War On Terror News

U.S. Soldiers Teach Iraqi Humvee Mechanics

By Spc. Vincent J. Sottosanti, 1st Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD

— U.S. Soldiers recently conducted Joint Driver and Mechanic Training here at Combat Outpost Cashe - South as part of the ongoing effort to strengthen Iraq's security capabilities.

Their Iraqi National Police (NP) Brigade counterparts recently purchased 75 new Humvees in order to phase-out pick-up trucks previously used for operations throughout the brigade's sector of Baghdad.

The new vehicles are now the primary service and patrol vehicles for the brigade, but operating and maintaining the machines could have been a major issue without adequate training.

The instructors held two training courses for master mechanics to share their skills with the NP. The first course was a one-day drivers’ training course repeated over a four-day period, and the second was a four-day course geared towards training maintenance techniques and procedures.

Soldiers designed the drivers’ training course to familiarize the NP with the capabilities and limitations of the Humvee. NP navigated the trucks through a slalom course fashioned out of orange pylons in a gravel parking lot as the instructors served as a passenger and coach for each student, giving advice and encouragement to the Iraqi driver.

The NP practiced mounting and dismounting the Humvees in a simulated combat environment as they waited to navigate the drivers’ course. The groups dismounted and quickly set-up a defensive perimeter time-after-time in order to perfect tactics. In another exercise the NP simulated a vehicle rollover.

Master mechanic, Staff Sgt. Robert Mills, spearheaded the mechanic’s course geared at keeping the new Humvees mission capable. Officer Shakree, an NP with over 20 years experience in driving and maintaining diesel trucks and three years with Humvees, served as an assistant instructor.

"He is very knowledgeable and makes my job a lot easier," explained Mills.

A short classroom section was presented at the start of the course, but within hours the officers found themselves working on vehicles in the motor pool. Humvees in need of maintenance served as a real-world mission as well as a joint training opportunity.

"I decided the best way for them to learn about the Humvees was to dive right in with my guys and start fixing them," said Mills.

"It was great working with them," said Spc. Olon Forrest, MNC-I. "The Iraqis surprised me with their work ethic and mechanical knowledge."

"My men are experienced mechanics, but the Humvee is new for us," explained Shakree, "This is a great way for us to familiarize ourselves with the Humvee."

Paktika, AFG: 29 Haqqani Terrorists Dead

Afghan, coalition forces kill at least 29 militants in Paktika

Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces attacked a suspected foreign fighter encampment killing at least 29 militants during a fierce firefight in Paktika Province early today during an operation to capture Sangeen, a wanted Haqqani commander. 

    In the mountainous region of Wor Mamay District, near the Pakistan border, approximately 160 kilometers southwest of Khost city, Afghan and coalition forces raided an enemy encampment where intelligence sources indicated the senior leader Sangeen was operating a staging area for future attacks in Paktika Province.

    Dozens of well-armed militants immediately began firing on the combined force to repel the assault. Afghan and coalition forces returned fire, engaging multiple enemies situated both in heavily fortified positions and inside structures on the compound.

    Forces continued receiving enemy fire as they maneuvered toward the camp, calling for direct supporting fires from aircraft to subdue enemies firing from positions on higher ground.

    Multiple enemies who were killed during the firefight were found with grenades that had been rigged to explode upon disruption.  During the assault, at least six enemies detonated suicide vests, killing only themselves.  During one blast, a coalition member sustained minor wounds, but no other forces were wounded during the battle. 

    Forces discovered multiple weapons caches containing rocket-propelled grenade launchers, ammunition, AK-47 assault rifles, heavy machine guns, chest racks and suicide vests. 

    No non-combatants were injured during this operation.

    Sangeen, also known as “Fateh,” is a member of the Haqqani senior leadership who is responsible for numerous attacks against forces in eastern Afghanistan.  He has also planned and coordinated the movement of al Qaida senior leaders and hundreds of foreign fighters from Pakistan to Afghanistan through the Spreah District. 

Iraq Free Press Builds Democracy

Free Press Helps Build Political Primacy

Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq Release - BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Journalist Syndicate held a conference at the Rasheed Hotel here covering journalist standards, ethics and independent reporting in a fledgling democracy, May 23. The intent was to pave the way forward in a democracy that promotes an ethical and free press.

The conference focused on freedoms of expression and journalistic autonomy with the goal of seeking the truth.  The Iraqi Journalists Syndicate sponsored an all day event where media from all over the world attended with the main purpose of helping the Iraqi media build capacity and capability.  The conference was attended by more than one hundred journalists, vendors and organizers.  Attendees were from almost every region of the world including Europe, Africa, North and South America and the Middle East.

The conference addressed the need for more pan-Arab media involvement due to the global recession; Western media bureaus are either reducing staff or closing outlets.  However, this gives the Iraqi media

Iraqi Police Investigators Hone Skills

Iraqi Police investigators train on FOB Warrior

Multi-National Division – North PAO - FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq—The rule of law is the foundation of any free nation.  Artistotle said that "law should govern," and those in power should be "servants of the laws” nearly 2,500 years ago.

In the spirit of ensuring a fair application of its laws, Iraqi police officers responsible for investigating crimes travelled to Forward Operating Base Warrior May 23 to hone their unique skills and get new ideas on evidence processing.

“We want to improve our officers’ ability to investigate crimes and crime scenes,” said Brig. Gen. Razaq Hussein, one of the head officers at the Kirkuk police academy and an instructor during the training.

The officers came from around the city and province to participate and improve their skills.

“This class can help increase their progress in the cases they are already working on,” explained Razaq. “We are helping refresh the lessons they learned at the police academy, and we are showing them new

Airpower Summary: May 24

Airpower Summary for May 24

U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs 05.26.2009 -SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an extended battle took place near Oruzgan which began after an anti-Afghan forces improvised explosive device-initiated ambush hit a friendly convoy. Increasing amounts of aircraft arrived to provide cover and attack enemy targets, including Air Force B-1B Lancers, F-15E Strike Eagles,

Iraqi MoD Orders Tanks

New JHAATT Leadership Observes Iraqi Army Capabilities

BAGHDAD – The outgoing and incoming commanders of the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq Joint Headquarters Army Advisory Training Team made a battlefield circulation tour of key sites May 24.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven L. Salazar, commanding general, JHAATT, will be leaving Iraq for his next assignment as commanding general, Joint Multi-National Training Command, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, Germany.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lloyd Miles is Salazar’s replacement.  In his last assignment, Miles served as the assistant commandant/deputy commanding general of the U.S. Infantry School and Center at Fort Benning, Ga., from September 2007 until May 2009.

The generals toured the Besmiyah Range and the Taji Regional Training Center, where JHAATT advisors are helping the Iraqi Army develop a professional and capable force.
Salazar received a hero’s welcome as he arrived at Besmiyah and was greeted by an Iraqi Army honor

Airmen Dedicate Buildings to Iraqi AF

Airmen Dedicate 3 New Buildings to Iraqi Air Force

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Members of the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq Coalition Air Force Training Team handed over three new buildings to the Iraqi Air Force in traditional dedication ceremonies.

Among the new facilities were an avionics testing facility, a communications building and a munitions storage area.

According to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angel Olivares, CAFTT base support unit director, the new facilities will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Iraqi Air Force.

“The projects were designed to provide the Iraqi Air Force here at Taji with the basic infrastructure to allow it to complete its flying and training missions,” Olivares said.

The avionics testing facility is unique because the equipment inside is from Russia and utilizes more than

AFG: USAF See Life on the Ground

Dedication culminates efforts of embedded American advisors

by Staff Sgt. Jason Lake, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, 5/23/2009 

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- More than 250 U.S. servicemembers and Afghan security forces celebrated seven years of military cooperation during a monument dedication ceremony at Camp Blackhorse May 14. 

The ceremony also culminated the efforts of nearly 20 Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors who have embedded with the 5th Kandak (Battalion) as training advisors. 

"This monument represents hope ... a hope that future generations of Afghan Soldiers and citizens will see the sacrifices and commitments made by both the Afghan and American military working together," Maj. Brian Freeman said before hundreds of Afghan national army and policemen who have come to know his training team stationed just outside the capital of Kabul. "It represents a hope that one day any person can travel to Afghanistan without guns or weapons and walk in downtown Kabul [with] a true feeling of safety and security." 

For the past year, the team has provided combat support and counter-insurgency training to more than 430 Afghan soldiers within the Afghan National Army. 

"We've built an exceptional working relationship with our Afghan counterparts," Major Freeman explained. "We respect each other's culture and religion and have many opportunities to share ideas,

First Iraqi ISR Aircrew Graduate

First Iraqi ISR Aircrew Graduate

Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
May 26, 2009 - NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE, Iraq – The first class of Iraqi Air Force Squadron 87 King Air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircrew members completed their year-long training, which culminated with a graduation ceremony here.

The Iraqi King Air program, headed up by U.S. Air Force and Navy aircrew instructors, has trained four Iraqi pilots, seven co-pilots and five mission sensor operators.

“We are about at the half way point where we can call (the Iraqis) independent and autonomous,” said Col. John Rutkowski, 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Group commander, when speaking about Iraq’s ISR capabilities. “They have five ISR platforms that (the Iraqis) have already used for pilgrimages, border patrols and to secure the voting stations during the Jan. 31 Iraqi elections.”

Rutkowski said he expects Squadron 87 to be fully operational in their ISR mission with another year of

RIP CMDR Wolfe

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

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

Cmdr. Duane G. Wolfe, 54, of Port Hueneme, Calif., died May 25 from injuries suffered as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on his convoy southeast of Fallujah.Wolfe was assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Gulf Region Divisionspan>

"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)

Iraq: Al Asad's Strongest Man

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq-Sgt. Darren Pickard, an infantryman with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, carries the Atlas stone during the final relay of the Al Asad's Strongest Man competition at Hero's Hall gym aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, May 16th, 2009. Pickard placed second in the competition, which is held once a month and is open to all patrons, both male and female., Cpl Triah Pendracki, 5/16/2009 2:51 PM

 

  

Riverine Squadron sailor named Al Asad’s strongest man 

5/24/2009  By Cpl. Triah Pendracki, Multi National Force - West -

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq  —  The United States military holds its service members to high physical standards, and there are some who take those standards to the next level, pushing themselves above and beyond what’s expected of them.

Seven such service members rose to the challenge for Al Asad’s Strongest Man competition, May16, 2009, which is held monthly aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, and sponsored by the base’s Morale, Welfare and

RIP LTC Stratton, SRA Goodman

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualties

                The Department of Defense announced today the death of two airmen who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  They died May 26 near Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.

                Killed were:

                Lt. Col. Mark E. Stratton II, 39, of Houston.  He was assigned to the Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

                Senior Airman Ashton L. M. Goodman, 21, of Indianapolis.  She was assigned to the 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C

 

"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)

Sons Of Iraq Paid

GoI Makes Big Gains in SoI Pay Reconciliation

 

Multi-National Division – North PAO   May 26, 2009 - FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq — Government of Iraq members of the Implementation and Follow-up Committee for National Reconciliation, Iraqi Army and U.S. Military forces oversaw another series of paydays in Multaka, starting May 18, and saw a dramatic decrease in the number of SoI that were ineligible to receive payment.

In April, 228 Sons of Iraq in the village of Multaka, Iraq—or approximately one-quarter of the total registered members—were turned away on payday because of discrepancies with the list that their 12th Iraqi Army Division pay agents received from Baghdad. 

“They [IFCNR, 12th IA Div. and SoI] made a big jump this month,” said 2nd Lt. Chris Freeman, the fire support officer for Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

They reduced the total number of ineligible to receive payment by more than 90 percent, from 228

Dilution by Multiplication: Good Causes

It takes little effort to see that there are numerous organizations with good causes as their defined mission statement.  One can look through this category, Support Our Troops - Actively, to find that many of these organizations mirror others.

There are also a multitude of websites and blogs that address the same subjects and the same issues.  There exist websites that are very similar to this one.  They often have a different set of readers than this one but I consider them colleagues not competitors.  Some have even become part of our blogroll and vice versa.  So long as the American People read and realize the Honor, Valor, and Generosity of Our Troops, it's ok if they read it in the NYTimes, on Chandler's Watch or here.  (If the NYTimes were doing so, War On Terror News would never have come about.)

Whether we're discussing the thousands of Military Blogs, or the multitude of Non-Profits aimed at sending messages, mail, and packages to Troops, or the care for Wounded Warriors and their families or

even the divisiveness inside some of the Veterans' Service Organizations, it can be detrimental to the mission statements of those involved to create new organizations with mission statements supplanting others. 

No doubt, many of these duplicate efforts were innocently created simultaneously because the parties simply didn't know about the others.  Others were created because of a difference in opinion in the best means to tackle the issue.  Perhaps some believed that there should be greater exclusion or inclusion of membership or focus.

There do exist some groups or organizations that I will refuse to endorse or perhaps even acknowledge, because either I cannot identify their true missions or suspect personal aggrandizement as of greater consequence than the mission they claim. 

Others fall into a category of near subversive because they pretend to be something they are not.  They actually actively work to undermine the very mission they portend to endorse.  Some have put on such a great marketing success that even a hint of disagreement with them causes breaking from contact by their ardent supporters.

When multiple organizations are set up to do the same thing, one must choose between them but one must also question why they aren't joining forces to achieve the same end.  If the goal is in accordance with the mission statement, there are few legitimate reasons to create a new organization.  Generally the legitimate reason to do so is also the reason so many have already entered the space: personal aggrandizement or non-benevolence of those already in that space.

Sadly, one must also realize that Non-Profits are as often set up for personal profit and personal ego as not.  One need only look at the very rich and their personal "non-profits" to see that something is awry.  Many are nothing more than a tax shelter.  Others are designed to achieve political goals.  Some see a popular cause that they can use to attain greater personal wealth and/or power.

It's often difficult to ascertain which of the mirror organizations is the benevolent, which are simple duplications by chance of simultaneous origination, and which were started out of a less than altruisitic goal.  And the benevolent of them cannot legitimately publically attack the less so without becoming the same as it opposes.

But it is time for a joining of forces rather than yet more upstarts to supplant the originals.  This is one of the reasons for my endorsement of the Warrior Legacy Foundation, which reaches out to groups as varied as the Gathering of Eagles, and American Legion, to achieve the common goals of organizations that have common goals.

It is one of the reasons I respect Steve Russell, who has twice demonstrated his willingness to set aside the the aggrandizement of the organization he established, Vets For Victory, to support other organizations of the same mission, such as Warrior Legacy Foundation. 

While I never served under his command, I can say with reasonable certainty that if I had, we would have at times disagreed but never to the detriment of his decisions nor my respect for him.  I've spoken with LTC (ret) Russell more than once and always walked away knowing that he understood he was a part of something more important than himself.  I've known in each conversation that he follows his convictions, not his personal missions.  I've known that his words were true to those convictions.

It is time that milblogs, Pro-Troop Non-Profits, and others join together for the common missions they espouse.  Together, we can become more effective.  Apart we not only duplicate our efforts, but to some extent dilute them as well.  This will take a degree of trust, a degree of humility, and a degree of selfless service and I don't have all the answers on how it is best achieved, but I recognize the need for consolidation of effort. 

I recognize that it will take conversation and that there will be some disagreement on how best to proceed, but in the arena of this website and its mission statements, I encourage discussion with colleagues and "competitors."  I encourage those of common values to join in as contributors and commentators here and as such to help shape the policies of the future here, as well as further the visibility of their own sites.  I expect that we can arrive at a common agreement on many ideas that achieve the common goal.

And as importantly, if you're considering a new site, I'd encourage you to first consider banding together with an established site similar to your own goals, whether here or elsewhere.  There is value in a unified effort.

War on Terror News©2009, ARM, all rights reserved. 

Iraq Army Trains On

Iraqi Army conducts refresher training with Coalition Forces

Multi-National Division – North PAO - FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, MOSUL, Iraq — 2nd Bn., 12th Bde., 2nd Iraqi Army Div 4th Pltn.conducted a series of training days with, A Co., 1st Bn., 67th Armor Regt., 2nd Bde. Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. in east Mosul this week.

In a round-robin style, 60 Soldiers over a three day period conducted refresher training and drills on basic soldier skills.

This training reinforces the tactics utilized by the Iraqi Security Forces in Ninewah province.

The 2nd Bn., 12th Bde., 2nd IA Div. operations officer said that plans were underway to send another two groups of Soldiers through the training within a week.

Training events like this place a key emphasis on Iraqi Security Forces utilizing the tools necessary to secure their own communities. With emphasis on Coalition Forces being out of Iraq’s cities by the end of June, the Iraqi Security Force sentiment is that these types of programs are essential for their continued professional growth.

Marines Jump Into Action After Accident

After witnessing a wreck, aftermath seen here, on Interstate 10 West May 17, Combat Center Marines Capt. Thomas Schwabenbauer and Lance Cpl. James Nielsen both stopped to help, rendering first aid to the severely injured driver of the sport utility vehicle. No other motorists were hurt in the accident.

Combat Center heroes on the highway 

5/24/2009  By Lance Cpl. Nicholas M. Dunn, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command 29 Palms 

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.  — 

It was an average Sunday evening, May 17, as two Combat Center Marines were traveling to the base after a weekend on the coast. However, as they neared the Whitewater rest area on Interstate 10 West, their lives came crashing together.

Capt. Thomas Schwabenbauer, a former platoon commander with Company C, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, was on his way to the Combat Center from San Diego after visiting some friends. He was en route to check in to his newly-assigned unit, the Advisor Training Group.

“It was about 5:40 p.m. and I was just driving down the road when about 100 meters up, I heard the crash and saw the [sport utility vehicle] up in the air,” said the Franklin, Penn., native. “The first thing I

AFG: 14 Bad Guys Out of Fight

Afghan, coalition forces kill four militants, detain five in Logar; detain five in Khost

Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces killed four militants and detained 10 suspects during operations early today to disrupt Haqqani and al Qaida network operations in Logar and Khost Provinces, respectively.

In Bala Qal’eh ye Vazir, a rural village near Pul-e-Alam, Logar province, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Kabul, a combined force raided a compound to capture a Haqqani commander responsible for planning improvised explosive device attacks and facilitating suicide bombers in Logar. 

When forces entered the targeted compound, Afghan forces called out for all non-combatants to exit the buildings peacefully. Approximately 30 women and children complied and were moved to a safe area enabling forces to search the compound.  In one building, forces encountered men who were barricaded and armed.  The subsequent engagement resulted in four militants killed.  Forces detained five suspects without further incident.

In Khost city, during a separate operation to disrupt militant operations in eastern Afghanistan, a combined force patrolled to a neighborhood to capture insurgents associated with al Qaida.  Afghan forces led the search of a building with the cooperation of the residents, and without incident, detained five suspected militants.  Forces found and removed two grenades in the building, preventing their use against civilians or security forces.

Iraq: Ninewa Economic Plan Shaping Up

Government builds economic plan in Ninewa

Multi-National Division – North PAO - MOSUL, Iraq — Local government, business and agricultural leaders from the Shekhan district and economic advisors from the Provincial Reconstruction Team met to discuss economic stability and growth in Ninewa’s northern-most district, May 20.

Bob Jachim, PRT economic project coordinator, said the meeting’s purpose was to conduct an “economic reconnaissance” for the region which relies primarily on agriculture.

“Our goal is to work with district residents and their ideas to provide economic stability in the region,” said Jachim.

According to Shaban Abdullah, vice mayor of the district, the community has

International Efforts Against Piracy

Task Force 151 Strengthens International Ties Against Somali Piracy

U.S. Naval Forces, 5th Fleet Public Affairs Story by Lt. John Fage - 05.26.2009

USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea - Turkish Rear Adm. Caner Bener, commander, Combined Task Force 151 and Capt. Richard Brown, commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, hosted the commander of Japan's Escort Division Eight for a discussion on counter-piracy.

"I can't say enough how vital fostering our ties with other professional navies is," said Bener. "Without the assistance of our international partners in the area, our fight against piracy wouldn't be as successful as it has been. There's a large area to cover, we can't do it alone."

Brown gave Capt. Hiroshi Goto, the Japanese escort division's commander, a short briefing on current counter-piracy operations and discussed recent successes and challenges.

"What Gettysburg, the U.S. and our Coalition partners have been able to achieve in the Gulf of Aden is

Iraqi Police Prevent Attack, Receive Army Medal

 

Lt. Col. Terry Cook, 1st Cavalry Division, pins Commissioner Hameed Hermis, an Iraqi Police officer, with an Army Achievement Medal during a ceremony at the Provincial Joint Control Center in Kirkuk city, May 19. Photo by Pfc. Justin Naylor, 1st Cavalry Division.

KIRKUK — A small mosque here was recently the scene of a life and death struggle between four Iraqi Police (IP) and a teenage suicide bomber. The four IP succeeded in stopping and detaining the would-be bomber, potentially saving the lives of hundreds inside the mosque.

The four were honored for their actions with U.S. Army Achievement Medals during a ceremony here at the Provincial Joint Control Center, May 19.

"We are here to recognize the selfless acts of the IP.....they saved hundreds of lives," said Lt. Col. Terry Cook, 1st Cavalry Division, during his speech at the ceremony. "The actions of these Policemen highlight the exemplary performance of the IP in the city."

"They prevented a catastrophe in that mosque," explained the provincial IP commander, Maj. Gen. Jamal Tahir Bakir.

"These IP are willing to sacrifice themselves for the peace and security of this city," continued Bakir. "They are protecting Kurds, Arabs, Turkomen, and everyone else. They are working without

Stryker BDE Commemorates Fallen

A Time to Remember

56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division - Story by Capt. Cory Angell - 05.26.2009 - BAGHDAD – Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team took time to honor their fallen at a Memorial Day service, May 25, on Camp Taji, Iraq.

"For us in Iraq, this day is all the more meaningful and significant," said Capt. Schaun Myers, chaplain, from Reading, Pa. "We have a much clearer view of what our fallen have faced, the courage displayed and the sacrifices made, to keep our children and our nation free."

During the event Col. Marc Ferraro, commander of the 56th Stryker Brigade, read a letter he received from a sergeant in the brigade whose soldiers were killed in action on a previous deployment.

The letter stated in part, "I only knew these men from my service with them but I loved them as much as I have loved anyone in my life."

Ferraro concluded much like the letter, by saying, "I ask all of you, as this sergeant did, to take the time today to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

The 56th Stryker Brigade has suffered one combat loss during its current deployment when Staff Sgt. Mark Baum was killed north of Taji, Feb. 21, in a direct fire engagement with the enemy. Seven other members of the brigade have died in action since September 11, 2001.

 

Iraqi Soldiers Hone Mortar Skills

Iraqi Army Receives Mortar Training

BESMIYAH, Iraq – The Iraqi Army completed its 36th class of 60mm Mortar Training May 21.

The program started with a “Train-the-Trainer” course at the Besmiyah Combat Training Center. Twenty-six soldiers completed the original course and returned to their training centers to provide training to more than 3,000 soldiers.

The two week training is lead by Iraqi soldiers and includes “direct lay” principles of fire, with lessons of aiming, safety, and maintenance.

Before entering the course, students are required to meet basic prerequisites, and are evaluated on lessons taught within the course.  The training ends with a live fire exercise and the students most work

Baghdad: Militant/Explosives Captured

Iraqi, CF Soldiers Discover Weapons, Make Arrest

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO May 26, 2009 - BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division—Baghdad Soldiers arrested an individual and discovered a weapons cache, May 25, in the Mansour district of northwest Baghdad due to a tip from an Iraqi civilian.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., Iraqi Soldiers serving with the 4th Battalion, 54th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, working on a tip of weapons trafficking, partnered with Troopers serving with Company A, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad to search the area. They found three mortar rounds, two rockets and one bag of ball bearings.

The Soldiers arrested an individual who was at the house at the time and transported him to a secure location for further questioning.

An Iraqi Army explosive ordinance disposal team arrived on site to properly dispose of the weapons. 
The incident is under investigation.

Stryker BDE conducts Joint Op.

56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division 

Story by Capt. Cory Angell - 05.26.2009 - TAJI, Iraq — Soldiers from the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team conducted a large-scale joint operation, May 24 with members of the Iraqi army to clear a factory of possible enemy insurgent activity.

Independence Soldiers, along with elements of the 36th and 37th Battalions of the Iraqi Army, conducted a massive sweep of the Nassir factory and Kem village in order to upset enemy activity.

The Nassir factory, located about two miles north of Camp Taji, has historically been an area of insurgent action in the northern Baghdad belt. This was the first joint operation of this size the Pennsylvania

Africa Partnership Group Convenes

GARMISCH, Germany - Participants of the Africa Partners Group, representing approximately 14 countries, along with observers from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union, gather for a group photo in May 2009. Hosted by U.S. Africa Command, the delegates met in Garmisch, Germany to coordinate operational-level issues among nations with similar goals and objectives in Africa. (U.S. Africa Command Photo)

Africa Partners Group Conducts First Forum in Garmisch

U.S. AFRICOM Engagement Division - GARMISCH, Germany, May 26, 2009 — The first-ever Africa Partners Group (APG) met May 18-20, 2009 in Garmisch, Germany. The group was formed based on the recognition by a number of partner nations that there is a need for a forum to coordinate operational-level issues among nations with similar goals and objectives in Africa. While the APG was hosted by

AFG: Bad Guys Continue Murder of Civilians

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – An improvised explosive device placed by insurgents near the town of Qalat, Zabul province, today killed four Afghan civilians and wounded three others.

International Security Assistance Force troops responded to the incident and provided immediate first aid to the wounded Afghans.

ISAF aircraft then transported the wounded Afghans to an ISAF hospital for treatment.

This attack once again highlights the dangers of IEDs. The incident also shows the insurgent's lack of respect for Afghan lives by their placing of IEDs near areas populated by civilians.

IEDs target security forces throughout Afghanistan. It is, however, Afghan civilians who are most often

US Navy Furthers Weather Studies

Severe Weather Port Study Effort Expands into Africa

By Lieutenant Commander Christopher L. Gabriel, U.S. Africa Command, Operations and Logistics

 

 

STUTTGART, Germany, May 26, 2009 — U.S. Navy ships operating throughout the world face environmental phenomena such as strong winds, high waves, storm surge, restrictions to visibility, and thunderstorms, all of which can be hazardous while stationed in ports and maneuvering in and out of ports.

Because the U.S. Navy recognizes this as a serious concern to ship captains, the Marine Meteorology Division of the Naval Research Laboratory in Monterey, California, evaluates the severe weather suitability of numerous ports around the world. It documents the results in the form of Severe Weather Port studies, which are sent directly to the Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, and provide decision-making guidance for ship captains, as well as environmental information for operational forecasters.

The port studies, available on the World Wide Web and in CD form, are widely used by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as the small boating and maritime communities throughout the world.

With the development of Africa Partnership Station, the severe weather port study effort has broadened

Iraqi Warrior Training

Warrior Training Sharpens Iraqi Army Combat Skills

BESMAYA, Iraq – The Iraqi Army implemented the Warrior Training Program July 2008.  The program consisted of a battalion level exercise and trained one Iraqi Army unit. 

Since then six other battalions have conducted warrior training exercises and currently five battalions are engaged in exercises throughout Iraq. The sharp increase demonstrates a dedication to unit training, increasing both individual and collective skills.  

The 28-day course is being conducted at Besmaya, Habbaniyah, Numaniya, Kirkuk and Tallil, with nearly 2,800 soldiers in training. 

The goal of the program is to improve war fighting skills of every battalion in the Iraqi Army. The training plan progresses from individual skills through squad, platoon, company and culminates with battalion level exercises. 

Advisors from the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq Joint Headquarters Army Advisory Training Team have noticed a change in the soldiers at the end of the training.  Advisors say individual

Troops Earn Citizenship

Troops Become Citizens During Memorable Naturalization Ceremony By U.S. Army Pfc. Cody A. Thompson, American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan , May 25, 2009 – One hundred and six servicemembers, including 94 soldiers, 10 Marines and two sailors, from countries from Mexico to Japan, celebrated their first Memorial Day as U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony here today. Servicemembers celebrate their first Memorial Day as U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony, May 25, 2009 at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.   After a long naturalization process, emotions ran high as the servicemembers’ journey finally came to an end. “It’s very overwhelming, I’m in harm’s way every day and have worked very hard to get to this point,” said Army Spc. Rhett Cayobit, a Philippine native. “I was very lucky that my unit supported me from day one.” Cayobit is an engineer with the 68th Combat Support Equipment Company, 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade Servicemembers stood proud as they heard trumpets sound their new national anthem. After the last note fell and the servicemembers took their seats, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, commanding general for Combined Joint Task Force-101 spoke about what it means to be a U.S. citizen. “This is a privilege, but one you’ve earned,” Schloesser said. Corinna Luna-Benavides, the field office director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for

300 - A Warriors Legacy Millenia in the Making

Return from battle carrying your shield or carried on it, for I care not to shed my blood with cowards:

Regardless of Politicians, Traitors, Prophets, Tyrants, or Pundits, A Warrior faces all enemies, no matter how numerous, no matter how diabolical, no matter how exotic to preserve the freedom of his Citizens.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the direction one runs when overwhelming odds presents itself.  Courage is the audacity to face overwhelming odds rather than succumb to the natural cowardice of self-preservation and chains of enslavement.

African Lion Exercise Brings Understanding

KENITRA, Morocco - A Royal Moroccan Air Force F-5 jet approaches the refueling basket May 22, 2009 during a fixed wing aerial refueling mission in support of Exercise AFRICAN LION 2009. Throughout the exercise, Fort Worth, Texas-based Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 have been working with Moroccan C-130 pilots, aircrew and mechanics to conduct aerial refueling, low-level flight and other training. The annually scheduled, combined U.S.-Moroccan exercise is designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation's tactics, techniques and procedures and is scheduled to run until June 4. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Rocco DeFilippis)

 

U.S. Marines, Moroccan Aviators Come Together for African Lion Exercise

By Sergeant Rocco DeFilippis, Marine Corps Forces, Africa

KINETRA, Morocco, May 26, 2009 — U.S. Marine and Royal Moroccan Air Force aircrew and support personnel participated in an aviation training exercise (ATX) as part of the annual African Lion 2009 activities.

Marines from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), based at Forth Worth, Texas, and their Moroccan counterparts conducted fixed-wing aerial refueling, assault support, rapid ground refueling, and classroom instruction both here and in sites throughout Morocco.

African Lion is an annual U.S.-Moroccan exercise designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation's tactics, techniques and procedures. The month-long exercise, led by

Zabol, AFG: Bridge Fixed in 3 days

ISAF helps repair Zabul bridge

KABUL, Afghanistan - The U.S. Army’s 4th Engineer Battalion provided the Military Construction Force that repaired a bridge in Zabul province on 20 May. The bridge had been damaged in an explosion that rendered it structurally unsound and impassable to traffic.

The bridge is predominantly used by locals, particularly by agricultural workers, and is an essential link between the local community and the regional economy.

The International Security Assistance Forces’ Regional Command South logistical staff were pivotal in the planning process and also transported the bridge from Kandahar province to Zabul. Repairs to the forty-five-metre bridge were completed in less than three days.

This was the first mission in Afghanistan for the engineers of the 576th Engineer Company from Fort Carson, Colorado. The engineers recently arrived from Iraq.

VFW vs. Warrior Legacy

Memorial Day took me home, to the VFW Post, where my older brothers understand the reason for the day, where I don't hear anyone say Happy Memorial Day, because even if we celebrate the life of the Fallen, it's a day of Remembrance, not bliss. 

Conversations often turn to how the Viet Nam era Veterans can attract the young generation of Veterans.  On this occasion, I also told my older brothers of a new organization, the Warrior Legacy Foundation, even as I wondered how the WLF would attract them.  We are all brothers and there is no conflict of interest between the two organizations, but there is a perception that there may be.  I am caught in the middle of the debate and should be an Ambassador between the two, but haven't done very well at convincing any of anything.

The VFW has a long history and is an important organization that at times has feared it's own demise from lack of new members.  I've often reminded the leadership that their generation was as standoffish towards it as the Current Conflict Veterans seem to be now, when the Viet Nam era Veterans first returned.  Historically speaking,

Fakes & Frauds

When it comes to important causes, things truly deserving, it is likely to attract as many frauds as those truly interested in doing great things.  When a scam artist sees a cause attracting genuine attention, when a politcian sees a cause of true concern, when an egotistical elitist sees passionate endeavor, they will jump on the bus, collecting as much of the spotlight, spending, and show as they can garner.

Good causes can be sunk by the illegitimate showboating of egotistical, selfish idiots.  Some will market ideas, falsely, to tap into sales of selfless, patriotic Americans.

The RNC and DNC both have Veterans that truly believe in their platforms.  There is nothing wrong with

International Enlistment Binds Family

 

Camp Victory, BAGHDAD - Lt. Col. Harold Turner confers with son Brett as he prepares to swear in hiin, Brett Turner, into the Iowa Natonal Guard on Friday. Photo by Spc. Rick Frost, MNCI-PAO, 114th Public Affairs Detachment

 

Red Bull swears in son from thousands of miles away

By: Pfc. J.P. Lawrence on: Mon May 25, 2009 08:32 am CDT

COB BASRA – Lt. Col. Harold Turner is a man of plans. As the logistics planner in the Plans Cell of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, he helps develop logistical support for operations across the nine southern provinces of Iraq. His son, Brett, had plans of following his father into the National Guard. The elder Turner told his son that if he waited to enlist until he returned from his year-long tour in Iraq, he would be there to swear him in.

 

Camp Victory, BAGHDAD - Lt. Col. Harold Turner snaps his son Brett a salute after he swears him into the Iowa Natonal Guard on Friday. Photo by Spc. Rick Frost, MNCI-PAO, 114th Public Affairs Detachment

But when plans changed and Brett decided to enlist ahead of schedule, the elder Turner embarked on a special mission to connect with his son using the power of the Internet.

Turner never planned on his sons joining the military. “I didn’t really push the boys into military service,” said Turner, who has served 26 years. “I didn’t want them to think, ‘This is what dad’s doing, you gotta do it.’”

However, as Turner’s deployment to southern Iraq came closer, Brett began to reconsider. “I said, ‘Son,

Lowgar, AFG: 13 Bad Guys Dead

ANA, coalition forces kill 13 militants in eastern Afghanistan

Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army Commandos with the 6th Kandak, advised by coalition forces, have killed 13 militants in ongoing operations in Kharwar district, Logar province today.
The Afghan-led force was clearing a compound to disrupt enemy activities when they observed several small groups of armed men moving toward them. The combined force called in a precision air strike, which killed four militants.
Afghan and Coalition troops then received small arms and heavy machine-gun fire from a wooded area. They called in another precision air strike, which killed an additional nine militants.
No Afghan Commandos, coalition forces or civilian casualties have been reported as a result of the operation.

Khowst, AFG: Explosives Captured

Afghan National Police, Paratroopers Find Weapon Cache

4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs 

Story by Pfc. Andrya Hill, 05.25.2009 - FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan – The Afghanistan national police and 2nd Platoon, 2nd Battery, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division uncovered a cache of various materials commonly used in the construction of improvised explosive devices, May 12, during a cordon and search of a target location in the Sabari District of the Khost province in eastern Afghanistan.

The mission was implemented and executed successfully, determining a source of recent enemy activity in the area, as well as disrupting enemy IED capabilities.

"The target location was a house that had prior IED facilitators. We found some wires, an anti-personnel land mine, and pressure plate materials. It was enough evidence to arrest [the resident], given the prior history of the place, and the varied array of materials that have all been found in IEDs before, as well as the anti-personnel mine," said 2nd Platoon Leader, 1st Lt. Matthew Asmus.

While the evidence found May 12 was enough to arrest the primary resident, Mammute Khan, the ANP and 2nd Platoon Soldiers said they couldn't be positive that the materials were his. They decided to

GEN Petraeus Visits Camp Leatherneck

 CAMP LEATHERNECK, HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan-Army Gen. David Petraeus, commander, U.S. Central Command, greets Marines from Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan on May 25 at Camp Leatherneck. Petraeus visited Camp Leatherneck to meet some of the Marines who will be conducting counterinsurgency operations here. , Cpl. Aaron Rooks, 5/26/2009 12:00 AM

Four-star Memorial Day visit 

5/25/2009  By Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan's Public Affairs Office, 2nd MEB 

CAMP LEATHERNECK, HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan  — Army Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, visited Camp Leatherneck on May 25 to meet some of the Marines tasked with conducting counterinsurgency operations and mentoring Afghan National Security Forces.

Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, commanding general of Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, and Sgt. Maj. Ernest Hoopii, the brigade's sergeant major, escorted Petraeus during his visit to the home of "Task Force Leatherneck".

It was just one of the memorial visits Petraeus made to the various U.S. service members deployed throughout the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility.

CinC Denounces N.Korean Nuke Test

President, Top U.S. Military Officer Denounce North Korean Nuclear Test By Fred W. Baker III, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2009 – The president and the nation’s top military officer today denounced North Korea's claim that it carried out a powerful underground nuclear test, much larger than previous such tests, to “bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense." "North Korea's nuclear ballistic missile programs pose a great threat to the peace and security of the world and I strongly condemn their reckless action," Obama told reporters this morning in the White House Rose Garden. North Korea's actions they are a blatant violation of international law, and they contradict North Korea's own prior commitments, he said. "The record is clear: North Korea has previously committed to abandoning its nuclear program," Obama said. "Instead of following through on that commitment it has chosen to ignore that commitment. These actions have also flown in the face of United Nations resolutions. "As a result, North Korea is not only deepening its own isolation, it's also inviting stronger international pressure -- that's evident overnight, as Russia and China, as well a our traditional allies of South Korea and Japan, have all come to the same conclusion: North Korea will not find security and respect through threats and illegal weapons." Obama said the international community must take action in response to North Korea's threatening activities. "We will work with friends and our allies to stand up to this behavior and redouble our efforts toward a

Baghdad: Soldiers Honor The Fallen

Soldiers Remember Fallen Comrades

Tuesday, 26 May 2009

Approximately 300 U.S. servicemembers, along with Coalition members, gather outsided Al Faw Palace to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during a Memorial Day service on Camp Victory, May 25. Photo by Pvt. Karin Leach, Multi-National Corps – Iraq.      BAGHDAD — Red stands for valor, white for innocence and purity and blue for justice, vigilance and perseverance. These are the meanings behind the flag that many U.S. servicemembers have died for. To honor those men and women, approximately 300 servicemembers gathered at Al Faw Palace on Camp Victory here for Memorial Day, May 25. "Today we remember and salute our fallen comrades in arms," said Brig. Gen. Peter C. Bayer, Jr., chief of staff, MNC-I. "We grieve for the loss and smile at their memory. We shed tears of sorrow and we hope and vow that they will not be forgotten." Joining the U.S. troops were members of the Iraqi Security Forces, Australian Army, and British Army.  Junior enlisted and commissioned officers sat side by side to pay tribute. "I'm proud to be following in the footsteps of those servicemembers who served here before me," said