Anthrax reporter appeals contempt of court order for not revealing sources
“Former USA Today reporter Toni Locy on Friday asked the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to reverse a federal judge's decision to impose sanctions against her for refusing to disclose government sources who provided information about former US Army germ-warfare researcher Dr. Steven J. Hatfill.”
(Jurist; 29Mar08)
http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2008/03/anthrax-reporter-appeals-contempt-of.php
[Kansas Governor] Sebelius signs bill to help land bio-defense facility
“Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Friday signed legislation providing for infrastructure improvements needed to secure a National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility for the state. Kansas is one of six finalists for the facility. The proposed site is at Kansas State University, immediately adjacent to the Biosecurity Research Institute. Senate Substitute for House Bill 2001 authorizes the issuance of revenue bonds to support a capital improvement project for the facility.” (Kansas City Business Journal; 28Mar08) http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2008/03/24/daily46.html
Smiths Detection Awarded Army Contract with Potential Value of $75 Million for Additional Automatic Chemical Agent Detector Alarm (ACADA) Units
“Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announced its Military unit has been awarded a contract with potential total value of $75 million by the Department of Defense (DoD) to supply Automatic Chemical Agent Detector Alarm (ACADA) units. Under the initial $10 million order, Smiths Detection is supplying the US Army with its GID-3(TM) chemical agent detectors, selected for the ACADA program.” (TMC Net; 31Mar08)
http://opensourcepbx.tmcnet.com/news/2008/03/31/3356650.htm
Uganda: Govt Drafts Law On Chemical Weapons
“The government is drafting a law to regulate toxic chemicals used in industries and those in transit through the country. […] State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations Mwesigwa Rukutana said his ministry has already drafted a Bill, which will soon be tabled before the Cabinet. Mr Rukutana disclosed this during a workshop for MPs on the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the need for its Implementation in Kampala last Friday.”
(The Monitor (Kampala); 31Mar08; Al-Mahdi Ssenkabirwa Munyonyo)
http://allafrica.com/stories/200803310933.html
New Dirty Bomb Detection Technology From Splinternet Holdings, Inc., to Be Demoed at ISC West in Las Vegas, April 2 – 4
“Splinternet Holdings, Inc. will introduce three new entries in the wide-area radiological detection marketplace, DefenTect™, GammaTect™ and GammaTect Plus™, at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, April 2 - 4. […] DefenTect™ manages a distributed network of solid state GammaTect™ radiation sensors, that send real-time notifications to security command centers when the presence of threat-level gamma rays is detected. The integrated DefenTect™ system enables customers with IP networks to add radiation detection capability, increasing the utility of their security systems. Sensors can be strategically positioned adjacent to existing cameras to identify threats visually.”
(Splinternet; 31Mar08)
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080331005128&newsLang=en
Ont[ario], emergency workers put to test in 'dirty bomb' mass casualty exercise
“Panic and mayhem swept across a Toronto college campus Saturday as about 100 screaming, blood-stained students hobbled in to receive medical care, but it was all part of a training exercise aimed at testing how emergency services might respond to a nuclear [sic] incident. The mock disaster centred around a fictional ‘dirty bomb’ explosion and multi-vehicle crash on Highway 401 - Canada's busiest highway - in which a plume of radioactive dust was released into the air.” (The Canadian Press; 29Mar08)
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hR85nG7YqnWYftsJO8hdZbt0r3Kw
India determined to root out terrorism says [Prime Minister] Manmohan Singh
“Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said whatever the source of terrorism, we are determined to root it out and ensure that in a democracy, political change can only come through the ballot box and not through the barrel of a gun. Singh also pointed out the SPG [Special Protection Group]’s proposal to build capabilities in the field of ‘Bomb Disposal’ in a bid to equip itself to deal with threats from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents and assured that the Government would ensure all that it requires to upgrade the skills of its personnel and the organisation.” (Top News; 31Mar08; Mohit Joshi)
http://www.topnews.in/india-determined-root-out-terrorism-says-manmohan-singh-229078
Global Crime and Terrorism
“The end of the Cold War meant a significant change in the nature of the foreign threats to US security. The principal worry of most Americans is no longer a devastating military offensive from abroad, but rather more insidious assaults which hit closer to home, threatening lives and property and creating a climate of fear. […] The use of chemical agents in the attack on the Tokyo subway heightened the concern that similar attacks could occur here. International drug cartels continue to pump enormous quantities of cocaine and heroin into the United States, destroying countless lives, raising public health costs, and contributing to a large percentage of the criminal acts committed in this country.” (Canada Free Press; 31Mar08; Jim Kouri)
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/2419
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Programs Assist Iraqi Engineers
By Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Niles, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - As the government of Iraq works to build capacity, increasing the number of engineers is essential to design, contract, construct and maintain the country's infrastructure. Roberto Bran, the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team's engineer development-program manager, said engineers are vital to executing projects.
"None of this will occur if there is no one to plan and design the infrastructure," Bran said.
Wasit's need for engineers comes with an increase in the provincial government's budget. While the increase allows the provincial government to expand the number of new projects, it may put a strain on the limited number of engineers. The province currently has close to 1,500 registered engineers. of which 200-300 are women.
To address the potential shortage, the PRT, in coordination with the Wasit Resident Engineer Office, the Salvadoran Cuscatlan Battalion 10, the 214th Fires Brigade, and private- and public-sector Iraqi engineers, developed a program to improve the quality of current projects and boost the number of qualified engineers in the province.
The program's aim is strengthening the Engineering College of Wasit University and bolstering the Wasit Engineers Union.
Brand said the focus is on professional development programs targeting mid-career professionals and taught by the faculty of the Engineering College.
Six courses have been taught to date, and 36 more are planned, Bran said. Topics range from solid-waste management, to hydraulic structures to structural analysis and design. The courses accommodate 20 students and are open to Iraqi government and private-sector engineers.
The PRT is funding four laboratories and classrooms at the Wasit Engineering College at a cost of about $2.5 million. The laboratories will accommodate 25 students, while the classrooms will hold 60 students, Bran said. The new construction will feature a computer lab, a survey lab, a soil lab and an asphalt lab.
For students, a major concern is unemployment. The students say it is hard to find jobs because most jobs require experience -- something they don't have.
Toward that end, an internship program is planned for the engineering college. The program will offer paid and unpaid opportunities with contractors implementing Commander's Emergency Response Program and Economic Support Fund construction projects. Students also will work on Civil Military Cooperation and the Army Corps of Engineers' Gulf Region South.
Also planned is an exchange program with academic and professional institutions abroad to establish long-term relationships between the engineering college and academic institutions in the United States.
Dr. Mansoor Manas, dean of the engineering college, wants his students to be able to exchange ideas, receive training and gain knowledge.
"I want them to be able to communicate with everyone especially with English," Manas said. "It is important that they always be encouraged."
Manas said he wants to expand the college library to include current engineering textbooks, professional development magazines and an Internet center. "I want it to be easy for them," he said.
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Niles is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of 214th Fires Brigade.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - As the government of Iraq works to build capacity, increasing the number of engineers is essential to design, contract, construct and maintain the country's infrastructure. Roberto Bran, the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team's engineer development-program manager, said engineers are vital to executing projects.
"None of this will occur if there is no one to plan and design the infrastructure," Bran said.
Wasit's need for engineers comes with an increase in the provincial government's budget. While the increase allows the provincial government to expand the number of new projects, it may put a strain on the limited number of engineers. The province currently has close to 1,500 registered engineers. of which 200-300 are women.
To address the potential shortage, the PRT, in coordination with the Wasit Resident Engineer Office, the Salvadoran Cuscatlan Battalion 10, the 214th Fires Brigade, and private- and public-sector Iraqi engineers, developed a program to improve the quality of current projects and boost the number of qualified engineers in the province.
The program's aim is strengthening the Engineering College of Wasit University and bolstering the Wasit Engineers Union.
Brand said the focus is on professional development programs targeting mid-career professionals and taught by the faculty of the Engineering College.
Six courses have been taught to date, and 36 more are planned, Bran said. Topics range from solid-waste management, to hydraulic structures to structural analysis and design. The courses accommodate 20 students and are open to Iraqi government and private-sector engineers.
The PRT is funding four laboratories and classrooms at the Wasit Engineering College at a cost of about $2.5 million. The laboratories will accommodate 25 students, while the classrooms will hold 60 students, Bran said. The new construction will feature a computer lab, a survey lab, a soil lab and an asphalt lab.
For students, a major concern is unemployment. The students say it is hard to find jobs because most jobs require experience -- something they don't have.
Toward that end, an internship program is planned for the engineering college. The program will offer paid and unpaid opportunities with contractors implementing Commander's Emergency Response Program and Economic Support Fund construction projects. Students also will work on Civil Military Cooperation and the Army Corps of Engineers' Gulf Region South.
Also planned is an exchange program with academic and professional institutions abroad to establish long-term relationships between the engineering college and academic institutions in the United States.
Dr. Mansoor Manas, dean of the engineering college, wants his students to be able to exchange ideas, receive training and gain knowledge.
"I want them to be able to communicate with everyone especially with English," Manas said. "It is important that they always be encouraged."
Manas said he wants to expand the college library to include current engineering textbooks, professional development magazines and an Internet center. "I want it to be easy for them," he said.
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Niles is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of 214th Fires Brigade.)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Anthropologist Helps Soldiers Understand Iraqis' Needs
By Sgt. James P. Hunter, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 25, 2008 - With many streets here cluttered with trash and just as many roads bent out of shape, Baghdad can convey an impression of poverty. But something as simple as the produce available here tells a different tale. An anthropologist is helping soldiers and leaders from the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team better understand the needs and living conditions of Iraqi citizens in northwestern Baghdad.
Marcus Griffin is a 40-year-old college professor who is taking a one-year break from teaching to bring his knowledge and experience to the fight. Using anthropology and sociology methods, he tries to determine whether micro-grants coalition officials are providing to Iraqi shopkeepers are having any effect on communities.
Before being "thin" or "chiseled" became the rage in Western societies, the results of people's diet conveyed their relative economic standing. People with "thick" builds were perceived to be wealthy. That's the case in Iraq, Griffin said. Wealthier Iraqis eat rice, lamb and fish. Poorer people eat bread, eggs and beans. But all Iraqis have one thing in common: their daily intake of cucumbers and tomatoes. The difference here is the quality of these products.
"These are quick indicators of market infrastructure," Griffin said.
Economic growth can easily be measured by the quality of produce in Baghdad's inner-city markets, he said.
Griffin often looks at the quality of produce and fish available in the local markets and where the merchants are getting their tomatoes to help him assess the growing economy. The better the quality, he said, the more the economy is growing.
"His expertise in analyzing the type of food being sold in the markets has been useful," said Shreveport, La. native Capt. Thomas H. Melton, commander of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment. "He was able to explain the markets in my (area of operations) are receiving poor quality fruits and vegetables, indicating the area is fairly poor and malnourished."
Recently, Griffin toured the markets in southern Ghazaliyah with soldiers from Troop A, 1-75th Cavalry Regiment. There are four markets in southern Ghazaliyah: 8th Street, Nafla, Afran and Zawia. Melton said all four have shown substantial growth since he arrived in early December.
"With the exception of Zawia, the markets are all traditional open-air markets with bakeries, butcher shops, and fruit and vegetable stands," he said. "These markets cater to the residents of Ghazaliyah from within the (neighborhoods). Zawia market is more like a Western-style strip mall, catering to traffic on a main highway."
Heavy fighting in the area over the past year damaged much of the market, but with improved security, the economy is seeing much growth.
"Store owners are returning every day, but this market is very much in a rebuilding phase," Melton said. "The other markets are each seeing expansion, specifically Nafla and Afran. The presence of new stores, including restaurants, indicates that the economy is improving and the people feel secure."
Griffin said he wanted to see the economic boost and help identify the needs of these Iraqis to help the economy grow even more. "A bakery can change a neighborhood with just the basic necessity of bread," he said. "It can cause change, especially to the economy."
And that is where Griffin started his day: at the local bakery, talking with some of its workers.
Melton said Griffin has taken special interest in this bakery and "will help us facilitate a micro-grant approval for this business in order to study the effects that the micro-grant process has on the community."
The smell of freshly baked bread straight out of the kiln filled the afternoon air as they approached the bakery. Three men worked inside under no lighting except for the glow of the fire baking the bread. The bakery sells nearly 10 pieces at a time, at a cost of 1,250 Iraqi dinars. But keeping the business running is a problem. Having the money to purchase flour and fuel can be quite difficult.
A micro-grant is just what the bakers need to boost their business and the community as a whole, Melton said.
Griffin toured much of the area that day, spending time with an Iraqi family. They sipped on chai tea, ate lamb patties and discussed many of the area's needs, which mostly have to do with the availability of electricity. Lately, the family has been getting only a half hour of electricity a day. Griffin noted all the difficulties they are facing, hoping to fully understand their needs and what it would take to satisfy their desires.
"The biggest needs of the Iraqi people are the improvement of essential services," Melton said. "The residents average between one and two hours of electricity per day. The lack of electricity forces them to spend much of their income on black-market fuel to run generators. Additionally, it prevents the sewage pump stations from working, which contributes to the bad standing-water problems in the streets."
Griffin also stopped at a fruit stand during his visit, noticing that it had coconut for sale -- a rarity, to his knowledge, in Iraq, he said. Having the ability to bring in an exotic, luxurious food, he said, is a sign of economic growth.
"As we move toward tactical overwatch, we need to see visual indicators quickly of how the community and economy is doing -- see the growth within," Griffin said. "It keeps a pulse on the population."
(Army Sgt. James P. Hunter serves in public affairs with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 25, 2008 - With many streets here cluttered with trash and just as many roads bent out of shape, Baghdad can convey an impression of poverty. But something as simple as the produce available here tells a different tale. An anthropologist is helping soldiers and leaders from the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team better understand the needs and living conditions of Iraqi citizens in northwestern Baghdad.
Marcus Griffin is a 40-year-old college professor who is taking a one-year break from teaching to bring his knowledge and experience to the fight. Using anthropology and sociology methods, he tries to determine whether micro-grants coalition officials are providing to Iraqi shopkeepers are having any effect on communities.
Before being "thin" or "chiseled" became the rage in Western societies, the results of people's diet conveyed their relative economic standing. People with "thick" builds were perceived to be wealthy. That's the case in Iraq, Griffin said. Wealthier Iraqis eat rice, lamb and fish. Poorer people eat bread, eggs and beans. But all Iraqis have one thing in common: their daily intake of cucumbers and tomatoes. The difference here is the quality of these products.
"These are quick indicators of market infrastructure," Griffin said.
Economic growth can easily be measured by the quality of produce in Baghdad's inner-city markets, he said.
Griffin often looks at the quality of produce and fish available in the local markets and where the merchants are getting their tomatoes to help him assess the growing economy. The better the quality, he said, the more the economy is growing.
"His expertise in analyzing the type of food being sold in the markets has been useful," said Shreveport, La. native Capt. Thomas H. Melton, commander of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment. "He was able to explain the markets in my (area of operations) are receiving poor quality fruits and vegetables, indicating the area is fairly poor and malnourished."
Recently, Griffin toured the markets in southern Ghazaliyah with soldiers from Troop A, 1-75th Cavalry Regiment. There are four markets in southern Ghazaliyah: 8th Street, Nafla, Afran and Zawia. Melton said all four have shown substantial growth since he arrived in early December.
"With the exception of Zawia, the markets are all traditional open-air markets with bakeries, butcher shops, and fruit and vegetable stands," he said. "These markets cater to the residents of Ghazaliyah from within the (neighborhoods). Zawia market is more like a Western-style strip mall, catering to traffic on a main highway."
Heavy fighting in the area over the past year damaged much of the market, but with improved security, the economy is seeing much growth.
"Store owners are returning every day, but this market is very much in a rebuilding phase," Melton said. "The other markets are each seeing expansion, specifically Nafla and Afran. The presence of new stores, including restaurants, indicates that the economy is improving and the people feel secure."
Griffin said he wanted to see the economic boost and help identify the needs of these Iraqis to help the economy grow even more. "A bakery can change a neighborhood with just the basic necessity of bread," he said. "It can cause change, especially to the economy."
And that is where Griffin started his day: at the local bakery, talking with some of its workers.
Melton said Griffin has taken special interest in this bakery and "will help us facilitate a micro-grant approval for this business in order to study the effects that the micro-grant process has on the community."
The smell of freshly baked bread straight out of the kiln filled the afternoon air as they approached the bakery. Three men worked inside under no lighting except for the glow of the fire baking the bread. The bakery sells nearly 10 pieces at a time, at a cost of 1,250 Iraqi dinars. But keeping the business running is a problem. Having the money to purchase flour and fuel can be quite difficult.
A micro-grant is just what the bakers need to boost their business and the community as a whole, Melton said.
Griffin toured much of the area that day, spending time with an Iraqi family. They sipped on chai tea, ate lamb patties and discussed many of the area's needs, which mostly have to do with the availability of electricity. Lately, the family has been getting only a half hour of electricity a day. Griffin noted all the difficulties they are facing, hoping to fully understand their needs and what it would take to satisfy their desires.
"The biggest needs of the Iraqi people are the improvement of essential services," Melton said. "The residents average between one and two hours of electricity per day. The lack of electricity forces them to spend much of their income on black-market fuel to run generators. Additionally, it prevents the sewage pump stations from working, which contributes to the bad standing-water problems in the streets."
Griffin also stopped at a fruit stand during his visit, noticing that it had coconut for sale -- a rarity, to his knowledge, in Iraq, he said. Having the ability to bring in an exotic, luxurious food, he said, is a sign of economic growth.
"As we move toward tactical overwatch, we need to see visual indicators quickly of how the community and economy is doing -- see the growth within," Griffin said. "It keeps a pulse on the population."
(Army Sgt. James P. Hunter serves in public affairs with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team.)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Detainee Literacy Rates Improve Through Education Programs
By Spc. Shanita Simmons, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 17, 2007 - Literacy programs aimed at detainees held here show signs of success, as many detainees are sharpening their academic skills. Joint Task Force Guantanamo offers detainees courses in Arabic and Pashto, as well as basic arithmetic. Army 1st Lt. Rominita Rodriquez, the officer in charge of the literacy program, said she credits the joint task force's leaders with developing and approving curriculum that serves two purposes.
"The commander's intent is to provide a program aimed at improving the literacy rate of detainees with little or no writing skills, so we can aid them with reintegrating to their country," Rodriquez said. "Secondly, we hope participants in the program will be able to read and understand the Quran for themselves. They will also be able to read and write letters to family members in their native countries."
Detainees who participate in the literacy program attend classes for about 90 minutes three days a week and take beginning, intermediate and advanced-level courses that focus on their skill deficits. According to one instructor, Sherif, the Pashto course is popular since some of the Afghan population here is poorly educated. Official policy is not to release full names of some individuals who work with detainees in Joint Task Force Guantanamo.
"Based on my information, the majority of the Arabic-speaking detainees have high school and college degrees," Sherif said.
However, according to Mary, another instructor in the camps, the Afghan detainee literacy rate is only about 20 percent. Pashto, the official language of Afghanistan, is spoken by about 13 million people.
Arabic is classified as a macro-language, with about 27 sub-languages spoken throughout the Arab world. Sherif said detainees from such diverse countries as Algeria, Sudan, Canada and Saudi Arabia speak Arabic. Since a majority of detainees here originated from Afghanistan and Arabic-speaking countries, the literacy program's primary focus is on teaching the two main languages spoken there.
The Arabic course focuses on helping detainees improve grammar, structure sentences and conjugate verbs using "classic Arabic," the language of the Quran, as the base. Detainees placed in intermediate courses are taught using high school and college-level textbooks. Advanced classes serve as refreshers that focus on clarifying and revisiting various aspects of the language. Although detainees are tested periodically, class participation and homework exercises also are used to measure their success. Many detainees also check out books from the detainee library to help reinforce their skills.
In contrast, detainees participating in the Pashto course are taught on a more basic level. These detainees are taught the basic alphabet and then move onto learning word and sentence structure. Conducting initial assessments of detainees is essential, since they help determine the right class placements for detainees.
"The assessments help us understand exactly where they are, so we can then build on their knowledge base," Rodriquez said. "The program has been very successful. We have detainees that didn't know how to read and write, and now they are reading like regular guys who attended college."
Rodriquez added that instructors provide one-on-one instruction or more homework to struggling detainees until they catch up with others in their classes.
Rodriquez said she attends some of these classes herself and encourages detainees to provide feedback on how the courses can be improved. She said many detainees have shown their gratitude by asking their instructors to thank the joint task force command for helping to build and reinforce their skills.
Task force leaders consider detainee requests and have made feasible changes to the program as a result of their input. However, all changes have to account for the safety of the instructors and the guard force. Therefore, there are always a minimum of two guards in each classroom and a set of restraints bolted to the floor is located near each desk.
When detainees complain about the instructional environment, Sherif said he encourages them to look beyond their ankle restraints. "I tell them that everyone has their own cuffs or boundaries of dos and don'ts, but they are not visible to the eyes," Sherif said. "I tell them that they must forget about those things and concentrate on what they do have. This perspective usually works."
Despite Sherif's Arabic descent, interacting with detainees is sometimes a challenge, since he must first establish a level of trust and respect within the classroom environment.
"Some of the detainees who attend my class would say I am an infidel because I work with the United States," Sherif said. "I always begin my first class by saying 'Shalam Malacum,' which is translated to mean 'Peace upon you.' I will then quote verses from the Quran to remind them that it is their duty to respond to peace when it is being given to them. Then they will usually respond."
(Army Spc. Shanita Simmons is assigned to Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 17, 2007 - Literacy programs aimed at detainees held here show signs of success, as many detainees are sharpening their academic skills. Joint Task Force Guantanamo offers detainees courses in Arabic and Pashto, as well as basic arithmetic. Army 1st Lt. Rominita Rodriquez, the officer in charge of the literacy program, said she credits the joint task force's leaders with developing and approving curriculum that serves two purposes.
"The commander's intent is to provide a program aimed at improving the literacy rate of detainees with little or no writing skills, so we can aid them with reintegrating to their country," Rodriquez said. "Secondly, we hope participants in the program will be able to read and understand the Quran for themselves. They will also be able to read and write letters to family members in their native countries."
Detainees who participate in the literacy program attend classes for about 90 minutes three days a week and take beginning, intermediate and advanced-level courses that focus on their skill deficits. According to one instructor, Sherif, the Pashto course is popular since some of the Afghan population here is poorly educated. Official policy is not to release full names of some individuals who work with detainees in Joint Task Force Guantanamo.
"Based on my information, the majority of the Arabic-speaking detainees have high school and college degrees," Sherif said.
However, according to Mary, another instructor in the camps, the Afghan detainee literacy rate is only about 20 percent. Pashto, the official language of Afghanistan, is spoken by about 13 million people.
Arabic is classified as a macro-language, with about 27 sub-languages spoken throughout the Arab world. Sherif said detainees from such diverse countries as Algeria, Sudan, Canada and Saudi Arabia speak Arabic. Since a majority of detainees here originated from Afghanistan and Arabic-speaking countries, the literacy program's primary focus is on teaching the two main languages spoken there.
The Arabic course focuses on helping detainees improve grammar, structure sentences and conjugate verbs using "classic Arabic," the language of the Quran, as the base. Detainees placed in intermediate courses are taught using high school and college-level textbooks. Advanced classes serve as refreshers that focus on clarifying and revisiting various aspects of the language. Although detainees are tested periodically, class participation and homework exercises also are used to measure their success. Many detainees also check out books from the detainee library to help reinforce their skills.
In contrast, detainees participating in the Pashto course are taught on a more basic level. These detainees are taught the basic alphabet and then move onto learning word and sentence structure. Conducting initial assessments of detainees is essential, since they help determine the right class placements for detainees.
"The assessments help us understand exactly where they are, so we can then build on their knowledge base," Rodriquez said. "The program has been very successful. We have detainees that didn't know how to read and write, and now they are reading like regular guys who attended college."
Rodriquez added that instructors provide one-on-one instruction or more homework to struggling detainees until they catch up with others in their classes.
Rodriquez said she attends some of these classes herself and encourages detainees to provide feedback on how the courses can be improved. She said many detainees have shown their gratitude by asking their instructors to thank the joint task force command for helping to build and reinforce their skills.
Task force leaders consider detainee requests and have made feasible changes to the program as a result of their input. However, all changes have to account for the safety of the instructors and the guard force. Therefore, there are always a minimum of two guards in each classroom and a set of restraints bolted to the floor is located near each desk.
When detainees complain about the instructional environment, Sherif said he encourages them to look beyond their ankle restraints. "I tell them that everyone has their own cuffs or boundaries of dos and don'ts, but they are not visible to the eyes," Sherif said. "I tell them that they must forget about those things and concentrate on what they do have. This perspective usually works."
Despite Sherif's Arabic descent, interacting with detainees is sometimes a challenge, since he must first establish a level of trust and respect within the classroom environment.
"Some of the detainees who attend my class would say I am an infidel because I work with the United States," Sherif said. "I always begin my first class by saying 'Shalam Malacum,' which is translated to mean 'Peace upon you.' I will then quote verses from the Quran to remind them that it is their duty to respond to peace when it is being given to them. Then they will usually respond."
(Army Spc. Shanita Simmons is assigned to Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)
Monday, January 15, 2007
Bush: Victory in Iraq Crucial to U.S. Security, Middle East Stability
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2007 – Failure in Iraq would threaten America's security and create entrenched instability in the Middle East, President Bush said in an interview that aired last night on the CBS News program "60 Minutes." "If we do not succeed in Iraq, we will leave behind a Middle East which will endanger America in the future," Bush said during the interview held at the presidential retreat at Camp David, Md. The interview was his first since his Jan. 10 announcement he plans to deploy more than 20,000 additional U.S. troops to Iraq to help improve the security situation there.
Bush told CBS correspondent Scott Pelley that accepting the status quo or withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq would only embolden terrorists who are intent on harming Americans and making their vision for the world a reality. "And they intend to use murder to enact their vision," the president said.
Failure in Iraq also would empower Iran, which the president said poses a major threat to world peace. He said Iran must not be allowed to meddle in Iraqi affairs and must be prevented from attacking U.S. troops there.
In a direct statement to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Bush said Iranian- backed violence in Iraq would not be tolerated. "If we catch your people inside the country (Iraq) harming U.S. citizens or Iraqi citizens, we will deal with them," he said.
A unified and democratic Iraq will provide the bedrock for stability in the Middle East, so Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki and his government must be more diligent in providing security and thwarting sectarian violence, he said. "I told him (Maliki) he's got to provide the troops he said he would provide inside of Baghdad. And we'll help him," Bush said.
Politics should not hinder Iraqi government officials and armed forces from going after those responsible for killing innocent people, he said. "A killer is a killer, and we expect them to go after both Shia and Sunni murderers in order to provide the security for Baghdad," he said.
Bush admitted his administration has made some mistakes regarding Iraq, but said people should not blame U.S. troops for the problems there. "We've got a bunch of good military people out there doing what we asked them to do. The temptation is to find scapegoats," he said. "Well if the people want a scapegoat they've got one right here in me."
Last week Bush visited Fort Benning, Ga., to explain his new strategy for the war in Iraq and to thank soldiers there-many who will deploy early to Iraq under the president's new plan-- for their service. "It's an extraordinary country to have men and women volunteer in the face of danger," he said.
Iraqis should be thankful for the effort American troops have made in their country, the president said. "We liberated that country from a tyrant," he said.
Removing Saddam Hussein from power will ultimately make the world a safer place, he said. "Envision a world in which Saddam Hussein was rushing for a nuclear weapon to compete against Iran," he said. "My decision to remove Saddam Hussein was the correct decision in my judgment."
Bush said he saw portions of Saddam's execution video on the Internet. He said he was glad Saddam received the justice that was due, but didn't like the manner in which the execution took place. "I thought it was discouraging," he said. "Obviously they could have handled this thing a lot better."
The hardest part of his presidency, Bush said, is meeting the families who lost loved ones in Iraq. One mother told him about how her 6-foot-5-inch son was killed when his Humvee struck a roadside bomb. His large size shielded four fellow troops from death, she told him. Bush said he asked her if she met the four surviving servicemembers. "They're like my family now," she told him.
Bush said he spent a lot of time listening to many people and laboring over the idea of sending more troops to Iraq before he came to his decision. "I fully understand the decisions I make could affect the life of some kid who wears the uniform, or could affect the life of some child growing up in America 20 years from now," he said.
He said he spends much less time worrying about his legacy. "I'm more worried about making the right decisions to protect the United States of America," he said.
Article sponsored by college education information online, police and military personnel who have become writers; and criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2007 – Failure in Iraq would threaten America's security and create entrenched instability in the Middle East, President Bush said in an interview that aired last night on the CBS News program "60 Minutes." "If we do not succeed in Iraq, we will leave behind a Middle East which will endanger America in the future," Bush said during the interview held at the presidential retreat at Camp David, Md. The interview was his first since his Jan. 10 announcement he plans to deploy more than 20,000 additional U.S. troops to Iraq to help improve the security situation there.
Bush told CBS correspondent Scott Pelley that accepting the status quo or withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq would only embolden terrorists who are intent on harming Americans and making their vision for the world a reality. "And they intend to use murder to enact their vision," the president said.
Failure in Iraq also would empower Iran, which the president said poses a major threat to world peace. He said Iran must not be allowed to meddle in Iraqi affairs and must be prevented from attacking U.S. troops there.
In a direct statement to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Bush said Iranian- backed violence in Iraq would not be tolerated. "If we catch your people inside the country (Iraq) harming U.S. citizens or Iraqi citizens, we will deal with them," he said.
A unified and democratic Iraq will provide the bedrock for stability in the Middle East, so Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki and his government must be more diligent in providing security and thwarting sectarian violence, he said. "I told him (Maliki) he's got to provide the troops he said he would provide inside of Baghdad. And we'll help him," Bush said.
Politics should not hinder Iraqi government officials and armed forces from going after those responsible for killing innocent people, he said. "A killer is a killer, and we expect them to go after both Shia and Sunni murderers in order to provide the security for Baghdad," he said.
Bush admitted his administration has made some mistakes regarding Iraq, but said people should not blame U.S. troops for the problems there. "We've got a bunch of good military people out there doing what we asked them to do. The temptation is to find scapegoats," he said. "Well if the people want a scapegoat they've got one right here in me."
Last week Bush visited Fort Benning, Ga., to explain his new strategy for the war in Iraq and to thank soldiers there-many who will deploy early to Iraq under the president's new plan-- for their service. "It's an extraordinary country to have men and women volunteer in the face of danger," he said.
Iraqis should be thankful for the effort American troops have made in their country, the president said. "We liberated that country from a tyrant," he said.
Removing Saddam Hussein from power will ultimately make the world a safer place, he said. "Envision a world in which Saddam Hussein was rushing for a nuclear weapon to compete against Iran," he said. "My decision to remove Saddam Hussein was the correct decision in my judgment."
Bush said he saw portions of Saddam's execution video on the Internet. He said he was glad Saddam received the justice that was due, but didn't like the manner in which the execution took place. "I thought it was discouraging," he said. "Obviously they could have handled this thing a lot better."
The hardest part of his presidency, Bush said, is meeting the families who lost loved ones in Iraq. One mother told him about how her 6-foot-5-inch son was killed when his Humvee struck a roadside bomb. His large size shielded four fellow troops from death, she told him. Bush said he asked her if she met the four surviving servicemembers. "They're like my family now," she told him.
Bush said he spent a lot of time listening to many people and laboring over the idea of sending more troops to Iraq before he came to his decision. "I fully understand the decisions I make could affect the life of some kid who wears the uniform, or could affect the life of some child growing up in America 20 years from now," he said.
He said he spends much less time worrying about his legacy. "I'm more worried about making the right decisions to protect the United States of America," he said.
Article sponsored by college education information online, police and military personnel who have become writers; and criminal justice leadership.
Ceremony Held for Iraqi Police Graduates
American Forces Press Service
On Jan. 13, a ceremony was held in recognition of Ramadi Iraqi police graduates. A total of 58 Iraqi police officers graduated from their weeklong advanced training course at the Ramadi Training Center.
Iraqi police officers train at the center after completing a five-week basic training course at the Jordan International Police Training Center, said U.S. Army Capt. Stewart H. McFall, the officer in charge of the RTC.
While in Jordan, the Iraqis learn basic skills in police work, McFall said. Upon completion, they return to their assigned Iraqi police station and begin working with police transition teams and Iraqi police liaison officers until there is an opening for advanced training at the RTC.
There has been a recent surge in qualified police candidates in Ramadi, with more than 1,000 applicants this month, McFall said.
RTC students completed intensive training which includes, detainee operations, cordon searches, dismounted patrols, building searches, traffic control point operations, and reflexive fire training, McFall said.
"I'm living the good life now because it's harder for the terrorists to do their job against the U.S. forces, Iraqi police, and Iraqi army combined," one graduate said through a translator. "Now that I work as an IP, my family feels much safer ... I'm ready to go to the streets to do my job here and help the Iraqi people."
Article sponsored by college education information online, police and military personnel who have become writers; and criminal justice leadership.
On Jan. 13, a ceremony was held in recognition of Ramadi Iraqi police graduates. A total of 58 Iraqi police officers graduated from their weeklong advanced training course at the Ramadi Training Center.
Iraqi police officers train at the center after completing a five-week basic training course at the Jordan International Police Training Center, said U.S. Army Capt. Stewart H. McFall, the officer in charge of the RTC.
While in Jordan, the Iraqis learn basic skills in police work, McFall said. Upon completion, they return to their assigned Iraqi police station and begin working with police transition teams and Iraqi police liaison officers until there is an opening for advanced training at the RTC.
There has been a recent surge in qualified police candidates in Ramadi, with more than 1,000 applicants this month, McFall said.
RTC students completed intensive training which includes, detainee operations, cordon searches, dismounted patrols, building searches, traffic control point operations, and reflexive fire training, McFall said.
"I'm living the good life now because it's harder for the terrorists to do their job against the U.S. forces, Iraqi police, and Iraqi army combined," one graduate said through a translator. "Now that I work as an IP, my family feels much safer ... I'm ready to go to the streets to do my job here and help the Iraqi people."
Article sponsored by college education information online, police and military personnel who have become writers; and criminal justice leadership.
Gates Says Military Moves in Gulf Spotlight U.S. Commitment
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2007 – Moving another carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf region and manning Patriot anti-missile batteries there is a way of telling the people of the area that the United States has an enduring interest in peace, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. The addition of the USS Stimson group will mean two carrier groups in the region for the first time since 2004, officials said.
With Iranian moves in the region, the addition of the Navy and anti-missile capability was a prudent move, officials said.
"Multiple presidents have decided that U.S. presence in the region is in the long-term strategic interests of the United States," Gates said during a short news conference today at NATO headquarters. "We are reaffirming the importance of the Gulf to the United States and the determination to be a strong presence in the area for a long time into the future."
Gates said that in 2004, he co-chaired a group for the Council of Foreign Relations looking at U.S.-Iranian relations. At that time, he felt "it would be useful for the United States to engage with Iran."
In 2004, the Iranians were concerned by the presence of American troops on both their eastern and western borders, and there was some evidence that Iranian leaders were trying to be helpful inside Iraq, he said.
"None of those conditions applies any longer," he said. "The Iranians obviously believe that we are tied down in Iraq, that they have the initiative, that they have the means to press us in many ways."
He said the Iranian government is doing nothing to be constructive in Iraq, and officials traveling with Gates said the Iranians are helping to arm groups in Iraq that are targeting U.S. servicemembers. "In addition they have supported Hezbollah's efforts to create a new conflict in Lebanon," Gates said.
He said the Iranians are acting in a "very negative way" in the region. "My view is that when the Iranians are prepared to play a constructive role in dealing with some of these problems, then there might be opportunities for engagement," the secretary said.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has already said she would talk with her Iranian counterpart anytime at anyplace once Iran ends its uranium enrichment effort. "The opportunity is there for engagement, but I would say that the initiative needs to rest with the Iranians," Gates said.
At NATO, Gates spoke with Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer about countering an expected Taliban spring offensive in Afghanistan. The two men also discussed manning for the Kosovo force, NATO transformation and building strategic airlift for the alliance.
Article sponsored by college education information online, police and military personnel who have become writers; and criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2007 – Moving another carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf region and manning Patriot anti-missile batteries there is a way of telling the people of the area that the United States has an enduring interest in peace, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. The addition of the USS Stimson group will mean two carrier groups in the region for the first time since 2004, officials said.
With Iranian moves in the region, the addition of the Navy and anti-missile capability was a prudent move, officials said.
"Multiple presidents have decided that U.S. presence in the region is in the long-term strategic interests of the United States," Gates said during a short news conference today at NATO headquarters. "We are reaffirming the importance of the Gulf to the United States and the determination to be a strong presence in the area for a long time into the future."
Gates said that in 2004, he co-chaired a group for the Council of Foreign Relations looking at U.S.-Iranian relations. At that time, he felt "it would be useful for the United States to engage with Iran."
In 2004, the Iranians were concerned by the presence of American troops on both their eastern and western borders, and there was some evidence that Iranian leaders were trying to be helpful inside Iraq, he said.
"None of those conditions applies any longer," he said. "The Iranians obviously believe that we are tied down in Iraq, that they have the initiative, that they have the means to press us in many ways."
He said the Iranian government is doing nothing to be constructive in Iraq, and officials traveling with Gates said the Iranians are helping to arm groups in Iraq that are targeting U.S. servicemembers. "In addition they have supported Hezbollah's efforts to create a new conflict in Lebanon," Gates said.
He said the Iranians are acting in a "very negative way" in the region. "My view is that when the Iranians are prepared to play a constructive role in dealing with some of these problems, then there might be opportunities for engagement," the secretary said.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has already said she would talk with her Iranian counterpart anytime at anyplace once Iran ends its uranium enrichment effort. "The opportunity is there for engagement, but I would say that the initiative needs to rest with the Iranians," Gates said.
At NATO, Gates spoke with Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer about countering an expected Taliban spring offensive in Afghanistan. The two men also discussed manning for the Kosovo force, NATO transformation and building strategic airlift for the alliance.
Article sponsored by college education information online, police and military personnel who have become writers; and criminal justice leadership.
Casey: First Additional U.S. Troops Arrive in Baghdad to Support New Plan
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2007 – The first additional U.S. troops who will take part in new security operations in Iraq have arrived in Baghdad, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq said today. "The initial elements of the first group are here," George W. Casey Jr., commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters at a news conference in Baghdad. Casey did not specify the number of troops who had arrived or give any indication when security operations would begin.
The added U.S. troops will support the Iraqi-led operation, he said. U.S. and Iraqi officials are trying to work out command details to put Iraqis in control, with U.S. troops backing them up, he said.
Casey emphasized that security Baghdad is a key element of the overall plan and that the U.S. is committed to helping the Iraqis succeed there.
"I will remind everyone that I have consistently said that I will ask for the troops I need to accomplish the mission, and that I will do what it takes to help the Iraqis succeed," he said. "And that is what we're doing with this plan."
The new plan has more Iraqi buy-in than in the past, Casey said. "It is Iraqi-conceived and will be Iraqi-led, not only on the security side, but on the political, economic and media/public affairs side," he said.
Although the Iraqis will lead the plan, "American forces will remain under American command, period -- no issues," Casey said. He acknowledged that the more troops who serve in Iraq, the greater the risk of casualties, but said U.S. troops "won't be put at risk because of the command relationships."
Casey said U.S. and Iraqis together have committed sufficient security forces to ensure the plan succeeds.
The timetable for introducing additional U.S. forces into Iraq will enable the coalition and Iraqis "to sustain momentum, reinforce success and evaluate progress as we go," Casey said. The plan offers flexibility and a statement of U.S. commitment to the Iraqi people, he said.
Ultimately, the Iraqi security forces will be the ones to secure Iraq, and key to reaching that goal is ensure the United States continues to focus on training those troops, the general said. "So, in support of that mission, we will also be enhancing our military transition teams," he said. That will include doubling or even tripling the teams' size to speed the effort forward, Casey said.
Casey made the point that the security plan would not be limited to Baghdad alone. He said it would go all the way to the Iraqi border "in order to stop the infiltration of terrorists."
U.S. ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad, who also spoke at the news conference, said Iraq's neighbors must change their behavior. "We will target these networks in the hope of and expectation of changing the behavior of the states to get them to be more positive towards this country that's in transition that is going through a difficult period," he said.
Casey said he trusted the Iraqi government would "purge" members of its security forces that are loyal to militias and non-Iraqi groups.
While expressing confidence that the new plan can succeed, Casey warned the Iraqi public not to expect an instant improvement in Baghdad's security. "As with any plan, there are no guarantees of success, and it's not going to happen overnight," he said. "But with sustained political support and concentrated efforts on all sides, I believe that this plan can work."
In closing, Casey praised the job the U.S. military has been performing in Iraq. "I'd like to remind the American people about the magnificent job that the men and women of their armed forces are doing over here in a very tough environment," he said. "You can be proud of what they're doing to bring peace and stability to Iraq, and in doing so bringing peace and security to the United States of America."
Article sponsored by college education information online, police and military personnel who have become writers; and criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2007 – The first additional U.S. troops who will take part in new security operations in Iraq have arrived in Baghdad, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq said today. "The initial elements of the first group are here," George W. Casey Jr., commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters at a news conference in Baghdad. Casey did not specify the number of troops who had arrived or give any indication when security operations would begin.
The added U.S. troops will support the Iraqi-led operation, he said. U.S. and Iraqi officials are trying to work out command details to put Iraqis in control, with U.S. troops backing them up, he said.
Casey emphasized that security Baghdad is a key element of the overall plan and that the U.S. is committed to helping the Iraqis succeed there.
"I will remind everyone that I have consistently said that I will ask for the troops I need to accomplish the mission, and that I will do what it takes to help the Iraqis succeed," he said. "And that is what we're doing with this plan."
The new plan has more Iraqi buy-in than in the past, Casey said. "It is Iraqi-conceived and will be Iraqi-led, not only on the security side, but on the political, economic and media/public affairs side," he said.
Although the Iraqis will lead the plan, "American forces will remain under American command, period -- no issues," Casey said. He acknowledged that the more troops who serve in Iraq, the greater the risk of casualties, but said U.S. troops "won't be put at risk because of the command relationships."
Casey said U.S. and Iraqis together have committed sufficient security forces to ensure the plan succeeds.
The timetable for introducing additional U.S. forces into Iraq will enable the coalition and Iraqis "to sustain momentum, reinforce success and evaluate progress as we go," Casey said. The plan offers flexibility and a statement of U.S. commitment to the Iraqi people, he said.
Ultimately, the Iraqi security forces will be the ones to secure Iraq, and key to reaching that goal is ensure the United States continues to focus on training those troops, the general said. "So, in support of that mission, we will also be enhancing our military transition teams," he said. That will include doubling or even tripling the teams' size to speed the effort forward, Casey said.
Casey made the point that the security plan would not be limited to Baghdad alone. He said it would go all the way to the Iraqi border "in order to stop the infiltration of terrorists."
U.S. ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad, who also spoke at the news conference, said Iraq's neighbors must change their behavior. "We will target these networks in the hope of and expectation of changing the behavior of the states to get them to be more positive towards this country that's in transition that is going through a difficult period," he said.
Casey said he trusted the Iraqi government would "purge" members of its security forces that are loyal to militias and non-Iraqi groups.
While expressing confidence that the new plan can succeed, Casey warned the Iraqi public not to expect an instant improvement in Baghdad's security. "As with any plan, there are no guarantees of success, and it's not going to happen overnight," he said. "But with sustained political support and concentrated efforts on all sides, I believe that this plan can work."
In closing, Casey praised the job the U.S. military has been performing in Iraq. "I'd like to remind the American people about the magnificent job that the men and women of their armed forces are doing over here in a very tough environment," he said. "You can be proud of what they're doing to bring peace and stability to Iraq, and in doing so bringing peace and security to the United States of America."
Article sponsored by college education information online, police and military personnel who have become writers; and criminal justice leadership.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Insurgents Killed, Detained in Iraq; Iraqi Police Gain Recruits
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 12, 2007 – Coalition forces killed three insurgents and detained a dozen more over the past three days in Iraq, and Iraqi police forces netted 301 new recruits.
-- Soldiers of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, detained three suspected insurgents today and discovered a large cache containing various small-arms munitions, a bullet proof vest, a spool of wire and other improvised explosive device-making material while patrolling a town south of Baghdad.
-- Coalition forces detained six suspected insurgents yesterday during security operations in Irbil. One detainee was released and five remain in custody.
-- Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, killed three insurgents Jan. 10 in western Baghdad with the aid of attack helicopters.
-- Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment "Golden Dragons," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, with coalition forces, detained three suspected terrorists and seized six weapons caches during a two-day combat operation Jan. 10-11 near Yusufiyah.
-- During recruiting drives Jan. 10 in Fallujah and Habbaniyah, the Fallujah Police District enlisted 102 Iraqi men and the Habbaniyah Police District enlisted 199. The Iraqi recruits will be shipped to the Jordanian International Police Training College, joining 550 recruits from other parts of the province, to learn law enforcement fundamentals during a six-week course. The recruits will undergo supplemental training sessions when they return to their home districts.
-- An Iraqi soldier was killed Jan. 10 in Anbar province when a 13-year-old Iraqi boy detonated the improvised explosive device he was carrying. It is not known if the boy knew he was carrying an IED. This is the second incident where a 13 year old was used to carry out an IED attack on security forces in Anbar province, U.S. officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become writers and criminal justice leadership.
Jan. 12, 2007 – Coalition forces killed three insurgents and detained a dozen more over the past three days in Iraq, and Iraqi police forces netted 301 new recruits.
-- Soldiers of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, detained three suspected insurgents today and discovered a large cache containing various small-arms munitions, a bullet proof vest, a spool of wire and other improvised explosive device-making material while patrolling a town south of Baghdad.
-- Coalition forces detained six suspected insurgents yesterday during security operations in Irbil. One detainee was released and five remain in custody.
-- Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, killed three insurgents Jan. 10 in western Baghdad with the aid of attack helicopters.
-- Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment "Golden Dragons," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, with coalition forces, detained three suspected terrorists and seized six weapons caches during a two-day combat operation Jan. 10-11 near Yusufiyah.
-- During recruiting drives Jan. 10 in Fallujah and Habbaniyah, the Fallujah Police District enlisted 102 Iraqi men and the Habbaniyah Police District enlisted 199. The Iraqi recruits will be shipped to the Jordanian International Police Training College, joining 550 recruits from other parts of the province, to learn law enforcement fundamentals during a six-week course. The recruits will undergo supplemental training sessions when they return to their home districts.
-- An Iraqi soldier was killed Jan. 10 in Anbar province when a 13-year-old Iraqi boy detonated the improvised explosive device he was carrying. It is not known if the boy knew he was carrying an IED. This is the second incident where a 13 year old was used to carry out an IED attack on security forces in Anbar province, U.S. officials said.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
This article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become writers and criminal justice leadership.
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