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In this edition:
Iraqi Army Sharpens Marksmanship Skills Soldiers deliver security barriers to Washash election site Besmaya Combat Training Center initiates Iraqi M1A1 tank training ISF, MND-B leaders meet to plan security for the Mada’in Poll Stations Iraqi Army partners with Sustainers for ammunition operations Iraqi Security Forces: Ensuring the vote counts Tribal Leaders host Sustainment Commanders Coalition transfers 4,000th Humvee to Government of Iraq Informed
Multi-National Division – BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces partnered with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons in Baghdad’s Rashid district Jan. 27. |
Iraqi National Police officers from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd NP Division, partnered with Soldiers from Company D, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., found an 82 mm mortar round and a 60 mm mortar round in an empty lot in the Shurta community during a patrol at approximately 1 p.m.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., Iraqi NP officers from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Abu Risha Brigade, attached to the 7th Brigade, 2nd NP Div., conducting a combined patrol with Soldiers from Troop C, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., discovered a rocket-propelled grenade and a 22 mm anti-aircraft round in the Abu T’shir community. A Coalition forces explosive ordnance disposal team responded to handle the munitions.
“Our Iraqi Security Forces partners conduct combined patrols with us every day in the Rashid district,” said Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT spokesman, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. “The Soldiers of the 1st ‘Raider’ Brigade teach, coach and mentor our ISF partners daily as they handle the bulk of the security tasks to provide a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people.”
Iraqi Army Sharpens Marksmanship Skills
| Wednesday, 28 January 2009 | |
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Multi-National Division – Baghdad 
An Iraqi Soldier displays a Russian made ammunition belt. The ammunition was being used for weapons training at the Muthana range in the Karkh District of Baghdad, Jan. 23. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert J. Whelan, Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq.
The exercise was an opportunity for the ISF to not only get more familiar with their weapons systems, but it also offered the leadership of the 6th IA Div. a chance to demonstrate their planning capabilities. “One of the great things about the range was that it was planned by an Iraqi officer and run largely by Iraqi noncommissioned officers,” said Capt. Travis Pendelton, Team Weasel, MITT 10599. “It was good to get the IA Soldiers out to the range for some training.” Once the event was underway the MITT Soldiers began the exercise, serving as observers and controllers for the range. Before long the Iraqi Soldiers showed they could handle the responsibilities and the MITT Soldiers gladly let them take control. “At the beginning of the exercise MITT members were overseeing the training from the vehicles,” said Maj. James Mullin, team chief, MITT 10599. “Once we were convinced that the IA NCO’s knew how to do the job, they conducted this aspect of the training with the MITT members observing from the ground.” As the IA takes the security lead throughout their country, one of the keys to success will be the development of a strong NCO corps. The range qualification was a prime opportunity for NCO’s from the 6th IA Div. to prove they are ready for the added responsibility and that’s exactly what they did. “This was a great opportunity for the NCO’s to become more involved with the training and to show their proficiency and demonstrate some leadership as well,” said Mullin. “They enjoyed the range and the opportunity to fire off rounds.” At the end of the day 21 Soldiers qualified on their weapons system. A small group of Soldiers had to leave the range for a mission, but were able to participate in familiarization fire before heading out. For the Soldiers of ‘Team Weasel’ the event proved that even though they don’t have the easiest job in the world they do have a very important and rewarding job. “Helping the Iraqi Army train its Soldiers can be a long and occasionally frustrating process,” said Pendelton. “But days like this make it all worthwhile.” |
Democratic Process
Soldiers deliver security barriers to Washash election site
Multi-National Division – BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from the 299th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division helped enhance security in an effort to ensure voters in northwest Baghdad will be safe on election day.
The 299th BSB Soldiers worked with their fellow MND-B Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 2nd HBCT, 1st Inf. Div., to deliver 200 concrete barriers and a 30-foot watch tower to the ballot holding facility and voting site in the Washash neighborhood of the Mansour district of northwest Baghdad Jan. 24-25.
The barriers will provide additional protection for the Iraqi Security Forces as its members continue to grow in their capabilities in securing the Iraqi population.
“1st Lt. Ryan Snedegar, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt. Said, “We helped the ISF with the upgrades, but this security was planned and controlled by the ISF.”
The ISF took the lead in preparing for the big day while Coalition forces assisted in planning.
Snedegar said the barriers will provide protection for the voters and will also build self-assurance in the ISF’s mission.
With the added security, ISF and CF both believe the level of voter participation will be high.
“We would like to see as many voters out as possible,” said Snedegar. “The citizens need to feel comfortable to do what they know is right. I think they want to vote; they know they need to vote.”The combined effort to emplace the barriers required a large element to provide the necessary security. The Soldiers also had the cover of darkness to conceal them as they worked, said Sgt. 1st Class David Spiker, convoy commander, Company B, 299th BSB.
“The night provides a safety element for us. There’s less visibility for the enemy, and they can’t tell how many people we have out there,” he said. “There is less traffic at night, and it’s just safer all around for a convoy this large to roll at night.”
After the elections, the barriers will be taken down as normalcy returns to northwest Baghdad.
“This is giving a feeling of safety for those who want to go out and vote and protect them from anyone trying to stop them from voting,” said Spiker. “It’s a very important mission, and I’m proud of the Soldiers who accomplished it.”
| Interactive Iraq :: Pentagon Press Briefings | |||
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BESMAYA, Iraq - The Besmaya Combat Training Center initiated M1A1 tank training for the first 30 Iraqi Army M1A1 tank crewmen on Jan. 25. The newly-arrived Iraqi Army instructor candidates arrived from their home units to train at the BCTC. The IA tank crewmen quickly transitioned from their usual counter-insurgency environment role to that of new students, eager to be trained on the combat-proven U.S. M1A1 Abrams tank. The students will train for up to 3 months with the U.S. instructors from the Besmaya Combat Training Center. The instructor candidates will train on all aspects of the M1A1, including all four crew stations, crew maintenance, machine guns, SINCGARs radios, and daily use of the M1A1 gunnery simulator. The training will culminate with tank gunnery range operations and a tank crew gunnery live-fire. Upon successful completion of their training, the instructor candidates will serve as assistant instructors when the initial crews begin arriving in April 2009, building basic M1A1 skills prior to the arrival of the 140 Iraqi M1A1 tanks in the fall of 2010. The fielding of the M1A1 tanks will bolster Iraq’s capability to defend its sovereignty and serves to highlight the U.S. commitment to strengthening the Iraqi Security Forces. Iraqi Army Col. Jawad, Armor Directorate Chief for the Iraqi Joint Headquarters, stated, “We (Iraq) have come a long way to be trained on the M1A1 tank, with much still to be done to prepare for the fielding of the Iraqi M1A1s.” |
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| Interactive Iraq :: Video News | |||
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The meeting was an opportunity for the leaders entrusted with the security of the Mada’in to come together and discuss how to ensure safe, secure and legitimate elections, which are believed to be another significant chapter in the country’s history. “This centralized meeting helps coordinate the various components that will be working together to ensure the safety of the Iraqi citizens on election day,” said Iraqi Staff Lt. Gen. Aboud Ganbar, commander of Iraqi Baghdad Operations. The Iraqi Security Forces and MND-B Soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad have been working hard in preparation for the elections. The meetings throughout the past few months have required hard work from the Iraqi Security and Coalition forces alike. Both are dedicated to help keep the local Iraqis safe while they vote on election day. “We’ve done four complete rehearsals and numerous smaller ones,” said Brig. Gen. Emad, commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd National Police Brigade. “I feel my officers are prepared for the task and understand the magnitude of their responsibility.” Though the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team will have only a support role in the actual election day operations, the Iron Brigade has helped by providing valuable insight into the planning of the security around the polling stations and by providing equipment like metal detectors and cement T-walls to facilitate the safety of the Iraqi citizen while they vote. “We have more T-walls for you to pick up at COP Sallie,” said Col. Pat White, commander, 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div. “We’re here to help anyway we can.” With this thorough planning and help from their Multi-Nation Division – Baghdad partners, the local Iraqi Security Forces are confident the elections will be able to proceed as scheduled and allow the Iraqis a chance to vote for their government officials. “It’s a great thing to be able to help the Iraqi citizen be safe while they take an active role in the government by voting,” said Emad. |
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•This edition features a story on a basic leadership skills course for the Iraqi Air Force.
Monastery
Iraqi Army partners with Sustainers for ammunition operations
Bayji National Ammunition Depot, Iraq – Iraqi Army leaders met with Sustainers from the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) at the Bayji National Ammunition Depot, Iraq on Jan. 26.
The leaders met to discuss the IA’s capacity to issue, store, receive, secure and account for munitions. Discussions centered on processes and procedures to conduct munitions support, as well as developing planning processes for replenishment of stocks through the foreign military sales process and forecasting future requirements and how the IA and 3rd ESC may partner together in the future.
One of the IA leaders in attendance, Brig. Gen Mohammedali Kathem, director of ammunition for the IA, said, “the visit was very successful and beneficial for me,” citing the productive meeting between IA and 3rd ESC leaders.
The depot has a history of partnered success, since working with the logistics military advisor team from Multi-National Security Transition Corps Iraq, the depot, has had no security issues.
“We still think they need to do some work to define what their policies and their procedures are. To get those [policies and procedures] published so that there is clear understanding and communication across all levels of how logistics will work,” said Lt. Col. Billy Hall, chief of Iraqi security forces transition team, the 3rd ESC.
Brig. Gen. Suhail Ibrahim, BNAD installation commander and Mohammedali led a tour of the depot including facilities where serviceable ammunition is stored and unserviceable ammunition is destroyed. During the time spent together, the leaders from both the IA and the 3rd ESC discussed transportation, disposal, accountability, security and safety in dealing with the ammunition.
“I want to thank all the Coalition forces for their support … and for any support they plan to provide in the future,” said Mohammedali.
Football Fan
Iraqi Security Forces: Ensuring the vote counts
Multi-National Division – Center:CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – During the 2005 provincial Iraqi elections, voters had their fingers stained with election ink to prevent them from voting twice.
Some held their fingers up in pride as they took part in democracy; others hid their faces from cameras, afraid of becoming victims of sectarian violence.
This year, ink or not, Iraqi Security Forces will make their votes count Once through their own ballots, then again through the people they serve.
“We have a high commitment to provide security to people that come to vote. At the same time, we also wish to do the same thing,” said 1st Lt. Ammar Abdul Zahramuvjia’a, a troop commander within the 10th Iraqi Army Division.
IA Soldiers, Iraqi Policemen and other security forces will vote a few days ahead of the rest of the population. On election day, they will stand guard to ensure those with stained fingers can vote without fear.
“I was here in 2005 when the first elections were held,” said Maj. Troy Wayman an ISF coordinator with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “Everyone in the ISF was proud of their right to vote and expressed it by showing their painted finger to us over and over. Everyone was jubilant. This year, that same enthusiasm is prevalent.”
The ISF have been preparing for several months for the upcoming election. Coalition Soldiers have been working with them in the planning stages. Once the big day comes, however, Iraqi police will stand watch around polling sites, while Iraqi Soldiers will serve on the outskirts of the cities, at the forefront of security. Coalition members will stand aside.
“We have no hand whatsoever in the elections, said Maj. Ryan Foxworth, the operations advisor for the 10th IA Div., and member of the 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. “As enablers, we see their plans. We see their needs… We’ll be standing by if they need us (but) I don’t foresee them needing us at all.”
Foxworth has been working with the IA, IP and representatives from Provincial Reconstruction teams on election security plans. He said this election was one of the first operations he’s seen IA and IP come together to serve the populace. Foxworth said the ISF are prepared for every possible attack, and they don’t lack the confidence to do their job.
“The same security concerns from four years ago are there, but now they feel they’re better prepared to use their own resources and security preparations,” said Foxworth.
Unlike the last election, ISF have been in the lead for every aspect of security. Also, the various security roles were not delegated as well as this year.
Previously, Soldiers were often doing work meant for police and vice versa. Now the police are becoming more involved among the people. Their security presence will serve at the polling sites, ballot warehouse and counting centers.
Foxworth has also seen a great relationship and trust grow between the Iraqi people and their Army. Earlier this January, he saw the two come together in celebration during Iraqi Day.
The festivities took place at the Samawah Soccer Stadium in Muthana Province to honor the 88th birthday of the IA. The streets were lined with vehicles. There were no empty seats in the stands, with a lot of cheering and excitement coming from the crowds.
“The people were very receptive,” Foxworth said. “I think the people in our province (al-Qadasiyah) think the ISF can secure them.”
The people’s confidence in their security forces is warranted considering the amount of planning ISF have conducted the last few months. The security working groups have met six times to review election issues and other concerns. Once the election is behind them, these workgroups are where Coalition forces will have been the most involved.
“(My soldiers) are so optimistic. They are ready to elect a new leader that will serve this country. We (as Iraqis) are free to choose the chosen ones of this country. (The Americans) have been very good to us and we accept their help,” said Chief Warrant Officer Jamal Ibraheem, Staff Major General deputy. “We look forward to the day when we need not their help, but only their friendship.”
Tribal Leaders host Sustainment Commanders
3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs: COB ADDER, Iraq – Shaykh Tayseer Mohammed Al-Marshad of the Al Ghizi tribe invited Col. Robert Schmitt, 287th Sustainment Brigade commander, and Lt. Col. David Whaling, 157th Combat Services Support Battalion, to a formal luncheon at his Al Nasiriyah compound on Jan. 21.
It was the first formal meeting between the two parties and Al-Marshad used the opportunity to ask for Coalition forces partnership on civil affairs projects in his area of Dhi Qar province.
Other attendees were the head of Ur city council, Fahad Raysan, Al Batha District Councilman Mohammed Tayieh, 287th Sust. Bde. Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Newton and 157th CSSB Command Sgt. Maj. Orlando Santiago and Lt. Col. Clint Moyer, Chief of 287th Sust. Bde. Civilian Military Operations.
One of the top priorities was a new pump station house. “The present structure is old and beyond repair. The pump and generator are exposed to the weather, and they stop working often. We would like your help in building a new house which would cover the equipment,” Al-Marshad said.
According to Schmitt the pump system “is very important to the 287th Sust. Bde., as it currently provides water to the Coalition forces located on Camp Adder.”
Councilmen Raysan and Tayieh thanked the Sustainers for their continued CMO support of several schools in their district, but identified several more which have not been helped before. “These schools need supplies for the students, computers for the classrooms and repairs to the buildings. Perhaps you can help them too,” asked Raysan.
“There is an orphanage located in my district, not far from my town. It has 40 to 45 children who need help with everything -- school supplies, clothes, pay for teachers,” Tayieh said, even as everyone was already nodding in agreement.
Al-Marshad showed his appreciation to the Sustainers by presenting each one with a “kaffiyeh” (scarf) and “agal” (plaited cord) -- the traditional male Iraqi headdress -- and asked that they might favor him to wear it at their next meeting.
“It was a great dinner, a great meeting,” said Schmitt. “We came away with a lot of positive opportunities to assist the Iraqis in the future.”
Coalition transfers 4,000th Humvee to Government of Iraq
TAJI, Iraq – Jan. 25 marked the transfer of the 4,000th armored M1114 Humvee to the Government of Iraq. This milestone is part of a program to produce Mission Capable Complete Humvees for issue to Iraqi Security Forces and to provide on-the-job training to Iraqi mechanics.
The program is based here at Camp Taji and managed by Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq logistics personnel with augmentation from Army Materiel Command, Tank and Automotive Command in conjunction with Multi-National Corps – Iraq and other coalition partners who are providing M1114s for the program.
The two-year program includes a complete refurbishment of Humvees for the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, and Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Bureau. The project employs 522 Iraqis representing various ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. The M1114s began arriving at the Retrograde Property and Assistance Team facility located here in late 2007 for induction into the program. Production in the M1114 transfer program began in January 2008 with instruction and OJT.
“Above all, this partnership demonstrates the cooperation between the U.S. Government, our supporting contractors of AECOM and ANHAM, and the Government of Iraq to train and equip Iraqi Security Forces,” said U.S. Army Col. Michael Sage, Deputy Chief of Staff for MNSTC-I’s J4 (Logistics) directorate.
Applying the ‘Inspect and Repair Only as Necessary’ concept, the vehicles are refurbished to a Mission Capable Complete condition. All vehicles are inspected by a joint U.S. and Iraqi team prior to their transfer to the Government of Iraq.
The first humvees were fielded to the Iraqi Army on March 12, 2008. Production goals for this program included an initial delivery of 200 vehicles in March 2008 and 400 vehicles every month thereafter. The team is poised to reach its target of up to 8,500 Humvees by the end of 2009.
Mr. Robert Cini, M1114 IROAN Project Manager, said, “It has been our pleasure to deliver over 4,000 Humvees to the Government of Iraq in support of its security mission. The 522 Iraqi employees refurbishing the M1114 vehicles on this project are extremely proud of their contribution in keeping their streets and neighborhoods safe.”
Stumble It!
