Knee Deep in the Hooah!

Good evening/morning, etc. I am posting this a little early (Friday night) because my Saturday is packed full of lots of family and community things. Saturday morning we are taking our youngest son to his second training camp for leadership in the JROTC. He is up for Flight Command in Air Force JROTC this coming school year. So, that’s just a small part of it. As far as the good news goes it’s the same great round up. Good news and more evidence of progress. There are two articles at the end from Afghanistan. Enjoy and have a very blessed weekend!

Admiral: Success breeding success in Iraq
by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt WASHINGTON (July 7, 2008) – Success is building on success in Iraq, a senior military official said Sunday at a news conference in Baghdad. Navy Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, a spokesman for Multi-National Force - Iraq, said the total number of security incidents in Iraq now sits at 2004 levels.

“As the [Iraqi security force] enforces the rule of law and improves security in places like Basra, Mosul, Amarah and Sadr City, the people are finding new confidence in those that lead and protect them,” Driscoll said. “Iraqis see security forces in their neighborhoods providing protection, and they are increasingly providing the army and police with valuable information that enhances safety.”

The police and army have been able to enter neighborhoods where they could not always operate in the past, Driscoll explained.

“The Iraqi security forces are taking more weapons off the street, which further limits the ability of criminals and terrorists to conduct violent attacks against Iraqi citizens, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces,” he said.

Operations in Basra have taken thousands of weapons off the streets. In late March, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered Iraqi security forces in to the southern city. Since then, Iraqi soldiers and police have captured more than 6,200 mortars, almost 8,000 artillery rounds, more than 20 surface-to-air missiles, some 750 rockets, nearly 200 rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, almost 340 roadside bombs and more than 50 bombs specifically designed to pierce armor-hulled vehicles, Driscoll said. Read More

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Attacks in Iraq drop to four-year low
by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt
BAGHDAD (July 10, 2008) — Iraq experienced the lowest number of acts of violence in more than four years last week, a spokesman for Multi-National Force - Iraq said July 9.

Security progress in Iraq is unmistakable, Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner said. Civilian deaths around the country were at their lowest point in three years, the general told reporters, adding that the reduction in violence is allowing the Iraqi government and the Coalition to put in place projects that improve the quality of life in the country and create jobs for Iraqis.

The general said the security improvements are due in large part to growth in the size and capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces, the gains in capabilities fueled by Coalition forces working in partnership with their Iraqi counterparts. The Coalition and Iraqi surge has been effective, as Iraqi Security Forces have grown from some 400,000 to more than 560,000 members, and Coalition forces deployed five brigades to improve population security and conduct offensive operations, Bergner said.

Though al-Qaida in Iraq has been handled severely in the past year, no one is declaring victory, Bergner said.

“It’s important to note that even with the progress being made against al-Qaida, they remain capable of high-profile attacks, and they continue to resort to barbaric tactics to inflict violence on the Iraqi people,” the general told reporters.

Iraqi and Coalition operations continue to target al-Qaida in Iraq’s operational, financial and propaganda networks, and this also contributes to security success, he noted. Recent operations have killed or captured 12 al-Qaida leaders, Bergner said, including leaders in Salahuddin province, in the city of Beiji and in the northern city of Mosul.

The Iraqi and Coalition allies also have crippled the financial networks in these areas and destroyed the propaganda cells in Baghdad, the general added. In the south, Iraqi Soldiers and police are clearing criminal activity — illegal militias and criminal gangs — and finding and destroying weapons caches. Read More

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Sunni, Shia celebrate unity through soccer
by 1st Lt. Jonathan Springer
1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

Excerpt

YETHRIB, Iraq (July 7, 2008) – For more than half a decade, the Balad and Yethrib areas have been plagued with sectarian violence that has pitted rival Shiite Muslims and Sunni Arabs against one another. The bloodshed between tribes, at times, had turned into all out warfare that was waged in palm groves and fields near the Tigris River.

In 2007, the conflict between the Muslim sects had reached a boiling point and many throughout Iraq, described the situation as having elements of civil war.

But since then, things have drastically changed.

Over the course of 2007, the “tribal awakening” began to spread throughout all of Iraq. This awakening saw many high profile Iraqi sheiks turn their backs against the brutality of foreign led fighters and stand up, along with the coalition forces and Iraqi security forces, to take back the streets of their homeland.

Because of this dedicated partnership, the sectarian violence that once gripped the Balad and Yethrib region is almost non-existent now, and attacks are down in almost all parts of the area.

With security improving, local citizens have begun taking full advantage of the much improved stability in the country, and many have restarted the political process in their neighborhoods, villages and cities.

The heated sectarian strife that once played itself out on the streets of Balad, is now playing out on a modest soccer pitch.

On June 30th, teams from al Jamiah and Albu Faras, both small villages near Joint Base Balad, squared off on the soccer field to begin a two-week-long district soccer tournament aimed at promoting unity in the area. Read More

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Citizen’s tip leads to large weapons find
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

Complete Article with permissions

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq (July 7, 2008) – Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 25th Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Division and 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, acted on the tip and found a total of eight caches in the area 35 kilometers southwest of Baghdad.

“Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to make significant strides in taking munitions off the streets and out of the hands of criminals,” said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, 3rd BCT commander. “When citizens come forward with this kind of information, it shows their commitment to making the Mahmudiyah Qada a safer place.”

The caches included one 23 mm anti-aircraft gun, one makeshift sniper rifle, one Russsian Draganov sniper rifle, four rocket-propelled grenade launchers, one homemade rocket launcher, two anti-tank mines (one rigged as an anti-personnel improvised explosive device), seven 82 mm mortars, four 120 mm mortars, three 60 mm mortars, five 57 mm anti-aircraft rounds, 23 RPGs, more than 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition, fuses, multiple AK-47 components and miscellaneous primers, detonators and IED-making materials. Source Link

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Vocational center means job training in Hawr Rajab
by Spc. Justin Snyder
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

Excerpt

CAMP STRIKER (July 7, 2008) — The second Village of Hope training center class graduated during a ceremony held at Patrol Base Stone in Hawr Rajab, July 3.

The graduating class of 58 Iraqi citizens spent 60 days training in electricity, carpentry and plumbing. Six of the students were returning trainees who took part in a newly created supervisors’ course.

The training program aims to teach local citizens of Hawr Rajab, about 10 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, a sustainable construction skill that will allow them to gain employment. Some of the graduates were former Sons of Iraq workers.

After attacks by al-Qaida left Hawr Rajab in ruins in November 2007, many houses were left inhabitable. Graduates of the first class began working on rebuilding those houses following their completion of the course in May, while the current graduates will soon begin work on a boys’ school in Hawr Rajab.

Air Force Capt. Michael Askegren, 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron officer in charge of the Village of Hope, said rebuilding the town is one of the biggest goals of the course.

“We are teaching these guys important skills that will prove very useful upon leaving the course,” said Askegren, a native of Mandeville, La. “Not only are they gaining jobs but they are gaining pride in their community.” The items were taken to the Mahmudiyah IA Compound for later destruction. Read More

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Iraqi, Coalition Commanders Assess Security
Courtesy Story
Posted on 07.11.2008 at 03:16PM

Excerpt

By Army Pfc. Michael Schuch
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - The commander of 9th Iraqi Army Division and leaders from the 1st Armored Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team met, July 8, to assess the security of the Madain Qada region.

Iraqi Maj. Gen. Jassem Nazal Qassim shared concepts for further increasing the Iraqi security forces’ capabilities in the region with Army Col. Pat White, commander of 2nd BCT.

“No matter the operation, (the Iraqi security forces) are capable of providing the necessary forces,” Qassim said. “For any needs that arise, we are ready.”

Qassim also discussed terrorism and extremist activity in the region and compared previous years to the current state of security.

“When coalition forces came to the Madain Qada, terrorism covered much of the qada,” Qassim said. “Now, because of the joint efforts of coalition and ISF, it has dropped significantly.”

White, of Apple Valley, Calif., told Qassim that he would like to implement weigh stations in the region, much like those on highways in the United States. “By doing this,” he explained, “we will be able to monitor shipments entering the qada by creating a station the trucks must stop at to be weighed, scanned and possibly searched to ensure that nothing is entering that shouldn’t.” Read More

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Shi’a Pilgrims Make Safe Journey From Najaf to Samarra and Back
Friday, 11 July 2008
By Sgt. Michael Moody
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI — Shi’a pilgrims traveled more than 620 miles round trip, from Najaf to Samarra, north of Baghdad, in order to attend a religious observance, July 6. Iraqi Army Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 37th Brigade of the 9th Iraqi Army Division and the 4th Battalion, 17th Brigade, 4th IA Div., closed portions of the Baghdad-Mosul highway as more than 3,000 devoted Shi’a Muslims crossed four governates on their way to Samarra. The recent gains in security and stability enjoyed by Iraqi citizens were demonstrated as the convoy traveled the approximately 300 miles each way without incident.

The IA soldiers took on the responsibility to ensure the safety of all the pilgrims. Coalition forces did not participate in securing the convoy, but stood ready in case the IA soldiers needed assistance.

“We have reached a point where Iraqi Security Forces are in the lead. This effort was planned, resourced and executed flawlessly by their hands,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Boccardi, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., and battalion commander of 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

This was the second tip this year for pilgrims, and the second time this year they traveled safely under the security of the IA.

“For the second time now we have realized that reconciliation has taken root deeper than we have given it credit for,” said Capt. Calvin Kline, a native of Cincinnati and effects officer, 1st Bn. 14th Inf. Regt. Read More

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Cavalry Soldiers Score Touchdown, Take High Value Target Off the Streets
Story by Spc. Grant Okubo
Posted on 07.11.2008 at 02:37PM

Excerpt

By Spc. Grant T. Okubo
4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Patriot Brigade Soldiers scored another victory as they took a high value target off the streets of Rusafa in eastern Baghdad, July 1.

Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment Soldiers conducted a search mission targeting an HVT after receiving a citizen tip. The individual was suspected in placing roadside bombs, improvised explosive devices and explosively formed penetrators within 3rd Sqdn. 89th Cav. Regt.’s operating environment, said Staff Sgt. Adelbert Capen, lead scout for Troop A.

“The overall mission was a success,” said Capen, who hails from Springbrook, Wis. “We took the target that we were looking for.”

The capture of the HVT is another step in the continuous process of bettering Iraq, said Staff Sgt. Brandon Coronado, a non-commissioned officer from San Antonio assigned to Troop A.

During the search of the area where the target was found, Troop A Soldiers found additional evidence implicating the suspect. Shell casings from a sniper rifle and wire used in command detonated IEDs were among the evidence found at the scene, Capen explained.

Capen is responsible for planning the routes to and from the objective. While at the objective, he is in charge of outer security in the area. In addition, Capen assists the platoon leader in segregating the detainees on the scene, separating combatants from non-combatants, he said. Read More

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Iraqi Soldiers Lead Americans to Explosive Find
Courtesy Story
Posted on 07.11.2008 at 07:48AM

By 41st Fires Brigade

Full Article with permission

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Iraqi army scouts led American special forces and explosives ordinance disposal personnel to a large cache of explosives near Numaniyah, Iraq, early July 8.

An Iraqi citizen reported the cache and guided the convoy to the specific site.

Destroyed were more than 1,300 57mm anti-aircraft shells, 60 100mm high explosive artillery shells, 6 tank shells and several shell casings which, while not necessarily explosive, still contained hazardous primers.

The cache, located in a remote area outside the city, was safely destroyed at the site by Navy EOD personnel and explosives experts from Forward Operating Base Delta. EOD personnel said the cache appeared to have been an old site, with no particularly new munitions.

Iraqi soldiers, under the supervision of American personnel, prepared the site for detonation. They located all of the shells, some of which had been buried by blowing sand and lining them up for a safe, controlled detonation. Once the site was prepared, American personnel completed the controlled detonation without incident.

IA Col. Abd, commander of the 32nd IA Brigade, also visited the site to verify the destruction of the cache. Source Link

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Afghan, Coalition Forces Distribute Sewing Machines
Courtesy Story
Posted on 07.10.2008 at 08:30PM

American Forces Press Service

Full Story with permission

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces, in conjunction with a local women’s center, distributed more than 130 sewing machines to women in the Gereshk District of Afghanistan’s Helmand province July 5 and 6.

A representative of the Afghan government’s Department of Women’s Affairs was present to speak with the local women and to encourage the economic empowerment of Afghan women.

The sewing machines will allow women to provide income for their families, especially widows who were dependent on their husbands for support. Some of the women travelled from villages more than 65 kilometers away, officials said. Source Link

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Bagram Stands Up New ‘Warrior’ TF, Cincinnatus Stands Down
Story by Capt. Elizabeth Casebeer
Posted on 07.11.2008 at 12:43PM

By Army Capt. Elizabeth Casebeer
101st Airborne Division Joint Visitors Bureau

Full Story with permission

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - A new task force assumed base operations authority and at surrounding forward operating bases in a ceremony at the Bagram Air Field Morale, Welfare and Recreation clamshell, yesterday.

TF Warrior assumed mission responsibilities and officially stood up operations, replacing TF Cincinnatus, who sustained the operations mission since January 2007. The TF commander and command sergeants major were also identified.

Col. Scott A. Spellmon will command the new task force and Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur R. Vanwyngarden will serve in the top enlisted position.

TF Warrior is mainly comprised of Soldiers from the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Polk, La. Additionally, individual Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy augmentees will support the 1st MEB’s mission to organize, train, equip and deploy combat-ready units anywhere in the world in order to protect the nation’s interests.

While here, TF Warrior will assist in building the capacity of the Afghan government in four separate provinces by providing security, sustaining economic development and exercising effective governance. The 1st MEB is the only active duty element of its kind.

TF Cincinnatus was comprised of Soldiers from the 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assualt) out of Fort Campbell, Ky., and sister-service individual augmentees. Prior to the 101st, the 23rd Chemical Battalion, Fort Lewis, Wash., covered the task force. Source Link

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Tags: Good News (Iraq) //