Chairman Describes U.S. Interests in Iraq

By Jim Garamone

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2014 – The United States has sent troops back to Iraq because it is in America’s interest for the country to remain stable and to counter Sunni militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told a Pentagon news conference that Iraq’s leaders must form an inclusive government that respects the rights of all groups. 

Iraq can and should be a U.S. partner in countering terrorism, Dempsey said. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which has captured large sections of the country’s north and west over the past few weeks, is a regional threat, Dempsey said, but could become a transnational and global threat in the future. They have “made some pretty significant and rapid advances.”

Yet “they’re stretched right now,” the chairman said, “stretched to control what they have gained and stretched across their logistics lines of communication.”

There are currently nearly 800 American service members in Iraq, with some protecting the American embassy and other facilities. Other U.S. troops are assessing the situation on the ground and have now opened a second joint operations center in Erbil in northern Iraq after establishing one in Baghdad last month. President Barack Obama ordered up to 300 U.S. special forces to the country last month to provide advice on how best to assist the Iraqi military in their fight against Sunni militants.

Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces have stiffened resistance in face of the militants’ gains.

“I don’t have the assessment teams’ exact language, but some initial insights are that the ISF is stiffening, that they’re capable of defending Baghdad,” Dempsey said.

Iraqi forces would be challenged however, if they went on the offensive against the militants, he added.

Dempsey emphasized the ability of Iraq’s military to defend the country depends on political leaders in Baghdad uniting to form a government of national unity.

In addition, what role the United States will play in Iraq going forward, he said, depends on the conclusions of the U.S. military assessment teams, as well as Iraq’s political progress.

Currently, U.S. advisors in Iraq are not involved in combat operations, Dempsey said, but he did not rule that out.

“If the assessment comes back and reveals that it would be beneficial to this effort and to our national security interests to put the advisors in a different role, I will first consult with the secretary, we will consult with the president,” he said. “We’ll provide that option and we will move ahead.”

Even so, he said U.S. involvement in Iraq does not amount to “mission creep.” Choosing to characterize it instead as “mission match.”

“We will match the resources we apply with the authorities and responsibilities that go with them based on the mission we undertake, and that is to be determined,” the chairman said.

Transfer of Syrian Chemicals to Cape Ray is Complete

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2014 – The transfer of Syrian chemicals from the Danish container ship Ark Futura to the Motor Vessel Cape Ray has been completed, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Adm. John Kirby said in a statement issued yesterday.

After the transfer was made in the Italian port of Gioia Tauro, Kirby said in the statement, the Cape Ray departed yesterday for international waters in the Mediterranean Sea to employ its onboard system to neutralize the chemicals.

Kirby’s statement reads as follows:

The transfer of Syrian chemicals from the Danish container ship Ark Futura to the Motor Vessel Cape Ray is complete. Cape Ray departed the Italian port of Gioia Tauro this afternoon for international waters in the Mediterranean Sea, where neutralization operations will soon begin. The neutralization process should take several weeks to complete.

Secretary Hagel is grateful to Danish and Italian authorities for their support in this process and is enormously proud of everyone who helped make possible this safe and incident-free transfer. He extends a special thanks to the men and women of the Cape Ray, Naval Forces Europe, and U.S. European Command teams for their impeccable planning and execution.

DEA and US Attorney Announce Charges Against Three Leaders Of Peruvian Terrorist Organization Shining Path

JULY 2, 2014 - Michele M. Leonhart, Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) and Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced terrorism, narcotics, and weapons charges against FLORINDO ELEUTERIO FLORES-HALA, a/k/a “Comrade Artemio,” VICTOR QUISPE-PALOMINO, a/k/a “Comrade José,” and JORGE QUISPE-PALOMINO, a/k/a “Raul.”  As set forth in the Indictment, FLORES-HALA, VICTOR QUISPE-PALOMINO, and JORGE QUISPE-PALOMINO are leaders of the Peruvian-based terrorist organization Sendero Luminoso, or “Shining Path,” which has engaged in cocaine-trafficking and terrorist acts against Peruvian civilians and military, including bombings and massacres, since approximately 1980.  FLORES-HALA is in the custody of Peruvian law enforcement.  VICTOR QUISPE-PALOMINO and JORGE QUISPE-PALOMINO remain at large.  The three are accused of facilitating international narcotics trafficking in order to provide support for the terrorist organization.  The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Richard J. Sullivan. 

DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart stated: “For decades, the Shining Path has fueled terror, addiction and instability across the globe using the proceeds of their drug trafficking.  This investigation and our ongoing global efforts reflect DEA’s unwavering commitment to protecting our citizens from these violent and brutal narco-terror organizations.  The DEA, along with our outstanding Peruvian law enforcement counterparts, will continue to attack this terrorist organization until they are completely dismantled.”

 U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated:  “As alleged, these defendants are leaders of a murderous paramilitary organization, and they themselves ordered ambushes that killed nearly two dozen Peruvian soldiers and police officers.  The product of the Peruvian cocaine trade they plied and protected sometimes ends up for sale in the United States.  Such a path is anything but shining; it is the path to prison.”

According to the Indictment:

For more than 30 years, the Shining Path has been an international terrorist group ostensibly committed to Maoist ideals and dedicated to the violent overthrow of the democratically elected Government of Peru.  Initially founded and conceived as a political movement and an outgrowth of the Peruvian Communist Party, the Shining Path became a terrorist army engaged in bombings, massacres, and other acts of violence within Peru.  The Shining Path has been designated by the United States Secretary of State as a foreign terrorist organization since the designation was first established in U.S. law in October 1997, and has remained on the list of designees ever since.

The Shining Path is styled as a military organization whose armed combatants in recent years have been concentrated in two geographically distinct factions in South Central Peru:  the Upper Huallaga Valley (the “UHV”) and the territory bounded by the Apurimac and Ene River Valleys (the “VRAE”).  The UHV and VRAE factions have in the recent past been led, respectively, by FLORES-HALA and VICTOR QUISPE-PALOMINO.  Within each of the UHV and VRAE factions, the Shining Path’s members are divided into armed columns.  JORGE QUISPE-PALOMINO has served as a column leader in the VRAE faction of the Shining Path.

The Shining Path funds its terrorist activities, at least in part, with proceeds from the cocaine trade.  For approximately the past decade, the Shining Path has sought to control all aspects of the cocaine trade in the UHV and the VRAE, which contain some of the world’s most fertile coca leaf producing areas.  In addition to cultivating and processing its own cocaine for sale, the Shining Path levies a system of taxes called “cupos” on the cultivation, processing, and transit of cocaine in and through the UHV and the VRAE.  The Shining Path also provides transport and armed security to drug trafficking organizations moving large loads of cocaine through and out of the VRAE and the UHV.  FLORES-HALA, VICTOR QUISPE-PALOMINO, and JORGE QUISPE-PALOMINO knew and understood that at least some of the cocaine the Shining Path grew, taxed, and transported was destined eventually to be sold in the United States.

For at least the past 10 years, the Shining Path has directed violent acts against Peruvian National Police (“PNP”) and Peruvian Army installations and personnel, and has conducted numerous violent attacks on counter-narcotics patrols, killing scores of soldiers and policemen.  These acts of violence were intended to protect the Shining Path’s financial interests in the cocaine trade, to serve as reprisal for law enforcement efforts to eradicate illegal cocaine trafficking, and to arm itself by forcefully taking weapons from dead and wounded targets of its violent ambushes.

*                *                *

In Count One of the Indictment, FLORES-HALA, 52, VICTOR QUISPE-PALOMINO, 54, and JORGE QUISPE-PALOMINO, 56, all Peruvian citizens, are charged with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically, the Shining Path.

In Count Two, FLORES-HALA, VICTOR QUISPE-PALOMINO, and JORGE QUISPE-PALOMINO are charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine with the intent to support terrorist activity.

In Count Three, FLORES-HALA is charged with aiding and abetting the discharge of firearms during and in relation to the terrorism offense charged in Count One.  Specifically, Count Three charges that, on December 22, 2005, in Aucayacu, Peru, FLORES-HALA directed Shining Path members to fire automatic weapons at a passing PNP convoy, resulting in the killing of eight PNP officers.

In Count Four, VICTOR QUISPE-PALOMINO, and JORGE QUISPE-PALOMINO are charged with aiding and abetting the discharge of firearms during and in relation to the terrorism offense charged in Count One.  Specifically, Count Four charges that, on April 9, 2009, in Ayacucho, Peru, VICTOR QUISPE-PALOMINO and JORGE QUISPE-PALOMINO ordered and planned an ambush in which a group of Shining Path members, armed with assault rifles, detonated a series of mines on a road where a Peruvian Army patrol was passing, and followed with gunfire, killing 15 soldiers, wounding more than a dozen, and seizing 13 assault rifles.

Count One carries a maximum term of life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.  Count Two carries a maximum term of life in prison, a mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.  Counts Three and Four each carry a maximum term of life in prison, a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.  The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the Judge.

These historic charges are the result of the close cooperative efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the DEA, including the DEA’s Lima Country Office and Special Operations Division.  The United States Government also worked closely with Peruvian Government authorities – the Peruvian National Police, the combined Peruvian armed forces and the Peruvian National Prosecutors Office; this Indictment would not have been possible without their ongoing cooperation and assistance.  Mr. Bharara also thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and National Security Division, the United States Department of State, and the United States Department of Defense for their ongoing assistance.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Ferrara is in charge of the prosecution.

The allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

177th Fighter Wing EOD technician awarded Silver Star

by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht
177th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/1/2014 - ATLANTIC CITY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.J. -- 

An Air National Guard explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 177th Fighter Wing was awarded the Silver Star here June 28 for valor in combat while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.

 

Master Sgt. Michael F. Sears, the leader of a small team of explosive ordnance disposal airmen, is credited with saving the life of a fellow International Security Assistance Force soldier in the midst of an ambush by enemy forces on Sept. 29, 2012, in Ghazni province, Afghanistan.

 

"What a great American and he really personifies, truly, what we as a Guard are," said Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau. "It is just phenomenal how he just stepped out away from safety to save others. We talk about the Silver Star being awarded for him saving the life of a Polish soldier, but he saved the lives of many soldiers that day."

 

"It wouldn't be me getting the Silver Star; it would be my wife, if it weren't for Tech. Sgt. Jay Hurley," said Sears.

 

Sears praised both of his teammates, Hurley and Staff Sgt. Josh Jerden, with courage under fire.

"Hurley, on that day, without hesitation, used his vehicle to cover me," said Sears. "Josh Jerden dismounted his vehicle on the side of enemy fire and engaged the enemy on foot. Their actions showed what kind of team I had."

Face of Defense: Versatile Soldier Aids Mission Success

 By Army Staff Sgt. Whitney Houston

 Regional Command South

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SWEENEY, Afghanistan, July 2, 2014 – The sun-baked gravel on the landing zone here appeared as lava stones in a sauna. The shaded Conex container gave a deceptive invitation of a more comfortable working climate, the invitation proved to be nothing but a mirage.

Drenched in sweat, Army Sgt. Fabricio Granados, an Oakland, Calif., native, ignored the discomfort of the heat as he distributed water to the thirsty, putting self-interest aside to serve a higher cause.

Granados serves in power equipment and generator repair for Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. His altruistic character and life experience have molded him into a versatile noncommissioned officer, his first sergeant said.

“He’s an awesome NCO, and he’s a quiet professional,” said Granado’s supervisor, 1st Sgt. Rebecca Schlegelmilch, a Munster, Indiana, native. “He has such a broad spectrum of knowledge because of his experience throughout life. He can do anything, and he does so much more than fix generators.”

Aside from being a generator mechanic, Granados is the NCO in charge of nine soldiers who support their battalion with a variety of skill sets, all of which he is competent in: four who work on weapons, one who works on night vision goggles, another who works on radios, a welder, an air conditioning mechanic and a generator mechanic.

Granados said he uses the skills he has accrued over the years to support a cause that is bigger than himself.

“Whatever we’re called to do, it’s in support of that company or battalion we’re attached to,” he said. “I know a little about everything, and I feel that’s why they’re always calling us to go on missions. They’re constantly drawing on our knowledge and expertise to complete the mission.”

Another facet of Granados’ job is to assist CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilots attach and detach sling loads that carry essential supplies to service members in remote areas of southern Afghanistan.

“It’s just another part of my job,” he said. “We get word from the support element back at base that food, water, fuel or whatever they need is coming, and then we make sure we’re ready to detach the load that they’re bringing or attach a load that they need to lift out.”

Granados, currently on his second deployment, has refined his skills over the years doing his job in the Army.

“My first deployment was with the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment in Iraq, and I got a lot of really good hands-on experience there,” he said. “I really love my job with the Army. It’s been very good to me since I first joined eight years ago, so I’m just trying to be good to it.”

Granados is an optimistic and progressive leader who leads his soldiers by example, said Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Gallagher, a Detroit native who serves as the Forward Support Company’s section sergeant.

“It’s just something that’s part of him,” Gallagher said. “Whatever company he’s attached to, he makes it better. He’s a leader that the Army is going to need in the future. He’s a real go-getter.”

Granados said he has seen a variety of leadership styles in his Army career. One leader he had early on stands out for setting a foundation upon which he has built his own leadership skills, he said.

“Sgt. 1st Class Dexter Trotter was always there for me, and wherever he was, he was always doing the right thing,” Granados said. “I never saw him get into any kind of trouble. He was always fair and impartial when correcting soldiers, and he was always there to listen as a buddy and a peer. I always thought to myself, ‘That’s how I want to be.’”

Granados claims that his eagerness to serve stems from his youth, when he often helped his father out of necessity. Granados and his family are an example of gaining the American dream by coming to the United States from Central America with an ideal for a better life.

“My family emigrated from El Salvador to the U.S. on a work visa when I was 3 years old, and my dad was very eager to succeed in his new country,” Granados said. “I have six brothers, and I’m the oldest, so I had to grow up fast. When I was a teenager, my dad was working at a hotel in San Francisco, and in order to support the family, he would have side jobs on the weekends, so naturally I was his foreman.”

Granados said his father taught him to work, and perhaps more importantly, he taught him to value thoroughness and ownership of his work. “My dad would always say, ‘If you’re going to do something, do it right the first time,’” he said.

Granados said his favorite part of his job is mentoring young soldiers in the same way he was mentored by his father and his noncommissioned officers.

“I love to show my soldiers that the military is good, and I try to instill in them a good work ethic, because all in all, my squad is a reflection of me.”

Dempsey: Leaders Wait to Hear From Iraq Assessment Teams

By Jim Garamone

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

HONOLULU, July 2, 2014 – U.S. officials are waiting to hear the assessment that U.S. special operations troops are making of Iraqi security forces before making a decision on further support, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told reporters following a speech at the Pacific Club here that U.S. officials could not decide what kind of assistance to provide when Iraq first asked for help.

“We didn’t have enough information to understand what kind of assistance we could provide,” he said.

The six assessment teams -- each led by a senior officer -- have started fanning out of Baghdad to visit Iraqi brigades and larger units. Reports out of Iraq when the extremists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant first crossed into western Iraq had the Iraqi army breaking and running. ISIL militants took Iraq’s third-largest city, Mosul, and were moving south toward Baghdad.

Dempsey said it is important to note that the assessment is being conducted concurrently with Iraq’s political leaders seeking to form a new government. “As I’ve said repeatedly, their ability to find political reconciliation among groups and to present an inclusive face to the people of Iraq -- who are counting on them to lead -- will be an important factor in determining what we do going forward,” he said.

The assessment teams are part of the second group of Americans ordered to Iraq. The first was a security team to protect the U.S. personnel and the U.S. Embassy. Also part of the second group were service members who set up a joint operations center with Iraqi forces.

The third group, with helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft, will hold a critical piece of infrastructure at Baghdad International Airport.