By Pfc. April Campbell, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 4, 2008 - Making a positive impact, no matter how little, on the lives of Iraqis is a big part of current operations by coalition forces in the Fahama region. Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Platoon, Company D, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, serving with Multinational Division Baghdad and attached to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-68th AR, made this type of impact by bringing presents to school children Feb. 2 in this rural village.
The soldiers passed out backpacks, pencils and stuffed animals as the eager children swarmed around them.
Army Pfc. Dennis Romans, a Colorado Springs, Colo., native who serves as a driver, said handing out the goodies to the children reminded him of giving presents to his own three children.
"I just like seeing them smile," he said. "That's my thing. I love kids."
It was not the first time soldiers in the platoon handed out treats to the children. The Silver Lions make an effort to bring toys and other school supplies when they go on missions in case children are present.
"We try to bring out snacks and toys and sometimes pens," Romans said. "We're in an area where the kids don't have access to the things they need. I think they truly appreciate it."
Efforts like this help coalition forces build a good relationship with Iraqis living in their operational areas.
"It helps to gain the trust of the people," said 1st Lt. Nick Piergallini, an Easton, Pa., native and 1st Platoon leader with Company D, 1-68th AR.
Bettering the lives of the villagers is a process often requiring small steps. Piergallini and his soldiers took some of those steps with their gift-giving mission in Bayrk. Much still needs to be done for the school, which was built by soldiers in a previous unit who operated in the area. The school teachers told Piergallini about the lack of water and electricity there.
While the soldiers will work on finding a way to supply the school with the services, they know it cannot be done overnight. "There is no quick fix," the lieutenant said, "but we want (the villagers) to know that we are here to help."
Soldiers wrapped up the gift-giving mission to Bayrk by searching for more ways to help the people.
In an effort to help the local economy, the soldiers spoke to two village shop owners to find out if they could use micro-grants to help fix up their stores. The coalition's micro-grant program provides some shop owners with money to be used in repairing and renovating their businesses.
(Army Pfc. April Campbell serves in public affairs with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.)
Monday, February 04, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Coalition, Iraqi Forces Kill 1, Detain 16 Suspected Terrorists
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 3, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed one suspected terrorist, detained 16 others and seized weapons caches in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. Coalition forces captured a suspected criminal special groups finance facilitator and detained two other suspects yesterday during operations to disrupt criminal networks in the Baghdad area, military officials reported.
The targeted financier was reportedly in charge of payroll for criminal special groups in Wasit province and oversaw all special groups operations in Suwayrah, Numaniyah, Azisiyah and Kut. He allegedly financed criminals and their attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. Reports indicated he was an associate of several senior-level criminal leaders involved in attacks on coalition forces, officials said.
"Iraqi and coalition forces will continue to target these rogue elements, disrupt their networks and bring them to justice," Navy Cmdr. Scott Rye, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, said.
Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 13 suspected terrorists yesterday and Feb. 1 during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq, military officials said.
West of Mahmudiyah yesterday, coalition forces captured an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq member believed to be associated with procuring weapons from outside Iraq. Another suspected terrorist was detained in addition to the wanted individual, officials reported.
Elsewhere, during an operation in Beiji, coalition forces captured an alleged terrorist media cell member involved in the city's al Qaeda in Iraq network. Reports indicated the suspect was involved in producing propaganda materials to include items featuring the former al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
An additional seven suspects were detained during an operation north of Tarmiyah in which coalition forces targeted the al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader in the city, officials said.
Yesterday's operations follow Feb. 1 raids in which coalition forces were led to a location outside Samarra where forces targeted al Qaeda in Iraq associates believed to be connected to several known terrorist meeting locations in the area. Officials said ground forces detained one suspected terrorist and destroyed a vehicle in the target area that allegedly was being used for terrorist activity.
Information gained from the operation led coalition forces to another location outside Samarra where al Qaeda in Iraq associates were believed to be operating. Ground forces called in air support to engage an underground bunker believed to be occupied by terrorists.
When the aircraft engaged, ground forces observed considerable secondary explosions from the location, indicating numerous explosive materials and weapons were stored inside, officials said. One terrorist was killed, and two suspected terrorists were detained.
North of Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers from 11th Iraqi Army Division seized a large weapons cache that included a 60 mm mortar tube, 28 60 mm mortars, 103 81 mm mortars, 29 120 mm mortars, seven rounds of C4 explosives, an improved explosive device, 100 mortar fuses, and 30 12.7 mm rounds.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Feb. 3, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed one suspected terrorist, detained 16 others and seized weapons caches in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said. Coalition forces captured a suspected criminal special groups finance facilitator and detained two other suspects yesterday during operations to disrupt criminal networks in the Baghdad area, military officials reported.
The targeted financier was reportedly in charge of payroll for criminal special groups in Wasit province and oversaw all special groups operations in Suwayrah, Numaniyah, Azisiyah and Kut. He allegedly financed criminals and their attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. Reports indicated he was an associate of several senior-level criminal leaders involved in attacks on coalition forces, officials said.
"Iraqi and coalition forces will continue to target these rogue elements, disrupt their networks and bring them to justice," Navy Cmdr. Scott Rye, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, said.
Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 13 suspected terrorists yesterday and Feb. 1 during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq, military officials said.
West of Mahmudiyah yesterday, coalition forces captured an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq member believed to be associated with procuring weapons from outside Iraq. Another suspected terrorist was detained in addition to the wanted individual, officials reported.
Elsewhere, during an operation in Beiji, coalition forces captured an alleged terrorist media cell member involved in the city's al Qaeda in Iraq network. Reports indicated the suspect was involved in producing propaganda materials to include items featuring the former al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
An additional seven suspects were detained during an operation north of Tarmiyah in which coalition forces targeted the al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader in the city, officials said.
Yesterday's operations follow Feb. 1 raids in which coalition forces were led to a location outside Samarra where forces targeted al Qaeda in Iraq associates believed to be connected to several known terrorist meeting locations in the area. Officials said ground forces detained one suspected terrorist and destroyed a vehicle in the target area that allegedly was being used for terrorist activity.
Information gained from the operation led coalition forces to another location outside Samarra where al Qaeda in Iraq associates were believed to be operating. Ground forces called in air support to engage an underground bunker believed to be occupied by terrorists.
When the aircraft engaged, ground forces observed considerable secondary explosions from the location, indicating numerous explosive materials and weapons were stored inside, officials said. One terrorist was killed, and two suspected terrorists were detained.
North of Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers from 11th Iraqi Army Division seized a large weapons cache that included a 60 mm mortar tube, 28 60 mm mortars, 103 81 mm mortars, 29 120 mm mortars, seven rounds of C4 explosives, an improved explosive device, 100 mortar fuses, and 30 12.7 mm rounds.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Coalition Forces Degrade Enemy Operations in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 3, 2008 - Several armed insurgents were killed during a coalition operation Jan. 31 in Oruzgan province to degrade weapons-facilitation networks in the area. Coalition forces searched compounds in the Deh Rahwood district targeting a Taliban insurgent believed to be involved with supplying arms to militants who conducted several attacks on coalition forces. The individual also is reported to be associated with foreign fighter-facilitation cells in the area.
While conducting a search of compounds, coalition forces were engaged by several armed insurgents. Coalition forces returned fire, killing the insurgents.
After securing the area, coalition forces recovered numerous small arms and rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, as well as an improvised explosive device. Allwere destroyed on site to prevent their use by extremist forces.
"Coalition forces are focused on disrupting every facet of insurgent operations," Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman, said.
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Feb. 3, 2008 - Several armed insurgents were killed during a coalition operation Jan. 31 in Oruzgan province to degrade weapons-facilitation networks in the area. Coalition forces searched compounds in the Deh Rahwood district targeting a Taliban insurgent believed to be involved with supplying arms to militants who conducted several attacks on coalition forces. The individual also is reported to be associated with foreign fighter-facilitation cells in the area.
While conducting a search of compounds, coalition forces were engaged by several armed insurgents. Coalition forces returned fire, killing the insurgents.
After securing the area, coalition forces recovered numerous small arms and rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, as well as an improvised explosive device. Allwere destroyed on site to prevent their use by extremist forces.
"Coalition forces are focused on disrupting every facet of insurgent operations," Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman, said.
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
1st Lt. David E. Schultz, 25, of Illinois, died Jan. 31 of wounds suffered when the Convoy Support Center at Scania, Iraq, was attacked by indirect enemy fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
1st Lt. David E. Schultz, 25, of Illinois, died Jan. 31 of wounds suffered when the Convoy Support Center at Scania, Iraq, was attacked by indirect enemy fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpt. Michael A. Norman, 36, of Killeen, Texas, died Jan. 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
Cpt. Michael A. Norman, 36, of Killeen, Texas, died Jan. 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.
For more information media may contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
Gates: Baghdad Bombings May Show Insurgents' Desperation
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 2, 2008 - The double-suicide bombings in Baghdad on Feb. 1, carried out by two women, may indicate desperation on the part of a beleaguered insurgency, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told reporters here. The insurgents' use of women to launch suicide attacks may be "a manifestation of the success of our military operations," Gates told reporters at Fort Campbell, Ky. Feb. 1, after meeting with 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers and military spouses.
More than 70 people died and dozens were injured as the result of two suicide bombings carried out by two women in separate areas of the Iraqi capital city, according to news reports.
The actions of terrorists in employing women to conduct such horrendous attacks "is totally against the culture of the Arab world (and) is totally against Islamic faith," Gates said. "We just have to make sure that the people of Iraq and others in the Middle East recognize how horrible these people are in terms of the culture they're trying to attack."
Al Qaeda's callous disregard for human life is why Sunni residents united to eject the terrorists from Anbar province, Gates said.
As U.S. and Iraqi security forces and concerned local citizens groups continue to pressure al Qaeda and other insurgents, it is evident the terrorists are fast-losing whatever influence they'd previously possessed over the Iraqi population, he said.
Also due to the success of the surge operations, terrorists in Iraq are now having difficulty mounting vehicle-borne bomb attacks, Gates said.
Some news reports say the two women who launched today's Baghdad suicide-bomb attacks may have been mentally challenged.
"And, the fact that they're having to resort to using women, and possibly women who don't know what they're being asked to do, also may suggest that they're having trouble getting foreign fighters to come into the country and sacrifice their lives," Gates said.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 2, 2008 - The double-suicide bombings in Baghdad on Feb. 1, carried out by two women, may indicate desperation on the part of a beleaguered insurgency, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told reporters here. The insurgents' use of women to launch suicide attacks may be "a manifestation of the success of our military operations," Gates told reporters at Fort Campbell, Ky. Feb. 1, after meeting with 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers and military spouses.
More than 70 people died and dozens were injured as the result of two suicide bombings carried out by two women in separate areas of the Iraqi capital city, according to news reports.
The actions of terrorists in employing women to conduct such horrendous attacks "is totally against the culture of the Arab world (and) is totally against Islamic faith," Gates said. "We just have to make sure that the people of Iraq and others in the Middle East recognize how horrible these people are in terms of the culture they're trying to attack."
Al Qaeda's callous disregard for human life is why Sunni residents united to eject the terrorists from Anbar province, Gates said.
As U.S. and Iraqi security forces and concerned local citizens groups continue to pressure al Qaeda and other insurgents, it is evident the terrorists are fast-losing whatever influence they'd previously possessed over the Iraqi population, he said.
Also due to the success of the surge operations, terrorists in Iraq are now having difficulty mounting vehicle-borne bomb attacks, Gates said.
Some news reports say the two women who launched today's Baghdad suicide-bomb attacks may have been mentally challenged.
"And, the fact that they're having to resort to using women, and possibly women who don't know what they're being asked to do, also may suggest that they're having trouble getting foreign fighters to come into the country and sacrifice their lives," Gates said.
Famed 'Screaming Eagles' Prepare for Afghanistan Deployment
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - Cold drizzle and hot metal rained upon the ground here yesterday as a group of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers honed their mortar- and howitzer-targeting skills in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan in April. Forward observer Army Spc. Daniel L. Howes wiped raindrops from his eyes from the second-story window of a wooden training structure as he watched 81 mm and 120 mm mortar shells and 105 mm howitzer rounds explode hundreds of yards away. The St. Paul, Minn., native quickly radioed adjusting-fire instructions to colleagues manning the mortars.
Howes is among about 3,800 4th Brigade Combat Team soldiers from Fort Campbell that are preparing to deploy to eastern Afghanistan this spring.
"I'm here to protect my country, and that is what I will do," said Howes, a Headquarters and Headquarters Company soldier who sports a combat patch from a previous duty tour in Iraq.
The 4th Brigade Combat Team, part of the 506th Infantry Regiment, can trace its lineage to the World War II unit that helped raise the German siege of Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge, said Army Maj. Patrick R. Seiber, public affairs officer for 4th BCT.
An HBO miniseries, titled "Band of Brothers," highlights the World War II exploits of several members of the 101st Division, from the landings at Normandy to the capture of Adolph Hitler's Berchtesgaden vacation home.
The 101st Division is nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles." Its headquarters also will deploy to Afghanistan to relieve the 82nd Airborne Division's command element, Seiber said.
The division's 1st, 2nd and 3rd brigade combat teams currently are deployed in Iraq.
"We look forward to ... doing a good job" in Afghanistan, Army Sgt. 1st Class Troy D. Albert, an automated fire-support specialist with 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, said as he deftly channeled range-related message traffic.
"I'm basically the AT&T of field artillery," Albert said. The Baton Rouge, La., native said his military job is "exciting, different, and never the same."
Army Lt. Col. Tom W. O'Steen, commander of 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, was on hand to watch the training exercise. The two-day exercise involved fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and mortar and artillery fire-support assets, O'Steen explained.
"It integrates all of those assets that they're going to use in Afghanistan," he said. "This is the capstone exercise for our preparations for deployment."
Deployments are always difficult and involve competing interests, O'Steen said. "You're trying to focus on the mission you're getting ready to do, but you also have to keep your mind on getting your family ready for an extended separation," he said. "I think we've done a good job on giving the soldiers and the leaders time off to get their families ready."
It is also important to communicate with soldiers and their families prior to deployments, he said. O'Steen's wife, Carolyn, is the leader of his unit's family readiness group.
The families "are as interested in where we're going as we are," O'Steen said. He said he recently provided a briefing for his soldiers' families in which he showed them where the unit will be in Afghanistan and how families can obtain support and communicate with their deployed loved ones.
Back in the exercise's command center, Army Sgt. 1st Class John F. Kohne, a Headquarters and Headquarters Company fire support noncommissioned officer, said he was pleased by the way his soldiers had performed.
"It's going pretty good," Kohne, a two-year Iraq veteran and San Diego native, said. "The rounds are accurate; the men are maintaining good morale; and we're getting a lot of steel down range."
Army Pvt. Trevor A. Lauritson, a supply clerk with the 4-320th Field Artillery, has been in the Army just eight months. He provided his thoughts about going to Afghanistan. "I'm pretty excited. I've never been deployed, yet," said Lauritson, who hails from Sacramento, Calif.
Fighting terrorists overseas prevents battling them at home, Lauritson said. "I think that if there wasn't a war overseas, then there'd be a war here," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - Cold drizzle and hot metal rained upon the ground here yesterday as a group of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers honed their mortar- and howitzer-targeting skills in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan in April. Forward observer Army Spc. Daniel L. Howes wiped raindrops from his eyes from the second-story window of a wooden training structure as he watched 81 mm and 120 mm mortar shells and 105 mm howitzer rounds explode hundreds of yards away. The St. Paul, Minn., native quickly radioed adjusting-fire instructions to colleagues manning the mortars.
Howes is among about 3,800 4th Brigade Combat Team soldiers from Fort Campbell that are preparing to deploy to eastern Afghanistan this spring.
"I'm here to protect my country, and that is what I will do," said Howes, a Headquarters and Headquarters Company soldier who sports a combat patch from a previous duty tour in Iraq.
The 4th Brigade Combat Team, part of the 506th Infantry Regiment, can trace its lineage to the World War II unit that helped raise the German siege of Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge, said Army Maj. Patrick R. Seiber, public affairs officer for 4th BCT.
An HBO miniseries, titled "Band of Brothers," highlights the World War II exploits of several members of the 101st Division, from the landings at Normandy to the capture of Adolph Hitler's Berchtesgaden vacation home.
The 101st Division is nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles." Its headquarters also will deploy to Afghanistan to relieve the 82nd Airborne Division's command element, Seiber said.
The division's 1st, 2nd and 3rd brigade combat teams currently are deployed in Iraq.
"We look forward to ... doing a good job" in Afghanistan, Army Sgt. 1st Class Troy D. Albert, an automated fire-support specialist with 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, said as he deftly channeled range-related message traffic.
"I'm basically the AT&T of field artillery," Albert said. The Baton Rouge, La., native said his military job is "exciting, different, and never the same."
Army Lt. Col. Tom W. O'Steen, commander of 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, was on hand to watch the training exercise. The two-day exercise involved fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and mortar and artillery fire-support assets, O'Steen explained.
"It integrates all of those assets that they're going to use in Afghanistan," he said. "This is the capstone exercise for our preparations for deployment."
Deployments are always difficult and involve competing interests, O'Steen said. "You're trying to focus on the mission you're getting ready to do, but you also have to keep your mind on getting your family ready for an extended separation," he said. "I think we've done a good job on giving the soldiers and the leaders time off to get their families ready."
It is also important to communicate with soldiers and their families prior to deployments, he said. O'Steen's wife, Carolyn, is the leader of his unit's family readiness group.
The families "are as interested in where we're going as we are," O'Steen said. He said he recently provided a briefing for his soldiers' families in which he showed them where the unit will be in Afghanistan and how families can obtain support and communicate with their deployed loved ones.
Back in the exercise's command center, Army Sgt. 1st Class John F. Kohne, a Headquarters and Headquarters Company fire support noncommissioned officer, said he was pleased by the way his soldiers had performed.
"It's going pretty good," Kohne, a two-year Iraq veteran and San Diego native, said. "The rounds are accurate; the men are maintaining good morale; and we're getting a lot of steel down range."
Army Pvt. Trevor A. Lauritson, a supply clerk with the 4-320th Field Artillery, has been in the Army just eight months. He provided his thoughts about going to Afghanistan. "I'm pretty excited. I've never been deployed, yet," said Lauritson, who hails from Sacramento, Calif.
Fighting terrorists overseas prevents battling them at home, Lauritson said. "I think that if there wasn't a war overseas, then there'd be a war here," he said.
Afghan, Coalition Forces Visit Snow-Bound Village
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - Afghan national security forces, assisted by coalition forces, delivered supplies to the snow-bound village of Mienah, in the Khas Oruzgan district of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province, Jan. 25. The harsh Afghan winter dumped more than 3 feet of snow in the remote area of Afghanistan, which is more than 9,000 feet above sea level. The Afghan National Army's 201st Kandak and Afghan National Police negotiated rarely travelled, narrow, icy roads to provide much-needed supplies to the villagers in the district.
In Mienah, the district chief spoke with more than 20 male residents of the village to update them on current events and governance activities in the district. Villagers were eager to hear from their district chief, because the latest news rarely reaches the isolated area when snowy conditions make travel nearly impossible.
The district chief also provided bags of rice, flour and beans to residents to help restock villagers' shelves for the long winter. The district chief handed out several AM-FM solar-powered radios to villagers to help keep them informed of Afghan government programs.
Afghan soldiers and police and national-government officials and coalition forces made several visits this winter to remote villages throughout Oruzgan province. With each visit, Afghan forces and government officials listened to the concerns of villagers and provided food, fuel, blankets and warm clothing, and school supplies for children. During some visits, the combined forces were also able to provide limited medical care for those who needed it.
"The government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan wants to help citizens in remote sections of the country," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Providing food to help them get through the winter and radios to keep them informed is one way the Afghan government shows their concern for the welfare of all Afghan citizens."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Feb. 1, 2008 - Afghan national security forces, assisted by coalition forces, delivered supplies to the snow-bound village of Mienah, in the Khas Oruzgan district of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province, Jan. 25. The harsh Afghan winter dumped more than 3 feet of snow in the remote area of Afghanistan, which is more than 9,000 feet above sea level. The Afghan National Army's 201st Kandak and Afghan National Police negotiated rarely travelled, narrow, icy roads to provide much-needed supplies to the villagers in the district.
In Mienah, the district chief spoke with more than 20 male residents of the village to update them on current events and governance activities in the district. Villagers were eager to hear from their district chief, because the latest news rarely reaches the isolated area when snowy conditions make travel nearly impossible.
The district chief also provided bags of rice, flour and beans to residents to help restock villagers' shelves for the long winter. The district chief handed out several AM-FM solar-powered radios to villagers to help keep them informed of Afghan government programs.
Afghan soldiers and police and national-government officials and coalition forces made several visits this winter to remote villages throughout Oruzgan province. With each visit, Afghan forces and government officials listened to the concerns of villagers and provided food, fuel, blankets and warm clothing, and school supplies for children. During some visits, the combined forces were also able to provide limited medical care for those who needed it.
"The government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan wants to help citizens in remote sections of the country," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Providing food to help them get through the winter and radios to keep them informed is one way the Afghan government shows their concern for the welfare of all Afghan citizens."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Computer Crime
Editor's Note: The use and attack of computers by terrorists will be discussed.
February 2, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) The February 6, 2008 program of Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole focuses on Computer Crime with experts Thomas Eskridge and Jeff Fischbach.
Program Date: February 6, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Computer Crime
Guests: Thomas Eskridge and Jeff Fischbach
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guests
Thomas Eskridge
Thomas Eskridge began his law enforcement career as a reserve police officer for the Santa Ana Police Department (California). In January 1980, he joined the Compton Police Department (California), rising to the rank of sergeant. In 1990, he joined the joined the Redondo Beach Police Department (California), and retired at the rank of Lieutenant.
Thomas Eskridge as a Bachelor’s Degree, is a POST certified instructor in Computer Crime Awareness; a POST certified investigator of Computer Crimes and Sexual Assaults. Currently, Thomas Eskridge is the Chief Operations Officer of the High Tech Crime Institute in Tampa, Florida.
The High Tech Crime Institute is a leading provider of training for Local, State and Federal agencies worldwide. Recognized as the global leader in the field of High Tech Computer Crime Investigation and Computer Forensics and provides expert instruction and proactive security management to both the private and public sectors.
Jeff Fischbach
Jeff Fischbach is a Board Certified Forensic Examiner. In 1994, he founded the SecondWave Information Systems, a technology consulting firm.
Jeff Fischbach has served as a key technology advisor to more than a dozen professional organizations. As a litigation consultant and expert witness, Fischbach has shared his technological expertise with judges, attorneys and their clients. “Invaluable,” and able to “explain sophisticated computer concepts in a clear, understandable and concise way,” said one attorney.
Jeff Fischbach has worked closely with the Los Angeles Computer Crimes Division of the FBI, consulted with the Danish Consulate, and, frequently quoted, has become a recognized authority among members of the press. Jeff Fischbach has aided in the investigation and apprehension of computer criminals and has assisted in the successful defense and exoneration of those wrongly charged with computer crimes and misconduct. His strength lies in his ability to master new concepts, interpret and apply data, and, ultimately, train his audience.
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 has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, 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
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- February 1, 2008
Researchers Make Headway with Monkeypox Treatments
“Researchers in Washington and Oregon report an advance toward developing much-needed new drugs and vaccines for monkeypox. The disease occurs mainly among rodents, monkeys, and other animals in Africa, but has been transmitted to humans, resulting in high mortality rates. Although this deadly viral disease rarely occurs naturally in the United States, it is a potential bioterrorism agent.” (Animal Lab News, 01Feb08)
http://www.animallab.com/News_Articles.asp?pid=255
Researchers uncover more about how poxviruses evade the immune system
“Scientists at Saint Louis University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham have uncovered important new information about a key protein that allows viruses such as smallpox to replicate and wreak havoc on the immune system. The findings further our understanding of how the pox family of viruses work to subvert the immune system, the researchers say. […] The research is soon to be published in an early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The paper describes the structure and actions of a powerful substance called interferon-gamma binding protein, which is notorious for the role it plays in helping the poxviruses to replicate. The research explores the interferon-gamma binding protein found in the mousepox virus – one of the family of viruses that also includes smallpox, monkeypox and cowpox.” (EurekAlert, 31Jan08) http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-01/slu-rum013108.php
Suspicious Envelopes Sent to Scientology
“Several envelopes containing white powder were sent to the Church of Scientology in what appeared to be a hoax that prompted street closings and evacuations in Southern California, the FBI said Thursday. The envelopes were mailed to at least 19 church addresses in Los Angeles and Orange counties, and began showing up Wednesday, the FBI said. […] The FBI said initial tests indicated the powder was harmless but more tests were being conducted.” (Chicago Tribune, 31Jan08, AP) http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-scientology-envelopes,1,4446689.story
New Patent Awarded for Antigen-Sparing Vaccines that Elicit Robust Immunity
“A needle-free vaccine platform that elicits a robust immune response against a wide array of viruses and bacteria has been awarded a U.S. patent. The University of Michigan holds the patent and NanoBio Corporation, a spin-off from the university, licenses the patent and its associated technology. The intranasal vaccines, produced using NanoBio's nanoemulsion technology, have elicited a dramatic immune response in animals vaccinated against influenza, anthrax, hepatitis B and other diseases. In some cases, the immune response is exponentially higher than what is required to provide adequate protection against infection. Such dramatic levels of immunity would confer significantly higher levels of protection to the vaccinated population at large compared with current injectable vaccines.” (PR Newswire, 30Jan08, NanoBio Corporation) http://sev.prnewswire.com/biotechnology/20080130/CLW10230012008-1.html
Analysis: NATO begins pandemic monitoring
“NATO recently became the latest agency, and the first military one, to sign up for the Global Public Health Intelligence Network, an international initiative that monitors media and other open-source material 24/7 for signs of emerging pandemics and other public health disasters. The network, based in Ottawa [Canada] and known by its initials GPHIN, is an ‘early-warning system using media to detect public health events,’ GPHIN Senior Surveillance Officer Richard Lemay told United Press International in a recent interview.” (UPI, 30Jan08) http://www.upi.com/International_Security/Emerging_Threats/Analysis/2008/01/30/analysis_nato_begins_pandemic_monitoring/6537/
Guards needed for Pueblo chemical weapons site
“Here's an ad that might grab your attention: Wanted -- Guards for a potentially hazardous site where the military is preparing to destroy lethal mustard-gas weapons. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Chesney says it's been difficult to fill positions at the Pueblo [Colorado] Chemical Depot because he competes with the federal penitentiary in nearby Florence for staff.” (Fox 21, 01Feb08, AP)
http://fox21news.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=91466
Iran’s First-Generation Chemical Weapons Evaporate, as Certainty Declines in U.S. Intelligence Reports
“Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, the U.S. government regularly stated in a variety of forums that Iran possessed a large undeclared stockpile of chemical weapons (CW) and a substantial production capability. After its ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 1997, Iran declared that it had developed a CW production capability in the later stages of its war with Iraq (1980-88), but that it had destroyed this capability before 1997. A single CW production facility was declared to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and, following a visit to the site by OPCW inspectors, certified as destroyed. Nevertheless, the U.S. government continued to assert that Iran was maintaining an offensive CW capability, in direct violation of its obligations under the CWC. This assertion was strongly supported and repeated by a wide range of retired officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private think tanks. […] The primary objective of this essay is to outline the changing public statements of U.S.intelligence agencies regarding Iran’s CW program.” (WMD Insights, February 2008, Markus K. Binder) http://www.wmdinsights.com/I22/I22_ME2_Iran1stGenCW.htm
Annual gas chamber waiver for Base Marines eliminated
“Last week, Marine Forces Pacific officials eliminated a waiver that exempted Marine Corps Base [MCB] Camp Butler Marines from annual gas chamber training requirements. This is the first time since 2004 base Marines are required to receive Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear qualifications, according to Master Sgt. Najee Jordan, the training and operations chief for Headquarters and Service Battalion, MCB.[…] The actions are to ensure the Marines know how to properly fit and wear a mask while giving them faith in their equipment, according to CBRN officials.” (U.S. Marines in Japan, 01Feb08, Pfc. Aaron Hostutler) http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/Public%20Affairs%20Info/Archive%20News%20Pages/2008/080201-gas.html
British chemical weapons trial victims win apology and compensation
“The British government Thursday awarded 3 million pounds (6 million
dollars) compensation to volunteer servicemen who were subjected to chemical weapons trials during the Cold War era which they were made to believe were aimed at helping to develop remedies for the common cold. The experiments in the 1950s and 1960s at the Porton Down research centre near Salisbury, in south-west England, gained worldwide notoriety when those affected by the tests claimed that they had suffered lasting damage to their physical and mental health. The compensation awarded by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will have to be carved up among some 360 men, for whom the symbolic meaning of the settlement will be greater than the amount of money they receive.” (Earthtimes.org, 31Jan08, DPA) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/181151,british-chemical-weapons-trial-victims-win-apology-and-compensation.html
Public shows little interest in anti-radiation pills
“Though the [Massachusetts] state Department of Public Health has given 5,000 potassium iodide [KI] tablets to the city [of Newburyport], only about 200 residents have picked them up, and time is running out. Last week the city received the tablets, commonly known as KI tablets, and has initiated a distribution program that will last until today. The pills are meant to protect people against a radiation emergency at the Seabrook nuclear power plant, which is about five miles north of downtown Newburyport. […] The lack of interest in KI tablets is a cause for concern for Citizens within a Ten Mile Radius advocacy group member Jack VanLoan. […] VanLoan warns people of the dangers of living near the Seabrook station and notes the makings of a dirty bomb are right in our backyard. ‘If you think of what would happen if there was an accident or terrorist attack then you will go and get the tablets, if you just think about the electricity coming out of the socket and you don’t care where it comes from then you probably won’t get the tablets, but there are reasons to pick them up,’ VanLoan said.” (The Daily News of Newburyport, 31Jan08, Katie Curley) http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_031000001.html
Radioactive cargo on train to Iran investigated
“Authorities in the Central Asian Republic of Kyrgyzstan are investigating why a train traveling from Kyrgyzstan to Iran was carrying radioactive cargo. The amount of radioactive material was not enough to make a weapon. But the Kyrgyz government says it still doesn't know how or when the material was placed on board the train. […] Kyrgyz newspapers report that this is the third time in three years authorities have intercepted trains leaving Kyrgyzstan with radioactive cargo. In this case, Kyrgyz officials say the radioactive substance consisted of several grams of cesium-137, which is often used in medical and industrial instruments. Alexander Melikishvili, of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, says that in powder form, cesium-137 could also be used to make a dirty bomb.” (National Public Radio, 01Feb08, Ivan Watson)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18582342
Pentagon rejects report, says ready for WMD attack
“The Pentagon on Friday insisted it is ready to respond to a chemical, biological or nuclear attack inside the United States, rejecting an independent panel's criticism of its preparations. But the Pentagon conceded it is not yet satisfied with its plans to respond to some of the 15 catastrophic attack scenarios that federal agencies have been ordered to prepare for, such as a nuclear attack or a series of chemical attacks throughout the country. Paul McHale, assistant defense secretary for homeland defense, said plans to respond to those scenarios would be improved this year.” (Washington Post; 01Feb08; Kristin Roberts, Reuters) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/01/AR2008020102453.html
Guard, Reserve report worries Nebraskans
“Congress should look closely at an independent commission's call to dramatically upgrade the U.S. military reserves and National Guard for combat overseas and protecting Americans at home, Nebraska lawmakers say. In a report issued Thursday, the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves said the Pentagon and Congress must transform the nation's military reserves into an operational force similar to the active-duty armed services. The panel said severe shortages in training, equipment and planning mean Guard and Reserve units are not ready for catastrophic threats on U.S. soil, such as chemical and biological attacks.” (Omaha World-Herald, 31Jan08, Jake Thompson and Tim Elfrink) http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10246692
IAC [Idaho Accelerator Center] continues work to neutralize nuclear, chemical, biological weapons
“The Idaho State University Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC) has received an additional $1.8 million to continue to develop technology using small accelerator detection systems for the detection and neutralization of chemical, biological and fissionable (nuclear) weapons or weapons materials. This new funding adds to the $4 million already received from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense. The project features several major components. For one, the researchers are developing small, portable accelerator systems that could be used to detect fissionable, chemical and biological materials. These systems would be small enough to be transported on the back of a pickup truck.” (Idaho State University, 01Feb08) http://www2.isu.edu/headlines/?p=913
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.
“Researchers in Washington and Oregon report an advance toward developing much-needed new drugs and vaccines for monkeypox. The disease occurs mainly among rodents, monkeys, and other animals in Africa, but has been transmitted to humans, resulting in high mortality rates. Although this deadly viral disease rarely occurs naturally in the United States, it is a potential bioterrorism agent.” (Animal Lab News, 01Feb08)
http://www.animallab.com/News_Articles.asp?pid=255
Researchers uncover more about how poxviruses evade the immune system
“Scientists at Saint Louis University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham have uncovered important new information about a key protein that allows viruses such as smallpox to replicate and wreak havoc on the immune system. The findings further our understanding of how the pox family of viruses work to subvert the immune system, the researchers say. […] The research is soon to be published in an early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The paper describes the structure and actions of a powerful substance called interferon-gamma binding protein, which is notorious for the role it plays in helping the poxviruses to replicate. The research explores the interferon-gamma binding protein found in the mousepox virus – one of the family of viruses that also includes smallpox, monkeypox and cowpox.” (EurekAlert, 31Jan08) http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-01/slu-rum013108.php
Suspicious Envelopes Sent to Scientology
“Several envelopes containing white powder were sent to the Church of Scientology in what appeared to be a hoax that prompted street closings and evacuations in Southern California, the FBI said Thursday. The envelopes were mailed to at least 19 church addresses in Los Angeles and Orange counties, and began showing up Wednesday, the FBI said. […] The FBI said initial tests indicated the powder was harmless but more tests were being conducted.” (Chicago Tribune, 31Jan08, AP) http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-scientology-envelopes,1,4446689.story
New Patent Awarded for Antigen-Sparing Vaccines that Elicit Robust Immunity
“A needle-free vaccine platform that elicits a robust immune response against a wide array of viruses and bacteria has been awarded a U.S. patent. The University of Michigan holds the patent and NanoBio Corporation, a spin-off from the university, licenses the patent and its associated technology. The intranasal vaccines, produced using NanoBio's nanoemulsion technology, have elicited a dramatic immune response in animals vaccinated against influenza, anthrax, hepatitis B and other diseases. In some cases, the immune response is exponentially higher than what is required to provide adequate protection against infection. Such dramatic levels of immunity would confer significantly higher levels of protection to the vaccinated population at large compared with current injectable vaccines.” (PR Newswire, 30Jan08, NanoBio Corporation) http://sev.prnewswire.com/biotechnology/20080130/CLW10230012008-1.html
Analysis: NATO begins pandemic monitoring
“NATO recently became the latest agency, and the first military one, to sign up for the Global Public Health Intelligence Network, an international initiative that monitors media and other open-source material 24/7 for signs of emerging pandemics and other public health disasters. The network, based in Ottawa [Canada] and known by its initials GPHIN, is an ‘early-warning system using media to detect public health events,’ GPHIN Senior Surveillance Officer Richard Lemay told United Press International in a recent interview.” (UPI, 30Jan08) http://www.upi.com/International_Security/Emerging_Threats/Analysis/2008/01/30/analysis_nato_begins_pandemic_monitoring/6537/
Guards needed for Pueblo chemical weapons site
“Here's an ad that might grab your attention: Wanted -- Guards for a potentially hazardous site where the military is preparing to destroy lethal mustard-gas weapons. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Chesney says it's been difficult to fill positions at the Pueblo [Colorado] Chemical Depot because he competes with the federal penitentiary in nearby Florence for staff.” (Fox 21, 01Feb08, AP)
http://fox21news.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=91466
Iran’s First-Generation Chemical Weapons Evaporate, as Certainty Declines in U.S. Intelligence Reports
“Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, the U.S. government regularly stated in a variety of forums that Iran possessed a large undeclared stockpile of chemical weapons (CW) and a substantial production capability. After its ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 1997, Iran declared that it had developed a CW production capability in the later stages of its war with Iraq (1980-88), but that it had destroyed this capability before 1997. A single CW production facility was declared to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and, following a visit to the site by OPCW inspectors, certified as destroyed. Nevertheless, the U.S. government continued to assert that Iran was maintaining an offensive CW capability, in direct violation of its obligations under the CWC. This assertion was strongly supported and repeated by a wide range of retired officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private think tanks. […] The primary objective of this essay is to outline the changing public statements of U.S.intelligence agencies regarding Iran’s CW program.” (WMD Insights, February 2008, Markus K. Binder) http://www.wmdinsights.com/I22/I22_ME2_Iran1stGenCW.htm
Annual gas chamber waiver for Base Marines eliminated
“Last week, Marine Forces Pacific officials eliminated a waiver that exempted Marine Corps Base [MCB] Camp Butler Marines from annual gas chamber training requirements. This is the first time since 2004 base Marines are required to receive Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear qualifications, according to Master Sgt. Najee Jordan, the training and operations chief for Headquarters and Service Battalion, MCB.[…] The actions are to ensure the Marines know how to properly fit and wear a mask while giving them faith in their equipment, according to CBRN officials.” (U.S. Marines in Japan, 01Feb08, Pfc. Aaron Hostutler) http://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/Public%20Affairs%20Info/Archive%20News%20Pages/2008/080201-gas.html
British chemical weapons trial victims win apology and compensation
“The British government Thursday awarded 3 million pounds (6 million
dollars) compensation to volunteer servicemen who were subjected to chemical weapons trials during the Cold War era which they were made to believe were aimed at helping to develop remedies for the common cold. The experiments in the 1950s and 1960s at the Porton Down research centre near Salisbury, in south-west England, gained worldwide notoriety when those affected by the tests claimed that they had suffered lasting damage to their physical and mental health. The compensation awarded by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will have to be carved up among some 360 men, for whom the symbolic meaning of the settlement will be greater than the amount of money they receive.” (Earthtimes.org, 31Jan08, DPA) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/181151,british-chemical-weapons-trial-victims-win-apology-and-compensation.html
Public shows little interest in anti-radiation pills
“Though the [Massachusetts] state Department of Public Health has given 5,000 potassium iodide [KI] tablets to the city [of Newburyport], only about 200 residents have picked them up, and time is running out. Last week the city received the tablets, commonly known as KI tablets, and has initiated a distribution program that will last until today. The pills are meant to protect people against a radiation emergency at the Seabrook nuclear power plant, which is about five miles north of downtown Newburyport. […] The lack of interest in KI tablets is a cause for concern for Citizens within a Ten Mile Radius advocacy group member Jack VanLoan. […] VanLoan warns people of the dangers of living near the Seabrook station and notes the makings of a dirty bomb are right in our backyard. ‘If you think of what would happen if there was an accident or terrorist attack then you will go and get the tablets, if you just think about the electricity coming out of the socket and you don’t care where it comes from then you probably won’t get the tablets, but there are reasons to pick them up,’ VanLoan said.” (The Daily News of Newburyport, 31Jan08, Katie Curley) http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_031000001.html
Radioactive cargo on train to Iran investigated
“Authorities in the Central Asian Republic of Kyrgyzstan are investigating why a train traveling from Kyrgyzstan to Iran was carrying radioactive cargo. The amount of radioactive material was not enough to make a weapon. But the Kyrgyz government says it still doesn't know how or when the material was placed on board the train. […] Kyrgyz newspapers report that this is the third time in three years authorities have intercepted trains leaving Kyrgyzstan with radioactive cargo. In this case, Kyrgyz officials say the radioactive substance consisted of several grams of cesium-137, which is often used in medical and industrial instruments. Alexander Melikishvili, of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, says that in powder form, cesium-137 could also be used to make a dirty bomb.” (National Public Radio, 01Feb08, Ivan Watson)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18582342
Pentagon rejects report, says ready for WMD attack
“The Pentagon on Friday insisted it is ready to respond to a chemical, biological or nuclear attack inside the United States, rejecting an independent panel's criticism of its preparations. But the Pentagon conceded it is not yet satisfied with its plans to respond to some of the 15 catastrophic attack scenarios that federal agencies have been ordered to prepare for, such as a nuclear attack or a series of chemical attacks throughout the country. Paul McHale, assistant defense secretary for homeland defense, said plans to respond to those scenarios would be improved this year.” (Washington Post; 01Feb08; Kristin Roberts, Reuters) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/01/AR2008020102453.html
Guard, Reserve report worries Nebraskans
“Congress should look closely at an independent commission's call to dramatically upgrade the U.S. military reserves and National Guard for combat overseas and protecting Americans at home, Nebraska lawmakers say. In a report issued Thursday, the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves said the Pentagon and Congress must transform the nation's military reserves into an operational force similar to the active-duty armed services. The panel said severe shortages in training, equipment and planning mean Guard and Reserve units are not ready for catastrophic threats on U.S. soil, such as chemical and biological attacks.” (Omaha World-Herald, 31Jan08, Jake Thompson and Tim Elfrink) http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10246692
IAC [Idaho Accelerator Center] continues work to neutralize nuclear, chemical, biological weapons
“The Idaho State University Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC) has received an additional $1.8 million to continue to develop technology using small accelerator detection systems for the detection and neutralization of chemical, biological and fissionable (nuclear) weapons or weapons materials. This new funding adds to the $4 million already received from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense. The project features several major components. For one, the researchers are developing small, portable accelerator systems that could be used to detect fissionable, chemical and biological materials. These systems would be small enough to be transported on the back of a pickup truck.” (Idaho State University, 01Feb08) http://www2.isu.edu/headlines/?p=913
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.
Face of Defense: Apache Pilot Receives Distinguished Flying Cross
By Sgt. Nicole Kojetin, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - A 1st Cavalry Division AH-64D Longbow Apache pilot got word that two of his friends, fellow pilots, were shot down during a fierce battle in Najaf, a city in Iraqi army control south of Baghdad, Jan. 28, 2007. Not thinking of his personal safety and facing an unknown enemy force, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary Johnson sprang into action, which resulted in him being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at the Fort Hood Catering and Conference Center exactly a year later, on Jan. 28, 2008.
Johnson, the pilot in charge and a unit commander from 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, was commended for his role in that battle as he worked with Iraqi army troops, U.S. special operation forces and U.S. Air Force joint terminal attack controllers to determine the location of friendly and enemy forces while protecting the site of the crash that took the lives of his friends, Capt. Mark Resh and Chief Warrant Officer Cornell Chao.
"The odds were against us," Division Commander Army Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr. said, noting the enemy had around 600 soldiers in well-fortified, dug-in positions.
There was a fierce ground battle under way, and the Iraqi and U.S. soldiers on the ground needed air support. Johnson and his crew were that support.
In eight minutes, Johnson led his team from Forward Operating Base Kalsu to the battlefield.
"Those were the longest eight minutes of my life," he said. "There was sadness because I just lost some of my friends. I was worried about my friends who were still there. I was scared."
But he didn't show it.
Johnson, originally from Nampa, Idaho, orchestrated more than an hour of organized attacks before running completely out of ammunition. His team flew back to FOB Kalsu, re-armed and went back out into the fight.
"He had nerves of steel," Fil said of Johnson after watching the performance on screen at Johnson's award ceremony. "He was calm, reasonable and making sound decisions."
But he didn't feel calm.
"I thought my voice was shaking, and I was thinking about a million things at once," Johnson said. "But like the movie 'Black Hawk Down,' when the bullets are flying, you just do your job. I tried to stay level headed and cool under the pressure."
The enemy had dug trenches that were 12 to 15 feet deep in a zigzag pattern to prevent air support from firing in a straight line all the way through. Fil said the insurgents were well-equipped and organized with supplies and medical stations, but the enemy was virtually destroyed. "There was some good shooting that day," Fil said.
That opened up the road to a successful deployment for 1st Cavalry Division, the general said. "I can't imagine how much more difficult it would have been for us if we had lost," he said.
On a smaller scale, it made a huge difference for the people in the city. "The governor met me, and was sobbing. Not out of sadness, not out of anger, but out of thankfulness," he said. "He was so grateful that we took away that burden."
That wouldn't have been possible without the skills and professionalism of Johnson and his team, Fil said. "I have never been associated with anyone more deserving of the Distinguished Flying Cross than Chief Warrant Officer 3 Johnson," he said.
(Army Sgt. Nicole Kojetin is assigned to 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - A 1st Cavalry Division AH-64D Longbow Apache pilot got word that two of his friends, fellow pilots, were shot down during a fierce battle in Najaf, a city in Iraqi army control south of Baghdad, Jan. 28, 2007. Not thinking of his personal safety and facing an unknown enemy force, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary Johnson sprang into action, which resulted in him being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at the Fort Hood Catering and Conference Center exactly a year later, on Jan. 28, 2008.
Johnson, the pilot in charge and a unit commander from 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, was commended for his role in that battle as he worked with Iraqi army troops, U.S. special operation forces and U.S. Air Force joint terminal attack controllers to determine the location of friendly and enemy forces while protecting the site of the crash that took the lives of his friends, Capt. Mark Resh and Chief Warrant Officer Cornell Chao.
"The odds were against us," Division Commander Army Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil Jr. said, noting the enemy had around 600 soldiers in well-fortified, dug-in positions.
There was a fierce ground battle under way, and the Iraqi and U.S. soldiers on the ground needed air support. Johnson and his crew were that support.
In eight minutes, Johnson led his team from Forward Operating Base Kalsu to the battlefield.
"Those were the longest eight minutes of my life," he said. "There was sadness because I just lost some of my friends. I was worried about my friends who were still there. I was scared."
But he didn't show it.
Johnson, originally from Nampa, Idaho, orchestrated more than an hour of organized attacks before running completely out of ammunition. His team flew back to FOB Kalsu, re-armed and went back out into the fight.
"He had nerves of steel," Fil said of Johnson after watching the performance on screen at Johnson's award ceremony. "He was calm, reasonable and making sound decisions."
But he didn't feel calm.
"I thought my voice was shaking, and I was thinking about a million things at once," Johnson said. "But like the movie 'Black Hawk Down,' when the bullets are flying, you just do your job. I tried to stay level headed and cool under the pressure."
The enemy had dug trenches that were 12 to 15 feet deep in a zigzag pattern to prevent air support from firing in a straight line all the way through. Fil said the insurgents were well-equipped and organized with supplies and medical stations, but the enemy was virtually destroyed. "There was some good shooting that day," Fil said.
That opened up the road to a successful deployment for 1st Cavalry Division, the general said. "I can't imagine how much more difficult it would have been for us if we had lost," he said.
On a smaller scale, it made a huge difference for the people in the city. "The governor met me, and was sobbing. Not out of sadness, not out of anger, but out of thankfulness," he said. "He was so grateful that we took away that burden."
That wouldn't have been possible without the skills and professionalism of Johnson and his team, Fil said. "I have never been associated with anyone more deserving of the Distinguished Flying Cross than Chief Warrant Officer 3 Johnson," he said.
(Army Sgt. Nicole Kojetin is assigned to 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.)
Coalition Condemns Suicide Attacks; Troops Detain Seven in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - Coalition forces condemned today's nearly simultaneous suicide attacks in two Baghdad markets that left dozens dead or injured in the Iraqi capital. "We share the outrage of the Iraqi people, and we condemn the brutal enemy responsible for these attacks," Multinational Force Iraq officials said in a news release. "This indiscriminate violence, targeting families enjoying themselves on the holy day, again shows the nature of this barbaric enemy."
Multinational Division Baghdad forces are working closely with authorities to ensure they have sufficient medical supplies and humanitarian assistance for the victims and their families.
"We stand ready to provide additional support and will work closely with Iraqi authorities to find the perpetrators of this attack and help bring them to justice," military officials said.
In other operations today, coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks in Mosul.
During a series of operations in the western part of the city, forces captured three wanted individuals allegedly associated with the former senior leader of the al Qaeda network in the city. The three suspects are reportedly brothers, one of whom allegedly works directly for the former terrorist leader. Also, intelligence reports indicate the brothers have ties to other al Qaeda leadership in the region.
On the other side of the city, coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged judge of an illegal terrorist court system. An individual believed to be the previous terrorist judge involved in the interrogation of al Qaeda kidnapping victims was detained during an operation Jan. 17. Four suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
"These operations represent further progress in the campaign to disrupt al Qaeda in northern Iraq," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "As terrorists shift their operations to new locations, Iraqi and coalition forces will follow, aggressively attacking their networks, and capturing or killing their members."
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Feb. 1, 2008 - Coalition forces condemned today's nearly simultaneous suicide attacks in two Baghdad markets that left dozens dead or injured in the Iraqi capital. "We share the outrage of the Iraqi people, and we condemn the brutal enemy responsible for these attacks," Multinational Force Iraq officials said in a news release. "This indiscriminate violence, targeting families enjoying themselves on the holy day, again shows the nature of this barbaric enemy."
Multinational Division Baghdad forces are working closely with authorities to ensure they have sufficient medical supplies and humanitarian assistance for the victims and their families.
"We stand ready to provide additional support and will work closely with Iraqi authorities to find the perpetrators of this attack and help bring them to justice," military officials said.
In other operations today, coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks in Mosul.
During a series of operations in the western part of the city, forces captured three wanted individuals allegedly associated with the former senior leader of the al Qaeda network in the city. The three suspects are reportedly brothers, one of whom allegedly works directly for the former terrorist leader. Also, intelligence reports indicate the brothers have ties to other al Qaeda leadership in the region.
On the other side of the city, coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged judge of an illegal terrorist court system. An individual believed to be the previous terrorist judge involved in the interrogation of al Qaeda kidnapping victims was detained during an operation Jan. 17. Four suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
"These operations represent further progress in the campaign to disrupt al Qaeda in northern Iraq," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "As terrorists shift their operations to new locations, Iraqi and coalition forces will follow, aggressively attacking their networks, and capturing or killing their members."
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq news releases.)
Iraq Attacks Down to Two-Year Low
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - Attacks have dropped in Baghdad to levels seen in 2005, a senior commander in Iraq said today. Coalition forces also are finding and clearing more bombs than they have in the past four years, Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson, chief of staff of Multinational Corps Iraq, told reporters in the Pentagon via satellite from Camp Liberty, in Baghdad.
This comes on the heels of the new year's offensive, Operation Phantom Phoenix, aimed at driving al Qaeda and other extremists from safe havens in outlying provinces.
In the past week of operations, the overall number of attacks nationwide remained down and below the average of the past three months, Anderson said.
"The security situation today is about the same as we experienced statistically in early 2005," the commander said.
Weekly attacks in the Baghdad security districts for the past 15 weeks matched levels last seen consistently in 2005. Bombings increased last week, but remained below the long-term average for the 23rd week in a row, he said. Throughout Iraq, weekly casualties decreased by three percent last week, continuing to remain below the long-term average for the 21st week in a row, Anderson said. Civilian casualties have dropped from 1,700 in January 2007 to 170 this month.
Part of the success is due to locals being more willing to turn over extremists' hideouts and weapons caches, Anderson said. As local citizens feel more secure, they are coming forward with information on extremists' activities in their villages and provinces.
"The extremists' ability to intimidate the populous is clearly diminishing. Iraqi citizens across the country are actively engaging the extremists," Anderson said.
Concerned local citizens organized into neighborhood watch-type groups now number about 80,000 across the country and are helping fill critical security roles where they live, especially in areas where there are few Iraqi security forces.
"We will not allow al Qaeda and other extremists to take sanctuary in any part of the country," Anderson said. "We are not leaving safe areas or holes. We will not give up gains already achieved by the coalition."
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - Attacks have dropped in Baghdad to levels seen in 2005, a senior commander in Iraq said today. Coalition forces also are finding and clearing more bombs than they have in the past four years, Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson, chief of staff of Multinational Corps Iraq, told reporters in the Pentagon via satellite from Camp Liberty, in Baghdad.
This comes on the heels of the new year's offensive, Operation Phantom Phoenix, aimed at driving al Qaeda and other extremists from safe havens in outlying provinces.
In the past week of operations, the overall number of attacks nationwide remained down and below the average of the past three months, Anderson said.
"The security situation today is about the same as we experienced statistically in early 2005," the commander said.
Weekly attacks in the Baghdad security districts for the past 15 weeks matched levels last seen consistently in 2005. Bombings increased last week, but remained below the long-term average for the 23rd week in a row, he said. Throughout Iraq, weekly casualties decreased by three percent last week, continuing to remain below the long-term average for the 21st week in a row, Anderson said. Civilian casualties have dropped from 1,700 in January 2007 to 170 this month.
Part of the success is due to locals being more willing to turn over extremists' hideouts and weapons caches, Anderson said. As local citizens feel more secure, they are coming forward with information on extremists' activities in their villages and provinces.
"The extremists' ability to intimidate the populous is clearly diminishing. Iraqi citizens across the country are actively engaging the extremists," Anderson said.
Concerned local citizens organized into neighborhood watch-type groups now number about 80,000 across the country and are helping fill critical security roles where they live, especially in areas where there are few Iraqi security forces.
"We will not allow al Qaeda and other extremists to take sanctuary in any part of the country," Anderson said. "We are not leaving safe areas or holes. We will not give up gains already achieved by the coalition."
Underground Weapons Caches Discovered in Oruzgan
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 1, 2008 - Afghan and coalition troops discovered several underground weapons caches in the Deh Rawood district of Oruzgan province Jan. 26. The combined force was conducting a security patrol in the district to eliminate insurgent activity. Insurgents attacked from several different firing positions with small-arms and automatic-weapons fire, rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar fire during the patrol along the Helmand and Tiri Rivers near the villages of Tarak and Kakrak.
The Afghan-led force, consisting of troops from the Afghan National Army's 201st Kandak, Afghan National Police, Kandahar Auxiliary Unit, and coalition soldiers, immediately returned fire and called in close-air-support aircraft to drop precision-guided munitions to disrupt the attack.
When the engagement ended, the combined force searched the area where the attacks originated. The search turned up a number of underground weapons caches hidden in compounds near the village.
In one weapons cache, 12 RPGs and boxes of 7.62 mm ammunition were stockpiled in a 15-feet-deep hole. Another underground cache held an anti-aircraft gun. A third cache held several automatic weapons, ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades. A final weapons cache was found in the largest hole and may have been used as a make-shift medical treatment area for insurgent fighters. Inside the 10-foot-by-30-foot cave, Afghan soldiers found more ammunition and RPGs. They also found several boxes of medical supplies.
"These insurgents were definitely prepared for a fight," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "(Afghan national security force) soldiers stopped the attack and expelled the insurgents from the area. The insurgents won't use these fighting positions for attacks in the future."
"(Afghan forces) and the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are keeping the pressure on the insurgents throughout the winter," Belcher said. "Removing weapons and former safe havens from insurgent control will make the area safer for Afghan citizens."
Feb. 1, 2008 - Afghan and coalition troops discovered several underground weapons caches in the Deh Rawood district of Oruzgan province Jan. 26. The combined force was conducting a security patrol in the district to eliminate insurgent activity. Insurgents attacked from several different firing positions with small-arms and automatic-weapons fire, rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar fire during the patrol along the Helmand and Tiri Rivers near the villages of Tarak and Kakrak.
The Afghan-led force, consisting of troops from the Afghan National Army's 201st Kandak, Afghan National Police, Kandahar Auxiliary Unit, and coalition soldiers, immediately returned fire and called in close-air-support aircraft to drop precision-guided munitions to disrupt the attack.
When the engagement ended, the combined force searched the area where the attacks originated. The search turned up a number of underground weapons caches hidden in compounds near the village.
In one weapons cache, 12 RPGs and boxes of 7.62 mm ammunition were stockpiled in a 15-feet-deep hole. Another underground cache held an anti-aircraft gun. A third cache held several automatic weapons, ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades. A final weapons cache was found in the largest hole and may have been used as a make-shift medical treatment area for insurgent fighters. Inside the 10-foot-by-30-foot cave, Afghan soldiers found more ammunition and RPGs. They also found several boxes of medical supplies.
"These insurgents were definitely prepared for a fight," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "(Afghan national security force) soldiers stopped the attack and expelled the insurgents from the area. The insurgents won't use these fighting positions for attacks in the future."
"(Afghan forces) and the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are keeping the pressure on the insurgents throughout the winter," Belcher said. "Removing weapons and former safe havens from insurgent control will make the area safer for Afghan citizens."
Friday, February 01, 2008
Unmanned Aircraft Transform Combat Operations
By Spc. Jason Jordan, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Iraq, Jan. 31, 2008 - They are known as the "commander's eyes on the battlefield." Coalition forces have used them to find roadside bombs, track the enemy's movement, clear convoy routes and locate key targets -- all without having to leave the relative safety of their bases. Remote- and satellite-controlled unmanned aircraft systems are transforming the way the military conducts aerial reconnaissance, surveillance and target-acquisition missions.
Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team have been using the Shadow unmanned systems to monitor the battlefield since they arrived in northeastern Iraq's Kirkuk province in October.
"The Shadow has been a tremendous asset to our brigade's combat operations," Army Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Thornthwaite, unmanned aircraft systems platoon sergeant in the brigade's Special Troops Battalion, said. "We have been able to get a picture of the battlefield before we send our troops outside the wire."
The soldiers complete rigorous maintenance and performance checks before each launch of the Shadow, sometimes taking the system completely apart and putting it back together to ensure the machine is operational. They lock on to the Shadow's frequency using a satellite, monitoring and controlling the system from a ground control station. The system transmits images in near-real time, and soldiers view the footage on television sets and computer monitors.
The battalion's unmanned aircraft system operators have twice located terrorists planting improvised explosive devices and tracked their movement, allowing safe disposition of the bombs and the capture of the bombers.
"With these systems, we are able to stay on top, stay observant and keep an eye out," said Army Sgt. Josh Nelson, UAS training, knowledge and standardization operator. "We are similar to a TV crew, but with a much bigger mission."
These systems give coalition forces the upper hand on the battlefield and save lives, said UAS operator Army Spc. William Arms.
"When we discover an IED using the UAS, that is one less IED that can kill an American soldier," he said. "These systems give us a much-needed advantage. We are in the enemy's backyard, and we are unfamiliar with this terrain. Using the Shadow allows us to look around the corner without having to walk around out there."
Despite the important contributions they make, the unmanned aircraft systems operators insist their job is only to help those who do the "real work."
"The guys on the ground still do the work; they have the tough job. We are here for them; we do our job for them," Arms said. "They are out there protecting us, and we are just trying to protect them, too."
(Army Spc. Jason Jordan serves in public affairs with the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, Multinational Division North.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Iraq, Jan. 31, 2008 - They are known as the "commander's eyes on the battlefield." Coalition forces have used them to find roadside bombs, track the enemy's movement, clear convoy routes and locate key targets -- all without having to leave the relative safety of their bases. Remote- and satellite-controlled unmanned aircraft systems are transforming the way the military conducts aerial reconnaissance, surveillance and target-acquisition missions.
Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team have been using the Shadow unmanned systems to monitor the battlefield since they arrived in northeastern Iraq's Kirkuk province in October.
"The Shadow has been a tremendous asset to our brigade's combat operations," Army Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Thornthwaite, unmanned aircraft systems platoon sergeant in the brigade's Special Troops Battalion, said. "We have been able to get a picture of the battlefield before we send our troops outside the wire."
The soldiers complete rigorous maintenance and performance checks before each launch of the Shadow, sometimes taking the system completely apart and putting it back together to ensure the machine is operational. They lock on to the Shadow's frequency using a satellite, monitoring and controlling the system from a ground control station. The system transmits images in near-real time, and soldiers view the footage on television sets and computer monitors.
The battalion's unmanned aircraft system operators have twice located terrorists planting improvised explosive devices and tracked their movement, allowing safe disposition of the bombs and the capture of the bombers.
"With these systems, we are able to stay on top, stay observant and keep an eye out," said Army Sgt. Josh Nelson, UAS training, knowledge and standardization operator. "We are similar to a TV crew, but with a much bigger mission."
These systems give coalition forces the upper hand on the battlefield and save lives, said UAS operator Army Spc. William Arms.
"When we discover an IED using the UAS, that is one less IED that can kill an American soldier," he said. "These systems give us a much-needed advantage. We are in the enemy's backyard, and we are unfamiliar with this terrain. Using the Shadow allows us to look around the corner without having to walk around out there."
Despite the important contributions they make, the unmanned aircraft systems operators insist their job is only to help those who do the "real work."
"The guys on the ground still do the work; they have the tough job. We are here for them; we do our job for them," Arms said. "They are out there protecting us, and we are just trying to protect them, too."
(Army Spc. Jason Jordan serves in public affairs with the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, Multinational Division North.)
Training Leader Briefs on Iraqi 'Force Enablers' Progress
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - As Iraqi maneuver units continue to make great progress, coalition trainers must concentrate on "enablers" of the force, the general in charge of the effort to train Iraqi forces said today. Army Lt. Gen. James M. Dubik, commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, spoke to military analysts by phone from his headquarters in Baghdad. He said coalition and Iraqi planners understand that enablers -- combat service support functions for the military -- must make progress for the Iraqi military to be a balanced force.
The combat units of the Iraqi army are doing well; they are in the fight, and in many cases are leading the fight, the general said. These Iraqi maneuver units work closely with coalition military training teams and are being mentored by American and other coalition units.
"The maneuver side is the most mature, because that is the choice that we made," Dubik said. "In the last six months we established two division headquarters, three brigade headquarters and 10 battalion headquarters. That's a huge growth in their size -- about 40,000."
In addition, Iraqi units are receiving vehicles they need to accomplish their missions. Iraqi security forces now have more than 3,000 up-armored Humvees. They are receiving more than 100 BMPs, Russian-designed armored personnel carriers. The United States will transfer another 4,000 Humvees to the Iraqi military this year.
But combat service support enablers such as those specializing in intelligence, logistics, aviation, engineering and other combat support services are necessary for the Iraqi army to do its job independently of the coalition, Dubik told the analysts.
All Iraqi divisions now have intelligence officers, and intelligence networks linking battalions through division to the national network will mostly be in place by summer, he said.
"The first priorities for enablers we have put in place are aviation, logistics and life support," he said. "Once we get those squared away, we'll go on to the other combat service support specialties."
Dubik said Iraqis have made great progress in the air. "Aviation is very interesting," he said. "Iraqi aviators fly more than 300 missions a week now in support of their own army. Most (missions) are air mobility and surveillance and reconnaissance."
The Iraqis fly both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and the "aviation side is getting really complicated with airspace management and air-ground coordination, but that's a good problem to have," he said.
In combat service support units, Dubik's command -- in consultations with Iraqis -- decided to take on life-support functions first. This includes food, fuel, pay and personnel matters. The Iraqis took this function over in 2007 and have made good strides, Dubik said, although fuel remains problematic.
Building up engineer units is going to be delayed, the general acknowledged. "We've got the explosive ordnance demolition school running, but won't be able to field all their equipment until late in 2009," he said.
In the "fires support" arena, Iraqi units will rely on coalition forces for artillery and close-air support for the time being, Dubik said. The Iraqi military is due to get mortars next year.
Building the Iraqi army's command and control is challenging, the general said, because the fledgling security forces lack numbers at the leadership levels.
"We're at 68 percent fill in officers and 64 to 65 percent fill in sergeants," he said.
The army has received 8,000 new sergeants in the last six months, Dubik said. This is a combination of reaching out to NCOs who served in the army of the former regime and taking honor graduates from enlisted courses and making them corporals.
All of this is signifies that the Iraqi military is growing, not only in size, but quality, the general said.
"While maneuver has been our primary emphasis and we are growing like crazy on that, we are starting to grow a more balanced force, and the expectation is that the Ministry of Defense will have a balanced force between 2009 and 2011," he told the analysts.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - As Iraqi maneuver units continue to make great progress, coalition trainers must concentrate on "enablers" of the force, the general in charge of the effort to train Iraqi forces said today. Army Lt. Gen. James M. Dubik, commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, spoke to military analysts by phone from his headquarters in Baghdad. He said coalition and Iraqi planners understand that enablers -- combat service support functions for the military -- must make progress for the Iraqi military to be a balanced force.
The combat units of the Iraqi army are doing well; they are in the fight, and in many cases are leading the fight, the general said. These Iraqi maneuver units work closely with coalition military training teams and are being mentored by American and other coalition units.
"The maneuver side is the most mature, because that is the choice that we made," Dubik said. "In the last six months we established two division headquarters, three brigade headquarters and 10 battalion headquarters. That's a huge growth in their size -- about 40,000."
In addition, Iraqi units are receiving vehicles they need to accomplish their missions. Iraqi security forces now have more than 3,000 up-armored Humvees. They are receiving more than 100 BMPs, Russian-designed armored personnel carriers. The United States will transfer another 4,000 Humvees to the Iraqi military this year.
But combat service support enablers such as those specializing in intelligence, logistics, aviation, engineering and other combat support services are necessary for the Iraqi army to do its job independently of the coalition, Dubik told the analysts.
All Iraqi divisions now have intelligence officers, and intelligence networks linking battalions through division to the national network will mostly be in place by summer, he said.
"The first priorities for enablers we have put in place are aviation, logistics and life support," he said. "Once we get those squared away, we'll go on to the other combat service support specialties."
Dubik said Iraqis have made great progress in the air. "Aviation is very interesting," he said. "Iraqi aviators fly more than 300 missions a week now in support of their own army. Most (missions) are air mobility and surveillance and reconnaissance."
The Iraqis fly both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and the "aviation side is getting really complicated with airspace management and air-ground coordination, but that's a good problem to have," he said.
In combat service support units, Dubik's command -- in consultations with Iraqis -- decided to take on life-support functions first. This includes food, fuel, pay and personnel matters. The Iraqis took this function over in 2007 and have made good strides, Dubik said, although fuel remains problematic.
Building up engineer units is going to be delayed, the general acknowledged. "We've got the explosive ordnance demolition school running, but won't be able to field all their equipment until late in 2009," he said.
In the "fires support" arena, Iraqi units will rely on coalition forces for artillery and close-air support for the time being, Dubik said. The Iraqi military is due to get mortars next year.
Building the Iraqi army's command and control is challenging, the general said, because the fledgling security forces lack numbers at the leadership levels.
"We're at 68 percent fill in officers and 64 to 65 percent fill in sergeants," he said.
The army has received 8,000 new sergeants in the last six months, Dubik said. This is a combination of reaching out to NCOs who served in the army of the former regime and taking honor graduates from enlisted courses and making them corporals.
All of this is signifies that the Iraqi military is growing, not only in size, but quality, the general said.
"While maneuver has been our primary emphasis and we are growing like crazy on that, we are starting to grow a more balanced force, and the expectation is that the Ministry of Defense will have a balanced force between 2009 and 2011," he told the analysts.
Training Chief Discusses Future of Concerned Local Citizens Groups
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - Iraqi concerned local citizens groups are a "boon to security," and the Iraqi government soon will run this program, the commander of Multinational Security Transitional Command Iraq said today. Army Lt. Gen. James M. Dubik told military analysts in a conference call that while the concerned local citizens program now is run by Multinational Corps Iraq, "the government of Iraq is very much a part of the program, and at some point ... they will run this program."
The program is an outgrowth of the "Anbar Awakening," in which local tribal leaders tired of terrorist violence looked to coalition and Iraqi forces for protection and began cooperating with them.
Early on, coalition authorities described the groups as neighborhood watch-type organizations, but they have become much more. Concerned local citizens groups have expanded around Iraq and are manning checkpoints, providing intelligence to coalition and Iraqi forces and locating and turning in roadside bombs, those who build the bombs and terror groups that stockpile weapons.
About 70,000 Iraqis are involved with the groups today, all funded by the coalition. But the Iraqi government has acknowledged its responsibility to take over the program, Dubik said. The government "recognizes the concerned local citizens have been a boon to security," he said during the interview. The idea is that roughly 25 to 30 percent of those involved in the groups ultimately will transfer to Iraqi police or military forces, he said.
Government ministers recognize the risk in accepting these groups, because some of the members may have been former insurgents, but it's a risk the government is willing to accept, Dubik said.
The general's command has worked with Iraqi officials to develop a three-tiered vetting system for members of the groups to apply for jobs with the Iraqi police. Tier 1 is vetting applicants through local governments, local coalition forces and local Iraqi commanders, Dubik said. Tier 2 is at the provincial level, and Tier 3 is at the prime minister level with the Iraqi Committee for National Reconciliation.
"Once a person is vetted through those three levels, his nomination is moved to the Ministry of the Interior, the MOI hires that person for a 90-day temporary contract, then a person is hired permanently," the general said. "It sounds bureaucratic and it is, but we have hired over 10,000 people under this system already, mostly in Baghdad, Anbar and Diyala."
The bureaucratic process, though, also builds in Iraqis the confidence that government is taking pains to hire trustworthy people for the police, he noted.
Even hiring as many as 30 percent of those involved with the concerned local citizens groups for the police, however, would leave roughly 50,000 Iraqis now affiliated with the groups without jobs. "The others will go into some other civil service corps, vocational training or other job-related training," the general said. "That system is still in development."
Dubik said his command will work with Iraqi ministries on this transition.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - Iraqi concerned local citizens groups are a "boon to security," and the Iraqi government soon will run this program, the commander of Multinational Security Transitional Command Iraq said today. Army Lt. Gen. James M. Dubik told military analysts in a conference call that while the concerned local citizens program now is run by Multinational Corps Iraq, "the government of Iraq is very much a part of the program, and at some point ... they will run this program."
The program is an outgrowth of the "Anbar Awakening," in which local tribal leaders tired of terrorist violence looked to coalition and Iraqi forces for protection and began cooperating with them.
Early on, coalition authorities described the groups as neighborhood watch-type organizations, but they have become much more. Concerned local citizens groups have expanded around Iraq and are manning checkpoints, providing intelligence to coalition and Iraqi forces and locating and turning in roadside bombs, those who build the bombs and terror groups that stockpile weapons.
About 70,000 Iraqis are involved with the groups today, all funded by the coalition. But the Iraqi government has acknowledged its responsibility to take over the program, Dubik said. The government "recognizes the concerned local citizens have been a boon to security," he said during the interview. The idea is that roughly 25 to 30 percent of those involved in the groups ultimately will transfer to Iraqi police or military forces, he said.
Government ministers recognize the risk in accepting these groups, because some of the members may have been former insurgents, but it's a risk the government is willing to accept, Dubik said.
The general's command has worked with Iraqi officials to develop a three-tiered vetting system for members of the groups to apply for jobs with the Iraqi police. Tier 1 is vetting applicants through local governments, local coalition forces and local Iraqi commanders, Dubik said. Tier 2 is at the provincial level, and Tier 3 is at the prime minister level with the Iraqi Committee for National Reconciliation.
"Once a person is vetted through those three levels, his nomination is moved to the Ministry of the Interior, the MOI hires that person for a 90-day temporary contract, then a person is hired permanently," the general said. "It sounds bureaucratic and it is, but we have hired over 10,000 people under this system already, mostly in Baghdad, Anbar and Diyala."
The bureaucratic process, though, also builds in Iraqis the confidence that government is taking pains to hire trustworthy people for the police, he noted.
Even hiring as many as 30 percent of those involved with the concerned local citizens groups for the police, however, would leave roughly 50,000 Iraqis now affiliated with the groups without jobs. "The others will go into some other civil service corps, vocational training or other job-related training," the general said. "That system is still in development."
Dubik said his command will work with Iraqi ministries on this transition.
Military Commission Charges Referred
The Defense Department has announced that charges were referred to a military commission in the case of Mohammed Jawad by the Convening Authority, Office of Military Commissions, Susan J. Crawford.
The referral included one charge with three specifications of attempted murder in violation of the law of war and one charge with three specifications of intentionally causing serious bodily injury with three specifications against Jawad, a non-capital case.
It is alleged that the accused attempted to commit murder and cause serious bodily injury on or about Dec. 17, 2002, by throwing a hand grenade into the passenger compartment of a vehicle transporting U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Lyons, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Martin and their interpreter, Afghani citizen Assadullah Khan Omerk, with the intent to kill them.
In accordance with the Military Commissions Act of 2006 and the Manual for Military Commissions, Jawad will be brought before the military trial judge for arraignment within 30 days of the service of charges. Within 120 days of the referred charges being served upon the accused, the military trial judge will assemble the military commission. Assembly is the procedural step that usually occurs when all parties, including the members, are present and sworn, and the judge announces on the record that the commission is now assembled. The military judge will contact attorneys in the case to set an initial trial schedule.
Brig. Gen. Thomas Hartmann, legal advisor to the convening authority, has stated that these war crime proceedings will continue to move forward in open trials and with more due process than any alleged war criminal has historically received. Military Commission procedures include the presumption of innocence; a burden of proof on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; the right to remain silent; the right to present evidence and a prohibition from drawing any adverse inference if an accused does not testify or present any evidence; and representation by a military defense counsel free of charge with the option to retain civilian counsel at no expense to the U.S. government.
The referred charges are only allegations that the accused has committed a war crime under the Military Commissions Act. Jawad is presumed innocent of any criminal charges unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at a military commission.
Of the 275 detainees at Guantanamo, approximately 80 are expected to face trial by military commission.
The referral included one charge with three specifications of attempted murder in violation of the law of war and one charge with three specifications of intentionally causing serious bodily injury with three specifications against Jawad, a non-capital case.
It is alleged that the accused attempted to commit murder and cause serious bodily injury on or about Dec. 17, 2002, by throwing a hand grenade into the passenger compartment of a vehicle transporting U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Lyons, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Martin and their interpreter, Afghani citizen Assadullah Khan Omerk, with the intent to kill them.
In accordance with the Military Commissions Act of 2006 and the Manual for Military Commissions, Jawad will be brought before the military trial judge for arraignment within 30 days of the service of charges. Within 120 days of the referred charges being served upon the accused, the military trial judge will assemble the military commission. Assembly is the procedural step that usually occurs when all parties, including the members, are present and sworn, and the judge announces on the record that the commission is now assembled. The military judge will contact attorneys in the case to set an initial trial schedule.
Brig. Gen. Thomas Hartmann, legal advisor to the convening authority, has stated that these war crime proceedings will continue to move forward in open trials and with more due process than any alleged war criminal has historically received. Military Commission procedures include the presumption of innocence; a burden of proof on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; the right to remain silent; the right to present evidence and a prohibition from drawing any adverse inference if an accused does not testify or present any evidence; and representation by a military defense counsel free of charge with the option to retain civilian counsel at no expense to the U.S. government.
The referred charges are only allegations that the accused has committed a war crime under the Military Commissions Act. Jawad is presumed innocent of any criminal charges unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at a military commission.
Of the 275 detainees at Guantanamo, approximately 80 are expected to face trial by military commission.
'We Will Prevail in This Ideological Struggle,' Bush Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - The U.S. will prevail against extremism by protecting the homeland, staying "on the offense," and replacing hope with despair, President Bush predicted today. During a speech at the Emerald at Queensridge venue in Las Vegas, Nev., Bush laid out a strategy for winning what he described as an ideological struggle between those who advocate the march of freedom and those favoring chaos through asymmetric war.
"We will prevail in this ideological struggle because liberty is powerful; liberty is hopeful," he said. "The enemy we face can only convince people to join their cause when they find hopelessness."
Describing the second tier of his plan, Bush advocated staying on a daily, relentless hunt "to find (extremists) and bring them to justice." He said conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq are not separate, but rather they're part of the same war on terrorism, which must be conducted with fervor.
"It's hard to plot, plan and attack America if you're running and hiding. It's hard to recruit if you're cutting off money. It is hard to spread your poison if other reasonable people join the cause," he said. "And so we spend a lot of time doing everything we can to keep the pressure on these folks, and we got some good people working it."
Before U.S. forces deployed to Afghanistan, Bush said, the Taliban-governed country presented a hopeless life for its residents.
"These thugs didn't believe in freedoms. They didn't believe in women having equal status. They didn't believe young girls should be educated," he said. "And if you dared express your opinion that didn't mesh with theirs, you'd be whipped in the public square or killed."
Bush said Operation Enduring Freedom liberated 25 million people and gave them a chance to realize the blessings of liberty. Since toppling the Taliban and routing al Qaeda from Afghanistan, he said, a safer Afghan populace has voted for a president and a parliament, girls are free to go to school, and highways and health centers are being constructed, Bush added.
"It's in our interest to help them because we believe that liberty is transformative, and a part of the world that was once a safe haven for an enemy to attack us will be a more hopeful place when freedom takes hold," he said.
On Iraq, the president said the decision to remove Saddam Hussein was correct and that the world is better off without him in power. Since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Bush said, Iraqis have written a constitution and participated in democratic elections.
In what he described as a surge by Iraqis, the country's citizens created 100,000 new soldiers and police in addition to 80,000 local citizens who volunteered to help patrol their own neighborhoods.
The original decision to begin military operations in Iraq was a tough one, based not "any Gallup poll or focus group," but on sound judgment from military people and "a lot of folks who were following Iraq."
"It was based upon what was right for the future of the United States, and that is, as opposed to pulling troops out, send more in," Bush told the audience.
Bush noted that the surge, which was initiated in early 2007, marked an influx of forces that included more than just members of the U.S. military. Diplomats and public service officials also surged, he said, improving life in areas where insurgents had been purged.
The president said pursuing enemies requires cooperation by all U.S. assets: sharing information across intelligence communities, applying muscle with military forces, and ratcheting up pressure from allies.
"America must not relent," he said. "If our most important job is to protect the American people, we have got to stay on the offense and defeat the enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here at home."
Bush conceded that there are cynics who doubt freedom's ability to take hold in parts of the world, but said he concluded that "liberty is transformative."
"People want to be free and, if given the chance, will be free, do the hard work necessary to be free. And liberty has got the capacity to transform an enemy to an ally," he said. "Therefore, we ought to have confidence in liberty's power to bring the peace we want, and not shy away from helping people realize the great blessings of freedom."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 31, 2008 - The U.S. will prevail against extremism by protecting the homeland, staying "on the offense," and replacing hope with despair, President Bush predicted today. During a speech at the Emerald at Queensridge venue in Las Vegas, Nev., Bush laid out a strategy for winning what he described as an ideological struggle between those who advocate the march of freedom and those favoring chaos through asymmetric war.
"We will prevail in this ideological struggle because liberty is powerful; liberty is hopeful," he said. "The enemy we face can only convince people to join their cause when they find hopelessness."
Describing the second tier of his plan, Bush advocated staying on a daily, relentless hunt "to find (extremists) and bring them to justice." He said conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq are not separate, but rather they're part of the same war on terrorism, which must be conducted with fervor.
"It's hard to plot, plan and attack America if you're running and hiding. It's hard to recruit if you're cutting off money. It is hard to spread your poison if other reasonable people join the cause," he said. "And so we spend a lot of time doing everything we can to keep the pressure on these folks, and we got some good people working it."
Before U.S. forces deployed to Afghanistan, Bush said, the Taliban-governed country presented a hopeless life for its residents.
"These thugs didn't believe in freedoms. They didn't believe in women having equal status. They didn't believe young girls should be educated," he said. "And if you dared express your opinion that didn't mesh with theirs, you'd be whipped in the public square or killed."
Bush said Operation Enduring Freedom liberated 25 million people and gave them a chance to realize the blessings of liberty. Since toppling the Taliban and routing al Qaeda from Afghanistan, he said, a safer Afghan populace has voted for a president and a parliament, girls are free to go to school, and highways and health centers are being constructed, Bush added.
"It's in our interest to help them because we believe that liberty is transformative, and a part of the world that was once a safe haven for an enemy to attack us will be a more hopeful place when freedom takes hold," he said.
On Iraq, the president said the decision to remove Saddam Hussein was correct and that the world is better off without him in power. Since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Bush said, Iraqis have written a constitution and participated in democratic elections.
In what he described as a surge by Iraqis, the country's citizens created 100,000 new soldiers and police in addition to 80,000 local citizens who volunteered to help patrol their own neighborhoods.
The original decision to begin military operations in Iraq was a tough one, based not "any Gallup poll or focus group," but on sound judgment from military people and "a lot of folks who were following Iraq."
"It was based upon what was right for the future of the United States, and that is, as opposed to pulling troops out, send more in," Bush told the audience.
Bush noted that the surge, which was initiated in early 2007, marked an influx of forces that included more than just members of the U.S. military. Diplomats and public service officials also surged, he said, improving life in areas where insurgents had been purged.
The president said pursuing enemies requires cooperation by all U.S. assets: sharing information across intelligence communities, applying muscle with military forces, and ratcheting up pressure from allies.
"America must not relent," he said. "If our most important job is to protect the American people, we have got to stay on the offense and defeat the enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here at home."
Bush conceded that there are cynics who doubt freedom's ability to take hold in parts of the world, but said he concluded that "liberty is transformative."
"People want to be free and, if given the chance, will be free, do the hard work necessary to be free. And liberty has got the capacity to transform an enemy to an ally," he said. "Therefore, we ought to have confidence in liberty's power to bring the peace we want, and not shy away from helping people realize the great blessings of freedom."
Face of Defense: Engineer Sees Hospital as 'Once in Lifetime' Project
By John Connor
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 30, 2008 - The Basra Children's Hospital project can get its hooks into people. Take Army Lt. Col. Kenneth McDonald, for example. He's an area deputy commander in the Gulf Region Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and he leads the Basra Area Office in the division's southern district.
Part of his job is overseeing the Basra Children's Hospital project, one of the highest-profile, most complex and potentially most rewarding projects undertaken by USACE in its four years in Iraq. McDonald extended his tour in Iraq to two years from one to help bring the project to a successful conclusion.
"Where else, as an engineer, would you want to be?" asked McDonald, who taught in the civil and mechanical engineering department at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., before coming to Iraq in 2006.
The hospital is designed and being built as a 94-bed pediatric tertiary-care-referral hospital with a focus on pediatric oncology. Intended to support the population of southern Iraq, including Basra, the country's second-largest city, the facility also will be a training center capable of improving and expanding the training of health professionals throughout Iraq.
In a very real sense, the project is about children. "Sick kids," said McDonald, citing the grim statistic that 15 out of 100 children in southern Iraq die before the age of 5. Childhood cancers are eight to 10 times more common in Iraq than in the West.
Arthur Bennett, the USACE project manager for the hospital, told colleagues at home in a message from Iraq not long ago that "our customer for the project is the Iraqi government, but I really see it as the children." First lady Laura Bush, a leading supporter of the hospital, said that "every country's success depends upon the health and well-being of its children."
The imperative of caring for children is widely shared across the Basra community. There were rumors in the city in 2006 that the hospital job site was a CIA headquarters, and the word was out on the street that an attack was imminent. But local citizens and religious leaders of several faiths rallied, and Iraqi flags were flown. No attack came then or later -- even when British troops battled militants near the hospital.
"The mothers and wives leverage real power," McDonald said in recounting how popular sentiment has rallied behind and protected the project. "Not once has the hospital ever been attacked."
McDonald arrived in Basra just as the hospital project was being revived after stalling out. USACE was selected to lead the effort to get the project restarted and completed. He was greeted on the way in by an improvised explosive device.
"My first day after arriving in Tallil and then driving to Basra, we were hit, but sustained minimal damage," he recalled, adding that he wondered what he'd gotten himself into.
The city has more than its share of indirect fire attacks, with more than 1,000 mortar rounds landing on Contingency Operating Base Basra over the summer.
"The surreal becomes normal," McDonald said of the attacks, which in his time have seen four rounds land directly in Camp Blackadder, the USACE compound in Basra. He said the attacks have "bonded the team" and that the USACE contingent in Basra is "very proactive in procedures" to avoid casualties. "No one does not do the drill," he said.
The motto at Camp Blackadder, "Living the Dream," captures the spirit of a team proud of its mission and aware of its circumstances. The slogan can be uttered on occasion with that particular wryness to be found in a combat zone. Some British soldiers in Basra have adopted the slogan, which adorned their shirts at a recent five-kilometer race.
McDonald has no doubt the hospital will be completed successfully and that it will be "a jewel in the crown of Basra." The hospital project is being conducted in conjunction with partners including Project Hope, a nongovernmental organization, and the United Nations Development Program, which is managing a $21.75 million contribution by the Spanish government. The project will have state-of-the-art equipment. U.S.-funded construction is 77 percent complete.
Before extending his tour, McDonald said, he did a lot of soul searching. He concluded with respect to the hospital job that "something as significant as this comes only once a lifetime."
McDonald consulted his family. "What do you think I should do?" he asked his wife, Army Col. Deborah McDonald, a West Point classmate who is the director of admissions at the U.S. Military Academy, and their two children, Anna, 19, and Joshua, 14. Both children are following in their parents' footsteps. Anna has a four-year ROTC scholarship at Seton Hall University, and Joshua is in the Junior ROTC program at his high school.
"We are all very proud of Kenny," his wife said. "With pride comes a sense of accomplishment and commitment. Certainly, Kenny has shown that to us and to the men and women he works with."
She said her husband sent back a video of the hospital project and that "everyone saw it," including her daughter's ROTC detachment. "It was a wonderful message to show our future officer corps--and helped focus their minds on what their futures might hold," she said.
But it hasn't been easy, she acknowledged.
"It has been a family commitment -- and a struggle at times," she said. "We completely support Kenny in his efforts and are thankful that he not only has the expertise but the drive to provide this critical support to such a worthy project."
Still, she added, the family will be "very ecstatic" when McDonald comes home for good.
"As with any long-term deployment, it is tough on both the deployed and those at home," she said. "We know that he will return with a lasting legacy of not only a family who is immensely proud of him, but the knowledge that he stayed committed to the project through its completion."
(John Connor is a public affairs officer with the Gulf Region South district, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iraq.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 30, 2008 - The Basra Children's Hospital project can get its hooks into people. Take Army Lt. Col. Kenneth McDonald, for example. He's an area deputy commander in the Gulf Region Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and he leads the Basra Area Office in the division's southern district.
Part of his job is overseeing the Basra Children's Hospital project, one of the highest-profile, most complex and potentially most rewarding projects undertaken by USACE in its four years in Iraq. McDonald extended his tour in Iraq to two years from one to help bring the project to a successful conclusion.
"Where else, as an engineer, would you want to be?" asked McDonald, who taught in the civil and mechanical engineering department at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., before coming to Iraq in 2006.
The hospital is designed and being built as a 94-bed pediatric tertiary-care-referral hospital with a focus on pediatric oncology. Intended to support the population of southern Iraq, including Basra, the country's second-largest city, the facility also will be a training center capable of improving and expanding the training of health professionals throughout Iraq.
In a very real sense, the project is about children. "Sick kids," said McDonald, citing the grim statistic that 15 out of 100 children in southern Iraq die before the age of 5. Childhood cancers are eight to 10 times more common in Iraq than in the West.
Arthur Bennett, the USACE project manager for the hospital, told colleagues at home in a message from Iraq not long ago that "our customer for the project is the Iraqi government, but I really see it as the children." First lady Laura Bush, a leading supporter of the hospital, said that "every country's success depends upon the health and well-being of its children."
The imperative of caring for children is widely shared across the Basra community. There were rumors in the city in 2006 that the hospital job site was a CIA headquarters, and the word was out on the street that an attack was imminent. But local citizens and religious leaders of several faiths rallied, and Iraqi flags were flown. No attack came then or later -- even when British troops battled militants near the hospital.
"The mothers and wives leverage real power," McDonald said in recounting how popular sentiment has rallied behind and protected the project. "Not once has the hospital ever been attacked."
McDonald arrived in Basra just as the hospital project was being revived after stalling out. USACE was selected to lead the effort to get the project restarted and completed. He was greeted on the way in by an improvised explosive device.
"My first day after arriving in Tallil and then driving to Basra, we were hit, but sustained minimal damage," he recalled, adding that he wondered what he'd gotten himself into.
The city has more than its share of indirect fire attacks, with more than 1,000 mortar rounds landing on Contingency Operating Base Basra over the summer.
"The surreal becomes normal," McDonald said of the attacks, which in his time have seen four rounds land directly in Camp Blackadder, the USACE compound in Basra. He said the attacks have "bonded the team" and that the USACE contingent in Basra is "very proactive in procedures" to avoid casualties. "No one does not do the drill," he said.
The motto at Camp Blackadder, "Living the Dream," captures the spirit of a team proud of its mission and aware of its circumstances. The slogan can be uttered on occasion with that particular wryness to be found in a combat zone. Some British soldiers in Basra have adopted the slogan, which adorned their shirts at a recent five-kilometer race.
McDonald has no doubt the hospital will be completed successfully and that it will be "a jewel in the crown of Basra." The hospital project is being conducted in conjunction with partners including Project Hope, a nongovernmental organization, and the United Nations Development Program, which is managing a $21.75 million contribution by the Spanish government. The project will have state-of-the-art equipment. U.S.-funded construction is 77 percent complete.
Before extending his tour, McDonald said, he did a lot of soul searching. He concluded with respect to the hospital job that "something as significant as this comes only once a lifetime."
McDonald consulted his family. "What do you think I should do?" he asked his wife, Army Col. Deborah McDonald, a West Point classmate who is the director of admissions at the U.S. Military Academy, and their two children, Anna, 19, and Joshua, 14. Both children are following in their parents' footsteps. Anna has a four-year ROTC scholarship at Seton Hall University, and Joshua is in the Junior ROTC program at his high school.
"We are all very proud of Kenny," his wife said. "With pride comes a sense of accomplishment and commitment. Certainly, Kenny has shown that to us and to the men and women he works with."
She said her husband sent back a video of the hospital project and that "everyone saw it," including her daughter's ROTC detachment. "It was a wonderful message to show our future officer corps--and helped focus their minds on what their futures might hold," she said.
But it hasn't been easy, she acknowledged.
"It has been a family commitment -- and a struggle at times," she said. "We completely support Kenny in his efforts and are thankful that he not only has the expertise but the drive to provide this critical support to such a worthy project."
Still, she added, the family will be "very ecstatic" when McDonald comes home for good.
"As with any long-term deployment, it is tough on both the deployed and those at home," she said. "We know that he will return with a lasting legacy of not only a family who is immensely proud of him, but the knowledge that he stayed committed to the project through its completion."
(John Connor is a public affairs officer with the Gulf Region South district, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iraq.)
Troops Kill Four Suspected Terrorists, Capture 22, Destroy Weapons
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 30, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed four suspected terrorists and detained 22 others in Iraq over the past three days, military officials reported.
In operations today:
-- Coalition forces killed four armed terrorists and nabbed two suspects during an operation targeting individuals linked to an alleged terrorist training facility north of Baqouba. Troops also found and destroyed improvised explosive device materials, grenades, machine guns, military-style assault vests, and a vehicle containing IED materials and camouflage uniforms.
-- Ground forces detained three suspected terrorists, including an alleged facilitator of weapons, IED materials, vehicles and suicide bombers for use by al Qaeda and other terrorist networks throughout the Baghdad region. The suspect allegedly is also responsible for bringing monthly truckloads of weapons into northern Iraq for distribution to al Qaeda in Iraq networks across the Tigris River Valley.
-- Troops wounded and captured two suspects and detained two unharmed suspects early this morning during operations in the Baghdad area. The raid targeted an alleged financier of "special groups" leaders throughout the Iraqi capital. Military officials said the suspects' identities are being determined.
-- Coalition forces captured eight suspected terrorists south of Salman Pak during an operation targeting an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq cell leader reportedly involved in car bombings and foreign terrorist facilitation.
-- Troops detained three suspected terrorists in Tikrit while targeting suspected associates of the city's al Qaeda in Iraq leader, who was detained Jan. 25 for involvement in facilitating weapons and foreign terrorists, military officials said.
In other recent operations:
-- In the Andalus neighborhood of the Iraqi capital yesterday, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers arrested a suspected terrorist during an offensive operation supporting the countrywide Operation Phantom Phoenix. Troops with the Scout Recon Platoon of HHC, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, operationally attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne, arrested the man after receiving reports he was in eastern Mansour. The suspect allegedly is a leader of al Qaeda in Iraq from the Iskandariyah and Haswah area, and is responsible for attacking coalition and Iraqi security forces south of Baghdad, military officials said. Troops are questioning him at a coalition detention facility.
-- On Jan. 28, concerned local citizens turned in a cache of rockets to coalition forces in the Rusafa security district of eastern Baghdad. Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, reported the cache contained 10 rockets. An explosive ordnance detachment personnel at Bab al Sheik joint security station disposed of the munitions.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Jan. 30, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed four suspected terrorists and detained 22 others in Iraq over the past three days, military officials reported.
In operations today:
-- Coalition forces killed four armed terrorists and nabbed two suspects during an operation targeting individuals linked to an alleged terrorist training facility north of Baqouba. Troops also found and destroyed improvised explosive device materials, grenades, machine guns, military-style assault vests, and a vehicle containing IED materials and camouflage uniforms.
-- Ground forces detained three suspected terrorists, including an alleged facilitator of weapons, IED materials, vehicles and suicide bombers for use by al Qaeda and other terrorist networks throughout the Baghdad region. The suspect allegedly is also responsible for bringing monthly truckloads of weapons into northern Iraq for distribution to al Qaeda in Iraq networks across the Tigris River Valley.
-- Troops wounded and captured two suspects and detained two unharmed suspects early this morning during operations in the Baghdad area. The raid targeted an alleged financier of "special groups" leaders throughout the Iraqi capital. Military officials said the suspects' identities are being determined.
-- Coalition forces captured eight suspected terrorists south of Salman Pak during an operation targeting an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq cell leader reportedly involved in car bombings and foreign terrorist facilitation.
-- Troops detained three suspected terrorists in Tikrit while targeting suspected associates of the city's al Qaeda in Iraq leader, who was detained Jan. 25 for involvement in facilitating weapons and foreign terrorists, military officials said.
In other recent operations:
-- In the Andalus neighborhood of the Iraqi capital yesterday, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers arrested a suspected terrorist during an offensive operation supporting the countrywide Operation Phantom Phoenix. Troops with the Scout Recon Platoon of HHC, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, operationally attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne, arrested the man after receiving reports he was in eastern Mansour. The suspect allegedly is a leader of al Qaeda in Iraq from the Iskandariyah and Haswah area, and is responsible for attacking coalition and Iraqi security forces south of Baghdad, military officials said. Troops are questioning him at a coalition detention facility.
-- On Jan. 28, concerned local citizens turned in a cache of rockets to coalition forces in the Rusafa security district of eastern Baghdad. Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, reported the cache contained 10 rockets. An explosive ordnance detachment personnel at Bab al Sheik joint security station disposed of the munitions.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
'Silver Lions' Help Iraqi Villagers With Propane Needs
By Pfc. April Campbell, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 30, 2008 - As the teal dump truck made its way down the muddy street, local citizens appeared from behind the gates guarding their houses. They walked to the truck, their hands full of an empty burden. The truck represented an opportunity these people had not seen in a while. For five months, the people in the village had gone without propane, and they were optimistic their empty tanks would return to them full, in the hope that they would be able to cook inside for a change that night.
About 50 households in the villages of Fahama and Gumayrah will be able to cook using propane this month after soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Multinational Division Baghdad, escorted some of the villagers to the neighboring town of Boob Al Sham to exchange their empty tanks for full ones Jan. 27.
The help came a little more than two weeks after Silver Lion soldiers with the 3rd BCT's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, and Civil Affairs Team 2, Company B, 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, met with leaders from the Fahama region to discuss essential-service needs in the area, said Army Capt. Enardo Collazo, a native of Salinas, Puerto Rico, who serves as commander of HHC, 1-68th AR.
At the meeting, leaders brought up the problem many in the region were having obtaining propane. Boob Al Sham is geographically close by, but the people in Fahama and Gumayrah have reservations about traveling there because it has been a volatile location in the past. With an armored escort, those reservations were put to the side on this day.
Each household is given vouchers by the Iraqi government for three propane tanks per month; a total of 150 tanks were taken to the propane facility and exchanged, said Army 1st Lt. Nick Piergallini, 1st Platoon leader, Company D, 1-68th AR, currently attached to HHC, 1-68th AR.
"On average, three or four families might live in one Iraqi household, so between 150 and 200 families were supplied with propane," the Easton, Pa., native added.
In an environment filled with sand and mud, cooking is difficult without propane. People in the villages have been burning wood they chop themselves to heat their food. "Propane is more convenient and cleaner for them to use," Collazo said. "While they can cook inside with propane, they must cook outside when burning wood."
Not only does the aid provided by the soldiers help the local population, it also is a way for the soldiers to reassure the people of their support.
"What we did today made an immediate impact on the villages," he said. "It helped to strengthen the local trust of coalition forces."
Sheik Emad Abdul-Settar Muhammad, the senior sheik for the village of Fahama, helped to coordinate the tank collection and rode in the dump truck escorted by the Silver Lions.
The assistance provided by the Americans was much needed and appreciated, Emad said.
The effort was an immediate response to the issue of refilling the villagers' propane tanks; the Silver Lions are trying to help negotiate a long-term solution to the problem.
"It's too expensive to build a (propane) factory in Fahama," Collazo said. "The solution I have developed is to find a local contractor who is more comfortable with traveling to Boob Al Sham to deliver and pick up the propane tanks."
In the meantime, families who received propane will not have to bear the cold, muddy weather outside to eat a hot meal for a while.
Seeing the dump truck driving back through the street in Gumayrah a few hours later, villagers of all sorts ran out to pick up their tanks. This time, the burden they carried back with them was full.
(Army Pfc. April Campbell serves in public affairs at Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 30, 2008 - As the teal dump truck made its way down the muddy street, local citizens appeared from behind the gates guarding their houses. They walked to the truck, their hands full of an empty burden. The truck represented an opportunity these people had not seen in a while. For five months, the people in the village had gone without propane, and they were optimistic their empty tanks would return to them full, in the hope that they would be able to cook inside for a change that night.
About 50 households in the villages of Fahama and Gumayrah will be able to cook using propane this month after soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Multinational Division Baghdad, escorted some of the villagers to the neighboring town of Boob Al Sham to exchange their empty tanks for full ones Jan. 27.
The help came a little more than two weeks after Silver Lion soldiers with the 3rd BCT's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, and Civil Affairs Team 2, Company B, 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, met with leaders from the Fahama region to discuss essential-service needs in the area, said Army Capt. Enardo Collazo, a native of Salinas, Puerto Rico, who serves as commander of HHC, 1-68th AR.
At the meeting, leaders brought up the problem many in the region were having obtaining propane. Boob Al Sham is geographically close by, but the people in Fahama and Gumayrah have reservations about traveling there because it has been a volatile location in the past. With an armored escort, those reservations were put to the side on this day.
Each household is given vouchers by the Iraqi government for three propane tanks per month; a total of 150 tanks were taken to the propane facility and exchanged, said Army 1st Lt. Nick Piergallini, 1st Platoon leader, Company D, 1-68th AR, currently attached to HHC, 1-68th AR.
"On average, three or four families might live in one Iraqi household, so between 150 and 200 families were supplied with propane," the Easton, Pa., native added.
In an environment filled with sand and mud, cooking is difficult without propane. People in the villages have been burning wood they chop themselves to heat their food. "Propane is more convenient and cleaner for them to use," Collazo said. "While they can cook inside with propane, they must cook outside when burning wood."
Not only does the aid provided by the soldiers help the local population, it also is a way for the soldiers to reassure the people of their support.
"What we did today made an immediate impact on the villages," he said. "It helped to strengthen the local trust of coalition forces."
Sheik Emad Abdul-Settar Muhammad, the senior sheik for the village of Fahama, helped to coordinate the tank collection and rode in the dump truck escorted by the Silver Lions.
The assistance provided by the Americans was much needed and appreciated, Emad said.
The effort was an immediate response to the issue of refilling the villagers' propane tanks; the Silver Lions are trying to help negotiate a long-term solution to the problem.
"It's too expensive to build a (propane) factory in Fahama," Collazo said. "The solution I have developed is to find a local contractor who is more comfortable with traveling to Boob Al Sham to deliver and pick up the propane tanks."
In the meantime, families who received propane will not have to bear the cold, muddy weather outside to eat a hot meal for a while.
Seeing the dump truck driving back through the street in Gumayrah a few hours later, villagers of all sorts ran out to pick up their tanks. This time, the burden they carried back with them was full.
(Army Pfc. April Campbell serves in public affairs at Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.)
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