Army Casualty

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

Sgt. Jason M. Swindle, 24, of Cabot, Ark., died Sept. 20, in Panjwa’l, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when he was attacked by a rocket propelled grenade while on mounted patrol. Swindle was assigned to 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

For more information pertaining to this release, media may contact the 3rd Infantry Division public affairs office at 912-210-9375.

Rocket Attack Hurts 2, Damages Aircraft at Bagram

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2012 – A rocket attack slightly injured two Air Force maintainers and damaged a C-17 aircraft here overnight, officials said.

The aircraft had transported Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to Afghanistan on Aug. 19.

The chairman was never in any danger from the attack, and there was no indication the insurgents targeted the general, officials said.

Two rockets landed on the flightline of this sprawling base sometime around 2 a.m. Two airmen suffered cuts and bruises, and the front of the transport jet and one engine were damaged.

Today’s attack mimicked previous attacks, officials said.

Security Force Kills 7 Insurgents, Captures More than 30

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2012 – An Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force killed seven insurgents and captured more than 30 others during a search for a Taliban leader in the Charhar district of Afghanistan’s Balkh province today, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader plans attacks against Afghan forces and directs the placement of bombs throughout the province.

Insurgents used rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire to engage the security force. They also used Afghan civilians as human shields. The security force seized explosives, pressure-plate bombs, weapons and ammunition. The material was destroyed.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force captured a Taliban commander in the Musa Qalah district of Helmand province. The leader organized insurgent cells and directed attacks against Afghan forces throughout the Musa Qalah and Nahr-e Saraj districts. The security force also confiscated bomb-making materials and detained two suspected insurgents.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province. The leader was responsible for multiple attacks in the Zharay district. Several suspects were detained during the operation.

-- A combined force detained a suspect during a search for a Taliban leader in the Baraki Barak district of Logar province. The insurgent leader coordinates attacks against Afghan government officials.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban facilitator and seized weapons and bomb-making materials in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province. The facilitator distributed weapons and coordinated attacks throughout the province.

-- A combined force seized firearms and detained two suspects during a search for a Haqqani network leader in the Sabari district of Khost province. The leader procures weapons and coordinates attacks in the province.

Also, a combined patrol seized and destroyed 1,100 pounds of marijuana yesterday in Kandahar’s Panjwai district.

In other news, Afghan officials signed a national security operations plan today. The plan includes securing of the country’s borders, creating an environment for the expansion of good governance, enabling nationwide commerce and cultural expression, and providing the opportunity for peace and stability. The defense and interior ministries and the National Directorate of Security collaborated over three months and 33 meetings to produce the plan, which calls for a partnership among the Afghan army, the national police, the National Directorate of Security, other Afghan security forces and the International Security Assistance Force.

Army Casualty

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

Staff Sgt. Ari R. Cullers, 28, of New London, Conn., died Oct. 30, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an insurgent rocket-propelled grenade exploded near him.  He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

For more information related to this release, media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at 315-408-3087 or email bruce.m.drake@us.army.mil .

Combined Force Kills, Detains Numerous Insurgents

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Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2011 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed numerous insurgents and detained several suspects during a search for a Taliban facilitator in the Kajaki district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.

The insurgent facilitator leads attacks against helicopters, and directs rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun and roadside-bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Multiple assault rifles were confiscated during the operation.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Baghlan province. The leader distributed funds and supplies for insurgent activity and conducted attacks against Afghan forces in the region.

-- A coalition force discovered an improvised explosive device cache in the Shah Joy district of Zabul province. The cache contained three remote controlled IEDs with 114 pounds of homemade explosives, two 82mm recoilless rifle rounds, and IED making components.

-- In the Sherzad district of Nangarhar province, a combined force killed one insurgent and detained multiple suspects during a search for a Taliban leader. The leader operates in the Sherzad and Khugyani districts and is involved in ambush attacks against Afghan forces.

-- A combined force carried out an airstrike in the Gomal district of Paktika province, killing two insurgents. The target of the operation was an insurgent network leader who plans and conducts attacks against coalition forces in the Sarobi and Orgun districts.

-- In the Manduzai district of Khost province, a combined force detained multiple suspects during a search for an insurgent network leader. The leader plans and participates in attacks against Afghan forces in Khost province.

-- A combined force captured an insurgent network leader and one suspect in the Ahmadabad district of Paktiya province. The insurgent leader directed fighters in roadside bomb and suicide attacks.

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed four insurgents, detained three suspects, and seized weapons during separate operations in Regional Command East. Three insurgents were killed during an airstrike in the Nari district of Kunar province. Another insurgent was killed during an airstrike in the Asmar district of Kunar province. In Khowst province, coalition forces seized a cache containing one shotgun, three assault rifles, 12 hand grenades and about 200 rounds of ammunition.

-- A combined Afghan and International Security Assistance Force patrol killed a senior insurgent leader during an operation in the Khak-E Afghan district of Zabul province. The deceased leader commanded 20 to 30 insurgents, providing IED products and other lethal aid. He planned, coordinated and conducted numerous attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Zabul province.

-- In the Khas Uruzgan district of Uruzgan province, a combined patrol seized a weapons cache containing 700 7.62mm rounds, one rifle and several magazines.

In Oct. 17 Afghanistan operations:

-- A combined patrol detained several insurgents in the Musa Qal’Ah district of Helmand province and seized 22 pounds of opium, IED components, and small arms.

-- A combined patrol detained two insurgents, including a suspected insurgent leader, in the Khoshi district of Logar province. The leader is responsible for supplying lethal aid used in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In the Muhammad Aghah district of Logar province, a combined patrol detained two insurgents, including a suspected insurgent leader. The leader is an improvised explosives device facilitator responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Oct. 8, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with a rocket propelled grenade.  They were assigned to the1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

Capt. Joshua S. Lawrence, 29, of Nashville, Tenn. and

Capt. Drew E. Russell, 25, of Scotts, Mich.

For more information the media may contact the Fort Carson Public Affairs Office at: 719-526-3400.

Forces Kill Insurgents in Eastern Afghanistan Firefight

You don’t know the Afghanistan War until you’ve seen these Operation Enduring Freedom books written by American veterans of the Afghan War.

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 6, 2011 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed three insurgents in a firefight yesterday in eastern Afghanistan’s Paktika province, military officials reported.

The Afghan soldiers and International Security Assistance Force members were searching in the Jani Khel district for a Haqqani network leader who distributes weapons, ammunition and roadside bombs to other insurgent leaders when they were engaged by rocket-propelled grenade, machine-gun and small-arms fire. The combined force returned fire, killing three insurgents and wounding one other.

An Afghan woman was killed during the engagement, and another Afghan woman was wounded. Both were inside the building during the firefight, officials said.

Coalition forces transported the wounded for medical treatment. A local leader engagement will be held with the deputy governor to discuss the incident, officials said.

Multiple weapons were confiscated during the operations, including a machine gun with 500 rounds, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with multiple grenades. Three suspected insurgents were detained.

In other ISAF news from Afghanistan yesterday:

-- A combined force in Kandahar province’s Kandahar district captured a Taliban leader wanted for abductions in the area and for moving foreign fighters into Afghanistan.

-- Combined forces captured a Taliban leader and killed two insurgents in Helmand province’s Musa Qalah district after the insurgents fired at the force. The leader operated a roadside-bomb factory, distributed munitions and threatened local people by extorting food and money. The security force detained four additional suspects during the operation.

-- In Kandahar province’s Maiwand district, a combined force seized and destroyed 165 pounds of hashish.

-- A combined force killed an armed Taliban leader who fired on them in Logar province’s Muhammad Aghah district. The leader planned vehicle-bomb attacks and financed and managed insurgent fighters. The force seized weapons, including assault rifles and fragment grenades, and detained a suspected insurgent.

Combined Force Captures Two Taliban Leaders

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Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2011 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured two Taliban leaders, detained several suspects and seized hundreds of pounds of heroin in the Ghorak district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.

One captured Taliban leader planned and coordinated roadside-bomb attacks against Afghan security forces. The second insurgent leader was a Taliban-appointed judge in the Ghorak district.

The combined force also seized 400 pounds of heroin.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force captured a Taliban facilitator and one suspect in the Balkh district of Balkh province. The facilitator provided supplies to insurgents and organized attacks against Afghan forces.

-- In the Muhhamad Aghah district of Logar province, a combined force detained one suspect during a search for a Taliban leader.

-- Coalition forces killed four insurgents, detained six suspects and seized three enemy supply caches during separate operations in Regional Command East. Forces seized 60 .303-caliber rounds, some assault rifles, six magazines, two mines, four rocket-propelled grenades, two RPG warheads, one munitions box and a shotgun.

Force Kills Insurgents, Captures Taliban Leaders

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 22, 2011 – An Afghan-led combined security force killed two armed insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in Afghanistan’s Laghman province yesterday, military officials reported.

Reports indicate the leader is finalizing preparations for an attack in Laghman’s Alingar district, officials said. The man is known to support both Taliban and Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin networks, and has been involved in attacks against the Afghan army, they said.

The force saw the insurgents holding rocket-propelled grenade launchers and small-arms weapons while hiding in a nearby tree line.

In other operations in Afghanistan yesterday:

-- A combined force killed an insurgent and captured a Taliban leader and his assistant during a security operation in Kandahar province’s Zharay district. The leader conducted roadside-bomb and direct-fire attacks against Afghan forces, and his assistant is believed responsible for attack planning and moving materials inside the district. Other suspected insurgents were detained.

-- In Helmand province’s Marjah district, a combined security force detained a suspected insurgent while searching for a Taliban leader responsible for coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban organizer during an intelligence-driven security operation in Laghman province’s Mehtar Lam district. The leader supported insurgents through surveillance of possible targets and by distributing weapons, ammunition and supplies to area leaders.

-- A combined force in Paktika province’s Dilah wa Khoshamand district captured a Haqqani terrorist network leader and several of his associates. The leader directed attacks against security forces.

-- During a search in Khost province’s Sabari district, a security force detained a suspected insurgent while searching for a Haqqani organizer responsible for planning attacks against security forces in the district.

-- Tips from residents led a force patrol in Bamyan province’s Kahmard district to a weapons cache containing three rocket-propelled grenades, a high-explosive rocket, a 107 mm incendiary shell, three 152 mm shells, eight 82 mm mortars, 14 hand grenades, two mortar fuses, two flares, nine RPG boosters, 22 mortar-propelling cartridges, eight grenade fuses, eight anti-personnel landmines and 14.7 mm ammunition.

-- A coalition force in Ghor province’s Chaghcharan district found 50 82 mm mortar rounds and eight mortar fuses.

Iraq: An RPG to the Head and a Silver Star – the Gunny Speaks

On December 12, 2008, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas A. Popaditch, USMC (ret.). On April 7, 2004, during the First Battle of Fallujah, Gunnery Sergeant Popaditch “was wounded in action. During a firefight with enemy insurgents, he was struck in the head by an enemy Rocket Propelled Grenade, fired from a rooftop into the commander’s hatch of his tank. He received numerous shrapnel wounds.” His injuries necessitated the removal of his right eye; and, “his remaining eye was legally blind. His right ear and nose sustained significant damage and an implant was placed in his skull.”

In his book, Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery, Popaditch describes how at first he “fights to get back to where he was in Iraq - in the cupola of an M1A1 main battle tank, leading Marines in combat at the point of the spear. As the seriousness and permanence of his disabilities become more evident, Nick fights to remain in the Corps in any capacity, to help the brothers in arms he so aches to rejoin. Facing the inevitable following a medical retirement, he battles for rightful recognition and compensation for his permanent disabilities. Throughout his harrowing ordeal, Nick fights to maintain his honor and loyalty, waging all these battles the same way - the Marine way.”

Program Date: December 12, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Iraq: An RPG to the Head and a Silver Star – the Gunny Speaks
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/12/13/Iraq-An-RPG-to-the-Head-and-a-Silver-Star-the-Gunny-Speaks

About the Guest
Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas A. Popaditch enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1986. After recruit training, “PFC Popaditch was assigned the job of tank crewman and given orders to report to the Basic Crewman’s Course.” During the First Gulf War, “he was assigned as Tank Commander of Bravo 2-2 (an M60A1 main battle tank) and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During Operation Desert Storm, Sgt Popaditch commanded his tank through breaching operations of two minefields and numerous offensive operations against Iraqi forces as part of Task Force Papa Bear.”

Between the wars, Popaditch was an instructor at Tank Commander’s School and honorably discharged in May 1992. He returned to Indiana where he worked as a construction worker and a correctional officer. Ultimately, he re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and in December 1998, became a drill instructor.

During the Second Gulf War, he “commanded his tank through numerous offensive operations against Iraqi forces. Following the fall of Saddam’s Regime in Iraq, he participated in security and stabilization operations on the streets of Baghdad. In July 2003, he returned stateside.” In the Fall of 2003, now Staff Sergeant Popaditch “volunteered to return to Iraq.” In February 2004, he was “promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. And, in April 2004 his platoon was assigned to combat duty in the city Fallujah.”

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, Criminal Justice technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/12/13/Iraq-An-RPG-to-the-Head-and-a-Silver-Star-the-Gunny-Speaks

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530