Knee Deep in the Hooah!

A wonderful array of good news from the front lines.

‘Women of Tomorrow’ Gather in Ramadi
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
By Lance Cpl. Casey Jones

Excerpt

RAMADI — As Ramadi transitions from an insurgent stronghold to a calm and recovering city, the women of the city are also taking steps to better their future.

More than 50 women from the emerging city gathered for the “Women of Tomorrow” women’s conference at the Ramadi Sunni Endowment Center August 2-4.

During the conference, women discussed common issues in today’s Iraqi society, and were also introduced to and officially welcomed the Females for Ramadi Council.

The council will serve in an advisory role to the city’s mayor concerning issues pertaining to women and children, said Lt. Col. Sandra Rodriguez-Brown, the executive officer of the Embedded Provincial Recovery Team 2-Ramadi, who is partnered with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1.

Organizers of the conference shaped several lectures and discussions around opportunities that are available to women in the region, and also discussed poverty issues and steps women can take to support their families.

Rodriguez-Brown said a large percentage of women in Ramadi are unable to support themselves and their family. For some, she said, religious traditions prevent them from working, and others are lacking proper education to attain jobs. Until recently, there has been little guidance and support for the city’s women. Some have turned to begging to make it through each day. Read More
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Iraqi Army Participate in Vanguard Route Clearance Class

Posted on 08.16.2008 at 05:10AM
By Spc. Amanda McBride
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

Excerpt

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi army soldiers are participating in the first Vanguard Brigade route clearance course in an effort to improve security in the Babil province.

Soldiers from the 31st Brigade, 8th IA Division, began classes on Forward Operating Base Kalsu July 20, 2008.

The Lionclaw Academy is a four-phase course that covers route clearance basics and how to properly maintain route clearance equipment.

“The importance of the academy is to increase security capabilities and give the Iraqi citizens a safe and secure place to live,” said Lt. Col. Darryl McDowell, commander of 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division.

Prior to the creation of the Lionclaw Academy, Soldiers from 4-3 BSTB and Company E, 3rd Battalion, 7th Inf. Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, began discussing the possibility of creating a route clearance class for Iraqi soldiers. Read More
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Grease Monkey Project Trains Iraqi Army Mechanics

Posted on 08.16.2008 at 04:12AM
By Sgt. Daniel T. West
41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office

Excerpt

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Iraqi and U.S. Army mechanics began work on Iraqi army vehicles as part of a three-day project nicknamed Grease Monkey on Forward Operating Base Delta Aug. 11, 2008.

Coalition forces designed Grease Monkey to provide IA mechanics the skills needed to keep their vehicles rolling.

“We’re teaching them how to technically inspect vehicles; to look at them from top to bottom and find every little problem,” said Staff Sgt. Stephen Berndt, of Company B 589th Brigade Support Battalion.

“They already do the basics,” he said. “We’re going to teach them higher level maintenance.”

The IA mechanics look forward to working with the American mechanics for a variety of reasons.

“We already have experience,” said Cpl. Adel Husien, a mechanic with the 1st Bn., 32nd IA Brigade. “We know stuff and wanted to fix the Humvees at our battalion but don’t have the equipment to fix them.”

Berndt looks forward to getting the Iraqi vehicles up to speed. Read More
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Mapping Out Multi-National Division-Center Success

Posted on 08.16.2008 at 04:03AM
By Spc. Josh LeCappelain
Multi-National Division-Center Public Affairs Office

Excerpt

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – When it comes to mapping out mission success in the Multi-National Division-Center area of operations, there’s only one place to begin – the topographic section.

“We provide geospatial support and information, as well as tailor-made products to support mission planning,” said Warrant Officer 1 Mike Baber, MND-C geospatial information and services officer-in-charge. “We support all the brigades in MND-C [with products].”

Baber and his team quickly create maps based upon the demands and needs expressed to them. Depending on the degree of detail included, these maps can take anywhere from two hours to complete, up to a week-and-a-half.

“Commanders need to be able to plan missions, while being able to visualize the area of operations as well as possible,” added Baber, a native of Taylor, Mich.

Not only MND-C units have asked for maps. Baber’s team also made maps for the Iraqi army since arriving in May.

“So far, we’ve disseminated more than 4,000 products,” he added.

Topography is the study of the earth’s surface features. To prepare themselves to make high-quality maps, Soldiers attend 17 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Belvoir, Va. Baber also personally teaches his Soldiers a few classes covering topics not taught in AIT, as well as making sure they all get some extra classes about satellite imagery. Read More
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Soldier Uses Experience to Help Mold Minds

Posted on 08.16.2008 at 04:34AM
By Pfc. Christopher McKenna
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs Office

Excerpt

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – He earned a Combat Action Badge during his previous deployment and is the only Soldier in the platoon to have returned fire to counter enemy fire during this deployment.

Pfc. James Quesada, a mechanic, uses his knowledge of weapon systems and experience from a previous deployment to benefit others.

“I deployed my first time around [2006] out of Germany, and when I got to [Fort] Campbell, I was hand-picked by the first sergeant to be a part of the distribution platoon as a gunner,” said Quesada, from Jonesboro, Ark., Company G, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

“I have gunned the entire deployment, and we have only taken fire once; …in a nutshell, I am out there pulling security for the convoys, and when it comes to getting stuff done, we all pitch in,” he said.

The experience he gained from his previous deployment made him a vital asset in molding the minds of the new gunners to his company.

“I take all the new gunners that come in and train them, making sure to get them up to speed so that if I ever go down, or go on leave, that they will have no issues in taking my spot,” Quesada said. Read More
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Long Knives Enjoy Championship Soccer Game

Posted on 08.15.2008 at 03:23PM
By 1st Lt. Andy Fong
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

Excerpt

BALAD, Iraq – Several hundred Iraqis gathered in western Shomali at the Euphrates high school soccer field to watch a championship match between two neighborhood favorites.

They weren’t the only spectators at the hot – and heated – match.

Battery B, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Long Knife Brigade, accepted an invitation from Iraqi police Maj. Rathman, the local police chief, to take a quick break from dismounted operations, sit back and enjoy a soccer game.

“I knew if [the American Soldiers] came to the soccer game, it would be a great opportunity for the unit to show support for the community and get to know some of the ‘grass roots’ locals,” Rathman said regarding the invitation he extended to the Long Knife Brigade’s Soldiers.

The 110-degree heat did not deter the excitement of the match. When the convoy of Humvees and IP vehicles rolled to a stop, local children eager to practice their English with the Americans swarmed them.

After greeting the local leaders and interacting with a myriad of children, Zoizack and the other Soldiers moved to midfield seats with the local citizens to enjoy the game. Read More
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Kansas Airman Helps Iraqis Power Key Military Base

Posted on 08.15.2008 at 03:09PM
By Senior Master Sgt.Trish Freeland
U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team

Excerpt

TAJI, Iraq – Iraq sits about 15 miles north of Baghdad. Twenty years ago, it was the center of military excellence for the Iraqi combat machine, the former home of “Chemical Ali”. Today the new Iraqi military has charge of the base and is assisted by dozens of advisors supplied by the U.S. Army. An unsung handful of those advisors, are Combat Airmen from the U.S. Air Force assisting the Iraqis with everything from water and fuel distribution to setting up a formidable base defense system.

Tech. Sgt. David Burgess, an electrical power production specialist from Goodland, advises the Iraqi army on generator operation. Burgess oversees 204 generators on the Iraqi side of Camp Taji. Each one supplies power to about 800-1200 people.

Known as a “take-charge” kind of leader, Burgess, a Wayland University graduate, found it difficult to simply watch the Iraqis manage their generators rather than jumping in to run the operation for them. His years as instructor helped him restrain himself.

“It’s tough to watch a process that you know is going to be unsuccessful. But as an instructor I know my students won’t learn what I teach if I do everything for them,” he says. “Sometimes they surprise me when I think their way of doing something won’t work, only to watch them do it their way and do so successfully.” Read More
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Staying Fit for Combat

Posted on 08.14.2008 at 02:06PM
By Cpl. Chris T. Mann
Regimental Combat Team 1

Excerpt

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – What better place to prepare for the Marine Corps’ new combat fitness test requirements than in a combat zone?

According to Marine Corps Order 6100.13, which was recently signed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, every Marine must be physically fit regardless of age, grade, or duty assignment.

The order outlines the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Program and emphasizes the requirement for all Marines to adopt a healthy lifestyle and a lifelong commitment to fitness.

Marines deployed with Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 1, are frequently seen spending time exercising in between hectic schedules in a makeshift gym set up just outside their offices at Camp Fallujah, Iraq.

The hasty, out-door gym covered only by camouflage netting gives these Marines the chance to get their blood pumping between work shifts and daily routines, and helps them stay in keen physical condition. Read More
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Amarah Police Gain Officers, Confidence

Posted on 08.15.2008 at 03:38AM
By Pfc. Terence Ewings
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

Excerpt

AMARAH, Iraq – Iraqi men waited in line outside Amarah’s Iraqi police station anxious to join the ranks of the IP. A look of pride and determination on their faces, the candidates clutched their applications like lottery tickets in hopes of becoming one of the newest recruits.

Soldiers of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Long Knife Brigade, are assisting the IP prior to the beginning of a new training cycle.

“I have never seen a more respectable, disciplined and organized Iraqi police unit,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Santiago-Colon, a military police squad leader in the Long Knife Brigade.

Santiago-Colon, a native of Puerto Rico, said the Iraqi people look to the Iraqi security forces and feel a sense of pride in their community when they see them on the streets of the Maysan province.

According to Santiago-Colon, a Soldier with 14 years of service, the new recruits also beam with pride when they don their uniforms and lace up their combat boots for the first time.

“The Iraqi police have a great educational and developmental setup for the new Iraqis enlisting in this police force,” said 1st Lt. Chris Scott, an engineering officer from New Jersey, who works with the military police during their joint training activities.

Scott said the increasing number of citizens interested in the enrollment process is an example that things are improving in this area. The American Soldiers are just here to ensure the Iraqis have everything they need to be successful. Read More

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Soldiers’ Stories Forever a Piece of History

Posted on 08.13.2008 at 11:27AM
By Staff Sgt. Amber Emery
Multi-National Division – Central

Excerpt

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – The United States Army has a long, proud history dating back to 1775 and the time of colonial militias, spanning to our current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries throughout the World. The future National Museum of the U.S. Army will ensure that legacy is never forgotten by future generations.

Millions of Soldiers have passed through the ranks over the decades, some paying the ultimate sacrifice, each earning their right to a page in the history of a grateful nation.

“No history of our nation is complete without telling the incredible story of the Army and the American Soldier. Our country’s heritage is one of freedom, an inalienable right that was not given to our people, but won with great effort,” said Sgt. Maj. John Heinrichs, Office of the Sergeant Major of the Army, Chief of Staff of the Army.

A registry of American Soldiers was established by the National Museum to provide an opportunity for anyone who served in the Army to have his or her name and service history placed on record at the museum. Read More
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Iraq’s Navy Performs Key Security Missions, U.S. Officer Says

Monday, 11 August 2008
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Navy teams with Coalition forces in conducting important maritime security missions, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said Aug. 10.

“The Iraqi Navy and coalition naval forces partner in critically important maritime missions which includes maintaining security and stability in Iraq’s territorial waters, monitoring maritime traffic, protecting commercial shipping into and out of Iraq’s ports and protecting Iraq’s coastline and infrastructure from any potential threats,” U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll told reporters during a Baghdad briefing. (Transcript)

An important element of joint coalition and Iraqi maritime security operations is protecting Iraq’s major oil terminals, said Driscoll, deputy chief of Multi-National Force – Iraq’s communication division.

“Iraq’s two main offshore oil terminals are located in Iraqi territorial waters out at sea about 19 miles from the Iraqi coast,” Driscoll said.

Those offshore facilities are vital to Iraq’s oil export business that provides more than 90 percent of the country’s national revenue, he explained. The oil-generated money is used by the Iraqi government for reconstruction and economic development projects.

Therefore, great care is taken to protect those oil facilities, Driscoll said. The Iraqi Navy is part of Coalition Task Force 158, which ensures maritime security in the northern Gulf region.

Over the last several years, Iraqi Adm. Mohammed Jawad has led his country’s navy in assuming more and more responsibility for maritime security. “It is a mission that Admiral Jawad and his Sailors and Marines take very seriously and are executing with great professionalism,” Driscoll said. Read More
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Iraqi Journalists Participate in Media Training

Story by Capt. Robin Worch
Posted on 08.15.2008 at 03:31AM
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office

Excerpt

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Twenty-one Iraqi journalists gathered at Combat Outpost Six near Samawah to participate in a media training developed and executed by the Muthana Provincial Reconstruction Team Aug. 7, 2008.

The 2nd Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment assisted the PRT during the event.

“This was such a positive step to get this many journalists together and discuss sources, stories and risk-taking that is inherent in journalism,” said Maj. Chad Carroll, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Long Knife Brigade’s public affairs officer and a native of Cleburne, Texas.

“This will help them become more independent and effective as journalists in a free society,” he said.

The training covered fundamental journalism skills, such as story development, properly citing sources and working as a free press corps.

Iraq has only had a free press for five years, since the fall of the previous regime. Developing a stable, trusted press in Iraq has been a difficult process.

Those present for the training in Samawah embraced the concepts and training introduced by the PRT. Read More
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Iraqi Air Force Graduates Largest Basic Training Class to Date

Posted on 08.15.2008 at 03:16PM
By Senior Master Sgt. Trish Freeland
U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team

Excerpt

TAJI, Iraq – The Iraqi air force training school graduated its third and largest basic military training class, August 11, 2008. Nine Iraqi officers and ten warrant officers led 283 of their fellow countrymen through a rigorous physical and academic regimen that transformed them from ordinary citizens to professional Airmen.

The instructor cadre is assisted by a group of 65 U.S. Air Force advisors from the 370th Expeditionary Training squadron, part of the overall coalition Air Force training team. Lt. Col. Michael Dilda, deployed from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., commands the team. He said in addition to graduation, the school can celebrate reaching some key goals within the basic military training program.

“When coalition forces stood up this school they worked with the Iraqis to set up goals they wanted to achieve within a certain amount of time,” said Col. Dilda. “Some of the goals reached include the ability to run four training programs at the same time, having fully renovated facilities with the ability to house 500 students, and the availability of qualified Iraqi instructors to lead the courses. Today’s class represents the attainment of those goals in the BMT program.”

This BMT class was led by Iraqi instructors, under the supervision of their USAF advisors. The trainees worked hard, getting up well before the sun to clean latrines, make beds and practice drills. Their days ended long after sunset. Lt. Saef Ali, a lead trainer/supervisor, has been working as a trainer for six months. He’s encouraged by the commitment of his trainees. Read More
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Iraqi Army Fosters Relationship With Sadr City Community

Posted on 08.15.2008 at 10:57AM
By Sgt. Zach Mott
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Excerpt

PATROL BASE COMANCHE, Iraq – In the three months since the Iraqi Army began patrolling inside the Sadr City district of Baghdad, the soldiers conducting these patrols have worked hard to cultivate a relationship with the people there.

Constant patrols, handing out food and water as well as providing medical services have helped advance this new relationship. In recent weeks, that relationship has also begun to pay dividends for the 11th Iraqi Army Division – the Iraqi army unit responsible for Sadr City.

A tip gleaned from a resident of the northeastern Baghdad district, Aug. 14, 2008, alerted an IA soldier of the location of a significant cache there – which is something that has been occurring with more frequency as the relationship blossoms.

“This is the nineteenth cache we’ve found. Before this cache, we found another cache that was rockets – but this one was also a big cache,” said Lt. Hussein Mohammed Khaddam, a platoon leader with the 3rd Battalion, 42nd Brigade, 11th IA Div., who routinely follows up on tips and leads about caches.

Smiles spread quickly across the faces of the Iraqi army soldiers as items from the cache were sorted, counted and placed neatly in rows at Patrol Base Comanche.

“Our soldiers were very excited,” said Maj. Nassar Alwahn, the intelligence officer for 3rd Bn., 42nd Bde., 11th Div. Read More
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Tiger Cubs Arrive at Baghdad Zoo

Wednesday, 13 August 2008
By Army Staff Sgt. Joy Pariante

Excerpt

BAGHDAD — After traveling more than 7,000 miles, two Bengal tiger cubs have finally settled into their new home in Iraq. Amid much fanfare and excitement, Hope and Riley were introduced to the Baghdad Zoo on Aug. 8.

The tigers were a goodwill gesture from the North Carolina Conservators’ Center, a breeding sanctuary for endangered species.

“We are building trust with America,” said Dr. Adel Salman Mousa, the zoo’s director. “We’re building trust with a society that trusted us to care for these animals.”

The cubs are just under 2 years old and weigh more than 150 pounds each. The Bengal tiger is an endangered species, with less than 3,000 worldwide.

“We hope to bring smiles back to the people and the children,” Mousa said. “We want to put smiles back on their faces after years of misery. In addition to the enjoyment people will get from watching them, they will present opportunities for students and the public to learn about this and other endangered species.”

“This is exemplary of how people in Iraq are taking the lead to improve the circumstances in Iraq,” said Army Capt. Jason Felix, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), whose unit was in charge of tiger transport following their Aug. 4 arrival at Baghdad International Airport.

Transporting the tigers here from the states cost more than $66,000 and was paid for by the U.S. Read More
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Security Improvements Amplify Stability in Iraqi Province

Posted on 08.15.2008 at 05:45PM
By Navy Seaman William Selby
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON – Citizens of Iraq’s Babil province feel secure, and overall quality of life in the area is improving due to the efforts of Iraqi and coalition forces, a U.S. commander said on Aug. 14, 2008.

Army Col. Tom James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, detailed for military bloggers and online journalists the ongoing effort to secure his region of Iraq and stimulate its economy.

James has oversight of Babil province, part of the military’s Multinational Division Center area of responsibility south of Baghdad.

“Our mission is to secure the population, defeat extremists and neutralize resistance groups, increase the professionalism of the Iraqi security forces, build the capacity of government institutions and economic programs, and transition security and local development tasks to the Iraqi security forces and local governments over time,” James said.

Significant improvements in quality of life and the overall security situation are the result of progress within the Iraqi security forces and a working partnership between the Iraqi forces and coalition troops, James said. Those improvements are causing a positive chain reaction and becoming partially self-reinforcing, he noted. Read More
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Baghdad Native Returns to Iraq as American Airman
Saturday, 09 August 2008

Excerpt

BALAD — Air Force Airman 1st Class Murad Mohiadeen’s story crosses two continents and spans more than 7,500 miles. It begins with his birth in Iraq 20 years ago and continues today as the story of an American airman who is part of the Coalition’s efforts to win the peace in Iraq.

Mohiadeen was born in Baghdad in 1988. His father, a Muslim, owned a small shoe company and his mother, a Christian, stayed home to raise him and his brother. The family was financially comfortable, but something was missing.

“They wanted freedom. There was no freedom there,” Mohiadeen said.

So the family emigrated from Iraq in 1990.

“We just wanted a new life,” Mohiadeen said. “Life was pretty hard when Saddam [Hussein] was in power.”

Mohiadeen’s family spent two years traveling through Jordan, Turkey and Germany before finally arriving in the United States. The voyage eroded most of the family’s savings, but the trip was worth the cost.

“Our family wanted freedom,” Mohiadeen said. “There’s freedom in the United States. It was like (we were) trading money for freedom, but if we had to do it again, it would still be worth it.”

He lived with his family in Los Angeles for several years and later moved to Portland, Ore. When the United States began Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003, his parents became linguists. Read More
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Youth Program Cleans Up Taji Market
Thursday, 14 August 2008
By Army Sgt. Whitney Houston

Excerpt

CAMP TAJI — Youths from Taji teamed up Aug. 11 as part of a summer youth hire program to clean up the Taji Market, northwest of Baghdad.

The provincial reconstruction team embedded in Multi-National Division – Baghdad, with the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, started the program to help adolescents appreciate their community and engage them in a good cause rather than leave them to outside influences, officials said.

The summer youth program began Aug. 1 and employs male youths for two months during their summer holiday from school, Army Capt. Timothy Cho, a member of the embedded PRT, said.

“This program was implemented as a means to keep these kids busy and out of trouble, as well as [to] give them a sense of citizenship and teach them about the importance of why they need to keep their environment clean,” Cho said. Read More
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Good News from Africa and Afghanistan

U.S. troops bring safe water to Kenyans
by Sr. Master Sgt. John Jones
Thursday, 14 August 2008

Excerpt

GARISSA, Kenya (Aug. 13, 2008) — American troops joined Kenyan officals and the villagers of Shabah and Delolo to open two new wells.
Read more
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Weekly paper up and running in Asad Abad
by Navy Lt. Neil Myers
Konar PRT

Excerpt

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (August 12, 2008) — A ceremony marked the opening of a new printing press facility in downtown Asad Abad, Afghanistan.

Prior to this facility all print material including Asad Abad’s weekly newspaper was printed in Jalalabad, Kabul or in Pakistan. The Konar PRT funded this facility to provide a locally-produced, independent print media capacity in Konar. The printing press is co-located with the Konar Radio and Television Station inside the media culture and information complex.

The printing press will help promote the exchange of information and ideas vital to democracy, said Gov. Sayeed Wahidi, Konar’s governor. Most Konar residents currently receive their news from the radio but that may soon change. Wahidi encouraged all poets, magazine writers, and authors to use the printing press to tell their stories and express their opinions.

Isamil Youn, an advisor for the Afghan Security Council, urged the media outlets to present facts and portray reality in their reporting.

“The media has long been considered the fourth force within the system of government in addition to the executive, judicial and legislative forces,” said Youn. The media plays a key role in the life of the people in the entire community.

PRT Konar’s Department of State representative Alison Blosser said that in order to get their message out the members of parliament, Wahidi and other government authorities must travel to various remote areas that are sometimes difficult to reach. Read More
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