In this edition:
Iraq's ‘Eye in the Sky’ Safeguards Voters
IP Receives Latest Forensics Equipment
Iraqi Air Force demonstrates surveillance capabilities for elections
ISF strives to ensure safe election day for Iraqi citizens
ISF detain suspected criminals in Ghazaliyah
ISF, MND-B Soldiers detain 2 suspects in Baghdad
Iraqi Security Forces, Multi-National Division-Baghdad Leaders Conduct Election Rehearsal at Combat Outpost Meade
404th Aviation Support Battalion Tops $1 Million in Re-enlistment Bonuses
National Police Turn Out for Early Voting
Iraq's ‘Eye in the Sky’ Safeguards Voters
Saturday, 31 January 2009 Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq Release
BAGHDAD — Flying high above Baghdad, the Iraqi Air Force demonstrated its capability to view polling stations and other potential critical-incident locations in preparation for the upcoming Provincial Elections.
This “eye in the sky” is a sensor system, similar to that of a U.S. Predator UAV, down-linked for display into the Iraqi Prime Minister’s National Operations Center.
The demonstration of this capability was conducted for the Iraqi National Security Advisor, Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubaie, other senior Government of Iraqi officials, and Coalition military advisors, Jan. 28.
The demonstration was designed to showcase the functional capability of the Iraqi Air Force’s King Air 350 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance aircraft to provide real-time surveillance and full-motion video to support decision-making in the PM-NOC.
The King Air 350 is new to the Iraqi Air Force. It represents a substantial leap forward in Iraq’s ability to provide aerial surveillance to support civil and military operations across the country.
The twin-engine turboprop aircraft boasts a crew of three, including a dedicated sensor operator, over six hours’ endurance, and a radius in excess of 1,000 nautical miles. The Iraqi Air Force’s five King Air 350 ISR aircraft operate from the 87th Squadron, headquartered at New Muthana airbase in Baghdad.
There are also four fixed ground stations, or downlink sites, located throughout Iraq, and five mobile ground receivers in the Iraqi Air Force. These mobile ground receivers provided the link into the PM-NOC during Wednesday’s event. The demonstration highlighted the aircraft’s ability to display full-motion video through the airplane’s 360-degree electro-optical sensor to the mobile ground receiver.
In addition to the video capability, the system also provides an infrared sensor, synthetic aperture radar imaging capability, and Ground Moving Target Indicator capabilities to detect moving vehicles. With this capability, Iraq’s top national security leadership and other decision makers now have a system to provide real-time, accurate information, to help make better decisions when responding to crisis events, or conducting military and civil operations.
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Chuck Pratt, an intelligence advisor with Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq’s Intelligence Transition Team, commented on the advanced capabilities of the King Air 350.
“We envision the Iraqi Air Force using this system to support Military or Police Operations Centers, or, for example, with the Iraqi Navy, supporting maritime security operations and oil platform defense in the northern Arabian Gulf,” he said. “We also need to network the ground stations so information can be viewed where it is needed.”
MNSTC-I’s efforts in this operation help to highlight the commitment between the governments of the United States and Iraq in improving the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces during the critical transition from Coalition to Iraqi-led operations in support of a secure and stable Iraq.
IP Receives Latest Forensics Equipment
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Multi National Force – West Release
CAMP RAMADI — For years, the Iraqi Police (IP) had to make do without the scientific tools most police forces around the world rely upon to solve crimes. This is no longer the case.
Coalition forces recently provided the IP with 21st century forensics equipment to furnish the newly-opened Anbar Forensics Center. This equipment will enhance the IP’s capability in conducting criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Iraqis were using equipment dating back to the 1950s, and many of their investigations failed due to lack of evidence, according to Col. Azzam Abdel-Latif, chief of forensics for Anbar provincial IP.
“We are in 2009. Things have changed, and now thanks to the U.S., our new equipment will help to stop crimes,” Latif continued.
Providing Iraqis with this forensics technology has further enabled them to solve crimes independently. Extracting latent fingerprints from crime scenes and criminal weapons without contaminating evidence is an important capability needed to ensure convictions.
“We are now able to squeeze crime into a corner … control and defeat it,” said Latif.
The equipment donated consisted of advanced forensics gear ranging from fuming chambers to a crime scope.
“This is a big component for the Iraqis to solve Iraqi crimes,” said Lt. Col. Robert T. Stanford of Stafford, Va., the I Marine Expeditionary Force director of the Joint Prosecution and Exploitation Center.
“As Maj. Gen. [John F.] Kelly says, ‘close in the last 10 yards,’ and this equipment will help them accomplish that goal,” Stanford added, using an American football analogy meaning to work hard until the mission is complete.
Major Gen. John F. Kelly, commanding general of Multi National Force-West and the I Marine Expeditionary Force, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and presented Maj. Gen. Tariq Yusif Muhammed, Anbar provincial chief of Iraqi Police, with an early 20th century replica revolver to show his respect for their friendship.
“Along with this revolver, I present an Eagle, Globe and Anchor, the symbol of the Marines, which I wouldn’t give to anyone I didn’t have the deepest respect for,” said Kelly.
Muhammed and Kelly have been working together for the past year building a vital relationship between the IP and Coalition forces.
“Maj. Gen. Kelly is known by us as the American commander who walked in all the districts of the province,” said Muhammed. “With all due respect to other Marine commanders, Marines have all the right in the world to be very proud of such a commander.”
Kelly’s involvement with the IP has helped Coalition forces move to an overwatch roll. A forensics lab will give Iraqi Security Forces the upper hand in fighting crime.
“A gift like this will remain with us forever,” said Latif. “Most importantly, this level of friendship between two countries will remain forever.”
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Iraqi Air Force demonstrates surveillance capabilities for elections
BAGHDAD - Flying high above Baghdad, the Iraqi Air Force demonstrated its capability to view polling stations and other potential critical-incident locations in preparation for the upcoming Provincial Elections. This “eye in the sky” is a sensor system, similar to that of a U.S. Predator UAV, down-linked for display into the Iraqi Prime Minister’s National Operations Center.
The demonstration of this capability was conducted for the Iraqi National Security Advisor, Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubaie, other senior Government of Iraqi officials, and Coalition military advisors on Jan. 28. The demonstration was designed to showcase the functional capability of the Iraqi Air Force’s King Air 350 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance aircraft to provide real-time surveillance and full-motion video to support decision-making in the PM-NOC.
The King Air 350 is new to the Iraqi Air Force. It represents a substantial leap forward in Iraq’s ability to provide aerial surveillance to support civil and military operations across the country. The twin-engine turboprop aircraft boasts a crew of three, including a dedicated sensor operator, over six hours’ endurance, and a radius in excess of 1,000 nautical miles. The Iraqi Air Force’s five King Air 350 ISR aircraft operate from the 87th Squadron, headquartered at New Al-Muthana airbase in Baghdad.
There are also four fixed ground stations, or downlink sites, located throughout Iraq, and five mobile ground receivers in the Iraqi Air Force. These mobile ground receivers provided the link into the PM-NOC during Wednesday’s event. The demonstration highlighted the aircraft’s ability to display full-motion video through the airplane’s 360-degree electro-optical sensor to the mobile ground receiver.
In addition to the video capability, the system also provides an infrared sensor, synthetic aperture radar imaging capability, and Ground Moving Target Indicator capabilities to detect moving vehicles. With this capability, Iraq’s top national security leadership and other decision makers now have a system to provide real-time, accurate information, to help make better decisions when responding to crisis events, or conducting military and civil operations.
U.S. Navy Cdr. Chuck Pratt, an intelligence advisor with Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq’s Intelligence Transition Team, commented on the advanced capabilities of the King Air 350. “We envision the Iraqi Air Force using this system to support Military or Police Operations Centers, or, for example, with the Iraqi Navy, supporting maritime security operations and oil platform defense in the northern Arabian Gulf. We also need to network the ground stations so information can be viewed where it is needed.”
MNSTC-I’s efforts in this operation help to highlight the commitment between the governments of the United States and Iraq in improving the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces during the critical transition from Coalition to Iraqi-led operations in support of a secure and stable Iraq.
ISF strives to ensure safe election day for Iraqi citizens
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Thousands of Iraqi citizens will have the opportunity to select their new provincial leaders Jan. 31 by casting their vote at one of the many polling sites throughout the city of Baghdad. It is the job of the Iraq Security Forces to provide the security for these voters.
The ISF cast their votes during a special election day Jan. 28 so they would be able to have their voices heard while ensuring the security for the Iraqi citizens during the regular election.
The preparations for the elections are proof that the ISF and the Government of Iraq are working hard to improve the security of Iraq while also bringing democracy to the citizens of Iraq.
The ISF are easily leading the way to providing a safe environment for the Iraqi people to not get discouraged and go out to vote, said Staff Sgt. Aaron Coombs, mortar section sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
To increase security the ISF set up extra force protection measures at the polling sites.
“The security perimeter around the polling site will be very secure,” said Lt. Ali, a National Police officer assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd NP Division, in charge of the polling site at the Children’s War Memorial in the Doura community of Baghdad. “Cars will not be allowed near the site.”
The site will be blocked off with wire so the people that live in the homes nearby must go through the same checkpoints as everyone else to reach the polls, Ali added. Separate lines for male and female voters are planned, and each person will be searched more than once before entering the polling site.
The Independent Electoral Commission is expecting more than 3,000 at the Children’s War Memorial location and the NP, Iraqi Police and Sons of Iraq will provide the best security, said Ali.
“When the people see how secure the polling sites are, they will come out and vote,” he stated.
After the polling sites close, the ballots will be collected and transported securely by the ISF to a secure location to be counted.
“It’s a new experience. We are looking forward to having a democratic country and getting away from the corruption: to provide a good future for this country,” said Mohammed, an SoI member standing guard at a checkpoint near a polling station in the Doura community of Baghdad. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
ISF detain suspected criminals in Ghazaliyah
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested two wanted criminals during operations Jan. 28 in the Ghazaliyah neighborhood of northwest Baghdad.
At approximately 9 p.m. after receiving information from a detained criminal who had knowledge of recent attacks, Iraqi Army soldiers serving with the 4th Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th IA Division arrested the criminals, who are suspected of conducting resettlement attacks in the Ghazaliyah neighborhood using hand grenades.
One of the suspected criminals was in possession of a hand grenade at the time of his arrest. The ISF took the criminals to a local unit headquarters for further questioning.
“The Iraqi Security Forces will continue to target and pursue criminals who intend to disrupt security in northwest Baghdad,” said Maj. Kone Faulkner, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team spokesman, 1st Inf. Div. “Soldiers of the 2nd ‘Dagger’ Brigade will continue to provide tactical support and overwatch to our ISF counterpart as they work to secure the citizens here.”
ISF, MND-B Soldiers detain 2 suspects in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, partnered with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, detained two suspected criminals in Baghdad’s Rashid district.
At approximately 11 p.m., Iraqi National Police officers from the 5th Brigade, 2nd NP Division, conducting a combined operation with MND-B Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained a suspected criminal in the Jihad community. The combined patrol transported the detainee, who was wanted for alleged car bomb activity to a joint security station for processing.
Meanwhile, Iraqi NP officers from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Abu Risha or “Feather” Brigade, attached to the 7th Brigade, 2nd NP Div., conducting a combined patrol with Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., captured a wanted criminal in the Zubaida community at approximately 11 p.m. The patrol transported the detainee, who was wanted for allegedly building bombs, to a nearby JSS for processing.
“Our Iraqi Security Forces partners are excelling at warrant-based operations in the Rashid district,” said Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT spokesman, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. “The Soldiers of the 1st ‘Raider’ Brigade conduct daily combined patrols with our ISF partners supporting them as they provide security for the upcoming elections Jan. 31.”
Iraqi Security Forces, Multi-National Division-Baghdad Leaders Conduct Election Rehearsal at Combat Outpost Meade
By Spc. Jamie Vernon
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs Office
BAGHDAD – In support of the Security Agreement implementation, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and their Iraqi security force partners conducted a combined rehearsal of their security plan for the upcoming provincial elections at Combat Outpost Meade in the Mahmudiyah Qada Jan. 25.
Leaders from the 55th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division, and Task Force 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, participated in the combined arms rehearsal.
The election is scheduled for Jan. 31, with 14,300 candidates running for 440 seats to fill the various provincial councils. It will mark the first nationwide election held in Iraq since 2005.
The rehearsal was held at COP Meade, southeast of Baghdad, in an area once known for sectarian violence. In the past year, there has been a significant decrease in attacks on Iraqi civilians as the Sons of Iraq, the Iraqi army and the reconciliation program have greatly increased security and helped to reinstate a sense of normalcy.
The area has also seen an increase in tips from Iraqi citizens to the 17th Iraqi Army Division, which has resulted in numerous weapon caches being seized and destroyed.
The Iraqi security forces have overall responsibility for election security with the MND-B Soldiers in a supporting role.
The 55th Bde. conducted a rock drill rehearsal on a large sand table. In this type of rehearsal, the unit acts out friendly and enemy actions and the soldiers rehearse their actions. While acting out the security plan, the Iraqi soldiers talked through their mission, critical tasks, actions and decisions to their leaders. This provided the leaders an opportunity to identify any potential problems.
Rehearsals such as the one conducted illustrate the growing level of professionalism and readiness in the 17th IA Div.
Maj. Eric Savickas, of Newton, Mass., the executive officer of Task Force 4th Bn., 27th FA Regt., provided assistance to the 55th Bde., 17th IA Div., as he facilitated the sand table rehearsal and explained what operations will be conducted in specific areas of the operational environment.
“We are asking the coalition forces for air support, especially in medivacs, should we need them; however, the coalition will have very little involvement in this operation,” said Staff Colonel Abdalah Ramadan Atia, commander, 55th IA Bde. “We have experience from the 2005 elections. The units are trained and prepared.”
The Iraqi army is establishing security around 16 polling sites in the area in the vicinity of COP Meade. The Soldiers from Task Force 4th Bn., 27th FA Regt., will provide a quick reaction force if requested by the 17th IA Div. for medical emergencies.
“At this point, we’re trying to enable, not to direct the Iraqis in how to accomplish their mission. The complexity of the display may seem a little elaborate, but it’s all just a tool we’re providing to our allies to aid them in securing their own democratic future,” said Capt. Nicholas Doerr, Task Force 4th Bn., 27th FA Regt., and a native of Syracuse, N.Y.
Lt. Col. Michael Mammay (left), commander, Task Force 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, along with Iraqi Staff Col. Ramadan, commander, 55th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division, Col. Pat White, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, and Command Sgt Maj. Michael Eyer, also from 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div., observe a rock drill rehearsal of the 55th Bde., 17th IA Div., security plan for the upcoming provincial elections at Combat Outpost Meade Jan 25.
National Police Turn Out for Early Voting
A national policeman showes the purple tip of his finger indicating that he voted in early elections today. All Iraqi security forces and emergency services were able to participate in early voting so they can focus security ad emergency response for the general elections Jan. 31.
By Staff Sgt. Aaron Thacker
Multi-National Division - Southeast Public Affairs
BASRA, Iraq – Security forces walked the halls of Basra Palace with ink-stained fingers indicating they cast their early ballots for Iraq’s national elections Jan. 28.
Early voting was offered to Iraqi security forces and other emergency services so they can be available to provide security for the Jan. 31 general elections.
“This year’s election is different from past elections because it is better and safer,” said Lt. Col. Ehsan Elaywi Sleman, executive officers, 1st National Police Battalion, Basra Brigade, 4th Division.
Sleman estimates that 80 to 85 percent of NP turned out to vote.
Sleman said that it was difficult to decide on a candidate because the pool was bigger and better, but that he was happy with his choice.
This freedom to choose candidates is causing some voters to question who should stay in power.
“A lot of promises were made and not kept,” said 1st Lt. Ahmed Mshawish Kadim, NP officer. “Those people will be voted out.”
Some of the politicians were good and will hopefully be re-elected, but the others need to go because they only helped themselves, Kadim said. A lot of the building they did was to their benefit. They would fix up their offices and the roads leading to them, but not elsewhere in the city.
Sleman said that he hopes the new politicians will work hard to make improvements in city infrastructure to include better roads and hospitals.
As for the general elections, NP officials said they are expecting higher turnouts compared to previous elections now that the city is safer.
"We’ve made a security plan and are ready for election day,” Sleman said.
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