By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 28, 2008 - President Bush today called Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's actions against criminal and militants in Basra a demonstration of leadership during a "defining moment in the history of a free Iraq." Speaking during a joint news conference with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Bush said it's critical that the Iraqi government stand up to the forces that threaten it.
"Any government that presumes to represent the majority of people must confront criminal elements or people who think they can live outside the law," he said. "And that's what's taking place in Basra and in other parts of Iraq."
Bush said the decision to move Iraqi troops into Basra to confront these elements "talks about Prime Minister Maliki's leadership" and his willingness to apply the rule of law across the board, regardless of religious affiliation.
"His decision to move into Basra shows even-handed justice (and) shows he's willing to go after those who believe they're outside the law," he said.
Bush said he has not spoken to Maliki since the prime minister issued his order, but said it likely was the result of people getting tired of living among thugs who threatened their everyday lives. Maliki acted decisively and in the interest of Iraqi citizens, Bush said.
"This was his decision; it was his military planning; it was his causing the troops to go from Point A to Point B," Bush said.
The president called the clash taking place in Basra "a test and a moment for the Iraqi government," which has expressed solid support for Maliki's actions.
"And it is an interesting moment for the people of Iraq, because in order for this democracy to survive, they must have confidence in their government's ability to protect them and to be even-handed," he said.
The situation also gives the Iraqi security forces, who have the security lead in Basra, an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities, he said.
"The United States, of course, will provide them help if they ask for it and if they need it," Bush said. "But they are in the lead. And this is a good test for them."
Friday, March 28, 2008
Iraqi Forces Focus Operations on Criminal Activity in Basra
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 28, 2008 - Iraqi security forces are focused on reducing criminal activity in Basra, Iraq, Multinational Force Iraq's deputy chief of staff for strategic effects said today during a conference call from Baghdad with military analysts. "In Basra, as you know, Iraqi security forces have undertaken operations specifically to improve the rule of law," said Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner. "They have been conducting operations in Basra now for about four days."
The forces, about 3,500 troops, are working through the different districts of the city, where they have encountered some tough fighting that likely will continue, he said.
"They are being supported by the coalition in the way that they typically and traditionally do," Bergner said. That support includes transition teams, advisors and assistance with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Close-air and other forms of aviation support are being provided, as well.
"The Iraqi government has taken a very strong position" in terms of dealing with criminal activity in the city, Bergner said. "They have been very specific in pointing out that this is centered on criminal activity and not directed at a specific political entity or trend," he noted.
Iraqi government officials are in agreement on Basra, he went on to say. "The presidency council today did issue a statement supporting the action," Bergner said.
Members of the Council of Representatives have been encouraging support for the Iraqi security forces and dialogue among the political parties to help improve the security situation, he added.
The general also briefly addressed recent attacks on the International Zone and other Baghdad neighborhoods. Support for those attacks comes primarily from "special groups," which are relying on Iranian Quds force networks to supply mortars, training, funding and other forms of tactical direction, Bergner said. U.S. and coalition forces are reorienting themselves to deal with those attacks, the general said.
"(Multinational Division Baghdad), in fact, had some success again today at identifying some launchers and taking those out," he said. "They are also conducting operations against specific cells and the individuals we think are involved in planning and conducting those operations."
American Forces Press Service
March 28, 2008 - Iraqi security forces are focused on reducing criminal activity in Basra, Iraq, Multinational Force Iraq's deputy chief of staff for strategic effects said today during a conference call from Baghdad with military analysts. "In Basra, as you know, Iraqi security forces have undertaken operations specifically to improve the rule of law," said Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner. "They have been conducting operations in Basra now for about four days."
The forces, about 3,500 troops, are working through the different districts of the city, where they have encountered some tough fighting that likely will continue, he said.
"They are being supported by the coalition in the way that they typically and traditionally do," Bergner said. That support includes transition teams, advisors and assistance with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Close-air and other forms of aviation support are being provided, as well.
"The Iraqi government has taken a very strong position" in terms of dealing with criminal activity in the city, Bergner said. "They have been very specific in pointing out that this is centered on criminal activity and not directed at a specific political entity or trend," he noted.
Iraqi government officials are in agreement on Basra, he went on to say. "The presidency council today did issue a statement supporting the action," Bergner said.
Members of the Council of Representatives have been encouraging support for the Iraqi security forces and dialogue among the political parties to help improve the security situation, he added.
The general also briefly addressed recent attacks on the International Zone and other Baghdad neighborhoods. Support for those attacks comes primarily from "special groups," which are relying on Iranian Quds force networks to supply mortars, training, funding and other forms of tactical direction, Bergner said. U.S. and coalition forces are reorienting themselves to deal with those attacks, the general said.
"(Multinational Division Baghdad), in fact, had some success again today at identifying some launchers and taking those out," he said. "They are also conducting operations against specific cells and the individuals we think are involved in planning and conducting those operations."
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Gregory B. Rundell, 21, of Ramsey, Minn., died March 26 in Taji Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
For more information media may contact the 25th Infantry Division public affairs office at (808) 655-6341.
Spc. Gregory B. Rundell, 21, of Ramsey, Minn., died March 26 in Taji Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
For more information media may contact the 25th Infantry Division public affairs office at (808) 655-6341.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Joseph D. Gamboa, 34, of Yigo, Guam, died Mar. 25 of wounds suffered when he came under indirect fire in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816 or 8694, or email: ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil .
Staff Sgt. Joseph D. Gamboa, 34, of Yigo, Guam, died Mar. 25 of wounds suffered when he came under indirect fire in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
For more information media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816 or 8694, or email: ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil .
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Terrorists Launch Indirect-Fire Attacks in Baghdad
American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - Terrorists launched 11 indirect-fire attacks against civilians, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces in Baghdad today. Five indirect-fire attacks struck in the vicinity of the International Zone, killing one civilian and wounding 14. Three indirect-fire attacks struck two U.S. forward operating bases and one joint security station east of the Tigris River, injuring four U.S. soldiers.
Five mortar rounds struck two joint security stations and a "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group checkpoint in West Rashid, wounding three Iraqi security volunteers.
"These rogue elements are haphazardly firing rockets and mortars, killing and injuring innocent Iraqi and governmental civilians," said Army Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff of Multinational Division Baghdad. "(Iraqi security forces) and coalition forces are taking steps to reduce these attacks and pursue those responsible."
Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers engaged and killed two terrorists spotting for the indirect-fire attacks.
Terrorists also staged several attacks around Iraq yesterday, firing 16 rockets into the International Zone in Baghdad and targeting members of the Sons of Iraq in Tikrit and Salahuddin.
The 16 rockets were fired into the International Zone from surrounding Baghdad districts in four separate attacks during the morning and early afternoon.
At about 5:30 a.m., five 107 mm rockets hit the International Zone; four more 107 mm rockets struck at about 9:15 a.m.; three 107 mm rockets were in the third attack; and four 107 mm rockets struck at about 2:50 p.m. One coalition force soldier, two U.S. civilians, and one Iraqi army soldier were wounded in the attack. Several structures and one vehicle also were damaged.
In Salahuddin, two Sons of Iraq were murdered, and a woman and child were injured in an attack by al Qaeda in Iraq. The two men killed were father and son and confirmed members of the Sons of Iraq in Samarra. The woman and child were transported to a coalition forces hospital for treatment.
In Tikrit, a car bomb detonated, injuring seven Sons of Iraq and two Iraqi citizens. The injured were evacuated to a local Iraqi medical facility for treatment.
"This incident is just another example of the desperation (al Qaeda in Iraq) is showing," said Army Maj. Dan Meyers, a spokesman for Multinational Division North. "Acts of intimidation and cowardice such as these demonstrate the lack of regard for innocent civilian life."
In separate operations March 25 and yesterday, Iraqi special operations forces advised by U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained eight suspects.
In Baghdad, Iraqi Special Forces detained one suspected al Qaeda member who helped create a suicide network associated with attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces in the Baghdad area. The suspect also recently formed a criminal group to conduct attacks against coalition forces in Tahrir, southeast of Baghdad. Two additional suspects were detained in the operation and are being held for further questioning.
In Basra, Iraqi special forces troops detained a suspected criminal who is reported to be an illegal weapons dealer in the area. The suspect is believed to be smuggling and selling massive amounts of weapons to Iranian-backed "special groups" and criminal elements that attack Iraqi and coalition forces. Four other suspects were detained and are being held for questioning.
In other developments, coalition forces conducted operations throughout Iraq on March 25 and yesterday, targeting suspected terrorists who are believed to be associated with al Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership and others suspected of organizing suicide bombings.
In Tikrit, intelligence sources led coalition forces to a building, where they called for the occupants to come out. When the occupants did not comply, the ground force approached the building and came under a heavy small-arms attack. Coalition forces called in supporting aircraft to suppress the fire. Numerous large secondary explosions came from the building, indicating stored weapons or explosives.
During the engagement, multiple terrorists exited the building and ran into adjacent buildings. Coalition forces called for civilians to exit the buildings, and women and children who complied were moved to a safe area. It was later determined other civilians remained in the building.
Five terrorists, one Iraqi man, three Iraqi women and three Iraqi children were killed. Six Iraqi women, five Iraqi children and one Iraqi man were injured. The injured were treated on scene by coalition medical professionals, and all but one man were transported to a coalition medical facility for further treatment. It is uncertain whether the casualties came from coalition or terrorist fire.
"These terrorists have a complete disregard for humanity and constantly place innocent Iraqis in harm's way, as they did here by invading civilian homes and continuing to engage coalition forces, using the homes for cover and concealment," said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.
In the northern part of the country, intelligence reports led coalition forces to Mosul, where they captured an alleged terrorist suspected to be a suicide bomb cell leader with strong ties to terrorists in that area. He is believed to have a role in recent suicide attacks in Mosul. Coalition forces also detained two other suspected terrorists in that operation.
West of Samarra yesterday, coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during an operation targeting associates of al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.
"Al Qaeda in Iraq is an adaptive, barbaric enemy that will use any means possible to create violence," Beck said. "Despite their calls for violence, Iraqis continue to reject the terrorists' Taliban-like ideology and are working with Iraqi and coalition forces for a safe and secure Iraq."
In Iraq operations March 25:
-- Multinational Division Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed two enemy positions in separate attacks in Baghdad. No coalition forces or Iraqi citizens were injured as a result of the two attacks.
-- Iraqi security forces responded to enemy gun fire in the city of Kut, where fighting broke out in areas known as criminal strongholds several hours after a curfew was imposed by Iraqi forces.
-- A combined Iraqi police and Iraqi army force stopped an organized attack in Hillah. A military-style force, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, attacked coalition and Iraqi forces with RPGs. Iraqi army and police forces counterattacked, secured major intersections, and engaged the militants over the course of several hours, forcing them to retreat to a mosque.
-- Coalition soldiers found and destroyed four suspected car bombs in the southern Diyala river valley during Operation Viking Expedition. As part of the operation, air weapon team helicopters engaged three suspicious vehicles, destroying them with Hellfire missiles. After a search of the area, a bunker was found containing another vehicle, as well as a small cache nearby. The bunker and cache were destroyed by two bombs dropped by close-air support planes.
In operations March 24 and 25, Iraqi security forces detained 15 suspects and coalition forces found two weapons caches.
In Baghdad, Iraqi special operations forces detained a suspected criminal cell leader reported to be responsible for improvised explosive device cell members who have attacked Iraqi and coalition forces in the Baghdad area. Three additional suspected cell members were also detained.
In Samarra, Iraqi National Police detained a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq military commander, who is reported to lead 25 fighters in the greater Samarra area. He also is believed to have been involved in organizing small-arms fire, IED and car-bomb attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. Ten additional suspects are being held for further questioning.
Sons of Iraq members and an informant provided information to coalition force soldiers that led to two weapons caches in the Shaka 3 region of Iraq. The first cache, discovered March 24, consisted of 38 rifle grenades, 64 OG-15P grenades, 27 OG-9 rockets, 21 PG-9 rockets, two OG-7 rockets and an anti-tank mine. The second cache was discovered the following day based on a tip from an informant and contained 400 heavy machine gun rounds.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
March 27, 2008 - Terrorists launched 11 indirect-fire attacks against civilians, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces in Baghdad today. Five indirect-fire attacks struck in the vicinity of the International Zone, killing one civilian and wounding 14. Three indirect-fire attacks struck two U.S. forward operating bases and one joint security station east of the Tigris River, injuring four U.S. soldiers.
Five mortar rounds struck two joint security stations and a "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group checkpoint in West Rashid, wounding three Iraqi security volunteers.
"These rogue elements are haphazardly firing rockets and mortars, killing and injuring innocent Iraqi and governmental civilians," said Army Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff of Multinational Division Baghdad. "(Iraqi security forces) and coalition forces are taking steps to reduce these attacks and pursue those responsible."
Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers engaged and killed two terrorists spotting for the indirect-fire attacks.
Terrorists also staged several attacks around Iraq yesterday, firing 16 rockets into the International Zone in Baghdad and targeting members of the Sons of Iraq in Tikrit and Salahuddin.
The 16 rockets were fired into the International Zone from surrounding Baghdad districts in four separate attacks during the morning and early afternoon.
At about 5:30 a.m., five 107 mm rockets hit the International Zone; four more 107 mm rockets struck at about 9:15 a.m.; three 107 mm rockets were in the third attack; and four 107 mm rockets struck at about 2:50 p.m. One coalition force soldier, two U.S. civilians, and one Iraqi army soldier were wounded in the attack. Several structures and one vehicle also were damaged.
In Salahuddin, two Sons of Iraq were murdered, and a woman and child were injured in an attack by al Qaeda in Iraq. The two men killed were father and son and confirmed members of the Sons of Iraq in Samarra. The woman and child were transported to a coalition forces hospital for treatment.
In Tikrit, a car bomb detonated, injuring seven Sons of Iraq and two Iraqi citizens. The injured were evacuated to a local Iraqi medical facility for treatment.
"This incident is just another example of the desperation (al Qaeda in Iraq) is showing," said Army Maj. Dan Meyers, a spokesman for Multinational Division North. "Acts of intimidation and cowardice such as these demonstrate the lack of regard for innocent civilian life."
In separate operations March 25 and yesterday, Iraqi special operations forces advised by U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained eight suspects.
In Baghdad, Iraqi Special Forces detained one suspected al Qaeda member who helped create a suicide network associated with attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces in the Baghdad area. The suspect also recently formed a criminal group to conduct attacks against coalition forces in Tahrir, southeast of Baghdad. Two additional suspects were detained in the operation and are being held for further questioning.
In Basra, Iraqi special forces troops detained a suspected criminal who is reported to be an illegal weapons dealer in the area. The suspect is believed to be smuggling and selling massive amounts of weapons to Iranian-backed "special groups" and criminal elements that attack Iraqi and coalition forces. Four other suspects were detained and are being held for questioning.
In other developments, coalition forces conducted operations throughout Iraq on March 25 and yesterday, targeting suspected terrorists who are believed to be associated with al Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership and others suspected of organizing suicide bombings.
In Tikrit, intelligence sources led coalition forces to a building, where they called for the occupants to come out. When the occupants did not comply, the ground force approached the building and came under a heavy small-arms attack. Coalition forces called in supporting aircraft to suppress the fire. Numerous large secondary explosions came from the building, indicating stored weapons or explosives.
During the engagement, multiple terrorists exited the building and ran into adjacent buildings. Coalition forces called for civilians to exit the buildings, and women and children who complied were moved to a safe area. It was later determined other civilians remained in the building.
Five terrorists, one Iraqi man, three Iraqi women and three Iraqi children were killed. Six Iraqi women, five Iraqi children and one Iraqi man were injured. The injured were treated on scene by coalition medical professionals, and all but one man were transported to a coalition medical facility for further treatment. It is uncertain whether the casualties came from coalition or terrorist fire.
"These terrorists have a complete disregard for humanity and constantly place innocent Iraqis in harm's way, as they did here by invading civilian homes and continuing to engage coalition forces, using the homes for cover and concealment," said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.
In the northern part of the country, intelligence reports led coalition forces to Mosul, where they captured an alleged terrorist suspected to be a suicide bomb cell leader with strong ties to terrorists in that area. He is believed to have a role in recent suicide attacks in Mosul. Coalition forces also detained two other suspected terrorists in that operation.
West of Samarra yesterday, coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during an operation targeting associates of al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.
"Al Qaeda in Iraq is an adaptive, barbaric enemy that will use any means possible to create violence," Beck said. "Despite their calls for violence, Iraqis continue to reject the terrorists' Taliban-like ideology and are working with Iraqi and coalition forces for a safe and secure Iraq."
In Iraq operations March 25:
-- Multinational Division Baghdad attack helicopter crews destroyed two enemy positions in separate attacks in Baghdad. No coalition forces or Iraqi citizens were injured as a result of the two attacks.
-- Iraqi security forces responded to enemy gun fire in the city of Kut, where fighting broke out in areas known as criminal strongholds several hours after a curfew was imposed by Iraqi forces.
-- A combined Iraqi police and Iraqi army force stopped an organized attack in Hillah. A military-style force, armed with AK-47 assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, attacked coalition and Iraqi forces with RPGs. Iraqi army and police forces counterattacked, secured major intersections, and engaged the militants over the course of several hours, forcing them to retreat to a mosque.
-- Coalition soldiers found and destroyed four suspected car bombs in the southern Diyala river valley during Operation Viking Expedition. As part of the operation, air weapon team helicopters engaged three suspicious vehicles, destroying them with Hellfire missiles. After a search of the area, a bunker was found containing another vehicle, as well as a small cache nearby. The bunker and cache were destroyed by two bombs dropped by close-air support planes.
In operations March 24 and 25, Iraqi security forces detained 15 suspects and coalition forces found two weapons caches.
In Baghdad, Iraqi special operations forces detained a suspected criminal cell leader reported to be responsible for improvised explosive device cell members who have attacked Iraqi and coalition forces in the Baghdad area. Three additional suspected cell members were also detained.
In Samarra, Iraqi National Police detained a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq military commander, who is reported to lead 25 fighters in the greater Samarra area. He also is believed to have been involved in organizing small-arms fire, IED and car-bomb attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. Ten additional suspects are being held for further questioning.
Sons of Iraq members and an informant provided information to coalition force soldiers that led to two weapons caches in the Shaka 3 region of Iraq. The first cache, discovered March 24, consisted of 38 rifle grenades, 64 OG-15P grenades, 27 OG-9 rockets, 21 PG-9 rockets, two OG-7 rockets and an anti-tank mine. The second cache was discovered the following day based on a tip from an informant and contained 400 heavy machine gun rounds.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Face of Defense: Firefighter Trades New York for Iraq
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - On Sept. 11, 2001, Nicholas Pata was a volunteer firefighter in Rockland County, N.Y., who assisted rescue efforts after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in Manhattan. Pata, 25, no longer fights fires; he now is an Army private first class and fights terrorism as a Multinational Division Baghdad radio-telephone operator assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
"After 9/11, seeing and losing friends that were firefighters, I felt I owed it to them to jump into the fight," Pata said. "The time I spent at ground zero made up my mind."
Pata joined the Army in January 2007. He completed basic combat training at Fort Benning, Ga., and then was assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He joined the Wolfhounds in June.
Less than two months later, Pata left Hawaii with his unit to conduct training at the National Training Center, in Fort Irwin, Calif. There, he used his medical skills gained as a fireman and emergency medical technician to save the life of a fellow soldier who was suffering from a severe heat injury. As a result of his actions and performance during the training rotation, he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal.
After completing training in California, Pata took pre-deployment leave to relax before a 15-month deployment to Iraq. His leave was not all relaxation. He suited up and went back to work as a firefighter. Pata answered the last alarm minutes before he had to return from leave.
Greg Tobin, a fellow Rockland County volunteer firefighter, said Pata told his fellow firefighters to keep his bunk warm and to leave his gear alone until he returned. "Ever since he has been gone, his gear is exactly like he left it," Tobin said. "No one (has) dared to touch it -- not out of fear, but rather out of respect for the man who wore it."
When Pata left in October, he had to say goodbye not only to his biological family, but also to his other family, his fellow firefighters, Tobin said.
"His passion as a firefighter to help his community is what Nick lives for," he added. "He is a unique person that has risen to the position of captain in the fire department. He feared no fire; he was always the first into a fire and the last one out, and always making sure he watched over the men he led. He is a brave man, very respected, and very missed by us at home. The community will be safer again when he comes home."
While in Iraq, Pata assists his unit and the Iraqi security forces keep Taji safe. His experience under fire has helped him be a calm presence here.
"Pata always maintains his composure under pressure, regardless of the situation," said Army Maj. Patrick Aspland, a Fort Ann, N.Y., native who is the executive officer for 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.
Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, recognized Pata on March 12 for his exemplary performance in Iraq.
"Your great work is bringing new hope for the Iraqi people," Petraeus said during the award ceremony. "Keep up the terrific work."
Army Master Sgt. Timothy Jackson, a native of Dryden, N.Y., who serves as the operations sergeant major for 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, said Pata is one of the best radio-telephone operators he's ever known. "Pata is a great asset to the (battalion)," he said.
Pata has about a year left in Iraq before going back to fight a different kind of fire. Pata said he looks forward to going back to Hawaii and eventually returning to New York to continue to serve the people there.
(Army Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - On Sept. 11, 2001, Nicholas Pata was a volunteer firefighter in Rockland County, N.Y., who assisted rescue efforts after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in Manhattan. Pata, 25, no longer fights fires; he now is an Army private first class and fights terrorism as a Multinational Division Baghdad radio-telephone operator assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
"After 9/11, seeing and losing friends that were firefighters, I felt I owed it to them to jump into the fight," Pata said. "The time I spent at ground zero made up my mind."
Pata joined the Army in January 2007. He completed basic combat training at Fort Benning, Ga., and then was assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He joined the Wolfhounds in June.
Less than two months later, Pata left Hawaii with his unit to conduct training at the National Training Center, in Fort Irwin, Calif. There, he used his medical skills gained as a fireman and emergency medical technician to save the life of a fellow soldier who was suffering from a severe heat injury. As a result of his actions and performance during the training rotation, he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal.
After completing training in California, Pata took pre-deployment leave to relax before a 15-month deployment to Iraq. His leave was not all relaxation. He suited up and went back to work as a firefighter. Pata answered the last alarm minutes before he had to return from leave.
Greg Tobin, a fellow Rockland County volunteer firefighter, said Pata told his fellow firefighters to keep his bunk warm and to leave his gear alone until he returned. "Ever since he has been gone, his gear is exactly like he left it," Tobin said. "No one (has) dared to touch it -- not out of fear, but rather out of respect for the man who wore it."
When Pata left in October, he had to say goodbye not only to his biological family, but also to his other family, his fellow firefighters, Tobin said.
"His passion as a firefighter to help his community is what Nick lives for," he added. "He is a unique person that has risen to the position of captain in the fire department. He feared no fire; he was always the first into a fire and the last one out, and always making sure he watched over the men he led. He is a brave man, very respected, and very missed by us at home. The community will be safer again when he comes home."
While in Iraq, Pata assists his unit and the Iraqi security forces keep Taji safe. His experience under fire has helped him be a calm presence here.
"Pata always maintains his composure under pressure, regardless of the situation," said Army Maj. Patrick Aspland, a Fort Ann, N.Y., native who is the executive officer for 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.
Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, recognized Pata on March 12 for his exemplary performance in Iraq.
"Your great work is bringing new hope for the Iraqi people," Petraeus said during the award ceremony. "Keep up the terrific work."
Army Master Sgt. Timothy Jackson, a native of Dryden, N.Y., who serves as the operations sergeant major for 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, said Pata is one of the best radio-telephone operators he's ever known. "Pata is a great asset to the (battalion)," he said.
Pata has about a year left in Iraq before going back to fight a different kind of fire. Pata said he looks forward to going back to Hawaii and eventually returning to New York to continue to serve the people there.
(Army Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.)
Engineers Focus on Nation Building in Afghanistan
By Capt. Micala Hicks, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - Task Force Pacemaker's engineers have conducted construction workshops throughout eastern Afghanistan to promote positive relationships with Afghans while providing them with skills critical to rebuilding their nation and economy. January marked the beginning of four separate construction workshops for Afghan men between the ages of 18 and 60. The task force is made up of three combat heavy engineer construction line companies, the headquarters and support company from 864th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), out of Fort Lewis, Wash.; and 76th Engineer Vertical Detachment Company, out of Fort Knox, Ky.
The workshop was held at four remote forward operating bases -- FOBs Fenty, Kushamond, Orgun-E and Sharana -- and trained 200 unskilled laborers in basic wood-, concrete- and masonry-construction techniques.
Each Afghan student received about $1,200 worth of construction tools funded by the Commander's Emergency Relief Program. The tools included saws, hammers and other items instrumental to construction work.
According to the CIA World Fact Book, about 40 percent of Afghanistan's 25 million citizens are unemployed. This percentage has steadily increased over the last several years as Afghan refugees who fled to Pakistan and Iran have started to return.
"With high unemployment, a lack of arable land and an economy based mostly on subsistence farming, returnees have few chances," stated a recent Investor Relations Information Network report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Army 1st Lt. Grayson Pranin, Task Force Pacemaker civil military officer, used a demographic survey that determined about 80 percent of the workshop students were consistently unemployed and generally unskilled in construction or other trades. Over the 10-day courses, soldiers provided training that allowed students to successfully build 8-by-4-by-20-foot storage sheds, complete with windows, door frames and rafter rooftops.
The instructors used a standard list of training objectives and general information, but instructors applied their own unique methods for demonstrating construction techniques in a manner easily understood by Afghan students.
For example, mimicking a demonstration he had seen in his advanced individual training course, Army Sgt. Kyle Drube showed students the necessity of using rebar to reinforce concrete pads.
Several days before his class, he poured a circular mold of concrete about 10 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick. In front of the students, he took the hardened concrete and broke it over his knee. Drube then showed the students how a similar-sized piece of concrete with rebar emplaced did not break under the same force.
The junior soldiers seemed to enjoy the challenge of researching and rehearsing their classes and the unique leadership opportunity they had with their teams as instructors. Generally, two soldiers were paired with each team to provide hands-on guidance and oversight. Five interpreters worked with each group of 50 students, allowing them to break down into teams as small as 10 students.
When the Afghan students graduated from the workshop, they were provided with certificates and reference cards that acknowledged the successful completion of their training. These cards help local contractors and coalition forces determine who to hire for major projects either on forward operating bases or in local communities.
These workshops have allowed unskilled laborers to progress to the point that they are now contractors with other construction laborers working for them. Not even two weeks after the completion of the workshop at FOB Sharana, the top 20 students in the class were hired to assist in building two Combined Joint Task Force 82 construction projects on FOB Sharana.
Army Maj. Kenneth Frey, Task Force Pacemaker operations officer, has been working on proposals for engineers to deploy in teams with a primary mission of instructing and managing construction projects with Afghans.
"After almost 15 months of being in this country, it feels good to give something back," Drube said.
(Army Capt. Micala Hicks is commander of 585th Engineer Company.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - Task Force Pacemaker's engineers have conducted construction workshops throughout eastern Afghanistan to promote positive relationships with Afghans while providing them with skills critical to rebuilding their nation and economy. January marked the beginning of four separate construction workshops for Afghan men between the ages of 18 and 60. The task force is made up of three combat heavy engineer construction line companies, the headquarters and support company from 864th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), out of Fort Lewis, Wash.; and 76th Engineer Vertical Detachment Company, out of Fort Knox, Ky.
The workshop was held at four remote forward operating bases -- FOBs Fenty, Kushamond, Orgun-E and Sharana -- and trained 200 unskilled laborers in basic wood-, concrete- and masonry-construction techniques.
Each Afghan student received about $1,200 worth of construction tools funded by the Commander's Emergency Relief Program. The tools included saws, hammers and other items instrumental to construction work.
According to the CIA World Fact Book, about 40 percent of Afghanistan's 25 million citizens are unemployed. This percentage has steadily increased over the last several years as Afghan refugees who fled to Pakistan and Iran have started to return.
"With high unemployment, a lack of arable land and an economy based mostly on subsistence farming, returnees have few chances," stated a recent Investor Relations Information Network report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Army 1st Lt. Grayson Pranin, Task Force Pacemaker civil military officer, used a demographic survey that determined about 80 percent of the workshop students were consistently unemployed and generally unskilled in construction or other trades. Over the 10-day courses, soldiers provided training that allowed students to successfully build 8-by-4-by-20-foot storage sheds, complete with windows, door frames and rafter rooftops.
The instructors used a standard list of training objectives and general information, but instructors applied their own unique methods for demonstrating construction techniques in a manner easily understood by Afghan students.
For example, mimicking a demonstration he had seen in his advanced individual training course, Army Sgt. Kyle Drube showed students the necessity of using rebar to reinforce concrete pads.
Several days before his class, he poured a circular mold of concrete about 10 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick. In front of the students, he took the hardened concrete and broke it over his knee. Drube then showed the students how a similar-sized piece of concrete with rebar emplaced did not break under the same force.
The junior soldiers seemed to enjoy the challenge of researching and rehearsing their classes and the unique leadership opportunity they had with their teams as instructors. Generally, two soldiers were paired with each team to provide hands-on guidance and oversight. Five interpreters worked with each group of 50 students, allowing them to break down into teams as small as 10 students.
When the Afghan students graduated from the workshop, they were provided with certificates and reference cards that acknowledged the successful completion of their training. These cards help local contractors and coalition forces determine who to hire for major projects either on forward operating bases or in local communities.
These workshops have allowed unskilled laborers to progress to the point that they are now contractors with other construction laborers working for them. Not even two weeks after the completion of the workshop at FOB Sharana, the top 20 students in the class were hired to assist in building two Combined Joint Task Force 82 construction projects on FOB Sharana.
Army Maj. Kenneth Frey, Task Force Pacemaker operations officer, has been working on proposals for engineers to deploy in teams with a primary mission of instructing and managing construction projects with Afghans.
"After almost 15 months of being in this country, it feels good to give something back," Drube said.
(Army Capt. Micala Hicks is commander of 585th Engineer Company.)
Marines, Sailors Help Iraqi Refinery Workers
American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - Marines and sailors delivered the first batch of personal protection equipment, valued at $118,000, to employees of the Northern Petroleum Co. at the K3 Oil refinery here March 25. "During the former regime, protection for the laborers and employees was not available," the Iraqi manager of the refinery said through an interpreter. "We hope the relationship between our two great nations will remain and grow stronger and stronger."
The Marines and sailors, who are assigned to Civil Affairs Group Detachment 1, Team 6 of the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based Regimental Combat Team 5, capitalized on a Multinational Force West-sponsored initiative introduced by Army Brig. Gen. Martin Post, Multinational Force West deputy commander.
"They had flip-flops that their toes stuck out of and no eye protection, nothing to protect their hands and no hearing protection," said Colorado native Navy Lt. j.g. Eric Palmer, Team 6 leader. "We're providing everything from hearing protection, facial shields, goggles, gloves, coveralls and steel-toed boots. We're also providing the fire department with bunker gear."
When fully operational, the refinery, in conjunction with the Haditha Dam several kilometers away, will roughly double electricity production in Iraq's Anbar province.
"This is a good day," said Marine 1st Lt. Brian O'Shea, the executive officer of Civil Affairs Group Detachment 1, from Staten Island, N.Y. "It is one of many first steps on the road to economic self-sufficiency for al Anbar province."
(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)
March 27, 2008 - Marines and sailors delivered the first batch of personal protection equipment, valued at $118,000, to employees of the Northern Petroleum Co. at the K3 Oil refinery here March 25. "During the former regime, protection for the laborers and employees was not available," the Iraqi manager of the refinery said through an interpreter. "We hope the relationship between our two great nations will remain and grow stronger and stronger."
The Marines and sailors, who are assigned to Civil Affairs Group Detachment 1, Team 6 of the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based Regimental Combat Team 5, capitalized on a Multinational Force West-sponsored initiative introduced by Army Brig. Gen. Martin Post, Multinational Force West deputy commander.
"They had flip-flops that their toes stuck out of and no eye protection, nothing to protect their hands and no hearing protection," said Colorado native Navy Lt. j.g. Eric Palmer, Team 6 leader. "We're providing everything from hearing protection, facial shields, goggles, gloves, coveralls and steel-toed boots. We're also providing the fire department with bunker gear."
When fully operational, the refinery, in conjunction with the Haditha Dam several kilometers away, will roughly double electricity production in Iraq's Anbar province.
"This is a good day," said Marine 1st Lt. Brian O'Shea, the executive officer of Civil Affairs Group Detachment 1, from Staten Island, N.Y. "It is one of many first steps on the road to economic self-sufficiency for al Anbar province."
(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)
Iraqi Security Forces Make Progress in Diyala
By Seaman William Selby, USN
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces are making progress in Iraq's Diyala province through three lines of operation, a military official there said yesterday. Significant enemy activities in Diyala over the past eight months have dropped by 70 percent, Army Col. Jon Lehr, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, said in a teleconference with online journalists and "bloggers."
Lehr said the Iraqi army has made vast improvements and is capable of conducting unilateral operations with some assistance from coalition forces in terms of artillery, attack aviation and close-air support.
Progress for the Iraqi police has been a bit more challenging, Lehr acknowledged.
"We do not have the numbers that are required across the province, and there's a problem with the training level or, as we like to refer to it, the 'professionalization' of the force," he explained. "We're working through that right now."
The improvement of the Iraqi security forces and the presence of coalition forces have made it increasingly difficult for al Qaeda to stage attacks in Diyala, Lehr said. And insurgents seem to be relying less on improvised explosive devices in their efforts to thwart progress and grab headlines, he added. "From the enemy perspective, I would say the current weapon of choice is starting to shift a little bit from the IED to the suicide vest," Lehr said.
Though al Qaeda is still using IEDs, Lehr said, Iraqi and coalition forces have become proficient at finding and clearing the explosives. "It is mitigating the risk that was once associated with the (IED," he said.
Coalition and Iraqi forces have had a profound effect on the enemy in the province, the colonel said.
"I believe al Qaeda in Diyala province is on the ropes," Lehr said. "They're very scared right now and confused on what's going on with the combination of Iraqi security force operations, coalition force presence, and the awakening that's taking place across the Diyala province."
Before entering Diyala, Lehr said, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team conducted operations in Salahuddin and Baghdad provinces, where the soldiers used the same system they are using in Diyala. Lehr said the approach focuses on three tenets: eroding the enemy's resources, disintegrating enemy capability, and separating the enemy's leadership from insurgents and insurgents from their support base.
In addition to the Iraqi security forces and coalition forces, Lehr addressed the support from citizens assisting in the security effort.
"The Sons of Iraq, or concerned local citizens, are not a permanent security solution; however, they have been an integral part of our strategy," Lehr said.
"We're running al Qaeda off," Lehr continued. "I'm not saying they're gone, but we've got them on the ropes."
(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - Coalition and Iraqi forces are making progress in Iraq's Diyala province through three lines of operation, a military official there said yesterday. Significant enemy activities in Diyala over the past eight months have dropped by 70 percent, Army Col. Jon Lehr, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, said in a teleconference with online journalists and "bloggers."
Lehr said the Iraqi army has made vast improvements and is capable of conducting unilateral operations with some assistance from coalition forces in terms of artillery, attack aviation and close-air support.
Progress for the Iraqi police has been a bit more challenging, Lehr acknowledged.
"We do not have the numbers that are required across the province, and there's a problem with the training level or, as we like to refer to it, the 'professionalization' of the force," he explained. "We're working through that right now."
The improvement of the Iraqi security forces and the presence of coalition forces have made it increasingly difficult for al Qaeda to stage attacks in Diyala, Lehr said. And insurgents seem to be relying less on improvised explosive devices in their efforts to thwart progress and grab headlines, he added. "From the enemy perspective, I would say the current weapon of choice is starting to shift a little bit from the IED to the suicide vest," Lehr said.
Though al Qaeda is still using IEDs, Lehr said, Iraqi and coalition forces have become proficient at finding and clearing the explosives. "It is mitigating the risk that was once associated with the (IED," he said.
Coalition and Iraqi forces have had a profound effect on the enemy in the province, the colonel said.
"I believe al Qaeda in Diyala province is on the ropes," Lehr said. "They're very scared right now and confused on what's going on with the combination of Iraqi security force operations, coalition force presence, and the awakening that's taking place across the Diyala province."
Before entering Diyala, Lehr said, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team conducted operations in Salahuddin and Baghdad provinces, where the soldiers used the same system they are using in Diyala. Lehr said the approach focuses on three tenets: eroding the enemy's resources, disintegrating enemy capability, and separating the enemy's leadership from insurgents and insurgents from their support base.
In addition to the Iraqi security forces and coalition forces, Lehr addressed the support from citizens assisting in the security effort.
"The Sons of Iraq, or concerned local citizens, are not a permanent security solution; however, they have been an integral part of our strategy," Lehr said.
"We're running al Qaeda off," Lehr continued. "I'm not saying they're gone, but we've got them on the ropes."
(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
Bush: Iraq Retreat Would Jeopardize U.S. Strategic Interests
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - U.S. strategic interests are best served by finishing the job in Iraq, President Bush said today during a visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. "The reality is that retreating from Iraq would carry enormous strategic costs for the United States," Bush told an audience at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Last year's deployment of more than 30,000 extra U.S. forces to Iraq, known as the "surge," achieved what it was designed to do, Bush said. U.S. military officials have said the surge was conducted to provide security and breathing space so the Iraqi government could establish itself against its enemies.
Current U.S. military plans call for the removal of most of the surge troops from Iraq by the end of July. Critics have called for even more troop reductions or even a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
A premature pullout from Iraq "would incite chaos and killing, destroy the political gains the Iraqis have made, and abandon our friends to terrorists and death squads," Bush said. Leaving Iraq now would endanger that country's oil industry and could disrupt the world's economy, the president said.
Terrorists would be emboldened by a U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq, Bush said. A premature U.S. pullout from Iraq would result in "a propaganda victory of colossal proportions for the global terrorist movement," he said, adding that the terrorists would conclude they could "bleed" the United States into submission.
An early withdrawing of U.S. troops from Iraq also would be a signal to the people of the Middle East that the United States doesn't keep its word, the president said.
Conversely, staying to assist Iraqis in defeating their enemies and establishing a democracy "would be a strategic victory that would resound far beyond Iraq's borders," Bush declared. "If the Middle East grows in freedom and prosperity, the appeal of extremism will decline, the prospects of peace will advance, and the American people will be safer here at home," he said.
Bush said he will carefully consider recommendations on the way ahead in Iraq provided by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior military and diplomatic leaders, including Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker.
"I'll announce my decisions soon after I have fully met with them and heard their recommendations," Bush said. "And, as I consider the way forward, I will always remember that the progress in Iraq is real, it's substantive, but it is reversible."
Therefore, his presidential decision about U.S. troop levels in Iraq would be based on "ensuring that we succeed in Iraq," Bush said.
American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - U.S. strategic interests are best served by finishing the job in Iraq, President Bush said today during a visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. "The reality is that retreating from Iraq would carry enormous strategic costs for the United States," Bush told an audience at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Last year's deployment of more than 30,000 extra U.S. forces to Iraq, known as the "surge," achieved what it was designed to do, Bush said. U.S. military officials have said the surge was conducted to provide security and breathing space so the Iraqi government could establish itself against its enemies.
Current U.S. military plans call for the removal of most of the surge troops from Iraq by the end of July. Critics have called for even more troop reductions or even a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
A premature pullout from Iraq "would incite chaos and killing, destroy the political gains the Iraqis have made, and abandon our friends to terrorists and death squads," Bush said. Leaving Iraq now would endanger that country's oil industry and could disrupt the world's economy, the president said.
Terrorists would be emboldened by a U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq, Bush said. A premature U.S. pullout from Iraq would result in "a propaganda victory of colossal proportions for the global terrorist movement," he said, adding that the terrorists would conclude they could "bleed" the United States into submission.
An early withdrawing of U.S. troops from Iraq also would be a signal to the people of the Middle East that the United States doesn't keep its word, the president said.
Conversely, staying to assist Iraqis in defeating their enemies and establishing a democracy "would be a strategic victory that would resound far beyond Iraq's borders," Bush declared. "If the Middle East grows in freedom and prosperity, the appeal of extremism will decline, the prospects of peace will advance, and the American people will be safer here at home," he said.
Bush said he will carefully consider recommendations on the way ahead in Iraq provided by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior military and diplomatic leaders, including Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker.
"I'll announce my decisions soon after I have fully met with them and heard their recommendations," Bush said. "And, as I consider the way forward, I will always remember that the progress in Iraq is real, it's substantive, but it is reversible."
Therefore, his presidential decision about U.S. troop levels in Iraq would be based on "ensuring that we succeed in Iraq," Bush said.
Bush Cites Security, Political, Economic Gains in Iraq
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - The surge of forces has enabled the Iraqi government to realize security, political and economic gains, President Bush said today during a visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, in Dayton, Ohio. "The surge is doing what it was designed to do," Bush said. Last year's deployment of about 30,000 extra U.S. troops to Iraq has provided security and breathing space so the Iraqi government can establish itself against its enemies, Bush said at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Bush saluted Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's "bold decision" to send Iraqi security forces into Basra to tamp down recent insurgent violence there. Maliki's action "demonstrates to Iraqis that their government is committed to protecting them," Bush said.
The Iraqi-planned operation in Basra also shows progress Iraqi security forces have made during the surge, Bush said.
Iraqis "are leading this operation," he said, noting that Maliki has traveled to Basra to personally oversee the effort.
Bush acknowledged it will take some time to restore order in Basra and that it's likely "the enemy will try to fill the TV screens with violence" to further their cause. Yet, the president predicted the ultimate defeat of terrorists and criminal in Iraq.
"Terrorists and extremists in Iraq will know that they have no place in a free and democratic society," he said.
The surge also has produced many positive changes in Iraqi political life, the president pointed out.
"Before the surge (Iraqi) politics at every level was shutting down," Bush recalled, noting that security concerns at that time prevented the routine conduct of government. Pre-surge levels of violence had alarmed all Iraqis and hardened sectarian differences that made difficult political compromise in the legislature impossible, Bush said.
One year later, "the situation has changed markedly" after additional U.S. troops deployed into Iraq, Bush said. For example, Anbar province was considered lost to al Qaeda only 18 months ago, he pointed out. Today, the efforts of concerned local citizens groups have largely removed al Qaeda's influence in that province. Insurgent-conducted attacks have plummeted in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, the president said.
"Al Qaeda has lost Anbar," Bush said, noting the terrorist group had counted on using that province to launch operations to secure all of Iraq for its own ends.
Today, tribal leaders who united to eject al Qaeda from Anbar province are leading a revival of political discourse in the region, Bush said. Neighborhood councils are being set up, he said, while accredited judges are dispensing justice in Iraqi courts.
"As the news of the success in Anbar has spread, similar grassroots movements have sprung up all around the country," Bush said. Today, some 90,000 Iraqis from different ethnic backgrounds belong to concerned local citizens groups known collectively as "the Sons of Iraq," the president said.
These groups of citizens, Bush said, "are determined to protect their communities; they are determined to fight extremism; and they increasingly participate in civic life."
Indicators of renewed civic life are abundant, Bush said, citing the springing up of community soccer tournaments and races all over Iraq. Such events demonstrate that "the surge is working and civil society is beginning to grow," Bush said. "It is a sign normalcy is returning back to Iraq."
In addition, recent political developments in Iraq "have been remarkable," Bush said, citing a number of legislative achievements, including a de-Baathification law that enables mid-level Baath Party members to reenter political and civic life. Saddam Hussein controlled the Baath Party in Iraq, and party members were given choice jobs in the military, government and state-controlled industries. The passage of de-Baathification legislation, Bush said, represents "makes it easier for civil society to grow and helps reconcile the past" in Iraq.
Also, a newly passed pension law will allow tens of thousands of Sunnis to collect retirement benefits they'd been promised, Bush said.
In February, Iraq's central government enacted a budget "that increases spending on security capital, reconstruction projects and provincial governments," Bush noted. Another new law better defines the relationship between Iraq's provincial governments and the central government and sets the stage for provincial elections slated for later this year, Bush said.
"And, that's an important piece of legislation, because it will give Iraqis who boycotted the last provincial election -- such as Sunnis in Anbar or Nineva provinces -- a chance to go to the polls and have a voice in their future," Bush said.
Today, Iraqis "are striving to build a modern democracy on the rubble of three decades of tyranny in a region of the world that has been hostile to freedom," Bush said. "And they're doing it while under assault from one of history's most brutal terrorist networks."
Improvements in security also are enabling Iraqis to make progress on the economic front, Bush said. Iraq "has great economic potential," he said, and it possesses abundant natural resources.
"Every economic indicator has turned around" in Iraq, Bush said, noting business registrations have increased by more than 9 percent since the surge began. The rate of total inflation in Iraq has fallen by more than 60 percentage points, he said, and investment in the country's energy and telecom industries has increased.
Oil production is up, particularly from the fields north of Baghdad, Bush pointed out. "The oil fields there have more than doubled production, and exports through Turkey have expanded significantly," the president said.
The Iraqi central government also is working a plan to reform the country's food-rationing system, Bush reported, adding that overall economic growth rate in Iraq is projected to hit 7 percent this year.
The good economic news is buoying Iraqis' hopes for the future, Bush said. More than 75 percent of Iraqi businesses, according to a recent survey, expect continued economic growth over the next two years, he added.
In addition, the Iraqis are increasingly paying the bulk of the cost for their security, Bush said. The Iraqi government now is providing 75 percent of the cost of maintaining its security forces, worth $9 billion this year, he noted.
"And soon, Iraq should -- and we expect them to -- shoulder the full burden of their security forces," the president said.
Iraqi government officials also are working diligently to entice foreign investment while laboring to reconstitute the country's battered infrastructure, Bush said.
Electric power is being generated in Iraq as never before, but citizen and business demand for electricity is rising as the economy improves, Bush observed. Oil pipelines and storage facilities need to be upgraded, he said, noting that corruption within Iraq's government and oil industry needs to be curtailed.
"But the good news is the Iraqis recognize these shortcomings. They understand what they have to do," Bush said. "And we're going to help them succeed. We're sending experts to help them succeed in their goals."
American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - The surge of forces has enabled the Iraqi government to realize security, political and economic gains, President Bush said today during a visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, in Dayton, Ohio. "The surge is doing what it was designed to do," Bush said. Last year's deployment of about 30,000 extra U.S. troops to Iraq has provided security and breathing space so the Iraqi government can establish itself against its enemies, Bush said at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Bush saluted Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's "bold decision" to send Iraqi security forces into Basra to tamp down recent insurgent violence there. Maliki's action "demonstrates to Iraqis that their government is committed to protecting them," Bush said.
The Iraqi-planned operation in Basra also shows progress Iraqi security forces have made during the surge, Bush said.
Iraqis "are leading this operation," he said, noting that Maliki has traveled to Basra to personally oversee the effort.
Bush acknowledged it will take some time to restore order in Basra and that it's likely "the enemy will try to fill the TV screens with violence" to further their cause. Yet, the president predicted the ultimate defeat of terrorists and criminal in Iraq.
"Terrorists and extremists in Iraq will know that they have no place in a free and democratic society," he said.
The surge also has produced many positive changes in Iraqi political life, the president pointed out.
"Before the surge (Iraqi) politics at every level was shutting down," Bush recalled, noting that security concerns at that time prevented the routine conduct of government. Pre-surge levels of violence had alarmed all Iraqis and hardened sectarian differences that made difficult political compromise in the legislature impossible, Bush said.
One year later, "the situation has changed markedly" after additional U.S. troops deployed into Iraq, Bush said. For example, Anbar province was considered lost to al Qaeda only 18 months ago, he pointed out. Today, the efforts of concerned local citizens groups have largely removed al Qaeda's influence in that province. Insurgent-conducted attacks have plummeted in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, the president said.
"Al Qaeda has lost Anbar," Bush said, noting the terrorist group had counted on using that province to launch operations to secure all of Iraq for its own ends.
Today, tribal leaders who united to eject al Qaeda from Anbar province are leading a revival of political discourse in the region, Bush said. Neighborhood councils are being set up, he said, while accredited judges are dispensing justice in Iraqi courts.
"As the news of the success in Anbar has spread, similar grassroots movements have sprung up all around the country," Bush said. Today, some 90,000 Iraqis from different ethnic backgrounds belong to concerned local citizens groups known collectively as "the Sons of Iraq," the president said.
These groups of citizens, Bush said, "are determined to protect their communities; they are determined to fight extremism; and they increasingly participate in civic life."
Indicators of renewed civic life are abundant, Bush said, citing the springing up of community soccer tournaments and races all over Iraq. Such events demonstrate that "the surge is working and civil society is beginning to grow," Bush said. "It is a sign normalcy is returning back to Iraq."
In addition, recent political developments in Iraq "have been remarkable," Bush said, citing a number of legislative achievements, including a de-Baathification law that enables mid-level Baath Party members to reenter political and civic life. Saddam Hussein controlled the Baath Party in Iraq, and party members were given choice jobs in the military, government and state-controlled industries. The passage of de-Baathification legislation, Bush said, represents "makes it easier for civil society to grow and helps reconcile the past" in Iraq.
Also, a newly passed pension law will allow tens of thousands of Sunnis to collect retirement benefits they'd been promised, Bush said.
In February, Iraq's central government enacted a budget "that increases spending on security capital, reconstruction projects and provincial governments," Bush noted. Another new law better defines the relationship between Iraq's provincial governments and the central government and sets the stage for provincial elections slated for later this year, Bush said.
"And, that's an important piece of legislation, because it will give Iraqis who boycotted the last provincial election -- such as Sunnis in Anbar or Nineva provinces -- a chance to go to the polls and have a voice in their future," Bush said.
Today, Iraqis "are striving to build a modern democracy on the rubble of three decades of tyranny in a region of the world that has been hostile to freedom," Bush said. "And they're doing it while under assault from one of history's most brutal terrorist networks."
Improvements in security also are enabling Iraqis to make progress on the economic front, Bush said. Iraq "has great economic potential," he said, and it possesses abundant natural resources.
"Every economic indicator has turned around" in Iraq, Bush said, noting business registrations have increased by more than 9 percent since the surge began. The rate of total inflation in Iraq has fallen by more than 60 percentage points, he said, and investment in the country's energy and telecom industries has increased.
Oil production is up, particularly from the fields north of Baghdad, Bush pointed out. "The oil fields there have more than doubled production, and exports through Turkey have expanded significantly," the president said.
The Iraqi central government also is working a plan to reform the country's food-rationing system, Bush reported, adding that overall economic growth rate in Iraq is projected to hit 7 percent this year.
The good economic news is buoying Iraqis' hopes for the future, Bush said. More than 75 percent of Iraqi businesses, according to a recent survey, expect continued economic growth over the next two years, he added.
In addition, the Iraqis are increasingly paying the bulk of the cost for their security, Bush said. The Iraqi government now is providing 75 percent of the cost of maintaining its security forces, worth $9 billion this year, he noted.
"And soon, Iraq should -- and we expect them to -- shoulder the full burden of their security forces," the president said.
Iraqi government officials also are working diligently to entice foreign investment while laboring to reconstitute the country's battered infrastructure, Bush said.
Electric power is being generated in Iraq as never before, but citizen and business demand for electricity is rising as the economy improves, Bush observed. Oil pipelines and storage facilities need to be upgraded, he said, noting that corruption within Iraq's government and oil industry needs to be curtailed.
"But the good news is the Iraqis recognize these shortcomings. They understand what they have to do," Bush said. "And we're going to help them succeed. We're sending experts to help them succeed in their goals."
Officials Express Regret Over Death in Suez Canal Incident
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - U.S. 5th Fleet officials today expressed regret for the death of an Egyptian citizen who died the night of March 24, an apparent result of warning shots fired at a small boat approaching a ship chartered by the U.S. Navy. "We express our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased," Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, 5th Fleet commander. "We are greatly saddened by events that apparently resulted in this accidental death. This situation is tragic, and we will do our utmost to help take care of the family of the deceased."
The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet Command continues to work cooperatively with Egyptian authorities, including the Suez Canal Authority, through the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, officials said. A full investigation into the incident is under way.
"We will work through the investigation very thoroughly, coordinating with authorities and the embassy, to get a full account of what happened," Cosgriff said.
An embarked U.S. security team on board the Navy's Military Sealift Command-chartered ship Global Patriot fired warning shots at a small boat approaching the ship as it was preparing to transit the Suez Canal. Two other boats also had approached the chartered ship, but turned away following warnings from Global Patriot.
(From a U.S. 5th Fleet news release.)
March 26, 2008 - U.S. 5th Fleet officials today expressed regret for the death of an Egyptian citizen who died the night of March 24, an apparent result of warning shots fired at a small boat approaching a ship chartered by the U.S. Navy. "We express our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased," Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, 5th Fleet commander. "We are greatly saddened by events that apparently resulted in this accidental death. This situation is tragic, and we will do our utmost to help take care of the family of the deceased."
The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet Command continues to work cooperatively with Egyptian authorities, including the Suez Canal Authority, through the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, officials said. A full investigation into the incident is under way.
"We will work through the investigation very thoroughly, coordinating with authorities and the embassy, to get a full account of what happened," Cosgriff said.
An embarked U.S. security team on board the Navy's Military Sealift Command-chartered ship Global Patriot fired warning shots at a small boat approaching the ship as it was preparing to transit the Suez Canal. Two other boats also had approached the chartered ship, but turned away following warnings from Global Patriot.
(From a U.S. 5th Fleet news release.)
Face of Defense: Army Nurse Strives to Make a Difference
By Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - Capt. Jody Brown's barely 5-foot-tall stature easily is dwarfed by the sea of infantrymen. The Army nurse's body armor and helmet make her look almost childlike, and her M4 rifle is more than half her size. "Come here. I want a picture," said Brown, a native of Kingston, N.H. Her fellow medic reluctantly posed with her for a picture March 17 before they loaded into Stryker vehicles on their way to Batta village, northwest of Baghdad, en route to a combined medical mission.
"She's never been outside the wire," a soldier said under his breath with a snicker.
He was wrong.
Brown, a registered nurse, supports the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team's units with immunizations and travels to wherever the soldiers are -- even outside the wire. She is assigned to 2nd SBCT's Company C, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, as part of Multinational Division Baghdad.
But on this day, she was not wielding syringes or tracking down soldiers who need shots; she was joining her fellow doctors, physician assistants and medics from 225th Brigade Support Battalion and 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, to provide medical aid for the people of Batta village.
"I'm so excited," she said. The mission marked Brown's first combined medical effort, and she said it is a great way to help the Iraqi people and build positive relationships with them.
"This is a great thing, and I hope we can help as many people as possible," she said.
Brown said she didn't always want to be a nurse, but she knew it was a great way to help people, which is something she's always wanted to do. She joined the Army 10 years ago as a transportation officer, and she credited "great leadership" with her ultimate transfer into the medical corps. Shortly after making the decision to transfer, she graduated from the University of New Hampshire's nursing school.
"Being a nurse is great," she said. "There are not many people who are nurses, and even less can say they serve in the Army."
Brown said she sometimes finds her experiences to be unfathomable.
"I mean, here I am, this petite woman," she said. "I know I can't be infantry, and I know I will never be able to lift what those guys lift, or do what those guys do, but this is just as amazing. I am here, and I can do a lot as a nurse."
The line at the medical exercise seemed endless, as patient after patient shoved into the overcrowded room. As in so many places in Iraq, villagers don't get many opportunities to be seen by a medical professional. Brown worked easily with the patients, breaking the barriers of culture and language with her actions and tone of voice. Only when she was satisfied with the level of care she provided to the patient did she move on to the next.
"She's a great nurse," said Capt. Drew Webb, a native of Monterey, Calif., who serves as a physician assistant with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. "She's very caring, and we are happy to have her here."
Brown said she is happy to be in Iraq. She volunteered, against the wishes of her husband, Capt. Steve Brown, to deploy by his side.
"Quite frankly, he was mad," she said, of her husband who is the commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based at Camp Liberty. "He couldn't think of his wife in a combat zone."
Brown said the deployment has made her stronger, and she and her husband talk whenever they can. Working side by side with Iraqi army medics and the town doctor as they combine their efforts to help the people of Batta village is a satisfying opportunity, Brown said.
"I know I can't help everyone," she said, "but just helping these people is a start in the right direction."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti serves with the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - Capt. Jody Brown's barely 5-foot-tall stature easily is dwarfed by the sea of infantrymen. The Army nurse's body armor and helmet make her look almost childlike, and her M4 rifle is more than half her size. "Come here. I want a picture," said Brown, a native of Kingston, N.H. Her fellow medic reluctantly posed with her for a picture March 17 before they loaded into Stryker vehicles on their way to Batta village, northwest of Baghdad, en route to a combined medical mission.
"She's never been outside the wire," a soldier said under his breath with a snicker.
He was wrong.
Brown, a registered nurse, supports the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team's units with immunizations and travels to wherever the soldiers are -- even outside the wire. She is assigned to 2nd SBCT's Company C, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, as part of Multinational Division Baghdad.
But on this day, she was not wielding syringes or tracking down soldiers who need shots; she was joining her fellow doctors, physician assistants and medics from 225th Brigade Support Battalion and 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, to provide medical aid for the people of Batta village.
"I'm so excited," she said. The mission marked Brown's first combined medical effort, and she said it is a great way to help the Iraqi people and build positive relationships with them.
"This is a great thing, and I hope we can help as many people as possible," she said.
Brown said she didn't always want to be a nurse, but she knew it was a great way to help people, which is something she's always wanted to do. She joined the Army 10 years ago as a transportation officer, and she credited "great leadership" with her ultimate transfer into the medical corps. Shortly after making the decision to transfer, she graduated from the University of New Hampshire's nursing school.
"Being a nurse is great," she said. "There are not many people who are nurses, and even less can say they serve in the Army."
Brown said she sometimes finds her experiences to be unfathomable.
"I mean, here I am, this petite woman," she said. "I know I can't be infantry, and I know I will never be able to lift what those guys lift, or do what those guys do, but this is just as amazing. I am here, and I can do a lot as a nurse."
The line at the medical exercise seemed endless, as patient after patient shoved into the overcrowded room. As in so many places in Iraq, villagers don't get many opportunities to be seen by a medical professional. Brown worked easily with the patients, breaking the barriers of culture and language with her actions and tone of voice. Only when she was satisfied with the level of care she provided to the patient did she move on to the next.
"She's a great nurse," said Capt. Drew Webb, a native of Monterey, Calif., who serves as a physician assistant with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. "She's very caring, and we are happy to have her here."
Brown said she is happy to be in Iraq. She volunteered, against the wishes of her husband, Capt. Steve Brown, to deploy by his side.
"Quite frankly, he was mad," she said, of her husband who is the commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based at Camp Liberty. "He couldn't think of his wife in a combat zone."
Brown said the deployment has made her stronger, and she and her husband talk whenever they can. Working side by side with Iraqi army medics and the town doctor as they combine their efforts to help the people of Batta village is a satisfying opportunity, Brown said.
"I know I can't help everyone," she said, "but just helping these people is a start in the right direction."
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti serves with the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Programs Assist Iraqi Engineers
By Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Niles, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - As the government of Iraq works to build capacity, increasing the number of engineers is essential to design, contract, construct and maintain the country's infrastructure. Roberto Bran, the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team's engineer development-program manager, said engineers are vital to executing projects.
"None of this will occur if there is no one to plan and design the infrastructure," Bran said.
Wasit's need for engineers comes with an increase in the provincial government's budget. While the increase allows the provincial government to expand the number of new projects, it may put a strain on the limited number of engineers. The province currently has close to 1,500 registered engineers. of which 200-300 are women.
To address the potential shortage, the PRT, in coordination with the Wasit Resident Engineer Office, the Salvadoran Cuscatlan Battalion 10, the 214th Fires Brigade, and private- and public-sector Iraqi engineers, developed a program to improve the quality of current projects and boost the number of qualified engineers in the province.
The program's aim is strengthening the Engineering College of Wasit University and bolstering the Wasit Engineers Union.
Brand said the focus is on professional development programs targeting mid-career professionals and taught by the faculty of the Engineering College.
Six courses have been taught to date, and 36 more are planned, Bran said. Topics range from solid-waste management, to hydraulic structures to structural analysis and design. The courses accommodate 20 students and are open to Iraqi government and private-sector engineers.
The PRT is funding four laboratories and classrooms at the Wasit Engineering College at a cost of about $2.5 million. The laboratories will accommodate 25 students, while the classrooms will hold 60 students, Bran said. The new construction will feature a computer lab, a survey lab, a soil lab and an asphalt lab.
For students, a major concern is unemployment. The students say it is hard to find jobs because most jobs require experience -- something they don't have.
Toward that end, an internship program is planned for the engineering college. The program will offer paid and unpaid opportunities with contractors implementing Commander's Emergency Response Program and Economic Support Fund construction projects. Students also will work on Civil Military Cooperation and the Army Corps of Engineers' Gulf Region South.
Also planned is an exchange program with academic and professional institutions abroad to establish long-term relationships between the engineering college and academic institutions in the United States.
Dr. Mansoor Manas, dean of the engineering college, wants his students to be able to exchange ideas, receive training and gain knowledge.
"I want them to be able to communicate with everyone especially with English," Manas said. "It is important that they always be encouraged."
Manas said he wants to expand the college library to include current engineering textbooks, professional development magazines and an Internet center. "I want it to be easy for them," he said.
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Niles is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of 214th Fires Brigade.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - As the government of Iraq works to build capacity, increasing the number of engineers is essential to design, contract, construct and maintain the country's infrastructure. Roberto Bran, the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team's engineer development-program manager, said engineers are vital to executing projects.
"None of this will occur if there is no one to plan and design the infrastructure," Bran said.
Wasit's need for engineers comes with an increase in the provincial government's budget. While the increase allows the provincial government to expand the number of new projects, it may put a strain on the limited number of engineers. The province currently has close to 1,500 registered engineers. of which 200-300 are women.
To address the potential shortage, the PRT, in coordination with the Wasit Resident Engineer Office, the Salvadoran Cuscatlan Battalion 10, the 214th Fires Brigade, and private- and public-sector Iraqi engineers, developed a program to improve the quality of current projects and boost the number of qualified engineers in the province.
The program's aim is strengthening the Engineering College of Wasit University and bolstering the Wasit Engineers Union.
Brand said the focus is on professional development programs targeting mid-career professionals and taught by the faculty of the Engineering College.
Six courses have been taught to date, and 36 more are planned, Bran said. Topics range from solid-waste management, to hydraulic structures to structural analysis and design. The courses accommodate 20 students and are open to Iraqi government and private-sector engineers.
The PRT is funding four laboratories and classrooms at the Wasit Engineering College at a cost of about $2.5 million. The laboratories will accommodate 25 students, while the classrooms will hold 60 students, Bran said. The new construction will feature a computer lab, a survey lab, a soil lab and an asphalt lab.
For students, a major concern is unemployment. The students say it is hard to find jobs because most jobs require experience -- something they don't have.
Toward that end, an internship program is planned for the engineering college. The program will offer paid and unpaid opportunities with contractors implementing Commander's Emergency Response Program and Economic Support Fund construction projects. Students also will work on Civil Military Cooperation and the Army Corps of Engineers' Gulf Region South.
Also planned is an exchange program with academic and professional institutions abroad to establish long-term relationships between the engineering college and academic institutions in the United States.
Dr. Mansoor Manas, dean of the engineering college, wants his students to be able to exchange ideas, receive training and gain knowledge.
"I want them to be able to communicate with everyone especially with English," Manas said. "It is important that they always be encouraged."
Manas said he wants to expand the college library to include current engineering textbooks, professional development magazines and an Internet center. "I want it to be easy for them," he said.
(Army Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Niles is assigned to the Public Affairs Office of 214th Fires Brigade.)
Afghan Air Corps Development Kicks Into High Gear
By Donna Miles
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - With progress made in developing Afghanistan's army and police forces, the coalition focus there has expanded to include building an Afghan air corps, the U.S. general leading the effort told military analysts today. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jay H. Lindell, commander of the Combined Air Power Transition Force, described "an aggressive campaign" under way to develop a fully self-sustaining and operationally capable Afghan National Army Air Corps.
That effort has made solid momentum within the last year, since U.S. Central Command issued an approved development plan in September, Lindell said during a conference call from Kabul. To support the plan, the Combined Air Power Transition Force team expanded from just eight people a year ago to its current 129, he said.
The team's purview extends from helping the Afghans develop policy to acquire equipment to stand up the training programs, infrastructure and logistics operations required to support the air corps. In addition, the staff serves as advisors and mentors to the Afghan Air Corps, with daily interaction with the air wing operating at Kabul International Airport, Lindell said.
The air corps' development plan, currently in its first phase, involves acquiring additional aircraft and developing crews to fly and operate them, he said.
The Afghan Air Corps flies Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters, Antonov-26 and -32 fixed-wing transport turboprop planes, and four Mi-35 gunships, Lindell said. Efforts are under way to acquire more of the aircraft, all Russian-built, as options for replacement aircraft are explored.
Ultimately, the Afghan Air Corps will acquire its own organic pilot training capability. Lindell said a Western training aircraft is likely to be adopted.
A contract for a new fixed-wing aircraft, possibly Western-built C-27A models, is expected to be reached in the coming months, Lindell said. Mi-17s likely will be replaced with newer-version Mi-5 and -7 models, which although Russian-built, also are produced by several Western and NATO companies.
"We are looking at airframes that (provide) the best capability and the best value to get the mission done here in Afghanistan," Lindell said.
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 27, 2008 - With progress made in developing Afghanistan's army and police forces, the coalition focus there has expanded to include building an Afghan air corps, the U.S. general leading the effort told military analysts today. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jay H. Lindell, commander of the Combined Air Power Transition Force, described "an aggressive campaign" under way to develop a fully self-sustaining and operationally capable Afghan National Army Air Corps.
That effort has made solid momentum within the last year, since U.S. Central Command issued an approved development plan in September, Lindell said during a conference call from Kabul. To support the plan, the Combined Air Power Transition Force team expanded from just eight people a year ago to its current 129, he said.
The team's purview extends from helping the Afghans develop policy to acquire equipment to stand up the training programs, infrastructure and logistics operations required to support the air corps. In addition, the staff serves as advisors and mentors to the Afghan Air Corps, with daily interaction with the air wing operating at Kabul International Airport, Lindell said.
The air corps' development plan, currently in its first phase, involves acquiring additional aircraft and developing crews to fly and operate them, he said.
The Afghan Air Corps flies Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters, Antonov-26 and -32 fixed-wing transport turboprop planes, and four Mi-35 gunships, Lindell said. Efforts are under way to acquire more of the aircraft, all Russian-built, as options for replacement aircraft are explored.
Ultimately, the Afghan Air Corps will acquire its own organic pilot training capability. Lindell said a Western training aircraft is likely to be adopted.
A contract for a new fixed-wing aircraft, possibly Western-built C-27A models, is expected to be reached in the coming months, Lindell said. Mi-17s likely will be replaced with newer-version Mi-5 and -7 models, which although Russian-built, also are produced by several Western and NATO companies.
"We are looking at airframes that (provide) the best capability and the best value to get the mission done here in Afghanistan," Lindell said.
Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died March 24 in Baghdad, Iraq, from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive on March 23. They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were:
Pvt. George Delgado, 21, of Palmdale, Calif.
Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Hake, 26, of Enid, Okla.
Pfc. Andrew J. Habsieger, 22, of Festus, Mo.
Spc. Jose A. Rubio Hernandez, 24, of Mission, Texas.
For more information media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs
office at (912) 767-2479.
Killed were:
Pvt. George Delgado, 21, of Palmdale, Calif.
Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Hake, 26, of Enid, Okla.
Pfc. Andrew J. Habsieger, 22, of Festus, Mo.
Spc. Jose A. Rubio Hernandez, 24, of Mission, Texas.
For more information media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs
office at (912) 767-2479.
Afghan Forces to Assume 'Leading Role' Against Enemy, General Says
By Kristen Noel
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - The Afghan National Army will assume a leading role in the fight against enemy forces this spring, a military official said in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. Enemy activity has been down in recent months due to the harsh winter weather in Afghanistan, but violence has historically increased when conditions improve in the spring, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Cone, commander of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, said during a conference call with online journalists and "bloggers" Mar. 25.
Cone said the coalition was very productive in generating Afghan forces during the enemy's downtime. "The Afghan National Army decided to double its production of soldiers over the course of the winter," he said, "and that'll give us around about 8,000 soldiers that are ... beyond the training base and out into the fielded units."
The Afghan army now has a fielded force of about 51,000 soldiers, who make up 11 full brigades throughout Afghanistan, Cone said. An additional 10,000 new soldiers are in training and will be out in units in the next couple of months, he said.
He said the coalition also is training and fielding six Afghan commando units equipped with U.S. elite light-infantry tactics. Three of the six commando battalions are already in the field, he said.
"The first three battalions have acquitted themselves in operations with special forces extremely well in their performance and conduct," Cone said. "It sets an example and tells us what a well-trained Afghan National Army soldier is truly capable of accomplishing."
Afghan forces currently are leading the majority of "named operations" -- which are major operations -- in Afghanistan, Cone said. "A lot of (the operations) are small right now because the season hasn't really started," he said, "but we expect (Afghan forces) to take a very leading role here in the weeks to come."
In addition, Cone said, new equipment was acquired over the winter to reduce shortages for the Afghan army.
The coalition will be equipping the Afghan forces with M16 rifles at a rate of 10,000 new rifles per month through the summer and fall, he said. The rifles are a contribution from the U.S. and Canada, he added.
Afghan forces are also being provided up-armored humvees for protected mobility and survivability against IED attacks, which Cone acknowledged are on the rise. The Afghan army will receive 5,000 of the latest version of the up-armored humvee, he said, and the first shipments have already begun to arrive from acquisition sources.
The Afghans will begin drivers' training for those vehicles soon, he added.
Cone also said he recently completed a tour where he visited each of the Afghan National Army corps headquarters located in various parts of Afghanistan. The Afghan soldiers are "very much attuned to supporting the (International Security Assistance Force) campaign plan," he said.
"I believe that investment in the Afghan forces, in training and equipment and time, ... rewards itself," he added, "because of the fact that the Afghans now are at a point where they will be taking the fight to the enemy."
(Kristen Noel works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - The Afghan National Army will assume a leading role in the fight against enemy forces this spring, a military official said in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. Enemy activity has been down in recent months due to the harsh winter weather in Afghanistan, but violence has historically increased when conditions improve in the spring, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Cone, commander of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, said during a conference call with online journalists and "bloggers" Mar. 25.
Cone said the coalition was very productive in generating Afghan forces during the enemy's downtime. "The Afghan National Army decided to double its production of soldiers over the course of the winter," he said, "and that'll give us around about 8,000 soldiers that are ... beyond the training base and out into the fielded units."
The Afghan army now has a fielded force of about 51,000 soldiers, who make up 11 full brigades throughout Afghanistan, Cone said. An additional 10,000 new soldiers are in training and will be out in units in the next couple of months, he said.
He said the coalition also is training and fielding six Afghan commando units equipped with U.S. elite light-infantry tactics. Three of the six commando battalions are already in the field, he said.
"The first three battalions have acquitted themselves in operations with special forces extremely well in their performance and conduct," Cone said. "It sets an example and tells us what a well-trained Afghan National Army soldier is truly capable of accomplishing."
Afghan forces currently are leading the majority of "named operations" -- which are major operations -- in Afghanistan, Cone said. "A lot of (the operations) are small right now because the season hasn't really started," he said, "but we expect (Afghan forces) to take a very leading role here in the weeks to come."
In addition, Cone said, new equipment was acquired over the winter to reduce shortages for the Afghan army.
The coalition will be equipping the Afghan forces with M16 rifles at a rate of 10,000 new rifles per month through the summer and fall, he said. The rifles are a contribution from the U.S. and Canada, he added.
Afghan forces are also being provided up-armored humvees for protected mobility and survivability against IED attacks, which Cone acknowledged are on the rise. The Afghan army will receive 5,000 of the latest version of the up-armored humvee, he said, and the first shipments have already begun to arrive from acquisition sources.
The Afghans will begin drivers' training for those vehicles soon, he added.
Cone also said he recently completed a tour where he visited each of the Afghan National Army corps headquarters located in various parts of Afghanistan. The Afghan soldiers are "very much attuned to supporting the (International Security Assistance Force) campaign plan," he said.
"I believe that investment in the Afghan forces, in training and equipment and time, ... rewards itself," he added, "because of the fact that the Afghans now are at a point where they will be taking the fight to the enemy."
(Kristen Noel works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- March 26, 2008
Nerve Gas Test Veteran Wants [Ministry of Defense, U.K.] Apology
“A Former RAF [Royal Air Force] wireless operator who volunteered for chemical experiments at Porton Down [British government research facility] is to seek an apology and compensation from the Ministry of Defence for being unknowingly exposed to nerve gas. Frederick Selley, 76, from Stroud, was told he was helping with research into the common cold when he volunteered for the experiments in 1951 […] An MoD statement said: ‘The Government accepts there were aspects of the trials where there may have been shortcomings and where, in particular, the life or health of participants may have been put at risk.’” (Gloucestershire; 24Mar08).
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231754&home=yes&more_nodeId1=231776&contentPK=20220937
Judge advances anthrax vaccine refusal case
“A U.S. federal judge has ruled that the Defense Department must again consider exonerating two military pilots whose Connecticut Air National Guard careers ended after they refused to take compulsory anthrax vaccine shots… The federal courts have since found that the military's mandatory vaccine program was being conducted illegally for more than six years, beginning with its March 1998 inception […] a statute of limitations might prevent military personnel from filing lawsuits more than six years after an alleged wrong has occurred.” (Global Security Newswire; 24Mar08; Elaine M. Grossman).
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0308/032408gsn1.htm
Biosensing Nanodevice To Revolutionize Health Screenings
“Even more incredible than the device itself, is that it is based on the world's tiniest rotary motor: a biological engine measured on the order of molecules […] A prototype of the DNA detector is already in development. It is roughly the size of a small tissue box. Sampling would be as simple as taking a swab from an infected wound or a piece of baggage, dissolving it in a solution and placing a drop on a slide bearing reference F1-ATPases and their nanorods. Once in the instrument, red blinking signals emitted by rotating nanorods would let a computer know there's trouble, literally, in a flash. […] ‘Rapid and sensitive biosensing of nucleic acids and proteins is vital for the identification of pathogenic agents of biomedical and bioterrorist importance,’ notes [Arizona State University researcher Wayne] Frasch, who is also with the Center for Bioenergy and Photosynthesis in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
‘It also provides a new avenue through which to analyze genotypes and forensic evidence.’” (Science Daily, 25Mar08).
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325083344.htm
Chemists create 'designer enzymes'
“U.S. scientists have created ‘designer enzymes’ in what is called a major achievement in computational chemistry and protein engineering. Led by UCLA Professor Kendall Houk and University of Washington biochemist David Baker, the scientists expect such designer enzymes to have applications for defense against biological warfare by deactivating pathogenic biological agents, as well as creating more effective medications.” (United Press International; 24Mar08).
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Health/2008/03/24/chemists_create_designer_enzymes/5546/
New network will quickly tell doctors of drug, device problems
“A new electronic health notification network that was unveiled today promises to more quickly notify doctors and hospitals about safety alerts concerning drugs and medical devices […] Set to go live in June, the new Health Care Notification Network (HCNN) will use e-mail to notify doctors about safety alerts issued by drug or device manufacturers […] The HCNN will also be used as a notification system in the event of a bioterrorism attack or the outbreak of a nationwide epidemic.” (Computer World; 25Mar08; Heather Havenstein).
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=government&articleId=9071520&taxonomyId=13&intsrc=kc_top
Audit faults oversight of emergency trailers [Massachusetts]
“A new audit is criticizing the oversight of 10 trailers meant to be used in the event of a bioterrorist attack or other mass casualty incident… [Massachusetts state auditor Joseph] DeNucci’s audit also found that periodic drills or exercises using the trailers and equipment failed to take place and not all municipalities within each region had been notified of the availability and location of the trailers.” (Boston Herald; 24Mar08; Associated Press).
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1082547&srvc=rss
Universal Detection Technology Invited to Present Its BSM-2000 Anthrax Detection System to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security
“Universal Detection Technology, […] a developer of early warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats and provider of counter terrorism consulting and training services, announced today that it has been invited to present the technology deployed in its BSM-2000 airborne anthrax monitor to the U.S.House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security.” (Market Wire; 24Mar08).
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=835499
El Paso County [Colorado] Health Dept. faces worker shortage
“Nearly a quarter of the nation's public health workers will be eligible for retirement in the next few years, and more than 250,000 workers are needed by 2020 to avoid a public health crisis, according to a new report […] The report, released Feb. 27, was produced by the Association of Schools of Public Health. It says a lack of recruitment efforts, pending retirements and a downsized work force in the past 30 years could leave the public lacking on fronts including disease outbreaks, bioterrorism and natural disasters. The shortage is made worse, it says, by the increasing specialization in the world of public health that creates less flexibility among existing workers to juggle multiple jobs.” (The Gazette; 24Mar08; Brian Newsome).
http://www.gazette.com/articles/health_34580___article.html/public_paso.html
New Technique Will Speed The Development Of Vaccines
“The new method allows researchers to rapidly screen large numbers of pathogen proteins, called antigens, for their ability to prompt an immune response in a host. Proteins with that ability are good candidates for use in vaccines. The method will be especially valuable in the quest for vaccines against persistent diseases such as malaria, sleeping sickness and syphilis […Wendy Brown, an immunologist] is using it to screen proteins from Coxiella, a bacterium that causes Q fever and is considered a possible bioterrorism threat.” (Medical News Today; 25Mar08).
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/101528.php
TB Patients Chafe Under Lockdown in South Africa
“Struggling to contain a dangerous epidemic of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, known as XDR-TB, the South African government’s policy is to hospitalize those unlucky enough to have the disease until they are no longer infectious […] ‘XDR is like biological warfare,’ said Dr. Bongani Lujabe, the chief medical officer at Jose Pearson hospital. ‘If you let it loose, you decimate a population, especially in poor communities with a high prevalence of H.I.V./AIDS.’ […] Further complicating matters, South Africa’s provinces have taken different approaches to deciding how long to hospitalize people with XDR-TB.” (New York Times; 25Mar08; Celia W.
Dugger).
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/world/africa/25safrica.html?em&ex=1206504000&en=9793c0d894629eca&ei=5087%0A#
Smiths Detection to supply U.S. military with next-generation chemical agent detector
“Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, announced that its Military unit has been awarded a $23.8 million contract option to supply the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) with lightweight detectors under its Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) program, potentially the biggest of its kind in the world… The M4 JCAD is smaller and lighter also offering soldiers better detection capabilities than chemical point detection systems currently in service. It also benefits from the use of a non-radioactive technology compared with previous generations of detectors.” (Military & Aerospace Online, 25Mar08).
http://mae.pennnet.com/display_article/323728/32/NEWS/none/none/1/Smiths-Detection-to-supply-US-military-with-next-generation-chemical-agent-detector/
In an Era of School Shootings, a New Drill [New York]
“Mr. Matheney, the school’s principal, was roaming the suburban campus as if he were an ‘active shooter,’ à la Virginia Tech or Columbine, as part of a ‘lockdown drill’ now required twice a year here and in many schools around the country […] Now, in a ritual reminiscent of the 1950s, when students ducked under desks and covered their heads in anticipation of nuclear blasts, many schools are preparing for, among other emergencies, bomb threats, hazardous material spills, shelter-in-place preparation (in which students would use schools as shelters if a dirty bomb’s plume were to spread dangerously close) and armed, roaming sociopaths.” (The New York Time; 25Mar08; Tina Kelley).
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/nyregion/25drills.html?hp
Splinternet launches dirty-bomb detector
“Splinternet officials announced the release of the new GammaTect Plus integrated gamma radiation detection sensor system. GammaTect Plus, deployed at radioactive storage sites including seaports, airports, government buildings and military installations among other potential targets, is a company initiative to reduce the potential threat of a dirty bomb […] Company officials say the launch of the GammaTect Plus, linked to Splinternet's DefenTect management, monitoring and alerting system, identifies high energy gamma violations and then takes a series of photographs with isotope ID information. The system then sends the data to a command center where an alarm is triggered.” (United Press International; 25Mar08).
http://www.upi.com/International_Security/Industry/Briefing/2008/03/25/splinternet_launches_dirty-bomb_detector/1906/
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.
“A Former RAF [Royal Air Force] wireless operator who volunteered for chemical experiments at Porton Down [British government research facility] is to seek an apology and compensation from the Ministry of Defence for being unknowingly exposed to nerve gas. Frederick Selley, 76, from Stroud, was told he was helping with research into the common cold when he volunteered for the experiments in 1951 […] An MoD statement said: ‘The Government accepts there were aspects of the trials where there may have been shortcomings and where, in particular, the life or health of participants may have been put at risk.’” (Gloucestershire; 24Mar08).
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231754&home=yes&more_nodeId1=231776&contentPK=20220937
Judge advances anthrax vaccine refusal case
“A U.S. federal judge has ruled that the Defense Department must again consider exonerating two military pilots whose Connecticut Air National Guard careers ended after they refused to take compulsory anthrax vaccine shots… The federal courts have since found that the military's mandatory vaccine program was being conducted illegally for more than six years, beginning with its March 1998 inception […] a statute of limitations might prevent military personnel from filing lawsuits more than six years after an alleged wrong has occurred.” (Global Security Newswire; 24Mar08; Elaine M. Grossman).
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0308/032408gsn1.htm
Biosensing Nanodevice To Revolutionize Health Screenings
“Even more incredible than the device itself, is that it is based on the world's tiniest rotary motor: a biological engine measured on the order of molecules […] A prototype of the DNA detector is already in development. It is roughly the size of a small tissue box. Sampling would be as simple as taking a swab from an infected wound or a piece of baggage, dissolving it in a solution and placing a drop on a slide bearing reference F1-ATPases and their nanorods. Once in the instrument, red blinking signals emitted by rotating nanorods would let a computer know there's trouble, literally, in a flash. […] ‘Rapid and sensitive biosensing of nucleic acids and proteins is vital for the identification of pathogenic agents of biomedical and bioterrorist importance,’ notes [Arizona State University researcher Wayne] Frasch, who is also with the Center for Bioenergy and Photosynthesis in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
‘It also provides a new avenue through which to analyze genotypes and forensic evidence.’” (Science Daily, 25Mar08).
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325083344.htm
Chemists create 'designer enzymes'
“U.S. scientists have created ‘designer enzymes’ in what is called a major achievement in computational chemistry and protein engineering. Led by UCLA Professor Kendall Houk and University of Washington biochemist David Baker, the scientists expect such designer enzymes to have applications for defense against biological warfare by deactivating pathogenic biological agents, as well as creating more effective medications.” (United Press International; 24Mar08).
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Health/2008/03/24/chemists_create_designer_enzymes/5546/
New network will quickly tell doctors of drug, device problems
“A new electronic health notification network that was unveiled today promises to more quickly notify doctors and hospitals about safety alerts concerning drugs and medical devices […] Set to go live in June, the new Health Care Notification Network (HCNN) will use e-mail to notify doctors about safety alerts issued by drug or device manufacturers […] The HCNN will also be used as a notification system in the event of a bioterrorism attack or the outbreak of a nationwide epidemic.” (Computer World; 25Mar08; Heather Havenstein).
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=government&articleId=9071520&taxonomyId=13&intsrc=kc_top
Audit faults oversight of emergency trailers [Massachusetts]
“A new audit is criticizing the oversight of 10 trailers meant to be used in the event of a bioterrorist attack or other mass casualty incident… [Massachusetts state auditor Joseph] DeNucci’s audit also found that periodic drills or exercises using the trailers and equipment failed to take place and not all municipalities within each region had been notified of the availability and location of the trailers.” (Boston Herald; 24Mar08; Associated Press).
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1082547&srvc=rss
Universal Detection Technology Invited to Present Its BSM-2000 Anthrax Detection System to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security
“Universal Detection Technology, […] a developer of early warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats and provider of counter terrorism consulting and training services, announced today that it has been invited to present the technology deployed in its BSM-2000 airborne anthrax monitor to the U.S.House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security.” (Market Wire; 24Mar08).
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=835499
El Paso County [Colorado] Health Dept. faces worker shortage
“Nearly a quarter of the nation's public health workers will be eligible for retirement in the next few years, and more than 250,000 workers are needed by 2020 to avoid a public health crisis, according to a new report […] The report, released Feb. 27, was produced by the Association of Schools of Public Health. It says a lack of recruitment efforts, pending retirements and a downsized work force in the past 30 years could leave the public lacking on fronts including disease outbreaks, bioterrorism and natural disasters. The shortage is made worse, it says, by the increasing specialization in the world of public health that creates less flexibility among existing workers to juggle multiple jobs.” (The Gazette; 24Mar08; Brian Newsome).
http://www.gazette.com/articles/health_34580___article.html/public_paso.html
New Technique Will Speed The Development Of Vaccines
“The new method allows researchers to rapidly screen large numbers of pathogen proteins, called antigens, for their ability to prompt an immune response in a host. Proteins with that ability are good candidates for use in vaccines. The method will be especially valuable in the quest for vaccines against persistent diseases such as malaria, sleeping sickness and syphilis […Wendy Brown, an immunologist] is using it to screen proteins from Coxiella, a bacterium that causes Q fever and is considered a possible bioterrorism threat.” (Medical News Today; 25Mar08).
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/101528.php
TB Patients Chafe Under Lockdown in South Africa
“Struggling to contain a dangerous epidemic of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, known as XDR-TB, the South African government’s policy is to hospitalize those unlucky enough to have the disease until they are no longer infectious […] ‘XDR is like biological warfare,’ said Dr. Bongani Lujabe, the chief medical officer at Jose Pearson hospital. ‘If you let it loose, you decimate a population, especially in poor communities with a high prevalence of H.I.V./AIDS.’ […] Further complicating matters, South Africa’s provinces have taken different approaches to deciding how long to hospitalize people with XDR-TB.” (New York Times; 25Mar08; Celia W.
Dugger).
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/world/africa/25safrica.html?em&ex=1206504000&en=9793c0d894629eca&ei=5087%0A#
Smiths Detection to supply U.S. military with next-generation chemical agent detector
“Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, announced that its Military unit has been awarded a $23.8 million contract option to supply the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) with lightweight detectors under its Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) program, potentially the biggest of its kind in the world… The M4 JCAD is smaller and lighter also offering soldiers better detection capabilities than chemical point detection systems currently in service. It also benefits from the use of a non-radioactive technology compared with previous generations of detectors.” (Military & Aerospace Online, 25Mar08).
http://mae.pennnet.com/display_article/323728/32/NEWS/none/none/1/Smiths-Detection-to-supply-US-military-with-next-generation-chemical-agent-detector/
In an Era of School Shootings, a New Drill [New York]
“Mr. Matheney, the school’s principal, was roaming the suburban campus as if he were an ‘active shooter,’ à la Virginia Tech or Columbine, as part of a ‘lockdown drill’ now required twice a year here and in many schools around the country […] Now, in a ritual reminiscent of the 1950s, when students ducked under desks and covered their heads in anticipation of nuclear blasts, many schools are preparing for, among other emergencies, bomb threats, hazardous material spills, shelter-in-place preparation (in which students would use schools as shelters if a dirty bomb’s plume were to spread dangerously close) and armed, roaming sociopaths.” (The New York Time; 25Mar08; Tina Kelley).
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/nyregion/25drills.html?hp
Splinternet launches dirty-bomb detector
“Splinternet officials announced the release of the new GammaTect Plus integrated gamma radiation detection sensor system. GammaTect Plus, deployed at radioactive storage sites including seaports, airports, government buildings and military installations among other potential targets, is a company initiative to reduce the potential threat of a dirty bomb […] Company officials say the launch of the GammaTect Plus, linked to Splinternet's DefenTect management, monitoring and alerting system, identifies high energy gamma violations and then takes a series of photographs with isotope ID information. The system then sends the data to a command center where an alarm is triggered.” (United Press International; 25Mar08).
http://www.upi.com/International_Security/Industry/Briefing/2008/03/25/splinternet_launches_dirty-bomb_detector/1906/
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.
Air Strike Targets Al Qaeda in Iraq Member in Tikrit
American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - A coalition air strike today targeted an al Qaeda in Iraq operative linked to local car bombings, U.S. military officials said. When coalition forces arrived at the target location, they were attacked by enemy small-arms fire. Coalition forces returned fire and called in fixed-wing aircraft to provide air-to-ground support.
After the air strike, coalition forces continued to receive heavy fire, as armed terrorists ran from the target area and attempted to hide in nearby homes, using occupants as shields. Several civilians were injured or killed during the gun battle. The wounded were treated on site and taken to a military medical facility.
"Coalition forces make every effort to protect civilians during our operations, but al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists continue to place women and children in harm's way while they plan and conduct their brutal attacks," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "The Multinational Force Iraq sincerely regrets when civilians are wounded or killed and their families have our heartfelt condolences. We are working with local authorities to provide assistance."
In other recent Iraq news, U.S. soldiers yesterday detained three suspects linked to mortar attacks against coalition forces. The soldiers also seized an 81 mm mortar tube with base plate and tripod, a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher, RPG warheads, an aiming device, a compass, a global positioning system, sets of military-style uniforms, AK-47 rifles and documents.
"We are relentless in our pursuit of those who would do harm to the Iraqi people and coalition forces and will bring them to justice," said Army Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff for Multinational Division Baghdad. "The vast majority of Iraqis want security and stability. Coalition forces want the same, a better future for all Iraqis. The Iraqi security forces and coalition forces will yield no ground to the enemy."
Elsewhere, U.S. soldiers acted on an Iraqi citizen's tip and seized a buried weapons cache in Sayifiyah on March 24. The cache contained components used to make roadside bombs. The Iraqi witnessed a white Honda with a gray trunk at the cache site and reported the suspicious activity to U.S. soldiers, who then found the ordnance buried in barrels alongside a roadway. The cache contained: 16 107 mm rockets, 16 82 mm projectiles, 22 120 mm mortar rounds, one 82 mm projectile, one 55-gallon barrel containing 50 pounds of homemade explosives, 500 7.62 mm AK-47 rounds, 25 bags of propellant, three 60 mm projectiles, one 80 mm mortar, eight firing caps for 82 mm mortars, and one 500-foot roll of detonation cord. The cache also contained weapons, documents and mortar fuses. An explosives disposal team destroyed the cache.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
March 26, 2008 - A coalition air strike today targeted an al Qaeda in Iraq operative linked to local car bombings, U.S. military officials said. When coalition forces arrived at the target location, they were attacked by enemy small-arms fire. Coalition forces returned fire and called in fixed-wing aircraft to provide air-to-ground support.
After the air strike, coalition forces continued to receive heavy fire, as armed terrorists ran from the target area and attempted to hide in nearby homes, using occupants as shields. Several civilians were injured or killed during the gun battle. The wounded were treated on site and taken to a military medical facility.
"Coalition forces make every effort to protect civilians during our operations, but al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists continue to place women and children in harm's way while they plan and conduct their brutal attacks," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "The Multinational Force Iraq sincerely regrets when civilians are wounded or killed and their families have our heartfelt condolences. We are working with local authorities to provide assistance."
In other recent Iraq news, U.S. soldiers yesterday detained three suspects linked to mortar attacks against coalition forces. The soldiers also seized an 81 mm mortar tube with base plate and tripod, a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher, RPG warheads, an aiming device, a compass, a global positioning system, sets of military-style uniforms, AK-47 rifles and documents.
"We are relentless in our pursuit of those who would do harm to the Iraqi people and coalition forces and will bring them to justice," said Army Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff for Multinational Division Baghdad. "The vast majority of Iraqis want security and stability. Coalition forces want the same, a better future for all Iraqis. The Iraqi security forces and coalition forces will yield no ground to the enemy."
Elsewhere, U.S. soldiers acted on an Iraqi citizen's tip and seized a buried weapons cache in Sayifiyah on March 24. The cache contained components used to make roadside bombs. The Iraqi witnessed a white Honda with a gray trunk at the cache site and reported the suspicious activity to U.S. soldiers, who then found the ordnance buried in barrels alongside a roadway. The cache contained: 16 107 mm rockets, 16 82 mm projectiles, 22 120 mm mortar rounds, one 82 mm projectile, one 55-gallon barrel containing 50 pounds of homemade explosives, 500 7.62 mm AK-47 rounds, 25 bags of propellant, three 60 mm projectiles, one 80 mm mortar, eight firing caps for 82 mm mortars, and one 500-foot roll of detonation cord. The cache also contained weapons, documents and mortar fuses. An explosives disposal team destroyed the cache.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Afghan Forces to Assume 'Leading Role' Against Enemy, General Says
By Kristen Noel
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - The Afghan National Army will assume a leading role in the fight against enemy forces this spring, a military official said in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. Enemy activity has been down in recent months due to the harsh winter weather in Afghanistan, but violence has historically increased when conditions improve in the spring, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Cone, commander of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, said during a conference call with online journalists and "bloggers" Mar. 25.
Cone said the coalition was very productive in generating Afghan forces during the enemy's downtime. "The Afghan National Army decided to double its production of soldiers over the course of the winter," he said, "and that'll give us around about 8,000 soldiers that are ... beyond the training base and out into the fielded units."
The Afghan army now has a fielded force of about 51,000 soldiers, who make up 11 full brigades throughout Afghanistan, Cone said. An additional 10,000 new soldiers are in training and will be out in units in the next couple of months, he said.
He said the coalition also is training and fielding six Afghan commando units equipped with U.S. elite light-infantry tactics. Three of the six commando battalions are already in the field, he said.
"The first three battalions have acquitted themselves in operations with special forces extremely well in their performance and conduct," Cone said. "It sets an example and tells us what a well-trained Afghan National Army soldier is truly capable of accomplishing."
Afghan forces currently are leading the majority of "named operations" -- which are major operations -- in Afghanistan, Cone said. "A lot of (the operations) are small right now because the season hasn't really started," he said, "but we expect (Afghan forces) to take a very leading role here in the weeks to come."
In addition, Cone said, new equipment was acquired over the winter to reduce shortages for the Afghan army.
The coalition will be equipping the Afghan forces with M16 rifles at a rate of 10,000 new rifles per month through the summer and fall, he said. The rifles are a contribution from the U.S. and Canada, he added.
Afghan forces are also being provided up-armored humvees for protected mobility and survivability against IED attacks, which Cone acknowledged are on the rise. The Afghan army will receive 5,000 of the latest version of the up-armored humvee, he said, and the first shipments have already begun to arrive from acquisition sources.
The Afghans will begin drivers' training for those vehicles soon, he added.
Cone also said he recently completed a tour where he visited each of the Afghan National Army corps headquarters located in various parts of Afghanistan. The Afghan soldiers are "very much attuned to supporting the (International Security Assistance Force) campaign plan," he said.
"I believe that investment in the Afghan forces, in training and equipment and time, ... rewards itself," he added, "because of the fact that the Afghans now are at a point where they will be taking the fight to the enemy."
(Kristen Noel works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 26, 2008 - The Afghan National Army will assume a leading role in the fight against enemy forces this spring, a military official said in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. Enemy activity has been down in recent months due to the harsh winter weather in Afghanistan, but violence has historically increased when conditions improve in the spring, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Cone, commander of Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan, said during a conference call with online journalists and "bloggers" Mar. 25.
Cone said the coalition was very productive in generating Afghan forces during the enemy's downtime. "The Afghan National Army decided to double its production of soldiers over the course of the winter," he said, "and that'll give us around about 8,000 soldiers that are ... beyond the training base and out into the fielded units."
The Afghan army now has a fielded force of about 51,000 soldiers, who make up 11 full brigades throughout Afghanistan, Cone said. An additional 10,000 new soldiers are in training and will be out in units in the next couple of months, he said.
He said the coalition also is training and fielding six Afghan commando units equipped with U.S. elite light-infantry tactics. Three of the six commando battalions are already in the field, he said.
"The first three battalions have acquitted themselves in operations with special forces extremely well in their performance and conduct," Cone said. "It sets an example and tells us what a well-trained Afghan National Army soldier is truly capable of accomplishing."
Afghan forces currently are leading the majority of "named operations" -- which are major operations -- in Afghanistan, Cone said. "A lot of (the operations) are small right now because the season hasn't really started," he said, "but we expect (Afghan forces) to take a very leading role here in the weeks to come."
In addition, Cone said, new equipment was acquired over the winter to reduce shortages for the Afghan army.
The coalition will be equipping the Afghan forces with M16 rifles at a rate of 10,000 new rifles per month through the summer and fall, he said. The rifles are a contribution from the U.S. and Canada, he added.
Afghan forces are also being provided up-armored humvees for protected mobility and survivability against IED attacks, which Cone acknowledged are on the rise. The Afghan army will receive 5,000 of the latest version of the up-armored humvee, he said, and the first shipments have already begun to arrive from acquisition sources.
The Afghans will begin drivers' training for those vehicles soon, he added.
Cone also said he recently completed a tour where he visited each of the Afghan National Army corps headquarters located in various parts of Afghanistan. The Afghan soldiers are "very much attuned to supporting the (International Security Assistance Force) campaign plan," he said.
"I believe that investment in the Afghan forces, in training and equipment and time, ... rewards itself," he added, "because of the fact that the Afghans now are at a point where they will be taking the fight to the enemy."
(Kristen Noel works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
