Knee Deep in the Hooah!

Good morning and once again I have plenty of good news to fill your morning with! The headlines this week are simply more reverberation and evidence of the successes we have had in the past couple of years. The naysayers will argue that the war was lost in the first few battles, but those who think critically know that those battles had to be fought to lay the groundwork for the success we have today in Iraq. Our Bravest and Finest have not fought for nothing. They fight with purpose and conviction and it’s evident. Posting these good news threads has only deepened my own appreciation for them and their sacrifices. These headlines are brought to you by their hard work, their time away from their families, and most notably by the blood of their fallen comrades. Read, enjoy, thank them often, and pray for them without ceasing.

Soldiers’ Ensure History Will Not Be Forgotten

Posted on 07.30.2008
By Staff Sgt. Amber Emery
Multi-National Division-Center Public Affairs Office

Excerpt

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq — The creation of the General Staff Historical Branch in July 1943 was the beginning of the Army’s efforts to accurately gather, record and archive events carried out by its Soldiers. The initial step in this effort was to create military history detachments.

The Center of Military History is responsible for the appropriate use of history throughout the United States Army, and obtains a large majority of its information through MHDs.

“[MHDs] came into being during World War II when the Army created teams of historical personnel to capture data on divisional operations,” said Dr. Lee S. Harford, Jr., Army Reserve Historian, U.S. Army Reserve Command. “Today, there are a total of 22 military history detachments in the Army: one in the active Army, 16 in the Army Reserve and five in the Army National Guard.” Read More
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IP Enforce Rule of Law in Former ‘Triangle of Death’

Posted on 08.01.2008
By Sgt. Daniel Blottenberger
18th Mililtary Police Brigade

Excerpt

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Coalition forces once named the predominantly Sunni area in central Iraq, consisting of the cities of Yusuifiyah, Mahmudiyah, Iskandariyah and Latifiyah, the “Triangle of Death.”

The troop surge initiated in 2007 neutralized much of the area enabling Iraqi security forces to take a leading role in the securing the region. An uprising there in March raised concerns and directed attention to the Iraqi security forces operating in that area; coalition forces feared the ISF would struggle to maintain rule of law in the communities.

“We got word that special group members were going to be coming down from Baghdad into Mahmudiyah, and planning on resupplying criminal groups in our area,” said Staff Sgt. Phillip McGrew, a Police Transition Team squad leader with the 65th Military Police Company, who conducts PTT operations with Iraqi police in the Mahmudiyah District. Read More
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Logistics Soldiers Help IA Supply the Victory

Posted on 08.01.2008
By Sgt. David Turner
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

Excerpt

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – The Iraqi security forces constantly gain confidence and competence in providing security for the people of Iraq. Recruiting efforts like the recent ones in Iskandariyah attract potential Soldiers and policeman at an increasing pace.

The continuous, successful growth of the force presents the ISF with logistical support challenges.

Captain Kenneth Hoisington, ISF logistics coordinator for 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and his team provide direct support to the ISF as well as help them use the systems they have in place and identify ways to improve.

“We need to back away and be more advisers,” said Hoisington. “If you don’t let their system fail, they won’t know anything’s wrong. Now we’re exercising their system.”

In his initial visits, Hoisington tried to identify the ISF’s logistics needs. He also sought input as to how he could best help them.

“Just like you would in any business, you ask the people you’re supporting, ‘Hey, what works for you?’” he said. Read More
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Signs of Success in Balad Area

Posted on 08.01.2008
By Sgt. Rick Rzepka
1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

Excerpt

BALAD, Iraq – The gains can be seen everywhere. The wry smiles that were once fierce scowls worn on the faces of men and women here are subtle signs of Iraqi success. Once timid and withdrawn children flock to the sight of Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers in neighborhoods once thought to be lost.

However, Iraqi and coalition forces remain relentless in their pursuit of the enemy here and across Iraq.

Together with Iraqi security forces, Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, recently conducted Operation Balls Pursuit. The operation, which was part of a larger Multi-National Division-North effort, aimed to disrupt enemy activity in the Jissat and Jalam Deserts, said Sgt. Maj. Edward Estep, 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, command sergeant major.

The area, vast and easily accessible, has been used by enemy fighters in the past as a place to reorganize and resupply in order to carry out attacks on the population centers of the Salah ad Din province.

“Operation Balls Pursuit was intended to deny enemy safe haven, limit enemy freedom of maneuver, and interdict the flow of foreign fighters in the area,” said Estep, whose “Balls” Soldiers were joined by elements of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 327th Infantry Regiment in the operation.

“The Soldiers performed great,” said Estep. “There was not a house that didn’t get a visit,” he said. Read More
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New Sheik Takes Stand Against AQI

Posted on 07.31.2008
By Cpl. Chadwick deBree
Regimental Combat Team 1

Excerpt

SITCHER, Iraq – Marines and Iraqi tribal and security officials gathered near the Sitcher Iraqi police station to celebrate the inauguration of a new local sheik, July 24, 2008.

Amar Abdullah Husain al-Jumaili received his official appointment as a sheik, replacing his uncle, Sheik Ahmed Sarham, who was killed along with 20 other sheiks and three Marines after a suicide bombing at a meeting in Karma.

Marines of 2nd Platoon, Company G, Task Force 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, attended the ceremony to pay their respects.

“Sheik [Amar] is a great man and a great leader, and I’m confident he’ll do good things here,” said 1st Lt. Hussein Yaghnam, platoon commander, 2nd Platoon, Company G, Task Force 2/3.

Sheik Sarham lost his life while working to promote progress and peace, a mission the Marines are confident will be continued.

“[The community] is still in mourning because they lost a great leader,” Yaghnam said. “But they’re still pushing through and moving forward. That’s why this event is so significant; because it shows that the Iraqi people are determined to push through no matter what al-Qaida in Iraq throws at them. Regardless of what they do, AQI is loosing their foothold in the area.” Read More
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Iraqi Police Officers Graduate First ‘train-the–trainer’ Class

Story by Dustin Weidman
Posted on 07.31.2008 at 01:54AM

Excerpt

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The room was dark and quiet as the insurgents were planning their next attack, surrounded by weapons and explosives, when the door is kicked open and members of the Iraqi police flood into the room, “Get down on the ground,” the insurgents were caught red-handed.

The date is July 24, 2008, and it is graduation day, for the members of this Iraqi police attack force, and the scenario was their final exam in the Iraqi police Master Trainer Program.

The “insurgents,” were played by their instructors from the Mortar Platoon, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

“We designed the Iraqi police Master Trainer Program to try to get the biggest impact from a small element of U.S. Soldiers,” said Capt Adam Eaton, mortar platoon leader from Avoca, New York. “The program has changed a great deal from its initial stage through input from everyone in the platoon. We hand-picked Iraqi police who displayed leadership potential at their stations and brought them in for training.”

The program lasted five weeks and was taught at Joint Security Station Nassir Wa Salam, west of Baghdad. Read More
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Combat Engineers Finding Fewer IEDs

Posted on 07.30.2008
By Cpl. Chris T. Mann
Regimental Combat Team 1

Excerpt

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Blinding lights pierce through the darkness on a long and winding stretch of pitch black road, exposing otherwise unseen rusted metal objects and abandoned cars.

Behind these bright lights are a group of Marines, part of a route clearance team with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 1, who are tasked with locating ordnance on and near roads traveled by Iraqi citizens and coalition forces.

The Marines, with Company C, conducted an all night street sweeping operation, July 23, 2008, in the city of Karma, Iraq. In past years, the city and its surrounding area has been a hotbed for insurgent activity, and many of the roads were heavily laden with improvised explosive devices.

Now, the unit is finding very few of the deadly devices and sighs of relief resonate among the Marines.

“The threat of improvised explosive devices has gone down so much since I last deployed to Iraq; it used to be a pretty regular thing to get hit,” said Sgt. Jacob W. Verschage, a 24-year-old vehicle commander from Piffard, N.Y. “We go out each night and sweep different areas, but are not turning up very much at all anymore.”

More than a year ago, units deployed to the Anbar province were finding one or more IEDs every night. Now because of improved security throughout the region, 2nd CEB has uncovered only four in the past four months.

“I would characterize the enemy in our area as being neutralized. We still see occasional [al-Qaida in Iraq] violence in the area, and we’re very watchful to ensure we don’t allow a resurgence of AQI activity,” said Col. Lewis A. Craparotta, commanding officer, Regimental Combat Team 1, in an, April 21, Department of Defense news briefing. “Most people believe that AQI has fled al-Anbar, at least for the time being, and it’s our responsibility to make sure that they can’t reestablish themselves back in our area.” Read More
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‘Sustained Progress’ in Iraq, New Deployments Reduced to 12 Months

Friday, 01 August 2008
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON — Citing improved conditions in Iraq, President Bush announced July 31 that Soldiers deploying there from tomorrow on will serve 12-month tours of duty.

Army tours in Iraq were extended from 12 to 15 months in April 2007. Pentagon civilian and military officials have expressed the intent to cut Iraq tour lengths from 15 to 12 months for some time.

Violence in Iraq has decreased to its lowest levels in four years, which indicates that the security gains achieved there in recent months may be lasting, Bush said.

“Violence is down to its lowest level since the spring of 2004,” Bush said. Reduced strife in Iraq, he said, has continued for three consecutive months and is holding steady.

Bush said U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the commander of Multi-National Force – Iraq, have cautioned him that the improved security environment in Iraq still is reversible. However, Crocker and Petraeus also believe “there now appears to be a degree of durability to the gains we have made,” Bush said.

The success of the surge, Bush said, is “a significant reason for this sustained progress” in Iraq. Iraqi Security Forces are increasing in capability, he said, noting that 192 Iraqi combat battalions are now in the fight. More than 110 of these units, he said, are taking the lead in combat operations against terrorists and extremists.

Iraqi forces proved their mettle earlier this year, Bush said, during the successful Iraqi government-led military operations launched against Shiite extremists in Basra, Amarah and the Sadr City section of Baghdad.

“Because of these operations, extremists who once terrorized the citizens of these communities have been driven from their strongholds,” Bush said. As a result, he said, Crocker “was able to walk the streets of Sadr City last Wednesday.”

That act, Bush noted, was something that would not have been possible just a few months ago. Read More
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Iraqi troops show increased self-sufficiency

by Staff Sgt. Michel Sauret
MND-Center

Excerpt

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq (July 30, 2008) — This past June, Iraqi Army Soldiers in Taji recovered two broken down humvees on their own and restored them without any help from Coalition maintenance.

“Probably the most exciting thing for me is I compare (today) to our partnership with the IA in 2006, and it’s night and day,” said Capt. Steve Chadwick, and Iraqi Security Forces coordinator with Multi-National Division – Center, who was stationed in Tal Afar and Ramadi at that time.

Just two years ago, Coalition mechanics took care of the bulk of repairing vehicles and replacing parts. Not anymore, said Chadwick.

Maintenance is not the only area where ISF are more proficient. There are now more Regional and Divisional Training Centers in Iraq than ever before, with classes taught by either Iraqi noncommissioned officers or civilian instructors who are experts in a specific field. Read More
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Iraqi Police Officers Graduate First ‘Train-the-Trainer’ Class

Friday, 01 August 2008
By Cpl. Dustin Weidman
25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad

Excerpt

BAGHDAD — The room was dark and quiet as the insurgents were planning their next attack, surrounded by weapons and explosives, when the door is kicked open and members of the Iraqi Police flood into the room, “Get down on the ground,” the insurgents were caught red-handed.

The date is July 24, 2008, and it is graduation day, for the members of this Iraqi Police attack force, and the scenario was their final exam in the Iraqi Police Master Trainer Program.

The “insurgents,” were played by their instructors from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

“We designed the Iraqi Police Master Trainer Program to try to get the biggest impact from a small element of U.S. Soldiers,” said Capt Adam Eaton, mortar platoon leader. “The program has changed a great deal from its initial stage through input from everyone in the platoon. We hand-picked Iraqi Police who displayed leadership potential at their stations and brought them in for training.” Read More
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Officials Discuss Start of Iraqi-Led Operations in Diyala Province

Thursday, 31 July 2008
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

BAGHDAD — The operation now under way to clear enemies from Iraq’s Diyala province is Iraqi-conceived, Iraqi-planned and Iraqi-led, a senior coalition officer said July 30.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David Perkins, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, along with Iraqi Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari, spoke with reporters at a Baghdad news conference.

Perkins said Coalition forces will provide capabilities such as air support, helicopter support, some logistical support and engineer support for the operation in Diyala.

“[These are] those things that complete the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces and enable them to accomplish their mission,” Perkins said.

Askari said the Iraqi Army and Police are attacking terrorists, outlaws and Iranian-backed “special groups” to deny them safe haven in the province, which runs from the outskirts of Baghdad to the Iranian border. “The operation has no timetable,” he said through a translator.

The operation, which began July 29, has deployed Iraqi Soldiers and Police to the province’s cities and villages. The Iraqi Security Forces already have captured 50 wanted terrorists and criminals, Askari said, noting that the operation has begun “lifting the ‘fear barrier’ between the Iraqi Security Forces and the people.”

Another objective of the operation is to starve the terrorist and criminal groups and separate them from the population. Iraqi officials also want to build security so that displaced people – refugees from the fighting – want to relocate back to the province. Finally, the operation is designed to make it safe enough for the Iraqi government to begin investment in the province to spur reconstruction and agriculture, the Iraqi general said. Read More
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Iraqi Forces Show Self Sufficiency

Wednesday, 30 July 2008
By Staff Sgt. Michel Sauret
MND-C PAO

Excerpt

CAMP VICTORY — This past June, Iraqi Army Soldiers in Taji recovered two broken down humvees on their own and restored them without any help from Coalition maintenance.

“Probably the most exciting thing for me is I compare (today) to our partnership with the IA in 2006, and it’s night and day,” said Capt. Steve Chadwick, and Iraqi Security Forces coordinator with Multi-National Division – Center, who was stationed in Tal Afar and Ramadi at that time.

Just two years ago, Coalition mechanics took care of the bulk of repairing vehicles and replacing parts. Not anymore, said Chadwick.

Maintenance is not the only area where ISF are more proficient. There are now more Regional and Divisional Training Centers in Iraq than ever before, with classes taught by either Iraqi noncommissioned officers or civilian instructors expert in a specific field.

“The future is the IA taking up training all on its own. It’s already begun,” said Capt Kyle Kirby, an ISF coordinator with the 10th Mtn. Div.

Before, many of these courses were supervised or even taught by Coalition instructors. Iraqi forces units also relied more heavily on training with Military Transition Teams

The Coalition’s partnership with ISF has shifted from a leading role to a strategic one. The Coalition now serves as an “enabler” to help ISF complete missions. This means providing support using advanced technologies Iraqi forces have not yet established.

“We make sure the Iraqis get the necessary training and advice, so that they may operate their own military properly,” said Capt. Thomas Obrien, an aide de camp for the Iraqi Assistance Group, which works in partnership with ISF.

One of the major goals in improving Iraq’s forces is by increasing the number of NCOs and officers who can lead and mentor fellow troops.

Two elements are working to achieve this goal: recruiting centers and military academies.

Currently, there are 13 recruiting stations across Iraq taking applications from local citizens; former IA members wanting to return to service; and Sons of Iraq.Mobile recruiting drives engage the population in areas without local centers. Three more centers are planned for future efforts. Read More
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Iraqi Army Unit’s Commitment Keeps Neighborhoods Safe in Rusafa

Excerpt

Sunday, 27 July 2008
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY — Since their arrival into the critical Baghdad District of Rusafa, Iraqi Army Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, have played a critical role in the safety and security of the Iraqi people.

Recently, Soldiers from 3rd Bn., 4th Bde., 1st IA Div., acted on a citizen tip to prevent possible attacks against Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition forces and local Rusafa residents through seizing a weapons cache in Muhalla 133, said Capt. Timothy Mitroka, officer-in-charge, Military Transition Team, 3rd Bn., 4th Bde., 1st IA Div.

Unit Soldiers quickly responded to a tip from a concerned citizen about the possible location of illegal weapons, explained Mtiroka. They met with the individual, who accompanied them to the area where the weapons were thought to be hidden. The suspected location was an empty lot filled with rubble and trash. Soldiers found the cache in bags placed underneath a large pile of garbage, he said. They secured the site and collected the weapons.

“My Soldiers did a great job responding to the tip given to them by the local resident,” said Iraqi Lt. Col. Karsol, commander of 3rd Bn., 4th Bde, 1st IA Div. “This shows that the people of Rusafa can trust us to secure and protect their city.” Read More
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New Courthouse to Open in Basrah

Friday, 01 August 2008
By A. Al Bahrani
Gulf Region South district

Excerpt

BASRAH — Officials in Basrah will soon open a new 11,000-square-meter, two-story courthouse and witness protection facility here providing visual proof that the rule of law is once again a fundamental pillar of this nation.

“When completed, the new judicial facility will serve more than two million residents,” said Keith Addams, Gulf Region Division. “It’s a magnificent structure built by local Iraqis who tell me they’re very proud to be part of this effort. As I drive around to different job sites in Basrah and I see the dome of the new courthouse off in the distance, I can’t help but think of its impressive monumental impact on the people here.

“As the rule of law reduces the power of selfish men, the economical and agricultural capacities of Iraq will blossom,” continued Addams. “I honestly believe that all this, and so much more, is possible, through creating, enforcing and obeying fair and just law.” Read More
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South Baghdad ready for transition

by Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

Excerpt

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq (July 31, 2008) — U.S. Soldiers are preparing to hand over their area of operations in Southern Baghdad and said they believe conditions are right for making a successful change.

“Our plan is to conduct a transfer of authority of Southern Baghdad, not with another Coalition forces element, but with the 17th Iraqi Army Division,” said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).“The conditions are set for the 17th IA Division to take charge of its area of operations – which is virtually all of the Mahmudiyah Qada,” said Maj. David Jones, operations officer, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div.

At the helm of the forces, which have taken control of the area, is recently promoted Maj. Gen. Ali Jassim Muhammad Hassen Al Frejee, commander of the 17th IA Div. He was the former commander of the 25th IA Brigade.

With the promotion to two-star general, Ali now has three brigades – an additional 4,000 Soldiers and 80 officers – under his command.

“The mere fact that the brigade operating in this area has been directed and has had the ability to transform itself into a division speaks volumes of the capability of the Iraqi Army leaders and the local support of its own security forces,” Caraccilo said. “Major General Ali is, no doubt, a leader with a nationalistic view on how to secure his area of operations. He is willing to take on all that the Coalition forces have and are doing, to include the (counter insurgency) fight.”

Massive cache turn-ins and tips from Iraqi citizens leading to the capture of criminals indicate the people of the Mahmudiyah Qada are also ready for change, and they support Iraqi Security Forces. Read More
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Sheikhs discuss upcoming elections in Samawa

by Capt. Robin Worch
1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

Excerpt

SAMAWA, Iraq (July 28, 2008) – More than 500 tribal leaders gathered in Samawa to discuss upcoming Iraqi elections and issues affecting their tribes, July 16.

“This is the spirit of democracy that is encouraging progress throughout Muthanna and Iraq,” said Paul O’Friel, a provincial reconstruction team leader operating in the region.

Sheikh Hakim Khazl led the meeting under a theme of “free and fair elections,” where he proposed introducing United Nations electoral monitors to validate upcoming elections.

“We are honored to be invited to such an event and witness first-hand Iraqi people’s moving forward toward a truly democratic country,” said Lt. Col. Scott Kendrick, the commander of the 2nd Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Read More