Over Iraq by Staﬀ Sgt

Home , 4th Division (Iraq), Bailey (castle), Battle of Baqubah (2007)

March 2005 2 On The Inside Liberty Six Task Force Liberty Commander speaks. 4 by Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto 42nd Takes Over Task Force Liberty replaces Task Force 5 Danger. by Staff Sgt. Duane Brown Crossing the Berm 3rd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers arrive in Iraq again. 10Story, photos by Staff Sgt. Raymond Drumsta Blazing a Trail Engineers scout out IEDs, contraband. 12 Story, photos by Sgt. Matthew Acosta Cleaning up Iraq “Volunteers” work with Iraqis to clean up the streets. 20Story, photos by Staff Sgt. Duane M. Brown Army Reservists Spc. James Acker (left) and Sgt. Michael Cochran (gunner), combat engineers, 467th Engineer Battalion, scan traffic stopped 100-meters to their front (out of screen) for suspicious vehilces. In the Scope The unit searches for improvised explosive devices along roads sides in Baqubah, Iraq. Rainbow Division deploys sniper trained The roads are searched several times daily both day and night. For more information see story page 12. Soldiers to Iraq. (photo by Sgt. Matthew Acosta, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) 22 Story, photos by Staff Sgt. Raymond Drumsta On the cover Command Sgt. Maj. Richard A Friendly Patrol Fearnside places the 42nd Infantry Civil Affairs Soldiers win hearts and Division colors into the hands of minds using friendly patrols. the color guard Feb. 14 during 24 Story, photos by Staff Sgt. Raymond the transfer of authority ceremony Drumsta with the 1st Infantry Division Task Force Liberty is a composite of active-duty, Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. Combat Badge (photo By Sgt. Jennifer J. Eidson, Soldiers working in direct combat roles to 22nd Mobile Public Affairs be awarded close combat badge. Detachment) 26 Story, photos by Sgt. Matthew Acosta Army Reservists Spc. James Acker (left) and Sgt. Michael Cochran (gunner), combat engineers, 467th Engineer Battalion, scan traffic stopped 100-meters to their front (out of screen) for suspicious vehilces. The unit searches for improvised explosive devices along roads sides in Baqubah, Iraq. The roads are searched several times daily both day and night. For more information see story page 12. (photo by Sgt. Matthew Acosta, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Reveille Staff Task Force Liberty Commander Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto Contributors Rainbow Reveille is an authorized publication Task Force Liberty Cmd Sgt. Major 42nd Infantry Division PAO of the Department of Defense. It is distributed Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Fearnside 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Det. free to members of Task Force Liberty. Task Force Liberty PAO 55th Signal Det. (Combat Camera) Circulation is 15,000. Maj. Richard Goldenberg Contents of Rainbow Reveille are not Managing Editor necessarily the official views of, or endorsed Staff Sgt. Robert Timmons by the U.S. Government or the Department Assistant Editor Rainbow Reveille is published monthly by the Task Force Liberty Public Affairs Office, of the Army. Sgt. Jennifer J. Eidson HHC (FWD) 42nd ID PAO, APO AE 09308, Distribution Manager DNVT (302) 536-0113. Internet phone (703) Editorial content is the responsibility of the Sgt. 1st Class Dean Welch 621-3944. Task Force Liberty Public Affairs Officer. March 2005 4 Rainbow Reveille Task Force takes the field Task Force Liberty has taken the soldier, work as leaders in their new field. After months of preparation, government or speak out against in- training, and equipment fielding, our timidation and terror. team has arrived as Multinational Di- The weeks and months ahead will vision for North-Central Iraq. I want bring new strength and focus for the to congratulate each and every one of Iraqi security forces. Our partner- you for your dedication and profes- ship is the key to their success. sionalism. Our transfer of authority The future of Iraq is irreversible. from the 1st Infantry Division has Our fallen comrades have sacrificed been seamless for our Soldiers and their all for that future. We shall our Iraqi partners. honor them and continue forward to We wish the 1st Infantry Divi- secure liberty in Iraq. sion and Task Force Danger a safe Our team is formed and our mis- journey home to their families. They sion is clear. Let nothing keep us have achieved so much for the Iraqi from its accomplishment. people in the last year. The people of Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto I am honored to serve with each north-central Iraq will never forget and every one of you. As my own the Big Red One. Their legacy will partner, Lt. Gen. Abdul Aziz of the be our success. Iraqi 4th Division would say, “unity Our hard work continues. There to the polls to vote January 30th. In is strength.” is much yet to do. Task Force Liberty, we see that cour- The world has seen the courage age every day as Iraqi citizens put of the Iraqi people when they went on the uniform of a policeman or Liberty 6 Following standards saves lives As the Command Sergeant Major to the rules of law, becoming part of of Task Force Liberty, I can’t think the democratic future of Iraq. of a better way to address you than In my travels throughout an area through this first edition of “The of responsibility the size of West Rainbow Reveille.” With more than Virginia, I am impressed by the pro- 23,000 soldiers in our task force, lead- fessionalism of our Soldiers, wheth- ers and Soldiers alike must be up to er they are from our Active Com- the task of executing their assigned ponent, Reserves, National Guard duties in a professional, competent, or our sister services. TF Liberty and safe manner. How do we do brings to the table an extremely this? We do it through adherence to diverse talent pool which truly rep- and enforcement of standards. resents the values and tradition of STANDARDS SAVE LIVES! our great country. I can think of no From Army-wide uniform stan- better “Force for Good” to do this dards to your individual unit operat- noble mission. ing procedures, there are standards Command Sgt. Maj. My duty is to see our Soldiers, we all must follow in the execution Richard Fearnside and that’s what I will do! I look for- of all our military duties. When a ward to seeing each and every one of Soldier fails to adhere to a trained especially our NCOs to know the you in the months ahead. Do the job standard, they are not only lacking standards and enforce them ruth- you’ve been trained to do, stay fo- self discipline, they are putting them- lessly. On-the-spot corrections will cused and stay safe. selves, the mission and those around be the norm. When the enemy sees them in jeopardy. our disciplined Soldiers, he will know I expect leaders at all levels, and he has a hopeless cause and conform Liberty 7 Rainbow Reveille 5 March 2005 Rainbow ‘stretches’ over Iraq By Staff Sgt. Duane M. Brown 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment said. “Together, we have given the ORWARD OPERATING BASE people the freedom DANGER, TIKRIT, Iraq -- In to make their own Fceremonial fashion, honoring a choices about their job well done and welcoming the new, the leaders and how 42nd Infantry Division assumed respon- their country will sibility of Coalition efforts in Multina- be governed.” tional Division Northern Central, Iraq, “I feel we have Feb. 14. completed our mis- In the ceremony, the torch was passed sion here and set from Maj. Gen. John R. S. Batiste, 1st ID the 42nd up for suc- commander to Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, cess,” said Staff Sgt. 42nd ID commander, signifying an official Deondre L. Long, transfer of authority. division plans non- “Soldiers of Task Force Danger have commissioned of- done everything humanly possible to sup- ficer in charge, 1st port the Iraqi People in establishing a new ID. and better life, to include shedding blood Coming in on for the Iraqi patriots,” Taluto said. the heels of the Big Soldiers from the 1st ID have made Red One, the Rain- great strides during their tenure in Iraq, bow Division will Batiste said. continue to build “Our successes over the past year have upon the blocks al- been achieved in partnership with the peo- ready laid by their ple of Iraq,” Batiste said. “We have worked predecessors. together to empower Iraqi Security Forces With batteries to defeat charged, the Rain- the in- bow Soldiers of the surgency 42nd will honor Photos by Sgt. Jennifer J. Eidson / 22nd MPAD and have U.S. commitments Lt. Gen. John R. Vines, Commander, Multinational Corps Iraq, conduct- to work with the reaches for the 42nd Infantry Division colors during the transfer ed op- Iraqis to strengthen of authority ceremony, at Forward Operating Base Liberty, Feb. erations freedom and estab- 14. to kill or lished representative government in Iraq. 1917 at Camp Mills on Long Island, N.Y. c apt u r e “Soldiers of Task Force Liberty are They were composed of men from 26 the en- inspired and ready to take up a position hand-picked states and the District of Co- emy.” alongside Iraqi citizens in the cause for lumbia. R e - freedom,” Taluto said. “Our pledge is Then Col. Douglas MacArthur, Divi- sults of to continue the march toward a free and sion Chief of Staff, said, “The Division the 1st peaceful Iraq.” stretches like a rainbow from one end of ID ef- Multinational Division North Central America to the other.” forts are Iraq will be supported by more than 23,000 Reporters liked the reference and the The colors flutter in the breeze ev ident soldiers under the command of the 42nd Division nickname was born. during the ceremony. in many ID. One Task Force Liberty Soldier said she f a c e t s When asked, why was the 42nd chosen was proud to serve in Iraq with her fellow of the Iraqi communities. Improvements over all the other National Guard Divisions New Yorkers. include, but are not limited to, improved in the U.S., Maj. Mark A. Piterski, division “As a 42nd ID Soldier and a native of quality of life, new jobs and hope given to operations officer, replied, “I feel the 42nd New York, the whole War on Terrorism is people who were oppressed for decades by was chosen for this mission due to our level personal because they brought the fight the former regime. of readiness.” to my doorstep,” said Sgt. Stefoni Har- “Together we have built the founda- Piterski said he feels a lot of the profes- rell, commandant NCOIC, Headquarters, tion of a new beginning by developing re- sionalism and desire to succeed stem from Headquarters Company, 42nd ID. “After lationships based on trust and confidence the lineage of the 42nd ID. 9/11 my mind-set wasn’t are they going to -- by changing people’s attitudes,” Batiste The 42nd was formed on August 5, call me. I wanted to know when!” March 2005 6 Rainbow Reveille Why Rainbow Reveille? By Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo 2,000 Soldiers wear- 42nd Infantry Division PAO ing the Rainbow FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, Tikrit, Iraq -- patch. Almost everything in the Army today is based on tradition. What Some 60 years better way to honor the memory, dedication and sacrifice of former later, the Rainbow Rainbow Soldiers, than to revive the original ‘Rainbow Reveille’ of Reveille is re-vamped World War II. in war-torn envi- The original Rainbow Reveille began in 1943 with the 42nd In- rons, once again to fantry Division’s activation into the war. The publication was es- tell the “Rainbow” tablished as a means to report the status of division training and to Soldier story. Today explain War Department directives to Soldiers deploying for ser- the Reveille includes vice across the European countryside. Throughout the conflict, the news of interest to Reveille remained an instrument to share individual Soldier stories. over 23,000 men and Founding editor Loye Minor, a small, dark-haired man, who in women from across civilian life, worked at the New York Herald-Tribune, took it upon the United States, himself to write and publish the 10-12 page, tabloid-size weekly serving under Maj. newspaper. The Reveille was typeset and printed at the Muskogee Gen. Joseph Taluto Daily Phoenix, a small-town newspaper outside Camp Gruber, Ok. in command of Task Copy of Rainbow Reveille published while Minor went to town every Wednesday night to supervise the final Force Liberty. 42nd Infantry Division Soldiers served in page make-up and then, after the press run, hauled the bundles of Today, the news Austria in June 1945. newspapers back to camp. magazine is deliv- The bundles were delivered to each company-size element ered to each Task Force Liberty Forward Operating Base and posted through the Army’s message center. Distribution consisted of unit to the Division’s website for family members to enjoy. While tech- mail clerks tossing a copy on each GIs cot. A blank space was pro- nology has changed the means to distribute this news magazine, the vided on the last page so the Soldier could send it home. mission remains the same. The Reveille once again tells the stories From it’s beginning, the Reveille publication reached almost about our Soldiers, for our Soldiers. N.Y. Guard Soldier honored at Black History event By Staff Sgt. Raymond Drumsta 42nd Infantry Division PAO by Col. William Hayward. The unit later son was a hero, and as Rentz put it, “the became the 369th Infantry and was trained toast of the town.” Johnson gave speeches FORWARD OPERATING BASE and equipped by the French Army. and his image was used in Army recruiting DANGER, Tikrit, Iraq - Task Force Liber- The 369th was sent to the frontlines to efforts. ty’s celebration of Black History Month at help stop the Germans’ last great offensive Johnson’s fame faded, said Rentz. He the Morale Welfare and Recreation Center in 1918. The Germans called the African- couldn’t work because of his wounds. He here Feb. 20, was an evening of dancing and American Soldiers ‘hellfighters’, and they left his wife and children, drank heavily, and remembrance, as Soldiers heard the story of became known as the “Harlem Hellfight- died destitute and alone at the Albany, N.Y., the New York Army National Guard’s own ers” with a reputation for having “never lost Veterans Hospital, on July 5, 1929 - just over piece of black history - World War I hero and a man captured or a foot of ground.” a decade after he performed the selfless act Harlem Hellfighter Sgt. Henry Johnson. That reputation is due, in part, to Sgt. that brought him such renown. But Jo h n- “I come here tonight to honor a great Henry Johnson. son’s story did not end there, Rentz said. American, fellow New Yorker, Soldier, and On May 18, 1918, Johnson was standing Johnson’s son Herman, himself a member noncommissioned officer, Sgt. Henry John- guard in a dugout with Pvt. Needham Rob- of World War II’s heroic Tuskegee Airmen, son,” said celebration speaker Command erts. At about 2 a.m., a German raiding par- took up Johnson’s cause, Rentz said, and led Sgt. Maj. Thomas Rentz, battalion com- ty attacked the dugout, capturing Roberts. the fight to ensure Johnson was recognized mand sergeant major, 642nd Military Intel- But the 24 Germans in the raiding party and honored by the U.S. government. ligence Battalion, 42nd Infantry Division. were in for a fight - with Johnson. Using his His efforts paid off. Working with Rentz told Johnson’s story, which began rifle and bayonet, Johnson killed four of the New York politicians and various veterans with his poor upbringing in North Carolina. Germans and chased the rest away. Johnson groups, to include the 369th Veterans Asso- As an adult, Johnson migrated to Albany, rescued Roberts, and was wounded 20 times ciation, Herman won. In 1996, Johnson was N.Y., where he became a railroad porter for in the process. posthumously awarded the Purple Heart by the New York Central Railroad. The French awarded Johnson and Rob- Pres. Bill Clinton., and in 2003 the Distin- When America entered World War I in erts the Croix de Guerre with gold palm, guished Service Cross by Lt. Gen. Roger 1917, Johnson joined the 15th New York In- their highest award for valor. The 369th Schultz, Director of the Army National fantry, an all African-American unit raised came home to ticker-tape parades. John- Guard. IraqIraq goesgoes ToTo thethe PollsPolls

Above left: A Kurdish boy celebrates Above: The Independent Electoral Committee Iraq’s elections by waving a Kurdistan of Iraq employees transport election ballot ﬂag to oncoming cars in Kirkuk. About collection boxes with cast ballots, from an 583,000 Iraqis were registered to vote election poll site in Baqubah, Iraq, January in the Kirkuk Province for Iraq’s 30th, 2005 (photo by Sgt. Matthew Acosta, ﬁrst democratic elections on Jan. 30. 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (photo by Sgt. Sean Kimmons, 2nd Left: Men and women are searched outside BCT, 25th Infantry Division) an Iraqi polling site in Kirkuk. (photo by Sgt. Sean Kimmons, 2nd BCT, 25th Infantry Division)

Photo by Sgt. Sean Kimmons / 2nd BCT, 25th Infantry Division Iraqi police officers proudly display their ink-covered fingers after they casted their ballots at a polling site in Kirkuk. March 2005 8 Rainbow Reveille Left: Sgt. Dilts, gunner on the lead humvee for HHC 1 BCT, adjusts his kevlar helmet before a convoy embarks on a trip from Camp New York, Kuwait to Camp Dagger in northern Iraq. Below Left: Sgt. Justin Deschaine, pulls security for the convoy after a brief stop to recover a vehicle that broke down minutes from Camp Dagger. Below: A Bedouin shepherd waves at the convoy as it passes by in southern Iraq. Bottom Right: Civilian contractors put the finishing touches on a 3rd Inf. Div. emblem inside the compound at Camp Dagger. Bottom Left: Maj. McNutt, convoy commander for HHC 1 BCT, briefs Soldiers on the convoy route at Camp Anaconda before setting out on the last leg of the convoy to FOB Dagger.

1BCT, Task Force Liberty treks to FOB Dagger

Photos by Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr./ 1st BCT PAO Rainbow Reveille 9 March 2005 Getting Colorful: 5-7th Cav carries ‘Nam colors

“Rock of the going under water,” Vaught said. “In Vietnam, we were baptized by fire. If Marne” cavalry you didn’t believe in a higher power regiment accepts before then, you sure started praying same colors as when the bullets started flying. We were (cavalry) Soldiers -- there wasn’t vets followed anywhere we wouldn’t go and noth- Story, photo by ing we couldn’t do.” Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. Some Soldiers presently assigned 1st BCT PAO to the cavalry unit said they appreciat- FORT STEWART, Ga. – In ed the veteran’s support, and accepted a ceremony on Caro Field, Jan. 5, the colors with humility and pride. Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 7th “We are humbled by the support Cavalry Regiment were present- we receive,” Petery said. ed with a set of the regiment’s “We hope that all veterans under- colors veterans carried with stand how much the Soldiers of today them during the Vietnam War. appreciate and respect the tremen- The colors were presented to dous services to our nation and Army the unit to carry during their de- that you . . . provided during the Viet- ployment to Iraq. The Soldiers nam (War).” deployed later that week in sup- The Soldiers who served in Viet- port of Operation Iraqi Free- nam set a standard for future gen- dom 3 and Task Force Liberty. Vietnam veterans Jim Carson and Haskell erations of 5-7 Soldiers to follow, he “It is with absolute honor, Westmoreland uncase a set of 5/7 Cav. added. pride and thankfulness that we colors from the Vietnam War during a “The standard of excellence that accept these battle-tested colors ceremony Jan. 5 5-7 Cav achieved in Vietnam has truly today,” said Lt. Col. Jody L. Pe- set the bar high for our unit, but we’re tery, battalion commander, dur- anxious and ready to earn our place in ing the ceremony. the proud ranks of 5-7 Cav- “We’ll carry them “In church you are baptized alry veterans,” Petery said. proudly to Iraq and by going under water. In He added that the occa- wherever else our na- Vietnam we were baptized sion reminded him of a line tion calls us to serve. by ﬁre.” from a song. These colors, the pres- -- Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jame s Vaught “At West Point, part of ence and support of our training centered on the great veteran’s of learning the importance of the 5-7 Cav, and the he never really believed in God, but history and heritage within support we receive from our nation, that day he said he needed a prayer, our Army,” Petery said. “One line truly strengthen us as we prepare to so I prayed with him. That same Sol- stands out that sums up how we feel deploy.” dier went on to fight bravely and was about our experience with the great Veterans who served in the unit in awarded a Silver Star.” veteran’s of the 5-7 Cav and it comes Vietnam shared memories with those Some of the stories that were told from a song entitled the ‘Corps’ – ‘we who attended the ceremony. were not of glory. Many Soldiers were sons of today we salute you, you sons “A Soldier came up to me and lost during the unit’s time in Vietnam, of an earlier day, we follow close order asked if I would pray with him,” said while those who survived emerged behind you, where you have shown us retired Lt. Gen. James Vaught, of from the war totally different people. the way.’ This group has truly shown his time in Southeast Asia. “He said “In church, you are baptized by us the way, and we’ll follow proudly.” March 2005 10 Rainbow Reveille

Storm and OIF 1 veteran, Johnson said OIF 1 veterans he felt mixed emotions about returning to Iraq for the third time. “You never think you’ll come back return to a to the same place three times,” John- son said. “The only difference now different Iraq is that this is a peacekeeping mission or humanitarian effort, compared to the first two times. We’re trying to get Story, photos by them on their feet.” Staff Sgt. Raymond Drumsta Unit member Spc. James Dalton 42nd Infantry Division PAO anticipated “a whole lot of nothing” when he crossed the berm the second time. CAMP WILSON, IRAQ―To Sol- “That’s pretty much what we saw diers, ‘crossing the berm’ means pass- the first time,” he said. ing through the rough-hewn sand wall The recent approach march was that separates Iraq and Kuwait ― the a far cry from Dalton’s OIF 1 experi- place, in space and time, that they begin ence, when he was involved in a “miles to face potential combat. long, running firefight” in Baghdad’s Recently, some Soldiers of Task northwest corner. Force Liberty crossed the berm for a “As we were driving we were tak- second time. ing small-arms fire and [rocket-pro- The 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry pelled grenade] rounds,” Dalton said Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, of his OIF 1 experience. He recalled entered Iraq in early February on an 1st Lt. Andrew Kulas, Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th that “everywhere we went, everything approach march to its area of opera- Infantry Regiment, pulls security during a halt on the was on fire … there were bodies ev- tions north of Baghdad. The march, battalion’s combat patrol north into Iraq. erywhere.” executed as a combat patrol, was close “The country looks a lot better on the heels of the first free election in Iraq’s modern history, and now,” Dalton said. nearly two years after Operation Iraqi Freedom 1, when the brigade “IRock was nervous, whichof is thenatural,” saidMarne Sgt. Adam Marriott, a and Coalition Forces began the fight that made the election pos- medic from Company B, about crossing the berm this time. “It’s a sible. different situation now, though. The attacks are different.” Like all of the MarriottSoldiers was with the battalion take during the step battle for southern unit’s OIF 1 vet- Baghdad in OIF 1. The fighting, said Marriott, had caused enemy erans, Staff Sgt. munitionsforward to cook off, and long-range for missiles Iraq “were spiraling over Johnson had liter- the column.” ally been down this “You don’t reflect on it until it’s over with,” said Marriott of his road before. combatBy Staff experiences Sgt. Raymond in OIF 1. Drumsta “Coming across 42ndThat Infantryexperience Division seems to have paid off. During a halt while the berm the sec- driving through Baghdad this time, battalion Soldiers heard the ond time, you just distinctIt sounds was quiet of AK-47 inside fire.the humvee It turned — out that to isbe to Iraqi say, authorities it was think about what firingall warning business. shots The to driver clear maintainedtraffic, but Dalton a 100 meter-intervalsaid he knew im- to expect,” John- mediately,with the from vehicle the ahead,sound, whilethat the the shots gunner weren’t stood aimed in the at hatch, him. son said. “You kept“I listened, watch for because improvised if you explosive hear a whizzing devices (IEDs) sound andit’s comingam- think about the towardbushes, you, and but triednot near to stayyou,” warm. he said. Meanwhile, “If you hear Lt. a crack,Col. Gary it’s time enemy being there, to seekBrito, cover. 1st Battalion, I figured if 15th I didn’t Infantry hear return Regiment fire from commander, our side, it Lt. Col. Gary Brito studies his maps and Blue waiting for you.” wasn’tmonitored a firefight. the I’veglowing been Blue under Force fire before.Tracker Thescreen, first the time road, is kind Force Tracker computer screen during his A Desert of aand shock, his radios but once — you’veworking been with there his leadersand done to keepthat, hisit’s forceeasier to unit’s combat patrol into Iraq. Rainbow Reveille 11 March 2005 do the right thing.” tensity conflict. The rules of engagement are more restrictive, and The shooting occurred in an area Johnson recalled was the you have to be real careful not to hit civilians.” scene of heavy fighting during OIF 1. Johnson said he immedi- The unit is configured differently, too. As one of the Army’s ately began scanning his sec- new Units of Action, the 3rd tor to find the source of the Brigade Combat Team fields shooting. a mix of maneuver elements, “On a combat patrol, to include two infantry battal- you’re really alert, because you ions, two armor battalions and don’t know what to expect,” a field artillery battalion. Brito Johnson said. “You know it’s described his unit as a “com- out there, but you don’t know bined arms maneuver bat- where. It just pops up. You talion” which gives the com- have to stay low, next to the mander on the ground some truck, so at least you have of the combat multipliers he cover.” wouldn’t normally have. Many battalion soldiers Both Dalton and Marriott wear the division’s distinc- were guarded about the Iraqi tive, diagonally striped square elections. patch on both sleeves, signify- “It’s kind of up in the air,” ing that they took part in OIF Marriott said. “I think it’s a 1. Nearly 35 percent of his step forward, but I don’t live unit are veterans, said Lt. Col. here, so it’s not my place to say Gary Brito, battalion com- Senior leaders receive a briefing before the last leg of their march if it’s a good or a bad thing.” mander. north. Members of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Task Force “It’s a step in the right di- “They understand the Liberty ‘crossed the berm’ into Iraq for the second time. Some of the rection,” Dalton said. “I don’t harshness of war. They are division’s Soldiers had served in Operation Iraqi Freedom 1, while have enough knowledge to pre- hardened Soldiers,” he said. others served in Desert Storm as well. dict how it will turn out, but it Unlike OIF 1, OIF 3 is not seems like we’re trying to do a conventional fight, said Brito, and “more in the nature of stability the right thing over here.” and support operations.” Both Soldiers, however, are committed to the fight. “We have to engage with the people and make them realize the “I look at what Soldiers have done before me, and I figure I owe benefits of democracy. I do not think brute force is the answer. them something,” Marriott said. “Hopefully, my kids won’t have Having said that, our Soldiers are prepared to secure the country to deal with this.” and help develop an effective Iraqi army and police force. Unlike “We need to assist Iraq security forces,” Dalton said. “We need OIF 1, it’s hard to tell the combatants from the non-combatants. to train and support them until they’re able to secure the country Everyone’s in civilian clothes.” on their own. I take care of my little piece. If everyone does that, “It’s not strictly combat anymore,” Dalton said. “It’s a low in- I figure everything will turn out ok.” moving north to relieve 1st Battalion, 4th rifles. This armament is complimented Staff Sgt. Robert Johnson, Company F Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. with actual armor, which all Army vehicles said he is wary of traffic jams. That’s the business of a ground-assault using the roads in Iraq are equipped with. “You don’t know what could come out convoy, or as the battalion calls it, a com- Combat patrolling will be part of the of those vehicles,” he said. bat patrol. While some of the battalion’s unit’s security and stabilization mission, Civilian traffic was less of a problem equipment and personnel were sent north Croft said. farther north, Croft observed. on flatbed trucks or aircraft, the rest made “We will be doing a lot of combat pa- “Once we got into the Sunni Triangle, their way there via combat patrols, said trolling,” he said. “On this combat patrol, they became more respectful of our con- Capt. Robert Croft, commander of Com- we would break contact if shot at. When we voys,” Croft said. He attributed this to the pany B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regi- begin regular operations, we will respond violence that has occurred there. ment. to threats with more offensive action.” Combat patrolling is an important as- “It was not an administrative move,” he Traffic was also a challenge on the con- pect of security and stabilization opera- said. “We were prepared to deal with any voy. Civilian automobiles darted between tions, said, Sgt. Major John Yancey, battal- contingency. It was still a combat patrol.” vehicles, causing drivers to maneuver to ion operations sergeant major. Combat patrolling is where the Sol- maintain the patrol’s integrity. “We get most of our supplies through diers meet the roads in Iraq — roads made “If the enemy was going to attack us, ground convoys,” Yancey said. “We have treacherous by IEDs and ambushes. So that’s the method they would use,” Croft to be able to sustain ourselves in order to Soldiers on combat patrol are prepared to said. “They would separate us, and launch help the Iraqis defeat the foreign fighters. meet these roads with an array of firepow- an attack against a limited number of ve- It’s also good to get out there, see the coun- er, from .50-caliber machine guns to M16 hicles.” tryside, and make friends along the way.” March 2005 1 2 Rainbow Reveille

Army Reserve combat engineers, 467th Engineer Battalion, employ the “Buffalo” to search suspicious trash piles thought to contain or hide improvised explosive devices. The vehicle’s hydraulic arm is used to probe the suspected sites. If an IED is found, the unit calls the explosive ordinance disposal unit and closes the road until the device is neutralized. Engineers scout out IEDs, contraband Story, photos by Sgt Matthew Acosta 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq -- In an effort to make Iraqi roads safer for fellow Soldiers, a U.S Army Reserve company of combat engineers patrol selected roads near Baqubah, Iraq, searching for “trouble.” This mission is called Operation Trailblazer. Soldiers from Company A, 467th Engineer Battalion, Memphis Tenn., recently took over operations from the 141st Engineer Bat- talion, North Dakota National Guard, at Forward Operating Base Warhorse. Their mission is focused on searching pre-determined supply routes in the Baqubah area for improvised explosive devices planted Army Reserve Sgt.1st Class Dallas Bryan, combat engineer by insurgents. platoon Sgt., 467th Engineer Battalion, scans down a road “Our job is to go out and look for trouble in the form of IEDs for oncomming traﬁc. The unit patrols roads in Baqubah planted near the sides of roads,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dallas Bryan, looking for improvised explosive devices planted by insurge combat engineer. nts. With teams of 18 Soldiers or more, the “Trailblazers” set out on convoys of several supporting vehicles and one “Buffalo,” scouring in the road or new road signs close to the road’s edge,” Bryan said. the road-side for signs of terrorist activity. When a team finds a suspicious looking site, it closes off the The Buffalo, a ground mine detection system, uses a hydrau- road and sends in the Buffalo, he added. If an IED is confirmed, lic arm to sift through trash piles or probe areas where IEDs are the unit marks site and calls for an explosive ordnance disposal unit thought to have been hidden. to neutralize the device. “Between a few rotating teams, we search the roads several Bryan said since the unit has taken over, they have been credited times a day looking for conspicuous things that might be used to with finding three explosive devices in its first few days of patrols. conceal explosives, such as piles of trash, containers or anything “The more (explosives) we find, the less that’s out there,” said that looks like it’s out of the ordinary, like freshly patched potholes Sgt. Michael Cochran, gunner. “It’s a dangerous job, but it needs to Rainbow Reveille 13 March 2005 be done.” “Everyone deals with the stress of what we do in different ways,” Although the unit travels at a relatively slow rate of speed, the said Spc. James Acker, combat engineer. “But once we get going we fear of being attacked doesn’t faze the crew much, Bryan said. concentrate on what we’re doing and if we find something, it’s more “We really can’t drive too fast because by the time we see a de- of an adrenaline rush.” vice it’ll be too late to stop before Normally the Trailblazers cruise it goes off on us or the next vehi- “Of course it makes us a the routes looking for explosives but cle,” he said. “We need to keep a good target, but that’s not sometimes they will encounter a ve- slow steady pace and, if we suspect something we normally think hicle they think needs to be searched something, we call in the Buffalo. about.” because of a “tip” from an Iraqi traf- “Of course it makes us a good fic check-point. -- Sgt. 1st Class Dallas Bryan, target, but that’s not something we “We do anything we need to do combat engineer normally think about.” to make the roads safer,” Cochran Bryan said once they start the said. “If we feel we need to pull a mission, they focus on the road, letting the gunners manning the vehicle over to search it, we’ll do it. Then (we) go back to where we M2HB .50-caliber machine guns protect the convoy. left off, searching the roadsides.” For the Trail- blazers of the 467th Eng. Bn., the job has just begun. But since the operation has started countless numbers of ordnance and IEDs have been removed from the Army Reserve Sgt.1st Class Dallas Bryan, streets of Iraq, sav- combat engineer platoon Sgt., 467th ing potential casu- Engineer Battalion, Task Force Liberty, alties, Bryan said. directs trafﬁc after the search of a suspicious “As long as we vehicle and driver. have an eventful Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Lawrence Madden, combat engineer day finding an IED platoon Sgt., 467th Engineer Battalion, directs another Soldier to or two, that’s one less possible casualty,” Bryan said. “And if we search the front seat of an Iraqi vehicle. The unit normally patrols don’t have an eventful day, then it’s another quiet day for us, and roads in Baqubah, Iraq, looking for improvised explosive devices. that’s not a bad thing either.”

Army Reserve combat engineers, 467th Engineer Battalion, prepare the “Buffalo” and support vehicles for a road patrol in search of improvised explosive devices planted by insurgents.

Soldiers Quarterly Calendar Photo by Staff Sgt. Duane M. Brown / 22nd MPAD A Soldier from the 1st Infantry Division Band plays the trombone Feb. 14, as the 1st ID transfered authority to the 42nd Infantry Division at Forwad Operation Base Danger, Tikrit, Iraq.

Photo by Pfc. Adam Phelps / 22nd MPAD The color guard carries the 250th Signal Battalion’s colors during a Feb. 15 transfer of Authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Danger, Tikrit, Iraq.

Back ground photo: Task Force Liberty and Task Force Danger Soldiers stand at present arms Feb. 14 during the transfer of authority ceremony from the 1st Infantry Division to the 42nd Infantry Division at Forward Operation Base Danger Tikrit, Iraq. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer J. Eidson, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Photo by Sgt. Jennifer J. Eidson / 22nd MPAD Col. Mark A. McAlister, commander of 18th Soldier Support Group, takes the 40th Finance Battalion’s colors Feb. 3 as they assume responsiblity of the 106th Finance Battalion’s mission at Forward Operating Base Danger, Tikrit, Iraq.

Photo by Sgt. Jennifer J. Eidson / 22nd MPAD Brig. Gen. Steve Mundt takes the 642nd Military Intelligence Battalion’s colors Feb. 5 as they assume authority of the Photo by Sgt. Jennifer J. Eidson / 22nd MPAD The Soldiers of the outgoing 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division and the 101st Military Intelligence Battalion’s incoming Aviation Brigade, 42nd Infantry Division stand at present mission in Northeast Iraq. arms during a transfer of authority ceremony held Feb. 2 at Forward Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. Photo by Sgt. Daniel W. Bailey / 22nd MPAD The color guard stands at attention during the Division Support Command transfer of authority, Feb. 5.

Guidon bearers stand in formation during the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry and 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor transfer of authority ceremony Photo by Sgt. Daniel W. Bailey / 22nd MPAD Soldiers render honors during the transfer of Feb. 13 at Forward Operating Base Brassﬁeld-Mora. authority between 1st Battalion, 77th Armor and 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry. 19

Photo by Sgt. Blake Kent / 22nd MPAD Troopers stand ready to begin the transfer of authority ceremony for the 42nd Infantry Division Engineers Feb. 3.

Photo by Sgt. Daniel W. Bailey / 22nd MPAD Guidon bearers stand in formation during the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry and 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor transfer of authority ceremony Photo by Sgt. Daniel W. Bailey / 22nd MPAD Feb. 13 at Forward Operating Base Brassﬁeld-Mora. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor and 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor stand at parade rest during the transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 18 at Forward Operating Base Scanion. March 2005 2 0 Rainbow Reveille Cleaning up the ‘Wild Wild West’

A Coalition Soldier illuminates the area as Iraqi soldiers conduct a search. Raid nets three Story, photo by Staﬀ Sgt. Duane M. Brown 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE COBRA, SABIYAH, Iraq – Three Iraqi men were detained Feb. 21 during a raid A 1st Squadron, 278th Regimental Combat Team, Apache Troop Soldier stands security on homes of suspected improvised ex- while members of his squad search a store in the Balad Ruz Marketplace, Iraq. plosive device makers in Sabiyah, Iraq. Soldiers from 2nd Platoon, 3rd Squad- ron, 278th Regimental Combat Team, Apaches, IA patrol Balad Ruz lead the way by coordinating a night mission involving Iraqi Armed Forces, U.S. Story , photos By Team, conduct daily joint operations with ground troops, helicopters and M2 Brad- Staﬀ Sgt. Duane M. Brown the IAF to give them the support necessary nd ley Infantry Fighting Vehicles. 22 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment to ensure they reach their maximum poten- “We entered the homes and grabbed ALAD RUZ, Iraq – In order to tial as soldiers. the subjects right off the bat,” said 1st Lt. help Iraqis build themselves a “Our overall focus . . . is to push the Gregory W. Smith, platoon leader and more safe and secure country, IAF and the Iraqi Police up front and make B nd native of Nashville, Tenn. “After detain- Soldiers of the Tennessee National Guard them do their jobs,” said 2 Lt. Brian S. Pow- ing the individuals, we began question- have been ell, Apache ing them and conducted simultaneous p r o v i d i n g “The IAF is getting a good T r o o p searches of their homes.” direct sup- p l a t o o n Detainees where questioned for intel- port to the grasp of the concept we leader and ligence pertaining to the network of anti- Iraqi Armed are trying to teach them.” S ey mou r, Coalition resistance in Sabiyah. Homes Forces. -- 2nd Lt. Brian Powell, Tenn., resi- were also searched for IED building mate- Sold iers platoon leader dent. rial and any documentation that could lead of the 1st Apache to other members of the IED network. S q u a d r o n , spearheads “Mainly we just got a few more IED Apache Troop, 278th Regimental Combat this push by conducting daily joint opera- makers off the streets,” Smith said. tions with the IAF soldiers in the city of “These guys, both U.S. and IAF Soldiers, Balad Ruz. did a wonderful job.” A normal patrol begins at a prear- A lot of the reason for the 278th suc- ranged location, Powell said. It is at this cess goes all the way back the states, long rendezvous point the IAF is briefed on before the mission briefing and rehears- personnel and vehicle support necessary als, said Sgt. Leo Shinkle, a unit gunner. for the mission. “After a six month train-up at Camp The patrols are usually supported by Shelby, Miss., I think we came to Iraq Bradley M2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, ready to go,” said the native of Gallatin, M113 armored personnel carriers, ar- Tenn. mored humvees and a troop of combat By conducting these types of mis- Troopers from 1st Squadron, 278th Regimental Soldiers, Powell said. sions, offenders in Sabiyah are getting a Combat Team, Apache Troop, conduct a With these assets in place, the unit is clear message. dismounted patrol on the streets of Balad Ruz, able to conduct day and night joint pa- Iraq. trols. Rainbow Reveille 21 March 2005 Start your engines . . . NASCAR night strikes Cobra By Staﬀ Sgt. Duane M. Brown 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE COBRA, SABIYAH, Iraq – The 3rd Squadron, 278th Regimental Combat Team’s chain-of-command went that extra mile for their Soldiers by featuring a NASCAR Night during the Daytona 500, Feb.20. Sgt. Mitchell L. Chastain, squad leader and 2nd Lt. Brian S. Powell, With the help of Army food service specialists, the unit’s platoon leader, Apache Troop, 1st Squardron, 278th Regimental first sergeants put their best foot forward to bring that NAS- Combat Team take the name and personal information of an CAR feeling to Forward Operating Base Cobra, Sabiyah, Iraq. uncooperative store owner in the market place in Baladr Ruz, Iraq. “Being that a lot of my guys from Tennessee are big NAS- CAR fans, we thought it would be good to find someway they all “At this time we brief the IAF command on what the mission is could relax and enjoy it,” said Command Sgt. Maj. James B. Kyle, and tell them we would like to be involved,” Powell said. “Sometimes 3rd Squadron. 278th RCT sergeant major. “Every month we try this takes some work because of the language barrier.” and have some kind of event.” To deal with this issue, Powell said he works smarter, not harder. Kyle had both the dining facility and Morale, Welfare and “Some of these guys speak really good English, so we pair up Recreation Center set up so soldiers could sit back and enjoy the (them) to ensure the mission is clear to all involved,” he said. race and forget about being away from home, even if just for a Since it’s a joint operation, Apache doesn’t always take the lead. little while. When the IAF has an idea for a patrol, we let them run it -- we are Besides setting up televisions in the dining and reserving the purely there as back up, Powell said. MWR facility for the event, the first sergeants and cooks spent “The IAF is getting a good grasp of the concept we are trying to over two hours preparing food for the occasion and took the teach them,” Powell said. “They do very aggressive training, which is time to serve it up as well. mentored by (Coalition) forces.” “We went all out for the guys, everybody enjoys sporting Iraqi Armed Forces soldiers have proven themselves operating events but there is nothing like good food to go with them,” said under strenuous conditions, he added. Pvt. Justin T. Finley, food service specialist and native of Cleve- Last week, the city’s joint coordination center was hit by a vehicle land, Tenn. “The menu has everything a sporting man needs.” borne improvised explosive device that took the lives of five IAF Fried chicken, wings, pizza, hot pockets, cheese sticks, soft soldiers. The IAF handled the situation very professionally, Powell drinks and deserts were being served up as Soldiers kicked back stated. and cheered on their race day favorites. Coalition troops will begin to take on a different mission as the This type of activities raise morale and gives Soldiers a better IAF becomes more effective in its role as peacekeepers, he added. feeling when they go outside the wire, Kyle added. We also do The troops will become liaisons, teachers and IAF observers. fun things like Friday Night Fights at the first of every month All this close training has had a positive effect on Apache Troop, (the fights are refereed by a qualified boxing coach). This is some of the Soldiers said. something that began back when we mobilized at Camp Shelby, “Having been with my guys when they first arrived and seeing Miss. and the guys absolutely love it. them now, you can see a change in them that will stick with them During the elections, some soldiers worked as many as 36 to long after this deployment,” Powell said. 48 hours straight, so events like these help them recharge their “As long as they want democracy and want to be free, I don’t batteries. mind helping these people out,” said Spc. Brice C. Whaley, Apache “When soldiers get tired, there aren’t many smiling faces Troop scout and native of McMinnville, Tenn. around the FOB,” Kyle said. “I feel that when possible, the bet- “Together, we keep insurgents from hurting the innocent peo- ter rested and relaxed off-duty the Soldiers are, they can do a ple, especially the kids. With any luck, they will grow up and go into better job of winning the hearts and minds of this community school having a better chance at life than some of the adults had.” we operate in.” When asked how they felt about working so closely with the IAF While on duty members of the squadron work with local on such dangerous missions, the answer came with no hesitation. leaders and provide the community with school supplies, clothes “Things are going pretty good, actually better than expected,” and toys. said Spc. Mika L. Jefferson, Apache Troop scout and native of Mem- “I feel that we came in here with the right attitude. Our Sol- phis, Tenn. “Hopefully this will foster a smooth transition toward diers are doing a really good job, making Tennessee, Wisconsin, democracy.” Texas and the U.S.A. proud!” said Kyle. March 2005 22 Rainbow Reveille

Rainbow Division deploys snipers Story, photos by commander, Capt. Michael Manning. lance ¯ working in small groups 80 to 100 Staff Sgt. Raymond Drumsta 42nd ID PAO “This is not a detachment of snipers,” kilometers beyond friendly lines, reporting said Manning. “This is a detachment of information on enemy movements ORT DRUM, N.Y. - The 42nd highly trained intelligence collectors. We and the battlefield to a higher com- Infantry Division has deployed have sniping capability. Now we can acquire mand. The enemy and F t a r g e t s , battlefield have to Iraq with “We’re not training for the i d e n t i f y changed, so the what leaders t a r g e t s , m i s - term a power- Fulda Gap anymore. We’re and de- s i o n ful, yet subtle, fighting insurgents who s t r o y h a s combat-mu l- operate in small groups.” targets changed, tiplier — the according to sniper-trained -- Capt. Charles Manning Manning. Soldiers of the LRS (D) commander “ W e ’ r e division’s 173rd not training Long Range with or- for the Fulda Su r ve i l l a nce ganic di- Gap anymore,” said Detachment, and their newly-issued M14 rect fire weapons. That’s the big change. Manning, referring to the area rifles. That’s what these weapons allow us to do.” in Germany that NATO forces were The rifles are “part and parcel” of the Manning said LRS(D)’s mission used assigned to defend against Russian changing LRS(D) mission, said the unit’s to be strictly reconnaissance and surveil- maneuver brigades. “We’re fighting insurgents who operate in small groups. That drives the way we conduct operations.” Manning described the new mission as reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition ¯ in other words, LRS(D) will be assigned to observe areas for improvised explosive devices and indirect fire activity and, if ordered by the combatant commander, eliminate insurgents with their sniper rifles. The M- 14, commented Manning, has redefined the unit’s mission. “It’s a tremendous force multiplier. It’s a tremendous A National Guardsman takes careful aim with an M14 rifle during practice. The 42nd Infantry Division asset on the battlefield.” has deployed sniper-trained Soldiers to Iraq. Equipping and training Rainbow Reveille 23 March 2005

LRS(D) on the M14 rifles was a joint effort of the 42nd Infantry vision units into designated marksmen. Division, the 1215th Garrison Support Unit at Fort Drum, the First “We’re a combat multiplier because we can give the division Army Small Arms Readiness Group, or SARG, and Forces Com- planners nearly real-time information, and a picture of the battle- mand according to Lt. Col. Richard Ellwanger, chief of personnel, field,” said LRS(D) sniper-trained Staff Sgt. Tim Halloran. “If we’re 1215th Garrison Support Unit. on a mission and we acquire a high-value target, we can not only “Our mission is to support the mobilization of the National report it to higher [headquarters], we can eliminate it.” Guard and Reserves,” said Ellwanger. “We work with the post to provide an infrastruc- “Hopefully we can interdict the people placing the ture for the National Guard and Reserves (improvised explosive devices),” said LRS(D) As- while they’re here at Fort Drum.” sistant Team Leader Cpl. Wayne Lynch, who, The M14 rifles will increase LRS(D) Sol- along with LRS(D) Team Leader Staff Sgt. diers’ ability to neutralize targets without collat- Thomas O’Hare, served a tour in Iraq last year. eral damage, said Ellwanger. “The rifle gives the Soldiers the ability to “That’s all I thought about when we were in Iraq last engage targets out to 800 meters. Once the word year: ‘how do we stop these people who are placing gets out to the insurgents that the Soldiers have that the IEDs?’ Now that we’ve got snipers in LRS(D), capacity, they will be less likely to get inside the we’re able to do surveillance and take direct ac- 400- to 500-meter range and engage with RPGs tion,” Lynch said. (rocket-propelled grenades) or medium machine guns.” Deployed to Iraq with the 119th Military Police Company, he instruction of the SARG team was superb, according Rhode Island National Guard, Lynch said he and O’Hare made it to Manning. their job to find IEDs. Lynch said he hopes LRS(D) will be tasked T “These guys are superb marksmen. They instilled in with interdicting terrorists placing IEDs. He’s been a member of LRS(D) the techniques, tactics and the unit for nine years and loves it. procedures that make them good Part of that job is going He does not regret going back to marksmen. They’re professional. Iraq. To a man, they’re first-rate marks- “subsurface” - patrolling to “I’m going with a unit I’ve men.” a location outside friendly trained with,” he said. “I’m honored Most of the training took place lines, digging a hole, and to go to war with them.” at Fort Drum’s Range 21, where the Based in Rhode Island, LRS(D) sniper-trained LRS(D) Soldiers ze- living in it while observing ruckmarches to the north summit roed and engaged targets with their enemy activity. of New Hampshire’s Mount Moo- iron sights, and zeroed the scopes slacki every year. All members of on their rifles. LRS(D) are airborne qualified, and “By virtue of going through nine are ranger qualified. They have this training, LRS(D) Soldiers now have the confidence in them- to do a jump every three months to maintain their airborne status. selves that they can effectively operate this weapon system,” said “We train on a higher plain,” said LRS(D) sniper-trained Sol- Manning. “What the 42nd Division has done, by virtue of outfit- dier Spc. Richard O’Connor. “Most units do five-mile rucksack ting LRS(D) with M14 rifles, is make us the cutting edge of the marches. We do 15-mile rucksack marches. Other units have 45- LRS(D) community.” pound rucksacks. We have 80-pound rucksacks. We have to march But the real edge in LRS(D)’s sniping capability are the LRS(D) farther and faster than anyone else.” Soldiers behind the newly issued M14 rifles — graduates of the O’Connor was a scout/sniper with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine four-week National Guard Sniper School at Camp Robinson, Ark. Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He’s been on real-world missions With their M-14 training complete, the LRS(D) soldiers became to Tunisia and Liberia, and took part in the rescue of Air Force Pilot trainers themselves, turning Soldiers from other 42nd Infantry Di- Capt. Scott O’Grady, who was shot down over Bosnia in 1995. “Anticipation of the mission is awesome,” said O’Connor. He described the job as a “rush”, and said LRS(D) team members must be physically fit, mature, and disciplined, and must know each other’s jobs. Part of that job is going “subsurface” ¯ patrolling to a location outside friendly lines, digging a hole, and living in it while observing enemy activity. “They might live in that hole for two to four days,” said Manning. “It takes an unbelievably disciplined individual to do this job.” “We’re just guys with rifles,” said O’Connor. “You have to have absolute confidence in everyone on your team. There’s nothing else in the Army I want to do.” March 2005 24 Rainbow Reveille Winning the hearts and minds . . . with a friendly patrol Story, photos by Staﬀ Sgt. Raymond Drumsta 42nd Infantry Division PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, Tikrit, Iraq -- Like all forays outside the wire here, the Soldiers had their game faces on, and rolled out of the gate with loaded weapons, body armor, in armored humvees. But this patrol had a friendly face, because it was from the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion. Supporting the commander in his relationship with the populace is civil affairs’ main mission, according to Battal- ion Commander Lt. Col. Edwin Miranda, of Miami, Fla. “You want to give the impression that you’re there to help,” he said. “You want to build relationships.” The battalion’s civil affairs Soldiers are doing that - and more - in Task Force Staff Sgt. John Imperato of Rhinebeck, N.Y., a civil affairs team chief from the 411th Liberty’s area of operations. On the re- Civil Affairs Battalion (center), speaks with an Iraqi businessman (right) through an cent patrol here, Soldiers of the battalion’s interpreter (left), during a recent patrol in Tikrit. The mission of the patrol was to make Headquarters and Headquarters Company contact with members of Tikrit’s business community and inquire about establishing a hit the streets to talk to Iraqi businessmen, chamber of commerce and the effects of Iraq’s recent successful elections on business. assess the effects of Iraq’s recent elections on business and ask about establishing a business community, to see how they feel through an interpreter, to Tikrit business chamber of commerce, said Civil Affairs about a chamber of commerce, and if they owners. Team Chief Staff Sgt. John Imperato, of would participate in it,” added Sgt. Michael “I can read people well. I’m used to Rhinebeck, N.Y. Rothermel, civil affairs team sergeant, of dealing with people on foot patrol,” Imper- “The goal was to get the feel of the Boyertown, Pa. ato said, referring to his police experience. Self-reliance is the “It’s similar. You still have to be on your ultimate goal, Miran- guard.” da said. Finding the mean between security and “The Iraqis need sociability is difficult, Miranda said. to get back on their “They have to find a balance between feet, and get back to force protection and conducting civil-mili- work,” he said. “They tary operations,” Miranda emphasized. need to take vested He stressed that civil affairs Soldiers can interest in their own protect themselves just like other Soldiers, affairs,” he said. while treating civilians respectfully - some- Imperato is a Bed- thing all Soldiers should do. ford, N.Y., police of- “The average soldier must fully under- ficer and former New stand the rules of engagement,” he said. York Army National “He must understand in a split second who Guard Soldier. Dur- the enemy is, and who the civilians are. The ing the patrol, Im- average soldier should remember that, like perato moved from civil affairs Soldiers, they are ambassadors. business to business While they are expected to defend them- A security detail keeps watch on a Tikrit street so 411th Civil like a cop walking his selves, they should treat Iraqis with dignity Affairs Battalion Soldiers can speak with Iraqi businessmen. beat, chatting easily, and respect. It’s not easy. In this environ- Rainbow Reveille 25 March 2005

he said. “That helps them more than we could help them on our own.” “We’re structuring a government,” Imperato said. “If we can get the smaller government organizations running smoothly, and the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army up to speed, things will be great.” The unit is also training an Iraqi force to take over the civil affairs mission, Imperato said. “They do well. They go out once a week by themselves,” Imperato said. Based in Danbury, Conn., the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion is coordinating $8 million of projects in Task Force Liberty’s area of operations, according to Capt. Tammie Perreault, battalion operations officer, from Seattle. These include minor school renova- tions, urban clean-up by local labor, the preservation of Iraqi historic sites, and improvement of Iraqi gov- ernance facilities. Headquarters and Headquarters Company is supporting the 42nd Infantry Division, Miranda said, Staff Sgt. John Imperato, civil affairs team chief, (center) briefs Soldiers of and his other companies are supporting Task Force the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, and 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment Liberty’s combat teams. The civil affairs Soldiers receive brieﬁng a prior to going out to talk with Iraqi businessmen in Tikrit. helped coordinate elections with local officials, and recently, the battalion’s public health team conducted a ment, anyone can come out from the crowd and kill you.” health assessment in Samarra, and was able to provide That’s why Imperato, Rothermel, Iraqi health professionals with an interpreter, and Imperato’s Iraqi “Having a positive effect new medical equipment, sanita- counterpart walked the streets sur- tion support and medical refer- rounded by a moving perimeter of on people’s lives here, like ence material. 360-degree security. This perimeter we do, is very rewarding.” “It’s rewarding when you see was formed by American and Iraqi needs and issues being resolved -- Lt. Col. Edwin Miranda soldiers, who also stood guard at each and taken care of,” Miranda said. business the team stopped at. Commander, 411th Civil Aﬀairs Battalion Rothermel said he “absolutely “We had a good perimeter out- loves” civil affairs work. side, so I could relax and talk to peo- “Having a positive effect on ple,” Imperato said. Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry people’s lives here, like we do, is very rewarding,” he said. Regiment helped provide security on the patrol. There was no negative feedback from the businessmen they spoke with, he added. “They’re all excited about starting a chamber of commerce,” Imperato said. “They felt if all businesses met, they could pool their resources to improve the economy.” The response was great, Rothermel said. “They’re looking forward to having a chamber of commerce,” he said. “One thing we’re giving them, which they never had before, is a voice. Now they can discuss how they’ll collaborate, and how they’ll pool their resources.” The next step, Rothermel said, will be for Iraqis to pick chamber of commerce representatives who will communicate their issues. “You can only meet so many needs,” Rothermel said. “You want to help everyone, but you can only help some of them. You do what you can. You can’t let that burden weigh you down.” Once they were approached by an Iraqi family whose home was Staff Sgt. John Imperato of Rhinebeck, N.Y., a civil affairs team destroyed by a mortar round, Rothermel recalled. The family was chief from the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion (left), speaks with seeking shelter - something the civil affairs Soldiers couldn’t pro- an Iraqi businessman (center) through an interpreter (right), vide. What they did supply, however, was food and hygiene items during a recent patrol in Tikrit. The mission of the patrol was from the stock they always have handy, and information on how to to make contact with members of Tikrit’s business community get in touch with an Iraqi government agency that could help. and inquire about establishing a chamber of commerce and “Sometimes we can only point people in the right direction,” the effects of Iraq’s recent successful elections on business. March 2005 26 Rainbow Reveille

Cavalry Scouts assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division signal local trafﬁc to stop during a routine patrol in Tikrit, Iraq. Cav scouts like these are now eligible for a close combat badge, similar to the combat infantryman’s badge. Non-infantry Soldiers eligible for CCB Story, photos by cavalry scout, 1st Sgt. Matthew Acosta Brigade Combat 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Team, and active- FORWARD OPERATING BASE duty Soldier from DANGER, Tikrit, Iraq -- Non-infantry Fort Stewart, Ga. combat arms Soldiers may now be eligible H a g e n b e c k for a badge similar to the coveted Combat said the idea for Infantry Badge awarded to infantrymen the award came who have been in combat operations. from commanders Soldiers in specific armor, cavalry, field in the field who artillery and combat engineer units who have reorganized have served as “purposefully reorganized” existing units into units and have performed “infantry-unique formations de- close combat” missions while deployed dur- signed to mirror ing Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi infantry units and Freedom, may now be awarded the new should specifically Army Sgt. Jason Wilding, Cavalry Scout squad leader, 1st Brigade Close Combat Badge. be awarded for Combat Team, Task Force Liberty, searches an Iraqi civilian while The Army gathered a panel of retired their efforts. another squad member provides security. Soldiers, to include several generals to de- “Our job is termine the qualification standards for the to do reconnaissance for the infantry, but dress uniforms,” said Lee. badge and to decide if the badge was war- here we do pretty much the same thing the The non-infantry Soldiers must have ranted to certain units. infantry does and we’re usually right there been present under enemy fire to qualify The CCB was designed to recognize along side them,” said Pfc. Matthew Meyers, for the CCB and is strictly for those who the efforts of non-infantry Soldiers in units cavalry scout, 3rd BCT. “We take the same have been “pulled out of their tanks and which have been used as infantrymen dur- risks they do and it’s only fair to finally get away from their guns to perform infantry ing combat operations since Sept. 11, 2001, recognized for it.” missions.” said Lt. Gen. F.L. Hagenbeck, Army Depu- Unlike the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-For- The badge will be retroactive to Sept. ty Chief of Staff, personnel. eign Service, commonly known as the “com- 11, 2001 for those who qualify for it. Several Soldiers in Task Force Liberty bat patch” awarded to those who served in a Although the design of the badge has said they thought the badge was a good combat theater, the CCB is awarded to those not been determined yet, it will begin to be thing. who specifically meet the eligibility criteria awarded in March and should be in AAFES “I think it’s great to get some official and is not to have any impact on the 60-year Clothing and Sales stores by autumn. recognition because prior to this the cav- tradition of the CIB. (Editor’s Note: Some information in this article alry had their own unofficial traditions with “It’s about time we (cavalry scouts) got was taken from a story written by Eric Cramer of spurs and Stetsons,” said Pfc. Jaemyung Lee, something official to wear on our battle the Army News Service.) Rainbow Reveille 27 March 2005 Never Forget Cav troopers remembered By Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. 1st BCT PAO incredible, caring, energetic men and they leaving the water when they too had to be are heroes.” (medically evacuated),” he said. FORWARD OPERATING BASE During the ceremony, the Regiment The spouses of the deceased Soldiers re- DAGGER, Tikrit, Iraq -- Three 5th Bat- commander praised the acts of heroism acted to the news of their husbands’ deaths talion, 7th Cavalry Regiment Soldiers were displayed by members of the combat patrol selflessly and unexpectedly, Petery said. remembered at a memorial ceremony Feb. who went into frigid waters trying to save “When their spouses could hate the 18. their comrades. He said Iraqis and fellow Army and be very bitter with each of us Sgt. Rene Knox Jr., Sgt. Chad Lake and service members tried to save them despite about the loss of their husbands, they in- Spc. Dakotah Gooding died when their the danger to themselves. stead asked how all of us were doing and vehicle went into a canal near Balad, Iraq. Men from the 203rd Iraqi Army and a (asked us) to remind all the members of All three Soldiers were light short range air good Samaritan who pulled two Air Force ‘Charlie Blue’ that they are in their prayers,” defenders from Troop C, 5th Bn. 7th Cav. rescue team members from the freezing wa- Petery said. “This demonstrates the cama- Regt. ters helped keep the unit’s faith in the im- raderie they felt along with their husbands The fallen Soldiers’ are remembered as portance of this mission by showing them for the great troopers of Charlie Troop.” heroes for doing a dangerous job to protect what great friends the Iraqi people and army Lake is survived by his sister. Knox is the Soldiers around them, their commander are to us, and how richly they deserve free- survived by his wife Symone, his sister and said. dom, said Lt. Col. Jody Petery, 5th Bn. 7th two brothers. Gooding is survived by his “These men were on a combat patrol,” Cav. commander. wife Angela and his sister. said Capt. Phillip Poteet, Troop C com- “They demonstrated the true bond that mander. “They were hot on the patterned this band of broth- trail of a rocket terrorist who had been at- ers shared. Every tacking our (forward operating base.) No single leader in the The following Task Force Liberty Sgt. Chad Lake one knows what happened inside their platoon went into Soldiers were lost and will always be 5th Bn., 7th Cav. Regt. remembered as heroes: humvee that morning, but they died while the freezing wa- Balad, Iraq trying to defend us here on this FOB, and ters to rescue their Staff Sgt. Todd D. Olson Feb. 7 they died fighting for freedom. They were brothers, only 1st Bn., 128th Inf. Reg. Spc. Dakotah Gooding Samarra, Iraq 5th Bn., 7th Cav. Regt. Dec. 27 Balad, Iraq Raiders mourn two Feb. 7 By Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. Sgt. 1st Class 1st BCT PAO Mark C. Warren Sgt. 1st Class 3rd Bn., 116th Armor David Sallie FOB Warrior, Iraq 2nd Bn., 69th Armor FORWARD OPERATION BASE DAGGER, Iraq – Two Jan. 31 Baqubah, Iraq Task Force Liberty Soldiers were killed and four injured when Feb. 14 an improvised explosive device detonated beside their vehicle in Staff Sgt. Steven Bayow Bayji, Feb. 4. 2nd Bn., 7th Inf. Regt. Pfc. David J. Brangman Staff Sgt. Steven Bayow and Sgt. Daniel Torres of 2nd Bat- Bayji, Iraq 3rd Bn., 69th Armor talion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Feb. 4 Camp Uvanni, Iraq Stewart, Ga., were conducting a joint raid with 1st Battalion, 7th Feb. 13 Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, when an IED exploded at a Sgt. Daniel Torres 2nd Bn., 7th Inf., Regt. Spc. Justin B. Carter gas station near where they were driving. 1st Bn., 15th Inf. Regt. A memorial service was held for the fallen Soldiers at Forward Bayji, Iraq Feb. 4 FOB McKenzie, Iraq Operating Base Summerall, Feb. 6. Feb. 16 Torres, an infantryman and a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is survived by his parents Sergio and Maria Torres. Bayow, a rifle- Sgt. Rene Knox, Jr. Spc. Jacob Palmatier man and a native of Guam, is survived by his sister Maria Gu- 5th Bn., 7th Cav. Regt. 1st t Bn., 30th Inf. Regt. pin. Balad, Iraq Qaryat, Iraq Feb. 24 Torres and Bayow were the 1st Brigade Combat Team’s first Feb. 7 casualties during Operation Iraqi Freedom 3. The 42nd Infantry Division Rainbow hanging outside the Division Main Headquarters building is illuminated Feb. 13, 2005, before the transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 14. The whole builidng was illuminated so that it could be seen all over Forward Operating Base Danger. (photo by Staff Sgt. Robert Timmons, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)