Next Step in Iraqi Independence Takes Place in a Speech, Col

Vol. 1, Issue 6 Published for the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and Task Force Liberty May 23, 2005 Next step in Iraqi independence takes place In a speech, Col. Steven Salazar, “We are giving the rightful govern- 3rd BCT turns CMOC commander of Task Force Liberty’s ment house back to the Iraqi people,” 3rd Brigade Combat Team, congratu- said Maj. Michael Charlebois, 3rd and Blue Dome over lated Diyala’s citizens, government Brigade’s Civil, Military Officer. to Iraqi Security Force officials, and Security Forces, on their Maj. Ed House, Operations Officer movement to freedom. for the 3rd BCT, said this transfer is Story and photo by Spc. Natalie Loucks “We are honored to walk with you a step in proving the independence of 3rd BCT PAO hand in hand on this road to peace the Diyala Province and Iraq. and prosperity,” Salazar said. “But “They are willing to fight the insur- BAQUBA, Iraq -- The Diyala soon, you will not need our hand and gency on their own,” he said. “They Province took one more step toward you will walk alone. We will be proud are getting better everyday and this self reliance when the Provincial to watch you continue down that road Government Center, and a large por- as your honorable friends.” See TRANSFER Pg. 2 tion of the Civil Military Operations Compound, both in downtown Baquba, were turned over to the Diyala Government. Responsibility of the Provincial Government Center, nicknamed the “Blue Dome,” where the provincial council operates, was given to Diyala, May 1, in a peaceful transition. On May 5, Diyala Governor Ra’ad Hameed Juwad and Deputy Governor Auwf Rahumi Majeed moved their offices out of the Blue Dome and into the Binayat Al-Muhafadha Al-Qadima building. The Binayat building had long been home to the Governor’s office, but was almost completely destroyed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the courtyard of the building, where a formal ceremony was held, Governor Ra’ad kissed and hoisted the Iraqi flag before cutting the blue Governor Ra'ad Rasheed Hameed of the Diyala Province kisses the flag of Iraq before ribbon attached to the door that led hoisting up the flag pole at the Civil Military Operations Center Compound May 5, in into his new office building. downtown Baquba Iraq.

Inside: Working Towards Modern PJCC Pg. 2 3rd BCT Visits Local School Pg. 6 Citizen tipoffs lead to capture Pg. 9 2 Hammer Times May 23, 2005 IPS and coalition forces work together for safer Iraq Story and photo by Spc. Natalie Loucks parts of the old government that has A highway patrol force will stand up 3rd BCT PAO not changed or been recreated, in the near future. Colombo said. Some police officers Task Force Five – O Soldiers BAQUBA, IRAQ --“Book ‘em were fired or quit, but for the most working at the Provincial Police Danno” may not be heard every day part, the organization has stayed Headquarters must distribute infor- at the Diyala Provincial Joint the same. mation to both coalition and Iraqi Coordination Center but the Soldiers New Police recruits are trained police channels. assigned to Task Force Five – O are in one of several police academies The U.S. Soldiers will coordinate involved in every aspect of the located in Jordan, Baghdad, or solutions to police issues through province’s police operations. Sulaymaniyah. Returning officers both the American Police Partnership Task Force Five – O, is made up of attend a two-week transition and Program and the Iraqi Ministry of Soldiers from 1-10 Field Artillery, integration course designed to bring the Interior. Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade their training certificates up to date. “We are streamlining the commu- Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, The IPS consists of many major nication up and down the various Brigade Troops Battalion, 3rd BCT, parts including SWAT teams, quick chains of command so both the Company E, 2nd Battalion, 69th reaction forces, investigators, traffic Americans and the Iraqi forces are Armor Regiment and HHC of the police and facility protection officers. 42nd Inf. Div. Located at the See ISF, Pg. 8 Provincial Police Headquarters in downtown, Baquba, Iraq, the Task Force’s mission is to teach, mentor and coach members of the Iraqi Police Service. Task Force Liberty’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s mission is to develop Iraqi Security Forces to promote Iraqi self reliance. Eventually, the team would like to be able to turn all responsibility for the province over to the independent people of Iraq. “They had a system under the old regime that seemed to work,” said Maj. John Colombo, Task Force S3, “but because of the leadership, the system was corrupt.” Capt. Wahleed teaches a classroom full of Iraqi Police located at the Provincial Joint The Police force is one of the only Coordination Center in downtown Baquba, Iraq during a transition and integration course, May 11. Transfer of Authority demonstrates stronger Iraq Continued from Pg. 1 gives them the opportunity to prove themselves.” Although coalition forces have stepped back, House said US combat power is still close enough to provide quick reaction if additional force is required. The majority of Iraqi police and the Iraqi Soliders have stopped wearing black masks over their faces concealing their identity, House said. “This shows the insurgents that the people (of Iraq) are tired of the insurgency and they are now capable of defending themselves,” he said. The ISF have been training and conducting missions alongside coalition forces and House believes they are progressing everyday. “Our guys take pride in their counterpart units,” House said. “They take pride in how they perform in combat Children from a local school perform songs, the american alpha- operations.” bet and couted to ten for Col. Steven Salazar, 3rd Brigade Combat “We are on the way to freedom,” Salazar said. “everyday Team commander and Governor Ra’ad Hameed Juwad of the we take another step towards peace and prosperity.” Diyala Province. The Hammer Times is published in the interest of 3rd BCT Commander PAO NCOIC, Editor, Hammer Times servicemembers. It is an Army-funded newsletter Col. Steven Salazar Spc. Natalie Loucks authorized by AR 360-1. Contents of the Hammer [email protected] Times are not necessarily the official views of, nor 3rd BCT PAO endorsed by, the U.S. Government. Maj. Steve Warren 3rd BCT PAO Staff Writer [email protected] Spc. Natalie Loucks Hammer Times May 23, 2005 3 Hellcat’s Company changes command Story and photo by Spc. Natalie Loucks 3rd BCT PAO

BAQUBA, Iraq - Members of the Headquarters Company stood in for- mation at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, April 4, to bid farewell to their former Company Commander, Capt. Mathew Ingraham, and to wel- come incoming commander, Capt. Richard Bratton. Ingraham enlisted into the U.S. Army as a Patriot Missile operator in 1992 and deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Former commander of Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Watch. Division, Task Force Liberty, Capt. Mathew Ingraham hands the company guidon to Maj. The Idaho Falls native attended Christopher Barron, acting commander of the Brigade Troops Battalion, 3rd BCT, 3rd Inf. Officer Candidate School at Fort Div., Task Force Liberty in a ceremony held April 4, at Foward Operating Base Warhorse Benning in 1996 where he graduated Iraq. Distinguished Military Graduate. Colorado and serve in as a reserve He continued serving with the 3rd Ingraham has served with the 2nd component advisor. BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. reassigned as the Brigade, 1st Infantry Division in His awards include the Bronze Star Assistant Operations Officer for the Schweinfurt, Germany. Medal, Army Commendation Medal 3rd Brigade Troops Battalion. His assignments include Line and with four oak leaf clusters, Army Bratton deployed with the Assault and Obstacle Platoon leader, Achievement Medal with four oak leaf “Sledgehammer” Brigade in support Company A, 9th Engineer Battalion clusters and Parachutists Badge. of Operation Iraqi Freedom III serving and Task Force Engineer for 1st Bratton graduated from the U.S. as the brigade’s Projects Coordination Squadron, 4th U.s. Cavalry in Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Cell Officer. Macedonia and Kosovo during with a bachelor’s of science degree in He is a graduate of the Mechanized Operation Allied Force. mechanical engineering. He earned a Leader’s Course, Engineer Officer After completing the Engineer master’s of science degree in engi- Basic Course, Engineer Captain’s Officer Advance Course, the neering management from the Career Course and Combined Arms University of Idaho graduate was University of Missouri, Rolla. Service and Staff School. assigned to the 36th Engineer Group. The Houston, Mo. native’s first Bratton’s awards and decorations During Operation Desert Spring, duty assignment was Fort Stewart, include the Army Commendation Ingraham joined the 317th Engineer Ga. where he served with the 10th Medal, National Defense Service Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Engineer Battalion as a Sapper Medal and Army Service Ribbon. 3rd Inf. Div. serving as Company A Platoon Leader and Company “I have a really strong 1st Sgt and commander and Task Force Engineer Executive Officer and was deployed to a really good executive officer.” for 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Bosnia. Bratton said he is honored to be serv- Regiment from May 2003 to May Bratton was also assigned to the ing with such a stong team. “They 2004. 317th Eng. Bat. where he served as have helped me through a really He will report to Fort Carson, the Battalion Maintenance Officer. smooth transition.” Leadership change for Headquarters Company 2-69 Armor Story and photo by Panther Pride Newsletter

FOB SCUNION, Iraq -- Capt. William “Chip” Colbert passed the Guide On to Capt. Gregory Wallstein in a recent change of command ceremony held at Forward Operating Base Scunion. As the commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Capt. Colbert handed off, to Capt. Wallstein, a great responsibility. The number one responsibility, of course, are the soldiers. Secondly is to lead those soldiers throughout the remainder of 2-69’s deployment in a combat zone. Capt. Wallstein made it clear, however, that he was up to the task. Capt. Colbert will depart for Ft. Benning, GA in the next few days, where he will prepare to enter Columbia University in New York, NY as a prerequisite for acceptance as a Tactical Officer at the United States Military Academy at West Point. 4 Hammer Times May 23, 2005 Warhorse Chapel God has purpose for you Worship sChedule By Chaplain (Capt.) Se Parks His brothers, who gave Joseph up for 2-69 Armor dead long before, were now bowed Friday down in desperate need before the God loves you and He has a pur- feet of Joseph. Joseph had the power pose for your life. God works through to return evil for evil, but in humility, 1 to 3 p.m. ordinary people, like Soldiers and he forgave his brothers, and provided Muslim Juma Prayer their families, to accomplish His pur- for their needs. pose on Earth. Be assured that His God has a purpose for your life. 6 to 8 p.m. purpose for you is You are special in for good and not for His eyes, not by Jewish Prayer and Fellowship evil. “We know that in all things God what you have Joseph was a works for the good of those who done, but by what Sunday prime example of Christ has done this truth. When love him, who have been called on your behalf. Joseph was 17 according to his purpose.” All God asks, is 8 to 9 a.m. years old he was - Romans 8:28 that you believe in Early Bird Protestant – Chaplain betrayed by his Him, trust Him, (Capt.) Smith brothers, sold him He will never let into slavery, and taken away to a for- you down. eign country. There in Egypt, Joseph Soldiers of 3d BCT, we have a mis- 9 to 10:30 a.m. remained a slave and prisoner for 13 sion in Iraq. It is a difficult and noble Gospel – Chaplain (Capt.) Pickens years. At the time, Joseph didn’t mission. Like Joseph, I encourage understand why God permitted these you to “trust in God with all your 11 a.m. to Noon hardships into his life. But through it heart and lean not to your own all, Joseph continued to trust God, understanding, in all your ways Mid-Morning Protestant – Chaplain refusing to doubt the goodness of God acknowledge Him, and He will direct (Maj.) Rauch in his life. your path” (Proverbs 3: 5, 6). As God would have it, Joseph What is God’s future purpose for 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. became Prime Minister of Egypt, sec- you? Latter Day Saints ond only to Pharaoh. In a time of Whatever it may be, know that you great famine, God used Joseph to serve a loving God, who has your best save many people from certain death. in mind. 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. Roman Catholic 1-15 Soldier killed on Mother’s Day By Mick Walsh told that Givens was 8 to 9:30 p.m. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer shot in a firefight with Evening Protestant – Chaplain (Capt.) insurgents. And now it Smith FOB MACKENZIE, was her duty to let the Iraq -- Joyce McDuffie’s rest of the family know. mother had already “I still can’t believe Bible Study been prepped for knee it,” said the 22-year-old replacement surgery in native of Dallas from Tuesday: a Mobile, Ala., hospital her Willow Creek apart- when the phone call ment. “We were married 6 to 7 p.m. at Education Center – came in. three days before he Chaplain (Capt.) Pickens Probably somebody left. Now... he’s gone.” asking about her mom, Steve and Cayssia Wednesday: she suspected. met before his first But it wasn’t a well- 7 to 8 p.m. at Warhorse Chapel- deployment to Iraq in wisher on the line. 2003. Chaplain (Capt.) Smith It was her daughter- “At the old Camelot SPC STEVEN GIVENS in-law, Cayssia Givens, Music store at the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Mid-Week Service calling from Columbus. mall,” she said, forc- With bad news. ing herself to remember real hard,” said a Her husband, and happier times. “We mournful Billy Givens, Thursday: Joyce’s only child, Spc. decided to get married Steve’s uncle and a 7 to 8 p.m. at Warhorse Chapel – Steven Ray Givens, a right before his unit deputy with the Mobile Chaplain (Capt.) Pickens soldier with the 1st shipped out again.” The County Sheriff’s Battalion, 15th Infantry couple have a 2-year-old Department,when Regiment, had been son, Blake. reached at his home Friday: killed in Iraq. The news was tough Wednesday. 10:15 p.m. – Chaplain (Capt.) Smith On Mother’s Day. on Steve’s Mobile fami- ‘Movie of the Week’ Cayssia had just been ly, too. “It’s been hard, See MOTHER, Pg. 5 Hammer Times May 23, 2005 5 Mother recieves gift Dragons receive combat patch from deceased son Story and photo by Spc. Natalie Loucks tion to completing the mission to aid 3rd BCT PAO the people of Iraq in self reliance dur- on Mother’s Day ing OIF III. FOB MACKENZIE, Iraq -- Two cer- During the ceremony, the Continued from Pg. 4 emonies were held, May 2, for the “Dragons” were reminded of the histo- Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 15th ry behind the 15th Infantry Regiment, He’d escorted his mother, Helen Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade the 3rd BCT and the 42nd Inf. Div. Givens, to the hospital on Monday. At Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, The 15th Infantry’s colorful history the hospital, he met his sister and Task Force Liberty, to receive both is remembered in a crest of the regi- they planned to remain there until the Marne combat patch of the 3rd ment’s coat of arms which includes the operation was completed. Inf. Div. and the Rainbow combat an acorn, the symbol of General Then came the news. patch of the 42nd Infantry Division. Thomas’ XIV Corps and the mountain “Steve was a good man, from a The first ceremony took place of stone to symbolize the Corps’ firm good family,” he said. “He believed in under the cloudy sky of Forward stand at the Rock of Chickamauga. what he was doing and believed we Operating Base Mackenzie in Ad The four acorns on the shield rep- were doing the right thing in Iraq.” Duluiyah, Iraq one day before the resent the four major engagements of Though they were notified that 144th birthday of the 1-15th their Civil War service. Steven, 26, had been fatally wound- Infantry. The 3rd ID earned its name “Rock ed, the family knew little else. From Mackenzie, Col. Steven of the Marne” after fighting, and hold- “I’ve been in the military,” said Salazar, 3rd BCT Commander along ing the line, in France against superi- Givens, “and know we may never with Lt. Col. Gary Brito, Commander or German forces during the battle of really know the whole story.” of the 1-15 “Dragons,” who both pre- the Marne in 1918. Maj. Steve Warren, the public sented the combat patches to the The 42nd Inf. Div. is said to affairs officer from the 3rd Brigade leaders of the “Dragon” battalion, ‘stretch like a rainbow from one end Combat Team, based in Baqouba, traveled to Forward Operating Base, of America to the other’ hence Iraq, described the fight. Wilson, also occupied by 1-15 acquired the nickname “the Rainbow “It happened on the banks of the Infantry. Division”. Tigris River, next to a village called Ad The Soldiers of FOB Mackenzie and After WWI, the full rainbow symbol Montissim,” he said in an e-mail. “It FOB Wilson have qualified for the was torn in half in remembrance of was a fairly large contact — eight patches because they are serving in those lost in the war. Today, the enemy killed and one captured… It what is declared a hostile environ- Rainbow Division expresses the started when insurgents fired at a ment for a period of 30 days and have motto, “never forget. helicopter.” received the approval of the Army Salazar reminded the Soldiers, Doug Givens, Billy’s brother and Chief of Staff. “this patch represents what you have Steven’s uncle, said he and Steven The have earned their patches done for your team, the Iraqi people had pretty much grown up together. through the hard work and dedica- and this great nation.” “We’re only five years apart,” he said. “It wasn’t an uncle-nephew sort of thing; more like a brother-brother thing.” On Saturday, he said, a delivery man with a dozen roses showed up at his sister’s home. Joyce McDuffie told the man he must have been given the wrong address. But the card said “Happy Mother’s Day” and was signed by Steven. “He wasn’t the type to send flow- ers,” Doug said. “This was a first.” This was Steven’s second trip to Iraq with the 1-15 Infantry. “I could tell his first trip had been traumatic for him,” Billy Givens said. “He’d seen a lot of combat. But he wanted to go back. He loved working with kids. In fact, we just got a bunch of pictures that he’s taken with Iraqi children.” Cayssia, who works at the Eckerd’s Col. Steven Salazar, commander for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Task Drug Store on Beaver Run Road, and Force Liberty, hands both the rainbow patch of the 42nd Inf. Div. and the “Rock of the her son and her parents are en route Marne” patch of the 3rd Inf. Div. to Capt. Lee Gerber, Headquarters Company, 1st to Mobile for what is expected to be a Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. Soldiers of 1-15 Infantry sang the 4nd Inf. Div. song and weekend funeral. But no final the “Dog Face Soldier” song at the ceremony. 3rd BCT personnel who recieved both arrangements have been made. patches were given the choice of what patch to wear as their combat patch. 6 Hammer Times May 23, 2005 3rd BCT brings joy and justice Photos by Spc. Natalie Loucks 3rd BCT PAO

(left) Private 1st Class Tiffany Catron (Baucom), 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Liberty, hands out “I Love Iraq”stickers to the children who attend Al Mahasin Mixed School in Al Ali. 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s Command Security Detachment along with soldiers of the Iraqi army and Brig. Gen. Ha’ad of the Iraqi army (below) spoke to the students on . Iraqi children swarmed the visitors with smiles, peace signes and outstreached hands ready to recieves gifts the military had brought. Hammer Times May 23, 2005 7

(top) Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Task Force Liberty, search a room in a house where suspected insurgents were captured. Iraqi Army soldiers cleared four objectives May 14, in the towns of Esawid, Iraq, Al Ali, Iraq, Hambis, Iraq and Taiha, Iraq. Lt. Col. Daniel Kessler (above), along with coalition forces, observed the operation and provided support where it was needed. Througout the day, the ISF seized weapons caches (right) and detained aprox- imately 50 suspects of the Iraqi insurgency. Detainees were given a test that can detect explosive residue. 8 Hammer Times May 23, 2005 US Troops use Guns, ISF, teachers and students Candy and Patience Continued from Pg. 2 their experience and resources, Colombo noticed they are eager to By Ian Simpson getting all of the information,” establish a fair democracy for their Reuters Colombo said. country. Col. Mohamed Kafhem Jasam, a Eventually Colombo said he would MUQDADIYA, Iraq, -- Even before senior officer in the Diyala IPS, is like to see the IP take more control of the car bomb blew up at the head of pleased with the support of coalition what they are doing for their country. his armoured column, Lieutenant forces both tactically and operational- He also wants to see the concept of Colonel Roger Cloutier had had a ly and said the cooperation is accept- the rule of law being uniformly busy day. ed by the citizens of Diyala. enforced and would like to see martial The bombing late on Sunday that “The people of Iraq want safety and law disappear. left one attacker dead and one security for their families and their “Right now, the Army and the wounded but U.S. troops untouched community,” Mohamed said through Police are doing the same job,” he topped off a long day that saw the a translator. “They know why the said. “It’s not the Army’s job to American commander deal with a coalition forces are here.” enforce the law; it’s the police force’s fight over a junkyard, threaten to cut Mohamed compared the IPS to a job.” off millions of dollars in projects and child who needs to be raised by expe- Mohamed believes true self hand out candy to schoolchildren. rienced hands in order to grow up reliance will occur in the IPS when Cloutier’s whirlwind schedule and take care of itself. the Iraqi government has been inde- showed the cocktail of diplomacy, Although the U.S. forces are suc- pendent for a steady period and each money and firepower that the ceeding in their mission to bring the governmental party can work togeth- 140,000-strong U.S. forces are using IP to self reliance, challenges includ- er as a unit. as they try to weaken popular sup- ing money, equipment, moderniza- “It took Saddam a short time to port for a stubborn insurgency. tion, and discrepancies between destroy our country but it will take a “This is all about shades of grey American and Iraqi laws create some long time to rebuild it,” he said. here, it’s about transitions,” Cloutier, difficulty. As much as the IPS is learning a battalion commander in the 3rd “Some actions are totally accept- from the U.S. Soldiers located at the Infantry Division, told Reuters after able in the Iraqi culture and will get Police Headquarters, Colombo said the attack. you locked up in the American cul- they are teaching just as much as “Everything I do here, I have to ture,” said Colombo. “An example is, they are learning. think about possible outcomes – will in Iraq, it is okay to physically disci- “They teach us about their cul- what I do be playing into the terror- pline your wife.” ture,” he said. “They teach us differ- ists’ hands?” Colombo also noted that there is ent ways of doing things and different Cloutier’s 700-man force is the some corruption within the ranks of ways of approaching problems.” security backbone around the IPS due to the leadership of the The IPS and coalition forces will Muqdadiya, a city of about 250,000 former regime, and that part of Task continue to work together until the people in farm country 50-miles Force Five – O’s job is to help elimi- mission is complete and both northeast of Baghdad. nate that corruption. Mohamed and Colombo are seeing His battalion is the target of an “The police force here can be com- major progress. average of one roadside bomb a day, pared to the American police force “We are continuing to build as a even though attacks on Iraqi forces from the 1950s as far as what they team,” Mohamed said, “so we can have dwindled to almost nothing fol- have to do their job,” Colombo said. complete the mission to make the lowing a fatwa, or religious ruling, Although the Iraqis are set back in Diyala Province safe.” from local Muslim leaders several weeks ago. So security was a top item when Cloutier met with Mayor Allawi Farhan, police chief General Ammer Kamel and other officials at city hall, a low-rising building surrounded by blast barriers, guards and barbed wire. “I’ve been very patient, but my patience has run out. I want some names (of suspected bombers). As of now, all the money that is coming into the city for projects is going to stop,” said Cloutier, who oversees 60 development projects worth $15 million. Farhan, whose city has a jobless rate of 70 percent, pleaded for more A new central booking facility building is being constructed at the Joint Cooperation Center in downtown Baquba, Iraq. The Provincial Joint Coordination Center is undergo- See CLOUTIER, Pg. 12 ing various changes to help modernize the organization of the Iraqi Police working there. Hammer Times May 23, 2005 9 Tip-offs lead to capture of HVI, weapons Story and photos by Spc. “People are becoming more Natalie Loucks positive about reporting 3rd BCT PAO and are willing to take on the insurgents.” Iraqi civilians are House recalls one inci- increasingly reporting ter- dent where an Iraqi citizen rorist acts against coalition noticed an insurgent plant- forces according to Maj. ing an IED in front of his Dean Wollen, intelligence house. After confronting Officer of 3rd Brigade the insurgent, the IED was Combat Team, Task Force removed and the terrorist Liberty. fled. Local citizens of the On a separate occation, Diyala Province have pro- another citizen observed vided the Iraqi and two insurgents delivering Tip-offs from Iraqi citizens have lead coalition and ISF to seize Coalition Forces with infor- munitions to a shack for weapons, ammunition and IED making matierial. mation resulting in the cap- storage. When the insur- ture high valued targets, gents left, the man collect- be called in for technical Wollen said local leaders pin-point locations of ed the items and took them assistance. were so impressed by the insurgent weapons and to Forward Operating Base “Iraqi citizens believe in professionalism that equipment, as well as loca- Normandy. When the resi- their Army and Police and American and Iraqi Soldiers tions road side bombs dent was offered a reward have no problem reporting demonstrated that they known as Improvised he declined. suspicious activity,” House turned in a number of ter- Explosive Devices. “The current trend is said. rorists. “There is a positive reporting incidents and As security responsibili- Although there is an momentum,” said Maj. Ed unusual happenings tied to ties transition to Iraqi increase in reports on ter- House, Operations Officer insurgent activity,” said authorities the Iraqi people rorist actions and the peo- for 3rd BCT. “People are House. are beginning to under- ple of Iraq are aiding in the tired of getting blown up, The reports are usually stand their own security security and freedom of tired of their kids not being brought to the local Joint forces are a credible deter- their nation, there is still safe going to school, tired of Coordination Center how- rent against the insur- some fear. not having a functioning ever Iraqi and coalition gency, House said. “These insurgents have government, tired of not forces have also been noti- “People trust the Iraqi no problem killing their being able to live their fied directly. security forces more and own people,” House said. lives.” Reports from the JCC are are getting over the bad Many citizens work on Iraqi and coalition forces called into the local police impressions they had dur- coalition military bases. have been able to locate station and from there are ing Saddam Hussein’s era. “These people are just approximately 60 percent dispatched accordingly They are also realizing that trying to make a living,” of all IEDs before detona- House explained. coalition forces are not in House said. tion and 25 percent of In IED incidents, the their country as occupiers” “It takes someone very those found were due to Iraqi explosive ordinance House said. courageous and who loves tip-offs from Iraqi citizens, disposal team responds to House said the U.S. mili- their family and their coun- Wollen said. That is a 17 the site where they inspect, tary has gained credibility try very much to take a percent increase over the assess, and defuse the from the Iraqi citizens chance like this,” Wollen last two weeks. device. If the Iraqi police because of the profession- said. “They are the real “There is strength in feel they cannot defuse the alism demonstrated by heroes.” numbers,” House said. bomb, coalition forces will Soldiers as individuals and Rewards are offered to units. citizens who can provide “Our Soldiers are trained information to the JCC, IA, to be individual ambassa- IP and coalition forces that dors, to treat people with lead to the capture of high dignity and respect,” House valued individuals and said. weapons cashes. Wollen, the Brigade’s The value of the reward Intelligence Officer, believes depends on the amount of the civil manner demon- ammunition and the type of strated by U.S. Soldiers individual, Wollen said. aids in the respect and Reports of insurgency faith shown by the people and names of the citizens of Iraq. reporting the activity are Recently, 3rd Brigade confidential. was involved in a combat 3rd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. After suspects have been apprehended, they are tested for explo- operation to search for high Task Force Freedom has sive residue. Their hands are swiped with a pad then the pad is value individuals and put out a list of HVI with sprayed. weapons caches. their price value. 10 Hammer Times May 23, 2005 Armor School hits Benning 6,200 spouses and children, again many changes, due to a series of pro- Post transformation using Army projections. Total: 8,400. visions in the law authorizing the The vast majority of those that will BRAC round. One such provision: it includes creating come here with the Armor School will will take the vote of at least seven of be students, up to almost 8,000 a the nine commissioners to add a base U.S. Army Reserve year. to the list or expand a proposed Combining Fort Benning’s estab- realignment. Before, only five com- Center, axing arrival lished Infantry School with Fort missioners had to support additions. Knox’s Armor School will create the While implementation of the BRAC of new 5th Brigade U.S. Army Maneuver Center, a key decision will take between two and By Mick Walsh component of the Army’s transforma- four years, Fort Benning will prepare tion program. That scenario would itself to become an even bigger U.S. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer mean the post would have three gen- training installation. FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Friday’s eral officers on staff — one with the “Currently,” Freakley said, “Fort long awaited BRAC report brought center and one at Benning trains Fort Benning and the local economy each school. between 75,000 some good news... and some bad In addition to “Currently Fort Benning trains and 80,000 a news. the Armor School, between 75,000 and 80,000 a year. Two years When Defense Secretary Donald Fort Benning is year. Two years from now as we from now as we Rumsfeld’s final Base Realignment also expected to have the Armor and Closure list was submitted to the create a U.S. have the Armor Center here, we’ll Center here, we’ll nine-member BRAC commission Army Reserve train about 90,000.” train about Friday, it was readily apparent that Center, which --Brig. Gen Benjamin Freakley 90,000.” Fort Benning would be a big winner will include mov- Fort Benning Post Commander If you think and was even recognized as such by ing the nine per- the addition of the national media. sonnel from the armor training will After all, it would be gaining a net Columbus reserve center onto post, bring with it more loud noise, you’re of 9,839 personnel, most of them and will get the Equipment right. instructors and students from the Concentration Site for the 81st The 64-ton M1 and M1A2 tanks, Armor School at Fort Knox, Ky., and Regional Support Command of Fort with 1,500 horsepower engines, will a Pentagon input of $460 million. Few Gillem, Ga. be firing 120 mm cannons. “The installations anywhere showed such Fort Benning is losing its Drill music of freedom has added pieces to a gain. Sergeant School, a net loss of 842 its orchestra,” smiled Freakley. But once he had a chance to military and 69 civilian jobs. They’re He wasn’t sure where the new crunch the numbers, post command- headed to Fort Jackson, S.C., where Armor School will be located on post er Brig. Gen. Benjamin Freakley the Army is consolidating three such — “We only got the news at 10:30 this dropped this bomb: Fort Benning will schools into one. morning,” he said — but he conceded not be getting the new 5th Brigade, “The decision process,” said the tank ranges would probably be 25th Infantry Division, that it — and Freakley, “is ongoing and will not be located in the northeast sector. area leaders, school officials and finalized until November 2005, at the With the arrival of the Armor housing developers — were expecting earliest.” School will come a bunch of Pentagon in the fall of 2006. That’s when the list from the pres- money — about $460 million, “It (the proposed new brigade) will ident will be turned over to Congress. Freakley said. Couple that with the go to another location to be deter- “Of course,” said U.S. Rep. Phil $600 million-$800 million contract mined and that gives us ground for Gingrey, whose district includes Fort with Clark Pinnacle for new and bringing the Armor Center here,” he Benning, “there will be a lot of lobby- refurbished housing on post, and the said. ing by folks who are losing bases and “new money” figure now exceeds the The brigade, scheduled for the personnel. I’m sure the folks at Fort $1 billion mark. Harmony Church area on post, would Knox will fight losing the Armor Columbus City Manager Isaiah have brought 3,400 soldiers to Fort School. But what is bad news now for Hugley conceded that the arrival of Benning as well as almost 6,100 them is certainly good news for Fort almost 10,000 soldiers over the next spouses and children based on Army Benning.” few years will create many challenges. estimates. Total: 9,500. In previous BRAC rounds in 1988, He quickly listed housing, schools, But consider this: the Armor 1991, 1993 and 1995, the commis- hospitals and the city’s transporta- School realignment to Fort Benning sion accepted about 85 percent of the tion network as areas that “we need will bring only 1,500 permanent party Pentagon’s recommendations for clo- to gear up for. But I’d rather have military and 700 civilian jobs, which sure or realignment. This time it will these problems than those of cities would translate to an additional be harder for the commission to make that are losing bases are facing.”

Hammer Times will accept your stories and photos! Send your submissions digitally by emailing the Editor at [email protected], or bring them to the Public Affairs Office next to the 3rd BCT TOC on FOB Warhorse. Submissions should be single spaced, non-tab format and are subject to editing of content by the Hammer Times staff. Ensure all identification used in stories includes rank, first name, last name, duty position, hometown and unit. When submitting photos, please include information on all people in the shot. DO NOT embed photographs into the story! Please include author’s point of contact information will all submissions. Hammer Times May 23, 2005 11 Eye Protection…Not Just for gates By Capt. Matthew Carter foreign bodies. Wraparound style lenses afford the best 203rd Support Battalion protection from the swirling winds we have seen and will see. On the unpaved or partially paved roads of the FOBs, We are all aware of the need for eye protection when on vehicles exceeding the speed limit frequently launch small guard duty, when at the gates or when leaving the FOB. rocks to heights of five feet and higher. If you are running However as we enter the sunny and windy seasons, it or walking along these roads, you may be struck at chest becomes just as important to wear eye protection on the level or above. Because of the possibility of other objects FOB. In our day to day lives, we face two major threats to such as pieces of wood or metal becoming airborne as the our vision: sun and airborne objects. winds increase, you should consider lenses that offer bal- A lifetime of sun exposure damages the eyes. The most listic protection. Again, the Wiley-X, UVEX or ESS goggles common result of long term sun exposure is the develop- are more than adequate. ment of cataracts. This occurs when your eye’s lens Although contact lenses are not authorized for wear in becomes cloudy and hard, obscuring your vision. In virtu- theater, they are being worn. With the increase in dust in ally all cases, this requires surgical correction to return the air, lens care will become imperative. If you choose to you to a vision compatible with things like driving or read- wear contact lens, I would offer the following guidelines. ing. Because of the increased time and intensity of sun- 1) Spend more time out of your contact lenses than light encountered in this region of the world, providing in them. protection for your eyes takes on added importance. The 2) Wash your hands well before handling your con- best way to save your eyes from the sun is by wearing lens tact lenses. with UV protection. The issued Wiley-X and UVEX lenses 3) Clean your lenses regularly and thoroughly. have UV-A and UV-B protection. These are perfect for time 4) WEAR EYE PROTECTION spent in the sun. Your lenses DO NOT have to be tinted, 5) If you develop eye pain, irritation or blurry vision, though that will certainly make most people more com- remove your lenses and see your health care provider fortable in the bright Iraqi sun. immediately. Additionally, as the windy season approaches, it is nec- 6) Do NOT use drops such as Visine without consult- essary to protect your eyes from dust and other airborne ing your health care provider. Brig. Gen. Paul Genereaux visits Fallen IA honored Task Force 1-10 By Rock Task Force News Army and Police. Genereaux further added, “OPSEC FOB GABE, Iraq -- Brig. Gen. Paul we have to come up with a system Genereaux, 42nd Infantry Division’s that works for them and we have to Assistant Division Commander for come up with a system that works for Maneuver, visited Foward Operating us”. Base Gabe, April 19 to receive a tour Upon completion of the briefing, of the base’s facilities, projects and a Genereaux presented Sgt. Nathan quick summary of key issues and Kramer, Spc. Alvin Howard, Spc. events Task Force 1st Battalion, 10th Mohammed Kherbouche, and Private Feild Artillery is currently working. 1st Class Nicholas Hei each a Genereaux received a briefing from Division coin for their outstanding the Task Force staff. contributions to the Task Force and Thy gave a summary of all current its mission to build a better relation- Intelligence, Operations, Logistics ship with the Iraqi people. and Diyala Police Team Task Force issues. Genereaux said he was very impressed with the work the Task Force was doing stated that “what we did was a big deal...Task Force FOX is Iraqi and American forces held a small cer- ahead of all other units in the emony to celebrate the lives of four Iraqi Division.” Army soldiers who were killed in action by a suicide bomber, on the morning of March He further stated “Diyala has been 16. In addition to the four soldiers who a big problem, lots of intimidation, were killed, the ceremony also celebrated you guys make it look easy.” the life of Col. Emmad Marhoon Ali, the for- Genereaux continued with other mer Khalis JCC Deputy Director. Ali and his examples of the differences between 19-year-old daughter were attacked by ter- TF FOX and his other units. Brig. Gen. Paul Genereaux presents a divi- rorists on February 12 while at a car shop. He reemphasized the importance of sion coin to Spc. Alvin Howard for a job The ceremony was attended by local lead- classified information and its disclo- well done during Task Force 1-10’s deploy- ers, including the town Mayor and several sure and accessibility among the Iraqi ment to Operation Iraqi Freedom III. council members. 12 Hammer Times May 23, 2005 TF 1-30 takes stand against insurgents, wins hearts of Iraqi citizens Continued from Pg. 8 road that Saddam didn’t do anything lages that had never seen a U.S. offi- about for 25 years. What the devil do cer. you want?”” “We made an inch of progress here time to get Sunni Muslims at the Cloutier, whose unit also spends today. These kids will go home, tell heart of the rebellion involved in poli- millions of dollars for base construc- their parents, we’ll put some money tics. Sunnis, the dominant sect under tion projects and maintenance, in these schools,” Cloutier said after dictator Saddam Hussein, largely backed off his threat on the projects. plunging into a classroom to hand stayed away from January elections He agreed on heavier patrolling and out candy. and majority Shi’ite Muslims and stricter enforcement of the 10-p.m.- That night, his patrol was at a Kurds now run the national govern- to-5-a.m. curfew. Before the checkpoint when a van drove up to ment. security talk, Cloutier handed over the lead Abrams tank, the driver “The people’s mentality is not at $500 contributed by his troops to the jumped out and the van exploded. that point yet. I, personally, have told black-clad widow of the assassinated The fleeing man was shot dead, and people repeatedly that if you don’t city engineer. He and the mayor also the column was also hit by small- attack the Americans they will stay turned aside a claim from a petition- arms fire. on their bases,” said the Sunni er that a heap of auctioned-off scrap Four suspects were detained. A mayor, who has a personal security metal on city hall grounds belonged simultaneous rocket attack on the detail of 10 men. to him, telling him to file a complaint U.S. base slightly wounded one sol- Kamel, a Sunni imprisoned under in court. dier. Saddam, told Cloutier that seven of Cloutier, a 17-year Army veteran, “I really think that the word is his 11 cars were out of service and he along with the mayor and police chief going to get out that, don’t mess with needed more officers. then jolted over dirt roads in a long the coalition forces, don’t mess with He added, “I tell people every day, convoy to tour dilapidated rural IA (Iraqi army) forces, because you “Hey, you pimps, they are building a schools, including ones in Sunni vil- are going to die,” Cloutier said.

Th SLEDGEHAMMER SLE TF 1-10 Drum Major 3 Line of Operation: Security 3 07 MAY 05 Who: 32nd Iraqi Army Battalion 3RD BCT, 3RDWhat: ID Clearing Operation 3RD DrumDrum When: 05 May 2005 Where: Palm Groves West of Buhriz Why/Significance: The 32nd Iraqi Army BDE which includes the 204th, 205th, 206th, and the 213th Ira Battalions conducted a palm grove clearing operation to the West of Buhriz. The operation’s main focu weapons caches and known AIF mortar sites. In the past, the AIF have used this area to store their m and shot them from underneath the protection of the palm trees. The operation was an overwhelming success of this operation, further proves that the ISF are gaining the upper hand on the AIF. Everyday MajorsMajors stronger and better organized. Bulletized: 32nd IA BDE conducts palm grove clearing operation.

SLEDGEHAMMER SLEDG TFTF 6666 DRUMDRUM MAJORMAJOR 33 1313 MAYMAY 205205

LOO3RD BCT,: Security 3RD ID 3RD

TIME CATEGORY: 05 0500 MAY 05

Who: 3RD IA BDE

What: 3RD IA BDE conducted a raid in the town of Buhriz and a clearance of the Buhriz palm groves. The BDE detained 17 personnel, 5 of which tested positive for HE. They captured: 3 mortar tubes w/ Each battalion submits a daily good-news story called a 14 rds, a SPG-9 recoilless rifle, Dushka AA gun w/ 12 boxes of ammo, 6 x 107 mm rocket launchers, “Drumbeat” to the Brigade. Weekly, a distinguished 12 RPG launchers w/ 18 rds, 15 x 120mm or larger panel of judges evaluates the “Drumbeat” and selects IEDs, many other smaller explosives, along with numerous electrical components used to make the best one, which is crowned the “Drum Major.” IEDS, and small arms weapons. Hammer Times proudly presents the “Drum Majors” for Where: Buhriz, Buhriz Palm Groves the last two weeks. Significance: This was the first four battalion operation and use of indirect fire for the brigade. They seized the most weapons cache of any operation to date. BG Ha’ad discussed the success of the operation and its impact on the people of Buhriz and the greater Diyala region during a news conference.