Editor's Note: A number of the technologies being employed by domestic law enforcement are being used for homeland security and counter-terrorism.
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, June 21, 2007
"Could Robot Be Cops' Best Friend?"
San Bernardino County Sun (CA) (06/18/07); Wall, Stephen
A new remote-operated device known as Guardian 5 could allow police to perform the job an officer normally would who pulls over a car for a violation. The robot raises to the height of a car window, asks the driver for his license, uses a mechanical arm to accept the license, and transmits a video image of it to the officer in the patrol vehicle. Guardian 5, which was created by Redlands, Calif., auto technician Fernando Ramirez, is meant to protect police in high-danger situations. Ramirez thought up Guardian 5 in 2006 following a pair of incidents involving state Highway Patrol officers on area freeways. One officer was shot and hurt in November 2005 after he pulled over a speeding vehicle on the 15 Freeway in Ontario, while the other officer was killed in February 2006 when a drunk motorist hit his motorcycle and a truck he had pulled over on the 15 in Hesperia. Guardian 5, which is made of aluminum, sits in a black carrier in the front of a police car, and can expand itself to as high as 52 inches. Once it is deployed, Ramirez stated that the device can be returned to its carrier in under 30 seconds. Innovative Response Technology robotics program manager Carey Butler believes Guardian 5 would cost between $30,000 and $50,000 apiece, although "the marketplace will want to see it much less expensive, probably in the $15,000 to $25,000 range." http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_6166706
"Crime Solvers Tap Into Texting"
Boston Globe (06/15/07); Smalley, Suzanne
Police in Boston were set to announce on June 15 a new text-messaging system for anonymous tips, in order to increase the public's chances of communicating with police. The initiative, which is being promoted as the initial one in the country to combine text messaging with an anonymous tip line, is meant to make use of texting's privacy and its popularity among numerous youths, who may be less likely to call the police. Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis noted that Los Angeles and New York have started testing text messaging to emergency dispatchers, but stressed that no other department has introduced a comprehensive plan to produce crime tips via anonymous text messaging. Members of numerous Boston radio stations were set to convene with police authorities on June 15 to talk over contributing air time for radio commercials manufactured by Boston advertising agency Hill Holliday touting the plan. In addition, the MBTA has contributed advertising space in four or five stations and around 250 buses, while area businesses have contributed multiple ad spaces on streets and inside bus shelters. The program depends greatly on technology from VeriSign. To text authorities, an individual can dial CRIME (27463) on his cell phone keypad and text the word tip. The tipster gets an instant return message telling him that the tip is anonymous and recommending that he contact 911 if an emergency has occurred.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/
06/15/crime_solvers_tap_into_texting/
"Criminal Investigations Advance With New Technology"
Associated Press (06/14/07); Gross, Andale
Cell phones are proving an essential tool in helping investigators solve crimes, as the body of an 18-year old kidnapping victim was found in Kansas City, Mo., after law enforcement tracked her cell phone signals. "The Kelsey Smith case may not have looked like a case that could be solved by technology, but in many ways it was," says head prosecutor Eric Zahnd. In another case, a woman claiming that she had been abducted was tracked by her cell phone when authorities discovered her story was a fabrication. Phone companies do not release records to police or allow for tapping into calls without permission from the court, yet tracking technology via surveillance videos, email, and Web sites (such as MySpace) facilitate the process for criminal investigations. As FBI special agent Jeff Lanza says, "Without technology, a lot of cases would reach a dead end very fast."
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MO_SLAIN_TEEN_
TECHNOLOGY_MOOL-?SITE=MOPAR&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
"Metro Police Seek Funds for DNA Analysis"
Tennessean (06/15/07) P. 1B; Bottorff, Christian
New advances in DNA technology are helping homicide detectives in Nashville, Tenn., solve cold cases. Metro police first launched a homicide unit in 2005 to review old cases. Of the 258 unsolved cases, 33 have been reopened, 19 have been vacated, and four are in the prosecution phase. Heartened by the number of unsolved cases that have been solved with the aid of new DNA technology, homicide detectives are seeking a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to open more cases. Funding from the grants will also help cover overtime and travel expenses for detectives and could boost production by 25 percent. "It will increase the possibilities," says Metro Sgt. Pat Postiglione. "The funding would allow detectives the luxury to be able to look at more cases than they would normally be looking at without the grant."
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070615/NEWS03/706150409/1001/NEWS
"Can a 'Virtual Fence' Help Seal U.S. Border?"
Wall Street Journal (06/15/07) P. B1; Lunsford, J. Lynn.; Block, Robert
A 28-mile electronic fence dubbed SBInet will soon be tested by the U.S. government in an effort to better protect the country's borders. The fence is composed of nine 98-foot-tall towers spaced out along a section of the border just south of Tucson, Ariz., featuring long-range video cameras, radar, and motion sensors. The Department of Homeland Security says the virtual fence will cost around $8 billion through 2013, and may incorporate biometrics and air assets. The equipment can focus on people from up to five miles away and on vehicles as far away as 15 miles. The data from the towers will be transmitted to a command center as well as to several Customs and Border Patrol vehicles outfitted with special gear. Federal agents would be alerted to attempts of drug smugglers and others trying to cross into the country. Some agents worry that drug cartels would buy or develop technology to thwart the virtual fence, while others say only law enforcement agents can be truly effective deterrents. Boeing won an initial contract of $70 million in 2006 to start developing the system, which, if successful, will lead to the installation of hundreds more of the camera towers along the country's borders with Mexico and Canada. According to officials, an alarm will sound if a person get too close to a tower, and agents can remotely use a "hailer horn" to broadcast warnings at a volume as high as a jetliner taking off. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118187410529636352.html
"Homeland Security Grant to Buy High-Tech Radar on Lake"
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (06/17/07)
The Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority will use a $242,000 homeland security grant to install a radar-based surveillance system that will allow law enforcement authorities to monitor naval traffic on Lake Erie. A secure Internet connection will allow local, state, and federal agencies to access the radar system, which can be used for detecting boats that are behaving suspiciously or speeding. The system, which has a range of four miles from land, will also prove useful during search and rescue missions and in reconstructing boating accidents. Joseph Weindorf, the Erie County (Pa.) public safety director, says the system will address law enforcement's ability to scrutinize what takes place on the water, currently a major weakness. Similar systems have been installed in the San Francisco, Chesapeake, and Delaware bays.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07168/794973-85.stm
"Wireless Shotgun Round Extends TASER Reach"
United Press International (06/14/07)
A new shotgun-fired TASER provides more range for police officers to subdue suspects. Unlike current TASER devices, which are made with a wire that places officers in direct contact with targets, the XREP round is wireless, allowing officers to deliver electrical jolts from a distance. The XREP round is also made to be used with a standard 12-gauge shotgun. Following its July release, field tests of the XREP are scheduled to take place this fall. http://www.washtimes.com/upi/20070614-022330-9706
"Police to Put Cameras on Tasers"
Middletown Journal (Ohio) (06/13/07); Schwartzberg, Eric
Funds granted to Fairfield Township, Ohio, will allow for police officers to record potential suspects' every move from a Taser. "The mere fact that you can digitally record the action obviously serves you well when you go to court, both for the criminal case and if there's any liability that someone wants to assess on the township at a later time," said Police Chief Richard St. John. The federal grant will equip every office with a Taser, while the Taser Cam would be able to record up to 90 minutes of video from an internal memory chip. The Taser Cam costs $400, yet it is less expensive than equipping each police car with a camera. The grant from the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance would give $18,798 to the township.
http://www.middletownjournal.com/search/content/oh/story/
news/local/2007/06/13/hjn061307fftwpmeet.html
"JFK Pipeline Warrants Police Patrol: U.S. Reps"
Flushing Times Ledger (06/14/07); Koplowitz, Howard
U.S. Reps. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) and Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) are calling for boosted law enforcement to protect John F. Kennedy International in light of recent revelations of an alleged plot to blow up fuel tanks at the airport. "I am calling for increased federal resources from the Department of Homeland Security to compliment the ongoing security efforts of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey at JFK," Meeks said at a recent news conference. The lawmakers advocate greater cooperation between federal, state, and local officials in regards to security as well as boosted police patrols and camera surveillance at the targeted area.
http://www.timesledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=
18474994&BRD=2676&PAG=461&dept_id=542415&rfi=6
"Dollars and Sensors"
Newsday (06/14/07); Eisenberg, Carol
New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly is calling on federal legislators to fully fund the Homeland Security Department's pilot program, Securing the Cities, to guard against a nuclear or radiological attack. The program would establish a ring of radiological detectors on bridges, highways, and tunnels leading into New York City, within an approximately 50-mile range. Police officials from several states have united to lobby Congress for the $40 million needed to finance the project, which was developed in response to the 2005 London terror strikes. The London plot originated 180 miles north of London, in Leeds, illustrating the "regional aspect of the terrorist threat," said Kelly, and inspiring a more regional approach to security in the United States. In addition to the proposed Securing the Cities program, New York has joined forces with Baltimore, Buffalo, and other jurisdictions along the East Coast to identify threats before they reach the city.
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-ushome145255011
jun14,0,1578744.story?coll=ny-nationalnews-print
"Wayne County Sheriff Launches Operation 'Safe Child' in Wayne County"
US States News (06/15/07)
Wayne County, N.Y., Sheriff Richard Pisciotti reports the implementation of "Operation Safe Child" through the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office is the first law enforcement agency in Wayne County to participate in the program, which involves digitally fingerprinting and photographing children. The Sheriff recently received a grant from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to purchase the necessary equipment that consists of the latest digital fingerprinting technology and high resolution photography capabilities. Sheriff Pisciotti states national statistics show that approximately 35 percent of parents do not know certain pertinent information about their children, including their height, weight, and eye color. Many parents also do not possess recent photographs of their children. Utilizing "Operation Safe Child," law enforcement personnel can take a digital photograph of a child along with digital prints of the child's index fingers. A small wallet size Identification card can be created for parents/guardians bearing the child's photograph, prints and other biographical information including name; date of birth; eye color; height; weight and any other descriptive information. With written permission of a parent or guardian, the information can be kept in a special data base at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services in Albany. This database can greatly assist law enforcement with the investigation of a missing child. Stored information regarding a missing child can be sent electronically to other law enforcement agencies in minutes, which can greatly enhance the possibility of bringing a missing child home safely. http://w3.nexis.com/sources/scripts/info.pl?296938
"New Machine Speeds Airport Screening for Amputees"
USA Today (06/12/07); Howard, Kate
Nashville International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Tampa International, and San Jose International are set to launch piloting of the CastScope portable X-ray machine, designed to more efficiently screen passengers with casts, braces, and prosthetic limbs for weapons or explosives. The technology will allow screening to be conducted in a matter of seconds rather than the 10 to 15 minutes it can take when these travelers are patted down and scanned with a metal detector wand if they set off a metal detector. Screening using the technology will be optional for passengers at the selected airports.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/
2007-06-12-airport-prosthetic-screening_N.htm
"New Technology Would Lengthen Long Arm of Law"
Grand Junction Sentinel (CO) (06/11/07); Hamilton, Amy
The Grand Junction (Colo.) Police Department and the Mesa County (Colo.) Sheriff's Department want to invest in a technology called COPLINK, a database sharing system that is designed to help law enforcement cross-reference information and communicate with other agencies across the state. The system is also designed to help law enforcement make connections in cases and identify and track suspects more quickly, according to Mesa County Sheriff Stan Hilkey. Combining information in law enforcement databases for the city and county--which are currently stored on two separate systems--could have other benefits as well, including saving law enforcement hundreds of hours in investigative time. The system will be installed on the departments' existing computers at a cost of about $400,000, said Deputy Chief Troy Smith of the Grand Junction Police Department. He added that the system could be online locally as soon as the first part of 2008.
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/content/news/stories/
2007/06/11/6_11_1a_Coplink.html
"A Drive to Destroy Data"
NJ.com (06/10/07); Coryell, Lisa
A public security breach involving sensitive police information obtained from auctioned Ewing Township computers and posted online has revealed the need for statewide standards on destroying government data. Though the contractor hired to clean the hard drives of the soon-to-be-auctioned Ewing Township computers believed he had thoroughly erased the hard drives, a computer expert was able to extract confidential police information. In response, New Jersey townships are modifying their methods of protecting data stored in hard drives of computers slated for local charities, the recycling heap, or public auctions. Moreover, the state of New Jersey is reconsidering its policy of auctioning old PCs with intact hard drives. The state currently wipes hard drives clean "to state standards," but is investigating whether supplemental safeguards are needed, says Mark Perkiss of the state Treasury Department. In technology circles, experts debate whether "scrubbing" programs that overwrite files with binary strings are enough; some contend that data can be left intact due to tracking errors or bad sectors on the disk. Indeed, some experts choose to physically destroy hard drives with drills or sledgehammers.
http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-3/11814483064430.xml&coll=5
"XML Joins the Force"
Government Computer News (06/04/07); Walsh, Trudy
Law enforcement must be able to successfully manage data to protect citizens, asserts Mike Phillips, project manager of a data integration project in Florida called FLEX (Florida Law Enforcement Exchange). To this end, Florida needed to link information from some 400 agencies statewide including city, county, and university police departments, sheriffs offices, and district attorney offices. All these agencies have individual budgets, dispatch systems, and record management systems, and to access such data, the state's law enforcement community needed to focus on metadata, or the information about data. The state's law enforcement department created eight metadata planners, one for each of Florida's seven regions and one for the state's Department of Corrections. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) opted to work with the National Information Exchange Model (NEIM), an interagency framework for sharing data through Extensible Markup Language (XML), an open standard for exchanging information across various computer systems or platforms. NEIM is structured on the Global Justice XML Data Model designed by the U.S. Justice Department for use by law enforcement as a data standard. According to Phillips, Florida is the first state to rely on a relational form of NEIM. FDLE selected Sypherlink's NIE Gateway because of its artificial intelligence features, he says. Phillips says the use of Sypherlink has allowed Florida to form a statewide data dictionary as well as a central data warehouse that permit FDLE to undertake predictive analysis and sophisticated analytics, and FLEX is enabling all the state's approximately 400 law enforcement to access such tools. http://www.gcn.com/print/26_13/44399-1.html
"We Can See Clearly Now"
Government Computer News (06/04/07) Vol. 26, No. 13,; Marshall, Patrick
Though face recognition technology experienced a series of failures in the early 2000s, those setbacks prompted a focused research effort, the results of which are now evident. Scores from the 2006 Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) were 10 times better than the scores from the previous FRVT test in 2002. In addition, the face recognition software was found to be more accurate than humans by the 2006 FRVT. Whereas face recognition algorithms were originally based on single, still images of faces, researchers today use 3D images, allowing algorithms to gather data on how features look under various lighting conditions and viewing angles, thereby generating more precise measurements. Microfeature analysis, the identification of patterns in skin texture, is another valuable development, thanks to new, higher-resolution cameras. Skin texture patterns are so unique that even identical twins differ, making microfeature analysis a "secondary signature" of the face, along with the geometric signature, says Joseph Atick of L-1 Identity Solutions. Patrick Flynn, one of the FRVT 2006 investigators and a professor at the University of Notre Dame, notes that FRVT only assessed the technology's performance in controlled, cooperative identification situations, throwing doubt on whether it can function as well in uncontrolled conditions with uncooperative subjects. At a minimum, Flynn anticipates a growing adoption of face recognition technology in controlled surveillance situations, such as verifying employees at the elevator. http://www.gcn.com/print/26_13/44396-1.html
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Official Cites Iraqi Government Responsiveness After Mosque Attack
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
June 19, 2007 – A senior defense official today credited decisive action by the Iraqi government with helping to prevent last week's bombing at the Golden Mosque in Samarra, Iraq, from escalating into widespread sectarian violence. Bryan Whitman, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, cited the Iraqi government's "very positive response to a very tragic incident."
Two near-simultaneous explosions on June 13 destroyed two minarets at the mosque, one of the holiest Shiite shrines in Iraq. An investigation is continuing to identify the perpetrators, Whitman said.
A previous attack on the mosque, in February 2006, set off widespread retaliatory attacks between Sunni and Shiia groups.
Iraqi leaders "were pretty aggressive" following the second bombing as they reached across ethnic lines to the Iraqi people to calm tensions, Whitman said. They instituted a curfew, which was lifted early June 17, visited the site personally and committed to rebuilding the mosque.
"Time will tell in the days ahead" if these actions can prevent a recurrence of the kind of violence that followed the February 2006 bombing, he said.
Whitman condemned the "tragic and terrible bombing" of a Shiite mosque in central Baghdad today, but drew no link between it and the Golden Mosque attack. A truck bomb reportedly struck Baghdad's Khilani mosque, causing heavy Iraqi civilian casualties.
The incident occurred as the U.S. troop surge deployed to help stabilize Baghdad reached full force.
Army Gen. David H. Petraeus said in June 17 interviews that the surge has helped reduce sectarian murders and executions in Baghdad by one-third between January and April. And despite an uptick in violence in May, the levels of violence are again going down, he added.
"The fact is, as we go on the offensive, the enemy is going to respond," Petraeus said.
Petraeus said the additional troops give him the combat power to launch operations in al Qaeda sanctuaries where there has been little permanent coalition force presence in the past.
These troops "are in the midst of conducting full-scale offensive operations," Whitman said today.
American Forces Press Service
June 19, 2007 – A senior defense official today credited decisive action by the Iraqi government with helping to prevent last week's bombing at the Golden Mosque in Samarra, Iraq, from escalating into widespread sectarian violence. Bryan Whitman, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, cited the Iraqi government's "very positive response to a very tragic incident."
Two near-simultaneous explosions on June 13 destroyed two minarets at the mosque, one of the holiest Shiite shrines in Iraq. An investigation is continuing to identify the perpetrators, Whitman said.
A previous attack on the mosque, in February 2006, set off widespread retaliatory attacks between Sunni and Shiia groups.
Iraqi leaders "were pretty aggressive" following the second bombing as they reached across ethnic lines to the Iraqi people to calm tensions, Whitman said. They instituted a curfew, which was lifted early June 17, visited the site personally and committed to rebuilding the mosque.
"Time will tell in the days ahead" if these actions can prevent a recurrence of the kind of violence that followed the February 2006 bombing, he said.
Whitman condemned the "tragic and terrible bombing" of a Shiite mosque in central Baghdad today, but drew no link between it and the Golden Mosque attack. A truck bomb reportedly struck Baghdad's Khilani mosque, causing heavy Iraqi civilian casualties.
The incident occurred as the U.S. troop surge deployed to help stabilize Baghdad reached full force.
Army Gen. David H. Petraeus said in June 17 interviews that the surge has helped reduce sectarian murders and executions in Baghdad by one-third between January and April. And despite an uptick in violence in May, the levels of violence are again going down, he added.
"The fact is, as we go on the offensive, the enemy is going to respond," Petraeus said.
Petraeus said the additional troops give him the combat power to launch operations in al Qaeda sanctuaries where there has been little permanent coalition force presence in the past.
These troops "are in the midst of conducting full-scale offensive operations," Whitman said today.
14 Servicemembers Killed in Iraq; Previous Casualties Identified
American Forces Press Service
June 21, 2007 – Fourteen U.S. servicemembers have been killed in Iraq over the last two days, military officials reported today.
-- Five Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers, three Iraqi civilians and an Iraqi interpreter were killed today when a roadside bomb detonated near a coalition vehicle during combat operations in a northeastern section of Baghdad June 21. Another soldier and two Iraq civilians were also wounded in the attack.
-- A Multinational Corps Iraq soldier was killed and three others were wounded early today when their vehicle was attacked by a rocket-propelled grenade in northern Baghdad.
-- Four Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed yesterday when their convoy was struck by a roadside bomb in western Baghdad. Another soldier was wounded in the attack.
-- Two Marines assigned to Multinational Force West were killed yesterday while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province.
-- Two Task Force Marne soldiers were killed and four others were wounded yesterday when roadside bombs exploded near their vehicle southwest of Baghdad June 20.
The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.
Meanwhile, Defense Department officials have identified 13 soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan in recent days:
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class William A. Zapfe, 35, of Muldraugh, Ky., and Army Pfc. Joshua S. Modgling, 22, of Las Vegas, died June 19 in Muhammad al Ali, Iraq, of wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
-- Army Spc. Darryl W. Linder, 23, of Hickory, N.C., died June 19 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered in a roadside bomb explosion. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
-- Army Sgt. Derek T. Roberts, 24, of Gold River, Calif.;
--Army Spc. Val J. Borm, 21, of Sidney, Neb.; and
--Army Spc. Farid Elazzouzi, of Paterson, N.J., died June 14 in Kirkuk, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Infantry Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
-- Army Sgt. Eric L. Snell, 35, of Trenton, N.J., died June 18 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with insurgents using small-arms fire in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
-- Army Pfc. Larry Parks Jr., 24, of Altoona, Pa., died June 18 in Arab Jabor, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart.
-- Army Sgt. Richard K. Parker, 26, of Phillips, Maine, died June 14 in Scania, Iraq, of wounds suffered in a roadside bomb explosion the previous day. He was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Regiment, Maine Army National Guard, Waterville, Maine.
-- Army Capt. Joshua E. Steele, 26, of North Henderson, Ill.;
- -Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Henderson, 35, of Hillsboro, Ore.; and
- -Army Sgt. 1st Class John M. Hennen, 26, of Vinton, La., died June 17 in Panjway, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Steele and Hendrson were was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transition Team), Fort Riley, Kan. Hennen was assigned to the Louisiana National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, Lake Charles, La.
-- Army Pfc. David A. Wilkey Jr., 22, of Elkhart, Ind., died June 18 of wounds suffered in a roadside bomb attack in Baghdad the previous day. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Defense Department news releases.)
American Forces Press Service
June 21, 2007 – Fourteen U.S. servicemembers have been killed in Iraq over the last two days, military officials reported today.
-- Five Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers, three Iraqi civilians and an Iraqi interpreter were killed today when a roadside bomb detonated near a coalition vehicle during combat operations in a northeastern section of Baghdad June 21. Another soldier and two Iraq civilians were also wounded in the attack.
-- A Multinational Corps Iraq soldier was killed and three others were wounded early today when their vehicle was attacked by a rocket-propelled grenade in northern Baghdad.
-- Four Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed yesterday when their convoy was struck by a roadside bomb in western Baghdad. Another soldier was wounded in the attack.
-- Two Marines assigned to Multinational Force West were killed yesterday while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province.
-- Two Task Force Marne soldiers were killed and four others were wounded yesterday when roadside bombs exploded near their vehicle southwest of Baghdad June 20.
The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.
Meanwhile, Defense Department officials have identified 13 soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan in recent days:
-- Army Sgt. 1st Class William A. Zapfe, 35, of Muldraugh, Ky., and Army Pfc. Joshua S. Modgling, 22, of Las Vegas, died June 19 in Muhammad al Ali, Iraq, of wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
-- Army Spc. Darryl W. Linder, 23, of Hickory, N.C., died June 19 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered in a roadside bomb explosion. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
-- Army Sgt. Derek T. Roberts, 24, of Gold River, Calif.;
--Army Spc. Val J. Borm, 21, of Sidney, Neb.; and
--Army Spc. Farid Elazzouzi, of Paterson, N.J., died June 14 in Kirkuk, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Infantry Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
-- Army Sgt. Eric L. Snell, 35, of Trenton, N.J., died June 18 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with insurgents using small-arms fire in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
-- Army Pfc. Larry Parks Jr., 24, of Altoona, Pa., died June 18 in Arab Jabor, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart.
-- Army Sgt. Richard K. Parker, 26, of Phillips, Maine, died June 14 in Scania, Iraq, of wounds suffered in a roadside bomb explosion the previous day. He was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Regiment, Maine Army National Guard, Waterville, Maine.
-- Army Capt. Joshua E. Steele, 26, of North Henderson, Ill.;
- -Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Henderson, 35, of Hillsboro, Ore.; and
- -Army Sgt. 1st Class John M. Hennen, 26, of Vinton, La., died June 17 in Panjway, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Steele and Hendrson were was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transition Team), Fort Riley, Kan. Hennen was assigned to the Louisiana National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, Lake Charles, La.
-- Army Pfc. David A. Wilkey Jr., 22, of Elkhart, Ind., died June 18 of wounds suffered in a roadside bomb attack in Baghdad the previous day. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Defense Department news releases.)
Bush Calls Iraq Success Vital to Middle East, World
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
June 19, 2007 – The establishment of a democratic Iraq will benefit freedom-loving people across the Middle East and around the world, President Bush told reporters today at a White House news conference. "I'm committed to helping the Iraqis succeed with a democracy," Bush told reporters with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at his side.
A democratic Iraq also is "in the interest of the Middle East," the president pointed out, noting extremists there and worldwide would be buoyed by the failure of Iraq's new government.
Establishing a free society in Iraq represents "the great challenge of our time," Bush said, while acknowledging "there will be forward movement and there will be setbacks" as U.S., coalition and Iraqi government forces continue to battle insurgents in Iraq.
Extremists have attacked democratic governments in Iraq and Lebanon, and they're also working to thwart a potential Palestinian democracy, Bush pointed out.
Bush expressed optimism that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a politically moderate Arab also known as Abu Mazen, and Olmert would work together to forge peaceful ties between the Palestinian and Israeli people.
Abbas "is a voice that is a reasonable voice against the extremists in your neighborhood," Bush told Olmert at the news conference. Dangerous extremists operating in the area include the terror group Hamas, which is sworn to destroy Israel. Abbas' party, Fatah, lost influence and Hamas gained power in Palestinian legislative elections held last year.
The enmity between Abbas and Hamas represents "an ideological struggle," Bush noted. The United States recognizes Abbas as the legitimately elected president of Palestine, Bush pointed out, while Hamas is "a group of radicals and extremists who are willing to use violence, unspeakable violence sometimes, to achieve a political objective."
Abbas represents an alternative vision that's opposed to violence as exemplified by Hamas' actions, Bush said, noting that peace-loving nations should combine forces to thwart such terrorist organizations.
"That's precisely what we're doing in Iraq. We strongly believe it's in the world's interest to support this young democracy," Bush said.
Al Qaeda terrorists "killed nearly 3,000 of our people here in the United States," the president recalled, noting that terror group is now conducting major car bomb attacks and other "unspeakable violence" in Iraq.
Leaving Iraq to the terrorists would provide them with a safe haven, Bush said, while demoralizing the world's democracies.
Defeating terrorism represents "the calling of our time," Bush said, noting today's responsible world leaders must demonstrate and provide the determination, willpower and vision necessary to triumph over terrorism's dark philosophy of violence.
"And, I believe we do," Bush concluded.
American Forces Press Service
June 19, 2007 – The establishment of a democratic Iraq will benefit freedom-loving people across the Middle East and around the world, President Bush told reporters today at a White House news conference. "I'm committed to helping the Iraqis succeed with a democracy," Bush told reporters with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at his side.
A democratic Iraq also is "in the interest of the Middle East," the president pointed out, noting extremists there and worldwide would be buoyed by the failure of Iraq's new government.
Establishing a free society in Iraq represents "the great challenge of our time," Bush said, while acknowledging "there will be forward movement and there will be setbacks" as U.S., coalition and Iraqi government forces continue to battle insurgents in Iraq.
Extremists have attacked democratic governments in Iraq and Lebanon, and they're also working to thwart a potential Palestinian democracy, Bush pointed out.
Bush expressed optimism that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a politically moderate Arab also known as Abu Mazen, and Olmert would work together to forge peaceful ties between the Palestinian and Israeli people.
Abbas "is a voice that is a reasonable voice against the extremists in your neighborhood," Bush told Olmert at the news conference. Dangerous extremists operating in the area include the terror group Hamas, which is sworn to destroy Israel. Abbas' party, Fatah, lost influence and Hamas gained power in Palestinian legislative elections held last year.
The enmity between Abbas and Hamas represents "an ideological struggle," Bush noted. The United States recognizes Abbas as the legitimately elected president of Palestine, Bush pointed out, while Hamas is "a group of radicals and extremists who are willing to use violence, unspeakable violence sometimes, to achieve a political objective."
Abbas represents an alternative vision that's opposed to violence as exemplified by Hamas' actions, Bush said, noting that peace-loving nations should combine forces to thwart such terrorist organizations.
"That's precisely what we're doing in Iraq. We strongly believe it's in the world's interest to support this young democracy," Bush said.
Al Qaeda terrorists "killed nearly 3,000 of our people here in the United States," the president recalled, noting that terror group is now conducting major car bomb attacks and other "unspeakable violence" in Iraq.
Leaving Iraq to the terrorists would provide them with a safe haven, Bush said, while demoralizing the world's democracies.
Defeating terrorism represents "the calling of our time," Bush said, noting today's responsible world leaders must demonstrate and provide the determination, willpower and vision necessary to triumph over terrorism's dark philosophy of violence.
"And, I believe we do," Bush concluded.
Start of 'Arrowhead Ripper' Highlights Iraq Operations
American Forces Press Service
June 19, 2007 – The beginning of a new offensive targeting al Qaeda in the Iraqi city of Baqubah highlights recent operations reported by military officials in Iraq. Troops began Operation Arrowhead Ripper in Baqubah today, killing 22 insurgents in a large-scale effort to eliminate al Qaeda members. The 2nd Infantry Division's 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team launched the offensive with a quick-strike night air assault early this morning. By daylight, attack helicopters and ground forces had engaged and killed the enemy fighters in and around Baqubah.
"The end state is to destroy the al Qaeda influences in this province and eliminate their threat against the people," said Army Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, deputy commanding general of operations for the 25th Infantry Division. "That is the No. 1, bottom-line, up-front, in-your-face task and purpose."
About 10,000 soldiers, with a full complement of attack helicopters, close-air support, Strykers and Bradley fighting vehicles, are taking part in Arrowhead Ripper, which is still in its opening stages. Elements of the 1st Cavalry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team from Fort Hood, Texas, the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team from Fort Lewis, Wash., and the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, also are participating in the operation.
"One of the keys as we initiate combat actions and operations here is the newly formed Diyala Operations Center," Bednarek said. "It serves as an integration center that will coordinate all activities in Diyala (including) the police, the army and coalition forces from Task Force Lightning.
In a separate operation south of Baghdad today, coalition forces raided a series of buildings targeting associates of an al Qaeda emir in the area. As ground forces approached the buildings, a man ran out of the house and rushed toward coalition forces, ignoring the soldiers' translator's instructions to stop.
Coalition forces, reacting to the perceived hostile threat, shot and killed the man. Inside the building, coalition forces detained a suspected terrorist with alleged ties to the targeted emir, military officials said.
Additionally, coalition forces captured a suspected associate of senior al Qaeda leaders in the Iraqi capital today, and detained three suspects with alleged ties to terrorist leaders. Troops also found a small weapons cache.
In Anbar province, two separate coalition operations today netted six suspected terrorists associated with senior al Qaeda leaders, officials said. Troops nabbed three individuals south of Fallujah for their alleged involvement in planting improvised explosive devices and organizing terrorist groups in the area. Forces detained three suspects with alleged ties to terrorist leaders west of Tarmiyah.
During two operations in Mosul today, coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists in raids targeting individuals involved in a terrorist cell responsible for hijacking and kidnapping operations, and financing terrorist activities.
"Our continued pressure on the leaders and operatives of the al Qaeda network is denying them breathing space in Iraq," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "The crumbling network has no place in the future of Iraq."
Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division killed four extremist gunmen and detained two others during two engagements in Baqubah yesterday. In a separate engagement nearby, coalition attack helicopters from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade and coalition ground forces identified four extremists operating in a wooded area. Attack helicopters engaged and killed the four extremists.
Coalition forces raided a building in Baghdad yesterday and captured a suspected terrorist linked to a car bomb network. The detainee allegedly obtains supplies and components for the car bomb network.
On June 17, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers detained six suspects at an alleged IED cell site near Abu Saida. While searching the area, soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, detained the men allegedly responsible for recent attacks on civilians, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces in the area, officials said.
In the village of Duraiya the same day, soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, detained five suspects and seized a rifle. The unit's mission, according to the battalion's leaders, was to disrupt key insurgent networks in the battalion's area of operation.
As a part of the Multinational Division Center's Operation Marne Torch, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, soldiers have begun aggressive operations to eliminate insurgent sanctuaries southeast of Baghdad. The battalion has conducted three air assault missions in the last 12 days to eliminate or deter destabilizing influences in the region.
"When the enemy chooses not to engage us, in the areas they consider sanctuaries, it shows us that the enemy fears us. It also shows the local population that we will protect them," said Army 1st Lt. Josh Powers, assistant operations officer for the regiment, which is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga.
In other news, troops seized multiple caches June 17 near Tuwaitha as part of a coalition force effort to eliminate insurgent sanctuaries southeast of the Iraqi capital.
Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, who are currently attached to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, detained four individuals. Two detainees told coalition forces the locations of multiple cache sites, which contained 29 cell phones, three AK-47 assault rifles, body armor and ammunition.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
June 19, 2007 – The beginning of a new offensive targeting al Qaeda in the Iraqi city of Baqubah highlights recent operations reported by military officials in Iraq. Troops began Operation Arrowhead Ripper in Baqubah today, killing 22 insurgents in a large-scale effort to eliminate al Qaeda members. The 2nd Infantry Division's 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team launched the offensive with a quick-strike night air assault early this morning. By daylight, attack helicopters and ground forces had engaged and killed the enemy fighters in and around Baqubah.
"The end state is to destroy the al Qaeda influences in this province and eliminate their threat against the people," said Army Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, deputy commanding general of operations for the 25th Infantry Division. "That is the No. 1, bottom-line, up-front, in-your-face task and purpose."
About 10,000 soldiers, with a full complement of attack helicopters, close-air support, Strykers and Bradley fighting vehicles, are taking part in Arrowhead Ripper, which is still in its opening stages. Elements of the 1st Cavalry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team from Fort Hood, Texas, the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team from Fort Lewis, Wash., and the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, also are participating in the operation.
"One of the keys as we initiate combat actions and operations here is the newly formed Diyala Operations Center," Bednarek said. "It serves as an integration center that will coordinate all activities in Diyala (including) the police, the army and coalition forces from Task Force Lightning.
In a separate operation south of Baghdad today, coalition forces raided a series of buildings targeting associates of an al Qaeda emir in the area. As ground forces approached the buildings, a man ran out of the house and rushed toward coalition forces, ignoring the soldiers' translator's instructions to stop.
Coalition forces, reacting to the perceived hostile threat, shot and killed the man. Inside the building, coalition forces detained a suspected terrorist with alleged ties to the targeted emir, military officials said.
Additionally, coalition forces captured a suspected associate of senior al Qaeda leaders in the Iraqi capital today, and detained three suspects with alleged ties to terrorist leaders. Troops also found a small weapons cache.
In Anbar province, two separate coalition operations today netted six suspected terrorists associated with senior al Qaeda leaders, officials said. Troops nabbed three individuals south of Fallujah for their alleged involvement in planting improvised explosive devices and organizing terrorist groups in the area. Forces detained three suspects with alleged ties to terrorist leaders west of Tarmiyah.
During two operations in Mosul today, coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists in raids targeting individuals involved in a terrorist cell responsible for hijacking and kidnapping operations, and financing terrorist activities.
"Our continued pressure on the leaders and operatives of the al Qaeda network is denying them breathing space in Iraq," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "The crumbling network has no place in the future of Iraq."
Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division killed four extremist gunmen and detained two others during two engagements in Baqubah yesterday. In a separate engagement nearby, coalition attack helicopters from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade and coalition ground forces identified four extremists operating in a wooded area. Attack helicopters engaged and killed the four extremists.
Coalition forces raided a building in Baghdad yesterday and captured a suspected terrorist linked to a car bomb network. The detainee allegedly obtains supplies and components for the car bomb network.
On June 17, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers detained six suspects at an alleged IED cell site near Abu Saida. While searching the area, soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, detained the men allegedly responsible for recent attacks on civilians, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces in the area, officials said.
In the village of Duraiya the same day, soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, detained five suspects and seized a rifle. The unit's mission, according to the battalion's leaders, was to disrupt key insurgent networks in the battalion's area of operation.
As a part of the Multinational Division Center's Operation Marne Torch, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, soldiers have begun aggressive operations to eliminate insurgent sanctuaries southeast of Baghdad. The battalion has conducted three air assault missions in the last 12 days to eliminate or deter destabilizing influences in the region.
"When the enemy chooses not to engage us, in the areas they consider sanctuaries, it shows us that the enemy fears us. It also shows the local population that we will protect them," said Army 1st Lt. Josh Powers, assistant operations officer for the regiment, which is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga.
In other news, troops seized multiple caches June 17 near Tuwaitha as part of a coalition force effort to eliminate insurgent sanctuaries southeast of the Iraqi capital.
Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, who are currently attached to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, detained four individuals. Two detainees told coalition forces the locations of multiple cache sites, which contained 29 cell phones, three AK-47 assault rifles, body armor and ammunition.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Detainee Transfer Announced
The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of six detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Two detainees were transferred to Tunisia and four detainees were transferred to Yemen. These detainees were determined to be eligible for transfer following a comprehensive series of review processes at Guantanamo Bay.
Approximately 80 detainees remain at Guantanamo who the U.S. government has determined eligible for transfer or release. Departure of these remaining detainees is subject to ongoing discussions between the United States and other nations.
Since 2002, approximately 405 detainees have departed Guantanamo for other countries including Albania, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Yemen.
Approximately 375 detainees remain at Guantanamo.
Approximately 80 detainees remain at Guantanamo who the U.S. government has determined eligible for transfer or release. Departure of these remaining detainees is subject to ongoing discussions between the United States and other nations.
Since 2002, approximately 405 detainees have departed Guantanamo for other countries including Albania, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Yemen.
Approximately 375 detainees remain at Guantanamo.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died June 17 in Panjway, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.
Killed were:
Capt. Joshua E. Steele, 26, of North Henderson, Ill. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transition Team), Fort Riley, Kan.
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Henderson, 35, of Hillsboro, Ore. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transition Team), Fort Riley, Kan.
Sgt. 1st Class John M. Hennen, 26, of Vinton, La. He was assigned to the Louisiana National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, Lake Charles, La.
For more information related to Steele and Henderson the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
For additional information related to Hennen the media may contact the Louisiana National Guard public affairs office at (225) 319-4928.
Killed were:
Capt. Joshua E. Steele, 26, of North Henderson, Ill. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transition Team), Fort Riley, Kan.
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Henderson, 35, of Hillsboro, Ore. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transition Team), Fort Riley, Kan.
Sgt. 1st Class John M. Hennen, 26, of Vinton, La. He was assigned to the Louisiana National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, Lake Charles, La.
For more information related to Steele and Henderson the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
For additional information related to Hennen the media may contact the Louisiana National Guard public affairs office at (225) 319-4928.
Arrmy Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. David A. Wilkey Jr., 22, of Elkhart, Ind., died June 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit June 17 in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
Pfc. David A. Wilkey Jr., 22, of Elkhart, Ind., died June 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit June 17 in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
1st Lt. Frank B. Walkup, IV, 23, of Woodbury, Tenn., died June 16 in Kirkuk, Iraq, from injuries sustained in Rashaad Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during dismounted operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
For more information, the media may contact the Schofield Barracks public affairs office at (808) 655-4815 or (808) 655-8729.
1st Lt. Frank B. Walkup, IV, 23, of Woodbury, Tenn., died June 16 in Kirkuk, Iraq, from injuries sustained in Rashaad Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during dismounted operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
For more information, the media may contact the Schofield Barracks public affairs office at (808) 655-4815 or (808) 655-8729.
Coalition Trains Afghan Police in Special Weapons, Tactics
By Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Cohen, USN
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2007 – The battle against the Taliban is an ongoing fight throughout Afghanistan. One of the groups leading the charge against the terrorists and insurgents is the Afghan National Police. A new capability is being added to make the Afghan police an even stronger force. The Afghan National Civil Order Police will be an elite group of police officers filling a variety of roles.
Superintendent James Rainville, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is assigned as a mentor with Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan and is in a lead role helping to develop the Afghan's police capabilities.
"These police officers have already finished basic training; some have been on the police force for a couple of years or more," Rainville said. "They recently completed a 60-day course in advanced police training and tactics focused on team building, unit cohesiveness and upgrading skills and abilities before becoming a fully operational unit."
The police officers undergoing Afghan National Civil Order Police training learn to work in small tactical teams, requiring dedicated professionals, said Rainville.
"These (police officers) are the cream of the crop," he said. "The police officers coming through this program are about 90 percent literate, which is very high for Afghanistan. They are eager to learn, and they are catching on very fast."
Coalition military and civilian mentors are instructing the 300 officers going through training here.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Warren Bockhol, an embedded trainer from Task Force Phoenix VI assigned to the Afghan National Army's 201st Corps, is working with the students to hone their skills.
"These guys are motivated and want to learn," Bockhol said. "They want to be here, and it shows."
The skills they learn, including techniques used by special weapons and tactics teams, will help keep them in the fight and establish dominance over their enemy.
"We are teaching them SWAT techniques. Some of these are very similar to infantry skills we use in the field," Bockhol said. "Cordon-and-search (operations) are things we do in an urban environment; these are things they will need to do, as well." Cordon-and-search operations involve clearing buildings and methodically making sure each room is secured and safe.
"We're teaching them how to go room by room, making sure it is safe to proceed," Bockhol said. "We are still in the 'walking' phase of instruction. They are learning the theory and application. By the time they finish this training, they will be effective operators."
Not every police officer will be in the SWAT unit.
"This is as much a selection process as it is training," Rainville said.
Those who do not make the cut for SWAT still will be part of Afghan National Civil Order Police, but will be used in other roles such as crowd and riot control.
"We are looking for people who can shoot accurately, think on their feet, take and follow orders," said Scott Hill, an Afghan National Civil Order Police training mentor with DynCorp. "We need them to be responsive and take in the situation and understand how it is developing."
Hill, a 13-year veteran of a U.S. sheriff's department, said it is not about shooting or hurting people.
"When a SWAT team enters a building, they are going in there to rescue people," Hill said. "The last thing they want to do is go in there, start shooting and kill the wrong person. Discipline is a key part to working in a SWAT unit, as is teamwork and communication."
Sgt. Abdul Shokoor has been an Afghan police officer for the past three years. He is motivated and is a standout among his peers, Bockhol said. Talking to him reveals a dedicated officer who wants to serve with the best Afghanistan has to offer.
"I want to serve my country and make Afghanistan safe for the people," Shokoor said. "Being part of ANCOP has given me the chance to learn new skills and serve with the best. The instructors are excellent and are willing to share their experience with us. They really make this training worthwhile."
Rainville said he is glad to see the progress in the overall training program.
"When these units go into the field, they will be on par with any police unit in the West," he said. "They will have the best training and the best equipment in Afghanistan and will be capable to carry out the tough missions with success."
These police officers will be assigned to Kabul, with future classes being stationed in other provinces throughout Afghanistan, officials said.
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Cohen is assigned to Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2007 – The battle against the Taliban is an ongoing fight throughout Afghanistan. One of the groups leading the charge against the terrorists and insurgents is the Afghan National Police. A new capability is being added to make the Afghan police an even stronger force. The Afghan National Civil Order Police will be an elite group of police officers filling a variety of roles.
Superintendent James Rainville, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is assigned as a mentor with Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan and is in a lead role helping to develop the Afghan's police capabilities.
"These police officers have already finished basic training; some have been on the police force for a couple of years or more," Rainville said. "They recently completed a 60-day course in advanced police training and tactics focused on team building, unit cohesiveness and upgrading skills and abilities before becoming a fully operational unit."
The police officers undergoing Afghan National Civil Order Police training learn to work in small tactical teams, requiring dedicated professionals, said Rainville.
"These (police officers) are the cream of the crop," he said. "The police officers coming through this program are about 90 percent literate, which is very high for Afghanistan. They are eager to learn, and they are catching on very fast."
Coalition military and civilian mentors are instructing the 300 officers going through training here.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Warren Bockhol, an embedded trainer from Task Force Phoenix VI assigned to the Afghan National Army's 201st Corps, is working with the students to hone their skills.
"These guys are motivated and want to learn," Bockhol said. "They want to be here, and it shows."
The skills they learn, including techniques used by special weapons and tactics teams, will help keep them in the fight and establish dominance over their enemy.
"We are teaching them SWAT techniques. Some of these are very similar to infantry skills we use in the field," Bockhol said. "Cordon-and-search (operations) are things we do in an urban environment; these are things they will need to do, as well." Cordon-and-search operations involve clearing buildings and methodically making sure each room is secured and safe.
"We're teaching them how to go room by room, making sure it is safe to proceed," Bockhol said. "We are still in the 'walking' phase of instruction. They are learning the theory and application. By the time they finish this training, they will be effective operators."
Not every police officer will be in the SWAT unit.
"This is as much a selection process as it is training," Rainville said.
Those who do not make the cut for SWAT still will be part of Afghan National Civil Order Police, but will be used in other roles such as crowd and riot control.
"We are looking for people who can shoot accurately, think on their feet, take and follow orders," said Scott Hill, an Afghan National Civil Order Police training mentor with DynCorp. "We need them to be responsive and take in the situation and understand how it is developing."
Hill, a 13-year veteran of a U.S. sheriff's department, said it is not about shooting or hurting people.
"When a SWAT team enters a building, they are going in there to rescue people," Hill said. "The last thing they want to do is go in there, start shooting and kill the wrong person. Discipline is a key part to working in a SWAT unit, as is teamwork and communication."
Sgt. Abdul Shokoor has been an Afghan police officer for the past three years. He is motivated and is a standout among his peers, Bockhol said. Talking to him reveals a dedicated officer who wants to serve with the best Afghanistan has to offer.
"I want to serve my country and make Afghanistan safe for the people," Shokoor said. "Being part of ANCOP has given me the chance to learn new skills and serve with the best. The instructors are excellent and are willing to share their experience with us. They really make this training worthwhile."
Rainville said he is glad to see the progress in the overall training program.
"When these units go into the field, they will be on par with any police unit in the West," he said. "They will have the best training and the best equipment in Afghanistan and will be capable to carry out the tough missions with success."
These police officers will be assigned to Kabul, with future classes being stationed in other provinces throughout Afghanistan, officials said.
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Cohen is assigned to Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan Public Affairs.)
Coalition Forces Kill, Capture Militants in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces killed several militants and detained seven others during operations in Afghanistan over the past two days. Meanwhile, seven Afghan children died during a coalition air strike. Afghan and coalition forces detained five suspected militants in an operation early today against Taliban forces in the Sharan district of Paktika province. Credible intelligence led the forces to the suspected al Qaeda fighter safe house, where troops discovered suspected insurgents during a search, officials said.
In an operation in Paktika province's Zarghun Shah district yesterday, Afghan and coalition forces killed several militants and detained two others, military officials said.
Coalition forces received credible information that a compound containing a mosque and a religious school was being used as an al Qaeda fighter safe house. Troops confirmed the presence of insurgent activity at the site before getting approval to conduct an air strike, military officials said.
Following the strike, residents of the compound confirmed that al Qaeda fighters had been present all day. As military officials reported earlier, seven children at the school died during the strike.
According to children who survived the air strike, the seven children who were killed were being held inside the building throughout the day. Witness statements taken early this morning claim the suspected terrorists prevented the children from leaving the compound by beating the young captives and pushing them away from the door if they attempted to flee.
"This is another example of al Qaeda using the protective status of a mosque, as well as innocent civilians, to shield themselves," said U.S. Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "We are saddened by the innocent lives that were lost as a result of militants' cowardice."
In another engagement, enemy fighters attacked Afghan National Police officers and coalition forces 10 miles southwest of the Sangin District Center, in Helmand province, early yesterday afternoon.
Combined forces repelled the initial attack with small-arms and artillery fire before requesting close-air support to suppress the enemy fighters.
Later that night, additional enemy fighters arrived from the west side of the Helmand River to reinforce several enemy positions in a trench line. The combined force maneuvered to defendable positions, then directed coalition helicopters and close-air-support aircraft to drop munitions on enemy positions.
Military officials said several dozen enemy combatants died during the prolonged battle. Two coalition members were injured during the fighting and were evacuated to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
In the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province, 10 enemy fighters attacked Afghan national security and coalition forces near the village of Eybak. The coalition patrol returned fire and pursued the enemy fighters as they fled to an unoccupied compound. Enemy forces continued to fire upon the combined forces from inside the compound.
Coalition forces requested close-air support, which destroyed the enemy position with munitions. Several enemy fighters died during the five-hour battle, military officials said.
"Afghan national security and coalition forces will prevail against the enemy insurgents in the Sangin and Shah Wali Kot Districts," Belcher said. "We will intensify our operations to rid both areas of insurgent fighters and prevent their return."
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
June 18, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces killed several militants and detained seven others during operations in Afghanistan over the past two days. Meanwhile, seven Afghan children died during a coalition air strike. Afghan and coalition forces detained five suspected militants in an operation early today against Taliban forces in the Sharan district of Paktika province. Credible intelligence led the forces to the suspected al Qaeda fighter safe house, where troops discovered suspected insurgents during a search, officials said.
In an operation in Paktika province's Zarghun Shah district yesterday, Afghan and coalition forces killed several militants and detained two others, military officials said.
Coalition forces received credible information that a compound containing a mosque and a religious school was being used as an al Qaeda fighter safe house. Troops confirmed the presence of insurgent activity at the site before getting approval to conduct an air strike, military officials said.
Following the strike, residents of the compound confirmed that al Qaeda fighters had been present all day. As military officials reported earlier, seven children at the school died during the strike.
According to children who survived the air strike, the seven children who were killed were being held inside the building throughout the day. Witness statements taken early this morning claim the suspected terrorists prevented the children from leaving the compound by beating the young captives and pushing them away from the door if they attempted to flee.
"This is another example of al Qaeda using the protective status of a mosque, as well as innocent civilians, to shield themselves," said U.S. Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "We are saddened by the innocent lives that were lost as a result of militants' cowardice."
In another engagement, enemy fighters attacked Afghan National Police officers and coalition forces 10 miles southwest of the Sangin District Center, in Helmand province, early yesterday afternoon.
Combined forces repelled the initial attack with small-arms and artillery fire before requesting close-air support to suppress the enemy fighters.
Later that night, additional enemy fighters arrived from the west side of the Helmand River to reinforce several enemy positions in a trench line. The combined force maneuvered to defendable positions, then directed coalition helicopters and close-air-support aircraft to drop munitions on enemy positions.
Military officials said several dozen enemy combatants died during the prolonged battle. Two coalition members were injured during the fighting and were evacuated to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
In the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province, 10 enemy fighters attacked Afghan national security and coalition forces near the village of Eybak. The coalition patrol returned fire and pursued the enemy fighters as they fled to an unoccupied compound. Enemy forces continued to fire upon the combined forces from inside the compound.
Coalition forces requested close-air support, which destroyed the enemy position with munitions. Several enemy fighters died during the five-hour battle, military officials said.
"Afghan national security and coalition forces will prevail against the enemy insurgents in the Sangin and Shah Wali Kot Districts," Belcher said. "We will intensify our operations to rid both areas of insurgent fighters and prevent their return."
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
Troops in Iraq Kill, Detain Scores of Insurgents, Find Iranian Rockets
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2007 – Coalition forces killed 21 insurgents, detained 31 and wounded six others in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. Meanwhile, troops there discovered six Iranian-made rockets. Coalition forces killed at least 20 terrorists, wounded six others and detained a suspect during operations this morning targeting secret cells operating in the Maysan province of eastern Iraq.
The detained individual is an alleged member of the secret cell terrorist network known for transporting weapons and explosively formed penetrators -- a particularly deadly, armor-piercing form of roadside bombs -- from Iran to Iraq, military officials said. The group also is responsible for bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.
In coordination with the Iraqi government, coalition forces conducted raids in Amarah and Majjar al-Kabir, where coalition troops came under heavy small-arms fire and rocket-propelled-grenade attacks.
Ground forces retaliated with close-air support to suppress the enemy fire, killing at least 20 terrorists. Military officials said the strafing wounded six suspected terrorists. Coalition fire also destroyed a vehicle being used by the terrorists as a fighting position.
"Terrorists learned this morning that there is no safe haven in Iraq," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Coalition forces will seek out and find terrorists anywhere and everywhere in Iraq."
Iraqi police detained four insurgents as they attempted to plant an improvised explosive device early this morning near Tikrit. U.S. surveillance helicopters from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade engaged and wounded the four individuals after observing them carry and place materials into a hole. They are being treated for their wounds and have been detained for further questioning by local Iraqi security forces.
During operations today and yesterday to disrupt the al Qaeda car-bomb network in Baghdad, coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists.
Troops netted four suspected terrorists allegedly involved with the car-bomb cell this morning in southern Baghdad, military officials said. They captured another individual with suspected ties to a smuggling ring known for bringing bomb-making materials into Iraq.
In a raid in Baghdad and Haditha yesterday, coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists whose network supports Syria-based extremists and provides suicide bombers, vehicles and explosives for the cell.
"Disrupting the bombing network in Baghdad is a high priority for us, and we will continue to target the cells' leaders and members," Garver said.
Yesterday, soldiers from 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment supporting Operation Marne Torch, detained five individuals while conducting a company-sized operation in the city of Duraiya. The purpose of the mission was to disrupt key insurgent networks from freedom of maneuver in the battalion's area of operation, military officials said.
To prevent insurgents from entering southern Baghdad, fixed-wing aircraft dropped four precision-guided bombs on targeted sites June 16, beginning the major Marne Torch offensive. The aircraft supported about 1,200 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, soldiers focused on the security belts surrounding Baghdad. The brigade's efforts are part of the larger operation recently announced by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multinational Force Iraq commander.
Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers and aviation assets discovered six rockets in a schoolyard yesterday in Baghdad's Rashid district, military officials said. While aircrews from 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment investigated an area suspected as the point of origin for rocket fire against Baghdad's International Zone, they spotted suspicious looking objects in a school yard.
Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, assigned to 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, arrived 30 minutes later and found six Iranian-made 107 mm rockets. An explosive ordnance disposal unit later disposed of the munitions.
"Great teamwork and cooperation between vigilant Army aviators and our soldiers prevented those rockets from being used against the people of Rashid and the forces securing the district," said U.S. Army Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, the 4th Brigade Combat Team commander.
In other news from Iraq, Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment on a mounted patrol in Baghdad's Adhamiyah District on June 16 received small-arms fire from a small group of ski mask-wearing insurgents on a rooftop. Soldiers returned fire, and the insurgents fled. A wild chase through the city streets followed as the soldiers attempted to cut off the insurgents' escape route, U.S. officials said.
During the ensuing 20-minute battle, coalition forces killed one insurgent and nabbed three others.
Military officials reported today that Iraqi security forces detained four suspected terrorists yesterday believed to have information regarding the June 13 Askari Mosque bombing in Samarra. Acting on previous intelligence, forces raided the target building and detained the four individuals believed to be linked to the recent bombing and other criminal activity in Samarra, officials said.
Iraqi forces also seized several propaganda documents, a compact disc showing attacks against coalition forces, several cell phones, 10 feet of detonation cord, 81 blasting caps, identification cards for access to the mosque, and photos depicting terrorist training.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
June 18, 2007 – Coalition forces killed 21 insurgents, detained 31 and wounded six others in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. Meanwhile, troops there discovered six Iranian-made rockets. Coalition forces killed at least 20 terrorists, wounded six others and detained a suspect during operations this morning targeting secret cells operating in the Maysan province of eastern Iraq.
The detained individual is an alleged member of the secret cell terrorist network known for transporting weapons and explosively formed penetrators -- a particularly deadly, armor-piercing form of roadside bombs -- from Iran to Iraq, military officials said. The group also is responsible for bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training.
In coordination with the Iraqi government, coalition forces conducted raids in Amarah and Majjar al-Kabir, where coalition troops came under heavy small-arms fire and rocket-propelled-grenade attacks.
Ground forces retaliated with close-air support to suppress the enemy fire, killing at least 20 terrorists. Military officials said the strafing wounded six suspected terrorists. Coalition fire also destroyed a vehicle being used by the terrorists as a fighting position.
"Terrorists learned this morning that there is no safe haven in Iraq," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Coalition forces will seek out and find terrorists anywhere and everywhere in Iraq."
Iraqi police detained four insurgents as they attempted to plant an improvised explosive device early this morning near Tikrit. U.S. surveillance helicopters from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade engaged and wounded the four individuals after observing them carry and place materials into a hole. They are being treated for their wounds and have been detained for further questioning by local Iraqi security forces.
During operations today and yesterday to disrupt the al Qaeda car-bomb network in Baghdad, coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists.
Troops netted four suspected terrorists allegedly involved with the car-bomb cell this morning in southern Baghdad, military officials said. They captured another individual with suspected ties to a smuggling ring known for bringing bomb-making materials into Iraq.
In a raid in Baghdad and Haditha yesterday, coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists whose network supports Syria-based extremists and provides suicide bombers, vehicles and explosives for the cell.
"Disrupting the bombing network in Baghdad is a high priority for us, and we will continue to target the cells' leaders and members," Garver said.
Yesterday, soldiers from 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment supporting Operation Marne Torch, detained five individuals while conducting a company-sized operation in the city of Duraiya. The purpose of the mission was to disrupt key insurgent networks from freedom of maneuver in the battalion's area of operation, military officials said.
To prevent insurgents from entering southern Baghdad, fixed-wing aircraft dropped four precision-guided bombs on targeted sites June 16, beginning the major Marne Torch offensive. The aircraft supported about 1,200 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, soldiers focused on the security belts surrounding Baghdad. The brigade's efforts are part of the larger operation recently announced by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multinational Force Iraq commander.
Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers and aviation assets discovered six rockets in a schoolyard yesterday in Baghdad's Rashid district, military officials said. While aircrews from 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment investigated an area suspected as the point of origin for rocket fire against Baghdad's International Zone, they spotted suspicious looking objects in a school yard.
Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, assigned to 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, arrived 30 minutes later and found six Iranian-made 107 mm rockets. An explosive ordnance disposal unit later disposed of the munitions.
"Great teamwork and cooperation between vigilant Army aviators and our soldiers prevented those rockets from being used against the people of Rashid and the forces securing the district," said U.S. Army Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, the 4th Brigade Combat Team commander.
In other news from Iraq, Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment on a mounted patrol in Baghdad's Adhamiyah District on June 16 received small-arms fire from a small group of ski mask-wearing insurgents on a rooftop. Soldiers returned fire, and the insurgents fled. A wild chase through the city streets followed as the soldiers attempted to cut off the insurgents' escape route, U.S. officials said.
During the ensuing 20-minute battle, coalition forces killed one insurgent and nabbed three others.
Military officials reported today that Iraqi security forces detained four suspected terrorists yesterday believed to have information regarding the June 13 Askari Mosque bombing in Samarra. Acting on previous intelligence, forces raided the target building and detained the four individuals believed to be linked to the recent bombing and other criminal activity in Samarra, officials said.
Iraqi forces also seized several propaganda documents, a compact disc showing attacks against coalition forces, several cell phones, 10 feet of detonation cord, 81 blasting caps, identification cards for access to the mosque, and photos depicting terrorist training.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
2007 Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition
REGISTRATION AND EXHIBIT BOOTH SALES NOW OPEN!
Presented by:
The U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS) and Defense (DoD)
Hosted by:
DOJ's Office of Justice Programs' National Institute of Justice, DHS's Science and Technology Directorate, and DoD's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs.
This 9TH annual conference provides DOJ, DHS and DoD the opportunity to highlight the technology and training tools currently available and being developed for the emergency responder community and to elicit responder technology requirements. This conference will provide a forum for responders to discuss best practices and exchange information. Expected to draw 1,500 attendees and 150 exhibits, this three-day conference will bring together key leaders and decision makers--offering responders, business and industry, academia, and Federal, State, tribal and local stakeholders a unique forum to network, exchange ideas, and collaboratively address critical incident technology and preparedness needs, protocols, and solutions.
Supported by:
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA)
InterAgency Board for InterOperability and Standardization (IAB)
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)
Public Safety and Security Institute for Technology (PSITEC)
Technical Support Working Group (TSWG)
US Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
Dates/Location:
November 6-8, 2007,
San Francisco, CA
Venue:
San Francisco Marriott
55 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-3199
P: 415.896.1600
Hotel reservations are available through the conference website. Federal per diem (currently $140/night; subject to change 10/01/07) is available for all attendees, space permitting.
Attendees:
Attendee registration is FREE for the 9th Annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition. Attendance is limited to 1,500. Registration is now open at the conference website.
Exhibitors:
Exhibit booths will be sold by the Marriott and managed by CTC. Booth pricing: $1,800 for Federal government/non-profit/ academia and $2,050 for private sector/industry/ other; booths are sold on a first-come basis. The exhibit hall will accommodate 96 10’ x 10’ booths. Secure your booth now at the conference website!
PLEASE CHECK THE CONFERENCE WEBSITE FOR THE DRAFT DAILY AGENDA, DRAFT TOPICS/SESSIONS, AND MORE INFORMATION!
For more info.: mcook@ctc.org
Presented by:
The U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS) and Defense (DoD)
Hosted by:
DOJ's Office of Justice Programs' National Institute of Justice, DHS's Science and Technology Directorate, and DoD's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs.
This 9TH annual conference provides DOJ, DHS and DoD the opportunity to highlight the technology and training tools currently available and being developed for the emergency responder community and to elicit responder technology requirements. This conference will provide a forum for responders to discuss best practices and exchange information. Expected to draw 1,500 attendees and 150 exhibits, this three-day conference will bring together key leaders and decision makers--offering responders, business and industry, academia, and Federal, State, tribal and local stakeholders a unique forum to network, exchange ideas, and collaboratively address critical incident technology and preparedness needs, protocols, and solutions.
Supported by:
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA)
InterAgency Board for InterOperability and Standardization (IAB)
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)
Public Safety and Security Institute for Technology (PSITEC)
Technical Support Working Group (TSWG)
US Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
Dates/Location:
November 6-8, 2007,
San Francisco, CA
Venue:
San Francisco Marriott
55 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-3199
P: 415.896.1600
Hotel reservations are available through the conference website. Federal per diem (currently $140/night; subject to change 10/01/07) is available for all attendees, space permitting.
Attendees:
Attendee registration is FREE for the 9th Annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition. Attendance is limited to 1,500. Registration is now open at the conference website.
Exhibitors:
Exhibit booths will be sold by the Marriott and managed by CTC. Booth pricing: $1,800 for Federal government/non-profit/ academia and $2,050 for private sector/industry/ other; booths are sold on a first-come basis. The exhibit hall will accommodate 96 10’ x 10’ booths. Secure your booth now at the conference website!
PLEASE CHECK THE CONFERENCE WEBSITE FOR THE DRAFT DAILY AGENDA, DRAFT TOPICS/SESSIONS, AND MORE INFORMATION!
For more info.: mcook@ctc.org
Success in Iraq Determined at 'Macro Level,' Enlisted Leader Says
By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2007 – Individual roles, actions and operations are essential components of the Iraq war effort, but it is the sum of those parts that defines success in the war, the top enlisted leader in theater said last week. To determine whether the coalition is winning or losing in Iraq, it is necessary to consider three points, said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, senior enlisted leader of Multinational Force Iraq, during a June 15 call with online journalists.
The first target, he said, is "a government that (is) able to take care of its people and be self-sustaining" while generating economic growth.
For the second measure, Hill said, "you can define winning by improving the life of the Iraqi people and bringing some form of normalcy back" to them.
The last element, he explained, is building, training and equipping "an Iraqi security force that's capable of providing security for its people."
Progress against those three measures is best measured through "atmospherics," Hill said, taking the pulse of the environment within a certain area to get a sense of normalcy and functionality. Without such context, he noted, numbers and other specifics can sometimes lose meaning.
"I don't think it's about what we do for ourselves while we're over here," Hill said. "I don't think it's about how many hours an aviation unit has flown, or how many missions an infantry unit has done, and how much fuel a petroleum unit has pumped."
Rather, he explained, the usefulness and efficacy of those actions is measured in how they support the mission of assisting the Iraqi people.
"If you're playing a role in that and if you can see progress in that, I think you can say that you are winning," Hill said. "But through your efforts, if you don't see a change in the atmospherics -- if you see the government moving so slow that it appears that they're going backwards, and if you see an Iraqi security force that exists just to exist and not exist to take care of its people, protect its people -- then we are not winning."
That type of contextual balance is often missing from the descriptions of Iraq provided to the American public, Hill said; there is typically a missing link as to how individual actions or events relate back to the central strategy or reality on the ground.
"From the soldier perspective, probably from some of our leaders, I think we just speak in a language that the American people don't understand," he said. "If you were a ... servicemember you understand, 'Okay, I flew more flight hours than such-and-such.' Okay? They're saying that's pretty good, but still, that's whoop-dee-doo, you know. Well, what did the flight hours ... enable? And once we can say that, then people say, 'Oh, I get it.'"
Unlike the relationship with the U.S. public, communicating with the Iraqi public involves more direct interaction, Hill said. Rather than words, U.S. and coalition soldiers communicate with the Iraqis through actions, he explained.
He described the notion of the "strategic corporal" - a young service member, "mid-grade or junior grade, who's out there on point, whose actions ... would have strategic implications, whether it be positive or negative."
Coalition troops are such critical messengers with the Iraqi public, he said, because of their regular engagement with that public. Generic messages regarding normalizing the security situation and improving Iraqis' quality of life are directly communicated through the coalition's day-to-day activities, Hill said.
"They can tell them that through flyers, they can tell them that through interpreters, or they can tell them that through action," Hill said.
The action piece, he noted, is "assisting in cleaning up neighborhoods, assisting in getting schools open, assisting in getting playgrounds built, assisting in securing the market areas."
They are assisted in that mission by the Iraqi security forces, Hill said. The addition of the Iraqi police and army to the fight are, in fact, one of the biggest developments in the war in the past three years, he noted.
"Now we are partnered with someone, someone who has a vested interest in the Baghdad security plan working, and ... our fight and our cause over here actually working," Hill said.
But it is not an easy mission, especially for the Iraqi police, he said. Because of the severity of the security situation, reports of their performance must be evaluated in context, he explained.
"They are constantly under threat. And they're trying to cure a local population and have law and order, but they are constantly under threat themselves," Hill said.
Understanding that point, Hill said, also makes it possible to understand the U.S. mission of helping stabilize the security situation to a point where the Iraqi police are able to function independently.
Thus, establishing context is once again a central goal and challenge of communication on Iraq, Hill said.
In the case of U.S. soldiers fighting in Iraq, Hill explained, that challenge entails maintaining their faith in their leadership. For the troops to effectively execute a mission, he said, they must have absolute confidence in their chain of command and their fellow servicemembers.
Hill noted that anytime he is around a soldier's reenlistment ceremony he raises his hand and recites the oath of enlistment. "It just gives you a feeling of being something much, much larger than yourself," he observed.
"I think that serves as a reminder to our young servicemembers that we're enlisting; it serves as a reminder that, 'Hey, as a leader I've got your back and I got your best interest at heart because I need you to blindly obey my orders,' Hill said. "And so in order for you to do that, you've got to know that I've got your back."
(Tim Kilbride is assigned to New Media, American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2007 – Individual roles, actions and operations are essential components of the Iraq war effort, but it is the sum of those parts that defines success in the war, the top enlisted leader in theater said last week. To determine whether the coalition is winning or losing in Iraq, it is necessary to consider three points, said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, senior enlisted leader of Multinational Force Iraq, during a June 15 call with online journalists.
The first target, he said, is "a government that (is) able to take care of its people and be self-sustaining" while generating economic growth.
For the second measure, Hill said, "you can define winning by improving the life of the Iraqi people and bringing some form of normalcy back" to them.
The last element, he explained, is building, training and equipping "an Iraqi security force that's capable of providing security for its people."
Progress against those three measures is best measured through "atmospherics," Hill said, taking the pulse of the environment within a certain area to get a sense of normalcy and functionality. Without such context, he noted, numbers and other specifics can sometimes lose meaning.
"I don't think it's about what we do for ourselves while we're over here," Hill said. "I don't think it's about how many hours an aviation unit has flown, or how many missions an infantry unit has done, and how much fuel a petroleum unit has pumped."
Rather, he explained, the usefulness and efficacy of those actions is measured in how they support the mission of assisting the Iraqi people.
"If you're playing a role in that and if you can see progress in that, I think you can say that you are winning," Hill said. "But through your efforts, if you don't see a change in the atmospherics -- if you see the government moving so slow that it appears that they're going backwards, and if you see an Iraqi security force that exists just to exist and not exist to take care of its people, protect its people -- then we are not winning."
That type of contextual balance is often missing from the descriptions of Iraq provided to the American public, Hill said; there is typically a missing link as to how individual actions or events relate back to the central strategy or reality on the ground.
"From the soldier perspective, probably from some of our leaders, I think we just speak in a language that the American people don't understand," he said. "If you were a ... servicemember you understand, 'Okay, I flew more flight hours than such-and-such.' Okay? They're saying that's pretty good, but still, that's whoop-dee-doo, you know. Well, what did the flight hours ... enable? And once we can say that, then people say, 'Oh, I get it.'"
Unlike the relationship with the U.S. public, communicating with the Iraqi public involves more direct interaction, Hill said. Rather than words, U.S. and coalition soldiers communicate with the Iraqis through actions, he explained.
He described the notion of the "strategic corporal" - a young service member, "mid-grade or junior grade, who's out there on point, whose actions ... would have strategic implications, whether it be positive or negative."
Coalition troops are such critical messengers with the Iraqi public, he said, because of their regular engagement with that public. Generic messages regarding normalizing the security situation and improving Iraqis' quality of life are directly communicated through the coalition's day-to-day activities, Hill said.
"They can tell them that through flyers, they can tell them that through interpreters, or they can tell them that through action," Hill said.
The action piece, he noted, is "assisting in cleaning up neighborhoods, assisting in getting schools open, assisting in getting playgrounds built, assisting in securing the market areas."
They are assisted in that mission by the Iraqi security forces, Hill said. The addition of the Iraqi police and army to the fight are, in fact, one of the biggest developments in the war in the past three years, he noted.
"Now we are partnered with someone, someone who has a vested interest in the Baghdad security plan working, and ... our fight and our cause over here actually working," Hill said.
But it is not an easy mission, especially for the Iraqi police, he said. Because of the severity of the security situation, reports of their performance must be evaluated in context, he explained.
"They are constantly under threat. And they're trying to cure a local population and have law and order, but they are constantly under threat themselves," Hill said.
Understanding that point, Hill said, also makes it possible to understand the U.S. mission of helping stabilize the security situation to a point where the Iraqi police are able to function independently.
Thus, establishing context is once again a central goal and challenge of communication on Iraq, Hill said.
In the case of U.S. soldiers fighting in Iraq, Hill explained, that challenge entails maintaining their faith in their leadership. For the troops to effectively execute a mission, he said, they must have absolute confidence in their chain of command and their fellow servicemembers.
Hill noted that anytime he is around a soldier's reenlistment ceremony he raises his hand and recites the oath of enlistment. "It just gives you a feeling of being something much, much larger than yourself," he observed.
"I think that serves as a reminder to our young servicemembers that we're enlisting; it serves as a reminder that, 'Hey, as a leader I've got your back and I got your best interest at heart because I need you to blindly obey my orders,' Hill said. "And so in order for you to do that, you've got to know that I've got your back."
(Tim Kilbride is assigned to New Media, American Forces Information Service.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Roy P. Lewsader, Jr., 36, of Belleville, Ill., died June 16, in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. He was assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information in regard to this release the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at(785) 239-3410 or (785) 239-2222.
Staff Sgt. Roy P. Lewsader, Jr., 36, of Belleville, Ill., died June 16, in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. He was assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information in regard to this release the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at(785) 239-3410 or (785) 239-2222.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 16 in Rashidiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the vehicle they were in struck an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Ft. Lewis, Wash.
Killed were:
Sgt. Danny R. Soto, 24, of Houston, Texas.
Spc. Zachary A. Grass, 34, of Beach City, Ohio.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Killed were:
Sgt. Danny R. Soto, 24, of Houston, Texas.
Spc. Zachary A. Grass, 34, of Beach City, Ohio.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Lewis public affairs office at (253) 967-0152 or (253) 967-0147.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Richard K. Parker, 26, of Phillips, Maine, died June 14 in Scania, Iraq, from wounds suffered on June 13 when improvised explosive devices detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. He was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Regiment, Maine Army National Guard, Waterville, Maine.
For more information in regard to this release the media may contact the Joint Force Headquarters-Maine public affairs office at (207) 430-2151
Sgt. Richard K. Parker, 26, of Phillips, Maine, died June 14 in Scania, Iraq, from wounds suffered on June 13 when improvised explosive devices detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. He was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Regiment, Maine Army National Guard, Waterville, Maine.
For more information in regard to this release the media may contact the Joint Force Headquarters-Maine public affairs office at (207) 430-2151
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Eric L. Snell, 35, of Trenton, N.J., died June 18 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with insurgents using small arms fire in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information related to this release, media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-3420 or after hours (719) 526-5500.
Sgt. Eric L. Snell, 35, of Trenton, N.J., died June 18 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with insurgents using small arms fire in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information related to this release, media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-3420 or after hours (719) 526-5500.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Larry Parks Jr., 24, of Altoona, Penn., died June 18 in Arab Jabor, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Pfc. Larry Parks Jr., 24, of Altoona, Penn., died June 18 in Arab Jabor, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
They died June 14 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Infantry Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Killed were:
Sgt. Derek T. Roberts, 24, of Gold River, Calif.
Spc. Val J. Borm, 21, of Sidney, Neb.
Spc. Farid Elazzouzi, of Paterson, N.J.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 25th Infantry Division public affairs office at (808) 655-4815 or (808) 655-8729.
They died June 14 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Infantry Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Killed were:
Sgt. Derek T. Roberts, 24, of Gold River, Calif.
Spc. Val J. Borm, 21, of Sidney, Neb.
Spc. Farid Elazzouzi, of Paterson, N.J.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the 25th Infantry Division public affairs office at (808) 655-4815 or (808) 655-8729.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Darryl W. Linder, 23, of Hickory, N.C., died June 19 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993 or after hours (254) 291-2591.
Spc. Darryl W. Linder, 23, of Hickory, N.C., died June 19 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993 or after hours (254) 291-2591.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Dustin R. Brisky, 26, of Round Rock, Texas, died June 14 in Tallil, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an explosion. He was assigned to the Army Reserve's 952nd Engineer Company, Paris, Texas. The unit was attached to the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Spc. Dustin R. Brisky, 26, of Round Rock, Texas, died June 14 in Tallil, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an explosion. He was assigned to the Army Reserve's 952nd Engineer Company, Paris, Texas. The unit was attached to the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Michael P. Pittman, 34, of Davenport, Iowa, died June 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
Pfc. Michael P. Pittman, 34, of Davenport, Iowa, died June 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information related to this release the media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Single Father Labors in Iraq for Kids at Home
By Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2007 – Nearly three years ago during his first tour to Iraq, things were a little different for Army Sgt. Chester Temple, a supply specialist for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment. He had a wife and premature twin babies to worry about -- a boy, Trey, and girl, Abbey, who weighed just a little less than three pounds each and could fit in the palms of his hands.
Shortly after their birth, he had flown home to Fort Hood, Texas, on emergency leave to see them for the first time but then had to return to Iraq. Later, when his tour was over in early 2005, his wife moved far away, leaving him custody of the ailing twins. Eventually, a painful divorce left him a single father raising his children.
For his second deployment to Iraq, Temple had to leave his son and daughter in the care of his parents, who live in Killeen, Texas.
"The kids are doing really well now. They're nearly three years old and healthy," said Temple, who calls Fort Hood his home. "I had no worries leaving them with my parents. I'm glad to know that my babies are being taken care of."
He said he worried more when his children were younger and dealing with health issues. It's easier now.
"My son has become a chunk, getting big," Temple said. "His sister was always bigger than he was, but now he's outgrown her. But they're both healthy and happy."
Temple's father is a retired soldier, and his mother now works at home with her own business, processing physicians' orders for nursing homes via computer. They are able to easily watch Abbey and Trey and take turns doing so, Temple said.
"My parents are great people. I was raised by the best," he said. "I really appreciate what they're doing for me and the sacrifices they're making at home. I've got pretty good kids, and they're not that hard to manage," Temple added. "They're communicating well now and can tell you when they're hungry and thirsty."
Along with Abbey and Trey, who are from his second marriage, Temple has an 8-year-old son, Austin, from his first marriage. Austin lives with his mother in Alabama.
"Whenever I go on leave, I go see him. I really miss him a lot, and I know he misses me, too," said Temple, who said he has a good relationship with his first wife.
Temple said he keeps in touch with his children as often as he can.
"I e-mail Austin a lot, and he has a good understanding of what I'm doing out here," Temple said. "The twins don't really understand; they just think that daddy's at work.
"I also call them on the phone," he added. "They tell me they love me and miss me. Trey will usually tell me what he's watching on TV, and Abbey will look at the phone trying to figure out how I got in there."
To stave off depression and keep his mind off his family, Temple said, he often keeps himself busy so the time goes by quicker.
"The best thing to do is for me to engulf myself in my work," Temple said. "When I can't contain thinking about them, a telephone call always softens things up and makes it easier to cope. It can be lonely (without your family), but I joined the military for a sense of pride, my family heritage."
Temple noted that not only did his father retire from the Army, but both of his grandfathers, most of his uncles, and three brothers have all served in the military.
Temple said he has a lot of things he wants to do with his kids when he gets back home from this deployment. Most of the things the family likes to do together involve being outdoors, but there is one special place he likes to take the kids. "They love to look at the animals at the zoo in Waco," he said. "I plan on taking them first to the zoo and then out to eat."
For Father's Day this year, Temple said, he hopes to convey a simple message to people who ask him why he's in Iraq when he could instead have chosen another career path that would have allowed him to have been home with his kids.
"I love this," he said. "Too often the American people as a whole forget the price that's been paid for freedom. They'll take the freedoms they have for granted and lay them by the wayside.
"People in Iraq have never had true freedom before, but you can see they love the taste of it," Temple said. "We're helping them to get those freedoms. Everybody needs to think about that, especially when so many people have laid their lives on the line for it."
(Army Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp is assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2007 – Nearly three years ago during his first tour to Iraq, things were a little different for Army Sgt. Chester Temple, a supply specialist for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment. He had a wife and premature twin babies to worry about -- a boy, Trey, and girl, Abbey, who weighed just a little less than three pounds each and could fit in the palms of his hands.
Shortly after their birth, he had flown home to Fort Hood, Texas, on emergency leave to see them for the first time but then had to return to Iraq. Later, when his tour was over in early 2005, his wife moved far away, leaving him custody of the ailing twins. Eventually, a painful divorce left him a single father raising his children.
For his second deployment to Iraq, Temple had to leave his son and daughter in the care of his parents, who live in Killeen, Texas.
"The kids are doing really well now. They're nearly three years old and healthy," said Temple, who calls Fort Hood his home. "I had no worries leaving them with my parents. I'm glad to know that my babies are being taken care of."
He said he worried more when his children were younger and dealing with health issues. It's easier now.
"My son has become a chunk, getting big," Temple said. "His sister was always bigger than he was, but now he's outgrown her. But they're both healthy and happy."
Temple's father is a retired soldier, and his mother now works at home with her own business, processing physicians' orders for nursing homes via computer. They are able to easily watch Abbey and Trey and take turns doing so, Temple said.
"My parents are great people. I was raised by the best," he said. "I really appreciate what they're doing for me and the sacrifices they're making at home. I've got pretty good kids, and they're not that hard to manage," Temple added. "They're communicating well now and can tell you when they're hungry and thirsty."
Along with Abbey and Trey, who are from his second marriage, Temple has an 8-year-old son, Austin, from his first marriage. Austin lives with his mother in Alabama.
"Whenever I go on leave, I go see him. I really miss him a lot, and I know he misses me, too," said Temple, who said he has a good relationship with his first wife.
Temple said he keeps in touch with his children as often as he can.
"I e-mail Austin a lot, and he has a good understanding of what I'm doing out here," Temple said. "The twins don't really understand; they just think that daddy's at work.
"I also call them on the phone," he added. "They tell me they love me and miss me. Trey will usually tell me what he's watching on TV, and Abbey will look at the phone trying to figure out how I got in there."
To stave off depression and keep his mind off his family, Temple said, he often keeps himself busy so the time goes by quicker.
"The best thing to do is for me to engulf myself in my work," Temple said. "When I can't contain thinking about them, a telephone call always softens things up and makes it easier to cope. It can be lonely (without your family), but I joined the military for a sense of pride, my family heritage."
Temple noted that not only did his father retire from the Army, but both of his grandfathers, most of his uncles, and three brothers have all served in the military.
Temple said he has a lot of things he wants to do with his kids when he gets back home from this deployment. Most of the things the family likes to do together involve being outdoors, but there is one special place he likes to take the kids. "They love to look at the animals at the zoo in Waco," he said. "I plan on taking them first to the zoo and then out to eat."
For Father's Day this year, Temple said, he hopes to convey a simple message to people who ask him why he's in Iraq when he could instead have chosen another career path that would have allowed him to have been home with his kids.
"I love this," he said. "Too often the American people as a whole forget the price that's been paid for freedom. They'll take the freedoms they have for granted and lay them by the wayside.
"People in Iraq have never had true freedom before, but you can see they love the taste of it," Temple said. "We're helping them to get those freedoms. Everybody needs to think about that, especially when so many people have laid their lives on the line for it."
(Army Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp is assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.)
Iraqi, Coalition Forces Detain 52 Suspects, Kill 29 Insurgents
American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2007 – In operations throughout Iraq the past several days, Iraqi and coalition forces killed 29 insurgents, detained 52 suspects, and found various bomb-making material and ammunition, military officials reported. Coalition forces killed 10 terrorists, detained 20 suspected terrorists and uncovered enemy weapons and bomb-making materials during operations targeting the al Qaeda in Iraq network yesterday and today.
Coalition forces captured two suspected terrorists during a raid in Baghdad yesterday targeting al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in the city. One of the detainees is allegedly a senior leader in the area who oversees al Qaeda in Iraq operations and supervised several individuals detained in successful coalition operations over the past week.
This morning, coalition forces targeted several buildings near Karmah that intelligence reports indicated were associated with a Libyan foreign fighter involved in suicide bombing operations. As coalition forces approached the first building, seven armed terrorists engaged the ground force with small-arms fire. Coalition forces, responding in self-defense, engaged the seven armed men, killing six and wounding one. The wounded terrorist fled the scene.
Coalition forces caught the wounded terrorist and two other suspected terrorists as they moved from the first building into the second. The wounded individual was taken to a military medical facility for treatment and the two suspected terrorists were detained.
During a search of the area, coalition forces found improvised explosive device-making materials, weapons, and a vehicle containing a heavy machine gun and hand grenades. Coalition forces safely destroyed the IED materials, vehicle and weapons on site and detained another seven suspected terrorists for their involvement with foreign fighters and al Qaeda in Iraq suicide bombing operations.
During another raid today in Anbar province, coalition forces targeted associates of an al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader. As the ground force arrived at the buildings near Zaydon, they awakened three men outside the building. One man drew a pistol while the other two reached for weapons. Coalition forces responded to the hostile threat and engaged the armed men with small arms fire, killing them.
Another armed man nearby moved into a tactical position against the ground force, and coalition forces, perceiving a hostile threat, engaged the armed man, killing him.
Inside the targeted buildings, coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists allegedly involved with the al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader network. The ground force also discovered a truck rigged with wires and other indications of car bombs. An explosives team safely destroyed the car bomb on site.
In Mosul today, coalition forces continued to assault the city's terrorist network, capturing a suspected smuggler and four other suspected terrorists involved in IED attacks. Intelligence reports indicate the alleged smuggler operated a taxi and transported terrorist operatives, weapons, funds and letters between Iraq and Syria. He is also suspected of involvement in the murder of a female worker at Badush prison in January.
"We are relentlessly attacking the al Qaeda in Iraq leaders and networks that seek to derail progress in the country," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Terrorists have no place in the future of Iraq."
Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 20 suspected terrorists during operations around the country to disrupt the al Qaeda in Iraq network yesterday.
Coalition forces launched an operation to capture associates of al Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership east of Fallujah. As they approached the two targeted buildings, three armed terrorists maneuvered into tactical positions against the ground force. Coalition forces, reacting to the hostile threat, engaged the terrorists, killing all three.
Within the buildings, the ground force found several military-style ammunition vests and grenades. Five suspected terrorists were detained for their alleged ties to al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.
In another operation in Anbar province, coalition forces detained an individual suspected of making and transporting false documentation for al Qaeda in Iraq leaders and operatives. Coalition forces also found identification-making equipment in the suspect's house.
In Mosul, coalition forces killed one terrorist and wounded another armed man during an operation targeting terrorist leaders. As the ground force approached the objective, the two armed men engaged the ground force with small-arms fire. Coalition forces, reacting in self-defense, returned fire, killing one terrorist and wounding the other. The wounded man was taken to a military medical facility for treatment. One suspected terrorist was detained on scene for his alleged ties to a newly appointed al Qaeda leader.
Two other operations in Mosul netted four detainees who allegedly finance al Qaeda operations in the area. Intelligence reports indicate three suspects are heavily involved in a network that conducts kidnappings and hijackings to raise money for terrorist activities.
In Baghdad, coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists for their connection to al Qaeda senior leaders and the Baghdad car bomb network. On site, coalition forces also destroyed one vehicle known to transport personnel and explosives for terrorist activities.
"We continue to assault al Qaeda in Iraq leaders and their associates," Garver said. "Systematically and methodically, their network is crumbling and their manpower pool is dwindling."
Elsewhere, attack helicopters engaged and destroyed insurgents attempting to emplace an IED near Muqdadiyah yesterday.
The attack helicopters from 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, observed four insurgents carry a propane tank and begin digging on the side of the road. Two additional insurgents parked a vehicle between the road and the four people digging to obscure the IED emplacement.
Attack helicopters, armed with hellfire missiles, engaged and killed all six insurgents and destroyed the vehicle. Coalition ground forces secured the area and recovered the IED.
In other developments, Iraqi security forces conducted an early morning raid June 15 and detained a suspected terrorist cell leader who is allegedly responsible for attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces in the Baji area. Working on tips from local Iraqi citizens, Iraqi forces raided the target building and detained the suspected terrorist leader without incident. One other suspected person was also detained during the operation. Iraqi forces also seized a computer, several radio and electronic components, six identification cards, two cell phones, and a portable storage device.
An Iraqi citizen tip led coalition forces to two wanted insurgent cell leaders and nine other suspected insurgents, who were captured during operations June 15, near the village of Hawijah, 40 miles southwest of the city of Kirkuk.
The two men wanted for coordinating attacks against coalition and Iraqi security forces and aiding al Qaeda in Iraq were captured by soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
In another operation, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers confiscated several weapons caches and defeated insurgent attacks in southern Baghdad June 15 and yesterday.
Troops from the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment "Tomahawks," attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, operating in East Rashid, seized several caches containing two PKC machineguns, one RPK light machinegun, 11 AK-47s, four RPG launchers, one SVD sniper rifle, 1,500 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and other bomb-making materials. The soldiers are continuing clearing operations in Dora that began in late May.
In West Rashid, several complex attacks on U.S. forces by extremists were defeated.
Troops from the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment "Vanguards" killed five insurgents after being engaged with small-arms and RPG fire in two separate attacks June 14 and 15.
"We will continue our efforts on behalf of the Iraqi people here," said Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, commander of the 4th "Dragon" Brigade Combat Team. "Our soldiers will not be deterred in their mission to provide security and stability to the district."
Coalition forces attack helicopters, supporting Iraqi army soldiers who were engaged by insurgents, killed four insurgents and wounded three during joint operations with the Iraqi army south of Baghdad June 15.
The insurgents fired on the helicopters as they approached and continued firing as they ran into a nearby structure. One of the AH-64s fired on the structure, destroying it.
Three sniper rifles, multiple hand grenades and black masks were found by the Iraqi army outside the structure.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
June 17, 2007 – In operations throughout Iraq the past several days, Iraqi and coalition forces killed 29 insurgents, detained 52 suspects, and found various bomb-making material and ammunition, military officials reported. Coalition forces killed 10 terrorists, detained 20 suspected terrorists and uncovered enemy weapons and bomb-making materials during operations targeting the al Qaeda in Iraq network yesterday and today.
Coalition forces captured two suspected terrorists during a raid in Baghdad yesterday targeting al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders in the city. One of the detainees is allegedly a senior leader in the area who oversees al Qaeda in Iraq operations and supervised several individuals detained in successful coalition operations over the past week.
This morning, coalition forces targeted several buildings near Karmah that intelligence reports indicated were associated with a Libyan foreign fighter involved in suicide bombing operations. As coalition forces approached the first building, seven armed terrorists engaged the ground force with small-arms fire. Coalition forces, responding in self-defense, engaged the seven armed men, killing six and wounding one. The wounded terrorist fled the scene.
Coalition forces caught the wounded terrorist and two other suspected terrorists as they moved from the first building into the second. The wounded individual was taken to a military medical facility for treatment and the two suspected terrorists were detained.
During a search of the area, coalition forces found improvised explosive device-making materials, weapons, and a vehicle containing a heavy machine gun and hand grenades. Coalition forces safely destroyed the IED materials, vehicle and weapons on site and detained another seven suspected terrorists for their involvement with foreign fighters and al Qaeda in Iraq suicide bombing operations.
During another raid today in Anbar province, coalition forces targeted associates of an al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader. As the ground force arrived at the buildings near Zaydon, they awakened three men outside the building. One man drew a pistol while the other two reached for weapons. Coalition forces responded to the hostile threat and engaged the armed men with small arms fire, killing them.
Another armed man nearby moved into a tactical position against the ground force, and coalition forces, perceiving a hostile threat, engaged the armed man, killing him.
Inside the targeted buildings, coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists allegedly involved with the al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader network. The ground force also discovered a truck rigged with wires and other indications of car bombs. An explosives team safely destroyed the car bomb on site.
In Mosul today, coalition forces continued to assault the city's terrorist network, capturing a suspected smuggler and four other suspected terrorists involved in IED attacks. Intelligence reports indicate the alleged smuggler operated a taxi and transported terrorist operatives, weapons, funds and letters between Iraq and Syria. He is also suspected of involvement in the murder of a female worker at Badush prison in January.
"We are relentlessly attacking the al Qaeda in Iraq leaders and networks that seek to derail progress in the country," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "Terrorists have no place in the future of Iraq."
Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 20 suspected terrorists during operations around the country to disrupt the al Qaeda in Iraq network yesterday.
Coalition forces launched an operation to capture associates of al Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership east of Fallujah. As they approached the two targeted buildings, three armed terrorists maneuvered into tactical positions against the ground force. Coalition forces, reacting to the hostile threat, engaged the terrorists, killing all three.
Within the buildings, the ground force found several military-style ammunition vests and grenades. Five suspected terrorists were detained for their alleged ties to al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.
In another operation in Anbar province, coalition forces detained an individual suspected of making and transporting false documentation for al Qaeda in Iraq leaders and operatives. Coalition forces also found identification-making equipment in the suspect's house.
In Mosul, coalition forces killed one terrorist and wounded another armed man during an operation targeting terrorist leaders. As the ground force approached the objective, the two armed men engaged the ground force with small-arms fire. Coalition forces, reacting in self-defense, returned fire, killing one terrorist and wounding the other. The wounded man was taken to a military medical facility for treatment. One suspected terrorist was detained on scene for his alleged ties to a newly appointed al Qaeda leader.
Two other operations in Mosul netted four detainees who allegedly finance al Qaeda operations in the area. Intelligence reports indicate three suspects are heavily involved in a network that conducts kidnappings and hijackings to raise money for terrorist activities.
In Baghdad, coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists for their connection to al Qaeda senior leaders and the Baghdad car bomb network. On site, coalition forces also destroyed one vehicle known to transport personnel and explosives for terrorist activities.
"We continue to assault al Qaeda in Iraq leaders and their associates," Garver said. "Systematically and methodically, their network is crumbling and their manpower pool is dwindling."
Elsewhere, attack helicopters engaged and destroyed insurgents attempting to emplace an IED near Muqdadiyah yesterday.
The attack helicopters from 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, observed four insurgents carry a propane tank and begin digging on the side of the road. Two additional insurgents parked a vehicle between the road and the four people digging to obscure the IED emplacement.
Attack helicopters, armed with hellfire missiles, engaged and killed all six insurgents and destroyed the vehicle. Coalition ground forces secured the area and recovered the IED.
In other developments, Iraqi security forces conducted an early morning raid June 15 and detained a suspected terrorist cell leader who is allegedly responsible for attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces in the Baji area. Working on tips from local Iraqi citizens, Iraqi forces raided the target building and detained the suspected terrorist leader without incident. One other suspected person was also detained during the operation. Iraqi forces also seized a computer, several radio and electronic components, six identification cards, two cell phones, and a portable storage device.
An Iraqi citizen tip led coalition forces to two wanted insurgent cell leaders and nine other suspected insurgents, who were captured during operations June 15, near the village of Hawijah, 40 miles southwest of the city of Kirkuk.
The two men wanted for coordinating attacks against coalition and Iraqi security forces and aiding al Qaeda in Iraq were captured by soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
In another operation, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers confiscated several weapons caches and defeated insurgent attacks in southern Baghdad June 15 and yesterday.
Troops from the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment "Tomahawks," attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, operating in East Rashid, seized several caches containing two PKC machineguns, one RPK light machinegun, 11 AK-47s, four RPG launchers, one SVD sniper rifle, 1,500 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and other bomb-making materials. The soldiers are continuing clearing operations in Dora that began in late May.
In West Rashid, several complex attacks on U.S. forces by extremists were defeated.
Troops from the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment "Vanguards" killed five insurgents after being engaged with small-arms and RPG fire in two separate attacks June 14 and 15.
"We will continue our efforts on behalf of the Iraqi people here," said Col. Ricky D. Gibbs, commander of the 4th "Dragon" Brigade Combat Team. "Our soldiers will not be deterred in their mission to provide security and stability to the district."
Coalition forces attack helicopters, supporting Iraqi army soldiers who were engaged by insurgents, killed four insurgents and wounded three during joint operations with the Iraqi army south of Baghdad June 15.
The insurgents fired on the helicopters as they approached and continued firing as they ran into a nearby structure. One of the AH-64s fired on the structure, destroying it.
Three sniper rifles, multiple hand grenades and black masks were found by the Iraqi army outside the structure.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Sectarian Murders Down in Baghdad, Petraeus Says
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2007 – Sectarian murders and executions in Baghdad are declining, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said today on the "Fox News Sunday" television program. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told host Chris Wallace via satellite link from Baghdad that the U.S. troop surge has helped reduce sectarian murders and executions in Baghdad by one-third between January and April. And despite an uptick in violence in May, the levels of violence are again going down.
"The fact is, as we go on the offensive, the enemy is going to respond," Petraeus said.
Last week Petraeus received his full compliment of additional troops. He said surge operations are now truly just beginning, and he characterized what has been done thus far as "shaping operations." The general said the additional troops give him the combat power to launch operations in al Qaeda sanctuaries where there has been little permanent coalition force presence in the past.
Petraeus said about 30 percent of Baghdad is a major concern, because these areas have sharp fault lines between Shiia and Sunni Muslims. "We are focusing on them quite intently," he said. "And the additional forces will enable us to conduct additional operations in those areas."
U.S. troops are also moving in greater numbers to areas just north and south of Baghdad, and have seen marked success in Anbar province.
"We're ahead of where I thought we'd be at this point in time in some areas and behind in others," he said. "Anbar province is an area, as you'll recall, that was assessed to be lost less than a year or so ago by the military intelligence folks. There has been a stunning reversal out there as tribes have said, 'Whoever opposes al Qaeda is with us.'"
These tribes want to fight al Qaeda and have asked for coalition help, he said. Petraeus said this is a major step forward, because coalition forces have linked their help through the Iraqi Ministries of Interior and Defense, binding tribes with the Iraqi government.
The general said he bases his success assessment on personnel observations, such as walking, driving and flying around Baghdad. "The fact is that there are signs of normalcy throughout a good bit of Baghdad," he said. "There are tens of thousands of kids out tonight playing soccer."
He did not downplay the negative things now occurring in Iraq, like the threat al Qaeda and extremist militias pose in Baghdad. Sectarian violence is a cycle that U.S. troops must break, he said.
"Al Qaeda is the Sunni violence," he said. "Al Qeada is the face of what is happening on the extremist Sunni side. They are carrying out the bulk of the sensational attacks.
"The central front of al Qaeda's terror war is focused on Iraq," he added. "So I think it is appropriate to emphasize the role that al Qaeda in Iraq is playing, and the role that they play in provoking extremist militias on the Shiia side, as a justification for what they are doing."
Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker are scheduled to give an assessment of the situation in Iraq in September. The general said the progress report would simply provide a "snapshot" of what is happening there. "It will be a forthright assessment of what we've achieved and what we haven't achieved," he said.
Petraeus said political progress has not met expectations thus far. "There certainly have not been substantial achievements in that regard so far," he said.
However, there are pieces of legislation on which Iraqi leaders are coming to grips, he added. "So it is time to see now if these important laws can go forward," he said.
The general said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' meetings in Baghdad last week with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki went well. "In fact, he (Gates) started off by complimenting the prime minister and other leaders with whom he met on their response to the Samarra mosque bombing," Petraeus said. "They were united and decisive in that effort, and we think they're response in ordering rapid steps to be taken has in fact helped hold down the level of violence."
The Shiia Golden Mosque in Samarra was first bombed in February 2006, sparking massive sectarian violence.
It is premature to speculate how long the surge will last, Petraeus said. By late summer the U.S. will be better able to determine its length, he said. "Our first focus is on doing all that we can as we truly now launch the surge," he said.
The general said the U.S. could indeed win in Iraq and leave behind a stable democratic country.
"If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't be here," he said. "I wouldn't be leading the finest of young American men and women who are putting their lives on the line every day."
American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2007 – Sectarian murders and executions in Baghdad are declining, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said today on the "Fox News Sunday" television program. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told host Chris Wallace via satellite link from Baghdad that the U.S. troop surge has helped reduce sectarian murders and executions in Baghdad by one-third between January and April. And despite an uptick in violence in May, the levels of violence are again going down.
"The fact is, as we go on the offensive, the enemy is going to respond," Petraeus said.
Last week Petraeus received his full compliment of additional troops. He said surge operations are now truly just beginning, and he characterized what has been done thus far as "shaping operations." The general said the additional troops give him the combat power to launch operations in al Qaeda sanctuaries where there has been little permanent coalition force presence in the past.
Petraeus said about 30 percent of Baghdad is a major concern, because these areas have sharp fault lines between Shiia and Sunni Muslims. "We are focusing on them quite intently," he said. "And the additional forces will enable us to conduct additional operations in those areas."
U.S. troops are also moving in greater numbers to areas just north and south of Baghdad, and have seen marked success in Anbar province.
"We're ahead of where I thought we'd be at this point in time in some areas and behind in others," he said. "Anbar province is an area, as you'll recall, that was assessed to be lost less than a year or so ago by the military intelligence folks. There has been a stunning reversal out there as tribes have said, 'Whoever opposes al Qaeda is with us.'"
These tribes want to fight al Qaeda and have asked for coalition help, he said. Petraeus said this is a major step forward, because coalition forces have linked their help through the Iraqi Ministries of Interior and Defense, binding tribes with the Iraqi government.
The general said he bases his success assessment on personnel observations, such as walking, driving and flying around Baghdad. "The fact is that there are signs of normalcy throughout a good bit of Baghdad," he said. "There are tens of thousands of kids out tonight playing soccer."
He did not downplay the negative things now occurring in Iraq, like the threat al Qaeda and extremist militias pose in Baghdad. Sectarian violence is a cycle that U.S. troops must break, he said.
"Al Qaeda is the Sunni violence," he said. "Al Qeada is the face of what is happening on the extremist Sunni side. They are carrying out the bulk of the sensational attacks.
"The central front of al Qaeda's terror war is focused on Iraq," he added. "So I think it is appropriate to emphasize the role that al Qaeda in Iraq is playing, and the role that they play in provoking extremist militias on the Shiia side, as a justification for what they are doing."
Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker are scheduled to give an assessment of the situation in Iraq in September. The general said the progress report would simply provide a "snapshot" of what is happening there. "It will be a forthright assessment of what we've achieved and what we haven't achieved," he said.
Petraeus said political progress has not met expectations thus far. "There certainly have not been substantial achievements in that regard so far," he said.
However, there are pieces of legislation on which Iraqi leaders are coming to grips, he added. "So it is time to see now if these important laws can go forward," he said.
The general said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' meetings in Baghdad last week with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki went well. "In fact, he (Gates) started off by complimenting the prime minister and other leaders with whom he met on their response to the Samarra mosque bombing," Petraeus said. "They were united and decisive in that effort, and we think they're response in ordering rapid steps to be taken has in fact helped hold down the level of violence."
The Shiia Golden Mosque in Samarra was first bombed in February 2006, sparking massive sectarian violence.
It is premature to speculate how long the surge will last, Petraeus said. By late summer the U.S. will be better able to determine its length, he said. "Our first focus is on doing all that we can as we truly now launch the surge," he said.
The general said the U.S. could indeed win in Iraq and leave behind a stable democratic country.
"If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't be here," he said. "I wouldn't be leading the finest of young American men and women who are putting their lives on the line every day."
Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Suspects, Find Weapons
American Forces Press Service
June 17, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained five suspects, killed enemy fighters, and discovered weapons caches in operations in Afghanistan in the past three days, military officials reported. Afghan and coalition forces discovered bomb-making material and ammunition in a raid on a suspected safe house in the Nahri Siraj district of Helmand province early today.
Coalition forces detained two suspected militants during the operation. Credible intelligence led the forces to the compound, a suspected safe house for weapons and foreign fighter facilitators.
"These operations continue to find and remove threats to the safety of peaceful Afghans and its fighting forces," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Getting material like this out of the hands of militants saves lives all over the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."
The detainees will be questioned as to their identities and involvement in militant activities.
Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces killed a few militants and detained three in an operation June 15 against Taliban forces at a compound in the Shahjoy district of Zabul province.
During a brief firefight at the compound, which resulted in the enemy casualties, two civilians were caught in the crossfire and suffered gunshot wounds. A male teenager died from his wound at the scene, and a male child was evacuated to a coalition medical facility to treat his injury. The boy's father accompanied him to the facility.
"Coalition and Afghan forces strive to avoid civilian injuries and are saddened by the loss of life," Belcher said. "But, when extremists insist on hiding among civilians, as they clearly were here, they are abusing the kindness of their hosts and putting innocents at risk."
Coalition forces acted on credible intelligence, which indicated the compound was sheltering local Taliban facilitators of foreign fighters. During the operation, militants fired small arms and grenades at the forces; the coalition forces returned fire, killing the assailants. After the engagement, local villagers confirmed the enemy fighters killed at the scene were indeed Taliban militants.
Once the compound was secured, coalition forces conducted a search and discovered several items of interest, including a global positioning system device, medical supplies, a video camera and two fragmentation grenades.
The detainees will be questioned as to their involvement in militant activities.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
June 17, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained five suspects, killed enemy fighters, and discovered weapons caches in operations in Afghanistan in the past three days, military officials reported. Afghan and coalition forces discovered bomb-making material and ammunition in a raid on a suspected safe house in the Nahri Siraj district of Helmand province early today.
Coalition forces detained two suspected militants during the operation. Credible intelligence led the forces to the compound, a suspected safe house for weapons and foreign fighter facilitators.
"These operations continue to find and remove threats to the safety of peaceful Afghans and its fighting forces," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Getting material like this out of the hands of militants saves lives all over the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."
The detainees will be questioned as to their identities and involvement in militant activities.
Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces killed a few militants and detained three in an operation June 15 against Taliban forces at a compound in the Shahjoy district of Zabul province.
During a brief firefight at the compound, which resulted in the enemy casualties, two civilians were caught in the crossfire and suffered gunshot wounds. A male teenager died from his wound at the scene, and a male child was evacuated to a coalition medical facility to treat his injury. The boy's father accompanied him to the facility.
"Coalition and Afghan forces strive to avoid civilian injuries and are saddened by the loss of life," Belcher said. "But, when extremists insist on hiding among civilians, as they clearly were here, they are abusing the kindness of their hosts and putting innocents at risk."
Coalition forces acted on credible intelligence, which indicated the compound was sheltering local Taliban facilitators of foreign fighters. During the operation, militants fired small arms and grenades at the forces; the coalition forces returned fire, killing the assailants. After the engagement, local villagers confirmed the enemy fighters killed at the scene were indeed Taliban militants.
Once the compound was secured, coalition forces conducted a search and discovered several items of interest, including a global positioning system device, medical supplies, a video camera and two fragmentation grenades.
The detainees will be questioned as to their involvement in militant activities.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
Local Security Engagements Squeezing Insurgents, General Says
By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2007 – The quickened tempo and increasingly localized nature of joint U.S.-Iraqi security operations are gradually pushing al Qaeda and related insurgent groups out of Iraq's neighborhoods, a coalition spokesman said this week. "We have significantly increased the pressure on al Qaeda. We are going places where they have not had us operating," said Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner, Multinational Force Iraq deputy chief of staff for strategic effects, during a June 13 call with online journalists.
"The picture I'm portraying for you is one where there is a significant level of pressure that's now taking away the elements that these extremist forces have been using to operate against us," he said.
Bergner described operations to: safeguard approaches to Baghdad province and block the flow of insurgents and weapons into the city; anticipate and prevent the flow of al Qaeda to new areas of operation like Diyala province; and disrupt bomb-making networks.
"We're adjusting our plan to pursue them every time they try to escape from the pressure that we're putting on," Bergner explained. "There's no question that all of the operations I just described are putting them in a position where they are going to increasingly stoop to the depths of depravity that you see" in events like the June 13 bombing of the Samarra's Golden Mosque.
The surge in local-level operations is being made possible by the presence of joint U.S.-Iraqi security stations in areas of Baghdad, as well as the standing-up of provincial and provisional security forces in other parts of the country, the general said.
"There's a much better interaction and integration of the (Iraqi security forces), and it's resulting in the kinds of outcomes that I mentioned," Bergner noted. "Every night we're operating against either an (improvised-explosive-device) cell ... or some sort of secret cell extremist that's operating against us. And it's a steady drumbeat."
Meanwhile, sheikhs are being approached by Iraqi and coalition forces to "secure their own neighborhoods and help provide protection on a local basis" in many Sunni tribal areas, particularly Anbar province, Bergner said.
He described a program to set up provisional forces made up of local residents, but quickly move them into formal Iraqi police or military arrangements as the training capacity becomes available.
"What started as a tribal thing on a local basis out in Anbar has transitioned to the Anbar police academy being opened (and) the 7th Iraqi Army Division having a specific recruitment relationship with the localities," Bergner said. "So what you've basically done is, you've brought the local people and the local sheikhs to be integrated with their own government ... security force formations."
As the Anbar model is expanded to other parts of the country, Bergner said, officials expect terrorist groups will push back.
"The sheikhs and the local people there have made progress," he noted. "You bet that al Qaeda and other extremists are going to come after them and try to disrupt that."
Still, he observed, "the closer we get them integrated with their government and with their security forces, the more enduring the progress is going to be."
Thus the need to connect "the dots between the people, the forces and their government," he explained.
That partnership model readily lends itself to Sunni tribes, Bergner said, but could also be adapted to Shiite militias willing to work with official government forces. "It's not a Sunni-specific thing, though certainly the examples I used would suggest it's most pronounced in those areas where al Qaeda is terrorizing Sunni neighborhoods," Bergner explained.
"It's something that those who are willing to turn away from violence need to know that they have that option to do it, and that we'll help them find a place to responsibly serve their country," he continued.
With the increased number of partnerships around the country and a slowly increasing willingness of locals to cooperate with the joint forces, counterinsurgency operations are becoming more precise and more effective, Bergner said.
"That's not to say this isn't a tough fight," he emphasized. "We are going to have a tough fight for the rest of the summer."
However, he said, the surge effort throughout the country, along with a better-integrated U.S.-Iraqi joint force, is having a clear effect at the micro-level.
"You have to help work local security issues on a local level in order for the local people to find the confidence to stand up to the threats that they're having," Bergner explained. "It doesn't matter what the locality is, the nature of the effort is about local solutions to local security problems."
(Tim Kilbride is assigned to New Media, American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2007 – The quickened tempo and increasingly localized nature of joint U.S.-Iraqi security operations are gradually pushing al Qaeda and related insurgent groups out of Iraq's neighborhoods, a coalition spokesman said this week. "We have significantly increased the pressure on al Qaeda. We are going places where they have not had us operating," said Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner, Multinational Force Iraq deputy chief of staff for strategic effects, during a June 13 call with online journalists.
"The picture I'm portraying for you is one where there is a significant level of pressure that's now taking away the elements that these extremist forces have been using to operate against us," he said.
Bergner described operations to: safeguard approaches to Baghdad province and block the flow of insurgents and weapons into the city; anticipate and prevent the flow of al Qaeda to new areas of operation like Diyala province; and disrupt bomb-making networks.
"We're adjusting our plan to pursue them every time they try to escape from the pressure that we're putting on," Bergner explained. "There's no question that all of the operations I just described are putting them in a position where they are going to increasingly stoop to the depths of depravity that you see" in events like the June 13 bombing of the Samarra's Golden Mosque.
The surge in local-level operations is being made possible by the presence of joint U.S.-Iraqi security stations in areas of Baghdad, as well as the standing-up of provincial and provisional security forces in other parts of the country, the general said.
"There's a much better interaction and integration of the (Iraqi security forces), and it's resulting in the kinds of outcomes that I mentioned," Bergner noted. "Every night we're operating against either an (improvised-explosive-device) cell ... or some sort of secret cell extremist that's operating against us. And it's a steady drumbeat."
Meanwhile, sheikhs are being approached by Iraqi and coalition forces to "secure their own neighborhoods and help provide protection on a local basis" in many Sunni tribal areas, particularly Anbar province, Bergner said.
He described a program to set up provisional forces made up of local residents, but quickly move them into formal Iraqi police or military arrangements as the training capacity becomes available.
"What started as a tribal thing on a local basis out in Anbar has transitioned to the Anbar police academy being opened (and) the 7th Iraqi Army Division having a specific recruitment relationship with the localities," Bergner said. "So what you've basically done is, you've brought the local people and the local sheikhs to be integrated with their own government ... security force formations."
As the Anbar model is expanded to other parts of the country, Bergner said, officials expect terrorist groups will push back.
"The sheikhs and the local people there have made progress," he noted. "You bet that al Qaeda and other extremists are going to come after them and try to disrupt that."
Still, he observed, "the closer we get them integrated with their government and with their security forces, the more enduring the progress is going to be."
Thus the need to connect "the dots between the people, the forces and their government," he explained.
That partnership model readily lends itself to Sunni tribes, Bergner said, but could also be adapted to Shiite militias willing to work with official government forces. "It's not a Sunni-specific thing, though certainly the examples I used would suggest it's most pronounced in those areas where al Qaeda is terrorizing Sunni neighborhoods," Bergner explained.
"It's something that those who are willing to turn away from violence need to know that they have that option to do it, and that we'll help them find a place to responsibly serve their country," he continued.
With the increased number of partnerships around the country and a slowly increasing willingness of locals to cooperate with the joint forces, counterinsurgency operations are becoming more precise and more effective, Bergner said.
"That's not to say this isn't a tough fight," he emphasized. "We are going to have a tough fight for the rest of the summer."
However, he said, the surge effort throughout the country, along with a better-integrated U.S.-Iraqi joint force, is having a clear effect at the micro-level.
"You have to help work local security issues on a local level in order for the local people to find the confidence to stand up to the threats that they're having," Bergner explained. "It doesn't matter what the locality is, the nature of the effort is about local solutions to local security problems."
(Tim Kilbride is assigned to New Media, American Forces Information Service.)
Four Soldiers Killed in Iraq; Officials Identify Previous Casualties
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2007 – Four soldiers were killed in Iraq yesterday, and another soldier died of non-combat related injuries June 13. In addition, the Defense Department released the identities of several servicemembers recently killed in Iraq.
-- One Task Force Lightning soldier was killed by small-arms fire in Diyala province yesterday.
-- Three Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed as a result of injuries suffered in an explosion near their vehicle while conducting operations in Kirkuk province yesterday. Another soldier was wounded and transported to a coalition medical facility for treatment.
-- A Task Force Lightning soldier died June 13 in a non-combat related incident that is under investigation. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Also, the Defense Department released the identities of four servicemen who died in Iraq and one who died in Southwest Asia. Killed were:
-- Army Pvt. William C. Johnson, 22, of Oxford, N.C., died June 12 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
-- Marine Lance Cpl. Johnny R. Strong, 21, of Waco, Texas, died June 12 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
-- Army Spc. Damon G. Legrand, 27, of Lakeside, Calif., died June 12 in Baqubah, Iraq, when insurgents attacked his unit with anti-tank mines, rocket-propelled grenades, and small-arms fire in Baghdad. He was assigned to 571st Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.
-- Army Pfc. Cameron K. Payne, 22, of Corona, Calif., died June 11 in Balad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.
-- Air Force Lt. Col. Glade L. Felix, 52, of Lake Park, Ga., died June 11 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. His death is under investigation. Felix was assigned to 622nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Defense Department news releases.)
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2007 – Four soldiers were killed in Iraq yesterday, and another soldier died of non-combat related injuries June 13. In addition, the Defense Department released the identities of several servicemembers recently killed in Iraq.
-- One Task Force Lightning soldier was killed by small-arms fire in Diyala province yesterday.
-- Three Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed as a result of injuries suffered in an explosion near their vehicle while conducting operations in Kirkuk province yesterday. Another soldier was wounded and transported to a coalition medical facility for treatment.
-- A Task Force Lightning soldier died June 13 in a non-combat related incident that is under investigation. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Also, the Defense Department released the identities of four servicemen who died in Iraq and one who died in Southwest Asia. Killed were:
-- Army Pvt. William C. Johnson, 22, of Oxford, N.C., died June 12 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
-- Marine Lance Cpl. Johnny R. Strong, 21, of Waco, Texas, died June 12 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
-- Army Spc. Damon G. Legrand, 27, of Lakeside, Calif., died June 12 in Baqubah, Iraq, when insurgents attacked his unit with anti-tank mines, rocket-propelled grenades, and small-arms fire in Baghdad. He was assigned to 571st Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.
-- Army Pfc. Cameron K. Payne, 22, of Corona, Calif., died June 11 in Balad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.
-- Air Force Lt. Col. Glade L. Felix, 52, of Lake Park, Ga., died June 11 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. His death is under investigation. Felix was assigned to 622nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq and Defense Department news releases.)
Gates Visits Iraq for Update on Operations, Reconciliation Efforts
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, here on a previously unannounced visit, said he is hopeful that recent bombings by al Qaeda in Iraq won't further disrupt or delay progress in the country. Gates arrived here this evening to meet with senior leaders on the ground to discuss operations, the reconciliation progress and how the nation plans to handle recent sectarian attacks, including the highly publicized bombing of the Golden Mosque in Samarra.
The trip marks the fourth time the secretary has visited the nation during his six-month tenure. He said his message will be the same as during his first trip in December: American troops are buying Iraqis time to pursue reconciliation within the country.
"Frankly, we're disappointed with progress so far," he said. "I hope they can continue working on both legislation and efforts from the ground to build up reconciliation in terms of groups who are deciding to work with the government and so on."
Gates said he hopes to have a "sense of direction" in trends and where things are headed by September, when U.S. leaders in Iraq are to deliver an assessment of conditions on the ground.
Gates said progress is occurring on many fronts. "Clearly one of the purposes of my visit is to encourage them to make that progress," he said. "There is enormous interest in them making progress and demonstrating to the Iraqi people that they are prepared to lay the foundations for a future Iraqi state in which all of the different elements can live in peace with one another. I think that possibility is still open."
Iraq remains a "mixed picture," Gates said. Some areas continue to see violence, Gates noted, but added that during his last trip here he saw amusement parks and markets that had reopened. He said he has since heard that other businesses, such as coffee shops, are thriving.
The secretary said generals on the ground, including Multinational Force Iraq Commander Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, are being realistic in their assessments of what is going on in Iraq and are giving honest appraisals to the American public and Congress.
"General Petraeus has been the one to say that it's going to get tougher before it gets better," Gates said. "He has not pulled his punches at all in terms of the difficulty of the struggle in front of us, in terms of the obstacles to reconciliation and greater security both in the Baghdad area and Iraq as a whole."
Gates said he has every confidence in Petraeus.
"What we're seeing in Iraq is a healthy thing. It's called politics. And I think that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is facing some enormous obstacles," the secretary said, "but he's worked closely with us and reaching out to others in the presidential council and working with them; it's an evolving process."
Gates reminded reporters that Iraqi leaders are new to positions of responsibility. "Trying to bring this all together is a challenge," he said. "I think Prime Minister Maliki is trying to address that challenge as well as he can, and he deserves our support."
Gates arrived in Baghdad after two days of talks with NATO ministers in Brussels, Belgium.
American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, here on a previously unannounced visit, said he is hopeful that recent bombings by al Qaeda in Iraq won't further disrupt or delay progress in the country. Gates arrived here this evening to meet with senior leaders on the ground to discuss operations, the reconciliation progress and how the nation plans to handle recent sectarian attacks, including the highly publicized bombing of the Golden Mosque in Samarra.
The trip marks the fourth time the secretary has visited the nation during his six-month tenure. He said his message will be the same as during his first trip in December: American troops are buying Iraqis time to pursue reconciliation within the country.
"Frankly, we're disappointed with progress so far," he said. "I hope they can continue working on both legislation and efforts from the ground to build up reconciliation in terms of groups who are deciding to work with the government and so on."
Gates said he hopes to have a "sense of direction" in trends and where things are headed by September, when U.S. leaders in Iraq are to deliver an assessment of conditions on the ground.
Gates said progress is occurring on many fronts. "Clearly one of the purposes of my visit is to encourage them to make that progress," he said. "There is enormous interest in them making progress and demonstrating to the Iraqi people that they are prepared to lay the foundations for a future Iraqi state in which all of the different elements can live in peace with one another. I think that possibility is still open."
Iraq remains a "mixed picture," Gates said. Some areas continue to see violence, Gates noted, but added that during his last trip here he saw amusement parks and markets that had reopened. He said he has since heard that other businesses, such as coffee shops, are thriving.
The secretary said generals on the ground, including Multinational Force Iraq Commander Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, are being realistic in their assessments of what is going on in Iraq and are giving honest appraisals to the American public and Congress.
"General Petraeus has been the one to say that it's going to get tougher before it gets better," Gates said. "He has not pulled his punches at all in terms of the difficulty of the struggle in front of us, in terms of the obstacles to reconciliation and greater security both in the Baghdad area and Iraq as a whole."
Gates said he has every confidence in Petraeus.
"What we're seeing in Iraq is a healthy thing. It's called politics. And I think that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is facing some enormous obstacles," the secretary said, "but he's worked closely with us and reaching out to others in the presidential council and working with them; it's an evolving process."
Gates reminded reporters that Iraqi leaders are new to positions of responsibility. "Trying to bring this all together is a challenge," he said. "I think Prime Minister Maliki is trying to address that challenge as well as he can, and he deserves our support."
Gates arrived in Baghdad after two days of talks with NATO ministers in Brussels, Belgium.
Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill More Than 24 Enemy Fighters
American Forces Press Service
June 15, 2007 – Coalition and Afghan forces have killed and detained more than two dozen enemy fighters in operations in Afghanistan over the past two days, U.S. officials said. Afghan and coalition forces killed "a few" militants and detained three others early today in an operation against Taliban forces at a compound in the Shahjoy district of Zabul province.
During the brief firefight that resulted in the enemy casualties, two civilians were caught in the crossfire. A teenage boy died at the scene, and a younger boy was evacuated to a coalition medical facility.
"Coalition and Afghan forces strive to avoid civilian injuries and are saddened by the loss of life," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "But, when extremists insist on hiding among civilians, as they clearly were here, they are abusing the kindness of their hosts and putting innocents at risk."
The coalition forces in this operation were acting on credible intelligence that indicated the compound was sheltering local Taliban facilitators of foreign fighters. After the engagement, local villagers confirmed the enemy fighters killed at the scene were Taliban militants.
In other news from Afghanistan, enemy fighters attacked a group of Afghan National Police and coalition forces on patrol three kilometers north of Putay, in the Sangin district of Helmand province yesterday.
More than two dozen enemy fighters were killed during the nine-hour battle, and there are no reports of Afghan civilian injuries.
Elsewhere yesterday, coalition forces engaged several enemy fighters who were positioning a rocket near Kowndalan, in the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province. One enemy vehicle was destroyed, and several enemy fighters were killed.
In Zabul province, enemy fighters attacked a combined Afghan National Army and coalition patrol with machine gun and rocket-propelled-grenade fire near Baylogh, in the Deh Chopan district. "A few" enemy fighters were killed during the five-hour firefight, coalition officials said.
Earlier this week, Afghan National Police detained Nawroze, a Taliban financier known only by his last name, in the Sabari district of Khowst province. Nawroze was the primary financier for a Khowst-area Taliban network. According to U.S. officials, he provided financial support to local fighters and paid local tribesmen to conduct attacks against Afghan government officials and innocent Afghan civilians.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
June 15, 2007 – Coalition and Afghan forces have killed and detained more than two dozen enemy fighters in operations in Afghanistan over the past two days, U.S. officials said. Afghan and coalition forces killed "a few" militants and detained three others early today in an operation against Taliban forces at a compound in the Shahjoy district of Zabul province.
During the brief firefight that resulted in the enemy casualties, two civilians were caught in the crossfire. A teenage boy died at the scene, and a younger boy was evacuated to a coalition medical facility.
"Coalition and Afghan forces strive to avoid civilian injuries and are saddened by the loss of life," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "But, when extremists insist on hiding among civilians, as they clearly were here, they are abusing the kindness of their hosts and putting innocents at risk."
The coalition forces in this operation were acting on credible intelligence that indicated the compound was sheltering local Taliban facilitators of foreign fighters. After the engagement, local villagers confirmed the enemy fighters killed at the scene were Taliban militants.
In other news from Afghanistan, enemy fighters attacked a group of Afghan National Police and coalition forces on patrol three kilometers north of Putay, in the Sangin district of Helmand province yesterday.
More than two dozen enemy fighters were killed during the nine-hour battle, and there are no reports of Afghan civilian injuries.
Elsewhere yesterday, coalition forces engaged several enemy fighters who were positioning a rocket near Kowndalan, in the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province. One enemy vehicle was destroyed, and several enemy fighters were killed.
In Zabul province, enemy fighters attacked a combined Afghan National Army and coalition patrol with machine gun and rocket-propelled-grenade fire near Baylogh, in the Deh Chopan district. "A few" enemy fighters were killed during the five-hour firefight, coalition officials said.
Earlier this week, Afghan National Police detained Nawroze, a Taliban financier known only by his last name, in the Sabari district of Khowst province. Nawroze was the primary financier for a Khowst-area Taliban network. According to U.S. officials, he provided financial support to local fighters and paid local tribesmen to conduct attacks against Afghan government officials and innocent Afghan civilians.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
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