Charles Spencer. “He was always stepping up and taking charge.”Hossieni said that the Taliban would attack villagers, whether they were known Mujahideen or not. He said they would remove the eyes and ears of the casualties before leaving the bodies in the Badghis dirt. “We have to defend ourselves,” He said. “I joined to protect myself and to serve my country.” Hossieni said that he'd no doubt that his experience fighting with the Mujahideen, has helped mold him into a stronger leader today.Hossieni hopes that the coalition-led ANSF can overcome the shortfalls of past efforts to restore a legitimate, sustaining peace to the country. “The training here is very helpful,” he said. “The main thing is how to keep a check point, and how to command and control a squad, different patrols, and what the tactics are.”“We desire one day that there'll not be any fighting, any war,” he said. “We hope that one day we can solve the problems with our enemies ourselves.”
Mohammad Hossieni directs a formation before engaging in a buddy rush drill.
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DVIDS
Florida Corpsman Treats Helmand Youth
Photos by 1st Lt. Alex Lim
Photos by 1st Lt. Alex Lim
CAMP DWYER, GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand prov. - Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Steven Dorman cleans a local child's burns, May 15. Dorman is the senior line corpsman for Bravo Co, 1st Bn, 3rd Marine Regt. In addition to treating locals and 1/3 Marines, he maintains accountability of all the corpsman in the co. Dorman said that the local community has limited medical resources and expertise. "They don't know how to treat certain injuries," said Dorman, "so I'm happy to show them. We're here not to fight, but to help the people out, and being able to make their life better, even if it's by a little bit, is worth every effort." The bn supports RCT 1 under 2nd Marine Div (Fwd), which serves as the ground combat element in Helmand. The mission of the div. is to partner with ANSF to conduct COIN ops to secure the Afghan people, defeat insurgent forces, and enable ANSF to assume security responsibilities in the region. Ultimately, the partnered forces promote the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.
Dorman treats the child's burn blisters. Burns seem to be a too frequent occurrence.
Dorman bandages the child's arm, who seems to be quite brave and trusting.
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IRAQI STORIES:
Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq
Cordon and Search in Kirkuk
Photos by Spc. Sara Wakai
COB WARRIOR - Sgt. Maj. William May, 2nd Bn, 12th Cav Regt, 4th Bde, 1st Cav Div speaks with a member of the IP in Kirkuk prov., May 19, 2011, after a cordon search as part of OND.
A member of the IP thanks a local teenager for his cooperation at his home.
Cpt. Matthew Makaryk speaks with a local Iraqi man to collect personal info at his home.
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DVIDS
Mail Clerk Receives Promotion at COB Adder
Story and photos by Capt. Antwone Wilson
Cpl. Heather Rourke, a personnel actions NCO for 4th Special Troops Bn, 4th Sust Bde, 310th ESC, places a newly ranked patrol cap on her battle buddy and best friend, Cpl. Shavon Jones, the NCO-in- charge of the unit’s mail room. COB ADDER – The COB Adder Mayor Cell’s mission has given many soldiers and leaders the opportunity to work in positions usually reserved for soldiers in higher ranks. One soldier, Spc. Shavon Jones was recognized by her leadership as one of the best in the unit, and was rewarded May 25, with a lateral promotion to the rank of corporal. “I’m thankful that my supervisors saw enough in me to promote me,” said Jones. “The pressure is on and I look forward to new challenges.” All official mail leaving COB Adder comes through Jones’ hands, before being shipped to its next destination. Jones was able to draw from previous experience in conducting postal ops, during her first deployment, where she worked in a registered mail room in Afghanistan. Jones said she enjoys her job, understands its importance to mission success, and appreciates being given such a huge responsibility. Cpl. Heather Rourke was on hand to place the new rank on her best friend and battle buddy. “It’s about time,” Rourke said. “She’s well-deserving of her new promotion. She stood up to the plate when she had soldiers working under her. I can’t wait until we make the rank of sgt. together. That will be a dream come true.” Jones and Rourke have been battle buddies since meeting at their home station at Fort Hood, Texas, and have continued to strengthen that bond during this deployment.
Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Coleman, command sgt. maj. of 4th STB, stands next to the newest NCO in his bn, Cpl. Shavon Jones.
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