War On Terror News

Cholera: a Risk in Iraq

Story by Sgt. Debralee P. Crankshaw
Date: 04.30.2009

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – Profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps are symptoms of severe cholera. These symptoms can lead to shock, dehydration and ultimately death.

Last year, Iraq experienced an outbreak of cholera which caused 11 deaths.

"Every year there is an outbreak," said Lt. Col. David Wallace, 10th Mountain Division Surgeon. "Hopefully this year we will lower the number with the measures we've taken."

ISOF success in Ninewa Province

Citizens reap benefits of ISOF operational successes in Ninewa Province

Multi-National Corps – Iraq

TIKRIT, Iraq – Mosul Iraqi Special Operations Forces units with Coalition forces advisors arrested two suspected terrorist cell members operating in the Ninewa Province during a joint operation April 22.

Mosul ISOF, partnered with the Regional Reconnaissance Team, split to form two teams and dispersed to separate locations to arrest suspected terrorists on warrants issued by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq.

Increased job training in Babil

Renovated Votech Center increases job training opportunities in Babil Province (Babil)

By Alicia Embrey
Gulf Region South
 
Babil Province, Iraq— Community leaders, media and coalition representatives gathered for a grand opening to showcase the newly renovated $5.4 million Iskandariyah Vocational Technology Center April 22. Dr. Reyad Hassan, executive general manager at the Iraqi Ministry of Labor, officiated the grand opening with the assistance of newly-elected Babil provincial leaders.

The Iskandariyah Votech and Industrial Complex, located 25 miles south of Baghdad, was once the industrial jewel of north Babil Province boasting of such facilities as the State Company for Automotive Industries (SCAI), the State Company for Mechanical Industries (SCMI) and Hateen munitions. During April 2003 all these facilities were ransacked and torched by looters, leaving behind burned out shells of what had been home to 25,000 employees.

To help revitalize that area, Iraqi officials, the Provincial Reconstruction Team and U.S. Forces combined efforts.

Extending use of Manas Air Base?

Deal could be near to extend use of Manas Air Base

by Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

4/28/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- U.S. officials could be nearing a deal with the Kyrgyzstan government to extend U.S. access to Manas Air Base, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters April 28.
 
Mr. Morrell reported progress in negotiations he called "reason for hope" about reversing Kyrgyzstan's previous decision regarding the base.

Kyrgyzstan's foreign ministry notified the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek in February that it had six months to leave Manas, a major logistical and refueling center that supports troops in Afghanistan.  About 15,000 troops and 500 tons of cargo move through the base every month.

Ugly Angels in Afghanistan

Maintenance Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, part of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan's aviation combat element, partially dismantled their CH-53D Sea Stallions for transportation from Al Asad, Iraq, to Kandahar Air Field, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The unit's mechanics worked around the clock to ensure their birds were transported from Iraq and were ready for combat operations in Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police.  Photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 Takes the Fight From Iraq to Afghanistan

Story by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso
Date: 04.29.2009

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – On April 15, 1962, a squadron of Marines launched from the USS Princeton to Soc Trang, Vietnam, becoming the first Marine helicopter squadron in-country. Those Marines began a proud tradition of combat deployments that day. Today the same unit continues their combat tradition in Afghanistan.

Unlike the majority of units serving in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, part of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan's aviation combat element, didn't deploy from its home station at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii – it deployed to Afghanistan from Al Asad, Iraq.

AFG In Lowgar 4 Dead 1 Detained

Afghan, Coalition forces kill four, detain one in Lowgar; detain one in Helmand

April 30, 2009                                               

    Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces killed four men and detained two in operations overnight in Lowgar and Helmand to disrupt bomb-making networks in those provinces.

    In Charkh District, Lowgar Province, approximately 85 kilometers southwest of Kabul, Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an assault to dismantle a Taliban network of insurgents responsible

AFG Opium Destroyed in Helmand

April 30, 2009                                               

    Kabul, Afghanistan – During a separate operation in Nad Ali District, Helmand Province, approximately 160 kilometers west of Kandahar, a combined force searched a compound without incident, detaining an insurgent believed to be associated with an Al Qaida foreign fighter facilitation cell in southern Afghanistan.  During the search, forces discovered approximately 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of opium which they destroyed a safe distance from the compound.

    Eleven adults and 16 children were protected.

Retro Space Crew Module

A crane lowers NASA’s Orion crew module into the test pond at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, in Bethesda, Md., March 25, 2009. Personnel from the Air Force, NASA and Carderock were on hand for the exercise designed to test vehicle and crew recovery and to determine what a space crew might experience after splashdown in the vehicle. DoD photo by Samantha L. Quigley

Retro Space Crew Module Undergoes Tests at Navy Facility

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2009 – When future astronauts prepare to go to the moon or to a rendezvous with the International Space Station, their craft will look suspiciously familiar.

Flournoy urges Pakistan support

Flournoy Urges Boosting U.S. Military Support to Pakistan

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2009 – With a deteriorating situation in Pakistan, now is the time to strengthen the U.S.-Pakistan military partnership to help Pakistan in its counterinsurgency efforts, the undersecretary of defense for policy told Congress today.

“We believe that right now it is more important than ever to strengthen our military partnership with Pakistan,” Michele Flournoy told the House Armed Services Committee.

Combat stress

by Capt. Laura Ropelis
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

4/15/2009 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- Have you ever gone through a challenging or painful situation and later felt stronger from the experience? In other words, the stress of the situation pushed you to react and adapt. You overcame fears or other emotions so, when put in similar situations, you could handle them more effectively or with a little more courage?

Why do many people seek stress through extreme sports or risky careers? This article seeks to explain what an air commando affectionately calls combat stress.

Marine Corps Rifle/Pistol Matches

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.-A Marine holds a Secretary of the Navy Trophy Rifle in celebration during the 2009 Marine Corps Rifle and Pistol Matches awards ceremony April 24. A small percentage of winners will be selected to represent the Marine Corps at the Inter-Service Championships and the National Matches as members of the Marine Corps Shooting Team. , Cpl. Scott Schmidt, 4/24/2009 7:54 PM

Marines recognized for exceptional shooting

4/29/2009  By Cpl. Scott Schmidt, II MEF 

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.  —  The mantra of “every Marine a rifleman” rang true as friends, family and competitors gathered for the 2009 Marine Corps Rifle and Pistol Matches awards ceremony April 24.

The ceremony recognized the top shooters from the past six weeks of matches held at Stone Bay, MCB Camp Lejeune.

In the individual rifle match,

Predators Of The Mountains

Predators of the mountains

An MQ-1 Predator returns to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, from an Operation Enduring Freedom mission. The Predator is an unmanned aerial vehicle primarily used for armed interdiction, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester)

April 26 airpower summary: Predators are eyes in the sky

4/27/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E carried out a show of force and bombed a preplanned target with a guided bomb unit-38. The target, an anti-Afghan forces facility in a residential compound, was near civilian structures. The show of force was conducted prior to the strike to warn civilians to avoid the area.

Marines Help PVA At Pistol Match

HIGHLAND, Calif., -Members of the Cal-Diego chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America aim down range during their prep time before firing the 25-yard, slow-fire portion of the chapter's 2nd annual pistol shoot at the Inland Fish and Game shooting range in Highland, Calif., April 16. 8 Marines from the Carlos Hathcock Range Complex attended the shoot to provide classes about safety and the fundamentals of shooting. They also kept score, helped shooters load ammunition, replaced target faces and gave range commands., Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Rholes, 4/13/2009 5:47 AM

Miramar Marines help coach the old breed 

9/4/2024  By Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Rholes, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar 

HIGHLAND, CalHIGHLAND, Calif.,  —Seven Marines who work at the Carlos Hathcock Range aboard East Miramar volunteered April 13, to help the Cal-Diego chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America conduct the organization’s 2nd annual pistol match, hosted at the Inland Fish and Game shooting range here.

Korean War hero recognized 50 yrs later

Brig. Gen. Reuben Jones, Army adjutant general, hands the Distinguished Service Cross to the family members of Sgt. 1st Class William T. Miles, April 22, 58 years after he disappeared after parachuting into enemy territory.   Photo credit Alex McVeigh

Korean War hero receives Distinguished Service Cross

Apr 27

By Alex McVeigh

FORT MYER, Va. (Army News Service, April 24, 2009) -- Fifty-eight years after Sgt. 1st Class William T. Miles parachuted into North Korea, he was awarded the military's second highest honor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Three generations of Miles family members gathered at Fort Myer's Spates Community Club, April 22, to receive the Distinguished Service Cross in his honor. A medal was given to each of his three siblings who grew up unsure of what had happened to their brother.

"For almost 50 years, we didn't know what happened to him," said Marjorie Hantwerker, Miles' sister. "The Army Ranger organization helped us finally figure out what happened to him in 2001."

AFG Continuing Ed For Residents

A construction contractor of the Gardez Center of Educational Excellence explains the materials used to build the dining facility to Lt. Col. Daniel Moy, Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team commander, and Maj. Kimberly Riggs, Paktya PRT engineering officer-in-charge, during a recent quality assessment visit.

Afghanistan government officials provide continuing education for residents

by Army Pfc. Andrya Hill
4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

4/26/2009 - PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- The Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team conducted an assessment to ensure quality construction of the Gardez Center of Educational Excellence earlier this month.

Construction for the center was coordinated by the provincial governor and the ministry of education in March 2008.

April 25 Airpower: C-17s

A C-17 Globemaster III, from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., has its cargo unloaded at an air base in Southwest Asia. C-17 Globemaster IIIs provide intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Patrick Dixon)

April 25 airpower summary: C-17s helping to sustain fight

4/26/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an A-10 Thunderbolt II strafed an enemy truck carrying a twin-barreled anti-aircraft gun using its 30mm Avenger cannon. The vehicle and the anti-aircraft gun were destroyed.

AFG: Drugs in Helmand

Afghan commandos destroy more than 300 pounds of narcotics in Shindand

    Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army Commandos with the 207th Corps, assisted by Coalition Forces, destroyed 150 kilograms (331 pounds) of narcotics discovered in Shindand District, Herat Province, Tuesday.  

    The Afghan-led force was conducting a cordon and search of an area known for heavy insurgent activity when they discovered the narcotics, with a street value approximately $2-million dollars, inside a compound.

    An assault rifle and 14 fully loaded magazines of ammunition were also confiscated. The drugs were destroyed on site.

    The profits made from the sales of opium and other illegal drugs often go towards funding insurgents and their operations throughout Afghanistan.

    No commandos, Coalition Forces or civilians were injured during the cordon and search.

Afghan Dies in Escalation of Force Incident

Date: 04.29.2009

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan motorcyclist was fatally wounded by Afghan national security force and international security and assistance force troops yesterday in Sayed Abad District, Wardak province, after speeding toward an ANSF-ISAF checkpoint, despite repeated warnings to stop.

In the incident, ANSF and ISAF troops manning a traffic control point observed a motorcycle approaching their position. Following ISAF procedure, ANSF and ISAF personnel warned the driver repeatedly to stop, using visual and verbal signals and then warning shots.

Despite these signals, the motorcyclist accelerated and sped directly towards the ANSF and ISAF troops,

Warrior Leader of the Quarter

Command Sgt. Maj. James Spencer (left), command sergeant major, 16th Sustainment Brigade, congratulates Spc. Jonathan Patton (right), gun truck driver, 70th Transportation Co., 391st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, for earning the 'Warrior of the Quarter' title at the 16th Sust. Bde. 'Warrior and Warrior Leader of the Quarter' board at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq April 22. Sgt. Ahmad Mahmoud (center), gun truck commander, 70th Transportation Co., 391st CSSB, earned the 'Warrior Leader of the Quarter' title. Both Soldiers earned Army commendation medals and will advance to the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command board at Joint Base Balad.  Photo by Sgt. Keith Anderson

Transportation Company Soldiers Conquer Brigade Quarter Board

Story by Sgt. Keith Anderson
Date: 04.28.2009

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq — Twelve Soldiers from seven battalions around northern Iraq competed for the title of Warrior or Warrior Leader of the Quarter at the 16th Sustainment Brigade quarter board here April 22.

Soldiers began the day with a multiple-choice test on a wide range of Army topics in the morning, and then individually faced a panel of battalion command sergeants major, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Spencer, command sergeant major, 16th Sust. Bde.

AFG: Weapons destroyed in Farah

ANA, Coalition forces destroy weapons cache in Farah

Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army and Coalition Forces troops destroyed a weapons cache during a combat reconnaissance patrol in Bala Boluk District, Farah Province Tuesday.

    The Afghan-led force discovered the weapons cache in the early morning hours after reports from local villagers. The cache contained 29 rocket-propelled grenades, 32 RPG boosters, plastic explosives and one improvised explosive device.

    The cache was deemed too dangerous to move and, after ensuring there were no civilians in the

Iraq April 29, 2009

Stories to include: Flight Surgeons Training; Marksmanship Competition; Sec of Def on video; photos

Mosul SWAT Prevents Large-scale Attack on Coalition Forces Bases

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

TIKRIT — Mosul Special Weapons and Tactics, with Coalition forces advisors, detained a suspected terrorist planning an attack against two large CF bases, during an operation in Qayarrah April 22.

AFRICOM April 27 - 28, 2009

Stories to include: Medical Exercise in Mombasa, Kenya; Land Forces Symposium in Kenya; Ward travels to Congo

Africa Command Deputy Supports Diplomacy in Guinea-Bissau; U.S. Hopeful for Upcoming Elections

By Vince Crawley
U.S. AFRICOM Public Affairs

BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau, Apr 28, 2009 — The United States is hopeful that scheduled elections following the recent killings of Guinea-Bissau's president and military chief can be an important step toward stability in the West African nation, which has been plagued by decades of violence and, in recent years, drug trafficking.

Red Bulls fly into Basra

 

Several Red Bull Soldiers get a chance to relax on a C 130 Hercules during the short flight to Basra, Iraq, after spending a week in Kuwait for training. The 34th Infanty Division is currently deployed to Basra, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jamieson Pond of TheRedBulls.org.

 By: Sgt. Joe Roos on: Mon April 27, 2009 01:41 am CDT

BASRA, Iraq – At approximately 5:45 am, the first main wave of Red Bull Soldiers stood in formation doing their final pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections. Squad leaders stood in front of each member of their squad and inspected the Soldiers to make sure they had their dog tags, military identification card, weapon, 30 rounds of ammunition, emergency field bandage, combat helmet, body armor and water. The Soldiers were in “full battle rattle,” as they say in the military, to exit Kuwait and enter the combat zone of Iraq.

Pave Hawks Key To Rescues

Airpower summary: HH-60 Pave Hawk  A pararescueman fast ropes from an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter to join a team member in a proficiency exercise outside of Baghdad, Iraq. They are assigned to the 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr.)

April 24 airpower summary: Pave Hawks key to rescues

4/25/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Iraq: Patriot & Leader

Local Shaykh assists ISF, turns in suspected bomb maker

Multi-National Division – North - FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Kirkuk, Iraq — A local Shaykh fulfilled promises made to both Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces by helping convince a suspected insurgent to turn himself in.

Shaykh Nizar, a tribal leader in a village near Daquq, Iraq, was directly involved in bringing an alleged bomb maker to ISF custody April 16.

The suspect is believed to make bombs in the area. During a meeting with the Shaykh prior to the detention, Nizar had expressed the desire to help lessen the need for ISF and U.S. military raids in the village by offering to peacefully turn over any individuals that the ISF requested.

The next month, the U.S. military requested Nizar’s help in tracking down the suspect, who was believed to operate in the Shaykh’s area of influence.

Within a few days, a subordinate tribal leader associated with Nizar, Shaykh Kahrim, turned the suspect

Military Reports on Swine Flu

Stories to include: 2 cases at Randolph AFB; Military is prepared if needed; Death at Wilford Hall NOT Swine Flu; Camp Pendleton has POSSIBLE case of Swine Flu.

Screening program prompts fast swine flu identification

by Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

4/28/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Defense Department's worldwide influenza monitoring program and decisive action by the medical staff at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, are being credited with helping to identify two cases of swine flu early to help prevent a potential spread.
 
Two 16-year-old boys, both military family members and students at Steele High School in Cibolo, Texas, reported to the Randolph Military Clinic in mid-April suffering from fever, coughs and chills. Lt. Col. Gregory York, deputy commander of the 12th Medical Group, said both exhibited "classic flu-like symptoms."

Iraqi Police Professional Development

NPS brings special skills to Iraqi Police

BAGHDAD – Two senior lecturers with the Naval Postgraduate School’s Defense Resources Management Institute instructed Ministry of Interior Iraqi policemen on resource management at the High Institute of the Baghdad Police College here Apr. 15-23.

The 52 students represented all provinces and included a cross-section of expertise ranging from budget and program managers to Personal Security Detail personnel.  Each student is, in some way, responsible for compiling budget requirements for their subordinate organizations.

“This class of students represents the first time provinces from across Iraq have participated in joint training at the BPC,” said Col. Larry Saunders, Directorate of Interior Affairs, BPC Training Team director.  “Because of prior life support challenges officer professional development course at BPC have been limited to Baghdad,” he said.

“This event truly serves as a model for future training.  By bringing all the provinces together, not only are we able to offer professional development to officers in provinces, but the BPC is able to truly

S.AFG: 32 Bad Guys Dead

ANSF, Coalition Forces kill 32 militants, uncover drug and weapons cache in southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces killed 32 militants and uncovered a large cache of narcotics and weapons while conducting operations in both Helmand and Oruzgan Provinces April 29.

The Afghan National Police and Coalition forces were conducting a routine combat reconnaissance patrol in Langar, Tarin Kowt District, Oruzgan Province when they were attacked by several militants with small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire, from multiple sides.
 
After positively identifying the enemies’ positions, the Afghan-led force responded to the enemy attack

Tikrit: Iraqi Army, Village Needs

Iraqi Army battalion, CF take time addressing villagers’ needs

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO - TIKRIT, Iraq – A battalion of Iraqi Army Soldiers with Coalition forces medics provided humanitarian assistance to villagers April 19 in Bazunah, Iraq.

Combining educational and medical assistance, IA Soldiers handed out school supplies to the children, while CF medics performed medical screenings.

“The teams’ ability to work together allowed for the medical screening of more than 100 Bazunah villagers … and the distribution of school supplies to 150 children,” said the ground forces commander present during the operation.

One CF Soldier working side-by-side with the Iraqis described the visit as a “great day for the Iraqi Army battalion … they were able to balance securing the site with meeting the villagers’ needs.”

This endeavor is just one of many by IA Soldiers to improve the quality of life of the local community, said the CF commander.

“The villagers showed overwhelming support and patience through the duration of the medical assistance portion of the visit,” he said. 

Diyala: Iraqi Polic Proficiency

Iraqi Police Demonstrate Capability, Penetrate Terrorist Cell in Diyala Province

TIKRIT — Baqubah's Iraqi Police forces, with Coalition forces advisors, infiltrated

a once-impenetrable terrorist cell April 20 to arrest nine individuals allegedly responsible for attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi Army during an operation in Diyala Province.

According to joint intelligence sources, the suspects are responsible for small-arms attacks against patrolling forces in Baqubah and Balad. In the past, the cell’s location and early warning networks obstructed ISF’s ability to detain cell members.

We are conducting legitimate targeting of suspected criminals threatening the stability of the Government of Iraq, explained the IP commander.

“This operation should degrade insurgent confidence in their safe havens, showing that ISF units are

AFG: 10 Talib dead, 2 Captured

Afghan, Coalition forces kill 10 insurgents, detain two suspects in Lowgar

    Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces killed an estimated 10 insurgents and detained two suspects in a battle that erupted during a patrol in Lowgar Province early this morning.

    In Baraki Barak District of Lowgar Province, approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Kabul, a combined assault force patrolled to a village where intelligence sources had indicated Taliban operatives were gathered.

    En route to the targeted compounds, forces encountered enemy forces, killing two insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades, AK-47 assault rifles and grenades. Once the patrol had eliminated the

Iraq: Capture & Equipment Issue

Suspected criminal apprehended in Adhamiya

 

 

Multi-National Division – BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces arrested a suspected criminal April 25, wanted on a warrant issued by the Baghdad Operations Center.

At approximately 4 p.m., Iraqi National Police serving with the 3rd Battalion, 4th National Police Brigade, 1st National Police Division, with support from Troopers of the 1st Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, MND-B, arrested Husayn al-Asadi; wanted in connection with the production of improvised explosive devices and other violent crimes in the Sha’ab neighborhood of the Adhamiya district and throughout Baghdad.  The suspect was taken to an ISF facility for additional questioning.

Location Command Receives Unit Self Fielding Equipment

AL SHAIBAH, Iraq - The Iraqi Army Al Shaibah Location Command recently received a substantial shipment of tools and equipment from the Taji National Depot.  The cargo is part of the items required in a Unit Set Fielding program.  The USF program is designed to provide new Iraqi army units with the tools and equipment needed to accomplish their mission to sustain the Iraqi Security Forces.

The LC was formed with 13 soldiers in July 2008.  Since then there has been a steady flow of soldiers into the unit.  The LC is located several miles southeast of Al Basrah, and the organization provides third

AFG: Toby Keith At Tillman

Toby Keith entertains troops in Afghanistan

Written by By Army Capt. Michael Greenberger, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (April 27, 2009) – Country singer and troop supporter Toby Keith finished up a 15-show tour in Afghanistan Monday as he drew near the end of his seventh tour with the United Service Organizations.

Keith spent five days criss-crossing the war-torn country visiting bases large and small in a whirlwind of handshakes, autographs, photo-ops and of course – country music shows.

Whether it’s hundreds of Marines at Camp Bastion or a crowd of thousands at Kandahar Air Field, countless hours of preparation and manpower go into making each show special.

“It’s a three-pronged attack,” said Rachel Tischler, USO vice president of entertainment operations.  “The crews get to work setting everything up for the larger shows as most of the band goes to see people at the larger bases.  While they are doing that, [Toby] and a few others visit the more remote locations.”

Keith’s tour visited Forward Operating Bases Tillman and Boris, near the Pakistan border, in addition to

AFG: 21 Bad Guys Taken Down

Joint Forces in Afghanistan Kill Five Militants, Detain 16 American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 27, 2009 – Afghan and coalition forces killed five militants and detained 16 suspects – including a Taliban commander -- during recent operations in Afghanistan. In Kandahar province’s Zharmi district, Afghan and coalition forces conducted a complex operation after receiving a tip on the location of Taliban operatives. The suspects were connected to bomb-making and other questionable activities, including operating a checkpoint in the district to collect money from local residents. When the assault force attempted to search several compounds in the targeted village, they encountered armed militants who did not comply with instructions to leave their buildings. Two men were killed when forces entered the building and the men attempted to engage the force with small-arms fire. Similarly, on three separate compounds, three other men refused to comply with instructions given by Afghan and coalition forces and were killed in a subsequent engagement. A search of the remaining compounds resulted in Afghan and coalition forces detaining 10 suspects. In a separate operation northeast of Jalalabad in the Sarkani district of Konar province, Afghan forces,

Green Lighting in Afghanistan

Soldiers Bring Light to Afghan Marketplace By Army Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller, Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan, April 28, 2009 – A busy marketplace is a common sight in the city of Nangalam during the day, but as night falls, the lack of electricity turns the bustling Konar province commercial center into a ghost town. “By 6 p.m. all the shops would close and people would head back home, that way they wouldn’t be frightened by the [anti-Afghanistan forces], or injured when they were walking down a dark street,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Campos of the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion, based in San Diego, Calif. In order to increase security and commerce, Campos and his team of fellow 416th soldiers from the recently began the installation of 25 solar lights in the city’s marketplace. According to Campos, the team started with two solar lights on April 20 in order to gauge the citizens’

Afghan Boy, American Struggle

U.S. Soldiers Struggle to Save Afghan Boy By Army Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller, Special to American Forces Press Service

KONAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, April 28, 2009 – Raziqullah laid motionless on the green stretcher as blood oozed across his forehead, dripping onto the floor of Forward Operating Base Blessing’s aid station. Army Maj. Durren Hightower, a physician’s assistant, looked up from the massive head wound that exposed the 15-year-old’s brain, and sighed, “You know he isn’t going to have a good outcome, right?” One of the medics, fighting to keep the boy breathing by pumping oxygen into his lungs, replied quietly, “Yes sir.” Raziqullah, a shepherd, who like many Afghans has only one name, left home early on the morning of

AFOne Strikes Fear

WOTN Adds: NYC Mayor NOT informed.  This was a White House decision, NOT a Pentagon decision.  Any Private would first think:  Hey, I can PhotoShop that.  Any Sergeant would say: Are y'all nuts, let the Private PhotoShop this.  Any Officer would say: Do you know how much fuel this will take?  SGT Any says PVT Any can PhotoShop it before you can get to the runway!

Air Force One Photo Opportunity Causes New York City Confusion By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 28, 2009 – The White House expressed regret yesterday over a photo opportunity involving Air Force One that stirred up confusion and fear in New York City. The Presidential Airlift Group flew the VC-25 presidential aircraft, escorted by an F-16 fighter jet, over the city between 10 and 10:30 yesterday morning, said Gary T. Strasburg, chief of the Air Force’s Environmental Public Affairs. The mission was conducted “in conjunction with normally scheduled continuation training for assigned

Iraq: Cav Troops Open School

Iraq’s leading strengths combine forces in Ninewah province

Multi-National Division – North PAO - MOSUL, Iraq — The Al Shaheed Hassan School in Muhallabiyah, Iraq, reopened for classes April 22 after a renovation by local government leaders, Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army and Coalition Force units.

The primary school’s renovation was organized with the joint efforts of Muhallabiyah Mayor Abdul Rakman, Muhallabiyah Police,  3rd Iraqi Army Division, and 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

According to Cpt. Dave Butler, commander of C Troop, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, his unit is partnered with 1/93, 3rd IA Div. led by Maj. Abdul Satar and the local police, led by 1st Lt. Najim. He said C Troop and local civil leadership worked together on the project from the concept phase to completion.

“It felt good knowing that the security situation in Muhallabiyah had improved dramatically as a result of CF and ISF efforts over time,” said Butler. “It satisfied me to enable the civic leadership to make improvements that will benefit the local populace in the long run.”

Iraq: Friendly Fire

ISF, CF hit bull’s-eye in friendly marksmanship competition

Multi-National Division – North PAO - FORWARD OPERATING BASE BERNSTEIN, TUZ, Iraq – Everyone

was shooting, but no one was hurt when the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, the Sons of Iraq and Coalition forces fired AK-47s, M4 carbines, and Glock 9mm pistols together in a friendly shooting tournament at Forward Operating Base Bernstein, Iraq, April 19.

The event, hosted by Company A, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, helped the four groups strengthen relationships.

“This is a lot of fun,” said Pfc. Devin Nehring, a Co. A. “Shooting the AK-47 was really exciting, and they (the IA) have one guy out there who’s cash money – he’s hitting everything.”

“Some people are natural marksmen,” said Khalid Shwan Ibrahim, a Sons of Iraq member who competed

Iraq: A Thousand Sandbags

Iraqi Army, U.S. Soldiers on Road to Brighter Future

By 1st Lt. Jason Frisco, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 41st Iraqi Army Brigade, and 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, repair Route Phoenix, a damaged roadway traveled by coalition forces and the local Iraqi populace, recently. Photo by 1st Lt. Jason Frisco. FORWARD OPERATING BASE HUNTER — Outfitted with 1,000 sandbags, 4-by-4 pieces of lumber and a one-inch piece of plywood, a group of motivated Soldiers repaired a section of a main road here recently. The 41st Iraqi Army Brigade and members of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, 'Black Dragons' refurbished the road, referred to as Route Phoenix. Route Phoenix is a gateway for units to travel safely. It also has a drain pipe to irrigate crops in the area from a nearby river. Soldiers have been establishing security check points around the area due to the increased road traffic and bad weather. "Soldiers just keep working and working," said Zae'd Shaker, an Iraqi Soldier with the road crew. "At first I didn't think this would work, but now that we are finished, I think that the repair will hold up." After the roadwork was complete, repairs were inspected to test the road's ability to withstand traffic from local villagers and Coalition forces. "We know this is just a temporary fix until a more suitable solution can be found," said Sgt. Timothy Connolly. "But we need to make sure we can get to our areas of operation safely."