From the Front Winter 2009 - 2010
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M A G A Z I N E O F T A S K F O R C E M A R N E From the Front Winter 2009 - 2010 Fallen Soldier Posthumously Inducted into NCO Corps, pg. 14 TF Wings facilitates close combat attack training, Pg. 16 Commanding General Rock of the Marne While this magazine difficult and dangerous undertaking. might be read far and wide on There are still plenty of low-level but sharp fights every the web by folks outside our or- week with extremist group cells who have not yet stood down, ganization, I’d like to direct my been killed or been captured. Indirect fire still lands on our fixed few words here to the Soldiers, positions and bases. By my count there are at least fifteen differ- Sailors, Airmen, Marines and ent organized groups operating in our patch of ground here who civilians of Task Force Marne/ want to kill us, take credit for “chasing us out of Iraq” as we US Division North. eventually draw down, and disrupt the formation of the first real If you flew high over democracy in the Arab world. We also have our share of crimi- Northern Iraq and looked down nals and opportunists here in the north, individuals and groups to see yourself, you would see who wish to advance their own selfish interests for money, po- more than 22,000 Americans, sition, and power in this oil-and-gas-rich nation. They do this spread across the entire 50,000 at the expense of the Iraqi population who only want what we square mile battlespace. You would want: to raise their families in a safe and secure environ- would see small units of our advisors with Iraqi Border Force ment and have hope for the future. There is no doubt Iraq is partners in the difficult terrain on the Syrian and Iranian borders. moving cautiously from fragile state to stable state and with our You would see our larger formations at over 40 bases inside continued help, this will continue and hopefully they will be a the seven northernmost provinces, operating day and night with strategic partner. 3 “Sappers” Brigade Iraqi Army and Police units from north of Baghdad to the bor- What does all this mean to us? We are in Iraq at a critical Civil Affairs aids with der with Turkey. You would see a variety of uniforms as well moment in their history, when they have a chance to decide for necessities 14 “Wings of Lightning” Brigade as some civilian clothes: we have nearly one hundred great themselves what kind of nation they will be on March 4th and Airmen, doing what they do best – coordinating close air sup- 7th – a choice they have not had for at least two generations. Kiowas key in close combat 4 port, reconnaissance, airlift and even weather reporting; almost Though it is completely their choice, we do have a role to play. 3rd Infantry Division training Marne Div. assumes command another hundred incredible Sailors risking their lives leading Task Force Marne is the last American combat force in northern and celebrates 92nd birthday bomb disposal action and training of similar Iraqi units; a hand- Iraq. We have the capability to partner with the Iraqi security 16 “Ready First” Brigade ful of Marines and over five hundred selfless civilians, from the forces and help them be successful in protecting the population, Soldiers Scout security for US Department of State, Department of the Army, other groups allowing all Iraqis to make their decisions freely, without threats 6 51st Military Police Iraqi elections and agencies and contractors of every type helping us in every or intimidation. And we have the capability to help, as well as be MPs show Iraqis to From Command way imaginable. an apolitical example to those same Iraqi security forces, as they use military dogs 18 47th Combat Support Hospital But what would dominate your vision as you looked at support a peaceful transition of power to a new government. Physical Therapy Clinic 1 Commanding General yourself (squinting through the four types of helicopters darting This all happens on our watch. 8 “Send Me” Brigade across the sky, piloted by some of the finest Army Aviators ever You know what a “closer” is, don’t you? Arguably the most gets Soldiers on their feet Rock of the Marne Iraqis get the essentials to wear nomex and who want some of your attention) would be important player on a baseball team – the pitcher you send in the unmistakable outlines of tired but resolute American men when the game is on the line and the lead has to be protected. 19 Star Struck 10 “Arrowhead” Brigade 2 Command Sergeant Major and women in body armor, advanced combat helmets, foliage Satchel Paige said it best: “Anyone can be a closer…so long as Soldiers Provide border security Photos of visiting celebrities NCOs Lead the Way green digital patterns and carrying black rifles ¬¬who make up they have a thick skin, a short memory, and at least one great the vast majority of our formation: US Army Soldiers. We come pitch.” A thick skin – can take the catcalls and yelling from 22 Holiday Celebrations 12 “Dragon” Brigade from 14 different major Army units, from 14 different places spectators; a short memory – doesn’t let any setback affect your Photos from around USD - North ranging from Hawaii to Puerto Rico. That’s 14 different patches, delivery; and one great pitch – well, that’s your job as a closer; Fallen Soldier honored with unit colors, and mottos, all pulling together as one. This team throw it straight down the middle, every time. induction ceremony that is Task Force Marne is like the modular Army that gener- Teammates, we’re the closers for northern Iraq. It is the ated, trained, and deployed us: we are the sum of all parts. We’re bottom of the ninth, we’re on the mound and we’re facing the From the Front is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of From the Front are not necessarily official views of, in this one together, no matter what the uniform, patch or unit top of the order. To secure a successful and honorable comple- or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 3rd Infantry Division. All editorial content of motto. We’re in a combat zone and in a combat zone our ethos tion of the US mission in our part of Iraq, it’s on us. So, be very From the Front is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Task Force Marne Public Affairs Office. is in override – placing the mission first, never quitting, never proud of whom you are and what you are doing at this time, in TASK FORCE MARNE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE Editorial Staff accepting defeat, and NEVER leaving a fallen comrade. Maybe this place; what you are doing matters to Iraq and the United Commanding General Managing Editor – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs before the 3rd of November 2009 we did not know each other, States. “Throw our best pitch” every day. MAJ. GEN. TONY CUCOLO Editor/Design – Sgt. Chad D. Nelson but now we will give our lives for each other. It is an honor to serve with you. Command Sergeant Major Contributing Units Our mission here sounds simple in concept: help the Iraqi Tony Cucolo COMMAND SGT. MAJ. JESSE L. ANDREWS, JR. 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division people solve Iraq’s problems within the Iraqi system and lay Marne 6 Task Force Marne Public Affairs Staff 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership between the TF Marne PAO – Maj. Jeff Allen 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division United States and Iraq. But like all simple concepts in our busi- Major General, US Army TF Marne Deputy PAO – Maj. Lee Peters 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armor Division ness, on the ground it is a different matter. This is a complex, Commander, Task Force Marne TF Marne PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division TF Marne PA Ops – Sgt. 1st Class Kelly McCargo 130th Engineer Brigade TF Marne Writer – Sgt. Johnathon Jobson 135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment 1 TF Marne Writer – Spc. Michael Adams From the Front 1 Command Sergeant Major NCOs Lead the Way sappers Civil Affairs helps to bring It’s been a little more right to vote. Expect the enemy to increase their attacks. Don’t than 90 days since Task Force let them catch you off guard. Don’t fall victim to complacency. Marne took the lead in U.S. If you leave the confines of your area for a joint patrol, Division – North. However, humanitarian mission or to meet with local sheiks, remember self-reliance to Mosul I must say that our achieve- there are people who don’t want you to make it back to your Story and Photos by Pvt. Jennifer Lowes, ments and successes are im- loved ones alive. Watch your buddies back, and check your 130th Engineer Brigade, PAO measurable compared to our equipment prior to each mission and focus your attention on days on the ground. Our en- your environment. tire team is performing re- Remember I stated earlier that no one is expendable, so markably, and I would like to don’t let bad decisions take you out of the fight. Do a risk as- CONTINGENCY Operating SITE MAREZ – The Mo- tion gathered aids and assists the GOI on improving the city of state up front that no member sessment before you play a sport, get in any vehicle, and leave sul Reconstruction Cell on Contingency Operating Site Marez Mosul.