War On Terror News

Iraqis Control Mission Support

Airmen 'step Back' As Iraqis Take Control of Mission Support

Story by Staff Sgt. Joseph Buzanowski

An Iraqi soldier carries a box of food from an Iraqi dining facility for his fellow Soldiers pulling guard duty at Camp Taji, Iraq, July 12. This dining facility is run exclusively by the Iraqi Army with some assistance from an American Airman assigned to the Logistics Military Advisor Team.  Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Keller

07.30.2009  CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- U.S. Airmen don't run dining facilities for the Iraqi military here. They don't pump fuel; they don't make runs to ammunition storage points. At least not any more.

All of these daily tasks that require the utmost attention to detail and dedication to supporting mission readiness are handled directly by Iraqi soldiers.

AFG Battlefield Communication Critical

Communications: Critical to Marines on the Battlefield

Story by 1st Lt. Kurt Stahl

Cpl. Bryan J. Vanlieshout, 24, satellite communications operator for RCT-3, checks the cable connections on the Low-Noise Amplifier, July 29. The large satellite is set to go online, Aug. 1. Photo by 1st Lt. Kurt Stahl 

07.31.2009  HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A squad of Marines is patrolling through the Helmand River valley in southern Afghanistan, and suddenly machinegun fire rings out from a nearby compound filled with insurgents. The Marines immediately attain a grid coordinate for the exact location and radio for a fire mission. Within minutes, a precision round lands directly on the target and neutralizes the threat.

This exact scenario occurred, July 28, and it's just one of many real-life combat missions that would not be successful without the work of communications Marines within Regimental Combat Team 3.

Communications, or "S-6," Marines support the entire framework of operations here – from field radios to secure e-mail.

AFG Bridge Replaces Rope Ferry To School

School, Bridge Highlight Progress in Afghanistan

07.31.2009LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - An agreement for a new school to be built and a new bridge over the Kunar River highlight continued improvements in Afghanistan.

An Afghan construction company here agreed with Task Force Mountain Warrior servicemembers July 29 to build a primary school in the province's Qhargayee district.

The new school, the fourth to be built in the province, will serve as the first primary educational center for the children of Miakhan Kac village and surrounding areas. Funding will come from

Airmen saved Iraqi girl after IED blast

Airmen save Iraqi girl's life after IED blast

by Staff Sgt. Jake Richmond  332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/30/2009 - JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS) -- Security forces Airmen, emergency medics and hospital staff here saved an Iraqi girl after an improvised explosive device detonated at her feet in July near Joint Base Balad.

The girl and her family had just attended a Joint Base Balad-sponsored clothing-and-toys distribution for local children at the east entry control point, but shortly after the event ended Airmen near the ECP heard an explosion.

July 28 airpower: Tankers

July 28 airpower summary: Tankers fuel coalition aircraft

A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornado over Iraq using the multi-point refueling systems. With MPRS, Air Force tankers have the versatility to refuel Air Force, Navy and coalition aircraft all in the same mission. (U.S. Air Force file photo)

7/29/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Near Surkhabad, coalition aircraft and Air Force B-1B Lancers provided armed overwatch for a patrol and convoy that were in the same area. Enemy forces posed an imminent threat when they started moving heavy weapons. The coalition aircraft responded by dropping precision-guided munitions on the enemy position. The B-1B dropped several GBU-31s when the friendly forces convoy came under small-arms fire from enemy forces. The friendly forces were able to safely evacuate under air cover.

Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers at Lashkar Gar

Helmand governor meets with Marine leaders

Helmand Province governor visits local leaders, Marines in Nawa District

Staff Sgt. William Greeson, Regimental Combat Team 3

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, commander of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, addresses local Nawa men and key officials of the Nawa District during a shura July 23. The purpose of the shura is for Helmand Provincial governor Gulav Mangal to address the reestablishing of the Afghan National Government in the Nawa District. Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, are deployed in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and will participate in counter insurgency operations and training and mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces to improve security and stability in Afghanistan., Lance Cpl. James Purschwitz, 7/23/2009

 

7/30/2009 NAWA DISTRICT, HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan  — 

  More than 200 local Afghans gathered for a shura here with July 23, 2009.  A shura serves as a meeting for locals to voice their opinions and concerns to leaders who have the power to change things. 

AFG Taliban-Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Taliban Actions Speak Louder Than Words, General Says

Story by Donna Miles  Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

07.30.2009  WASHINGTON - Although the Taliban recently issued a "code of conduct" booklet aimed at projecting a more positive image to the Afghan people, their actions directly contradict this goal, the spokesman for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan said yesterday.

Canadian Brig. Gen. Eric Tremblay told reporters in Afghanistan the Taliban are falling far short of the goals prescribed in their new "Taliban 2009 Rules and Regulations Booklet."

ISAF forces seized a copy of the booklet, dated May 9 on its blue cover, earlier this month in southern Afghanistan.

Believed to be the first of its kind, the booklet preaches a style of warfare based on Islamic law and aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people. Among its guidelines,

Are More Afghan Security Forces Needed?

Envoy Cites Need to Increase Afghan Security Force

Story by Gerry Gilmore  Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

07.30.2009  WASHINGTON - Increasing the numbers of Afghan military forces and police is essential for Afghanistan ultimately to assume responsibility for its own security, a senior U.S. diplomat said here yesterday.

"An expansion of the armed services and police of Afghanistan is obviously necessary," Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, told reporters at a State Department news conference.

"It's absolutely essential that over time Afghanistan assume responsibility for its own security," said Holbrooke, who was appointed to his position by President Barack Obama in January.

On March 27, Obama announced his plan to increase U.S. support to Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat terrorist elements that operate in the region and to provide security and a better quality of life for Afghan citizens. Before the strategy review,

Make 'cents' of Deployments

Story by Andria Allmond 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

07.29.2009 JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Deployments can certainly enrich a military career, but many service members don't realize how much they can enrich a bank account. Many deployed personnel supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom are eligible to take part in the Savings Deposit Program.

"The SDP is a unique financial option available to deployed service members through which they can receive up to 10 percent annual interest on deposits, compounded at 2.5 percent quarterly," said Staff Sgt. Kevin Smith, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Financial Management customer service technician. "The average for most financial institutions is 2.4 percent interest. So, SDP is a great short-term financial investment with a guaranteed return on the dollar."

Who is eligible?

RIP CWO Douglas Vose III

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Chief Warrant Officer Douglas M. Vose III, 38, of Concrete, Wash., died July 29 in Kabul Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Stuttgart, Germany.

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

REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday 3 AUG 2009 6:08-6:09 PM, Central Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of noticification since prior Monday.   

6:00 PM to 6:02 Central are TWO Minutes of Silence (#MoS) dedicated to SPC Bowe Bergdahl, currently held hostage by the Taliban Terrorists, and will remain Until his return home #Bowe

July 27 airpower: B-1B

July 27 airpower summary: B-1B provides overwatch

The setting sun silhouettes a B-1B Lancer in Southwest Asia. The B-1B has the capability to carry guided and unguided weapons and deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against specific targets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Michael Boquette)

7/28/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Near Shurakian, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly convoy. Enemy forces opened heavy small-arms fire from a tree line position on the friendly forces. The A-10s strafed the enemy position multiple times and then dropped several guided bomb unit-38s. Coalition aircraft also dropped several GBU-12s on the same location. Friendly forces were able to safely evacuate under air cover.

A patrol that struck an improvised explosive device requested air support from A-10s

RIP PVT Gerrick Smith

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Pvt. Gerrick D. Smith, 19, of Sullivan, Ill., died July 29 in Herat, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry, Illinois Army National Guard, Marion, Ill.

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

REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday 3 AUG 2009 6:07-6:08 PM, Central Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of noticification since prior Monday.   

6:00 PM to 6:02 Central are TWO Minutes of Silence (#MoS) dedicated to SPC Bowe Bergdahl, currently held hostage by the Taliban Terrorists, and will remain Until his return home #Bowe

No Longer MIA Welcome Home Air Force CMSgt. Quincy Adam of Kansas City, KS

War hero brought home, laid to rest after 40 years missing in action

by Senior Airman Kenny Holston  509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

7/28/2009 - KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AFNS) -- As three rifle vollies rang throughout Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery July 27, the sounds meant a Vietnam War veteran who had been missing in action for more than 40 years was finally home to rest . 

Kenneth Adam, father of Chief Master Sgt. Quincy Adam, waits for the burial portion of his son's funeral service to begin July 27 at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery in Kansas City, Kan. Chief Adam is a Vietnam War veteran who was missing in action for more than 40 years. Chief Adam's remains were discovered in Southeast Asia, and he was finally brought home to be laid to rest, giving his family closure in their lives. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kenny Holston)

Active-duty members, retirees and their families gathered at Chief Master Sgt. Quincy Adam's final resting place to pay their respects. Among them was Staff Sgt. Adam Blankenship, cousin of Chief Adam. 

WI NatGuard Staying Put Until Mission Completed

Wisconsin Troops Not Leaving Iraq Until Mission Complete

Story by Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke

 

07.29.2009 BAGHDAD, Iraq – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said conditions in Iraq have improved, which may accelerate the U.S. combat brigade drawdown from the country, but that doesn't mean the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team is coming home earlier than planned, Wisconsin Guard officials told reporters in a live satellite feed today.

"I am relatively certain that until our mission is done ... the jobs that our Soldiers are doing will not allow them to leave theatre early," said Col. Steve Bensend, the BCT commander.

A reporter asked if another brigade leaving early would affect morale among the Wisconsin troops.

"I don't believe so," Bensend said. "I think the Soldiers focused on their mission, they understand it, they believe in what they are doing and they are very prepared to complete the mission until it is time to leave."

"Actually, I think that would be a good thing for morale, because

Exercise to Focus on Terror Prevention

DHS Coordinates National Level Exercise to Prevent Terrorist Attacks with Federal, State, Local Tribal, Private Sector, and International Partners

Office of the Press Secretary, July 24, 2009

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will launch on Monday (August 3rd) the five-day National Level Exercise 2009 (NLE 09)—the first national level exercise to focus on terrorism prevention—in conjunction with federal, state, local, tribal, private sector and international partners.

MSG David Miles, Silver Star

• Home State: West Virginia
• Awarded: Silver Star

• During the invasion of Baghdad, Master Sgt. Miles and his team were ambushed by enemy fighters at a bridge overpass in southern Baghdad on April 7, 2003. Outnumbered 20-to-1, three members of Miles’s group got pinned down under the intense firefight and were unable to escape. Miles organized the recovery mission as the enemies continued to attack. He performed first aid on two of his team members, one of whom would have bled to death without treatment. He was able to carry both of them to safety. In all, Miles killed or directed the killing of up to 20 Saddam loyalists.

  For his actions, Miles was awarded the Silver Star Medal on March 10, 2005.

July 26 airpower: C-17s

July 26 airpower summary: C-17s help sustain coalition operations

The C-17 Globemaster III performs tactical airlift and airdrop missions, transports passengers, delivers troop resupply and all types of cargo throughout Southwest Asia in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Clay Lancaster)

7/27/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Near Surkhabad, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Enemy forces opened heavy small-arms fire trapping the friendly forces. The A-10s executed several strafing runs on the enemy positions and then dropped several guided bomb unit-38s. Coalition aircraft also dropped several GBU-12s on same location. Friendly forces were able to evacuate their position.

AFG Powering Up In Helmand

Utilities Marines adapt, overcome to bring power to RCT-3

LANCE CPL. DANIEL A. FLYNN

   CAMP DWYER, HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – When in a deployed

environment, such as here in Afghanistan, one of the most important necessities is electricity.

  Life here is no exception to the rule.

The responsibility to facilitate these power requirements falls on eight utilities Marines from Okinawa, Japan, who are now deployed with Regimental Combat Team 3 here.

The utilities Marines arrived at Camp Dwyer in mid June, and it took about three weeks to get power up and running for the command operations center, according to Lance Cpl. Anthony R. Hale, an electrician with RCT-3.

Marines let the dogs out

LANCE CPL. JOHN P. HITESMAN

 

NIMRUZ PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - When 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan arrived here they brought trained improvised-explosive-device-detector dogs to assist them during foot patrols and at check points.

Here since May, the dogs came after completing more than a year of training at the American K-9 Interdiction (AK9I) in Suffolk, Va., where they were trained to find more than 25 different commercial- and military-grade explosives. 

After their training was completed, the dogs were paired with Marines with whom they got along.  Those Marines learned the different commands to control the dogs, even from great distances.

“It took a while at first to match the dogs with the Marines

AFG Task Force Yukon Seizes Weapons

ANSF, ISAF service members find cache, detain two

29 Jul. 2009  KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) and International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) service members conducted a joint operation on July 27 in the Sabari District of Khost Province in eastern Afghanistan in which a sizable weapons cache was confiscated and two suspected militants were detained.

During the operation, ISAF and ANSF service members searched a qualat and discovered

AFG Insurgents Attack Medical Mission

29 Jul. 2009  KABUL, Afghanistan - Earlier this afternoon, an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) convoy, in southern Afghanistan, struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) resulting in the wounding of soldiers. When helicopters arrived to evacuate the wounded soldiers the insurgents opened fire on the medical evacuation operation, damaging one of the helicopters.

An attack on clearly marked evacuation aircraft is in clear violation of international accords for the protection of medical personnel.

One helicopter left the scene with all the wounded personnel whilst the damaged helicopter remains on the ground.

Four Army Nurses Meet Again In Iraq

Austin Peay State University Nurses Reunite in the 47th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad

Story by Capt. George Mallory  13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

07.29.2009  BAGHDAD - How do four different nurses from three different places around the United States meet in Iraq? Well the Army Medical Department system called the Professional Officer Filler System, which is able to track Army medical personnel requirements as they relate to the readiness for deploying Army units. This system chooses personnel based on skill sets and prior deployments and places them into a unit who are supporting missions around the world. This very complex system is what makes this story so unique.

Four Army Nurse Corps Officers are currently deployed to Iraq with the 47th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Lewis Washington: Col. Greg Kidwell (Ft. Lewis, Wash.), Maj. John Taylor (Ft. Sill, Okla.), Maj. Kevin Snyder (Ft. Knox, Ky.), and 1st Lt. Michael Robertson (Ft. Lewis, Wash.). These Army Nurses' mutual bond was discovered through conversations about attending Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tenn.

Maj. John Taylor (APSU '93)  Photo by Capt. George Mallory

IR Battalian Receives Battle Streamer

Gen. Carter F. Ham Awards 133rd Engineering Battalion Battle Streamer

Story by Sgt. Peter Morrison  121st Public Affairs Detachment

 

07.29.2009 HOHENFELS, Germany -- Soldiers of the 133rd Engineer Battalion were awarded the Iraqi Campaign and Meritorious Unit Commendation streamers, July 29, by the Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army for their participation and exceptional meritorious conduct while serving in Iraq, 2004-2005.

Gen. Carter F. Ham pinned the streamers on the 133rd Battalion flag, or guidon, in front of over 150 Maine Army National Guard Soldiers, some of which were deployed with the unit when they served under Ham while he was the commander of Multi-National Brigade - North in Mosul, Iraq.

The Iraq Campaign streamer, also referred to as a battle streamer, is placed on the guidon as a symbol of the unit's legacy. The 133rd lineage and streamers trace back through American history to the distinguished 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment in 1861.

AFG U.S. Troops Search Cave for Weapons

Photo Essay by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith

 

U.S. Army Spc. Jonathan Araiza uses a pick mattock to search a pile of loose dirt for enemy weapons caches in a cave near Shah Wali Zarat in Khost province, Afghanistan, July 24, 2009. Araiza is assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's Company A, 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team.  U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith  Download Hi-Res

 

 

School Furthers Iraqi Development

Training Takes Center Stage in Iraq

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2009 – Training is at the forefront of the new U.S. advisory role in Iraq, and that includes educating both Iraqis and Americans on everything from cultural awareness to flight skills, military officials say.

The Iraqi Defense Ministry’s Ministerial Training and Development Center held its first cultural awareness course July 26 under the direction of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq – known as MNSTC-I -- for those in the command who are not Iraqi advisors.

The center opened in 2007 as a partnership school with Iraqi instructors and U.S. advisors, and hosts a two-day course for new

Nuclear Program: Israel Weighs in

Gates Discusses Iran, Other Issues With Israeli Leaders

By Jim Garamone  American Forces Press Service

JERUSALEM, July 27, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates discussed the Iranian nuclear problem and other defense issues with Israeli leaders here today.

Gates met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak during a quick trip to Israel.

During a news conference with Barak at the historic King David Hotel, Gates received firsthand the Israeli feeling on Iran’s nuclear weapons program. “This is a central issue in our minds here,” Barak said. “We do welcome a coordinated international effort to try to block this nuclear military problem.”

The Israelis told Gates that the continuation of the Iranian effort could

July 25 airpower: A-10

July 25 airpower summary: A-10 provides armed overwatch

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provide close-air support to ground troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. The A-10's excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude and its highly accurate weapons delivery make it an ideal aircraft for supporting coalition operations.(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon)

7/26/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Near Asadabad, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Enemy forces opened heavy small-arms fire trapping the friendly forces. The A-10's provided several strafing runs on the enemy positions and then dropped several guided bomb unit-38's which stopped the enemy engagement.

DoD On Orders to Close Gitmo

Official Underscores Commitment to Close Detention Center By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden, American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, July 29, 2009 – The Defense Department remains committed to meeting President Barack Obama’s one-year timeline to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Pentagon’s top lawyer said yesterday. “A bipartisan cross section of distinguished Americans has called for the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, and has done so for a period of years,” Jeh C. Johnson, the Defense Department’s general counsel, said before the Senate Judiciary Committee. “The president imposed a deadline on us for closing Guantanamo Bay, and we remain committed to meeting that deadline, and we’re confident we’ll get the job done.” Two interagency task forces made up of personnel from the Defense, State, Justice and Homeland

Taliban Code of Conduct

A number of people have asked me my opinions about the Taliban's new Code of Conduct. I hope to see the actual document as soon as I can find a translated copy of it. But from the excerpts I have seen, and news stories that have been written in AJE about it, it is very worrisome to me on a number of different levels.

The first area that worries me tremendously about this document is its desire to increase the Taliban's legitimacy. Many analysts have said that this document is an answer to General McCrystal's new ISAF Tactical Directive. Well, that may be part of the story, but I do not feel it is all of the story. The Taliban for the last 2-3 years has been striving to increase their legitimacy amongst the local populace. They have realized that there are gaps in the Afghan Governments ability to penetrate all of its territory with security, stability, basic sustenance, and governmental infrastructure. They have tried to take advantage of that gap by establishing shadow governments within these areas, and become the de-facto government.

Also, they have taken advantage of the weakened tribal system, and used it to play weak tribes against other weak tribes. They have formed coalitions of smaller tribes to take over areas that other tribes had once inhabited. What does all of this mean? The Taliban have taken a play from Mao and are establishing legitimacy through becoming the de-facto government. For a long time in Afghanistan, the effort for us was at establishing governance at the central level in Kabul. Because of this, local governance was not strengthened as it should have been. Coupled with the issues of penetration by the Afghan Government, this has allowed the Taliban to become a legitimate force and government in many of these areas. This code of conduct in my opinion is just the next step in achieving greater legitimacy at the local level.

Secondly, this code of conduct worries me due to its timing. The new tactical directive from ISAF HQ was signed on 6 July 2009. That means that less than two weeks later the Taliban were pushing this new code of conduct. That is an impressive timeline for an organization that is dispersed and spread throughout Afghanistan and Pakistan to publish a concise statement in return. It shows a great deal of synchronization and command and control. The other part of that timing is that this comes out less then a month from the Afghanistan Elections. I highly question how much of this was to also influence voters, and whether it will work. Coupled with the desire to increase their legitimacy, this could be a very ugly development.

SecDef Gates Presses for Kurd-Arab Peace

Arabs, Kurds Should Take Advantage of U.S. Help, Gates Says

By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service

ERBIL, Iraq, July 29, 2009 – Arab and Kurdish Iraqis should take advantage of the remaining time U.S. forces will be in the country to work out their differences, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said to Kurdish President Massoud Barzani here today.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates meets with Massoud Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Regional Government, at the government’s version of the White House during a brief visit to Erbil, Iraq, July 29, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison

Gates met with Kurdish Regional Government leaders at their version of the White House, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said. Gates -- accompanied by Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq -- congratulated Kurdish officials for last week’s free and fair elections and said the Kurdish people always have been good friends of the United States.

Under the U.S.-Iraqi agreement signed in December, all U.S. troops will be out of Iraq by the end of 2011. Gates urged Kurdish leaders here today and Iraqi government leaders in Baghdad yesterday to take advantage of the remaining

American presence to work through their disagreements. Gates delivered the same message to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

The issues include a law governing distribution of oil revenue, internal boundaries and security. Morrell said Gates asked the leaders “to reach sustainable agreements on these issues.” Gates said the United States supports the United Nations task force set

Improvements Affect Iraq Drawdown Schedule

Gates Says Iraq Drawdown May Accelerate Moderately

By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service

INCIRLIK, Turkey, July 29, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said conditions in Iraq have improved to the extent that the U.S. combat brigade drawdown from the country may accelerate.

“I think there is at least a chance of a modest acceleration” in the drawdown schedule, Gates said during a news roundtable today.

Gates visited Iraq yesterday and today, and was pleased with the progress being made. As part of the U.S.-Iraqi agreement signed in December, American forces turned over responsibility for security

July 24 airpower: Reaper

July 24 airpower summary: Reaper stops enemy attack

A MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle prepares to land after a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Reaper has the ability to carry both precision-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

7/25/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS)  -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Near Konduz, coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces that were on convoy. Enemy forces opened fire on the convoy with small-arms fire. The aircraft provided several shows of force on the enemy positions which stopped the enemy engagement on the convoy.

At Sangin, an MQ-9A Reaper

SGT Jason Mike Silver Star

• Hometown: Radcliff, KY
• Awarded: Silver Star

Staff Sgt. Nein and then-Spc. Mike were part of a routine convoy escort on March 20, 2005, when a group of more than 30 insurgents ambushed the convoy. Enemy fighters had taken up positions in irrigation ditches along the road and in an orchard nearby. Insurgents disabled the lead vehicle, bringing the convoy to a halt in the middle of the kill zone. As insurgents began streaming toward the stopped convoy, Nein and his team leader, Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester, jumped out of their vehicles and took cover near the enemy’s trench. Mike’s vehicle, which was toward the end of the convoy line, took up a position at the other end of the trench, trapping the enemy fighters. As Nein and Hester began clearing the trench of insurgents from one side, another wave of fighters attacked from the other side, wounding three of the four soldiers around Mike. Mike, a medic, moved the injured soldiers out of direct enemy fire, picked up two weapons, and began defending from the attacks on both sides. After Mike eliminated the threat, he began treating the wounded.

Meanwhile, as soldiers provided cover fire, Nein and Hester moved through two trenches filled with enemy fighters. They cleared both trenches, killing 27 insurgents, wounding six, and capturing one. The group also recovered several items of significance, including a video camera that the insurgents were using to film the ambush and another video tape in the pocket of a dead enemy fighter that showed a beheading.

For their actions, Nein and Mike received the Silver Star Medal in June 2005.

• Interview:
  • Apr 08, 2007 (2.2MB)
    WDAY 970 AM

AFG: USMC Brothers Bart

Face of Defense: Brothers Provide Support From Above

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Samuel Nasso, Special to American Forces Press Service

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan, July 29, 2009 – Marine Corps Maj. Richard “Bart” Bartolomea says he feels at home serving with his brother, Bill, in an operational environment.

Marine Corps Majs. William and Richard Bartolomea pose in front of an AH-1W Super Cobra, June 12, 2009. The brothers are deployed to Afghanistan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Nasso

"It's awesome," he said. "I brought the board games, but haven't had the chance to break them out yet."

The officer in charge of the Scan Eagle detachment from Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan, Bart was commissioned as a Marine officer after earning a bachelor's degree at Pennsylvania State University in 1994.

Bill, known as "Chakka," is the director of the department of safety standardization for Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 169. He also earned a degree from Penn State, graduating in 1995.

As many boys do, the brothers aspired to be professional athletes. But

Gates Establishes New Cyber Subcommand

By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates signed a memo yesterday establishing a subcommand focused on cyber security, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters today.

Details about the new U.S. Cyber Command, which will report to U.S. Strategic Command, still are unfolding. But Gates reportedly plans to recommend Army Lt. Gen. Keith B. Alexander, director of the National Security Agency, to receive his fourth star and take on the additional responsibility of commanding the cyber command.

RIP Seaman Andrew Charpentier

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

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

 

    Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Andrew Scott Charpentier, 21, of Great Falls, Mont., died July 23 at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Fla., from a non-combat related illness incurred while assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

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

 

REQUEST that all afford my Brothers a Moment of Silence each on Monday 3 AUG 2009 6:06-6:07 PM, Central Time.  REQUEST that each Moment of Silence be dedicated each Monday to my Fallen Brothers in order of noticification since prior Monday.   

6:00 PM to 6:02 Central are TWO Minutes of Silence (#MoS) dedicated to SPC Bowe Bergdahl, currently held hostage by the Taliban Terrorists, and will remain Until his return home #Bowe

Baghdad: Pumping Out Waste

Major Sewage Project Complete

 

Iraqi construction workers place new sections of pipe for a sewer network in the Salhiyah neighborhood of northwest Baghdad, recently. The project was funded by Coalition forces, but the plan and execution were in the hands of local Iraqi government officials. Photo courtesy of 1st Infantry Division.

BAGHDAD — The effort to restore essential services in Baghdad has seen a significant increase as security improves throughout the Iraqi capital.  One example of this is the competition of a major sewer network project for the residents of Karkh.

"I was pleased to see this sewage project in our area," said Mobarak, Salhiyah neighborhood council chairman. "We have not seen a project like this occur in our area in over 15 years."

The project was one of many started and seen through to completion by members of the Joint Project Management Office (JPMO) of the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT), but this project stood out to the Soldiers because of the direct impact it will have on the citizens here.

"The people of Salhiyah will have a new sewer network that will last for decades," said Maj. Andy Attar,

Processing Restitution for Iraqi Civilian Death

Assistance for Diyala vehicle accident victims underway

Multi-National Division – North PAO - FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, DIYALA, Iraq – A claims process is being expedited regarding a car accident in which one Iraqi civilian was killed and three injured in a collision with a U.S. Army military vehicle July 26 in Diyala province.

The U.S. Army commander of the Soldiers involved in the accident met with the Mayor of Mandali following the incident to discuss the circumstances of the accident and the steps currently underway in order to help the families of the victims.

“Our thoughts and prayers certainly go out the victims of this accident,” said 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division spokesman, Maj. Chris Hyde. 

“We will continue to work with our Iraqi counterparts to ensure that the victims of this incident receive

RIP BP Agent Robert Rosas

In the Line of Duty

Friday, July 24, 2009: We were deeply shocked this morning to learn of the murder of a member of the DHS family: Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas was shot and killed last night in the line of duty while on patrol in San Diego County, California. DHS is working with the FBI and local law enforcement on the investigation, and a manhunt is underway for the gunmen who killed Agent Rosas.

Local Iraqi Security Finally Paid

Sons of Iraq receive pay, despite obstacles

Multi-National Division – North PAO - FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – Several hundred Sons of Iraq came to receive payment during a SoI payday, July 23, at the headquarters of the 4th Battalion, 15th Iraqi Army Brigade, near Patrol Base Doria, Rashad, Iraq.

Local officials are working with the GoI to resolve the issue of payment delays since responsibilities for SoI payment transitioned to the Government of Iraq in Kirkuk in April. 

“This payment is for May,” said Lt. Col. Arifan, the 15th IA Bde’s training officer who was present to oversee the payments in July. “We [GOI] have to work on solutions to the pay problem.”

Maj. Ian Palmer, operations officer, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, was present during the payday and said the SoI program is now under a centralized