Troops make roads safer, Page 8

Vol. 3, No. 7 Baghdad, Iraq February 18, 2005

Photo by Sgt. David Foley The color guard stands at attention during the Multi-National Corps - Iraq Transition of Authority ceremony in the Al-Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Iraq, Feb. 10. XVIII Airborne takes lead role in Iraq By Sgt. David Foley Support Operations Group from Pope Air Force Base, N.C. tions of an Iraqi government, which will take place at the end Vines and the XVIII Airborne Corps have been working of 2005. MNC-I Public Affairs/Army News Service with Metz and III Corps for the past few weeks preparing for The year will also see the transfer of the counter-insurgency CAMP VICTORY, BAGHDAD, Iraq — Lt. Gen. John R. the transition, and both teams agree it has gone smoothly. campaign to Iraqi security forces, who have been preparing to Vines of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, N.C., took Gen. George Casey, Multi-National Force - Iraq command- become more independent in fighting the anti-Iraqi forces. command of Multi-National Corps - Iraq Feb. 10 in a transfer er, also attended the ceremony and said, “There is never a “Now let there be no mistake about it, each of these transi- of authority ceremony at Camp Victory’s Al-Faw Palace here. good time to make a change of this magnitude, but right on tions and the coalition’s role in them is singularly focused on Outgoing MNC-I Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz and the tail of a watershed historical event, is not a bad time helping Iraq secure the liberty it gained on the 28th of June his III Corps troops will return to Fort Hood, Texas. either. and that it cemented on the 30th of January,” Casey said. In another Transfer of Authority ceremony a day earlier at “This transfer of authority is the first in a year of critical “All of these transitions will be in some way dependent Camp Victory, III Corps Artillery of Fort Sill, Okla., and 3rd transitions for Iraq,” he said. upon the great XVIII Airborne Corps team that General Vines Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group from Fort Hood Other transfers will include the transfer from the interim has built,” he said. “We welcome the Corps and its associated handed over their role in the Joint Fires and Effect Team to the Iraqi government to the Iraqi transitional government, the XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery of Fort Bragg and 18th Air drafting and adopting of an Iraqi Constitution and the elec- See TRANSFER page 2 Inside Reflecting on heroes in Black Army pediatricians share expertise AFN keeps troops in Iraq History Page 3 with Iraqi doctors Page 11 in tune with the world Page 15 Page 2 Scimitar February 18, 2005 Visit gives Rumsfeld firsthand look at Iraqi Forces By John D. Banusiewicz roles in providing a safe environment for citi- in facing down those who threatened them zens in Ninevah province to vote in the Jan. with death if they participated, one official American Forces Press Service 30 provincial-council and national-assembly responded through an interpreter, predicting BAGHDAD, Iraq — Defense Secretary elections. an even better election when Iraqis vote on a Donald H. Rumsfeld told several hundred After the troop talk in Mosul, the secretary new constitution in December. U.S. Soldiers Feb. 11 in Mosul he was “every and his party boarded UH-60 Black Hawk “Now the people have no fear,” the official bit as proud” to be there as he was during his helicopters to go to the Joint Coordination said. “The next election will be even more pride-filled moments attending Afghanistan Center at Forward Operating Base Freedom, successful.” President Hamid Karzai’s inauguration in the headquarters for operations in northwest The secretary and his party then returned to December. Iraq. Mosul airfield to board an Air Force C-17 On that day in Kabul, he said, his thoughts The governor and police chief of Iraq’s Globemaster III transport jet bound for turned to “so many American men and women Ninevah province, other local officials, and Baghdad. At Camp Dublin here, Iraqi forces in uniform who made that day possible,” three senior Iraqi Intervention Force officers showed him demonstrations of their especially the fallen and the wounded. He met with Rumsfeld during his JCC visit. Emergency Response Unit and Counter thought he could never feel as proud as he had Photo by Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan The police department in Mosul, which is in Terrorist Force capabilities. at that moment — until today, that is. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld Ninevah, had evaporated in November when At the next stop, a 20-minute helicopter The secretary reminded the Soldiers of the and Gen. George W. Casey Jr, talk to Iraq security forces had wilted, under intense flight to Tadji, the secretary visited the oppression under which the Iraqi people had the media outsidethe U.S. Embassy insurgency attacks. The department had to be Combined Military Advisory Training Team lived before they were liberated. “They had to during Rumsfeld’s visit to Baghdad. rebuilt in time to provide election security. for overviews on the build-up of Iraq’s 1st learn helplessness, carefulness. … If they stuck “It was just weeks before the election when Mechanized Brigade, 1st Transportation their head up and expressed an opinion that was- Before he addressed the U.S. troops, he people said Mosul wouldn’t work,” Rumsfeld Regiment and the Iraqi Intervention Force. n’t consistent with the regime’s, they knew went to the combat surgical hospital at the air- said. “And then we got reports that Iraqi secu- The secretary’s whirlwind morning ended they’d end up in one of those mass graves.” He field. There, he chatted with Army Sgt. Sean rity forces of all types were moving up, and it back in Baghdad for a working lunch with thanked the Soldiers for helping the Iraqis to take Ferguson of the 25th Infantry Division, who looked like it would work.” The local offi- Army Gen. John Abizaid, commander of U.S. another step in their Jan. 30 elections to shrug off was recuperating from being shot in the right cials, through an interpreter, told the secretary Central Command, and Army Gen. George W. oppression and embrace democracy. hand by a sniper — the second time he had they were able to keep all 95 polling places Casey Jr., commander of Multi-National Rumsfeld’s Mosul visit was his first stop in been wounded during his four months in Iraq. open all day, with Iraqi National Guard and Force - Iraq. an unannounced trip to Iraq. This was report- Earlier in his tour, Ferguson was injured by Special Forces providing three lines of Rumsfeld’s afternoon schedule included edly the secretary’s eighth visit to the country shrapnel from a car bombing. defense. meetings with interim Iraqi Prime Minister since coalition forces liberated it from “I sure want to wish you well,” Rumsfeld Clearly enjoying the success story, the sec- Ayad Allawi and other key government offi- Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. told the Visalia, Calif., native. “I appreciate retary peppered the Iraqi officials with ques- cials, and Army Lt. Gen. John Vines, com- Rumsfeld hit the ground running, landing at your service to your country.” tions, his own excitement and the Iraqis’ pride mander of the XVIII Airborne Corps. Mosul airfield to start a jam-packed day that Next, the secretary presented Army gaining with every piece of the story. Rumsfeld’s trip to Iraq followed two days in included a firsthand look at Iraqi security Commendation Medals to 10 U.S. and 10 When Rumsfeld asked if the successful informal meetings with NATO defense minis- forces. Iraqi soldiers at the airfield’s theater for their election had given the Iraqi people confidence ters in Nice, France.

ahead of time for the successes you will have in Operation Transfer Iraqi Freedom.” Vines said he has been watching with professional admira- from Page 1 tion as III Corps and coalition forces battled their way toward units, and we wish them all the best in the year ahead. The a free Iraq and said the mission was a “masterpiece of tacti- future of Iraq and America’s significant national interests here cal excellence.” rest squarely with J.R. Vines and his team. And I am confident “I watched General Tom Metz, who was an absolute text- they are up to the task.” book example of leadership under pressure,” he said. “He Casey said part of what gives him so much confidence in never lost sight of his objective, which was to give the citi- the XVIII Airborne Corps is what he has seen III Corps zens of Iraq the opportunity to choose their own destiny, and accomplish in the last year. it was absolutely brilliant. “Members of the Phantom Corps, you have made an incred- “As General Metz, the Phantom Corps and other members ible difference here in Iraq over the past year, and it culmi- of the great coalition — represented by many nations and all Photo by Sgt. Mark St.Clair nated in the elections on the 30th of January.” our services who passed those colors tonight — head back to Lt. Gen. John R. Vines, commander, Multi-National While passing the torch to Vines, Metz said he is proud of your home countries for a well-deserved rest, go with the Corps - Iraq and XVIII Abn. Corps and Fort Bragg, N.C., the job his Soldiers did in Iraq, and he has confidence the knowledge that you have done something great and noble,” uncases the corps colors during the Transfer of XVIII Airborne Corps will continue the mission successful- Vines said. “Go with the knowledge that the citizens of Iraq Authority ceremony between XVIII Abn. and III Corps, ly. admire and appreciate what you have done for them. And on Fort Hood, Texas at Camp Victory, Iraq, Feb. 10. Metz said he is departing with more confidence than ever behalf of the coalition and the citizens of their nations, I say that a “free prosperous Iraq that lives by the rule of law and you,” Metz said to Vines, “and there is no other commander ‘Thank you. Well done.’” does not harbor terrorists” is in the very near future. to whom I would rather have given the colors to.” (Editor’s note: Sgt. David Foley serves with MNC-I Public “There are few people wearing the uniform who have per- “Thank you for the truly superbly prepared troops,” he said Affairs. Spc. Jeremy D. Crisp of MNC-I PAO also contributed sonally done more for the Global War on Terrorism than to Vines. “They are truly focused and ready. And thanks to this article.)

MNF-I Commanding General Editor...... Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan Gen. George Casey Scimitar welcomes columns, commen- Assistant Editor...... Sgt. Misha King taries, articles and letters from readers. MNF-I PAO Send submissions to Col. Robert A. Potter Staff...... Pfc. Ferdinand Thomas [email protected].

Command Information Chief Graphic Artist/Cartoonist....Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Lawn We reserve the right to edit Maj. Patricia C. Anderson for propriety, clarity and space.

The Scimitar can also be viewed on the The Scimitar is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of this paper are not necessarily the offi- cial views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibili- Web at http://www.mnf-iraq.com/ ty of the Public Affairs Office of the Multi-National Force - Iraq. Stars and Stripes newspaper is not affiliated with MNF-I and acts only coalition-news/publications.htm as a distributing source for the Scimitar. Questions and comments should be directed to the editor at [email protected]. February 18, 2005 Scimitar Page 3

PERSPECTIVES ScimitScimitarar PulsePulse The Importance of Black History Which African-American influenced you the most? Why? By Pfc. Ferdinand Thomas such as the world of literature. In the 1900s, black literature, art, music, dance, and social commentary began to flourish Scimitar Staff during the Harlem Rennaisance. Langston Hughes, one of the “I’d say Huey P. Newton from the treasured Black History Month growing up as an first nationally-known black poets/writers in the 1920s and Black Panthers. I don’t believe in African-American in the Bay Area of Calif., because 1930s, won numerous awards for work he published during the militant, radical lifestyle, but I many African-Americans influenced me to be a better his high school years and thereafter. He is known as one of believe you have to stand your Iperson. I remember when I was 6 years old, and my the greatest writers the world has ever seen. His work is still ground. He showed me that. ” mother made me memorize and recite the “I have a dream” taught in schools around the United States. speech in front of my church congregation. I was as nervous We can’t forget the importance of blacks in the U.S. mili- Army Pvt. Lamar E. Dancil as a mouse staring into the eyes of a hungry cat when I spoke tary. Many blacks made a difference in our great armed 22nd Mobile Public Affairs the words of this great man. The people of the church were forces. The Buffalo Soldiers, who served in the western part Detachment impressed with my performance. They were also impressed of the United States from 1867 to 1896, were a cavalry reg- by King’s words. Like many people, they had mostly heard iment in the U.S. Army. These Soldiers were known as “My grandmother because she of his accomplishments and very little of his work. some of the most courageous and disciplined troops in the showed me how her father grew up I was impressed by the way King made his voice known, military. during slavery times. ” the words he spoke and the number of people he influenced During the 1940s, the Tuskegee Airmen unit was formed. to follow him. I learned so much about King and other They were an all-black group of pilots who flew 1,578 mis- Air Force Master Sgt. Dennis A. African-Americans who have made an immense difference in sions in support of the U.S. military and received more than Whitley the past. Reciting King’s speech was a drop in a bucket com- 850 medals. At first, they were the joke of the U.S. Army Air Multi-National Forces – Iraq pared to the accomplishments of people like King, Harriet Corps, but later became the most-requested squadron in the Tubman and Malcolm X. U.S. military. When one thinks of black history, usually the first person Around the same time, an all black Marine Corps unit who comes to mind is King. He was a great man, but black called the Montford Point Marines was formed. When “I’d have to say my mother because history dates back hundreds of years. There are many President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order she believed you can do anything if African-Americans to be remembered during this month. No. 8802 in 1941 to desegregate the military, these Marines you put your mind to it.” From sports to the military, many played a part in the deseg- were still kept apart from other Marines at Camp Lejeune, regation and success of freedom. N.C. Regardless of the strife they endured for almost 10 Vonzett George While researching black history on www.search.eb.com, I years, the Montford Point still served their country with Project and Contracting Office found the world of sports was one of the areas where the seg- honor. regation was broken down. Athletes like Jesse Owens and Imagine living in a world where whites and blacks are sep- Jackie Robinson’s never-quit attitude helped tear down the arate, and women and men are unequal. That’s what the walls and pave the way for others like Michael Jordan and United States was like less than a century ago. We should Evander Holyfield. pay tribute to not only the blacks who dedicated and sacri- “Condaleeza Rice, because she Owens, an amazing track and field athlete, set numerous ficed their lives to making a difference, but to anyone who shows everyone that she is a strong world records in events like the 100-yard dash, and won four strove to desegregate our country. Many others helped black woman. I respect who she is.” gold medals in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Eleven achieve desegregation, like our 16th President, Abraham years after Owens impressed the world, Jackie Robinson Lincoln. If it weren’t for his bravery and determination to Army Sgt. Donna D. Kirkwood joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first black pro- end slavery, our country may not have progressed to the Combined Joint Staff fessional baseball player in modern American baseball. He point is has today, and we may not have great blacks to pay played for 10 years before retiring and was also elected to tribute to. the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Black History Month is a privilege. We should treat it that Barriers were also broken down in other parts of society, way and embrace it, not forget it or take it for granted.

“Bill Cosby. He transcends across Army rights wrong to first African-American chaplain all the racial barriers. He stands up for what is right.” By Eric Cramer my congratulations and gratitude to Chaplain Plummer’s descendants who Army News Service brought this case to the Army’s atten- Army Command Sgt. Maj. WASHINGTON — More than 100 tion.” Neil C. Heupel years after the court-martial of Plummer’s military career actually Civil Military Operations Chaplain Capt. Henry Vinton Plummer, began 30 years before the events that the Army redressed a wrong and issued led to his dismissal from service. Born an honorable discharge to the first a slave in Prince George’s County, African-American to be commissioned Maryland, in 1844, he joined the U.S. a chaplain in the Army. Navy in 1864, during the Civil War, “Martin Luther King, Jr., because he Maj. Gen. David H. Hicks, U.S. serving as a Sailor aboard the USS lived and died for what he believed Army chief of chaplains, said it was Coeur de Lion. in.” time the Army corrected its error. “I Upon leaving the Navy at the end of am personally gratified that the Army the war, Plummer taught himself to Army Lt. Col. Hershel L. Holiday Board for the Correction of Military read and write, and attended the Multi-National Forces – Iraq Records, after 114 years, has restored Wayland Seminary, where he became a Chaplain Capt. Henry Plummer to his Baptist minister. He served as pastor of Courtesy photo rightful and deserved place in the his- several churches in the District of Capt. Henry Vinton Plummer tory of the United States Army Columbia before accepting a commis- recently received an honorable Chaplaincy,” Hicks said. “This action sion as an Army chaplain in 1884. “Paul Robeson, because he came discharge after being dismissed makes me proud of the Army in its He served with the 9th Cavalry before his time. He was an from service in 1894. willingness to right former injustice by Regiment, the famous Buffalo Soldiers, actor/singer. He graduated from Yale granting his honorable discharge in figure in the Army, “I am especially as a chaplain for 10 years before he and Rutgers University and he was recognition of his many years of self- proud of Chaplain Plummer’s service was dismissed from service. an All-American football player.” less service, both before and after to our Soldiers on America’s frontier as “Plummer was an American pio- 1894.” our first commissioned black chaplain, Cedric Hill Hicks said Plummer was a historic Kellogg Brown and Root and whose heritage I share. I extend See CHAPLAIN, Page 2 Page 4 Scimitar February 18, 2005 Elections boost Iraqi Security Forces’ confidence the attitude of the people is such that the recruiting base for the He said there has been some movement on the transitional By Jim Garamone insurgents is diminishing. And if we can continue with that government into Somalia. Outside Mogadishu, Somalia is vir- American Forces Press Service momentum, … we think [the terrorists] are going to have some tually ungoverned. Command officials said it is important for problems continuing the operations tempo that they had and a government to extend control into the area so it doesn’t WASHINGTON — The Iraqi elections at the end of January that they’d like to continue.” become a safe haven for terrorists. have given the security forces a needed boost of confidence, Smith said he expects the number of American troops in Iraq said Air Force Lt. Gen. Lance Smith, deputy commander of to drop to 135,000 in the springtime. He said the brigades U.S. Central Command Feb. 9. extended for the election will come home on schedule. There Smith spoke to reporters at the Pentagon about the Iraqi are more than 150,000 U.S. troops in Iraq today. elections, the continued U.S. effort in Afghanistan and other The coalition is getting a significant amount of help from hot spots in the Central Command region. Iraqi citizens, Smith said. The information Central Command On Jan. 30, there were between 200 and 300 terrorist has is anecdotal, but commanders feel they are receiving more attacks. Smith said the violence in Iraq had returned to pre- help, more information and more actionable intelligence from election levels, with terrorists shifting their targets back to the the Iraqis. Iraqi security forces and civilians. “In Fallujah, for instance, there are Fallujans who are clear- He said the elections caused an “attitude change” in the Iraqi ly Sunni, who are pointing out caches … of weapons,” he said. people. “The Iraqi security forces acquitted themselves very “There are people in Fallujah and Samarra and other places well during the election. I think they feel good about it,” he that have pointed out bad actors of some sort, whether they’re said. “So there is a level of self-confidence out there that extremists or former regime elements. And then there are oth- maybe they didn’t have before. And then … we see some pride ers that are pointing out IEDs and taking us to IEDs.” on the part of the Iraqi people for the performance of the Iraqi Afghanistan continues to capitalize on the gains of the security forces.” October elections, he said. The country is preparing for parlia- He said there is a growing level of trust between the Iraqi mentary elections in the spring, and coalition forces continue people and their security forces. “That’s critical to our ability offensive operations against foreign terrorists and Taliban to get in and make sure that there’s a viable Iraqi security force sympathizers. He said the effort is hindered by very bad so that we can at some point in time draw down our forces and weather. come home,” he said. He praised Pakistani efforts in north Waziristan. Al Qaeda But it is not just because of the elections that the security cli- and Taliban sympathizers are trying to use the remote tribal mate in Iraq is improving. “We have very aggressively gone areas of Pakistan as sanctuaries. after the insurgents, and we’ve been very effective in taking “We’re looking for good things from [the Pakistanis] out leadership and in rolling up some of the bad actors that are through the winter and into the spring when activity starts to out there,” he said. increase,” he said. Photo by Sgt. April L. Johnson The general said the coalition and Iraqi forces have been Other areas concern CENTCOM leaders. In Africa, he said Iraqi Army soldiers demonstrate some of their effective against senior leadership, particularly Abu Musab al- the peace treaty signed in Sudan encouraged leaders, but they specialized training during the 31st Iraqi Army Zarqawi’s terrorist network. “We have taken out some former remain very concerned about the genocide in the Darfur region Brigade Activation Ceremony Feb. 6. regime element leadership,” he noted. “Now we’re hoping that of the country. U.S. military advisers to ‘embed’ in Iraqi units make sure the Iraqis understand that ulti- ferent, according to the officer, is that conven- tenant colonel adviser, according to the By John Valceanu mately they have to be responsible for their tional troops, such as infantry or artillery officer. American Forces Press Service own security,” the officer said. “We can Soldiers, will serve as advisers. At the national level, members of an advi- help the Iraqis to develop their own indige- “This is a fundamental shift in the way we sory group will advise and assist the newly ARABIAN GULF REGION — U.S. forces nous security forces that are capable of approach the issue of training Iraqi forces,” elected Iraqi government as it establishes a will use an “advisory, assistance and embed- doing the job by refocusing and reshaping the officer said. “We are going to take people national command authority and a clear-cut ding” strategy to help prepare Iraqi forces to their current forces.” who are trained and experienced in military chain of command over its military units, the provide security and ensure stability within The U.S. troops will be embedded in the operations and ask them to be trainers. It’s not officer said. their own borders, according to a senior mili- Iraqi units, and they will advise and assist going to be a totally smooth transition, but we Accomplishing this large and complex task tary officer in the region. Iraqi leaders. They will train and fight along- can make it work.” is going to require an open mind and flexibil- Small teams, each composed of about 10 side the Iraqis and help facilitate operations The teams of advisers will be made up of ity on the part of the trainers. U.S. service members, will be attached to with other U.S. and coalition units operating senior leaders. They will work at the battal- “We have to keep in mind that this is not a Iraqi units at the battalion level and above, the in Iraq, the officer said. ion, brigade and division levels, providing static model. It’s got to be dynamic, and we officer said Feb. 10, speaking on background. Such tactics are nothing new. Special oper- “like-leadership” support. For example, an have to be flexible,” the officer said. “The end A top priority for coalition forces in Iraq ations forces have used similar approaches for Iraqi lieutenant colonel battalion com- state we envision is to not have a need for over the next year is to do “all we can to decades. What makes the situation in Iraq dif- mander will be paired up with a U.S. lieu- U.S. advisers at all.”

the non-commissioned officers toasted the promotion with In 2004, Plummer’s great-grand nephew requested that the Chaplain alcohol and that Plummer had an altercation with a noncom- Army review his ancestor’s case, asking that the records of missioned officer. the Army be corrected to show the court-martial was over- from Page 3 In the resulting court-martial, all witnesses agreed that turned and expunged and that Plummer be issued an honor- neer,” said U.S. Army spokesman Dov Schwartz. “His Plummer had consumed alcohol with enlisted troopers and able discharge. actions were selfless.” Plummer was responsible for the pas- had provided enlisted troopers with alcohol, both activities The Army Board for the Correction of Military Records toral care of the regiment’s troopers and for the education of considered offenses as conduct unbecoming an officer under reviewed the case. While it did not overturn the court mar- the troopers and their families, as many had not had prior the Articles of War in use at the time. President Grover tial, it concluded that racism extant at the time contributed to schooling. Cleveland approved Plummer’s dismissal in November Plummer’s treatment and the characterization of his service Plummer was dismissed from service in 1894 after facing 1894. that led to the dismissal. The board determined Plummer a court-martial on the grounds of conduct unbecoming an Plummer requested that his commission be reinstated sev- deserved an honorable discharge to restore equity. officer. A dismissal for an officer is the equivalent of a dis- eral times, volunteering for service in combat during the “He had honorable service to his country during the Civil honorable discharge for an enlisted Soldier. The facts of his Spanish-American War in 1898, and to serve in the War, and for 10 years in the 9th Cavalry,” Schwartz said. case are largely undisputed, said Schwartz. In 1894, Philippines following that war. His requests were denied. “He was a conscientious and well-respected officer, and his Plummer, who was serving as the chaplain for the 9th Schwartz said Plummer faced discrimination because he post-service conduct as well as his patriotism and love of Cavalry Regiment, joined the regiment’s sergeant major and was the only African-American officer in the regiment. In country was taken into account.” two other noncommissioned officers to celebrate a sergeant’s the military tradition of the period, officers of European Plummer’s descendents were to receive his honorable dis- promotion. There was general agreement that Plummer and ancestry commanded African-Americans. charge certificate last week. February 18, 2005 Scimitar Page 5 Maintenance company installs armor kits Once the vehicle is up-armored, it must stay in Story and photo by Sgt. Blake Kent country, which could cause some difficulty for units 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment needing their Humvees for day-to-day garrison opera- tions upon re-deployment. FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, “You can work out where you’ll get new Humvees TIKRIT, Iraq — Soldiers arriving here are now able in a safe zone,” Larson said, “but the ones that get up- to have their Humvees up-armored, raising the level armored are going to be committed to Operation Iraqi of protection for convoy travel throughout the coun- Freedom till the mission is completed.” try. The typical kit includes four doors, molding around Soldiers from the 557th Maintenance Company the cab, a back plate, an air conditioning unit and a from Fort Irwin, Calif., deployed to FOB Speicher, 200-amp alternator. and civilian contractors working with them, run a 24- “The hard part was doing the convoy down here to hour operation installing armor kits. pick it up,” said Sgt. Michael Blackwell of “They can’t give us enough customers; we are real- Greensboro, N.C., 278th Regimental Combat Team, ly only limited by the number of kits that are avail- Tennessee National Guard. “It was a little scary com- able,” said 1st Lt. Gregory Larson of Scottsdale, Ariz. ing through Tikrit, but we are definitely glad to have The 557th can up-armor roughly 10 vehicles a day, the armor.” but the vehicles must be prepped for the installation. The up-armoring has helped save many Soldiers The vehicles must be cleared of all trash, ammunition from injury and death over the past year. “It will sus- and radio mounts, the doors must be taken off, and tain a serious blast and keep these guys safe out gun boxes must be removed prior to armor installa- there,” Larson said. tion. “A couple of years ago, there was no such thing as Larson said though more kits are coming into coun- an up-armor kit for a Humvee, and now there are try, there are limited numbers available at this time. thousands of them here,” said Col. Bill Rochelle of “With declining inventories, you have to be a bit Brick, N.J., commander, 42nd Infantry Division more selective of who can receive a kit,” Larson said. Support Command. Soldiers who are outside the FOBs more often are “The Army has turned many of these concept sys- A Soldier from the 278th Regimental Combat Team, going to receive the top priority, he said. tems around in months, which is amazing. I think the Tennessee National Guard, prepares his vehicle for a com- The kits are given out on an “as needed” basis, American government has really done an incredible bat patrol after having an up-armor kit installed. which is determined at the division level. job of taking care of us.”

Pay hike, expanded military Iraqi pilgrims expected to benefits on budget proposals clog streets for Ashura BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Shiite holy day of Ashura falls on Feb. 19 this year. Pilgrims travel to Karbala, south of Baghdad, to celebrate the mar- By Donna Miles sustains our no-out-of-pocket cost commitment.” The budget also keeps DoD on track in its effort to tyrdom of the grandson of the Muslim prophet Mohammed. The grandson American Forces Press Service eliminate all inadequate military family housing died defending their faith. WASHINGTON — A 3.1 percent military basic pay units in the United States by fiscal 2007, and world- Millions of black robe-clad Shiites are expected to travel to Karbala for hike, higher housing allowances and more health- wide by fiscal 2009. “We are on track” with that the annual pilgrimage. MNF-I personnel should expect to encounter many care and educational benefits for the National Guard effort, the defense official told reporters. travelers on the roads, both on foot and in vehicles, in connection with and Reserve are all part of the president’s proposed The proposed budget continues to extend privati- these mournings. fiscal 2006 defense budget unveiled here Feb. 7. zation to improve military housing. By the end of The interim Iraqi Government closed the country’s borders Feb. 17 to The package of expanded benefits is part of what a fiscal 2006, the official said, this effort is expected to 22 to prevent terrorists disguised as pilgrims from entering the country. defense official called a top priority in the president’s have produced nearly 172,000 new high-quality Last year over 100 were killed in terrorist bombings in Karbala and $419.3 billion budget request: “taking care of our family housing units during the past 10 years. Baghdad. forces.” In terms of health care, the proposed budget “People are our most important asset. We can’t do increases funding for the Defense Health Program, anything without our folks,” the official told Pentagon with $20 billion in direct funding and $7 billion for Army announces birth of reporters. “Our forces are the best-trained and best- military personnel supporting the program. Officials organized on the globe, and we maintain our commit- said this funding level will ensure continuing good Close Combat Badge ment to them.” health care for service members and their families. WASHINGTON — In response to requests from field commanders and The proposed military pay raise reflects a contin- Guard and Reserve members will receive addi- after careful analysis, the U.S. Army announced Friday a new badge for ued trend in better compensation for service mem- tional benefits as well, including expanded Tricare selected combat arms Soldiers in combat arms brigades who engage in bers. Incorporating the 3.1 percent military increase, eligibility that provides health coverage up to 90 active ground combat. basic pay will be up 25 percent since fiscal 2001. days before activation and 180 days after mobiliza- The Close Combat Badge will provide special recognition to ground In terms of actual money in troops’ pockets, the tion for most members. “This is a significant new combat arms Soldiers who are trained and employed in direct combat mis- official told reporters the 3.1 percent increase would benefit,” the defense official said. sions similar to Infantry and Special Forces. raise basic pay for members in the lowest enlisted The budget also includes the GI Bill for Infantry and Special Forces will continue to be recognized for their grade from $12,000 in fiscal 2001 to $15,000 next Reservists, passed by Congress last year, to provide ground-combat role with the Combat Infantryman Badge. year, and that of a second lieutenant or ensign from educational benefits for Guard and Reserve mem- The Army will award the CCB to Armor, Cavalry, Combat Engineer, $23,000 to $28,000. Similarly, an E-5 who was earn- bers who have been mobilized. These troops would and Field Artillery Soldiers in Military Occupational Specialties or corre- ing $30,000 in base pay in fiscal 2001 will be mak- qualify for up to 36 months of payments, from $400 sponding officer branch/specialties recognized as having a high probabil- ing $39,000 under the new budget, she said. to $800 a month, depending on the length of active ity to routinely engage in direct combat. Federal civilian workers would receive a 2.3 per- service in support of a contingency operation. Soldiers must be assigned or attached to an Army unit of brigade or cent pay hike. Provisions for quality facilities also are also below that is purposefully organized to routinely conduct close combat The proposed budget provides a 4 percent increase included in the budget package. The proposed budg- operations and engage in direct combat in accordance with existing rules in the basic housing allowance to reduce and, ideal- et funds 92 percent of maintenance requirements. and policy. ly, eliminate out-of-pocket costs for service mem- “So I think what we have here is a healthy benefit The CCB will be presented only to eligible Soldiers who are personal- bers living in private housing. “In the past, there was package,” the official summarized. “We want to ly present and under fire while engaged in active ground combat, to close as much as an 18 percent out-of-pocket cost for our maintain our commitment to the forces of the United with and destroy the enemy with direct fires. military,” the defense official said. “And this budget States.” Page 6 Scimitar February 18, 2005

NEWS BRIEFS

Iraqi Security Forces continue offensive MOSUL, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces detained nine indi- viduals, and confiscated weapons and ammunition in north- ern Iraq Feb. 8. Iraqi Regular Army soldiers from the 102nd Infantry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity while conducting a cordon and search in Huriyah. The 102nd also confiscated weapons and ammunition from the individuals. Iraqi Regular Army Soldiers from the 101st Infantry Regiment detained four individuals suspected of placing roadside bombs while conducting a cordon and search in eastern Mosul. All suspects were taken into custody with no IRA injuries reported. Iraqi Security Forces have stepped up their involvement in security operations and are conducting numerous inde- pendent operations. In preparation for the recent elections in Iraq, great emphasis was placed on security and the secu- rity posture was bolstered by increased numbers of ISF and their increased capability to provide security for their coun- try.

Iraqi Security Forces operations stalling insurgents MOSUL, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces detained ten sus- pected insurgents in northern Iraq Feb. 7. Photo by Lt. Col. Mark Harvey Iraqi Regular Army Soldiers from the 101st Infantry As a reaction to the successful completion of the Iraqi election, An Numaniyah had over 5,000 potential recruits Regiment detained ten individuals in two separate opera- arrive at its gate within 48 hours of voting. The vetting process started immediately to identify prior-service per- tions in Mosul. During a raid in northeast Mosul 101st sonnel and to conduct preliminary physical condition examinations and literacy capability. Some were taken troops detained eight individuals suspected of terrorist immediately, and other potential soldiers were asked to return Feb. 14 to join the next Direct Recruiting Course. activity. 101st troops conducted another raid in the northern Soldiers find cache from tip they observed a blue 4-door sedan with three military-aged part of Mosul detaining two individuals suspected of con- BAGHDAD, Iraq — Task Force Baghdad troops seized a males pull up near their position. ducting mortar attacks on Multi-National Force bases. weapons cache in an eastern Baghdad school at approxi- The driver exited the vehicle and approached a child, Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported. mately 1:30 p.m. Feb. 10, following a tip from a concerned estimated to be 10. The two exchanged words and the adult local Iraqi. gave the child a hand grenade. The child and adult Iraqi Security Forces win battle with The local Iraqi was an election worker who had been exchanged possession of the hand grenade several times. insurgents receiving threats and intimidation from the terrorists. The The grenade was dropped after U.S. Soldiers fired a warning shot in the direction of the terrorist. The child ran MOSUL, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces killed four insur- uncovered cache consisted of various types of rockets, away as the adult returned fire with a handgun. gent minority members, wounded two, detained one, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, RPG rounds, anti-tank The adult then jumped into his vehicle and attempted to confiscated various weapons in northern Iraq Feb. 6. mines, various mortar tubes and rounds, small arms ammu- flee the scene. The patrol fired disabling shots into the vehi- An Iraqi Border Patrol troop outpost was attacked by nition, and weapon repair kits. cle to prevent the terrorists from escaping. A brief firefight insurgents north of Ar Rummanah. The IBP were able to “Terrorists and criminals continue to use schools and ensued, which resulted in one terrorist being killed and two fight off the attack killing four and wounding two insur- other municipal buildings to store their weapons. Their terrorists being wounded. gents. One insurgent was also detained following the insur- actions needlessly endanger innocent Iraqis,” said Col. The patrol evacuated the wounded to the medical facility gents’ defeat. The IBP seized three trucks and various Robert “Abe” Abrams, commander of the 1st Cavalry at their forward operating base. The unit recovered the weapons from the insurgents. The two wounded were taken Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team operating in Sadr grenade from the scene, but was unable to locate the child. to hospital and will be detained following treatment. City. There were no U.S. casualties. Iraqi Security Forces continue the offensive against the “It sends a strong message when the people come forward “The incident demonstrates the ruthless disregard that the insurgent minority as they step up their operations in the to turn in the criminals and terrorist,” Abrams added. “Just insurgency has for the citizens of Iraq,” said Marine Maj. Ninewa Province and the Mosul area. Since the beginning as in the elections, the peaceful people of Iraq are demon- Phill Bragg, information operations officer, 1st Marine of the year Iraqi Security Forces have detained numerous strating that they want to take their country back from crim- individuals and confiscated numerous weapons and muni- inals and terrorists.” Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. tions. Task Force Baghdad troops rescue two Iraqi Security Forces continue to work together with Firing from Mosques continues in Iraq Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom, leaders kidnap victims MOSUL, Iraq — Insurgents continue to violate the law of and citizens of Iraq to help build and maintain a prosperous BAGHDAD, Iraq — Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat war by firing from Mosques in northern Iraq Feb. 9. and democratic nation. Team, 10th Mountain Division, stopped a vehicle they Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Regiment Anyone with information on anti-Iraqi insurgent minori- thought was suspicious at approximately 4:20 p.m. Feb. 7. received small arms fire from Sa’id Al Morsalin Mosque in ty activities should call the Joint Coordination Center’s at When they searched the vehicle, inside the trunk, the eastern Mosul. 1-5 Soldiers were waiting for EOD to dif- 513462 or 07701623300. Soldiers found two blindfolded and bound men. The men fuse an explosive devise, after the explosive was reduced were two of four Egyptian kidnap victims, taken captive on the 1-5 received fire. Insurgents kill local national child during Feb. 6. During the small arms fire one civilian was killed, two search When the vehicle first stopped, the three occupants fled civilians were wounded, and two Iraqi Security Force on foot. The Soldiers followed in pursuit, catching two. MOSUL, Iraq — A local national child was shot and killed Soldiers were wounded. This pattern of injuring and killing by insurgents Feb. 10 when 1-24 Infantry Battalion took innocent civilians and local national Soldiers continues small arms fire from an apartment while patrolling in Al- U.S. Soldiers foil terrorist’s attempt to without regard for the sanctity of life, said one official. Mosul Al-Jadidah neighborhood. force child into taking hand grenade There have been many instances where the insurgent Following the incident, Coalition and Iraqi Security CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq — U.S. Soldiers from the minority has used mosques as a place from which they have Forces searched the apartment. They discovered 2 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, foiled an launched attacks. ISF and Multi-National Force Soldiers grenades, shell casings, signs calling for Jihad, and other attempt by a terrorist to coerce a child into accepting a hand have expressed their desire to respect the sanctity of these religious extremist paraphernalia. grenade at approximately 1 p.m. in Ramadi Feb. 10. buildings, and have generally shown reverence to the Three individuals were detained and one admitted that The Soldiers, currently assigned to the 1st Marine mosque. However, when insurgents launch attacks from they were involved in anti-coalition activity and provided Division of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, were con- these locations they jeopardize the protected status of these information on fellow terrorists. ducting a patrol in the northeastern sector of the city when holy sites. February 18, 2005 Scimitar Page 7

NEWS BRIEFS

Iraqi citizens taking back their city arrest and hostage rescue. They provide a special weapons benefits, Iraqis will be the long-term winners, Mundt said. MOSUL, Iraq — Iraqi citizens informed Multi-National and tactics capability to the provincial or city police com- “It was built in a way that will allow it to become an indus- Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker mander. trial park for the Iraqi people,” Mundt said. “Speicher sits in Brigade Combat Team) in three separate instances of a key location for Iraq. It’s near a major city for commerce.” potential attacks in northern Iraq. Proper license plates on vehicles It’s all part of the plan to eventually have Iraqi Security A citizen approached Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st required Forces take over for the United States, he added. Infantry Regiment who were on patrol in southeastern MOSUL, Iraq — Ninewah Province Governor Duraid Mosul Feb. 5, and informed them of a location of a road- Kashmoula announced all vehicles are to be registered by DOD announces OIF rotational units side bomb. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal team was Feb. 28. The date was extended from Feb. 15. The Department of Defense announced today that the called in and the bomb was defused. No Iraqi citizen or All citizens of Ninewah Province will be required to Headquarters, V Corps, Heidelberg, Germany, and major MNF injuries were reported during the operation. have a proper license plate on their vehicle by the end of subordinate units of the Corps will deploy to Iraq in support An Iraqi child informed Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th the month. Citizens will be able to register their vehicle for of the Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Headquarters, V Infantry Regiment, who were on patrol south of Mosul a fee at the Traffic Police Station. Corps is scheduled to replace XVIII Airborne Corps as the Feb. 6, of a mine and other explosives placed along a road- The Traffic Police Station has sufficient licensing mate- headquarters for the Multi-National Corps - Iraq early 2006. way. EOD was called in and defused the explosives. rials and will perform this task. All cars that are not prop- Major subordinate units of V Corps scheduled to deploy Another Iraqi citizen’s information led to the capture of erly licensed after this date will be impounded. include the 3rd Corps Support Command, V Corps an insurgent following a mortar attack on Soldiers from 1st Artillery, 205th Military Intelligence Brigade, 130th Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment Feb. 6. The information Speicher makes redeployment easier Engineer Brigade, 22nd Signal Brigade and 30th Medical given by the citizen helped 1-24th Soldiers find the origin FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, TIKRIT, Brigade, and all are based in Germany. of the attack, which led to the detention of two individuals. Iraq — Redeployment is being made easier for 1st Infantry DoD will continue to announce large units as they are Suspects are in custody with no citizen or MNF injuries Division Soldiers thanks to the reconstruction of two runways identified and alerted. reported. at Forward Operating Base Speicher’s airfield. These courageous acts demonstrate the commitment of Instead of convoying to Kuwait, Soldiers need only take a New Polish commander heads Central Iraqi citizens to ensuring a safe and peaceful Iraq. Iraqi short ride to Speicher before flying. South Division in Iraq Security Forces and Multi-National Forces encourage citi- “It is a much easier and much safer way to get Soldiers back WASHINGTON — Polish Maj. Gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak zens of Iraq to continue to cooperate with security forces to their families,” said Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Mundt, 1st ID, took command of the Multinational Division Central South and turn in military weapons and equipment. assistant division commander-support. “It is part of a major at Camp Echo in Diwanyiha Feb. 7. initiative to ease the pressure on Kuwait.” Skrzypczak, who once served as Poland’s chief of land Iraqi pilots get first-time C-130 training Speicher was chosen because of its location and can accom- operations for land forces, succeeded Maj. Gen. Andrzej BAGHDAD, Iraq — A five-man crew from Squadron 23 modate C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemasters, C-23s, UC-35s Ekiert, who commanded the the multinational division of the Iraqi Air Force recently trained for the first time on as well as commercial planes, he said. since July. flying and operating an American C-130 cargo plane out- The runways were bombed in the first Persian Gulf War, The division is responsible for the security and stabiliza- side of Iraq’s air space. and getting them back in shape took months, and included tion of southern portion of Iraq between Baghdad and A crew of U.S. Air Force pilots used a five-hour round- electrical repairs, trash removal, and surface repairs. Basra, including the provinces of Babil, Wasit, Karbala, trip flight to Amman, Jordan as a training exercise for the While 1st ID Soldiers are currently enjoying the runway’s Quadisiyah and Najaf. Iraqi pilots and crew members. Five other crews from Squadron 23, of Ali Base in Talil, Iraq, were passengers on the flight, heading to training in Jordan. One crew will continue traveling to the U.S. for Hercules simulator training in Little Rock, Ark., said Wing Cmdr. Robert Greene, of the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq. All of the squadron members are experienced crews who are strengthening and expanding their skills after a 12-year lapse under Saddam Hussein’s rule, Greene said. This was their first time in the seats of a C-130, he added. The next phase of training will focus on dealing with emergencies, approaches and landings, and general flying skills.

Iraqi Police graduate 14 SWAT officers BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Police graduated 14 officers from the Provincial SWAT (special weapons and tactics) training course Feb. 10. The officers completed a special- ized four-week training curriculum that places a heavy emphasis on weapons training and includes training in dynamic entries, mechanical breaching, diversionary Photo by Pfc. Ferdinand Thomas devices, sniper training and offensive driving skills. Farid Ayar, left, spokesman for the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, and Adel al-Lami, The provincial SWAT teams are provincial-level, high the commission’s chief of electoral office, announce election results in Baghdad Sunday. end, rapid response, tactical units responsible for high-risk

Worship and Prayer Schedule for the International Zone

Sunday Monday-Friday Saturday 9:30 a.m. — Choir Rehearsal Noon — Catholic Mass (Mon-Thurs) 11:30 a.m. — Catholic Mass (Camp Headhunter) 10 a.m. — Catholic Mass (3rd BTC) Noon — Catholic Communion Service (Tues) 12:30 p.m. — Buddhist Worship 10:30 a.m. — General Christian 5:30 p.m. — Catholic Mass (Fri at Camp Steel Dragon) 4 p.m. — Catholic Confession Noon — Episcopal/Lutheran/Anglican 6 p.m. — Jewish Shabbat Services (Fri) 4:30 p.m. — Catholic Mass 2 p.m. — Latter Day Saints 7:30 p.m. — Prayer Service (Tue) 4 p.m. — Catholic Confession 8 p.m. — Bible Study (Thurs at Senior Advisors Conf Rm) 4:30 p.m. — Catholic Mass 8:30 p.m. — Bible Study (Wed at Ambassadors Conf Rm) Daily Islamic Prayer 6 p.m. — Contemporary Protestant Page 8 Scimitar February 18, 2005

Army Reserve combat engineers with the 467th Engineer Battalion use the “Buffalo” to search trash piles suspected to contain improvised explosive devices. The vehicle’s hydraulic arm is used to probe the suspected sites. If an IED is found, the explosive ordnance disposal unit is called, and the road is closed until the device is neutralized. Operation Trailblazer makes Iraqi roads safer “Between a few rotating teams, we Since the operation started, countless finding an IED or two, that’s one less pos- Story and photos search the roads several times a day look- ordnance and IEDs have been removed sible casualty,” he said. “And if we don’t by Sgt. Matthew Acosta ing for conspicuous things that might be from the streets of Iraq, saving potential have an eventful day, then it’s another 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment used to conceal explosives, such as piles of casualties, Bryan said. quiet day for us, and that’s not a bad thing trash, containers or anything that looks like “As long as we have an eventful day either.” FORWARD OPERATING BASE it’s out of the ordinary, like freshly- WARHORSE, BAQUBAH, Iraq —To patched potholes in the road or new make Iraqi roads safer for fellow Soldiers, road signs close to the road’s edge,” a U.S. Army Reserve company of combat Bryan said. engineers patrol selected roads near If an IED is confirmed, the unit Baqubah, searching for “trouble” in a mis- marks the site and calls for an explo- sion called Operation Trailblazer. sive ordnance disposal unit to neutral- Soldiers from Company A, 467th ize the device. Engineer Battalion, Memphis, Tenn., Bryan said since the 467th has recently took over operations from the taken over, it has been credited with 141st Engineer Battalion, North Dakota finding three explosive devices in its National Guard, at Forward Operating first few days of patrols. Base Warhorse. Although the unit travels at a rela- Their mission is to search pre-deter- tively slow rate of speed, the fear of mined supply routes in the Baqubah area being attacked doesn’t faze the crew for improvised explosive devices planted much, Bryan said. by terrorists. “We really can’t drive too fast “Our job is to go out and look for trou- because by the time we see a device, ble in the form of Improvised Explosive it’ll be too late to stop before it goes Devices planted near the sides of roads,” off on us or the next vehicle,” he said Sgt. 1st Class Dallas Bryan, combat said. “We need to keep a slow steady engineer. pace, and if we suspect something, With teams of 18 Soldiers or more, the we call in the Buffalo. Of course it Trailblazers set out on convoys of several makes us a good target, but that’s not supporting vehicles and one “Buffalo,” something we normally think about.” scouring the roadside for signs of terrorist Normally, the Trailblazers cruise activity. the routes looking for explosives, but The Buffalo, a ground mine-detection sometimes they will encounter a system, uses a hydraulic arm to sift vehicle they think needs to be Army Reserve Soldiers Spc. James Acker, left, and Sgt. Michael Cochran, top, com- through trash piles or probe areas where searched because of a tip from an bat engineers with the 467th Engineer Battalion, scan traffic stopped 100 meters the convoy suspects IEDs might be hidden. Iraqi traffic checkpoint. ahead for suspicious vehicles. The roads are searched several times daily. February 18, 2005 Scimitar Page 9 Predators in the skies protect troops

Story and photos by Spc. Leah R. Burton 28th Public Affairs Detachment

LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, BALAD, Iraq — The loud roars of Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons here are familiar reminders of close-air support, but unmanned Predators silently swarm the skies protecting troops by different means. The MQ-1 Predator, a lightweight, low-horsepower, unmanned aerial vehicle capable of taking daylight and infrared video imagery traverses the atmosphere above vir- tually undetectable. The 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here aids Army personnel by keeping eyes on the combat situa- tion via the Predators. Although the Predator’s main mission is to collect intel- ligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information, it can also be used to introduce some lethal firepower to an intense combat situation. “Obviously if we catch the bad guys that are shooting mortars at our base, the mortars stop,” said Air Force Maj. Michael Bruzzini, squadron commander. “We saw mortars launched and took out the perpetrators with Hellfire mis- siles.” The MQ-1 Predator, an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of flying more than 20 hours of intelligence, All of this is done from a terminal on the ground, where reconnaissance and surveillance, helps protect ground troops and Logistics Support Area Anaconda. a pilot and a sensor operator control the movements and actions of the UAV. way you secure ground,” the former F-16 pilot said. quit [because of difficulties controlling the equipment],” The Predator was used during a recent raid where Army He noted that there are challenges unique to the Predator. said Airman 1st Class Tyler Farley, a squadron sensor oper- personnel detained several high-value targets, increasing “You feel like you’re in it. You do lose some situational ator. the unit’s combat effectiveness by 50 percent, Bruzzini awareness, because you can’t look around your aircraft,” Farley has since mastered the operation of the equipment said. Bruzzini said. “You take for granted a lot of things that are and now acts on instinct. “You just trust what the pilots do “As the raid was going down, a ‘God’s-eye’ view was very easy in other aircraft, like taxiing.” and play your ‘video game’ for five hours or so,” he said. being passed down to the Soldiers. The Predator had eyes Other than challenges borne of the fact that the pilot isn’t Although it can be scary controlling a $4.2 million air- on the whole time and was able to inform the Soldiers of actually in the aircraft, piloting the Predator is very similar craft by remote control, Bruzzini said they are more apt to what was going on around them,” Bruzzini said. to operating other aircraft. take risks in this aircraft because they’re not risking loss of This type of mission is what the Predator was meant for. The sensor operators control the movement of the cam- life. “Our biggest mission is to support [the Army]. We want to eras on the Predator and undergo nine months of training “What’s going through my head [when I’m piloting the be your God’s-eye view,” Bruzzini said. for that responsibility. Six months of that training takes Predator] is we have troops getting shot at who are While the Predator’s two onboard Hellfire missiles and place at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, Americans, and I want to help save American lives. It’s surveillance capabilities supports the mission, Bruzzini still and the other three months take place at a formal training very rewarding to know that what you do saves lives. understands his sister service’s bottom line. “You win wars unit. There are combat missions with people on the ground, and by securing ground, and troops on the ground are the only “In the first couple of weeks of the FTU, you want to I’m saving their lives on a daily basis,” Bruzzini said.

Airman 1st Class Tyler Farley, an MQ-1 Predator Air Force Maj. Michael Bruzzini, 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron commander, visually sensor operator, controls the virtually undetectable inspects an MQ-1 Predator at LSA Anaconda. unmanned aerial vehicle’s cameras from his seat. Page 10 Scimitar February 18, 2005 Postal workers help keep spirits up Lately we haven’t been having any Story and photos by problems as far as security goes.” Pfc. Ferdinand Thomas Certain items are not allowed to Scimitar Staff be sent through the post office. Some of these items include guns, INTERNATIONAL ZONE, BAGHDAD, bootleg DVDs and any military- Iraq — Even with telephones and the inter- issued gear. net, there is really nothing quite like getting “We stress that everyone takes a letter or care package from home. the batteries out of their equipment Nearly all Multi-National Forces – Iraq when they package it up,” Little personnel here use the military postal serv- said. ice offered at the Presidential Palace on a The postal troops move the mail regular basis, said Air Force Staff Sgt. in and out of the office as fast as Valon Barnett, a custodian of postal effects. possible since it takes so long to The spirits of IZ personnel seem to deflate send and receive mail here, Little when mail cannot be distributed, such as a said. few days before the election. The post office has four airmen “It’s all about morale,” Barnett said. “A keeping it in operation. Two were lot of MNF-I personnel don’t have regular assigned to the office without hav- access to phones and internet, so they ing been school trained for the job. depend on the good old-fashioned letter to Airman 1st Class William Joseph say their piece.” is one of the augmented mail Letters are not the only items postal clerks. Joseph is a telephone sys- workers process every day. Countless care tems journeyman at Andrews Air packages in various sizes up to 70 pounds Force Base, Md. Little, also aug- or 108 cubic inches are also processed mented, is an information systems through the postal system daily. craftsman from Scott Air Force Commercial mail carriers are also avail- Base, Ill. able in the palace, said Air Force Staff Sgt. “They are doing a great job here Nicole Little, a cashier for the post office. considering the training a couple Service members and civilians who have of them have had,” Barnett said. access to these services seem to use the Because the augmentees haven’t military postal service more because it is been through the military’s postal convenient and affordable. school, they face the challenge of Some mail can be sent free of charge, learning as they go, Palmore said. Barnett said. “The free mail only pertains “Once they arrive, we train them to first class letters. If it’s less than 13 on the spot how to be postal ounces, it’s free.” clerks.” Mail can take a long time to reach an “Working with limited training individual if it gets stopped en route, made my first few days real frus- Barnett said. That is one of the reasons why trating,” Little said. “The rush of letters under 13 ounces are free. customers was the hardest thing to Airman 1st Class William Joseph bags up some of the mail during the duty day. Bagging “A priority item usually takes up to 14 handle. It is still a rough part of is a continuous process throughout the day for the postal personnel. days,” Barnett said. “Regular mail can take the job to handle, but now I am up to a month or longer.” more prepared.” The palace isn’t the One of the reasons for the delay is the Regardless of the training each of the only place where security aspect, said Air Force Master Sgt. personnel has received, they believe the service members are Cedric L. Palmore. “We make sure people customer comes first. working hard in are sending the right things out of here. “It’s all about customer service here,” postal. Forward Palmore said. “This Operating Base Steel is a great cause we Dragon also offers are supporting.” postal services for Even though the MNF-I personnel. two augmentees are The MNF-I person- not working in their nel have noticed the military occupation- hard work of postal, al specialty here, said Col. Brett L. they still do their Hanke, program man- best and stay posi- ager for water and tive, he said. public works, Project “I love helping Contracting Office. out the service “They are doing a members,” Little great job here. said. “When a troop Customer service is brings something great. The free mail in, I help him or her is great.” out the best I can. Helping others My favorite part of seems to be the best the day is 5 p.m. part of the job, We lift so many Barnett said. “We heavy boxes all day. feel like we are Staff Sgt. Valon Barnett prepares boxes for shipping by con- By the end of the doing a noble service Staff Sgt. Nicole Little fills a bag of outgoing mail as part ducting security checks and taping them up. day, I am worn-out.” for everyone.” of her daily duties at the post office. February 18, 2005 Scimitar Page 11 Army pediatricians mentor Iraqi doctors from Madigan Army Hospital, Fort Story and photos by Lewis, Wash., Azarow said the response Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan from the Iraqi physicians taking the Scimitar Editor course was outstanding. “I think they all appreciate the effort and training.” INTERNATIONAL ZONE, BAGHDAD, He said the Iraqi doctors are well- Iraq — Hoping to improve the medical care trained, many having been schooled in for Iraqi children, Army physicians shared Great Britain, but they lack the supplies their expertise with about 25 Iraqi physi- and equipment they need. “That’s what cians, teaching a Pediatric Advanced Life they are desperate for. Their dedication Support course at a Baghdad convention cen- is admirable; even to be here they had ter Saturday through Monday. to wait in line for an hour and a half to Eight physicians from 1st Cavalry get to the course.” Division’s Forward Support Medical While many outside the medical field Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Fort might think treating an injured child is Hood, Texas, with support from the 86th just like treating an injured adult, but on Combat Support Hospital, Fort Campbell, a smaller scale, Spinella said that is not Ky., held the course to help Iraqi pediatri- true. “Treating children is much differ- cians better care for sick and injured chil- ent than treating adults. The equipment dren. that we use and the medications that we A pediatric intensivist (a critical care pedi- use are different. Children are much dif- atrician), Maj. Philip Spinella said teaching ferent than adults. Children are not just the course came about after he was little adults. Sometimes adults are big Lt. Col. Kurt Grathwohl, 86th CSH, teaches Iraqi pediatricians the Pediatric Advanced approached by the director general of children, but that’s a different story.” Life Support course at the convention center in the International Zone Sunday. Medical City – a medical complex in Spinella said the Iraqi doctors were Baghdad – about how the Army pediatricians “definitely” learning from the course. funding to be able to improve their medical could help Iraqi pediatricians. “There are medications they’ve never heard care.” “There is a large number Army pediatri- of that we use routinely, and equipment that Iraqi doctors attending the course said the cians in country right now, six or eight we use that they’ve never seen,” he said. training was very valuable and trained them right here in Baghdad,” said Spinella, who “They have been working with substandard on procedures they had never seen, said is deployed from Brooke Army Medical equipment it seems like for decades, and this Mohamed Falhy, a pediatrician at one of Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and was a way for us to introduce what is avail- Baghdad’s several hospitals. assigned to the FSMC as the battalion sur- able to them now that they have a chance to “It was very short. To read and to learn geon for the 215th Forward Support go out and get their own stuff and to be able and to practice, a 10-day course would be Battalion. “We thought this would be a to improve their practice to the way we are better,” Falhy said. However, he said he was good way to share our knowledge and be demonstrating.” pleased to be able to take the course and able to help the children of Iraq as well. Spinella said it will be up to these physi- hopes more courses will be available in the “We’ve treated close to 200 children at cians to improve their practice, but he said future. He said there is a especially a need to Iraqi physicians practice a method of Ibn Sina Hospital (86th CSH) with traumat- they were “excited, happy, extremely appre- train teams to work in emergency centers. inserting an IV tube into a small child ic injuries in the past year and we want to ciative” of the course. “I think they’ve The course was a success, Spinella said. during the PALS course. help continue to contribute to the care of enjoyed learning a lot from it as well.” “It was great for us to interact with them. children of Iraq by teaching them what we The PALS course included lectures and offer — something near and dear to our They are very appreciative for our providing know and how we do things. This class hands-on small-group instruction discussing, hearts,” Azarow said. “Our hope, eventually, the time, and hopefully they’ll go out and teaches them advanced life support skills demonstrating and practicing techniques to is that training like this will become the pri- they’ll continue to educate. Our whole mis- and techniques to resuscitate children who treat children — often noting the differences mary mission, once security and violence are sion is to help get the country back on its are sick or injured.” between treating adults and treating children. not at the forefront here.” feet and let them take care of themselves. Other military medical teams have con- “A course like this gives the medical per- “Hopefully this is the start of many more “It’s been an experience,” he said of his ducted training with Iraqi doctors in the past, sonnel involved more of a sense of expand- education programs where physicians can time in Iraq. “I would like to have helped but “this is the first course specifically ing the medical care to children. Although teach physicians,” Spinella added. “We can contribute more to the health care of the addressing the care of children,” said Col. that’s not our primary mission here — it’s to show them our techniques and improve their Iraqis, but hopefully as the security gets bet- Ken Azarow, 86th CSH. take care of Soldiers — this is what we do medical care. They’re smart enough and ter, others will be able to continue to help the A specialized pediatric surgeon deployed back home. We feel we have something to they’re willing; they just need to get the Iraqi medical system.” TF 1-77 Armor helps city council get projects going district council.” them more to make them more efficient, finding out what they need in their communi- Story by Pfc. Adam N. Phelps During the meeting, representatives from Rafter said. ties, and being able to help the people they 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment each district of Balad meet to discuss projects “We determine how they will have certain represent.” that would help the whole community or even people do certain jobs — such as who will be “When we first got here, the city council FORWARD OPERATING BASE PALI- local areas. During council meetings they are the chairman and so on,” he added. consisted mostly of sheiks, so the people WODA, Iraq — Task Force Danger Soldiers reminded they are there to represent their Helping the Iraqis streamline their govern- were not very well represented. We started to have helped the city council members of people, Rafter said. ment system through tough laws is another meet with them, and they changed, and we Balad build a solid infrastructure over the After council members agree on what they way the Coalition Soldiers assisted them. got to move closer to the back of the room in past year. would like to do, they bring their idea to the “Two of our four local councils now have each meeting,” Rafter said. “The ‘back of the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 77th Armor, civil affairs officers who help with financing. local civil charters,” Goodfriend said. “They room’ is a phrase we use because when we helped the council members get projects off “We don’t go out and look for projects,” have taken the transitional administrative law first got here we had to be in the meeting, the ground, helped them strengthen their gov- said Capt. Jason Goodfriend, civil affairs offi- and pretty much brought it down to their and now after every meeting, we move fur- ernments and kept council members from dis- cer. “They vote on what they need and they level. They have written, ratified and ther back and have less to do with it.” tracting arguments and irrelevant subject mat- look to us for funding.” emplaced it so they now have systems that “I don’t go in front of a room of Iraqis ters by making a presence at the meetings. The city council has chosen subcommittees are actual law, which is a great thing to see.” and tell them this is what democracy is and “Our goal is to make it more like the city for areas such as schools, healthcare, electric- Being mentors to the council members was this is what you have to do,” Goodfriend councils in the states,” said 1st Lt. Martin ity and roads. another way the Soldiers helped. “Everything said. “We mentor them and point them in Rafter, unit development officer. “Each city Prior civil affairs units established the city we do is a partnership,” he added. “It begins the right direction and allow Iraqi democra- has one city council and they’ll fall under a councils, and the current unit helped develop with civil process, with a civil government cy to grow.” Page 12 Scimitar February 18, 2005 K-9 couple watches for tell-tail signs of danger to those bringing in explosives, but also to the Story and photo by Pfc. Abel Trevino people’s behavior coming in. They don’t do 28th Public Affairs Detachment anything crazy at the gate,” Giray said. The dogs work close to those entering the LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA gate, but are prohibited from directly search- ANACONDA, Balad, Iraq — The most ing people. dangerous part of Giray Jones’ day is when “We don’t search people; we search bags,” Timer squats: it means he’s found explosives. Brad said. Giray and Brad Jones are dog handlers “In the morning I go over and search per- working for K-9 Associates International and sonnel, bags and suitcases with Timer. Once I contracted through the 81st Brigade Combat get through, I help [Brad] with vehicles,” Team. Timer is a 5-year-old shorthaired Giray said. German shepherd handled by Giray; Brad When searching vehicles and bags, the dog handles Gromett, a Belgium Malinois. handlers have to be sensitive of cultural dif- The four of them have traveled throughout ferences. Iraq with 1st Armor Division and 1st Cavalry “A lot of the vehicles have food in them Division and are now here at LSA Anaconda, and the [owners] get concerned about their searching for explosives and assisting in the food coming in, but the dogs are trained capture of insurgents. where they won’t eat any food unless it’s “The way we look at it, these dogs have given specifically by us,” Giray said. actually saved lives. They’ve found munitions She added that the dogs do smell the food, and stuff that were going to be used against but are trained not to lick or touch it. people; they put people in jail who were bad A job of this nature puts the couple directly guys that would have gone out and hurt more in harm’s way, but for a greater purpose. people,” Brad said. “Because of the nature of the job, [the dan- The couple, who has been married for 10 ger] is to be expected. We’re there to locate it years, brings years of dog handling experi- first so a larger number of people aren’t ence to the gates. Both have law enforcement Brad and Giray Jones handle Timer and Gromett, explosive smelling dogs, involved,” Giray said. backgrounds; Brad planned a canine unit pro- at the North Entry Control Point as one of the first waves of inspections for Like all aspects of force protection, the gram for a police department and Giray start- local nationals and vehicles coming into post. Jones take their jobs seriously and concen- ed off in Search and Rescue. They actually trate heavily on watching the reaction of the met during a case while searching for a miss- work and search together. intelligence will question [the person] and get dogs for clues and hints that something is ing boy. Their searching efforts here are used for good information out of them.” amiss. That case was the first meeting before more dangerous cases and incorporate olfac- Chasing the tail of explosives has led the “We depend on Soldiers to watch our backs years of commitment to each other and jobs tory skills of the dogs — such as smelling for couple to local national residences where they while we’re out there,” Brad said. that rarely allow the couple to spend time explosives and drugs. have made large discoveries of explosives and “We appreciate the support from the armed together: their 10th anniversary was the first “The dogs are sensitive enough that they dangerous items, Brad said. services that we get,” Giray said. “We just one they were able to spend together, and it pick up on where there were explosives. If The dogs also represent a show of force and can’t thank those guys enough for their sup- was on the plane coming back to Iraq. That someone has been carrying explosives, the intimidation to people intent on harming the port on what the dogs do and also for their moment reflected the best part of the couple’s dogs will sometimes pick up on that,” Brad post. support on our safety. It makes our job a lot job here: being together and being able to said. “Even if they don’t find any, military “Not only is [the dogs’] presence a deterrent easier.” Sergeants Major reunite after 30 years of service

reflect on their careers. paths. Thompson, who serves in 4th Aviation Brigade, 1st Story by Sgt. Blake Kent They both “fondly” remember their drill sergeant, Drill Infantry Division, started in infantry and later switched to air 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Sgt. Guilzey, who could still draw a shudder, a chuckle and a traffic control and then to aviation. Reynolds, a 42nd wag of the head from the two men. Aviation Brigade Soldier, served in aviation throughout his FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq — In “The other drill sergeants actually felt sorry for us,” said career. Both served in Operation Desert Storm, and were also August 1977 two men started their military careers together Thompson, who hails from Cincinnati. “Drill Sgt. Guilzey in the same brigade together at Fort Hood, Texas. at basic training; now, 30 years later both men are crossing was kind of short, but he would get right in your face. His “It all paid off and we have survived it,” Reynolds said. “I paths again, both as sergeants major in Tikrit, Iraq. campaign hat would hit right at my eye level.” set a goal to do 30 years, and after this assignment I should Sgt. Major David Thompson and Sgt. Major Johnny It wasn’t the kinder, gentler Army you hear joked about have it.” Reynolds first met at Fort Knox, Ky. for basic training, and today, Reynolds said of their basic training experience. Operation Iraqi Freedom has been an opportunity for crossed paths again during the relief in place of Task Force Though the rigorous schedule of training left little time for reunions such as Thompson and Reynolds’ throughout the Danger. much more free time than eating and sleeping, both sergeants Army. Reynolds came in with the 42nd Infantry Division to major remember training with a great team. “This whole place has been like an aviation reunion,” said relieve the Big Red One, which Thompson has served with “We had a good group of guys,” Reynolds, a native of Capt. Timothy A. Campbell, 8th Battalion, 229th Aviation during the past year. New Orleans, said of his fellow trainees. Regiment from Houston, Texas, of his deployment experi- The reunion gave time for the two sergeants major to After basic training Thompson and Reynolds took different ence. “You never know who you will run into.” Prevention is everybody’s responsibility February 18, 2005 Scimitar Page 13

MOVIE REVIEW ‘Elektra’ is anything but electrifying ter, Abby (Kirsten Prout). For reasons By Sgt. Derek F. Meyer the audience is expected to deduce 214th Mobile Public Affairs through telepathy, Elektra decides to Detachment protect them instead. What results is a weak pursuit in which the Order of In Marvel’s newest superhero-on- the Hand, a band of failed-the-cut- the-big-screen release, not even a for-X-Men mutants, led by Kirigi beautiful, scantily-clad woman kick- (Will Yun Lee), chase after Elektra. ing butt can save the day. Jennifer Why they want to kill Mark and Garner stars in “Elektra,” a movie Abby in the first place or what they fraught with plot gaps and conflicting will gain in killing Elektra is left to themes. the viewers’ imaginations. Elektra Who is this Elektra? Frank Miller moves her refugees to a new location created Elektra Natchios in the 1980s every few minutes. The bad guys as the love interest of Daredevil. show up. They fight. Begin again. Fans caught their first glimpse of her The fight scenes are pathetic with in “Daredevil” (2003) but the con- martial arts not even fit for “Teenage nection between that and “Elektra” is Mutant Ninja Turtles.” The acting is lost, leaving viewers to wonder if it’s unknown circumstances. even worse. If you are having trouble even the same character at all. At the Elektra, now an assassin, must ful- deciding between this or catching up start of the movie, we pick up at an fill her latest contract by killing Mark on your correspondence, break out unknown time in the midst of (Goran Visnjic) and his sassy daugh- the stationery.

SScciimmiittaarr SSllaappssttiicckk Art by Maj. James D. Crabtree

Art by Staff Sgt. Tim Lawn Page 14 Scimitar February 18, 2005 2nd Brigade Combat Team bids farewell to Kirkuk Provincial Council members Story and photo by were the very first,” negotiate and resolve Schubert, team government officer-in-charge Sgt. Sean Kimmons Miles said. these issues,” he said. for 2nd BCT, worked with the KPC on a rou- Besides establishing It wasn’t an easy or tine basis. 25th ID (Light) Public Affairs Office democracy, KPC mem- safe task for the KPC “It’s been a great experience,” Schubert KIRKUK, Iraq — Second Brigade Combat bers facilitated millions members to establish said. “I came here for a year in combat, and I Team leaders bid farewell to members of of dollars in reconstruc- peace and democracy in was able to help in that mission but also with Kirkuk’s first provincial council inside the tion projects throughout a region once ruled by a the mission of creating the new country of Kirkuk government building Feb. 3, conclud- the province. They have dictator. Some KPC Iraq.” ing a successful Election Day in the province. also accomplished peace members were martyred Schubert also said he’ll miss the interaction “The reason we are gathered here today in a region that was by insurgents who want- with the different ethnic groups in the KPC. really is to honor all of you as the first feared to play host to a ed to derail Iraq’s devel- “I’ll miss working with all the ethnicities provincial council in Kirkuk,” Col. Lloyd civil war because of its opments. [and] trying to balance the different interests Miles, commander of 2nd BCT, said to the ethnicities, which include “All of you have of all the people in Kirkuk,” Schubert said. Kirkuk Provincial Council members at the Arabs, Kurds, Turkman showed the courage, Miles said he was grateful for the friend- farewell luncheon. and Assyrians. determination and the ships that KPC members extended toward For being the first Iraqis to bring democra- “From the time we Col. Lloyd Miles speaks to vision for a better Kirkuk him and his Soldiers. cy into this Iraqi region, Miles thought the arrived there was always Kirkuk Provincial Council mem- and a better Iraq. And I “For the past year, Kirkuk’s many ethnici- KPC members reminded him of America’s talk about a civil war bers during the Feb. 3 luncheon. know many did so at ties have been our family. “founding fathers.” breaking out in Iraq and great personal risk for “We have a word in Hawaiian that is “In my own country, even little school kids starting here in Kirkuk,” Miles said. “But you and your families,” Miles said. ‘Ohana,’ which means family. And for the last can refer back to what we call our “founding over the last year, the cynics have always As 2nd BCT Soldiers redeploy back to year this has been our ‘Ohana,’” Miles said. fathers” — the members of our very first con- been wrong.” Hawaii, the KPC luncheon was a way for When the ballots from last week’s Iraqi stitutional convention. Miles believed it was the KPC members those who have worked closely with the KPC election are officially counted, the KPC will “I think in the same way when the history who proved them wrong. to say a final goodbye to their Iraqi counter- be turned over to new members who will go of this great nation is written, all of you will “Whenever there was an issue within the parts. forth in promoting democratic ideals and be looked upon and remembered because you province, all of you managed over the year to Throughout the past year, Maj. Sam rebuilding the region. 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit ends operations in Iraq CAMP RIPPER, Iraq — The 31st Marine during the Fallujah operation. Expeditionary Unit relinquished responsibility of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 providing security and stability in Iraq’s western (Reinforced), the MEU’s air combat element, Al Anbar province to Regimental Combat Team accumulated more than 4,300 flight hours, 7 of the 1st Marine Division Feb. 7. which included more than 2,000 hours flown The Okinawa-based unit has been in place during night operations. The squadron transport- since mid-October 2004 and was tasked with ed more than 10,000 personnel and lifted more planning and executing various missions than 835,000 pounds of cargo throughout Anbar throughout a 33,000 square-mile area of opera- province and its AV-8B Harriers supported the tions, about the size of South Carolina. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s aviation missions “I don’t believe anyone else could have done during the Fallujah battle. as good of a job,” said Maj. Gen. Richard A. The MEU conducted numerous limited-scale Natonski, commander, 1st Marine Division, 1st raids and cordon-and-knock operations, captur- Marine Expeditionary Force. ing more than 150 insurgents and seizing more Natonski and Sgt. Maj. Wayne R. Bell, divi- than 60 weapons caches. sion sergeant major, visited the Marines and The detachment from the 4th Civil Affairs sailors as they transferred responsibility of the Group assigned to the MEU conducted numer- Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli awards Sgt. Matthew Zedwick, of Corvallis, Ore., area of operations to the regimental combat ous civil affairs missions. It conducted more the Silver Star Medal Feb. 8 for his heroic actions under enemy attack. team. than 250 missions to evaluate and assess infra- “This generation of Marines is as good, if not structure, engage with the local populace, man- better, than previous generations of Marines,” age construction projects and identify the med- Battalion’s heroism honored said Bell. “I am proud to have served with [the ical needs of the Iraqi people. The detachment Story and photo by Medals with “V” Device for valor MEU].” initiated and managed more than 200 projects Staff Sgt. Rebekah-mae Bruns and two Silver Star Medals for hero- The 2,200-member MEU was responsible for focusing on education, heath care, water and ic actions and distinctive gallantry in 39th Brigade Combat Team missions that included assistance and security sanitation, and roads and bridge construction. the face of the enemy while serving for Iraq’s first free elections, cordon–and-knock The civil affairs Marines and sailors subse- Public Affairs in Iraq. operations against the insurgency, civil affairs quently arranged and coordinated the distribu- CAMP TAJI, Iraq — The 1st “To pin Silver Stars to great missions, Iraqi border security, training of Iraqi tion of more than $2 million worth of donated Cavalry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 7th Soldiers is an unbelievable honor,” security forces, security of the Hadithah Dam, as medical supplies from the Humanitarian Cavalry Regiment, together with a Chiarelli said. “We have heroes well as other operations to further stabilize the Operations Center, Kuwait, to the people of company of Oregon National Guard amongst us today.” area in support of the interim Iraqi government. Iraq. Soldiers, rounded out their service in Chiarelli said no battalion in his Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 3rd The detachment and other elements of the 31st Iraq with the presentation of heroic division had been asked to do more Marine Regiment, the MEU’s ground combat MEU further assisted the interim Iraqi govern- medals here Feb. 8. in Iraq than the battle-hardened 2-7 element, fought in the battle for Fallujah in ment and the Independent Electoral Commission Division commander Maj. Gen. Cavalry. The celebrated battalion November 2004 alongside Marines and sailors of Iraq by distributing voter education materials Peter Chiarelli bestowed 13 Purple spearheaded some of the division’s of RCT-7 and MEU Service Support Group 31. to the Iraqi people of Anbar province and assist- Heart Medals, 10 Bronze Star most difficult battles in Iraq. MSSG-31, the MEU’s combat service support ed the Iraqi security forces in providing security element, provided necessary logistical support for nine polling stations. February 18, 2005 Scimitar Page 15 AFN Iraq: Always there, always on the air The pre-show preparation doesn’t stop Story and photos by Sgt. Misha King there, said Mahan. “We try to keep [our Scimitar Assistant Editor listeners] up-to-date with the newest music, and that involves a lot of research, INTERNATIONAL ZONE, BAGHDAD, Iraq — Deployed like checking out the Billboard charts and service members do not always have the means to stay up-to-date seeing what’s playing on radio stations with current events, the latest music trends, or even the latest back home. We try to be as close to a rules and regulations at their areas of operations. Thanks to radio station as they would hear back American Forces Network, most troops in Iraq have had access home.” to this type of information since Dec. 12, 2003, when AFN Iraq Despite the long hours that go into was established. preparing and airing a Freedom Radio “AFN Iraq’s mission is to get out command information mes- show, the end result is worth all the hard sages to the troops through entertainment — music, broadcast work. news shows, and things of that nature,” said Capt. Daryle A. “The best part of my job is I feel like Sewell, broadcast officer-in-charge of AFN Iraq. He is also the I’m making a difference every day I come commander of the 209th Broadcast Operations Detachment, an to work,” said Mahan, smiling. “When Army Reserve unit based in Rome, Ga., which augments AFN they tune in and listen to good music, it Iraq. gives them a break from whatever is going Although AFN’s primary mission is to deliver important com- on in their lives. They say music soothes mand messages to the troops, it also serves as a morale booster the soul, so if that’s true, then I feel like for troops through entertainment. that’s what we’re doing here at Freedom “We have a radio station called Freedom Radio that runs seven Radio.” days a week, 16 hours a day of live radio. The other eight hours AFN Iraq not only has a great radio sta- are satellite feeds from Germany,” said Sewell. tion to inform and entertain its audience, it Spc. Renee L. Mahan, Freedom Radio’s only female DJ, cues up a The radio programming is limited to in-theatre, so the 150,000 also has several television programs pro- song while giving a live weather report during the urban show. plus troops serving in Iraq can pick it up if they’re close to a duced locally and aired worldwide. transmitter, added Sewell. Although the range is limited to in-the- “We have 10 broadcasters who put together ‘Freedom Journal “Our stories are different because we have mission-oriented atre, the music variety is anything but limited. Iraq,’ an 11-minute news program that airs five days a week,” stories, whereas [the national news media] are mostly interested “Monday through Saturday, we have four-hour blocks each of Sewell explained. We also produce a show called ‘OIF Today,’ in what’s happening right now,” Nabors explained. “Let’s say a hot adult contemporary, a country show, an urban show and a which is a one-minute news teaser, and a segment called ‘Why I car bomb goes off. They’re going to have someone right there, rock show,” Sewell added. “Then on Sunday, we have an oldies Serve,’ which highlights troops serving in-theatre.” right now. Our stories, however, are generated around the search show, a 70s, an 80s and a 90s show.” “Freedom Journal Iraq” is picked up by the Pentagon Channel, team that goes in and investigates, or the [service members] that When people tune into Freedom Radio, they hear great music which is available through cable channels and government instal- search the vehicle for IEDs. It’s what you call ‘soft’ news, not and cool DJs. What they don’t hear is what goes on behind the lations worldwide, Sewell added. “They also just signed a con- ‘hard’ news like the national media.” scene – all the hard work and preparation that goes into produc- tract with Dish Network, which means the Pentagon Channel Soft news and hard news differ in content, yet they don’t differ ing a radio show. will now reach over 11 million homes.” in some of the basics, said Sgt. First Class Melissa Y. Rolan, “A lot of people don’t know that in addition to being on-air, we Like with Freedom Radio programming, many hours of AFN Iraq’s news anchor and the 209th’s detachment sergeant. also have to produce all the spots (public service announce- research, preparation and production go into creating a final “My job is to ensure the information I put out is not only accu- ments), news and entertainment reports,” said Spc. Renee L. “Freedom Journal Iraq” product. The first step is coming up with rate, but it shows the good parts of what we do here. It answers Mahan, the urban show DJ and currently the only female story ideas, which can pop up in the most unexpected places. the question, ‘Why are we here?’ for the troops.” Freedom Radio on-air personality. “I’ll get leads at the chow hall by just sitting next to someone Just as the programming is diverse in music genre and story and finding out what they do,” said Staff Sgt. Sherri variety, so is the staff that makes up AFN Iraq. There are active R. Nabors, AFN Iraq’s assignment editor. “A lot of duty Air Force and Marine broadcasters and staff directly times I’ll be like, ‘Wow, that’s interesting,’ and I’ll assigned to it, Sewell said. In addition to broadcasters, both TV set up an appointment to see if we can cover some of and radio, the 209th has technicians who handle radio and TV the projects they have going.” transmissions, as well as keep equipment up and running. They Being in the right place at the right time is only a also have an administrative staff that handles paperwork, mail small piece of seeing a story idea through, said and supply needs. Nabors. “I seek out leads and basically chase them “Everyone in the military knows that without technicians and down. If they are something we can go out and administrative staff, progress is slow,” said Air Force Lt. Col shoot, I’ll call the point of contact and make all the Doug Smith, commander of AFN Iraq. “In our case, we’d have necessary arrangements, like billeting, meals and complete mission failure without them.” sometimes travel. It can be a long, complicated Additionally, the 214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, a process.” Reserve unit based in Richmond, Va., contributes talent for vari- Even though Nabors is the primary lead seeker for ous projects and broadcasts. “Freedom Journal Iraq,” she said the broadcasters Despite the diverse service backgrounds at AFN Iraq, every- come up with a good amount of story ideas them- one’s mission is the same: bringing information to the troops Broadcast journalist Spc. Adams Toomer III operates a video cam- selves just by being out there and doing their jobs. deployed in-theatre, worldwide, as well as to our loved ones back era for a “Freedom Journal Iraq” taping session, while Spc. Johnny “Freedom Journal Iraq” is structured like most home, Nabors said. Chavez, technician, controls the teleprompter for the anchor. Both newscasts seen on major media networks, yet it is “We’re always there and always on the air. That’s our slogan,” are with the 209th Broadcast Operations Detachment. very different in content, said Nabors. Sewell proudly said.

Fallujah 105.1 FM Frequencies Kirkuk 107.3 FM Mosul 105.1 FM Al Asad 93.3 FM Q-West 93.3 FM Ar Ramadi 107.3 FM Ridgeway 107.1 FM Baghdad 92.3 FM Sinjar 107.9 FM and 107.7 FM Talil AB 107.3 FM Balad 107.3 FM Tikrit 93.3 FM Camp Taji 102.5 FM Taji 107.7 FM Page 16 Scimitar February 18, 2005 Throw me something, Mister! Guardsmen kick off Mardi Gras in Baghdad the Louisiana tradition to By Spc. Erin Robicheaux the rest of the camp. 256th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs “Everyone enjoys a good party,” he said, “and CAMP LIBERTY, BAGHDAD, Iraq — I think that we gave Soldiers of the 256th Brigade Combat Team everyone around us a generally hear the phrase, “Throw me feeling of togetherness something, Mister!” from Iraqi kids in the and were able to include streets of Baghdad, but on Feb. 7, they many people into the heard it in the true Mardi Gras sense that it event.” He said that it was intended. Although the Louisiana showed the open person- Brigade is thousands of miles from the ality of Louisiana. Mardi Gras celebration, an ocean could not Along the parade route, separate the enthusiasm that the Soldiers riders threw beads, candy, have for the holiday. and cups to anyone within “Mardi Gras” literally means “Fat range. Civilian employees Tuesday,” and the holiday is obviously cele- Photo by 1st Lt. Taysha Deaton passing by in cars, fellow Soldiers of the 1st Battalion 141st Field Artillery line their brated on that day of the week. But since the Soldiers from other units float up for the parade. The Soldiers dressed in crazy hats majority of the Soldiers are off on Sundays, returning from missions, and matching shirts for the Mardi Gras celebration. the leadership decided it would be best to and those peeking out of celebrate it then. begins, or the day before Ash Wednesday. emerged from their their front doors were The history of Mardi Gras, surprisingly Lent is the 40 days and nights prior to Easter offices and rooms to Photo by Sgt. Thomas Benoit greeted with a rain show- enough, is a Catholic tradition. It begins 12 when Catholics fast to cleanse their bodies see what the chaos Spc. Kris Baker, from Opelousas, er of Mardi Gras trinkets. days after Christmas on Jan. 6. That day is and souls to prepare for the day that Jesus was all about. What La., of the 256th Brigade Combat Everyone got into the cel- called “12th Night,” or “King’s Day” and it will rise into Heaven after the crucifixion. they saw were mili- Team Mail Room, displays a tradi- ebration as the spectators celebrates the visit of the three wise men Traditionally on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, tary vehicles of tional Mardi Gras mask. lined the streets and bearing gifts to the Baby Jesus. In a related a fatted calf was slaughtered and Catholics every shape and size transformed into Mardi rooftops to catch the traditional items. Mardi Gras custom, a dessert called a “king’s feasted on meat, wine, and good times. The Gras floats. Command Sgt. Maj. Homer Stelly from cake” is made into a circular pattern to signi- colors of the celebration also fall in line with Thanks to many krewes from Louisiana Delcambre, La. of 2nd Battalion, 156th fy the roundabout route that the three kings tradition: purple is for justice, green is for and the Family Readiness Groups, who Infantry Regiment, set up his sound system took to get to the Christ Child. This was to faith, and gold is for power. donated beads, masks, and festive decora- on his battalion’s float and blared zydeco confuse King Herod, who wanted to kill the The date for Mardi Gras can fall between tions, the parade was a huge success. music for the parade. baby. In ancient tradition, a small coin or February 3rd to March 9th, depending on the Spc. Chris Golden, from Abbeville, La. of “The music makes everything,” he said, bean was placed in the center of the cake and Lunar calendar. Catholics use this calendar to Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 156th “Cajun music and zydeco music are part of whoever found it was said to have good for- determine the date of Easter, and Fat Infantry Regiment, said Mardi Gras in Louisiana culture, and we just couldn’t have tune throughout the next year. In Louisiana, Tuesday is always 47 days prior. Baghdad was a nice touch, even though sup- a Mardi Gras parade without it.” however, bakers insert a plastic baby instead, The Tiger Brigade brought the tradition plies and spectators were limited. A favorite Louisiana phrase is “Laissez les to symbolize the Baby Jesus. The recipient is and craziness to the streets of their camp in “With the amount of shortcomings that we bon temps roulez!” which means “Let the obligated to host the next cake party. Baghdad, and the stunned spectators from had as far as equipment and planning, we good times roll!” On Feb. 7, thousands of The meaning of the name “Fat Tuesday” other units took to it like true first-timers. were still able to pull off a nice presentation.” miles from home in the streets of Baghdad, refers to the day before the Lenten Season Throughout Camp Liberty, Soldiers He also said that it felt good to bring a taste of Louisiana Soldiers did just that.

h Takin’ a fast break INTERNATIONAL ZONE, BAGHDAD, Iraq — Washington National Guard Soldiers of Company B, 161st Infantry, 81st Brigade from Kent, Wash., take time out from guarding checkpoints at the Al-Rasheed Hotel to enjoy a game of football on the grounds of the convention center here. Left, 1st Lt. Philip G. Hensel, 3rd platoon leader from Alpharetta, Ga., catches a bullet pass while Sgt. Charles Bentley tries to stop him. Right, Spc. John E. Cutter, a squad auto- matic weapon gunner from Aberdeen, Wash., attempts to catch a pop-fly pass. Below, Spc. Ezra A. Ifie, a Saw gunner from Seattle, Wash., tries to run the ball past a group of Soldiers in his unit. The Soldiers arrived in Baghdad April 4 last year and will be heading home next week.

Photos by Pfc. Ferdinand Thomas