By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - Improvements in the security situation south of Baghdad have enabled economic and political progress, and the continued development of the Iraqi security forces will advance those gains, a U.S. commander said yesterday. Progress across those multiple fronts is interconnected, Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, deputy commanding general for operations for Multinational Division Center, explained during a call with military bloggers.
"If this were an organism, it would be a symbiotic effect that we have through these different factors operating in concert with each other to achieve an overall more positive effect," Buchanan said.
The general said that in his area of operations, south of Baghdad, his troops are charged with six primary objectives: securing the Iraqi population, defeating violent extremist networks, disrupting lethal aid from Iran, professionalizing the Iraqi security forces, transferring security responsibilities to the Iraqis, and enabling governance and economic development.
Of those missions, Buchanan pointed to the "professionalization and development of the various Iraqi security forces" as the decisive effort in turning the conflict in Iraq's favor. Those forces include the Army, the National Police, the Department of Border Enforcement and the Iraqi Police Service.
"We operate by, with and through the Iraqi forces throughout our [operating environment]," Buchanan said. "And so it is not us -- the coalition forces -- securing the Iraqi population; it's the coalition forces, in partnership with the Iraqis, securing the Iraqi population."
A dramatic improvement in leadership and willingness to serve throughout the Iraqi security forces, owing in part to the success of the U.S. troop surge, has given the Iraqis the opportunity to make substantial gains in providing for their own security, Buchanan said.
"In the last year, we've had more than 130,000 Iraqis join the various forms of security forces," he said. "At the individual level, the individual soldier or policeman understands what risks he's facing. And he continues to serve, and despite the risk continues to serve, in support of his country, and really in support and in defense of his family."
That determination extends to Iraq's leadership, the general explained.
"At the national level, ... there has been a significant demonstration of courage by the government of Iraq -- willing to take on all of its enemies, regardless of ethnicity or religious sect. And that, in itself, has generated more confidence in the security forces and the government," Buchanan said.
Crucial support also has come from paid security volunteers organized into what's known as the "Sons of Iraq" program, Buchanan said. The program consists of local Iraqis being paid to man checkpoints in their towns and villages, with their knowledge of the local area and populace sufficient to let them identify outsiders or illicit activity.
While thousands of Sons of Iraq volunteers have been transitioned into the official Iraqi security forces, the Iraqi government is debating the future of the substantial number of remaining volunteers.
"It's really a movement that does not have a national-level consensus, but it's a local movement to provide local security for these communities," Buchanan said. "In doing so, they took control of their communities back. And of course, they've done so in partnership with us, and more importantly, within the past six months, increasingly in a partnership with the [Iraqi security forces]."
Transitioning oversight of the Sons of Iraq to the Iraqi security forces is advancing the cause of Iraqi self-security, Buchanan said. "In this society, being able to defend your village and your home is a point of pride," he said.
An often-overlooked benefit of the Sons of Iraq program is the economic impact it has had on communities, Buchanan said. "Because all of these [previously] unemployed military-aged males are out there throughout the community earning a pretty good salary, ... they now have disposable income," he explained.
"Because they have disposable income, everywhere you go throughout our [operating environment] you'll see little businesses springing up," Buchanan said. "The security situation has enabled economic development where it could never take hold before. And the same thing goes for development of governance from the local to the national level.
"We and our Iraqi partners want to take full advantage of it, and we are," the general said.
(Tim Kilbride works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Coalition Forces Detain Suspects in Iraq's Hamrin Mountains
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - Coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists yesterday and today as they continued to run down the al-Qaida in Iraq network, especially in the Hamrin Mountains region, where they detained four wanted men, military officials reported. One of the wanted men, captured yesterday near Qara Tappa with one alleged associate, is believed to be a senior advisor for al-Qaida in Iraq operations around the Hamrin Mountains. Three other wanted men in the region were captured in an operation today, along with one additional suspect.
One of the wanted men allegedly operates an attack cell that also provides security for terrorist operations, officials said. Two others reportedly are involved in smuggling, attacks on coalition forces and facilitating female suicide bombers.
South of Baghdad near Mahmudiyah, a man already in coalition custody turned in an alleged associate of a senior al-Qaida in Iraq leader today. The alleged associate and one other suspected terrorist were detained in the operation.
Coalition forces killed an enemy fighter in Tikrit during a daytime operation yesterday targeting associates of al-Qaida leaders in central Iraq.
Coalition forces targeted a facilitator involved with providing bomb triggers for several attack cells in the Tigris River Valley bombing network. As they attempted to apprehend the wanted man, he rushed toward the security element and grabbed one soldier's rifle. Responding to the hostile threat, coalition forces engaged and killed the man.
In other operations yesterday:
-- Iraqi soldiers seized numerous weapons during a search operation in the Mansour district of Baghdad. The munitions included 100 AK 47 assault rifles, four Seminov rifles, an SKS rifle and four pistols. Later, Iraqi National Police seized three rocket-propelled grenade warheads, five 107 mm rockets and two 122 mm mortar rounds in the New Baghdad area.
-- A local resident brought six mortar rounds to an entry control point north of Baghdad. Soldiers serving with the 25th Infantry Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, called in an explosive ordnance disposal team to assess the munitions. The EOD team identified the munitions as 120 mm high-explosive mortar rounds.
-- Quick-reaction force soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 153rd Infantry Battalion, found a weapons cache in Baghdad's West Rashid district. The cache consisted of 24 124 mm rounds without fuses. An EOD team conducted a controlled detonation and destroyed the munitions.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Aug. 29, 2008 - Coalition forces detained eight suspected terrorists yesterday and today as they continued to run down the al-Qaida in Iraq network, especially in the Hamrin Mountains region, where they detained four wanted men, military officials reported. One of the wanted men, captured yesterday near Qara Tappa with one alleged associate, is believed to be a senior advisor for al-Qaida in Iraq operations around the Hamrin Mountains. Three other wanted men in the region were captured in an operation today, along with one additional suspect.
One of the wanted men allegedly operates an attack cell that also provides security for terrorist operations, officials said. Two others reportedly are involved in smuggling, attacks on coalition forces and facilitating female suicide bombers.
South of Baghdad near Mahmudiyah, a man already in coalition custody turned in an alleged associate of a senior al-Qaida in Iraq leader today. The alleged associate and one other suspected terrorist were detained in the operation.
Coalition forces killed an enemy fighter in Tikrit during a daytime operation yesterday targeting associates of al-Qaida leaders in central Iraq.
Coalition forces targeted a facilitator involved with providing bomb triggers for several attack cells in the Tigris River Valley bombing network. As they attempted to apprehend the wanted man, he rushed toward the security element and grabbed one soldier's rifle. Responding to the hostile threat, coalition forces engaged and killed the man.
In other operations yesterday:
-- Iraqi soldiers seized numerous weapons during a search operation in the Mansour district of Baghdad. The munitions included 100 AK 47 assault rifles, four Seminov rifles, an SKS rifle and four pistols. Later, Iraqi National Police seized three rocket-propelled grenade warheads, five 107 mm rockets and two 122 mm mortar rounds in the New Baghdad area.
-- A local resident brought six mortar rounds to an entry control point north of Baghdad. Soldiers serving with the 25th Infantry Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, called in an explosive ordnance disposal team to assess the munitions. The EOD team identified the munitions as 120 mm high-explosive mortar rounds.
-- Quick-reaction force soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 153rd Infantry Battalion, found a weapons cache in Baghdad's West Rashid district. The cache consisted of 24 124 mm rounds without fuses. An EOD team conducted a controlled detonation and destroyed the munitions.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- August 29, 2008
Village in Russia's Urals imposes quarantine due to anthrax
“Quarantine has been declared in a village in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan in the southwest Urals after several humans were infected with anthrax, a spokesman for the consumer rights regulator said on Friday. Rospotrebnadzor said the measures were announced after 10 residents of the village, Ural, located in the Yanaulsky district, were hospitalized on Wednesday.” (Ria Novosti; 29Aug08) http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080829/116378505.html
Maxygen gets $3.4 million military grant for vaccine technology
“Maxygen Inc. got a two-year grant worth $3.4 million from the Department of Defense to work on technology used in vaccine research. […] The award ultimately comes from the military’s joint program for chemical and biological defense, via the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Frederick, Md.” (San Francisco Business Times; 27Aug08) http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/othercities/sanfrancisco/stories/2008/08/25/daily22.html
Aiea company on track to slow down anthrax
“An Aiea drug company says it's on track to create the first pill-form treatment for a deadly disease widely-known as a national security threat. […] It's still in powder form, but Panthera Bio officials hope to make it into a pill which is still a few years off. […] The anti-anthrax drug is still in pre-clinical stages, but it has completed successful testing on rats.” (KHNL; 27Aug08; Duane Shimogawa)
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=8913392
Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] signs treaty against chemical weapons
“Saudi Arabia, along with 186 countries, signed the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC) treaty prohibiting the use of chemical weapons in Colombo, Monday. ‘We discussed many issues before signing the treaty. The Kingdom’s role is to support peace and stand against violence,’ said Dr. Khalil Al-Khalil, member of the Shoura Council and head of the Security Affairs Commission and the Saudi delegation in Colombo. […] Five prominent countries – Russia, US, Israel, Egypt and Syria – did not take part in the event. Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman from the GCC also did not participate.”
(Saudi Gazette; 28Aug08; Diana Al-Jassem)
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2008082915763
Bush administration agrees to turn over documents in torture case
“In a significant reversal, the Bush administration has agreed to turn over documents that allegedly support allegations by a prisoner at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, that he was tortured while in American custody in Pakistan in early 2002 […] The convening authority for the Guantánamo cases is Susan Crawford, a retired military judge. Mohamed is facing a trial on several charges of planning to commit acts of terrorism against the United States, including the detonation of a ‘dirty bomb.’”
(International Herald Tribune; 29Aug08; Raymond Bonner) http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/29/europe/gitmo.php
2% defense spending rise sought
“The [Defense] Ministry will request ¥24.3 billion to implement measures related to the bilateral accord on realigning U.S. military facilities in Japan, including transferring the GSDF Central Readiness Force headquarters, a special unit for antiterrorism and overseas operations, to the U.S. Army's Camp Zama in Kanagawa Prefecture. […] The NPA [National Police Agency] also requested ¥4.32 billion for measures associated with the recently enacted law to pay benefits to victims of the deadly 1995 sarin nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway system and other crimes committed by Aum Shinrikyo, and ¥155 million to deal with the possibility of a flu pandemic.” (Japan Times; 28Aug08; Source: Kyodo News) http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080828a3.html
Umbrella Murder' Probe to End as the Cold War Haunts Bulgaria
“Lyuben Markov has waited decades to find out who killed his cousin with a poison-tipped umbrella. And now he may never know. In one of the most infamous unsolved crimes of the Cold War, Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov was attacked in London on Sept. 7, 1978, and died four days later. With the 30-year statute of limitations coming up, Bulgaria plans to close its investigation of the case, a move that may stymie the U.K.'s probe and leave unanswered speculation that Bulgaria's spy service ordered the hit.”
(Bloomberg; 29Aug08; Elizabeth Konstantinova) http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aQ.Vpq_bieUM&refer=europe
Uganda: Britain to Return UShs 120 Million Bribe Paid to Museveni Aide
“The British government yesterday said it would return 40,000 pound sterling (about Shs120 million) to Uganda, part of a bribe paid by a Danish national to Presidential Adviser Ananias Tumukunde, currently awaiting trial in a London jail. The Danish national, Niels Jürgen Tobiasen, was convicted a week ago after pleading guilty to paying the bribe. […] The crown prosecutors allege that Mr Tobiasen on the 15th day of January 2008 transferred criminal property, namely chemical and biological weapons to the Ugandan defendants.” (All Africa; 29Aug08; Angelo Izama & Norman Miwambo) http://allafrica.com/stories/200808290050.html
ISI [Inter-Services Intelligence] expands network from J&K [Jammu & Kashmir] to South
“Terror groups backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) could use chemical, biological, nuclear or radiological weapons against India initiating a form of ‘super terrorism’, warns a Union Home Ministry [India] report. With ISI spreading its tentacles in the country from Jammu and Kashmir to down south, the report spoke of active terror modules mushrooming in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal where the sleeper cells have been assigned with specific targets.” (Times Now; 29Aug08)
http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=14797
Specter touts $750K camera system in Pittsburgh
“Allegheny County will receive $750,000 to enhance a surveillance camera system that will be used to track criminals and in emergencies like fires, floods, or potential cases of bioterrorism. […] The county will be able to purchase an additional 40 mobile cameras to compliment the existing 64 stationary cameras, which include gas and chemical detectors, already in the greater Pittsburgh area […] The federal funding, which was the county's highest priority request from the Justice Department, will enable the county to expand its camera surveillance network, known as the ThreatViewer Emergency Management Visualization System.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; 29Aug08; Karamagi Rujumba) http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08242/908013-100.stm
Italy, Libya set to finalise ‘friendship pact’
“Italian and Libyan officials were finalising a pact on Friday that will see Italy pay compensation for misdeeds committed under colonial rule and improve ties between Rome and Tripoli, a major energy producer. […] The compensation accord involves several projects including the construction of a motorway across Libya, education and clearing mines dating back to the colonial era. […] Libya has also said it would stop pursuing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.” (Reuters; 29Aug08)
http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKLT43694720080829
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.
“Quarantine has been declared in a village in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan in the southwest Urals after several humans were infected with anthrax, a spokesman for the consumer rights regulator said on Friday. Rospotrebnadzor said the measures were announced after 10 residents of the village, Ural, located in the Yanaulsky district, were hospitalized on Wednesday.” (Ria Novosti; 29Aug08) http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080829/116378505.html
Maxygen gets $3.4 million military grant for vaccine technology
“Maxygen Inc. got a two-year grant worth $3.4 million from the Department of Defense to work on technology used in vaccine research. […] The award ultimately comes from the military’s joint program for chemical and biological defense, via the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Frederick, Md.” (San Francisco Business Times; 27Aug08) http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/othercities/sanfrancisco/stories/2008/08/25/daily22.html
Aiea company on track to slow down anthrax
“An Aiea drug company says it's on track to create the first pill-form treatment for a deadly disease widely-known as a national security threat. […] It's still in powder form, but Panthera Bio officials hope to make it into a pill which is still a few years off. […] The anti-anthrax drug is still in pre-clinical stages, but it has completed successful testing on rats.” (KHNL; 27Aug08; Duane Shimogawa)
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=8913392
Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] signs treaty against chemical weapons
“Saudi Arabia, along with 186 countries, signed the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC) treaty prohibiting the use of chemical weapons in Colombo, Monday. ‘We discussed many issues before signing the treaty. The Kingdom’s role is to support peace and stand against violence,’ said Dr. Khalil Al-Khalil, member of the Shoura Council and head of the Security Affairs Commission and the Saudi delegation in Colombo. […] Five prominent countries – Russia, US, Israel, Egypt and Syria – did not take part in the event. Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman from the GCC also did not participate.”
(Saudi Gazette; 28Aug08; Diana Al-Jassem)
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2008082915763
Bush administration agrees to turn over documents in torture case
“In a significant reversal, the Bush administration has agreed to turn over documents that allegedly support allegations by a prisoner at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, that he was tortured while in American custody in Pakistan in early 2002 […] The convening authority for the Guantánamo cases is Susan Crawford, a retired military judge. Mohamed is facing a trial on several charges of planning to commit acts of terrorism against the United States, including the detonation of a ‘dirty bomb.’”
(International Herald Tribune; 29Aug08; Raymond Bonner) http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/29/europe/gitmo.php
2% defense spending rise sought
“The [Defense] Ministry will request ¥24.3 billion to implement measures related to the bilateral accord on realigning U.S. military facilities in Japan, including transferring the GSDF Central Readiness Force headquarters, a special unit for antiterrorism and overseas operations, to the U.S. Army's Camp Zama in Kanagawa Prefecture. […] The NPA [National Police Agency] also requested ¥4.32 billion for measures associated with the recently enacted law to pay benefits to victims of the deadly 1995 sarin nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway system and other crimes committed by Aum Shinrikyo, and ¥155 million to deal with the possibility of a flu pandemic.” (Japan Times; 28Aug08; Source: Kyodo News) http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080828a3.html
Umbrella Murder' Probe to End as the Cold War Haunts Bulgaria
“Lyuben Markov has waited decades to find out who killed his cousin with a poison-tipped umbrella. And now he may never know. In one of the most infamous unsolved crimes of the Cold War, Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov was attacked in London on Sept. 7, 1978, and died four days later. With the 30-year statute of limitations coming up, Bulgaria plans to close its investigation of the case, a move that may stymie the U.K.'s probe and leave unanswered speculation that Bulgaria's spy service ordered the hit.”
(Bloomberg; 29Aug08; Elizabeth Konstantinova) http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aQ.Vpq_bieUM&refer=europe
Uganda: Britain to Return UShs 120 Million Bribe Paid to Museveni Aide
“The British government yesterday said it would return 40,000 pound sterling (about Shs120 million) to Uganda, part of a bribe paid by a Danish national to Presidential Adviser Ananias Tumukunde, currently awaiting trial in a London jail. The Danish national, Niels Jürgen Tobiasen, was convicted a week ago after pleading guilty to paying the bribe. […] The crown prosecutors allege that Mr Tobiasen on the 15th day of January 2008 transferred criminal property, namely chemical and biological weapons to the Ugandan defendants.” (All Africa; 29Aug08; Angelo Izama & Norman Miwambo) http://allafrica.com/stories/200808290050.html
ISI [Inter-Services Intelligence] expands network from J&K [Jammu & Kashmir] to South
“Terror groups backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) could use chemical, biological, nuclear or radiological weapons against India initiating a form of ‘super terrorism’, warns a Union Home Ministry [India] report. With ISI spreading its tentacles in the country from Jammu and Kashmir to down south, the report spoke of active terror modules mushrooming in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal where the sleeper cells have been assigned with specific targets.” (Times Now; 29Aug08)
http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=14797
Specter touts $750K camera system in Pittsburgh
“Allegheny County will receive $750,000 to enhance a surveillance camera system that will be used to track criminals and in emergencies like fires, floods, or potential cases of bioterrorism. […] The county will be able to purchase an additional 40 mobile cameras to compliment the existing 64 stationary cameras, which include gas and chemical detectors, already in the greater Pittsburgh area […] The federal funding, which was the county's highest priority request from the Justice Department, will enable the county to expand its camera surveillance network, known as the ThreatViewer Emergency Management Visualization System.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; 29Aug08; Karamagi Rujumba) http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08242/908013-100.stm
Italy, Libya set to finalise ‘friendship pact’
“Italian and Libyan officials were finalising a pact on Friday that will see Italy pay compensation for misdeeds committed under colonial rule and improve ties between Rome and Tripoli, a major energy producer. […] The compensation accord involves several projects including the construction of a motorway across Libya, education and clearing mines dating back to the colonial era. […] Libya has also said it would stop pursuing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.” (Reuters; 29Aug08)
http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKLT43694720080829
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.
Sailors Take on Nontraditional Roles in Afghanistan
By Navy Lt. Neil Myers
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - In a perfect world, military personnel on deployment always would be assigned to jobs within their specialties. But it's not a perfect world, and some sailors assigned to provincial reconstruction teams are serving in general service positions, meaning prior military training is not required. With the robust nature of the PRT mission in Afghanistan's Konar province, some sailors find themselves contributing to the mission in ways they never imagined.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Shawn Simmons, a ship's serviceman from Sherman, Texas, stationed onboard the USS Kauffman in Norfolk, Va., is one such sailor. He was the ship's barber and storekeeper before he deployed to Afghanistan. Now, he is the PRT's computer network technician.
"I maintain the networks for PRT Konar and all units stationed at Camp Wright," said Simmons, who helps to manage the classified and unclassified intranet. He provides computer security and maintains the Internet access for the PRT. He also maintains Armed Forces Network, telephone and satellite systems.
"My PRT teammates call me the combat barber," said Simmons, who is also a licensed Humvee driver. He qualified as an expert marksman on the MK19 and 240B machine guns during pre-deployment training at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Johnson, an engineman from South Bend, Ind., is another such sailor. He is stationed at Little Creek, Va., onboard Landing Craft Assault Craft 85 and is a member of the hovercraft light crew.
Assigned to the PRT as a driver, Johnson spends his off-duty time fighting improvised explosive devices, the nemesis of drivers in the combat theater, as a counter-IED systems technician. He also maintains communications equipment.
"I learned [area communications] systems by reading the service manuals and [on the job training] from the field service representative," Johnson said. "After about a month, I was ready to work on my own."
Navy Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Andrews is Simmons' and Johnson's division chief. He runs the communications shop for the PRT. Andrews -- a reservist from Portland, Ore. -- works as a commercial airplane pilot when he's not mobilized, flying out of a civilian airport in Texas.
"Back home, I'm a pilot for American Eagle," Andrews said. "Here, I supervise sailors in a one-stop [information technology] shop." It is hardly a desk job, said Simmons, who together with Johnson augments PRT Konar's security force by driving Humvees and handling weapons.
"I'm always helping out wherever I can," Simmons said. "I enjoyed being the ship's barber. Here, I was given the chance to work in IT, so I did it."
His fellow sailor agreed.
"I feel this job is important, and I'm glad I can help," Johnson said. "It motivates me knowing that what I do helps people to stay alive and contributes to the mission."
The capabilities these sailors provide allow Camp Wright to function as a regional IT support center, providing service to units from the surrounding areas. Andrews recalled a recent occasion in which this support proved crucial.
"A unit arrived at [5 a.m.] with a bad GPS system that rendered them mission incapable," said Andrews. "After hours of troubleshooting, we identified the problem and reconfigured their GPS. They were excited and very thankful. Helping people - that's what I love about this job." And the PRT appreciates their contributions, the PRT commander said.
"I'm proud of the soldiers and sailors at PRT Konar," Navy Cmdr. Daniel Dwyer said. "Many of them are working far outside where they normally work back at their home unit. They exhibit flexibility and commitment to helping the team and supporting the mission any way they can. I commend them for rising to the challenge."
(Navy Lt. Neil Myers serves with the Konar Provincial Reconstruction Team.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - In a perfect world, military personnel on deployment always would be assigned to jobs within their specialties. But it's not a perfect world, and some sailors assigned to provincial reconstruction teams are serving in general service positions, meaning prior military training is not required. With the robust nature of the PRT mission in Afghanistan's Konar province, some sailors find themselves contributing to the mission in ways they never imagined.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Shawn Simmons, a ship's serviceman from Sherman, Texas, stationed onboard the USS Kauffman in Norfolk, Va., is one such sailor. He was the ship's barber and storekeeper before he deployed to Afghanistan. Now, he is the PRT's computer network technician.
"I maintain the networks for PRT Konar and all units stationed at Camp Wright," said Simmons, who helps to manage the classified and unclassified intranet. He provides computer security and maintains the Internet access for the PRT. He also maintains Armed Forces Network, telephone and satellite systems.
"My PRT teammates call me the combat barber," said Simmons, who is also a licensed Humvee driver. He qualified as an expert marksman on the MK19 and 240B machine guns during pre-deployment training at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Johnson, an engineman from South Bend, Ind., is another such sailor. He is stationed at Little Creek, Va., onboard Landing Craft Assault Craft 85 and is a member of the hovercraft light crew.
Assigned to the PRT as a driver, Johnson spends his off-duty time fighting improvised explosive devices, the nemesis of drivers in the combat theater, as a counter-IED systems technician. He also maintains communications equipment.
"I learned [area communications] systems by reading the service manuals and [on the job training] from the field service representative," Johnson said. "After about a month, I was ready to work on my own."
Navy Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Andrews is Simmons' and Johnson's division chief. He runs the communications shop for the PRT. Andrews -- a reservist from Portland, Ore. -- works as a commercial airplane pilot when he's not mobilized, flying out of a civilian airport in Texas.
"Back home, I'm a pilot for American Eagle," Andrews said. "Here, I supervise sailors in a one-stop [information technology] shop." It is hardly a desk job, said Simmons, who together with Johnson augments PRT Konar's security force by driving Humvees and handling weapons.
"I'm always helping out wherever I can," Simmons said. "I enjoyed being the ship's barber. Here, I was given the chance to work in IT, so I did it."
His fellow sailor agreed.
"I feel this job is important, and I'm glad I can help," Johnson said. "It motivates me knowing that what I do helps people to stay alive and contributes to the mission."
The capabilities these sailors provide allow Camp Wright to function as a regional IT support center, providing service to units from the surrounding areas. Andrews recalled a recent occasion in which this support proved crucial.
"A unit arrived at [5 a.m.] with a bad GPS system that rendered them mission incapable," said Andrews. "After hours of troubleshooting, we identified the problem and reconfigured their GPS. They were excited and very thankful. Helping people - that's what I love about this job." And the PRT appreciates their contributions, the PRT commander said.
"I'm proud of the soldiers and sailors at PRT Konar," Navy Cmdr. Daniel Dwyer said. "Many of them are working far outside where they normally work back at their home unit. They exhibit flexibility and commitment to helping the team and supporting the mission any way they can. I commend them for rising to the challenge."
(Navy Lt. Neil Myers serves with the Konar Provincial Reconstruction Team.)
Veterans Offer Tips, Expertise on Conducting Operations During Ramadan
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is one of the most complex periods for coalition forces to conduct operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and being culturally aware of the environment is critically important, military officials at the Pentagon said. For many troops who have served in current operations in the Middle East, Ramadan has been a time of increased vigilance and cultural awareness. Although cultural awareness and sensitivity always are important facets of military operations, Ramadan poses particular challenges for which coalition forces should consider and prepare, said Army Maj. Pat Work, aide de camp for the Army secretary.
This year, Ramadan begins at sunset Aug. 31 and goes through sunrise Sept. 30. The holy month begins 11 to 12 days earlier each year, because it is based on the lunar calendar, which is 255 days long.
Because Ramadan is a time of fasting, there is less opportunity for interaction with the local populace. Local citizens, security forces and even insurgents spend their days praying, reading the Koran and participating in other Ramadan traditions. However, insurgency doesn't stop; attacks simply occur more often at night, said Work, who has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a company commander with 2nd Ranger Battalion and as a battalion operations and executive officer with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
"The situation changes, but the mission doesn't change," Work said. "The most effective Leaders are going to recognize this immediately and prepare for it accordingly."
The lack of social activity among the citizens during the daytime will offer less opportunity to gather intelligence. Units may have to adjust their patrol schedules and focus security efforts to after sunset, when Muslims gather to celebrate breaking their daily fast, he said.
Leaders should be extremely flexible with all their assets, Work said. They should consider their evacuation plans, traffic control plans, intelligences plans, curfew-enforcement plans and influence Iraqi security forces to change their schedules too. Insurgents are more vigorous when society is livelier, and large gatherings present greater targets for terrorism, Work said.
"The enemy is going to go where the people are, so [coalition forces] need to be there too," he said. "People are where the fight is won or lost, and insurgents are very aware of that. If the people gathered at night, that's obviously going to weigh into your tactical planning."
Since the window to conduct combat operations is smaller, managing operations may be more difficult. However, Army Maj. Brett Sylvia, a joint-staff officer for the Iraq Political military Affairs Division at the Pentagon, said his experiences deployed during Ramadan found the insurgency very predictable, because they, too, have limited opportunity to operate.
"[Attacks] did follow a very predictable cycle, which people, I think, are familiar with at this point," Sylvia said.
Typically, attacks occurred often during feasts and after the holy day of Friday, said Sylvia, who spent the past two Ramadans deployed to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team as a squadron, then brigade executive officer. Sylvia recalls Saturdays and Sundays as heavy attack days, especially after a particularly quiet Friday.
Although many challenges in combat operations arise during the month, the celebration creates opportunities to build and foster relations with local Leaders and citizens. Ramadan presents the chance to maximize their efforts in other ways, such as expressing respect and understanding of Islam regardless of religious preference, Sylvia said.
From a rapport-building standpoint, being able to break the fast with certain key people is important, because that's something Muslims do with close friends and people they feel are important, Sylvia said.
military Leaders should set up some type of engagement with local Leaders to invite Iraqis to break the fast with them, Sylvia said as he reflected on his most recent deployment and the effort his former brigade commander put into observing Ramadan with local leaders.
"It's an important step in terms of rapport building, in terms of demonstrating who [coalition Leaders] feel is important," he said. "It was a great opportunity to build up the stature of certain members of the community, but also to build up your own personal power base as you work yourself in with them culturally."
In today's counterinsurgency environments in Iraq and Afghanistan, having cultural awareness and sensitivity is vital to the overall mission's success as coalition forces are constantly interacting with the local populace, he said.
"Having good cultural awareness is as essential as marksmanship, because it's about the populace, and it's about intelligence," he said. "You can build trust so much more rapidly if you have demonstrated cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity."
Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam, as Muslims commemorate the birth of their holy scripture, the Koran. The observance is a celebration of peace, prayer and reconciliation. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a means of purification to attain consciousness of Allah, or God, and guard against the influence of Satan. They fast for the entire month, abstaining from eating, drinking, sex, smoking or becoming ill-tempered during the daytime, according to Islamic tradition.
Although the observance is meant to be peaceful, fighting and terrorism generally have persisted throughout past Ramadans when war and conflicts already were under way. During the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988, Iran rejected multiple offers from Iraq for Ramadan cease-fires and continued heavy fighting. Violence during Ramadan remained the norm from 1975 to 1993 during Lebanon's civil war and conflicts in Palestine. Ramadan violence occurred throughout the 1990s in Algeria with its civil war, and continued into the new millennium with U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is one of the most complex periods for coalition forces to conduct operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and being culturally aware of the environment is critically important, military officials at the Pentagon said. For many troops who have served in current operations in the Middle East, Ramadan has been a time of increased vigilance and cultural awareness. Although cultural awareness and sensitivity always are important facets of military operations, Ramadan poses particular challenges for which coalition forces should consider and prepare, said Army Maj. Pat Work, aide de camp for the Army secretary.
This year, Ramadan begins at sunset Aug. 31 and goes through sunrise Sept. 30. The holy month begins 11 to 12 days earlier each year, because it is based on the lunar calendar, which is 255 days long.
Because Ramadan is a time of fasting, there is less opportunity for interaction with the local populace. Local citizens, security forces and even insurgents spend their days praying, reading the Koran and participating in other Ramadan traditions. However, insurgency doesn't stop; attacks simply occur more often at night, said Work, who has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a company commander with 2nd Ranger Battalion and as a battalion operations and executive officer with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
"The situation changes, but the mission doesn't change," Work said. "The most effective Leaders are going to recognize this immediately and prepare for it accordingly."
The lack of social activity among the citizens during the daytime will offer less opportunity to gather intelligence. Units may have to adjust their patrol schedules and focus security efforts to after sunset, when Muslims gather to celebrate breaking their daily fast, he said.
Leaders should be extremely flexible with all their assets, Work said. They should consider their evacuation plans, traffic control plans, intelligences plans, curfew-enforcement plans and influence Iraqi security forces to change their schedules too. Insurgents are more vigorous when society is livelier, and large gatherings present greater targets for terrorism, Work said.
"The enemy is going to go where the people are, so [coalition forces] need to be there too," he said. "People are where the fight is won or lost, and insurgents are very aware of that. If the people gathered at night, that's obviously going to weigh into your tactical planning."
Since the window to conduct combat operations is smaller, managing operations may be more difficult. However, Army Maj. Brett Sylvia, a joint-staff officer for the Iraq Political military Affairs Division at the Pentagon, said his experiences deployed during Ramadan found the insurgency very predictable, because they, too, have limited opportunity to operate.
"[Attacks] did follow a very predictable cycle, which people, I think, are familiar with at this point," Sylvia said.
Typically, attacks occurred often during feasts and after the holy day of Friday, said Sylvia, who spent the past two Ramadans deployed to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team as a squadron, then brigade executive officer. Sylvia recalls Saturdays and Sundays as heavy attack days, especially after a particularly quiet Friday.
Although many challenges in combat operations arise during the month, the celebration creates opportunities to build and foster relations with local Leaders and citizens. Ramadan presents the chance to maximize their efforts in other ways, such as expressing respect and understanding of Islam regardless of religious preference, Sylvia said.
From a rapport-building standpoint, being able to break the fast with certain key people is important, because that's something Muslims do with close friends and people they feel are important, Sylvia said.
military Leaders should set up some type of engagement with local Leaders to invite Iraqis to break the fast with them, Sylvia said as he reflected on his most recent deployment and the effort his former brigade commander put into observing Ramadan with local leaders.
"It's an important step in terms of rapport building, in terms of demonstrating who [coalition Leaders] feel is important," he said. "It was a great opportunity to build up the stature of certain members of the community, but also to build up your own personal power base as you work yourself in with them culturally."
In today's counterinsurgency environments in Iraq and Afghanistan, having cultural awareness and sensitivity is vital to the overall mission's success as coalition forces are constantly interacting with the local populace, he said.
"Having good cultural awareness is as essential as marksmanship, because it's about the populace, and it's about intelligence," he said. "You can build trust so much more rapidly if you have demonstrated cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity."
Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam, as Muslims commemorate the birth of their holy scripture, the Koran. The observance is a celebration of peace, prayer and reconciliation. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a means of purification to attain consciousness of Allah, or God, and guard against the influence of Satan. They fast for the entire month, abstaining from eating, drinking, sex, smoking or becoming ill-tempered during the daytime, according to Islamic tradition.
Although the observance is meant to be peaceful, fighting and terrorism generally have persisted throughout past Ramadans when war and conflicts already were under way. During the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988, Iran rejected multiple offers from Iraq for Ramadan cease-fires and continued heavy fighting. Violence during Ramadan remained the norm from 1975 to 1993 during Lebanon's civil war and conflicts in Palestine. Ramadan violence occurred throughout the 1990s in Algeria with its civil war, and continued into the new millennium with U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Iraqi Forces Struggle to Find Physicians for Medical System
By Kristen Noel
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - Though Iraq's military medical system has gained significant capability over the past five years, recruiting qualified physicians remains a challenge, the coalition's top advisor to the Iraqi surgeon general said. Only 160 out of 800 available positions for physicians in the Iraqi military medical system have been filled, U.S. Army Col. (Dr.) John Powell, director of health affairs for Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, told bloggers and online journalists in a teleconference Aug. 26.
"The biggest piece right now," Powell said, "is personnel ... who have medical capabilities, who can do what's necessary to diagnose people and take care of them."
Powell said the Iraqi government hopes to entice physicians, who fled Iraq to neighboring countries, to return now that Iraq is more secure. The Iraqi Defense Ministry has a pending law offering special incentives to physicians who serve the military medical system, he said.
"They're working hard to get the people to come back who are trained and outside," Powell said. "And, mostly, those are senior folks that can come in and teach and help get things back on what we would call a direct road for taking care of folks."
However, he said, limits to the salaries Iraq's government can offer returning physicians may become an issue. "Right now, it's a matter of 'Can you pay what I can make someplace else?' and, probably, the answer is 'No,'" He acknowledged. "But that said, there's a lot of these people who want to come home."
Iraq also is growing its own new generation of physicians, Powell said, through its "very capable" medical school in Baghdad, though courses are taught in English, which makes it difficult for native-Arabic speakers.
"I find it kind of interesting how difficult they have [it], as far as getting through school goes, and learning everything and trying to put it back and forth into Arabic," Powell said. "But, they are growing their own physicians, and they're good physicians."
Despite the persistent challenge finding doctors, Powell said, the Iraqi military medical system has grown significantly in other areas since he was last in Iraq five years ago.
Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Samir A. Hassan, the surgeon general of Iraq's armed forces, had almost no capabilities and only a couple staff members five years ago, Powell recalled. Today, he said, Hassan has 70 staff members with expertise in multiple areas including logistics, training, and long-term teaching and capabilities.
In the field, he continued, Iraq's military medical system now employs around 100 nurses and about 2,000 employees in support positions, such as administrators, phlebotomists and ambulance drivers.
Along with the 160 physicians, Powell explained, these individuals run clinics located throughout Iraq, where active-duty Iraqi military and police are treated.
Powell assured that Hassan has a clear direction for Iraq's military medical system. However, he said, more physicians are needed before some of the surgeon general's loftier goals – such as extending care to military family members and widespread immunizations – can be realized.
(Kristen Noel works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - Though Iraq's military medical system has gained significant capability over the past five years, recruiting qualified physicians remains a challenge, the coalition's top advisor to the Iraqi surgeon general said. Only 160 out of 800 available positions for physicians in the Iraqi military medical system have been filled, U.S. Army Col. (Dr.) John Powell, director of health affairs for Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, told bloggers and online journalists in a teleconference Aug. 26.
"The biggest piece right now," Powell said, "is personnel ... who have medical capabilities, who can do what's necessary to diagnose people and take care of them."
Powell said the Iraqi government hopes to entice physicians, who fled Iraq to neighboring countries, to return now that Iraq is more secure. The Iraqi Defense Ministry has a pending law offering special incentives to physicians who serve the military medical system, he said.
"They're working hard to get the people to come back who are trained and outside," Powell said. "And, mostly, those are senior folks that can come in and teach and help get things back on what we would call a direct road for taking care of folks."
However, he said, limits to the salaries Iraq's government can offer returning physicians may become an issue. "Right now, it's a matter of 'Can you pay what I can make someplace else?' and, probably, the answer is 'No,'" He acknowledged. "But that said, there's a lot of these people who want to come home."
Iraq also is growing its own new generation of physicians, Powell said, through its "very capable" medical school in Baghdad, though courses are taught in English, which makes it difficult for native-Arabic speakers.
"I find it kind of interesting how difficult they have [it], as far as getting through school goes, and learning everything and trying to put it back and forth into Arabic," Powell said. "But, they are growing their own physicians, and they're good physicians."
Despite the persistent challenge finding doctors, Powell said, the Iraqi military medical system has grown significantly in other areas since he was last in Iraq five years ago.
Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Samir A. Hassan, the surgeon general of Iraq's armed forces, had almost no capabilities and only a couple staff members five years ago, Powell recalled. Today, he said, Hassan has 70 staff members with expertise in multiple areas including logistics, training, and long-term teaching and capabilities.
In the field, he continued, Iraq's military medical system now employs around 100 nurses and about 2,000 employees in support positions, such as administrators, phlebotomists and ambulance drivers.
Along with the 160 physicians, Powell explained, these individuals run clinics located throughout Iraq, where active-duty Iraqi military and police are treated.
Powell assured that Hassan has a clear direction for Iraq's military medical system. However, he said, more physicians are needed before some of the surgeon general's loftier goals – such as extending care to military family members and widespread immunizations – can be realized.
(Kristen Noel works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
U.S. Troops in Middle East Must Understand Ramadan, Chaplain Says
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - With more than 250,000 U.S. troops serving throughout the Middle East -- including Iraq and Afghanistan -- a U.S. Army Muslim chaplain said the need for understanding Islamic culture is as important as basic soldiering skills. One of the most important aspects in Islam is the month-long Ramadan observance. For Muslims, Ramadan is considered to be the holiest time of the year, as the lunar month is intended to be a celebration of peace, prayer and reconciliation, said Army Chaplain (Capt.) Mohammed Khan, assigned to the 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Today, more than 1 billion people around the world, including nearly 5,000 active duty and reserve-component U.S. military members, are estimated to be followers of Islam.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic, or lunar, calendar. The calendar is based on the cycle of the moon, and unlike the more-widely used Gregorian, or solar, calendar, which is 365 days long, is only 255. Because of the shorter year, the dates for Ramadan begin 11 to 12 days earlier each year, according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, Ramadan falls from sunset Aug. 31 through sunrise Sept. 30.
The significance of Ramadan dates back to the year Ramadan 610 in the 7th century A.D. Muslims believe that is when the initial verses of the Koran were sent to Earth from the heavens – when the Angel Gabriel visited Muhammad and imparted the words of God, or Allah, to him that would eventually become Islam's holy scripture, according to Islamic tradition.
Muhammad, the central human figure in Islam believed to be God's final and greatest messenger, began preaching Allah's message from the angel. He told his followers that the gates of heaven would be open and the gates of hell would be locked during the entire month of Ramadan. He is also believed to have stressed the importance of fasting and piety during this period, Khan said.
Muslims observe the month by fasting, which is one of the five pillars, or guiding principles, of Islam. They fast daily from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from eating, drinking (including water), sex, smoking or becoming ill-tempered as a means of purification to attain consciousness of Allah and guard against the influence of Satan.
"For Muslims, it is not how long one can fast, it is how well he or she can follow the guidance of Allah," Khan said. "One of the important benefits of the fast is to bring to mind the hardships of the less fortunate members of the society, which makes humans more aware and more sympathetic to the needs of others."
Certain groups of people, however, are exempt from fasting, such as the sick, those traveling more than 50 miles, pregnant or breast-feeding women, and women in their monthly menstruation cycle, Khan explained.
Full exemption is granted to those permanently incapacitated because of old age, disease or interrupted hard labor. But exempt Muslims must substitute each day they cannot fast by feeding a hungry person or paying the cost of food sufficient to provide an average person a modest meal, he added.
If possible, Muslims should provide help for the less fortunate, such as feeding them or performing other good deeds during Ramadan. Muslims and their communities are encouraged to make amends, treat others well and place emphasis in acknowledging basic family values, he said.
"Ramadan serves as a periodic adjustment for proper human balance," the chaplain said. "This state ultimately allows individuals to gain self-mastery and total control over their heated desires, selfish appetites and other urges that dominate the life of every woman and man in this society. Muslims deny the body those things which are normally lawful in order to strengthen the total self against all that is unlawful."
During the last 10 days of Ramadan, reward for prayer and good actions increases as the "Night of Power," or Laylatul Qadr, occurs on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or the 29th of Ramadan, which is said to be better than a thousand months. It's unknown when exactly this night is, so Muslims are expected to increase prayer efforts on these days.
The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates the end of the fast and Ramadan. The festival lasts for three days and is observed by joyful celebration of enhanced piety, moral victory, peace, and fellowship, Khan said. "The feast brings families and friends together," he added.
"During Ramadan, Muslims sacrifice time from their usual pastimes in order to increase their spiritual growth," Khan said. "The extra time is to be spent praying, reading the Holy Koran and re-establishing proper management over every aspect of one's life."
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - With more than 250,000 U.S. troops serving throughout the Middle East -- including Iraq and Afghanistan -- a U.S. Army Muslim chaplain said the need for understanding Islamic culture is as important as basic soldiering skills. One of the most important aspects in Islam is the month-long Ramadan observance. For Muslims, Ramadan is considered to be the holiest time of the year, as the lunar month is intended to be a celebration of peace, prayer and reconciliation, said Army Chaplain (Capt.) Mohammed Khan, assigned to the 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Today, more than 1 billion people around the world, including nearly 5,000 active duty and reserve-component U.S. military members, are estimated to be followers of Islam.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic, or lunar, calendar. The calendar is based on the cycle of the moon, and unlike the more-widely used Gregorian, or solar, calendar, which is 365 days long, is only 255. Because of the shorter year, the dates for Ramadan begin 11 to 12 days earlier each year, according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, Ramadan falls from sunset Aug. 31 through sunrise Sept. 30.
The significance of Ramadan dates back to the year Ramadan 610 in the 7th century A.D. Muslims believe that is when the initial verses of the Koran were sent to Earth from the heavens – when the Angel Gabriel visited Muhammad and imparted the words of God, or Allah, to him that would eventually become Islam's holy scripture, according to Islamic tradition.
Muhammad, the central human figure in Islam believed to be God's final and greatest messenger, began preaching Allah's message from the angel. He told his followers that the gates of heaven would be open and the gates of hell would be locked during the entire month of Ramadan. He is also believed to have stressed the importance of fasting and piety during this period, Khan said.
Muslims observe the month by fasting, which is one of the five pillars, or guiding principles, of Islam. They fast daily from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from eating, drinking (including water), sex, smoking or becoming ill-tempered as a means of purification to attain consciousness of Allah and guard against the influence of Satan.
"For Muslims, it is not how long one can fast, it is how well he or she can follow the guidance of Allah," Khan said. "One of the important benefits of the fast is to bring to mind the hardships of the less fortunate members of the society, which makes humans more aware and more sympathetic to the needs of others."
Certain groups of people, however, are exempt from fasting, such as the sick, those traveling more than 50 miles, pregnant or breast-feeding women, and women in their monthly menstruation cycle, Khan explained.
Full exemption is granted to those permanently incapacitated because of old age, disease or interrupted hard labor. But exempt Muslims must substitute each day they cannot fast by feeding a hungry person or paying the cost of food sufficient to provide an average person a modest meal, he added.
If possible, Muslims should provide help for the less fortunate, such as feeding them or performing other good deeds during Ramadan. Muslims and their communities are encouraged to make amends, treat others well and place emphasis in acknowledging basic family values, he said.
"Ramadan serves as a periodic adjustment for proper human balance," the chaplain said. "This state ultimately allows individuals to gain self-mastery and total control over their heated desires, selfish appetites and other urges that dominate the life of every woman and man in this society. Muslims deny the body those things which are normally lawful in order to strengthen the total self against all that is unlawful."
During the last 10 days of Ramadan, reward for prayer and good actions increases as the "Night of Power," or Laylatul Qadr, occurs on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or the 29th of Ramadan, which is said to be better than a thousand months. It's unknown when exactly this night is, so Muslims are expected to increase prayer efforts on these days.
The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates the end of the fast and Ramadan. The festival lasts for three days and is observed by joyful celebration of enhanced piety, moral victory, peace, and fellowship, Khan said. "The feast brings families and friends together," he added.
"During Ramadan, Muslims sacrifice time from their usual pastimes in order to increase their spiritual growth," Khan said. "The extra time is to be spent praying, reading the Holy Koran and re-establishing proper management over every aspect of one's life."
Apache Squadron Aids Iraqi Security Progress
By Army Sgt. Dale Sweetnam
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - The view from the sky indicates the tide in Iraq may be turning. Soldiers of 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, made the move from Camp Taji to Camp Stryker at the Baghdad International Airport about a month ago. Army Maj. Parker Frawley, the unit's operations officer, said the squadron already is seeing the difference U.S. forces are making across Iraq.
In Camp Taji, 4-3rd ACR was involved in an intense battle for Sadr City. The soldiers fought daily, to defeat Iranian-backed "special groups" in Baghdad's Sadr City district and to eliminate the indirect-fire threat to Baghdad.
"Obviously, during that time frame, the fight in Sadr City was a very kinetic fight," Frawley said.
The unit moved to Camp Striker and Multinational Division Center, where its AH-64D Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk pilots are experiencing a different pace. In its new home, the squadron is part of Task Force 49, Multinational Division Center Combat Aviation Brigade.
Frawley said threats from roadside bombs and direct and indirect fire are fewer in Multinational Division Center than what the squadron experienced in Sadr City. The aircraft that once fought constantly in a small geographic region now are responsible for a much larger area; they support ground forces by providing surveillance and reconnaissance.
"With the threat of these areas being lower and the ground guys focusing more on nonlethal operations, we, of course, conduct fewer lethal operations as well," he said. "If you look at the big picture, the less we have to shoot and destroy targets or kill insurgents indicates that we are getting closer to mission success in Iraq."
Frawley said the changing operational tempo in Multinational Division Center also has allowed the squadron to catch up on maintenance and give the pilots a break.
"The changing nature of our attack and reconnaissance missions reflects a greater level of security among the people, a demonstrated capability of the Iraqi police and Army, and a general improvement in the daily lives of the population," Army Col. Chandler C. Sherrell, Task Force 49 commander, said. "This would not be possible without the continued efforts of our ground partners to transition security to the Iraqis and aid in the economic development of their areas. These positive trends have allowed us to provide a greater degree of overwatch and a reduced level of direct action."
This shift in focus for 4-3rd ACR was recently highlighted by its involvement in the Aug. 16 celebration of the Birth of the 12th Imam, an important Muslim holiday that draws hundreds of thousands of Shiia pilgrims to Karbala each year. In previous years, daily reconnaissance patrols were necessary to provide surveillance of the crowds and early warning of any potential threats to the Iraqis participating in the pilgrimage. This year, the squadron's mission remained more of an overwatch, as Iraqi ground and air assets led the security efforts.
"Because of the progress of the Iraqis and their ability to handle their own internal affairs with minimal coalition support, the decision was made to minimize our presence around Karbala," Frawley said. "It bolsters the Iraqi's confidence -- not only the Iraqi security forces' confidence, but [also] the confidence of the Iraqi population in the security forces' ability to do its job.
"It's a success story," he added. "Any responsibilities we can hand over to the Iraqis that they can execute with a degree of success, gets us closer to mission completion here."
(Army Sgt. Dale Sweetnam serves in the Task Force 49 Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - The view from the sky indicates the tide in Iraq may be turning. Soldiers of 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, made the move from Camp Taji to Camp Stryker at the Baghdad International Airport about a month ago. Army Maj. Parker Frawley, the unit's operations officer, said the squadron already is seeing the difference U.S. forces are making across Iraq.
In Camp Taji, 4-3rd ACR was involved in an intense battle for Sadr City. The soldiers fought daily, to defeat Iranian-backed "special groups" in Baghdad's Sadr City district and to eliminate the indirect-fire threat to Baghdad.
"Obviously, during that time frame, the fight in Sadr City was a very kinetic fight," Frawley said.
The unit moved to Camp Striker and Multinational Division Center, where its AH-64D Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk pilots are experiencing a different pace. In its new home, the squadron is part of Task Force 49, Multinational Division Center Combat Aviation Brigade.
Frawley said threats from roadside bombs and direct and indirect fire are fewer in Multinational Division Center than what the squadron experienced in Sadr City. The aircraft that once fought constantly in a small geographic region now are responsible for a much larger area; they support ground forces by providing surveillance and reconnaissance.
"With the threat of these areas being lower and the ground guys focusing more on nonlethal operations, we, of course, conduct fewer lethal operations as well," he said. "If you look at the big picture, the less we have to shoot and destroy targets or kill insurgents indicates that we are getting closer to mission success in Iraq."
Frawley said the changing operational tempo in Multinational Division Center also has allowed the squadron to catch up on maintenance and give the pilots a break.
"The changing nature of our attack and reconnaissance missions reflects a greater level of security among the people, a demonstrated capability of the Iraqi police and Army, and a general improvement in the daily lives of the population," Army Col. Chandler C. Sherrell, Task Force 49 commander, said. "This would not be possible without the continued efforts of our ground partners to transition security to the Iraqis and aid in the economic development of their areas. These positive trends have allowed us to provide a greater degree of overwatch and a reduced level of direct action."
This shift in focus for 4-3rd ACR was recently highlighted by its involvement in the Aug. 16 celebration of the Birth of the 12th Imam, an important Muslim holiday that draws hundreds of thousands of Shiia pilgrims to Karbala each year. In previous years, daily reconnaissance patrols were necessary to provide surveillance of the crowds and early warning of any potential threats to the Iraqis participating in the pilgrimage. This year, the squadron's mission remained more of an overwatch, as Iraqi ground and air assets led the security efforts.
"Because of the progress of the Iraqis and their ability to handle their own internal affairs with minimal coalition support, the decision was made to minimize our presence around Karbala," Frawley said. "It bolsters the Iraqi's confidence -- not only the Iraqi security forces' confidence, but [also] the confidence of the Iraqi population in the security forces' ability to do its job.
"It's a success story," he added. "Any responsibilities we can hand over to the Iraqis that they can execute with a degree of success, gets us closer to mission completion here."
(Army Sgt. Dale Sweetnam serves in the Task Force 49 Public Affairs Office.)
Pentagon Sept. 11 Memorial: A Place to 'Remember, Reflect, Renew'
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - The husband-and-wife team who designed the Pentagon Memorial spent a gray, misty afternoon with their creation yesterday, just two weeks before its public opening. Keith Kaseman's and Julie Beckman's proposal for the memorial's design was chosen from more than 1,100 submissions in March 2003. Soon afterward, the New Yorkers moved to Alexandria, Va., near Washington, where for more than three years they worked with construction plans and fine-tuned design details.
The memorial, Beckman said as she strolled across the grounds with her husband, will provide a "very special place on Earth" dedicated to the memory of the 184 people who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon.
The memorial "is very contemplative, very peaceful," Beckman observed.
Located just outside the Pentagon, the memorial park features 184 granite-topped, stainless-steel "sculptural elements," said Jean Barnak, the Defense Department's project manager for the memorial. These elements, she said, represent the 125 lives lost in the Pentagon and the 59 deaths aboard American Airlines Flight 77 when terrorists plunged the plane into the Pentagon's west wall.
Each element has a reflecting pool of water at its base, Barnak said, which is flood-lit in the evening. The families of the attack victims also had a hand in the memorial's design, she said.
"Throughout the whole process, the families wanted to make sure that the designers were creating a park where people could come and remember and reflect and renew," Barnak said.
Kaseman, the memorial's co-designer, said he and his wife employed a sophisticated, three-dimensional, computer-aided design program during the memorial's modeling process. Such precision was necessary, he pointed out, noting that each sculptural element contains eight primary structural components involving 28 different companies.
"That's just one example of how unique and challenging" the project was, Kaseman said. "So, it's a major success on an intellectual front, as well."
Barnak said she's very pleased with the memorial, noting that its gracefully curved structures, trees, and the soft sound of rushing water from the reflecting pools combine to produce a sense of peace and tranquility.
"I am conscious of the fact that this park does do that for people when they come out here," Barnak said.
The memorial will be officially dedicated at a Sept. 11 ceremony hosted by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. Thereafter, it will be open to the public 24 hours a day.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - The husband-and-wife team who designed the Pentagon Memorial spent a gray, misty afternoon with their creation yesterday, just two weeks before its public opening. Keith Kaseman's and Julie Beckman's proposal for the memorial's design was chosen from more than 1,100 submissions in March 2003. Soon afterward, the New Yorkers moved to Alexandria, Va., near Washington, where for more than three years they worked with construction plans and fine-tuned design details.
The memorial, Beckman said as she strolled across the grounds with her husband, will provide a "very special place on Earth" dedicated to the memory of the 184 people who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon.
The memorial "is very contemplative, very peaceful," Beckman observed.
Located just outside the Pentagon, the memorial park features 184 granite-topped, stainless-steel "sculptural elements," said Jean Barnak, the Defense Department's project manager for the memorial. These elements, she said, represent the 125 lives lost in the Pentagon and the 59 deaths aboard American Airlines Flight 77 when terrorists plunged the plane into the Pentagon's west wall.
Each element has a reflecting pool of water at its base, Barnak said, which is flood-lit in the evening. The families of the attack victims also had a hand in the memorial's design, she said.
"Throughout the whole process, the families wanted to make sure that the designers were creating a park where people could come and remember and reflect and renew," Barnak said.
Kaseman, the memorial's co-designer, said he and his wife employed a sophisticated, three-dimensional, computer-aided design program during the memorial's modeling process. Such precision was necessary, he pointed out, noting that each sculptural element contains eight primary structural components involving 28 different companies.
"That's just one example of how unique and challenging" the project was, Kaseman said. "So, it's a major success on an intellectual front, as well."
Barnak said she's very pleased with the memorial, noting that its gracefully curved structures, trees, and the soft sound of rushing water from the reflecting pools combine to produce a sense of peace and tranquility.
"I am conscious of the fact that this park does do that for people when they come out here," Barnak said.
The memorial will be officially dedicated at a Sept. 11 ceremony hosted by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. Thereafter, it will be open to the public 24 hours a day.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. David K. Cooper, 25, of Williamsburg, Ky., died Aug. 27 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered in Qadasiyah, Iraq, when his dismounted patrol came under small arms fire. He was assigned to Forward Support Company, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Sgt. David K. Cooper, 25, of Williamsburg, Ky., died Aug. 27 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered in Qadasiyah, Iraq, when his dismounted patrol came under small arms fire. He was assigned to Forward Support Company, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Michael L. Gonzalez, 20, of Spotswood, N.J., died Aug. 28 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 340th Military Police Company, Fort Totten, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Monmouth public affairs office at (732) 532-1258; after hours (732) 371-2901.
Spc. Michael L. Gonzalez, 20, of Spotswood, N.J., died Aug. 28 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 340th Military Police Company, Fort Totten, N.Y.
For more information media may contact the Fort Monmouth public affairs office at (732) 532-1258; after hours (732) 371-2901.
Marines Stay Focused on Afghan Police Mission
By Navy Seaman William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - U.S. Marines in Afghanistan face daunting challenges in legitimizing the Afghan police and turning them into an effective counter-terrorist force, but perseverance and focus have served them well, a Marine officer said Aug. 27. "Probably the biggest challenge has been the size of our area of operations," Marine Corps Lt. Col. Richard D. Hall, commander of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, said during a call with online journalists and military bloggers. "And to answer how we've overcome that challenge, I summed it up in one word: Marines."
Hall's unit has responsibility for recruiting, training and mentoring the Afghan National police and turning them into a credible force that the Afghan populace views as honest and capable.
"We want them to become a more proficient, respectable and legitimate force, which is really an extension of the government on the district level," Hall said. Significant progress has been made on the training mission, but full recognition by Afghan citizens will take time, he added.
On a more specific level, Hall said, the Marines face difficulties recruiting the right blend of people to keep the force geographically balanced.
"We can't always have the right amount of recruits out of each district, so we have to recruit from other districts," Hall said. "When they go through the training and come back, those ANP have an expectation that they are going to go back to the district they came from, and sometimes we cannot do that."
Fielding an appropriate number of coalition and Afghan forces to counter terrorists across a massive territory remains another challenge, Hall explained.
He added that more forces will be coming to extend security zones, as well as to assume control of other districts, which will restrict the enemy's movement.
Still, he noted, "The solution isn't going to be so much the numbers of people that you bring in here. ... It is the effect on the people that we have in the context of doing our mission, which is, I call it, turning four into 40.
"The bottom line is, we want to give these people liberty," he continued. "To create conditions where they can take responsibility of their own affairs and provide for their own future."
(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 29, 2008 - U.S. Marines in Afghanistan face daunting challenges in legitimizing the Afghan police and turning them into an effective counter-terrorist force, but perseverance and focus have served them well, a Marine officer said Aug. 27. "Probably the biggest challenge has been the size of our area of operations," Marine Corps Lt. Col. Richard D. Hall, commander of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, said during a call with online journalists and military bloggers. "And to answer how we've overcome that challenge, I summed it up in one word: Marines."
Hall's unit has responsibility for recruiting, training and mentoring the Afghan National police and turning them into a credible force that the Afghan populace views as honest and capable.
"We want them to become a more proficient, respectable and legitimate force, which is really an extension of the government on the district level," Hall said. Significant progress has been made on the training mission, but full recognition by Afghan citizens will take time, he added.
On a more specific level, Hall said, the Marines face difficulties recruiting the right blend of people to keep the force geographically balanced.
"We can't always have the right amount of recruits out of each district, so we have to recruit from other districts," Hall said. "When they go through the training and come back, those ANP have an expectation that they are going to go back to the district they came from, and sometimes we cannot do that."
Fielding an appropriate number of coalition and Afghan forces to counter terrorists across a massive territory remains another challenge, Hall explained.
He added that more forces will be coming to extend security zones, as well as to assume control of other districts, which will restrict the enemy's movement.
Still, he noted, "The solution isn't going to be so much the numbers of people that you bring in here. ... It is the effect on the people that we have in the context of doing our mission, which is, I call it, turning four into 40.
"The bottom line is, we want to give these people liberty," he continued. "To create conditions where they can take responsibility of their own affairs and provide for their own future."
(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Pvt. Tan Q. Ngo, 20, of Beaverton, Ore., died Aug. 27 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, when his mounted patrol received small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Hohenfels, 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.
Pvt. Tan Q. Ngo, 20, of Beaverton, Ore., died Aug. 27 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, when his mounted patrol received small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Hohenfels, 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.
Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill More Than 100 Enemy Fighters
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 28, 2008 - Afghan and coalition forces killed more than 100 enemy fighters during combat operations in Afghanistan's Helmand province over the last three days, military officials reported. Afghan and coalition forces were conducting security patrols related to an ongoing operation in the province when they were attacked multiple times by insurgents using small-arms, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire, sparking numerous engagements, officials said.
The patrols returned fire and called in close-air support.
Elsewhere, two militants were detained and one was killed during a coalition forces operation to disrupt militant activities in Paktika province yesterday.
Coalition forces searched compounds in Gayan district, targeting an individual affiliated with anti-coalition militant leaders facilitating the movement of foreign fighters from Pakistan into Afghanistan. A militant was killed by small-arms fire when he attacked the coalition forces as they searched the compounds.
Aug. 28, 2008 - Afghan and coalition forces killed more than 100 enemy fighters during combat operations in Afghanistan's Helmand province over the last three days, military officials reported. Afghan and coalition forces were conducting security patrols related to an ongoing operation in the province when they were attacked multiple times by insurgents using small-arms, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire, sparking numerous engagements, officials said.
The patrols returned fire and called in close-air support.
Elsewhere, two militants were detained and one was killed during a coalition forces operation to disrupt militant activities in Paktika province yesterday.
Coalition forces searched compounds in Gayan district, targeting an individual affiliated with anti-coalition militant leaders facilitating the movement of foreign fighters from Pakistan into Afghanistan. A militant was killed by small-arms fire when he attacked the coalition forces as they searched the compounds.
New Air Force Weapon Makes Combat Debut in Iraq
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Don Branum
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 28, 2008 - Coalition air forces in Iraq unleashed a new precision-guided weapon against enemy forces Aug. 12 when two F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots with the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron here executed the first combat employment of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition against a moving enemy vehicle in Diyala province.
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The GBU-54 is the Air Force's newest 500-pound precision weapon, equipped with a targeting system that uses a combination of GPS and laser guidance to accurately engage and destroy moving targets.
"This employment first represents a great step in our Air Force's ability to deliver precise effects across the spectrum of combat," Air Force Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, U.S. Air Forces Central commander, said. "The first combat employment of this weapon is the validation of the exacting hard work of an entire team of professionals who developed, tested and fielded this weapon on an extremely short timeline, based on an urgent needs request we established in the combat zone."
When the GBU-54 was identified as an urgent operational need in early 2007, the Air Force completed its development and testing cycle in less than 17 months, fielding it aboard 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing aircraft in May.
"We have consistently used precision-guided weapons to engage stationary threats with superb combat effects," Air Force Brig. Gen. Brian T. Bishop, 332nd AEW commander, said. "This weapon allows our combat pilots to engage a broad range of moving targets with dramatically increased capabilities, and it increases our ability to strike the enemy throughout a much, much broader engagement envelope."
Teamwork in all aspects, from development to employment, was crucial, North said.
"From the experts in our Air Force Materiel Command who shaped our requirements, then developed, tested and fielded the weapon, to our aircraft maintainers, our munitions airmen, and weapons loaders and everyone in between, they made the operational employment of this weapon possible," North said.
On Aug. 12, the joint terminal attack controller's team worked with the ground unit commander to ensure all criteria were met for the weapon's first combat delivery, the general said. "And finally, our F-16 pilot accurately and precisely delivered and guided the weapon to desired weapons effects, the disabling and destruction of an enemy vehicle and personnel," he added.
(Air Force Staff Sgt. Don Branum serves in the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 28, 2008 - Coalition air forces in Iraq unleashed a new precision-guided weapon against enemy forces Aug. 12 when two F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots with the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron here executed the first combat employment of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition against a moving enemy vehicle in Diyala province.
.
The GBU-54 is the Air Force's newest 500-pound precision weapon, equipped with a targeting system that uses a combination of GPS and laser guidance to accurately engage and destroy moving targets.
"This employment first represents a great step in our Air Force's ability to deliver precise effects across the spectrum of combat," Air Force Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, U.S. Air Forces Central commander, said. "The first combat employment of this weapon is the validation of the exacting hard work of an entire team of professionals who developed, tested and fielded this weapon on an extremely short timeline, based on an urgent needs request we established in the combat zone."
When the GBU-54 was identified as an urgent operational need in early 2007, the Air Force completed its development and testing cycle in less than 17 months, fielding it aboard 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing aircraft in May.
"We have consistently used precision-guided weapons to engage stationary threats with superb combat effects," Air Force Brig. Gen. Brian T. Bishop, 332nd AEW commander, said. "This weapon allows our combat pilots to engage a broad range of moving targets with dramatically increased capabilities, and it increases our ability to strike the enemy throughout a much, much broader engagement envelope."
Teamwork in all aspects, from development to employment, was crucial, North said.
"From the experts in our Air Force Materiel Command who shaped our requirements, then developed, tested and fielded the weapon, to our aircraft maintainers, our munitions airmen, and weapons loaders and everyone in between, they made the operational employment of this weapon possible," North said.
On Aug. 12, the joint terminal attack controller's team worked with the ground unit commander to ensure all criteria were met for the weapon's first combat delivery, the general said. "And finally, our F-16 pilot accurately and precisely delivered and guided the weapon to desired weapons effects, the disabling and destruction of an enemy vehicle and personnel," he added.
(Air Force Staff Sgt. Don Branum serves in the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office.)
Rejuvenated Iraqi National Police Now 'Force of Choice,' General Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 28, 2008 - The Iraqi National Police once owned an unenviable reputation for unreliability, but that has all changed, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said today. "The National Police, a force that had an unacceptable reputation and performance less than 15 months ago, is now the Iraq Police force of choice," Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick told reporters at a Baghdad news conference. Helmick commands Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, which, through its NATO component, trains Iraqi police and soldiers.
The National Police, once considered a corrupt, inefficient organization tainted by ethnic, religious and sectarian politics, has been remade into a "professional, competent and reliable Police force," Helmick said. Today's National Police force, Helmick told reporters, is no longer an ethnic, religious or sectarian organization.
"It is a security force composed of Iraqis for Iraqis," Helmick said, noting the Iraqi Interior Ministry has hired and trained more than 70,000 new police officers since June 2007. Thousands of other Iraqi Police already on the beat, he added, have benefited from increased training.
The overhaul of the National Police force "is illustrative of the commitment made by the government of Iraq to provide security and stability to their citizens," Helmick said.
Helmick credited Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bulani for the National Police's dramatic improvement. The Iraqi minister had recently returned to Iraq from a trip to the United States to meet with senior U.S. government officials. Bulani "is leading the way for all Iraqi Police forces," Helmick said, "so that they continue to be well-trained, well-equipped ... [and serve as] a professional and credible force that Iraqi citizens can count on."
Reforms implemented across the National Police force have led to better officer vetting, training and replacement systems, Bulani, who accompanied Helmick at the news conference, told reporters.
"These measures [and] policies are continuously developing," the Iraqi interior minister said. Meanwhile, he said, the National Police and other Iraqi law enforcement agencies continue to improve.
Helmick said he is optimistic about the National Police's continued development in capability and professionalism.
"Together, we will build on the successes of the past, so we continue to progress in the future," the three-star general said. "I am grateful to Minister Bulani for his leadership in this endeavor."
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 28, 2008 - The Iraqi National Police once owned an unenviable reputation for unreliability, but that has all changed, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said today. "The National Police, a force that had an unacceptable reputation and performance less than 15 months ago, is now the Iraq Police force of choice," Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick told reporters at a Baghdad news conference. Helmick commands Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, which, through its NATO component, trains Iraqi police and soldiers.
The National Police, once considered a corrupt, inefficient organization tainted by ethnic, religious and sectarian politics, has been remade into a "professional, competent and reliable Police force," Helmick said. Today's National Police force, Helmick told reporters, is no longer an ethnic, religious or sectarian organization.
"It is a security force composed of Iraqis for Iraqis," Helmick said, noting the Iraqi Interior Ministry has hired and trained more than 70,000 new police officers since June 2007. Thousands of other Iraqi Police already on the beat, he added, have benefited from increased training.
The overhaul of the National Police force "is illustrative of the commitment made by the government of Iraq to provide security and stability to their citizens," Helmick said.
Helmick credited Iraqi Interior Minister Jawad al-Bulani for the National Police's dramatic improvement. The Iraqi minister had recently returned to Iraq from a trip to the United States to meet with senior U.S. government officials. Bulani "is leading the way for all Iraqi Police forces," Helmick said, "so that they continue to be well-trained, well-equipped ... [and serve as] a professional and credible force that Iraqi citizens can count on."
Reforms implemented across the National Police force have led to better officer vetting, training and replacement systems, Bulani, who accompanied Helmick at the news conference, told reporters.
"These measures [and] policies are continuously developing," the Iraqi interior minister said. Meanwhile, he said, the National Police and other Iraqi law enforcement agencies continue to improve.
Helmick said he is optimistic about the National Police's continued development in capability and professionalism.
"Together, we will build on the successes of the past, so we continue to progress in the future," the three-star general said. "I am grateful to Minister Bulani for his leadership in this endeavor."
Iraqi Army Maintenance Facility Celebrates Early Progress
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 28, 2008 - Iraqi army maintenance soldiers were honored for their recent achievements and progress during a ceremony at the Taji Level III Wheeled Vehicle Maintenance Facility Aug. 26. The ceremony highlighted the Iraqis' ability to perform Level III maintenance for 150 wheeled vehicles and 25 tracked vehicles since the Iraqi army took over the facility June 1.
"This averages out to about 20 vehicles a week, which is great," said U.S. army Capt. Randall Weiser, the Iraqi Security Force Cell officer in charge.
In attendance was Staff Gen. Nasier Abadi, the Iraqi army's deputy chief of staff, and guest of honor, and others from the Iraqi army and coalition forces.
Brig. Gen. Muniem, the electrical and mechanical engineering officer, the keynote speaker for the event, praised the hard work of the officers and soldiers of the Level III facility.
"We have done a great job fixing a lot of vehicles during this campaign, so congratulations," he said. "They are very professional and work very hard to support the Iraqi army and our country."
In April, a small group of officers and soldiers of the U.S. army's 1st Sustainment Brigade started working with their Iraqi counterparts, making this event just as exciting for them to see as well.
"It's exciting. This represents change for the Iraqi army," said Chief Warrant Officer Keith Hammitt, a maintenance advisor. "This is a result of their hard work and sacrifice."
After the speech, Nasier cut the ceremonial ribbon, then he touring the facility and talking with the mechanics. At one point, the soldiers broke out in song and dance as the general and his staff clapped along.
Afterward, several soldiers received awards from Abadi. Each soldier and officer saluted the general, shook his hand, and accepted their award with pride.
"Through this effort, we are able to insure the country is more secure," Muniem said.
(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)
Aug. 28, 2008 - Iraqi army maintenance soldiers were honored for their recent achievements and progress during a ceremony at the Taji Level III Wheeled Vehicle Maintenance Facility Aug. 26. The ceremony highlighted the Iraqis' ability to perform Level III maintenance for 150 wheeled vehicles and 25 tracked vehicles since the Iraqi army took over the facility June 1.
"This averages out to about 20 vehicles a week, which is great," said U.S. army Capt. Randall Weiser, the Iraqi Security Force Cell officer in charge.
In attendance was Staff Gen. Nasier Abadi, the Iraqi army's deputy chief of staff, and guest of honor, and others from the Iraqi army and coalition forces.
Brig. Gen. Muniem, the electrical and mechanical engineering officer, the keynote speaker for the event, praised the hard work of the officers and soldiers of the Level III facility.
"We have done a great job fixing a lot of vehicles during this campaign, so congratulations," he said. "They are very professional and work very hard to support the Iraqi army and our country."
In April, a small group of officers and soldiers of the U.S. army's 1st Sustainment Brigade started working with their Iraqi counterparts, making this event just as exciting for them to see as well.
"It's exciting. This represents change for the Iraqi army," said Chief Warrant Officer Keith Hammitt, a maintenance advisor. "This is a result of their hard work and sacrifice."
After the speech, Nasier cut the ceremonial ribbon, then he touring the facility and talking with the mechanics. At one point, the soldiers broke out in song and dance as the general and his staff clapped along.
Afterward, several soldiers received awards from Abadi. Each soldier and officer saluted the general, shook his hand, and accepted their award with pride.
"Through this effort, we are able to insure the country is more secure," Muniem said.
(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)
Coalition Forces in Iraq Detain Nine Suspects, Find IED
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 28, 2008 - Coalition forces in Iraq detained nine suspected terrorists, including two alleged al-Qaida in Iraq leaders, and found an improvised explosive device during operations in Baghdad and the Hamrin Mountains region of Diyala province today, military officials reported. A suspected terrorist leader who reportedly just returned to Iraq after trying to escape arrest during a trip to Syria was captured in Baghdad. The man is believed to be a regional al-Qaida in Iraq leader who orchestrates assassinations of Iraqis and allegedly moves foreign terrorists into Iraq to conduct attacks, officials said.
Information from a July 29 operation led coalition forces to Sadiyah, where they captured an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq leader suspected of directing attacks in the Hamrin Mountains region. Three additional suspects were detained in the operation.
Near Qara Tappa, coalition forces detained four suspects while targeting another al-Qaida leader who reportedly operates a kidnapping cell in the Hamrins and supplies terrorist cells with weapons and ammunition.
Early this morning, Mulinational Division Baghdad soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's Troop A, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, contacted a coalition explosives ordnance disposal team to diffuse a possible IED in a house in the Hadar community of southern Baghdad.
In operations yesterday:
-- Coalition forces captured a suspected senior Iranian-backed "special groups" leader during an operation at Baghdad International Airport. Intelligence sources report that the captured man is part of the most senior social and operational circles of special groups. Most notably, he is believed to be responsible for the planning of the June 24 bombing of the Sadr City District Advisory Council meeting, where six Iraqis, two U.S. State Department employees and two U.S. servicemembers were killed. Ten other Iraqis were wounded in the blast. The man has been known to travel in and out of Iraq to neighboring nations including Iran and Lebanon, officials said. To maintain the safety and security of the passengers and patrons of the airport, coalition forces waited for the wanted man's plane to land, and in cooperation with airport authorities, detained the man without incident.
-- Members of the "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group reported finding two grenades, two grenade fuses, 19 blasting caps, 30 AK-47 assault rifle magazines and a pound of propellant in the Shurta community of southern Baghdad's Rashid district. The Iraqis contacted soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's Company E, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, who took responsibility for the site.
-- Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers captured a weapons cache in the Abu Tshir community of southern Baghdad's Rashid district. Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's Troop C, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, seized 10 60 mm mortar rounds, 10 mortar fuses and two 80 mm mortar rounds.
-- Soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Troop B, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, discovered a pipe bomb, three bombs made from fire extinguishers and an undisclosed amount of homemade explosives in an abandoned house in the Abu Tshir community. The soldiers contacted a coalition forces explosives disposal unit, which confiscated the munitions. Upon further investigation, the soldiers also discovered a can rigged with detonation cord.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Aug. 28, 2008 - Coalition forces in Iraq detained nine suspected terrorists, including two alleged al-Qaida in Iraq leaders, and found an improvised explosive device during operations in Baghdad and the Hamrin Mountains region of Diyala province today, military officials reported. A suspected terrorist leader who reportedly just returned to Iraq after trying to escape arrest during a trip to Syria was captured in Baghdad. The man is believed to be a regional al-Qaida in Iraq leader who orchestrates assassinations of Iraqis and allegedly moves foreign terrorists into Iraq to conduct attacks, officials said.
Information from a July 29 operation led coalition forces to Sadiyah, where they captured an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq leader suspected of directing attacks in the Hamrin Mountains region. Three additional suspects were detained in the operation.
Near Qara Tappa, coalition forces detained four suspects while targeting another al-Qaida leader who reportedly operates a kidnapping cell in the Hamrins and supplies terrorist cells with weapons and ammunition.
Early this morning, Mulinational Division Baghdad soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's Troop A, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, contacted a coalition explosives ordnance disposal team to diffuse a possible IED in a house in the Hadar community of southern Baghdad.
In operations yesterday:
-- Coalition forces captured a suspected senior Iranian-backed "special groups" leader during an operation at Baghdad International Airport. Intelligence sources report that the captured man is part of the most senior social and operational circles of special groups. Most notably, he is believed to be responsible for the planning of the June 24 bombing of the Sadr City District Advisory Council meeting, where six Iraqis, two U.S. State Department employees and two U.S. servicemembers were killed. Ten other Iraqis were wounded in the blast. The man has been known to travel in and out of Iraq to neighboring nations including Iran and Lebanon, officials said. To maintain the safety and security of the passengers and patrons of the airport, coalition forces waited for the wanted man's plane to land, and in cooperation with airport authorities, detained the man without incident.
-- Members of the "Sons of Iraq" citizen security group reported finding two grenades, two grenade fuses, 19 blasting caps, 30 AK-47 assault rifle magazines and a pound of propellant in the Shurta community of southern Baghdad's Rashid district. The Iraqis contacted soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's Company E, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, who took responsibility for the site.
-- Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers captured a weapons cache in the Abu Tshir community of southern Baghdad's Rashid district. Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's Troop C, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, seized 10 60 mm mortar rounds, 10 mortar fuses and two 80 mm mortar rounds.
-- Soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Troop B, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, discovered a pipe bomb, three bombs made from fire extinguishers and an undisclosed amount of homemade explosives in an abandoned house in the Abu Tshir community. The soldiers contacted a coalition forces explosives disposal unit, which confiscated the munitions. Upon further investigation, the soldiers also discovered a can rigged with detonation cord.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Pool Reopening Symbolizes Return to Normalcy
By Army Sgt. Zach Mott
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 27, 2008 - In what was once a recruiting hotbed for terrorist and illegal militia elements in northern Baghdad, community leaders gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of a pool complex that now serves as a spot of relief for residents. The Asafah pool complex was in such a state of disrepair that residents had long stopped patronizing the pool and squatters had taken up residence there -- some even raising sheep on the pool deck. The pool hall located inside the main building had become a makeshift recruiting center for extremists.
"One of the first patrols we went on was to go assess this pool," said Army Capt. Clint Rusch, a Multinational Division Baghdad fire-support officer with the 4th Infantry Division's Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
Rusch, who along with his unit began operations here in early February, described the scene at the compound. Putrid-smelling water filled the three pools. A concession stand was decrepit, and an outer wall was crumbling, he said.
After that initial patrol, Rusch conferred with Army Maj. Olaf Shibusawa, Steel Company's civil affairs officer, and started hatching a plan of how to make changes there.
Major renovations included repairing the outer wall, remodeling shower rooms and refurbishing the concession stand. Once the other details were decided upon, a contract was awarded and work began in early March. But after hostilities flared up in Sadr City in late March, work was halted for five weeks.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 26 marked the official reopening of the complex, but its doors have been able to remain open for business during refurbishment, collecting about $2 per admission. The accompanying pool hall also remains open and is a popular hangout for residents.
"Our contractor didn't want to drain the pool completely when kids are still using it, so he was able to set it up so the kids could swim while construction was going on. They were working 24 hours a day on the project," Rusch, a Bloomington, Minn., native, said.
Attendance at the Asafah pool is up more than eight times the same time period in 2007. Once the rainy season begins and the pool is no longer being used, Rusch said, the pools will be drained and the tile replaced.
"The perfect end state would be that the project becomes self-sufficient – it doesn't require any American influence to be able to continue," Rusch said.
He said the pool already is headed in that direction, as workers there are able to operate the pumps and are properly cleaning the filters.
"We work hard to satisfy our clients," said Hader Hameed Majid, the Iraqi contractor who oversaw the $200,000 project, adding that he uses some of his profit on each project to give something back.
"I don't lose anything if I cut a share from my profits and give it here for my country," Hader said.
Rusch said he hopes that this pool will become a destination with much the same purpose as swimming pools serve for American children.
"We want the community to have the ability to experience a part of childhood that every kid should have," he said.
(Army Sgt. Zach Mott serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 27, 2008 - In what was once a recruiting hotbed for terrorist and illegal militia elements in northern Baghdad, community leaders gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of a pool complex that now serves as a spot of relief for residents. The Asafah pool complex was in such a state of disrepair that residents had long stopped patronizing the pool and squatters had taken up residence there -- some even raising sheep on the pool deck. The pool hall located inside the main building had become a makeshift recruiting center for extremists.
"One of the first patrols we went on was to go assess this pool," said Army Capt. Clint Rusch, a Multinational Division Baghdad fire-support officer with the 4th Infantry Division's Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
Rusch, who along with his unit began operations here in early February, described the scene at the compound. Putrid-smelling water filled the three pools. A concession stand was decrepit, and an outer wall was crumbling, he said.
After that initial patrol, Rusch conferred with Army Maj. Olaf Shibusawa, Steel Company's civil affairs officer, and started hatching a plan of how to make changes there.
Major renovations included repairing the outer wall, remodeling shower rooms and refurbishing the concession stand. Once the other details were decided upon, a contract was awarded and work began in early March. But after hostilities flared up in Sadr City in late March, work was halted for five weeks.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 26 marked the official reopening of the complex, but its doors have been able to remain open for business during refurbishment, collecting about $2 per admission. The accompanying pool hall also remains open and is a popular hangout for residents.
"Our contractor didn't want to drain the pool completely when kids are still using it, so he was able to set it up so the kids could swim while construction was going on. They were working 24 hours a day on the project," Rusch, a Bloomington, Minn., native, said.
Attendance at the Asafah pool is up more than eight times the same time period in 2007. Once the rainy season begins and the pool is no longer being used, Rusch said, the pools will be drained and the tile replaced.
"The perfect end state would be that the project becomes self-sufficient – it doesn't require any American influence to be able to continue," Rusch said.
He said the pool already is headed in that direction, as workers there are able to operate the pumps and are properly cleaning the filters.
"We work hard to satisfy our clients," said Hader Hameed Majid, the Iraqi contractor who oversaw the $200,000 project, adding that he uses some of his profit on each project to give something back.
"I don't lose anything if I cut a share from my profits and give it here for my country," Hader said.
Rusch said he hopes that this pool will become a destination with much the same purpose as swimming pools serve for American children.
"We want the community to have the ability to experience a part of childhood that every kid should have," he said.
(Army Sgt. Zach Mott serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Anbar Handover Could Free Marines for Afghanistan Missions, General Says
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 27, 2008 - Iraq's once-deadly Anbar province could within the next few days become the 11th province to be turned over to Iraqi control, paving the way for a reduced U.S. Marine Corps presence there, the Marine Corps commandant said today. Gen. James T. Conway told Pentagon reporters the marked drop in violence in Anbar sets the stage for a drawdown of Marine forces that could be freed up for duty in Afghanistan, if needed.
"The change in the al-Anbar province is real and perceptible," with attacks at an all-time daily low of two to three, Conway said. He cited assessments by Marine Maj. Gen. John Kelly, commander of Multinational Force West, that a reduced U.S. force in the region could keep violence in check.
"Anbar remains a dangerous place, but the ever-growing ability of the Iraqi security forces continues to move us closer to seeing Iraqi control of the province," he said. Once believed to be "the last [Iraqi province] to turn for the better," he added, it is expected to return to Iraqi control "in just a few days."
Conway noted that signs of construction and rebuilding – not violence – were ever-present during his drive through the Anbar cities of Fallujah and Ramadi earlier this summer.
It's become evident, he said, that "the force we needed in the Anbar province in 2005, 2006 to fight the insurgent at its height is not the force that we need there now to do nation-building and to try to bring the government and the Sunnis closer together."
Marines deployed to Anbar "are doing a very good job of this nation-building business," he said, but are more suited to other missions.
"It's our view that if there is a stiffer fight going someplace else in a much more expeditionary environment where the Marine Air-Ground Task Force really seems to have a true and enduring value, then that's where we need to be," he said.
Conway cited increased violence in Afghanistan, where "the Taliban are growing bolder in their tactics and clearly doing their best to exploit security gaps where they exist."
"Everyone seems to agree that additional forces are the ideal course of action for preventing a Taliban comeback, but just where they're going to come from is still up for discussion," he said.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates ordered additional Marine forces to Afghanistan earlier this year over concerns about a possible spring offensive. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operating in the south, and 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, training Afghan security forces, are slated to return in late November after a one-month extension of their deployment.
Conway called it "a good idea" to backfill the Marines after they redeploy from Afghanistan, but he said the Corps can't do it without cutting its current commitments in other parts of the world, including Iraq.
"Should our leadership determine that more U.S. forces are needed in the fight in Afghanistan, it's no secret that the Marine Corps would be proud to be part of that undertaking," he said. "However, in order to do more in Afghanistan, our Marines have got to see relief elsewhere."
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 27, 2008 - Iraq's once-deadly Anbar province could within the next few days become the 11th province to be turned over to Iraqi control, paving the way for a reduced U.S. Marine Corps presence there, the Marine Corps commandant said today. Gen. James T. Conway told Pentagon reporters the marked drop in violence in Anbar sets the stage for a drawdown of Marine forces that could be freed up for duty in Afghanistan, if needed.
"The change in the al-Anbar province is real and perceptible," with attacks at an all-time daily low of two to three, Conway said. He cited assessments by Marine Maj. Gen. John Kelly, commander of Multinational Force West, that a reduced U.S. force in the region could keep violence in check.
"Anbar remains a dangerous place, but the ever-growing ability of the Iraqi security forces continues to move us closer to seeing Iraqi control of the province," he said. Once believed to be "the last [Iraqi province] to turn for the better," he added, it is expected to return to Iraqi control "in just a few days."
Conway noted that signs of construction and rebuilding – not violence – were ever-present during his drive through the Anbar cities of Fallujah and Ramadi earlier this summer.
It's become evident, he said, that "the force we needed in the Anbar province in 2005, 2006 to fight the insurgent at its height is not the force that we need there now to do nation-building and to try to bring the government and the Sunnis closer together."
Marines deployed to Anbar "are doing a very good job of this nation-building business," he said, but are more suited to other missions.
"It's our view that if there is a stiffer fight going someplace else in a much more expeditionary environment where the Marine Air-Ground Task Force really seems to have a true and enduring value, then that's where we need to be," he said.
Conway cited increased violence in Afghanistan, where "the Taliban are growing bolder in their tactics and clearly doing their best to exploit security gaps where they exist."
"Everyone seems to agree that additional forces are the ideal course of action for preventing a Taliban comeback, but just where they're going to come from is still up for discussion," he said.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates ordered additional Marine forces to Afghanistan earlier this year over concerns about a possible spring offensive. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operating in the south, and 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, training Afghan security forces, are slated to return in late November after a one-month extension of their deployment.
Conway called it "a good idea" to backfill the Marines after they redeploy from Afghanistan, but he said the Corps can't do it without cutting its current commitments in other parts of the world, including Iraq.
"Should our leadership determine that more U.S. forces are needed in the fight in Afghanistan, it's no secret that the Marine Corps would be proud to be part of that undertaking," he said. "However, in order to do more in Afghanistan, our Marines have got to see relief elsewhere."
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