In this edition:
ISF, Coalition forces find, destroy IED in Saha
IA, Coalition forces mission discovers cache
Food Handling: Crucial to any Army's Health
Two local nationals injured
Iraqi Army provides security for road improvement project
IA receive mortar training from MND-C Soldiers
Soldier dies from non-combat related injury
Ironhorse 6 Reflects on Multi-National Division–Baghdad Mission, Preps for Transfer to 1st Cavalry
211th Regional Support Group Replaces 191st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
Coalition Forces Take a "back Seat" to Iraqi Leaders
ISF, Coalition forces find, destroy IED in Saha
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces partnered with Coalition forces, discovered an improvised explosive device Feb. 6 while conducting operations in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad.
Iraqi police with 1st
Battalion, 3rd Abu Risha National Police Brigade, attached to 7th
Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, with the support of Soldiers
from the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division, MND-B, found a bomb consisting of a fire
extinguisher containing homemade explosives while conducting operations
in the Saha neighborhood. A CF explosive ordnance disposal team safely
destroyed the home-made device.
IA, Coalition forces mission discovers cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Coalition forces Soldiers conducted a cache clearing mission northwest of Baghdad Feb. 6.
The
Iraqi Army’s 3rd Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 14th Division was supported
by Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th
Infantry Division, during Operation Hammer Valkryie.
A CF
explosive ordinance disposal team assessed the contents of the cache
and reported six 107mm high explosive rockets, two 122mm high explosive
projectiles, nine empty 122mm projectiles, one 125mm projectile, two
125mm high explosive projectiles, and one 130mm projectile.
EOD conducted a controlled detonation to destroy the munitions.
Food Handling: Crucial to any Army's Health
Saturday, 07 February 2009 Multi-National Division – Center Release
COB ADDER — Iraqi Army Soldiers received a class from U.S. Preventive Medicine (PM) Soldiers on proper food handling and dining facility inspection procedures at the dining facility here, Feb. 3.
The PM team assigned to the 27th Brigade Support Battalion focused on food preparation and serving techniques during the IA’s three-hour visit.
“Everything is very well organized here,” said Capt. Raheem Hmedy Hafan, an Iraqi officer who observed the American Soldiers.
The PM team and dining facility staff also gave the group an in-depth tour of the facilities and showed them the daily process of receiving bulk quantities of meats and vegetables. The staff demonstrated the immediate transfer of food from distribution pallets to cold storage areas, thereby greatly reducing the risk of contamination and bacteria growth.
“Our food workers have to get a monthly check-up to work in Iraqi restaurants,” said Lt. Mohand Hmsam Abdul Khadm, an Iraqi Soldier present during the PM team’s inspection class.
The PM team attempted to reinforce their points by citing examples of past incidents of food poisoning in the U.S. which resulted from the improper storage of meat at incorrect temperatures prior to serving. Each of those incidents has produced lessons learned and new tactics, techniques and procedures that have prevented the recurrence of similar events.
“We were happy for this opportunity to share this experience with the Iraqis,” said Sgt. Jonathan Agrai, who is the PM team’s non-commissioned officer in charge. “[This enables them] to further prevent many common food-borne illnesses in their restaurants and cafeterias.”
The 27th BSB Soldiers are hoping the food-handling class will help prevent illness to Iraqi and Coalition forces residing across southern Iraq.
“I have really enjoyed my experience as part of the PM team this tour,” said Spc. Alex Barnard, a chemical operations specialist with the PM team. “I really feel I am making a difference.”
Two local nationals injured
Multi-National Division – Center
DIWANIYA, Iraq – A U.S. vehicle patrol traveling southeast near Afak was conducting a logistics convoy when a weapon was unintentionally discharged.
Two local nationals were reported to have suffered injuries in the area and were transported for medical treatment.
It’s unclear whether the weapons discharge and injuries are directly connected.
The incident is under investigation
Iraqi Army provides security for road improvement project
Multi-National Division – Center
ALBU HASSAN, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers provided security while Soldiers of A Company, 9th Engineer Battalion, performed much needed maintenance on an Iraqi road outside of Albu Hassan Feb. 3.
The road is a shortcut for Iraqi citizens to travel from various villages to bigger cities like al-Hillah and Karbala.
The 9th Eng. Bn. coordinated the project and contacted the IA to provide security for U.S. Soldiers on the ground.
IA Soldiers secured the surrounding area while Cpl. Bracy L. Bahm, a heavy construction equipment operator from Company A, filled in holes, graded mud and smoothed out the road with a D7 Dozer.
“The IA know what they are doing, and they are always monitoring their sectors,” said Bahm. “This is my second mission with the IA, and I trust them to protect me while I am working out here.”
The road is located next to a heavily-used railroad track, which is potentially dangerous for the citizens who travel along the route.
“Many of the bad areas on the road forced local nationals to walk around leading them close to the dangerous rail road tracks,” said Bahm. “The Iraqi citizens are now able to walk back and forth to the villages and cities while they maintain a safe distance from the railroad tracks.”
The road also provides an easier route to the various markets within the province, which encourages economic activity.
“Citizens can bring their goods to the markets using this road, rather than taking the long drive around other cities and towns,” said Sheik Abas Sabur al-Sultani, a student at the Democratic Religious University in al-Hillah. “Approximately two million Shiite citizens will also utilize this route for the upcoming Arba’een pilgrimage.”
The improvements were completed and all the Soldiers safely left the area. Iraqi pedestrians and motorists started using the freshly graded road to travel between the towns and cities immediately.
“It may not seem like much,” said Bahm, “but we fixed three miles on this road and provided an easier means of travel for the Iraqi citizens.”
IA receive mortar training from MND-C Soldiers
Multi-National Division – Center PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE GARRY OWEN, Iraq
– Iraqi troops from the 38th Brigade, 10th Iraqi Army Division
participated in a mortar- familiarization training class with Soldiers
from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Div. at Forward Operating
Base Garry Owen Feb. 5.
Every day we are learning (new skills) about
the mortar indirect fire system and how to read a map,” said Cpl. Ali
Huthoof, Mortar Battery, 38th IA Bde.
The two-week long course focused on map reading and the fundamentals of mortar-indirect fire accuracy on enemy targets. The Iraqi Soldiers also learned how to properly handle and load munitions into a mortar weapon system.
The students identified hills, valleys, and other terrain features on a military map, and demonstrated their ability to determine the distance between those terrain features. Being able to determine the distance from the weapon to an enemy target helps ensure accuracy.
“The Soldiers of the 38th IA Bde. mortar battery participated vigorously and enthusiastically in the classes,” said Spc. Clifford Stringfellow, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, who facilitated the Iraqi training event. “They always ask questions and ultimately demonstrate tactical and technical proficiency.”
IA officials say this mortar training will prepare their unit to display their recently acquired skills during a combined live-fire exercise Feb 22. The Iraqi Soldiers will demonstrate their ability to engage an enemy target in a short period of time by firing a combination of indirect and air-delivered munitions on a simulated village to demonstrate how effectively their firepower can destroy criminal targets.
Soldier dies from non-combat related injury
Multi-National Division – North
TIKRIT, Iraq – A U.S. Soldier died as a result of a non-combat related injury near Balad Ruz, Iraq, Feb. 6.
The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.
The incident is under investigation.
Ironhorse 6 Reflects on Multi-National Division–Baghdad Mission, Preps for Transfer to 1st Cavalry
By Sgt. Jason Thompson
Multi-National Division–Baghdad
BAGHDAD – It began 15 months ago as the Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division took over the reins of Multi-National Division–Baghdad from their Fort Hood, Texas, brothers and sisters of the 1st Cavalry Division in early December 2007.
The deployment marked the Ironhorse Division’s third in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since 2003.
Throughout the deployment, Soldiers witnessed extensive changes as the battle-lead transformed from coalition forces to their Iraqi counterparts through the signing, Jan. 31, Security Agreement.
The division fought through an upsurge in enemy violence during the fight for Sadr City, a predominately anti-coalition enclave in northwest Baghdad. Strong, positive growth in Iraqi security forces training and their subsequent deployment to quell the violence culminated in a safe, secure Iraqi provincial election led completely by the Government of Iraq.
“I think the Iraqi security forces are getting better each day,” said Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, commanding general of the 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B. “There was a time prior to Sadr City back in March that I was skeptical. But following Sadr City, they have taken some fine leaps forward and they continue to make progress every day. I’m particularly proud of them through the recent provincial elections.”
During the past 15 months, the division has seen the total number of attacks per month decrease from more than 700 in March and April 2008, to less than 100 attacks per month in December 2008 and January 2009.
The ISF and MND-B Soldiers took the fight to the enemy, discovering, confiscating and destroying more than 2,700 weapons caches – including more than 1,200 improvised-explosive devices, 14,200 rocket and mortar rounds, 13,400 rifles and 3,200 rocket-propelled grenades.
Much of the successful decrease in violence came as a result of the increased partnership between coalition and Iraqi security forces, as well as the support of the local Iraqi communities.
“The Soldiers, in partnership with the Iraqi security forces, continue to work hard to decrease the levels of attacks,” said Hammond. “Along with this was a heavy support of the Iraqi people who, frankly, I think they’re just tired – tired of the attacks, tired of the fighting, tired of the destruction – and they equally became a partner in this effort for long-term security.”
During the span of the 4th Inf. Div.’s 15-month deployment, MND-B’s area of operations doubled in size as the division picked up the Mada ‘in and Mahmudiyah districts from Multi-National Division–Central; however, total combat power of the division decreased from 44 combat battalions to 21 battalions.
In addition to increased security throughout the Baghdad region, MND-B Soldiers, in cooperation with local community leaders and Iraqi government officials, strove to return a sense of normalcy back to the Baghdad communities.
Through an aggressive program, MND-B leaders implemented a variety of projects such as the installation of solar-powered street lights, restored in excess 2,000 km of canals and pump stations, assisted more than 6,000 small businesses through incentive packages, completed over 320 schoolhouse improvement projects and increased electrical capacity throughout the city to meet an ever-increasing demand in the communities.
“I really thought coming in that we could fix all of Baghdad at once – but you can’t,” said Hammond. “You can’t be strong everywhere at once, but you can be strong at certain points along the way; capitalize on that, put it back into the hands of the people and before long, it creates an over arching effect. I think that concept has been key to the success we’ve seen here.”
A 15-month deployment can be a long and difficult period of time for the Soldiers serving with MND-B, but the Soldiers have excelled at performing their mission.
“I am very proud of all the Soldiers in this division,” said Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, the senior enlisted leader of 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B from Buffalo, N.Y. “These Soldiers have hit the streets day in, day out, doing their job every day for the past 15 months.
“Our country has asked a lot of these young men and women to leave their families; to serve and protect both the American citizens at home and the Iraqi citizens here. They have answered their nation’s call and served as true professionals.”
As Ironhorse Soldiers conclude their deployment and begin their march to Texas, their warrior-siblings from the 1st Cav. Div. stand ready to continue the MND-B mission.
“As I look back over the past 15 months, I think it’s time for us to go home,” said Hammond. “Our families are waiting for us back at home. All my Soldiers are in front of me, and they’ve got a lot of hugging and loving they’ve got to do.
“I feel very good about what we’re handing off to the great 1st Cav. Div. – we’re heading in the right direction towards long term, sustainable security.”
211th Regional Support Group Replaces 191st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
Lt. Col. Blake G. Bowen, commander, 191st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, cases his company's guidon during a transfer of authority ceremony held at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, near Tikrit, Iraq, Feb. 6. "The ghost riders have done an excellent job completing all of their tasks and making sure all of the Soldiers on the garrison have done a great job," said Bowen. The 191st CSSB was activated Aug. 9, 2007 out of Salt Lake City, Utah and mobilized Feb. 26, 2008.
By Pfc. Jesus J. Aranda
Task Force Lightning Public Affairs
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq - Soldiers and guests were in attendance to witness the transfer of authority of garrison command from the 191st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion to the incoming 211th Regional Support Group at garrison headquarters on Contingency Operating Base Speicher Feb. 6.
“The 191st have worked hard for a long time and they have earned this day,” said Spc. Mark Medina, a Bishop, Texas native serving as a garrison administration clerk with the 211th RSG. “It’s our turn to do our job and support our country.”
The 211th RSG, a reserve unit from Corpus Christi, Texas, mobilized in early December, 2008. Having worked closely alongside the 191st CSSB since late last year in preparation for this day of assumption of control, the 211th RSG have impressed the outgoing command, according to Lt. Col. Blake G. Bowen, commander, 211th RSG.
“The 211th have done a great job here so far,” Bowen said. “They have an excellent commander and I believe they will be able to effectively continue what we have done here and improve what we have begun.”
The 211thRSG commander, Col. Richard C. Staats, returned praise to the 191st CSSB and commended their resourceful service.
“The 191st has done an excellent job,” said Staats. “Most of their personnel served multiple duties during their time here.”
“There is no greater statement that a warrior can hear than ‘come home, good and faithful servant. Job well done,’” Staat said. “Certainly, the 191st can do that today.”
Among the duties the 211th RSG will perform on COB Speicher are facilitating the needs of Soldiers by working with American contractors to maintain a high quality of life for personnel.
“We will provide the best service we can to all of the people on Speicher,” said Medina. “We will provide information as fast as we can and facilitate their needs as fast as possible.”
For the 211th RSG command, the goal is not only to meet the standards set by the 191st, but to improve upon them.
“We want to accomplish the mission as safe as possible and improve the conditions if we can,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Abel Flores, command sgt. maj., 211th RSG and San Antonio native. “We’ll work to make things better for Soldiers here and to improve the quality of life.”
A unit established during Sept. 2006, the 211th RSG is considered by many to be young. This fact, however, does not intimidate the unit’s leadership.
“If you look on the right sleeves of the Soldiers of the 211th you’ll see a lot of operational experience,” said Staats. “It’ not just the operational experience these Soldiers bring that benefits us. We have doctors, we have lawyers, we have nurses, we have bankers, we have CEOs, and they bring a wealth of experience to our mission.”
Relying upon his citizen Soldiers’ experience in combat, as well as their own professions in the civilian sector, 211th RSG leadership retains high confidence in their non-commissioned officers to lead the way.
“We have a lot of first time Soldiers but a majority of the command is made up of veterans who have combat experience,” said Flores. “I always rely on my NCOs to mentor and to guide our Soldiers for the mission ahead.”
The mission ahead, for Staats, is a proactive one in which the Soldiers of the 211th RSG will look to impress the Soldiers of Task Force Lightning exactly what they can do.
“One thing you’ll see from the hurricanes in the first 90 days is something I call TAC. That’s transparency, accessibility and personal contact,” said Staats. “We’re going to have processes that are well understood and people are going to understand why decisions are made.”
“It’s going to be a serious and tough mission but we’ll be up to the challenge,” said Flores. “We’ve trained for this and we’re not only ready but we’re looking forward to the mission.”
The 191st CSSB was activated Aug. 9, 2007 out of Salt Lake City, Utah and mobilized Feb. 26, 2008.
Command Sgt. Maj. Abel Flores, command sgt. maj., 211th Regional Sustainment Group (forefront), and Lt. Col. Richard C. Staats, commander, 211th RSG, uncase the company guidon during a transfer of authority ceremony held at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, near Tikrit, Iraq, Feb. 6. "It's notable today that a reserve unit is replacing a reserve unit," said Staats. "Although the reserves comprises only 10 percent of the size of the active duty Soldiers, you'll note that today 54 percent of the end strength in Afghanistan and Iraq is filled by reserve component forces." The 211th RSG, out of Corpus Christi, Texas, assumes command of COB Speicher garrison command from the 191st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, mobilized out of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Lt. Col. Richard C. Staats, commander, 211th Regional Sustainment Group mobilized out of Corpus Christi, Texas, speaks to an audience of Soldiers and guests during a transfer of authority ceremony held at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, near Tikrit, Iraq, Feb. 6. "My father always said 'don't tell me how good you are; show me how good you are'" said Staats. "I am absolutely confident, in our time here, the 25th Infantry Division 'Tropic Lightning' is going to see how good the 211th is." The 211th RSG, out of Corpus Christi, Texas, assumes command of COB Speicher garrison command from the 191st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, mobilized out of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Coalition Forces Take a "back Seat" to Iraqi Leaders
By Spc. Angie Johnston
3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 25th Infantry Division
KIRKUK, Iraq – Coalition forces took a back seat to Iraqi authorities Jan. 14 during a city council meeting in Tuz Khurmatu.
Council members discussed a wide range of issues facing the city, including recurring power shortages and the safety of residents. Although there are security concerns dotting the province, Deputy Chairman Qadir Ali Saleh is certain that Tuz Khurmatu is on the upswing. “It is a proven fact that security has improved,” said Qadir. “We always have to expect negative issues, but they have been declining in the past five years since coalition forces have come to our province.”
Qadir advocated a new program in which widows and orphans of deceased Iraqi soldiers and police may be eligible to receive a unit of land from the government in order to help them recover from the loss of their loved one. He announced the formation of a committee which will be in charge of petitioning the government of Iraq for each piece of land to ensure that it’s distributed fairly.
The council members deliberated over Tuz’s fickle power distribution channels when Council Member Shalal al-Mahabi pointed out, “Hundreds of people have been forced to find other solutions because the transformers which were supporting their needs have failed. In some cases they’re setting up their own electrical wires illegally, and that’s why there is always a shortage.” The council quickly resolved to obtain more transformers so that residents wouldn’t experience as many power outages.
“I’ve heard some very good discussions about how to pave the road ahead,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Stenman, commander of the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. Stenman and his battalion are transitioning to a supportive role to the government in Salah ad-Din province, where Tuz is located, in a synchronized movement with other military forces throughout Iraq. The transition comes at the request of the government of Iraq and is in compliance with the Jan. 1 Security Agreement.
Stenman sat with Capt. Jason Honeycutt, commander of Co. B, 2nd Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 25th Inf. Div. in the back of the room to quietly observe the meeting. “I have intentionally taken a back seat instead of at the forefront with you, the leaders of Tuz,” Stenman told the council at the close of the meeting. “We are only here to support you. We will work to reinforce your plans; together we’ll be better and stronger.
Stumble It!
