Vol. 1, No. 13 Published by Multi-National Force - November 9, 2005

BackBack inin Iraq:Iraq: Top 101st takes command of north central Iraq for second OIF tour Stories By Spc. Joshua Hutcheson Counter-insurgency center 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs created in Taji to ensure success Page 2 FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, — The 101st Airborne Division is back in Iraq and ready Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers bring for a new mission. food, water to needy, Page 3 The Screaming Eagles took control of north central Iraq in a transfer of authority 29th Support Battalion ceremony Nov. 1 at FOB Danger, marking forms ties with Iraqis, Page 4 the beginning of their second tour in sup- port of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Heroes of the Week, Pages 5 The 101st will lead Task Force Band of Brothers and replaced the 42nd Infantry “How It’s Going,” Page 6 Division, a National Guard unit from New York, at the helm of Task Force Liberty. 101st Combat Aviation The division was part of the initial ground war in 2003 that toppled the Brigade replaces 42nd ID’s, Saddam Hussein regime. Since then, the Page 7 101st has become the first division in the U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Acosta Army to completely transform to a plug- Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner speaks to Coalition and Iraqi and-play modular design. The transfor- the crowd during a transfer of Security Forces operations authority ceremony at FOB Danger mation included the addition of a fourth this week, Page 8 infantry brigade — the newly reactivated Nov. 1. 506th Infantry Regiment — and the able to train and work with Soldiers from Iraqi military police gradu- reshuffling of Soldiers and units to max- the Iraqi Army and Security Forces. The ate from school, Page 11 imize the fighting capabilities of the training was so successful that the 42nd division. was able to hand over control of the As Iraqis Taking The task force is also made up of the 1st Sulayminayah Province and 10 forward and 3rd brigade combat teams, 3rd Infantry operating bases, including FOB Danger, to the Lead: Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; 18th Field the Iraqi government, said Maj. Gen. photos from Artillery Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C.; and Joseph Taluto, commander, 42nd ID and around the 555th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Task Force Liberty. country, Fort Lewis, Wash. The 3rd ID units are “Today’s ceremony has some additional Page 12 scheduled to rotate out in the new year, and symbolic meaning. It marks the last time will be replaced by other units not yet con- that Coalition Forces will host an event on firmed. While in Iraq, Task Force Liberty was See TRANSFER, Page 5 Page 2 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 CG’s Weekly Message ... Counter-insurgency ing a very dif- center created in Taji By Gen. George W. Casey Jr. ficult time Multi-National Force - Iraq recruiting sui- to ensure success cide bombers Commanding General tinue adapting to the and is resort- By Maj. Herminio enemy’s changing tactics. ometimes it is hard to under- ing to trickery. Blas-Irizarry Also, the Center will pro- stand the enormity of an Recent suicide S DCS Strategic Effects, duce a COIN handbook issue at first glance. Many people bombers cap- Communications Division for distribution through- are only seeing a very small part tured prior to Gen. George W. out the theater of opera- of what is transpiring here in Iraq. detonating Casey Jr. INTERNATIONAL tions and to the military’s A car bomb here, an attack there their bombs ZONE, BAGHDAD — primary training centers — we mourn each and every loss have told stories of being forced The Multi-National that prepare units deploy- both military and civilian — but it into becoming martyrs. Force-Iraq has created a ing to Iraq by replicating is not the majority of what is hap- Operations in Tall Afar, the Counter-Insurgency the asymmetrical warfare pening in Iraq. Euphrates River Valley and along Center for Excellence to situations they may likely The real story is what you are the border are showing the nega- provide Coalition Forces face. not seeing in Iraq. For example, tive impact the Coalition is having and their Iraqi Security In addition to the the terrorist and foreign fighters on the terrorist and foreign fight- Force counterparts with counter-insurgency train- are at a stalemate. They are find- ers ability to smuggle people into the latest and best prac- ing, Coalition command- ing it harder and harder to cross Iraq, establish safe havens and tices for conducting ers will be able to share the borders from Syria and other conduct operations. They are mak- counter-insurgency their personal experiences adjoining countries. They have ing mistakes and showing their (COIN) operations in with Iraqi commanders lost base areas such as Tall Afar true intention: Sept. 14 Al Zarqawi Iraq. and participate in formal and are experiencing defeat at declared “all-out war” against The Center is located in dinners with local gov- every engagement. Moreover, they Shi’a throughout Iraq; the recent Taji, 18 miles north of ernment officials. This are not able to reconstitute after al-Zawahiri letter to al-Zarqawi Baghdad, with courses social event will allow battles as in the past because of outlining al Qaeda’s desire to form taught by highly-qualified Coalition commanders to Iraqi Security Forces maintaining a base of operations in Iraq, estab- instructors with COIN build personal relation- security once areas are swept of lish a caliphate and export terror operations experience. ships with Iraqi counter- terrorists. throughout the region; and al- The curriculum is parts, which are very Additionally, being a terrorist Zarqawi’s stated opposition to free designed to train battal- important in Arab society. mastermind is not a long-term elections and Iraqi’s ability to ion, company command- The Center will also career. Since January, 800 foreign determine their own future. ers and selected staff per- incorporate economic, fighters have either killed them- While attacks are up, efficiency sonnel with the most political and social semi- selves as suicide bombers, been and effectiveness are not. The effective COIN tactics nars to enhance both killed or captured — over 100 of constitution was ratified by an and techniques used by Coalition and Iraqi Army those are known leaders or trusted overwhelming margin of 4-to-1. previous units on the civil-military operations agents of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s Political parties are forming as we ground. throughout Iraq. The al Qaeda in Iraq network. Once speak for the upcoming elections. This center for excel- Counter-insurgency captured these terrorists lead to These are trends of an enemy on lence serves as a lessons- Center for Excellence will other terrorists, decimating the ter- the run and a successful Coalition learned repository that ensure Coalition and Iraqi rorist network and leaving only counterinsurgency campaign — ground commanders can Forces have world-class the less experienced leading the and most of what you are not see- draw from to enhance training to continue oper- no-experienced. Al Qaeda is hav- ing. unit operations and con- ational success in Iraq.

MNF-I Commanding General Editor...... Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan Gen. George W. Casey Jr. [email protected] Assistant Editor...... Staff Sgt. Nick Minecci Combined Press Information Center [email protected] Director Command Information NCOIC...Master Sgt. Michele R. Hammonds Lt. Col. Steven A. Boylan [email protected] [email protected] This Week in Iraq is an authorized publication produced by Multi-National Force Command Information Chief - Iraq. Contents are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or DoD. Maj. Patricia C. Anderson The editorial content is not the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of the Multi-National Force - [email protected] Iraq. Questions and comments should be directed to the editor at [email protected]. Page 3 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers bring food, water to needy families Story and photos by went smoothly, Iraqi Army Sgt. Maj. Spc. Ben Brody Nameer Mohammed said he felt the 2nd Brigade Combat Team food should go to needy families in Public Affairs Baghdad. “The people feel happy when we SEVEN PALACES — Iraqi Army come to their neighborhoods, troops, along with U.S. Soldiers from because we often give away food to 448th Civil Affairs Battalion, distributed the poor,” Mohammed said. food and water to residents of Seven “It is good training for the Palaces in north Baghdad Oct. 26. Soldiers, too, and they learn to Soldiers from organize the crowds that arrive.” 2nd Iraqi Army Seven Palaces is a poor area that Brigade passed was once farmland but is now home Iraqi Army Sgt. Maj. Nameer Mohammed, out 1,200 halal- to many people who came to 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade, and Capt. Roger certified food Baghdad seeking work, but can’t Miick, 448th Civil Affairs Battalion, dis- rations and afford to live downtown. cuss a humanitarian aid mission in 1,200 bottles of “We are working for one goal — Baghdad. water that had to build the army that will protect been stockpiled and free Iraq,” said Iraqi Army Warrant crowd quickly assembled around the as a contin- Officer Abdul Razak. trucks carrying bottled water and halal gency against “It will take time, but we are building rations, and residents eagerly carted away possible vio- the confidence of the people every day.” the donations. lence on the Razak, a former Iraqi Army sergeant “Civil military operations like this are day Iraqis voted major, said he was imprisoned at Abu relatively new to the Iraqi Army, but on the constitu- Ghraib for five years under Saddam they’re picking it up quickly and see the A Soldier from 2nd tional referen- Hussein’s regime for speaking out against importance of assisting their people,” said Iraqi Army Brigade dum. the dictator. Capt. Roger Miick, 448th CA Bn. pulls security during Since the He was liberated in 2003 by U.S. “They’re still fighting a battle against a humanitarian aid Oct. 15 forces. insurgents, but they know it’s important to mission. Referendum As the Iraqi Soldiers rolled into town, a do what they can to help.” U.S., Iraqi Forces sweep up 49 terror suspects BAGHDAD — Task Force Baghdad the detention of 33 suspected terrorists. Soldiers, along with Iraqi Security Forces, Bomb-making materials were also found conducted major combat assaults, dubbed at several of the target houses. Operation Clean Sweep, Oct. 28-29 in In an earlier mission Oct. 28, 1/184 Inf. south Baghdad. Soldiers detained 16 terror suspects and The operation netted 49 terrorists and a discovered a large weapons cache during large weapons cache. a cordon and search. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 184th Courtesy photo The cache was hidden in a second-story Infantry Regiment and Iraqi Forces from A weapons cache discovered during crawl space underneath a bathtub and the 4th Public Order Brigade swept through an operation conducted by 1st included 13 AK-47 assault rifles, three the eastern Al-Rasheed district Oct. 29. Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment MPK machine guns, 20 AK-47 barrels, The multi-pronged assault resulted in and Iraqi Security Forces from the 4th one pistol, U.S. currency and an ammuni- more than 350 target houses searched and Public Order Brigade. tion stockpile.

onstruction is complete on a water network project that will benefit the 3,000 resi- dents of Al Ameen, . The $579,000 project employed an average Cof 15 Iraqi workers daily, who installed approximately 3,000 meters of 110 mm pipe, 1,278 meters of 160 mm pipe, 3,390 meters of 225 mm pipe and 10 fire hydrants. This proj- ect was funded by the Commander’s Emergency Response Program (CERP). Page 4 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 Military Police forge ties with Iraqi police found that the facili- Story and photo by ties had been loot- Pfc. Matthew Clifton ed.” Multi-National Corps - Iraq Basically, they Public Affairs only had primitive tools to work with BAGHDAD — When building any- along with some thing from the ground up, time and other basics that patience are virtues needed to bring con- were donated by the struction to fruition. The same can be said Japanese govern- about the creation and success of the Iraqi ment, Gaboriault police. said. But one military police master sergeant After making his has made it his mission to provide a help- rounds, Gaboriault Soldiers from the 42nd MP Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash., ing hand to the fledgling security forces in knew he would have visit their Iraqi counterparts. Baghdad. a lot of work to do For Master Sgt. Michael Gaboriault, getting the IP vehicles to an acceptable another $450,000 for more parts that we brigade motor sergeant, 42nd MP Brigade, level of readiness. His first task was to are currently working on, along with a Fort Lewis, Wash., overseeing the mainte- determine what the facilities would require $358,000 contract for each of the five nance and repair operations for the 42nd to be fully operational, Gaboriault said. facilities to buy tools. was all he expected to do when he There are five main facilities Gaboriault “Everyone we work with is very grate- deployed to Iraq. looks after: Al-, Rusafa, traffic, ful for everything that (Gaboriault) has However, he took on the duty of over- patrol and central maintenance. done for them,” said Master Sgt. Abdul seeing the maintenance for all of Going through the proper channels, Mohamed, brigade motor sergeant, 49th Baghdad’s Iraqi police vehicles, and dis- Gaboriault obtained several contracts that MP Bde. Mohamed will be taking over covered it was something that would would be used to fix specific problems Gaboriault’s operations when he rede- require a great deal of his time and effort. facing the facilities. ploys. “I was tasked to assist the Iraqi police “I was able to get a contract worth $1.2 “I think that affects their job perform- with anything they needed to maintain million to rebuild and outfit the facilities ance, because they will be more apt and their vehicles and keep them in a profi- and a contract for $500,000 to buy parts take more pride in what they do knowing cient state of readiness,” Gaboriault said. — which they used within a matter of a that someone cares about them and is “When I started making my rounds, I few months,” Gaboriault said. “We got going out of their way to help them.”

Soldiers clear junkyard of bomb-making ammo BAGHDAD — More than 2,400 of bomb-making material. rounds of unexploded ordnance were A scrap-metal junkyard was discovered and destroyed in a 12-day cleared of unexploded ordnance, operation in rural east Baghdad. which included 1,135 mortar Soldiers from Headquarters Troop, rounds, 632 artillery rounds, 195 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, and up to rockets, 22 mines and six bombs. 45 Iraqi contractors were involved in “The operation takes possible the operation to deny terrorists the use improvised explosive devices off the streets,” said Sgt. Frank Neal, the small-arms master gunner for the Courtesy photos Soldiers from Headquarters Troop, 3rd troop. Squadron, 7th Cav., 2nd BCT prepare muni- Neal said the operation to destroy tions for demolition in rural east Baghdad. the ordnance was completed with a The Soldiers and Iraqi contractors cleared a focus on safety and that none of the scrap-metal junkyard of unexploded ord- Soldiers or Iraqi contractors who nance, that included 1,135 mortar rounds, helped collect the munitions suf- 632 artillery rounds, 195 rockets, 22 mines fered any injuries during the con- and six bombs. Right, the munitions explode. trolled detonations. Page 5 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 Heroes of the Week U.S. medic saves Iraqi policeman’s life under fire By Spc. Carlos Caro Andrew “Doc” Suchanek, 1st Suddenly, a terrorist fired an Battalion, 87th Infantry, 1st RPG at the two of them. 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Without hesitation, BAGHDAD — At least one Mountain Division (Light Suchanek threw himself on the Iraqi police officer owes his Infantry). police officer, shielding him life to a U.S. Army medic who While on a routine patrol in from danger. treated his wounds even as ter- west Baghdad, Suchanek and The grenade exploded harm- rorists were firing on their other Soldiers of Company C, lessly and Suchanek continued position during an Oct. 10 1st Bn., 87th Inf. responded to treatment to save the life of the Spc. Andrew Suchanek, incident. assist Iraqi police who had IP officer. 1st Bn., 87th Infantry, 1st “I didn’t have time to think come under fire from automat- As his fellow Soldiers BCT, 10th Mountain Div. about it. I just knew I didn’t ic rifles and rocket-propelled secured the area, Suchanek want that guy to get hurt even grenades. wounded IP, Suchanek began coordinated evacuation for his worse. I just reacted,” said Spc. Encountering a critically- immediate life-saving treatment. patient to a local hospital.

ing the ceremony. and Sulayminayah Province,” said Transfer The leaders of the 101st, and its attached Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner, commander, from page 1 units, hope to continue the progress toward 101st Airborne Division and Task Force these palace grounds,” Taluto said. “Soon, a free and democratic country made by the Band of Brothers. “The Soldiers that these this place that was for only an elite few will previous task force. Military liaisons gentlemen command are in the fight every be the place for the Iraqi people. Instead of between the ISF and Coalition Forces have day, risking not only their lives, but those representing how one man used Iraq’s been established to further train Iraqi of their families as they attempt to destroy wealth, it now represents how Iraq’s wealth Soldiers and police in techniques to defend the insurgency and provide the secure envi- can serve the people.” and protect the country from insurgents ronment that will allow this democracy to Taluto is confident his task force has and terrorists. flourish.” achieved its goals, and proud of the “We look forward to working with the An important aspect to achieving a Soldiers under his command. security forces of Iraq — the Iraqi Army secure environment is communication “We accomplished what we were direct- and Maj. Gen. Ahmed, commanding gener- with governors in north central Iraq. The ed to do. We have met our objectives and al of the Iraqi 5th Division in Dyiala 101st will work closely with both Iraqi most importantly, we have advanced the Province, and Lt. Gen. Aziz, commanding leaders and ISF to help the country stand cause of freedom here in Iraq,” he said dur- general of the 4th Iraqi Army in Sad, on its own.

Multi-National Force - Iraq detainee population

7,224

Abu Ghraib TotalCamp as Bucca of Nov.Camp Cropper4: Fort Suse 13,453Brigade Internment Fa 4,580 Courtesy photo 134 4,580 134 Detainees make their way through the 1,206 309 309 release process. Each released detainee is issued $25, a copy of the Koran and a dish Abu Ghraib Fort Suse dasha, a traditional white garment. The Camp Bucca Brigade and Division release was done in the spirit of Eid al-Fitr, TALCamp MNF-I Cropper Detainee PopulationInternment as of November Facilities 4, 2005 a day of rejoicing that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Page 6 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 HowHow TOTALS 30 Bomb/IED Makers Captured = 60 Bomb/IED Makers Killed = 4 26 it’sit’s 25 20 goinggoing 15 10 11 8

5 5 5 4 acrossacross 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 Apr-05 May-05 Jun-05 Jul-05 Aug-05 Sep-05 Oct-05 IraqIraq Captured Killed

1400 1,327 1,256 1,290

1200

269 368 327 1,000 (21.4%) (27.7%) 1000 (25.3%) 889 151 906 (15.1%) 122 152 800 (13.7%) (16.8%)

600

987 959 963 849 400 689 754

(86.3%) (78.6%) (84.9%) (83.2%) (72.3%) (74.6%) 200

0 MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT Combined CF/ISF Operations ISF Independent Operations

newly refurbished school, completed Sunday in Diwaniyah, Qadisiyah AProvince, will provide 360 Iraqi schoolchildren with a clean and healthy learning environment.

housands of citizens in southern Iraq will benefit from the completion of Tthe Al Madain Bridge. Page 7 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 101st Combat Aviation Brigade replaces 42nd ID’s Soldiers, Chief Warrant Officer Matt Story and photo by Lourey and Chief Warrant Officer Sgt. Ryan Matson Joshua Scott, reciting the division’s 101st Combat Aviation Brigade motto, “Never forget.” Col. Warren Phipps, commander of FORWARD OPERATING the 101st CAB, and Command Sgt. BASE SPEICHER — The 101st Maj. Tod Glidewell stepped in as Combat Aviation Brigade took over commander and command sergeant aerial operations from the 42nd major of the area of operations. Infantry Division Aviation Brigade In his remarks following the uncas- here in a transfer of authority cere- ing of the new colors, Phipps said, mony Oct. 13 outside the two units’ “We, the 101st Combat Aviation tactical operations center. Brigade and 42nd Aviation Brigade The 101st CAB, based out of Fort Col. Warren E. Phipps (left), 101st Combat stand united in a great cause – to save Campbell, Ky., arrived in Iraq last Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, the Iraqi people from the throws of month and has assumed control over unveils the 101st CAB colors during the transfer tyranny and terrorism so that they can aviation operations in the area. of authority ceremony Oct. 13 at FOB Speicher. enjoy the freedoms of a self-deter- This includes providing convoy mined representative government and route security, medical evacuations, aviation operations since January 2005. and the comfort of society governed by the and utilization of air assets in support of Col. Mark Burke, brigade commander, rule of law.” ground forces in strengthening the Iraqi acknowledged the hard work of his Phipps pledged to the battalions of the government and security forces. Soldiers in supporting the security of the 42nd ID Avn. Bde. that “the Wings of The 42nd ID Avn. Bde., an Army political process in Iraq over the past year. Destiny will fly proudly over the Rainbow National Guard brigade unit out of He also expressed gratitude in a tearful Soldiers, protecting them as you have done Patchogue, N.Y., had been in control of the remembrance of the brigade’s two fallen over the past year.” Iraqi mother calls daughter recovering in U.S. hospital In a letter sent to were staying so the girl’s Story and photo by Sgt. the American mother could talk to them after 1st Class Kevin W. Reeves Consulate in Iraq, the surgery. 155th Brigade Combat Team Meyers stated, “We While Hadiya and her father have accepted are in the United States, the TUNIS — With a tear in her Hadiya Hussein for Lauver family has volunteered eye and a smile on her face, treatment at the use of their home and personal Hadiya Hussein and her father Milton S. Hershey resources to provide daily care began their journey to the Medical Center needs, which include providing United States on Oct.14. Children’s Hospital food, lodging, and transporta- Today she is in recovery at the to correct the abnor- tion for Hadiya and her father. Penn State Children’s Hospital mality of the Lauver’s wife met Hadiya in Hershey, Pa. ‘Ventricular Septal and Mohammed at the airport 155th Brigade Combat Team Defect.’” in the United States and will Soldiers learned about her con- Maj. Bradley assist them throughout their dition while conducting a rou- Lauver and other time in America. Recovery is tine inspection of the water Soldiers of the expected to take about two treatment plant in the village 490th Civil Affairs months. Hadiya and her of Tunis. Battalion went to Hadiyah Mohammed’s mother talks father will return to Iraq at Dr. John L. Meyers, profes- visit with the other to her daughter in the United States this time. sor of surgery and pediatrics, family members on a satelite phone just after her In Arabic, Hadiya means and chief of cardiothoracic left in Iraq to deliv- heart surgery. “gift.” To many of the Soldiers surgery at Penn State er the good news of the 155th BCT, and to her Children’s Hospital in of her successful surgery. help this little girl.” parents, she really is a “Gift Hershey, Pa., completed the “The doctors said she Lauver called his home on from God. “If we can make an life saving operation Nov. 3, came through with flying his satellite phone and got the impact on these children, we and says she is recovering colors.” stated Lauver. “I am number to the hospital room can help the future of Iraq,” well. really glad that we could where Hadiya and her father Lauver said. Page 8 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 Coalition, Iraqi Security Forces’ Operations Review espite recent By Staff Sgt. Julie Nicolov Dreports of cor- Multi-National Corps - Iraq ruption in the ISF, Public Affairs members of the 4th Iraqi Army Division n the weeks following Soldiers refused bribes the referendum, during from insurgents and Iwhich 79 percent of captured five IED Iraqis voted in support of the bombers along Main new constitution, many citi- Supply Route Tampa zens of the newest democratic near Tikrit. nation are taking responsibility In Tall Afar, the Iraq for their own safety. Transitional The Nahia council in west- Government Peace ern city of informed Commission met with Coalition Forces that they local sheiks to discuss intend to start a community future peace plans in watch program to patrol high- the city. The Sunni and risk areas, especially around Shia sheiks agreed to mosques. Coalition leaders are U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryson K. Jones work together to recon- working closely with the coun- An Iraqi Soldier participates in squad infantry tactics during the struct Tall Afar and cil to support this program. Desert Protector Course in east . speed up the establish- The council also informed ment of services, CF that they have set up their own check- uspected corruption within the ranks municipalities and schools. They are also points with armed guards. Sof the Iraqi police is also a concern working together to create a city police The Coalition Force controlling the of the citizens. force and set free all prisoners who are not north central region of Iraq suggests that The commander of the 5th Iraqi Army guilty. A 16-member leadership committee citizens view local militias as more trust- Division stated that many Iraqi Soldiers of representatives from the Iraqi Army, worthy than national police, possibly due believe IP are involved in attacks, includ- Iraqi police, the mayor and other local to bad treatment they received under ing one recently in Baqubah. leaders will implement the plans. Saddam Hussein’s regime. The efforts of There was a significant drop in terrorist Al Sabah, an Arab newspaper popular local councils to coordinate with CF and activity in Hawijah Nov. 4, possibly con- with Sunnis in Baghdad, published several Iraqi Security Forces indicate the good nected to the arrest of a corrupt IA battal- articles supportive of ISF successes against intentions of these groups, CF leaders say. ion commander Nov. 3. terrorists and the IA’s improved training Despite these chal- and humanitarian assistance to fellow lenges, IPs still accom- Iraqis. The elimination of extortionists and plish their mission. others who prey directly on common citi- In Tall Afar, IPs cap- zens will continue to win public support tured 11 terrorists. The for the ISF and Iraqi Transitional owner of the house where Government. they were captured said In light of these successes, CF and ISF the insurgents forced continue to work hard to root out terrorism their way into his home and provide security for the citizens of then conducted a mortar Iraq. attack from there, indi- embers of a special trained Iraqi cating support for terror- Mscout platoon called the “Desert ists may be dwindling. Protectors,” elements of the 1st Iraqi Army Other events through- Division and 2,500 Marines, Sailors and out the country this week Soldiers with Regimental Combat Team-2 U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr. indicate that Iraqi citi- began Operation Steel Curtain in western An Iraqi Soldier hands out flyers during a patrol in zens also embrace CF . and ISF efforts. See OPERATIONS, next page Page 9 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 155th BCT Soldiers attend co-op groundbreaking Story by 155th Brigade Combat Team Approximately 50 pounds of seed consisting of pepper, lima Public Affairs Office beans, string beans, assorted FORWARD OPERATING BASE peas, corn and watermelon were DUKE, AN — At a recent ground presented to Malih. breaking ceremony, Lt. Col. Jim Oliver, “The leaders listed six things commander of 1st Battalion, 198th Armor, in their mission statement,” and other members of the 155th Brigade Sayle commented. He said the Combat Team, met with the board of direc- items listed were to, “Provide tors of the co-op and discussed what the jobs for poor farmers and pro- future holds for the local farmers of Najaf vide land for farming, increase and the surrounding area. the profitability of business of On hand for the ceremony were mem- the farmers and the price for bers of the 155th BCT’s “Operation Amber U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kevin W. Reeves their produce, and market Waves” team, Capt. Jesse Cornelius and Local leaders and members of the 155th products to export in Iraq and 1st Lt. Robert Sayle. Brigade Combat Team at the groundbreaking elsewhere. Cornelius and Sayle have a vast knowl- for their new farmers cooperative. “This will bring a better edge of farming and agriculture. Sayle, quality of life for the farmers,” from Walls, Miss., is the son of a farmer in seed, fertilizer and other basic needs soon.” Sayle said. “We are also helping the people the delta, and Cornelius, of Tupelo, Miss., The 155th Brigade Combat Team’s of the area pursue a source of canning and is a vocational agriculture teacher at Amber Waves team collected seeds from processing vegetables, ensure job security Nettleton High School in Nettleton, Miss. generous donors from Mississippi and for the citizens of Najaf province and pro- “This is a great day for the people in this Tennessee and presented what they had to vide tractors and equipment for farmers to area.” Cornelius said. Mehdi Malih, the Secretary for the Thul al- share,” he added. “They will be able to come here for the Fakkar Farmer’s Association. Soon, there should be farm implements things they need to have a successful farm. The Thul al-Fakkar Association is from and tractors, with other basic needs of “Although only limited supplies will be the district of Najaf and is made up of farmers centrally located at the new Co-Op here right now, they should be able to get a group of vegetable farmers. in Najaf.

operations were conducted in the Al Qaim Operations area. MNF-I Operations from previous page Offensive operations in Habbaniyah and Al Anbar Saturday. stopped an IED team that used Summary Oct. 29 - Nov. 7 he objectives of Operation Steel children as human shields. Other raids in TCurtain are to restore security along Amariyah and Al Ammari uncovered a the Iraqi-Syrian border and destroy the al mortar team, three large mortar caches, Qaeda in Iraq terror network operating rockets and armor-piercing ammunition. throughout Husaybah. n another part of the capital city, mem- The operation follows on the heels of Ibers of the 6th Iraqi Army Division Operations Iron Fist and River Gate and is captured five targeted insurgents in an part of Operation Sayaid, dedicated to pro- independent raid. Sniper operations dis- viding a safe environment for Iraq’s nation- rupted three IED teams, killing three and al elections Dec. 15. wounding two insurgents, as they prepared The 1st Iraqi Army Division and Desert to place IEDs. Protectors, with the support of Coalition Coalition Forces and Iraqi Border Police in Forces, also detained 21 men during a raid northern Iraq captured seven young suspected Combined operations: 225 at both a phosphate plant and cement facto- insurgents who crossed the border from Syria. IEDs found and cleared: 136 ry in Al Qaim Nov. 2. The men claimed to be sheep smugglers; Two of the detained men are suspected al however, there were no sheep in the area. anti-Iraqi forces detained: 133 Qaeda members, while the others are sus- The Provincial Emergency Police foreign fighters captured pected members of local anti-Iraqi terrorist Battalion recently conducted a raid north of or killed: 18 cells. Bayji, north of Tikrit, capturing five terror- Weapons caches found Both locations were being used by the ists including one who confessed to setting and cleared: 50 anti-Iraqi forces as safe havens from which the IED that targeted Coalition leadership. Page 10 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 Training course for Iraqi warrant officers, sergeants major wraps up successfully field, equal opportunity, By U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell counseling, communica- Multi-National Security Transition tion skills and managing Command - Iraq Public Affairs resources. Students were required to write essays KIRKUSH — A pilot training course on the various aspects of for Iraqi Army chief warrant officers and leadership, Hatton said. sergeants major wrapped up Thursday at “One thing stressed U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Lorie Jewell In teams of two, Iraqi NCOs demonstrate firing skills Kirkush Military Training Base, with was equity, especially while on the move during range exercises at Coalition advisers deeming it a success. when it comes to ethnic- Kirkush Military Training Base, where they partici- The four-week course focused on indi- ity, gender and religion,” pated in a pilot course for chief warrant officers and vidual training in barracks administration, Hatton said. sergeants major. range planning and conduct, drill and cer- The second week was emony instruction, planning operations devoted to range planning and conduct, and then pass on what we have learned to and professional development. during which students practiced their the junior troops.” Sixteen students completed the course, skills with small arms and learned Computer skills, such as using programs most of whom hold the rank of chief war- advanced marksmanship coaching, range like Microsoft Word and Excel spread- rant officer or sergeant major. Others have safety and forecasting. sheets, were included in the training. been identified for They were also intro- Students also lived a day in the life of a eventual promotion duced to night vision sergeant major or chief warrant officer, to the ranks, said goggles (NVGs), a with commanders giving them scenarios Australian Warrant piece of equipment they and asking for feedback on how they Officer Class One had never seen before, would suggest handling them. Examples David Hatton, sen- Hatton said. Instructors included two Soldiers caught fighting, with ior adviser for the gave a classroom lesson one accusing the other of stealing; a battal- Military Training on the NVGs, and then ion suffering from low morale or putting Team attached to had students put them together an appropriate ceremony for the the 1st Battalion of on and walk out to the arrival of a high-level Iraqi general. the Iraqi Training U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mark Woodbury range in the dark to Hatton and others consider the pilot Brigade (ITB). Range exercises also included acquaint them with the course a success, not just because of the In the U.S. Army, firing from standing, kneeling and devices. A night fire performance of the students but because the Iraqi ranks of prone positions. with the NVGs fol- of the involvement of Iraqi ITB leaders in chief warrant officer lowed. planning the course. Conducting the and sergeant major are equivalent to com- Week three consisted of lessons in plan- course during Ramadan – a month-long mand sergeant major and first sergeant, ning and conducting battalion and compa- major Muslim holiday in which observers respectively. ny level parades and ceremonies, formal fast during daylight hours – posed a par- The goal of the training was to improve inspections of troops and customs and tra- ticular challenge, Hatton said. The Iraqi leadership skills and to prepare the senior ditions. In the final week, instruction chain of command decided not to change noncommissioned officers (NCOs) to train focused on planning and leading company the training program, but advised the Soldiers they lead. Some will remain and battalion level military operations – Coalition advisers to be mindful that it at ITB to teach squad and platoon-level convoys, counterinsurgency and urban ter- may not be accomplished according to set courses, Hatton said. rain, for example – running a tactical schedules. During barracks administration week, operations center and leading troops. Several students also deemed the course students studied the roles and responsibili- Iraqi Chief Warrant Officer Wissam a success. “We are now learning how ties of their ranks; their relationships with found the training in urban area fighting important leadership is within the enlisted Jundis (entry-level soldiers), junior NCOs especially helpful. troops,” said Iraqi Sgt. 1st Class Ali. “I and officers; accountability and punish- “This will help us to be able to enter am grateful to be selected as an NCO.” ments and orders. There were also lessons and clear buildings,” Wissam said through The next course for chief warrant offi- in values, motivating subordinates, an interpreter. “The other troops could be cers and sergeants major is scheduled for hygiene in both the barracks and in the put in danger if we don’t train correctly January. Page 11 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 Iraqi military police graduate from school Story and photo by soon as three days after graduation. Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda The Iraqi Soldiers said they felt the suc- cess of the course could be credited to the 207th Mobile Public Affairs dedication of their trainers and mentors. Detachment “The way of training was very under- AN NUMANIYAH — Over 120 Iraqi standable because the instructors gave us Soldiers graduated from the Iraqi Army’s the classes in the classroom and then took military police school at An Numaniyah us outside for the practical part. That was in late October, marking the school’s sec- the fun part,” said Iraqi Sgt. Adam, a ond graduation since it opened in August. security enlisted Soldier with the 4th. Seeking to help standardize Iraqi mili- Iraqi Soldiers march during a cere- Although Coalition troops will only tary police units, U.S. liaisons from the mony to celebrate their graduation serve as liaisons in the future, hand picked Multi-National Security Transition from Phase I training at the An American troops have been providing the Command - Iraq mentored Iraqi Soldiers Numaniyah MP training school. bulk of the training in the early stages, in the creation and operation of the school security team performance and civil dis- said U.S. 1st Sgt. Anthony Simpson, the at the Iraqi training camp. turbance control. During the second senior enlisted adviser at the MP school. “The mission is to create, train and phase, they train on more advanced cours- Simpson said in selecting the liaisons, he equip 10 companies for the 10 divisions es including cordon and search operations looked for people who had experience in the Iraqi Army,” said U.S. Capt. Dane and platoon-level attacks or defenses dur- teaching and who had military or civilian Sandersen, the senior adviser for the MP ing combat operations. police experience. The result, he said, was school and a member of MNSTC-I’s According to Sandersen, each division in a team of individuals who are excellent at Coalition Military Assistance Team. the Iraqi Army has at least one military what they do and who like doing their job. “These units will provide support in the police company. He said the companies U.S. Sgt. 1st Class Mark Williams of form of traffic circulation control, area have four platoons, three of which are stan- the Coalition Military Assistance Team is security operations, law and order, [and] dard military police. The fourth platoon one of the liaisons working at the MP enemy prisoner of war [or] detainee con- specializes in handing enemy prisoners of school. He said while his team worked trol operations as required,” stated an offi- war or detainees. So far, the two classes hard to make the classes understandable cial document titled “Military Police that have gone through the first phase of the for the Iraqis, the Iraqi Soldiers’ success Development Plan.” training have given positive feedback. was truly the result of “outstanding lead- Iraqi Soldiers from around the country “The training was useful. I never ership and motivation” on their part. rotate through the school, taking part in a trained like I trained here,” said Iraqi 2nd Williams said that though in a very two-phase course that prepares them for Lt. Nassar, a platoon leader with the 4th small way, the graduation was evidence the rigorous job ahead. Each phase is Iraqi Army division out of Tikrit. “There that a more independent Iraq is on the three weeks long. During the first phase, is no doubt we are going to use this train- horizon. “Hopefully these Iraqis can take the MPs train on basic courses such as ing in real life,” he added, noting that his back their country, and we can go back rifle and pistol marksmanship, traffic platoon could begin MP operations as home. And that’s our ultimate goal.” Soldiers deliver wheelchairs to Baghdad hospital

By Maj. Kimberly M. Johanek profit organization based out of Orange County, California. This donation was part of a shipment of 550 wheel chairs delivered in Multi-National Forces - Iraq Surgeon (Forward) a momentous humanitarian mission to aid Iraq’s disabled and INTERNATIONAL ZONE, BAGHDAD — On Oct. 31, the poor. The initial delivery was coordinated thru the Humanitarian 332nd Civil Affairs Brigade, in conjunction with the Multi- Operations Center (HOC) located in Kuwait and were then further National Force - Iraq Surgeon’s Office, delivered 30 wheelchairs transported by volunteers and Coalition Forces throughout Iraq. to the Al Kuff Hospital located in eastern Baghdad. The purpose The donated wheelchairs look a little different than a standard of this civil military operation was to provide wheelchairs to the wheelchair, however the function is still the same in that it pro- Al Kuff-Baghdad Artificial Limb Center and strengthen the bond vides mobility to those who are unable to walk on their own. between the hospital and the Iraqi patients it serves. According to the president and founder of the Free The hospital is treating over 128 amputee patients, many of Wheelchair Mission, Don Schoendorfer, “the Iraqi Ministry of whom sustained their injuries as a result of improvised explosive Health employees, Iraqi volunteers and Coalition military per- devices. sonnel assembled the wheelchairs and made this effort come to These wheelchairs, described as “lawn chairs on wheels” cost life. We hope to continue distributing wheelchairs to help sup- only $41.17 each as total cost from the factory to the field. The port the disabled and injured Iraqi people in this significant and wheelchairs were donated by the Free Wheelchair Mission, a non transitional era.” Page 12 This Week in Iraq November 9, 2005 IraqisIraqis takingtaking U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr. Iraqi Soldiers conduct a patrol in Mosul, Nov. 3, in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. thethe leadlead

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ben Brody Residents of Seven Palaces line up as 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade Soldiers distribute food and water during a humanitarian aid mission.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ben Brody An Iraqi Army Soldier shows residents of Seven Palaces how to use a ration heater before distributing food and water.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. James L. Harper Jr. An Iraqi pauses while on patrol in Mosul, Nov. 3, in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.