War On Terror News

Re-Enlistments Mark Memorial Day in Iraq

Despite the heat of the day and having to slave over a hot grill, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Diehl (at left) of York, Pa., served steak with a smile, May 24, to Spc. Lisa Marie Ogozaly of Coatesville, Pa. Soldiers of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team's 328th Brigade Support Battalion enjoyed a Memorial Day weekend cookout following morning ceremonies which marked the recent re-enlistments of 62 Soldiers, during their mobilization, and the recent promotion of 23 Soldiers to the rank of sergeant. Ogozaly did not participate in the battalion's softball game after previously injuring her arm in a volleyball game.

 With a salute, 1st Sgt. Randall Pritts (left), of Meyersdale, Pa., welcomes Sgt. Bronson Cass, of Lancaster, Pa., to the non-commissioned officer corps. Twenty-three recently promoted sergeants, such as Cass, were recognized by Soldiers of the 328th Brigade Support Battalion, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, during a ceremony, May 24, in which 62 BSB Soldiers were also honored for reenlisting during their mobilization.

Photos by Sgt. Doug Roles

May 21 airpower: B-1Bs

A B-1B Lancer departs on a mission in Southwest Asia. The B-1B can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David Miller)

May 21 airpower summary: B-1Bs attack anti-Afghan forces

5/22/2009 - Southwest Asia (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, the battle in Lashkar Gah, which started May 18, continued. Many additional sorties of coalition aircraft entered the fight, including

Getting a Taste of Iraqi Food, Culture

By Sgt. Dustin Roberts, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

Master Sgt. Moty McKinney (left), a native of Saginaw, Mich., an advisor with the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division Military Training and Transition Team, shares a laugh with Command Sgt. Maj. Mahmud Lafta, 24th Bde. 6th I.A. Div., during lunch at Forward Operating Base Constitution, May 26. Photo by Sgt. Dustin Roberts.

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division - Baghdad food service Soldiers had the opportunity to experience a meal that isn't served in the dining facility where they work.

Soldiers serving with the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, MND-B, who help feed 2nd HBCT Soldiers at the Dagger Inn Dining Facility on Camp Liberty, took a trip to Forward Operating Base Constitution, May 26, where the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division is headquartered.

Walking into the 24th Bde., 6th IA Div. "chow hall", the troops noticed a few cultural differences between where the IA soldiers eat and their workplace.

The Soldiers sat in Iraqi-style padded chairs in the facility, equipped with decorated rugs and drapery, and learned a little bit about their counterparts.

They discovered similarities in how the Iraqi Soldiers work and train and learned about each other's families and cultures.

"It's important to come to a better mutual understanding and learn how to respect each other and our cultures," said Pvt. Richard Smalls. "We are accustomed to doing certain things, but when we step foot on someone else's ground, we still show our upmost respect."

After the Soldiers formally met each other the aromas of fish, lamb and rice filled the room as the large dining table was set with Iraqi food.

"It was good to actually sit down and get to know them," said Smalls, who tried the food for the first time. "It was a good experience eating an Iraqi traditional dish; the food was great."

When the meal was over the Soldiers drank chai tea together and danced to Iraqi music before getting a tour of the facility's kitchen and storage rooms.

"The Iraqi Soldiers were very interested in this visit and I think the U.S. Soldiers were even more interested," said Lt. Mustafa Abbas, 24th Bde. 6th IA Div. "This visit was to better our relationship with the U.S. Coalition forces. We will benefit from this visit now and in the future."

Because the meeting was such a hit among the Soldiers, their leadership is planning to visit FOB Constitution again.

"I learned a little more about our counterparts today," said Smalls. "I believe the mission that we came out to do was accomplished."

Farah, AFG: 10 Bad Guys Make Final Decision

Afghan, coalition forces kill 10 militants in Farah

Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers of the 207th Corps, assisted by coalition forces, killed 10 militants in Khaki Safed District, Farah Province, early today.

    The combined force was conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol when they were engaged by armed militants using small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire near a village.

    The combined patrol ensured there were no non-combatants in the vicinity before returning fire.

    Ten armed militants were killed during the engagement.  The friendly forces searched the area, recovering weapons and equipment used by the militants in the attack.

    After the engagement, the combined elements held a meeting with the nearby villagers to see if anyone was injured as a result of the militant attack.  The villagers stated that no non-combatant casualties had occurred.

    After the meeting concluded, the munitions, equipment and compound of the militants was turned over to a provincial government official who arrived on the scene.   All unserviceable militant weaponry and equipment was taken a safe distance away from the village and destroyed by the ANA.

    No ANA, coalition force or non-combatant casualties were reported.

Logistics Important to Iraqi Success

Interior Ministry Logistic Team Tours Balad Air Base Warehouse Operations

BALAD – A team of logistic leaders from Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, responsible for supplying the rapidly growing 480,000 member agency, recently toured Joint Base Balad to view a large-scale warehouse operation.

The Iraqis toured the warehouse with their coalition logistics counterparts from the Ministry of Interior Training Team, directed by British Brig. Gen. Max Marriner.

“We wanted to give the Iraqis an opportunity to see first-hand the visual structure and operational tempo of a warehouse operation that is well-run, large and multi-faceted,” said Sam Blanchard, Logistics Program coordinator and advisor, who organized the trip for the group.  The Balad warehouse contains more than 200,000 end-items for supplying the large air base operations and for meeting other air force requirements.

Lt. Col. David Sanford, commander of the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron , briefed the Iraqis on the various warehouse functional areas.  The team visited Warehouse operations, such a

Iraqi Police Proficiency Progresses

Iraqi Police take operations to a whole new level in Mosul

Multi-National Division – North

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Police gathered with their counterparts from the Iraqi National Police and Iraqi Army at the 3rd Iraqi Police Division’s new operations center for a situational update briefing on the morning of May 26.

The IP realized they could leverage significant operational gains with their own operations center to conduct mission planning and tracking, while working with key personnel from the Iraqi Army and Iraqi National Police.

"[The Iraqi Police] recognize that they need to work together with the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi National Police. To do that, they needed a functional operations center from which they could conduct operations," said Sgt. 1st Class Gene Harding, intelligence team leader for the 3rd IP Div. National Police Transition Team.

The operations center is outfitted with work areas for liaisons from the Iraqi Army and Iraqi National Police as well as personnel for key functional areas such as intelligence and communications. This has

Diyala, Iraq: Top Leaders Swing In For Scoop

Iraqi Minister of Defence, MNF-I Commander visit Diyala in the midst of major operation

Multi-National Division – North - DIYALA, Iraq – Iraqi and Coalition leadership came together May 23 to discuss current and future operations for the Diyala Province.

Iraqi Minister of Defence Abdul-Qadar Mohammad Jassim al-Mifarji along with Multi-National Force – Iraq Commander Gen. Raymond Odierno and Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby received an assessment briefing on the major operation being conducted in Diyala, “Glad Tidings of Benevolence II.”

The operation began May 1 and has led to the detainment of 301 persons for various crimes and the discovery of multiple weapons caches according to officials from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

Iraqi Soldiers found a large weapons cache south of Baqubah May 21 consisting of 307 mortar rounds, 4 boxes of mortar fuses, 11 boxes of Dishka rounds, 24 mine fuses and AK-47 magazines.  The weapons cache was confirmed by members of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.  The cache was discovered after Soldiers had found an additional 12 caches while clearing the towns of Al

Helmand, AFG: 4 Talib Captured

Afghan, coalition forces detain four suspected militants in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained four men this morning in Helmand Province suspected to have ties to a local Taliban commander involved in coordinating suicide attacks, moving weapons and foreign fighters and intimidating the local population.

    In Nahri Sarraj District, Helmand Province, a combined force patrolled to a remote farming community near Badasya, where the suspected militants were staying overnight.  One of the four suspects was initially non-compliant with instructions, behaving aggressively toward forces. 

    Although the situation could have escalated with lethal consequences, Afghan and coalition forces were able to subdue the man, detaining him and three other suspects without incident.

May 20 airpower: A-10s

Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fly over Afghanistan providing top cover for ground forces. A-10s perform shows of force and provide armed aerial overwatch in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon)

May 20 airpower summary: A-10s provide overwatch

5/21/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a battle in Lashkar Gah which began May 18

Iraqis Take Over Badger Garage

Coalition Transfers Badger Maintenance Facility to Iraqi Army

CAMPT TAJI, Iraq – In a step forward for Iraq, the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, has turned over the Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle Maintenance Center here to the Iraqi Army.

Iraqi Air Force Staff Gen. Naseer Abadi, deputy chief of staff, Ministry of Defense participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, commanding general, MNSTC-I Joint Headquarters Army Advisory Training Team.

The ILAV or Badger has an armored hull for protection against landmines, explosive devices and small arms fire.  It carries a driver, commander and eight squad members.

In May 2006, a contract was signed to procure 495 Badgers and logistical support.  The Iraqi Army and

Human Rights at Forefront of Iraq Conference

Security Ministry Officials Discuss Human Rights Issues in Iraq

BAGHDAD – Officials from the Iraqi Ministries of Defense and Interior, and the Counter Terrorism Center discussed human rights issues and teaching methods at the day-long “Human Rights Teachers Conference” held at the Ministerial Training and Development Center May 27.

The conference was  designed to facilitate a sharing of information and greater collaboration among those officials charged with human rights related training within security ministries and organizations.  The participants discussed  strategies for promoting a human rights culture, approaches to teaching, legal issues, research and development, case studies, and human rights priorities at the MoD.

Particular emphasis was given to the legal foundation of human rights in Iraq such as Executive Order 207.  It regulates, for example, family visitation rights and family notifications when a person is detained.

“All personnel involved with detainee operations need to be familiar with the order so they can enforce

Iraqi NCO's Take it to the Next Level

Iraqi Senior Non-commissioned Officers Course Graduation

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – After nine weeks of training, the Iraqi Army Senior Non-commissioned Officer graduation ceremony was held at Camp Taji May 28.

The 19 graduates were greeted with words of congratulations from several dignitaries including Iraqi Army Lt. Gen. Abani, Ministry of Defence deputy chief of staff, Iraqi Army Maj. Gen. Sammeer, commander, Iraqi Basic Tactical Training Division, Italian Brig. Gen. Pasquale Martinello, commander, NATO Training Mission-Iraq Training, Education and Doctrine Advisory Division and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, commander, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq Joint Headquarters Army Advisory Training Team.

Salazar told the graduates that “the NCO’s are the backbone of the military. I am very proud of you. Be proud of yourselves. Go forward, take responsibility, do your duty and know it is with our support.”

Martinello also addressed the group. “The NTM-I team of officers and warrant officers have worked hard

Basra, Iraq: 3 Captured following attack

Three detained in grenade attack

Multi-National Division – South PAO - CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – Three suspects were detained today, in an attack on Coalition forces Soldiers training with the Mufiqiyah Iraqi Police in West Basra.

The suspects allegedly attacked the joint training site with a hand grenade. The attackers were immediately detained by Coalition forces and turned over to the IP.  No U.S. forces or Iraqi Police were injured.

“Attacks on U.S. forces and our Iraqi Security Forces disrupt the training that the Iraqi Police requested. This training is important for the continued development of the IP’s capability to provide for the security of all the citizens of Basra,” said Maj. Matthew Cody, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, operations officer.

Iraqis Visit Cemetary Closed for 35 years

Cemetery Opened for Iraqi Families

 

A view of the Sultan Saqi cemetery, Kirkuk, May 27. Photo by Senior Airman Eunique Stevens, 506th Air Expeditionary Group.

KIRKUK — More than 50 local Iraqi family members stepped foot inside the green gates of the Sultan Saqi cemetery to pay respect to mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and beloved ancestors, May 27. For some, it was the first time in decades they have crossed the sacred threshold.

After Iraq's old regime barred relatives access to this site for almost 35 years, they were granted official visits to two on-base cemeteries here thanks to a partnership between the U.S. Air Force, Iraqi Air Force, a Defense Department Human Terrain Team, and the Kirkuk Provincial Council's Religious Affairs Committee. The U.S. and Iraqi base commanders co-hosted the event.

Iraqi military, civic and religious leaders led a procession through the cemetery grounds to a ceremony in

SGT John A. Marra, Bronze Star for Valor

• Hometown: Riverview, MI
• Awarded: Bronze Star with ‘Valor’

Sergeant John Marra's military career began in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2004.  He was assigned to his first duty assignment with the 303rd Military Police Company, 785th MP Battalion, 300th MP Brigade when they deployed to Iraq in September of 2006.  During this deployment, Marra served as a MP Transition Team leader in the rank of corporal and heroically distinguished himself through exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States.

On October 24, 2007, the mission of the day was quite dangerous. 

“Our task was to travel to nearly every police station in our area of operations, which included several hot spots,” explained Marra.  “The unit that was set to replace us was training on the road with us.  Accounting for the risk that we assessed, we discussed what would occur if different scenarios came up.  Ironically, the event that occurred later that day was one of the events for which we worked out a battle drill.”

Marra was in the second vehicle of a four vehicle combat patrol in Bayji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device struck the fourth vehicle flipping it onto the driver’s side and trapping three soldiers inside. Marra immediately left the safety of his M1117 Armored Security Vehicle and began to make his way to the blast site.

While taking small arms fire, Marra disregarded his personal safety and ran across the kill zone into a

Cash Replaces Stop Loss in Guard

Cash Bonus to Replace ‘Stop Loss’ for Deploying Guard Soldiers By Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy, Special to American Forces Press Service ARLINGTON, Va., May 29, 2009 – A new program that provides special pay for soldiers deploying past their end-of-service dates is set to take effect Sept. 1 for the National Guard. The Deployment Extension Stabilization Pay program replaces the “Stop Loss” involuntary extension program and pays a cash bonus of up to $6,000 to soldiers in units set to deploy who elect to stay in past their end-of-service date to deploy, said Col. Marianne Watson, Army National Guard personnel officer. The bonus is not a lump sum payment, and the amount of the incentive depends upon when the soldier decides to extend his or her enlistment contract, Watson said. The Army’s Stop Loss program has been used since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to extend soldiers in critical jobs past the end of their enlistment contract to deploy. “If you agree to extend from 180 days to 365 days [prior to the mobilization date] we’re going to offer you $500 a month for each month that you’re in a Title 10 [active duty] status,” Watson said. For those

Pakis Join Coalition in Afghanistan

NATO, Afghan, Pakistani Troops Share Workspace to Coordinate Security By Army Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller, Special to American Forces Press Service FORWARD OPERATING BASE TORKHAM, Afghanistan, May 29, 2009 – An Afghan National Army military liaison officer at the Khyber Border Coordination Center receives a phone call; violent extremists are fleeing from Nangarhar province across the border into Pakistan’s Peshawar region. The Afghans have to inform the Pakistanis fast if they want to catch them in the act. Pakistani, NATO International Security Assistance Force and Afghan flags fly outside the Khyber Border Coordination Center at Forward Operating Base Torkham in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller    (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. What used to take hours now takes seconds, as the ANA liaison walks a few feet to the desks of representatives from the Pakistani military and the Afghan National Border Police. Located just a few miles from the Afghan-Pakistani border, the KBCC here has brought Pakistani, Afghan and NATO International Security Assistance Force servicemembers together to remove the fog of war and to allow instant communication and coordination among all working to secure the border. “Basically, it removes a lot of links from the chain,” said U.S. Army Capt. David Gray, officer in charge of the KBCC’s ISAF personnel. “Now, you have that face-to-face interaction between the different groups, so it tends to make things run a lot quicker.” Historically important, the Khyber Pass is home to Torkham Gate, Afghanistan’s largest official entrance into the country. More than 40,000 people can cross through the gate each day, taking advantage of the direct route between Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, and Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Afghan military members based at the KBCC say the difficult terrain along the border had allowed extremists to cross back and forth with little detection, often attacking from one side then fleeing to the other before the second country could be informed of the intrusion. Now, with the KBCC fully operational, the two nations and ISAF are able

Khowst, AFG: 3 Al-Qaeda Captured

Afghan, coalition forces detain three suspected al Qaida insurgents in Khost

Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained three suspected al Qaida operatives this morning in Khost during a raid to capture an insurgent known to recruit foreign extremists for attacks in eastern Afghanistan.

    In Khost city, Afghan and coalition forces patrolled to an urban area and searched a building where intelligence sources indicated the targeted insurgent and his associates were staying overnight.

    Without incident, the combined forces detained three suspects.

    “Afghan and coalition forces have had some very successful operations in the last several days – specifically in the eastern provinces – and we are not slowing down,” said Ministry of Defense Spokesman Maj. Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi.  “We will continue to partner with coalition forces and aggressively pursue extremists and the leaders who direct their actions.”

Crimes Against Islam

Suicide is haram, a cardinal sin.  The protection of civilians is required under not only International Law, but also Sharia Law.  Killing women and children is considered particularly heinous according to Islam.  Mohammed himself forbid these atrocities, so how is it that the Taliban and Al-Qaeda engage in these activities? 

The answer is simple: The Taliban and al-Qaeda subvert and destroy Islam in their desire for absolute power and greed for wealth.  The illiteracy of those they subject to their tyranny is an important tool in their means to control and terrorize entire populations. 

During our own dark ages, those that subverted Christianity used illiteracy of Latin to maintain the Priests as the sole conduit of God's Word and today Islam is going through the same crisis.  When only the Mullah can read the holy texts, he is empowered to preach only hate.  When he preaches that sins should be committed, when he endorses the cardinal sin of suicide to terrorize by the murder of children, he is no holy man.  He is a purveyor of Satan's ilk.

And if illiteracy is a tool of the Satanic Al-Qaeda and their stooges The Taliban, then it is no wonder that they target Teachers, Students and Schools.  For if the Afghanis learn to read, they will read the

Gen Stultz: Presents Case To Keep Reserves Budget

Army Reserve Offers Military, Civilian Return on Investment By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 29, 2009 – When Army Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz assumed his post as chief of the Army Reserve three years ago, he brought a mindset of focusing on the bottom line, a perspective he forged over 28 years in the private sector. That focus, he said, has become more important than ever. “Especially now, as we are going into a Quadrennial Defense Review, and with a new administration, we as a nation are looking at what we want our military to be,” Stultz told American Forces Press Service yesterday. “And we are asking, ‘What are we getting as taxpayers for what we are investing?’” So whenever Stultz talks about his Army Reserve soldiers -- whether within the defense establishment, with Congress or to the troops themselves – he peppers the discussion with the term, “return on investment.” “The theme I want to get across is that the Army Reserve is a great investment for America because of

RIP SPC Edmundson

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 

Spc. Chad A. Edmundson, 20, of Williamsburg, Pa., died May 27 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on a dismounted patrol.  He was assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 112^th Infantry, 56^th Stryker Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

 

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brother, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

Dust Devils Spawned of Candy Sins (Updated w/Cartoon)

A story inspired by memories dusted off by the Delta Bravo Sierra cartoon of 5/29/2009 and articles in Afghan Lessons Learned.

It takes only a single pencil, a single piece of brass hitting the desert floor, a single piece of candy thrown to the single kid in the middle of the nowhere for hundreds or thousands of kids to pop up out of the desert dust.  Kids are cool.  Troops like kids.  But they're curious and they can easily get out of hand in large numbers while standing still.

Our policy was NEVER EVER give stuff to kids while stationary.  Our team clown broke this rule once or twice, re-inforcing need and enforcement of the rule.  Now, there are people out there that say we shouldn't give stuff to kids, period, and others that say it shouldn't be thrown from a moving vehicle.  I will strongly disagree with both. 

Afghani kids are kids, just like any other kids.  They will find something to play with and more often than not, it's the only thing plentiful in Afghanistan: rocks.  It's amazing the fun they can have with rocks.  They stack rocks.  They have car rocks.  They bounce rocks.  They play with rocks in slingshots (and are accurate).  They collect rocks. 

A rich kid has a block of wood or something to

Petraeus: Video Evidence Leads to Difficult Decisions

Petraeus: Video Shows Air Strikes Aimed at Taliban Targets By John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 29, 2009 – Footage of a controversial U.S. aerial bombing in Afghanistan this month shows the strike targeted Taliban militants, the commander of U.S. Central Command said today. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told National Public Radio that he recently watched a video recorded by an aerial bomber involved in the May 4 firefight in Farah province between a joint U.S.-Afghan force and Taliban insurgents. The battle resulted in the death of Afghan civilians -- with U.S. estimates ranging from 20 to 30, but the Afghan government’s as high as 140. “I was in Kabul the other night [and was] briefed by the brigadier general who I appointed to carry out an investigation of this particular incident, and there is indeed video from a B-1 bomber that very clearly shows bombs hitting individuals who are the Taliban who are reacting to the movements of the Afghan and coalition forces on the ground,” he said. Petraeus said the video, which likely will be shown to the media at a later date, does not disprove that

New Allies: Czechs Train Afghan Police

Czech PRT trains ANP in Logar

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) is continuing to assist Afghan National Security Forces in Logar Province by training members of the Afghan National Police (ANP) in basic policing skills and knowledge.

The training will aid the Afghan police, who are committed to protecting the public and providing security in the area.

"I appreciate the chance to participate in the training very much,” said Muhammad, one of 15 ANP

AFG Contrast: ISAF Treats Wounds of Civilians

Insurgents kill 7 civilians, injure 8 in Asadabad

KABUL, Afghanistan - Seven Afghan civilians were killed and eight were wounded when insurgents fired seven mortar rounds in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar province, on 27 May.

A child injured in the attack was evacuated to Bagram Air Field by International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops for medical treatment. Three of the other injured Afghans received medical care at Camp Wright, while the remaining wounded civilians were cared for at a local facility.

“This is another example of the insurgent’s complete disregard for the safety and lives of innocent Afghans,” said Captain Mark Durkin Royal Navy, ISAF Spokesman. “ISAF is working hard to prevent civilian casualties and to help bring security to the people of Afghanistan.”

No ISAF service members were injured in the attack.

Iraq: Basic Skills of Detention

Detainees Hone Agricultural, Art Skills

By Sgt. Lindsey Bradford - Multi-National Corps - Iraq UMM QASR — Mention the words "detention facility" or "detainee," and images of single-room cells, bars and cots may come to mind. But what if these words brought to mind vibrant, colorful images splashed across a canvas; wood carvings; and fresh fields of corn and tomatoes?

For detainees at Camp Bucca's Theater Internment Facility (TIF) here, these words may produce images of hope, and help shine a new light on service members in Iraq.

"We are hoping to give detainees a different perspective on Coalition forces," said Staff Sgt. Steven Cotton, 66th Forward Support Company.

Cotton oversees the Bucca Enrichment School, which opened in October 2007 as part of the TIF’s reconciliation center. At any given time, it affords roughly 45 detainees a chance to improve carpentry

Hurricane preparedness tips for military families

National Hurricane Preparedness Week - May 24-30.

[Tips, resources, and links are great for non-military families too!]

Military families face unique challenges from deployment and other duties.When there is an impending storm (hurricane), many are weathering the storm without their spouse at home.

Currently there are more than 100 bases and installations in hurricane-prone areas. Especially for military families newly assigned to coastal areas, it is important to become ‘hurricane-savvy’ before the storm season.

USAA's (United Services Automobile Association) catastrophe team offers these tips and advice so that

Iraq: The Mundane Matters

Engineers Conduct Concrete Training

 

Spc. Brooks Bolinger (left), 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), shows an Iraqi engineer how to pour concrete from the concrete module during training at Muthana Airfield, May 15. Photo by Jessica Mayerovitch, 225th Engineer Brigade.

BAGHDAD — Limestone, clay, sand and gravel. These may not seem like riveting discussion topics to some.  But for Iraqi engineers here at Muthana Airfield, the components of concrete are their keys to the future of their country.

U.S. Soldiers with the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) recently instructed 6th Iraqi Army (IA) Engineers on how to conduct concrete missions and use the XM5 2600 concrete module, a mobile concrete factory.

The training will give the IA engineers the necessary skills to conduct concrete construction missions and make road repairs.

"The Iraqi Army Soldiers seemed eager to learn, despite the language barrier," said Sgt. James Jones,

Honoring the Life of CMDR Wolfe

Memorial honoring the life of U.S. Navy Cmdr. Duane G. Wolfe held in Baghdad Thursday

Baghdad - Coalition Forces, State Department representatives and Iraqis gathered together May 28 at an afternoon memorial in Baghdad’s International Zone honoring the life and service of Cmdr. Duane G. Wolfe.  The Department of Defense announced Wednesday that Cmdr. Wolfe was among three people killed by a roadside bomb in Fallujah on Monday.

Cmdr. Wolfe was the Officer in Charge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division’s Al-Anbar Area Office, which falls under the division’s Gulf Region Central district.  At the time of his death, Cmdr. Wolfe was conducting site visits at construction projects in the Fallujah area.  The team he led is responsible for overseeing nearly $300 million in planned and ongoing construction projects, many of which are providing essential services to the Iraqi people.

The memorial included remarks from Maj. Gen. Michael R. Eyre, GRD’s commanding general; a recitation of the Sailor’s Creed; a memorial message from Chaplain Daniel Middlebrooks; a rendition of Amazing

UPDATE: 29 Dead Bad Guys in Paktika

UPDATE:  Afghan, coalition forces kill at least 29 militants in Paktika (Stand alone photos)

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces attacked a suspected encampment used by the Haqqani network as a staging area for foreign fighters, killing at least 29 militants during a fierce firefight in the mountainous region of Wor Mamay District, Paktika Province, May 28.  The combined force discovered multiple weapons caches containing rocket-propelled grenade launchers, ammunition, AK-47 assault rifles, heavy machine guns, chest racks and suicide vests. During the assault, at least six enemies detonated suicide vests, killing only themselves. (Department of Defense photos)

More pics after the jump:

Employer Partnership Initiative (EPI)

The Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative

What is it?  Launched in April 2008, the Employer Partnership Initiative (EPI) helps drive employment opportunities for Soldiers by formalizing the relationship between the Army Reserve and the private sector. The EPI serves as a mechanism for Soldiers and employers to meet in the marketplace and identify mutually beneficial career possibilities.

RIP Civ Hussein

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

                The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Department of the Army civilian employee who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 

                Maged M. Hussein, 43, of Cairo, Egypt, died May 25 in Al Taqaddum, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy vehicle in Fallujah, Iraq.  He was employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, Jacksonville, Fla.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

RIP 1SG Rowe

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

             The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

 

            Army 1^st Sgt. Blue C. Rowe, 33, of Summers, Ark., died May 26 in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 426^th Civil Affairs Battalion, Upland, Calif.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

Schwab Family visits Camp Schwab

Memorial Day Weekend 2009 was a special one for the Schwab family.  Jim Carlson, Jeff Carlson and their sister Janie Brady never met their uncle but they had heard stories of Albert E. Schwab, a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

Thanks to a meeting with Sgt. TJ Edwards in Oklahoma at a wreath laying ceremony for their uncle, Jim and Jeff Carlson along with Janie Brady were able to travel to Okinawa Japan to visit Camp Schwab.  They had seen a black and white photo of the entrance to Camp Schwab, one that their mother had, but that was all.

Farah, AFG: Two Bad Guys Dead

Afghan Commandos kill two militants in Farah

Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan Commandos with the 207th Corps, advised by coalition forces, killed two militants in Khaki Safeed district, Farah province today.
The Afghan-led force was conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol when they identified militants armed with an assault rifle, machine gun and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, riding on a motorcycle. The patrol engaged the militants with small-arms fire, killing both.
No civilians, commandos or coalition forces were injured during this engagement.

Iran: Sacrificing Pawns in "Terror Attack"

"Today’s bombing in Iran has ignited a lot of speculation as to who, or what organization is responsible.  Within Iran, speculation will no doubt focus on The Opposition Movement of the Iranian People, also known as Jundallah." A World Without Spin

The site does an excellent analysis of who it may or may not have been that conducted the suicide attack, without jumping to unproven, unprovable conclusions in response to:

"A bomb in a mosque in south-east Iran has killed at least 15 people and wounded 50, the governor of Sistan-Baluchestan province said."   BBC News Online

Other news sources are placing the death toll at between 20-30 and it could rise higher but some key information is that it was a Shi'a Mosque in a Sunni area of Iran on the Afghan-Paki border.  Al-Qaeda is

Nails in the Old Media Coffin

"Necessity is the Mother of All Invention"

Why did Blackfive and Milblogs and War On Terror News come about?  Because the "old media" was not telling the whole story about Our Troops?  Because Troops and Veterans recognized that the MSM (main stream media) was withholding stories and slanting others.  Some Milbloggers may have recognized the politics behind it, but all recognized that enlightening those directly around them was insufficient.

If it is true (and it is) when it comes to Our Troops and the use of Our Troops for a partisan slant by the media giants, then it is also true in other arenas.  An editor of an Old Media paper admitted to me their purposeful slant, though he claimed it was based on market analysis of what his readers wanted to hear, rather than promotion of one party over the other.  The record of the conversation was later erased by a journalist who is more avid in slanting the news while denying there is a slant.

It was on her site, so it was within her authority and her rights to remove the conversation.

But there and elsewhere, I've often said it is not the 50 cents that causes citizens to stop buying papers while buying their $4.00 coffee.  It is the fact that the print media have gone too far in establishing their slant of the news.  It is hardly even hidden anymore and the conversation I mentioned above not only enlightened me but astounded me in that an editor of a major regional newspaper admitted it.

And even as he admitted their partisan slant, he did not grasp that the realization of it by readers was the reason for their failing finances.  The old media continues to blame their declining readership on the

Zabol, AFG: 48 Bad Guys Taken Out

ANA, coalition forces kill 35 militants, wound 13 in Zabul province

Kabul, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army troops, advised by coalition forces, killed 35 militants and wounded 13 during combat operations in Deh Chopan district, Zabul province today.

The Afghan-led force was conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol early this morning, when the convoy came under heavy fire from militants using small arms and mortar fire. The combined forces returned fire, and requested air support, killing 35 and wounding 13. The remaining militants retreated, and medical personnel treated the wounded enemy fighters, who were taken into ANA custody.

No ANA, coalition forces or civilian casualties have been reported as a result of this engagement.

"We continue to make great progress supporting the ANA, as they work to establish safe villages and provinces, free from the threat of these enemies of Afghanistan," said Col. Greg Julian, USFOR-A spokesman.

AFG: NG LT Fills Obama's Civilian Gap

Face of Defense: Soldier Fills Gap With Civilian Skills By Army Pfc. Elisebet Freeburg, Special to American Forces Press Service KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, May 27, 2009 – As thousands of additional troops arrive in Afghanistan, one concern has been having enough civilian experts to fill an increasing shortage in support roles. Last month, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he may ask reservists skilled in certain areas to deploy and fill those roles until replacements arrive. Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan engineer Army 1st Lt. Alex R. Chester III installs wiring while building the 143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command compound at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Chester uses his civilian engineering skills to support the build-up of troops in Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Elisebet Freeburg    (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Months earlier, Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan already was putting soldiers’ civilian skills to use. Army engineer 1st Lt. Alex R. Chester III originally filled an environmental science officer role with the 143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command here. Chester, who holds master’s degrees in structural engineering, civil engineering and electrical engineering, has worked in the engineering field for 22 years and owns his own company, TAK Environmental Services. "Before we moved out here, they found out that I had some engineering degrees and backgrounds," he said. "They asked me to be part of the torch party and come out here and fill that position and start the [building] of the 143rd compound." The torch party deployed before the main body of the 143rd ESC and ensured that living and work spaces were ready for the main body. Chester said his current Army job is almost identical to his civilian job. "The only difference is that I don't have hazardous material to work with here," he said. About 60 percent of Chester's civilian job is engineering, he explained, removing hazardous materials, performing demolitions and rebuilding structures. Now that he works in an engineering role for the Army, Chester will continue in that role for the rest of his deployment. Chester said he believes his civilian education and background benefit the Army. "It helps a lot," he said. "In the Army, you're basically training with a single [military occupational specialty], whereas with my civilian background, I've had 22 years of work. I've been trained in a multitude of skills, and I can use those skills here." As hundreds of soldiers arrive here weekly, Chester's expertise in engineering is an integral part of the build-up of forces as he designs and builds for Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan. He designed the

AFG: Counter IED Vehicle Arrives

Engineers Get Route-clearance Vehicle Training in Afghanistan By Army Pfc. Elisebet Freeburg, Special to American Forces Press Service

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, May 27, 2009 – The upgraded Mk3 Husky -- the premier route-clearance vehicle in the Army’s Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection Program -- is being fielded in Afghanistan after protecting soldiers in Iraq since 2003. Army Pfc. Michael McKay assembles pieces of the Redpack mobile spare-parts unit during a three-day assembly process May 4, 2009, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Elisebet Freeburg   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The vehicles provide protection against roadside bombs. Soldiers of the 4th Engineer Battalion here are fielding the vehicles. Defense Department contractor CSI has been training and supporting combat engineers in Iraq and Afghanistan since the beginning of the war on terrorism. "We've currently got about four or five operational systems, which are two Huskies and one Redpack, in [Afghanistan] for the United States Army, as well as other Huskies assigned to the United States Marine Corps down south," said Richard L. Lowdon, a CSI field service representative. The Redpack, towed behind the Husky, carries spare parts, such as extra pulse-detection panels, and tools for assembly and repair. As a route-clearance vehicle, the Husky drives in front of convoys using pulse induction to detect metallic content buried underground. The system is extremely accurate in identifying the size of objects. "We can actually track it down to where they can count nails in a board if they need to," Lowdon said. Lowdon trained and supervised 4th Battalion combat engineers here as they assembled two Huskies at