Vol. 1, No. 6 Published by Multi-National Force - Iraq September 21, 2005

Securing a city, securing a nation ... Top Stories Quality medical care returns to Fallujah, Page 2

First GMLRS fired in com- bat in Tall Afar battle, Page 4

Operation Flea Flicker sweeps Zafaraniya, Page 9 File photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dave Ahlschwede Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis celebrate holy day in Karbala under the protection of Iraqi Security Forces, uniting and defying al-Zarqawi threats. Iraqis, 3rd ACR set up Forward TOC in Tall Afar, Page 9

Tall Afar operation Iraqi police train at Mosul transitions to reconstruction Public Safety Academy, Page 10 operating in Tall Afar in support of Iraqi By Multi-National Corps Public Affairs Locals celebrate Baghdad Government efforts to bring safety and bridge opening, Page 13 TALL AFAR — Operation Restoring security to the citizens of the city. Rights wrapped up decisive combat opera- The Iraqi-led operations included more Economic hopes soar with tions in Tall Afar and transitioned to the than 11,200 Soldiers from the 3rd Iraqi rebuilding phase of the operation so its Army Division, Ministry of Interior forces new airfield tower, Page 14 citizens can continue with the democratic and the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Cavalry process in a safe and secure environment. Regiment. The operation resulted in the Iraqi battalion secures streets “Acting on my orders, Iraqi forces com- death of more than 150 terrorists, deten- near Al Suwayrah, Page 18 menced an operation to remove all tion of 427 terrorists, and discovery of 53 remaining terrorist elements from the city weapons caches. Additionally, security of Tall Afar. These forces are operating forces discovered an improvised explosive Iraqis with support from the Multi-National device-making factory, a cave used to Taking Force,” said Prime Minister of Iraq hide people and equipment, and concealed the Ibrahim Ushaiqer al-Jaafari. “They are observation and sniper positions. Lead: acting on behalf of all the different reli- The Iraqi Forces put an end to the acts gious and ethnic elements in Tall Afar and of terror being carried out against the citi- photos in response to their appeals for help.” zens of Tall Afar, said Maj. Gen. from The Iraqi-led operation began Sept. 10 Khorsheed Saleem Al-Doski, commander, around the country Page 25 at 1:45 a.m. to clear the Sarai neighbor- hood of terrorists and foreign fighters See TALL AFAR, Page 3 Page 2 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Coming together

By Gen. George W. Casey, Jr. Multi-National Force - Iraq Commanding General

The recent battle in Tal Afar gives us a Courtesy photo chance to see how a lot of little steps A couple of U.S. Marines take a look at a newly renovat- come together to show success. ed hospital in Fallujah. Look at what is transpiring around the country: a water project here, insurgent battles there and people registering to Quality medical care vote in historic numbers. Iraqi Security Forces topping 192,000 returns to Fallujah people. What does it all mean? First, Gen. George W. there is the battle of Tal Afar. Let’s look Casey Jr. City Council determined that at what happened: By Multi-National Corps – medical services were a priori- • An Iraqi-lead, Coalition-supported operation of approxi- Iraq Public Affairs ty for the city residents as they mately 11,000 denied a major safe haven to the insurgents, returned to their city. Coalition killing or capturing approximately 500. FALLUHJAH — Fallujah Forces, along with their • Iraqi government officials answered the call of their peo- has made a turn for the better. Fallujah partners, focused on ple sending in security forces to expel the insurgents. Once the heart of the insurgency, restoring the city’s medical • Humanitarian assistance was provided and reconstruction Fallujah was an Iraqi city bat- facilities. is in progress. tered and broken from years of Three clinics were repaired Second, Tal Afar is no isolated event, but the culmination of maltreatment by Saddam with Commander’s Emergency years of long, hard work, and the tangible start of a campaign Hussein’s ruling Ba’ath Party. Response Program (CERP) to deny insurgents safe havens all across Iraq. By the time Coalition Forces funds and are currently opera- Around the country approximately 98 percent (or more than secured the city in November tional, caring for between 300 15 million eligible voters) have registered to vote. Each week 2004, most of the residents had to 500 patients daily. An out- key members of the insurgency are captured or killed because moved away. Living conditions patient clinic at Fallujah of Iraqi informants. had become unbearable. The General Hospital was also built The Iraqi Security Forces stand at 192,000—and is growing city was in turmoil. with CERP funds and is fully every day! Just look through this issue of “This Week In Iraq” The initial assessment in operational. to see the various reconstruction efforts, Forward Operating December 2004 indicated that There are six other clinics in Base transfers and ISF academy training graduations taking one hospital and three clinics various stages of repair or con- place. Why? Iraqis across the country feel increasingly safe were operational. During struction. Three of these are to express their desire for democracy. Operation Fajr, insurgents under construction in the north Separately, these actions are little steps in the right direc- occupied Fallujah General of the city, one in the center, tion. Together they are a giant leap toward the end for the Hospital. Coalition Forces took and two in the south. Future insurgents and a new dawn for the Iraqis. From Mosul to the hospital by force, causing projects include a new $46 mil- Najaf; Fallujah to Tal Afar cities are rebuilding and looking extensive battle damage that lion hospital with a capacity of toward a bright future. limited its operational capabili- 200 beds. It is happening all across Iraq, not in isolation but as part of ties. The clinics also sustained Ground was recently broken a coordinated effort that is bearing fruit. extensive damage. Coalition Forces and the newly elected See FALLUJAH, Page 6

MNF-I Commanding General Editor...... Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan Gen. George W. Casey Jr. [email protected] Assistant Editor...... Staff Sgt. Nick Minecci Combined Press Information Center [email protected] Director Command Information NCOIC...Master Sgt. Michele R. Hammonds Lt. Col. Steven A. Boylan [email protected] [email protected] This Week in Iraq is an authorized publication produced by Multi-National Force Command Information Chief - Iraq. Contents are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or DoD. Maj. Patricia C. Anderson The editorial content is not the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of the Multi-National Force - [email protected] Iraq. Questions and comments should be directed to the editor at [email protected]. Page 3 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005

Right, citizens of Tall Afar line up at a checkpoint outside the city to be searched. The residents were allowed back to their homes September 14 following days of fighting between anti-Iraqi forces and Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Forces. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Blair Larson

Right, Spc. Adan Serna, a Soldier assigned to 3rd Armored Cavalry Regt. stands guard at a screening site outside Tall Afar in Iraq’s Nineveh province. His presence was intended to provide aid and

Courtesy photo comfort to civilians evacuating the Iraqi Security Forces during mounted city and separate anti-Iraqi forces patrol in Tall Afar. from the general population. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert M. Schalk

Tall Afar Cross. The Ministries of Health, Trade and Transportation are also playing a from page 1 vital role in caring for the needs of the 3rd Division. They brought security people. and stability back to the people of this The Iraqi government approved $50 city, he added. million to the people of Tall Afar for Representatives of the Iraqi reconstruction and compensation. Transitional Government, the Ninevah The U.S. has already approved $5 mil- U.S. Army photo by Pfc. James Wilt Provincial, Tall Afar city governments lion to help build the infrastructure of Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne and local leaders called on the Iraqi the city, with more than $3 million in Division, storm a house in Tall Afar. and Coalition forces to take action to additional funds already requested. rid the city of terrorism and intimida- More than $730,000 is earmarked tion. Several Iraqi government offi- for transformers, wiring and other cials visited Tall Afar to view the oper- electrical infrastructure repairs, and ation firsthand. “I met with the com- two electrical lift trucks are standing mander of the 3rd Division in Tall Afar by to aid in repairs to the electrical and his officers and soldiers and found grid. them in high spirits,” said al-Jaafari. To date, 3,688 displaced civilians Efforts by numerous Iraqi govern- have been screened at the Displaced ment agencies along with non-govern- Civilian Rest Areas. Recently, the mental relief organizations initially Provincial Governor toured Tall Afar provided humanitarian assistance to with the 3rd IA Division and city lead- the displaced citizens of Tall Afar such ership and encouraged citizens to U.S. Army photo by Spc. Blair Larson as short-term potable water needs, return to the city. Iraqi Policemen secure a checkpoint tanker trucks, portable water tanks and “They want this city to fail. They on the outskirts of Tall Afar, a city water cans distributed throughout the want Iraq to fail,” Col. H.R. McMaster, nearly 20 miles west of Mosul. city. 3rd ACR commander, said of the Residents left the village to avoid The long-term humanitarian assis- insurgents. “But the number one prior- intense fighting. Iraqi Security Forces tance effort is led by the Ministry of ity is being met by this operation, and Multi-National Forces launched Displacement and Migration Office, which is to defeat the terrorists so they Operation Restoring Rights Sept. 9, Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, can no longer prevent reconstruction ridding the city of terrorists and restor- International Medical Corps and Red from happening.” ing local government control. Page 4 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 First GMLRS fired in combat in Tall Afar battle Story and Photos by cost while engaging more targets. Sgt. Daniel W. Lucas “We aren’t reinventing the wheel,” said Hannah. “We are using the same 366th Mobile Public Affairs system but with improved munitions.” Detachment The older munitions were the same TALL AFAR — From more than 30 rockets minus the GPS. They can dis- miles away, a platoon of M270A1 rock- perse sub-munitions over a large area et/missile launchers positioned themselves without the incredible accuracy boasted to strike. Their arsenal rotated towards the by the GMLRS. city of Tall Afar as a target was pro- Even the M270A1 launchers aren’t grammed in the computer. Within a few brand new, built on the same chassis as minutes, six rockets left their launchers. the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. They are Each rocket left a cookie cutter section of A Guided Missile Launcher Rocket currently the only platform that can fire a building used by insurgents as a defen- System prepares to fire. the new GMLRS. The 3/13 fielded sive position, in rubble. This was the first the launchers; the on-board computer these new vehicles in June of 2004. battlefield use of the Guided Missile boasts the ability to communicate with the Hannah and his artillerymen constantly Launcher Rocket System (GMLRS) since Tactical Operations Center and to receive train on their computers and with the its introduction. missions from almost anywhere in the launchers to overcome such obstacles. With the weapon system proved in world. Each launcher also has its own Each night, Hannah drills with the crews combat, two more rockets were fired to GPS system, feeding even more informa- and the Fire Support Officers to make destroy another insurgent position the next tion into the rocket and the computers to sure every outcome is prepared for. Mock night with the same lethal precision as the increase the accuracy of their arsenal. missions are developed and executed to first strike. Both times the damage to the “The fire system is completely digital; make sure all Soldiers are ready to fire on surrounding homes was almost non-exis- there is no voice a moment’s notice. tent and the target’s destruction was communication nec- In an urban setting like absolute. essary,” said Sgt. Tall Afar, targets have to “This system is all-weather, precision, David Helton, crew be generated from intelli- Global Positioning System (GPS), low chief of B/31, 3/13 gence to ensure buildings collateral damage, long range, lethal effect FA, who fired the of the local populous munitions,” said Capt. Robert J. Hannah, first two rounds in aren’t needlessly 3/13 FA Battalion Commander. “This combat. “We receive destroyed. Each of the tar- allows ground commanders to precisely our mission from the A GMLRS crew member loads gets is preplanned. Before attack small targets, even in an urban computers of the Fire the rockets for firing. a target is fired upon, a environment, with lower collateral dam- Support Officer with all of the coordinates link to the insurgency must be proven by age than precision bombs used by the U.S. of the aiming points of the target. Then, Soldiers on the ground who have been Air Force.” each launcher is assigned aim points to fire engaged from the structure or have made Another remarkable feature of the rock- upon.” When a voiced mission is given, contact with the terrorists around the ets is the longer they are in the air, the there is a chance of miscommunication. structure. After the approval of the mis- more precise they become. With the new system, each sion, a battle drill is rehearsed so all sec- Most rockets follow an arc launcher is given exact coordi- tions know what needs to be accom- from the launcher. This nates fed from the Advanced plished prior to executing the mission. All means factors such as Field Artillery Tactical Data the ground and air forces are then cleared weather have to be taken System (AFATDS). Each of the rocket’s path. The Fire Support into account before the launcher can communicate to the Element provides guidance to synchronize rocket is launched. FSOs through the system to ver- the units on the ground to prevent fratri- The new GMLRS follows ify the status of the launcher and cide. After the drill is complete, the rock- a path similar to a missile, the mission. ets are fired and ground units monitor the firing higher into the sky The idea isn’t a new one for result. and diving on its target to the U.S. Army, the same The outcome of the training and hard reduce collateral damage launcher has the capability to work the 3/13 FA has done paid off. With and allow the rocket to cor- GMLRS rockets are fire two long range missiles eight rockets fired and two insurgent rect itself mid-flight for loaded by a crew with similar effects. With the buildings totally destroyed, the new sys- increased accuracy, said member. GMLRS’s smaller size, the tem and its crews have shown the ability Staff Sgt. Daniel Waorowski. launchers can carry more of them, main- of the new GMLRS system and its effect The rocket isn’t the only innovation for taining the same effectiveness at a lower when fielded in combat. Page 5 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Heroes of the Week Soldier gets Bronze Star Medal for saving Soldiers Story and photo by “My A and B focused small-arms fire on the sides of the Spc. Matthew Wester Team leaders were canal. Now, he had to contend with not on the right side only the raging canal water, but also more 3/1 Armored Division Public Affairs hugging the canal, bullets and grenades. TAJI — A routine mission turned into a and all of a sud- “The rounds were landing about five to moment of courage for one Task Force den, they disap- six feet from me. Then they tried to shoot Baghdad Soldier last April. In the blink of peared. Then, the the guys in the water,” he said. an eye, Sgt. Cory J. Scott was forced to third rifleman dis- Shrugging off the AK-47 fire, Scott make several quick decisions, even as appeared,” he fished out two of the three stranded enemy bullets were raining down on him. said. Soldiers. Spc. William D. Richardson, the A squad leader with Company A, 1st The Soldiers Soldier who went underwater, was lost in Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 3rd had fallen down the current and died. Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Scott was Sgt. Cory J. Scott the steep sides of Sgt. Dustin Garner, one of the Soldiers recently awarded a Bronze Star Medal the canal and Scott pulled out of the canal, said he with “V” Device for valor for his actions were struggling to stay afloat in the swift would have drowned if Scott did not think April 3 during a mission south of Baghdad. current. on his feet and use the antenna to help Scott and nine other Soldiers were con- Scott quickly organized an attempt to him out of the water. ducting a census of a rural area. They get them out of the water. He removed his Garner, a Fort Riley, Kan., resident and completed the survey, but an enemy belt and told two other Soldiers to remove team leader for 2nd Plt., thinks Scott’s ambush was waiting for them when their their belts as well. Scott tied the belts actions were worthy of the Bronze Star convoy rolled out of the neighborhood. together and made a makeshift rope. Medal. “He does deserve it,” Garner said. “We heard some noise like some people He threw the lifeline into the canal, but “If he hadn’t been on his toes thinking, or screaming out, and they started firing the first of the Soldiers in the canal was been concerned about where we were, he [rocket-propelled grenades] at us,” said pulled underwater by the current. might not have noticed us out there in the Scott, a Reynolds, Ga., native. “My guys The other two Soldiers couldn’t get a canal.” immediately started firing toward the grip on the belts either, so Scott impro- Although he was the recipient of the enemy. By this time, I was looking vised again by breaking a long antenna off medal, Scott said it was a reminder of his around, trying to assess the situation.” a radio and dangling it near the troops. whole squad’s efforts to save their com- His squad spread out, sought cover near a Scott said the enemy noticed the rades. “If we didn’t work as a team, then concrete canal and took up firing positions. squad’s efforts to rescue their buddies and we would have had a lot more casualties.” Heroes of the Week Iraqi military leader faces obstacles, perseveres ty extends north from the city of Balad to the village of Ishaki, in By Capt. Tom Earnhardt the Salah ad Dihn Province. 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment “The best thing about this now is Capt. [Ralph] Elder and his company,” said Kaed referring to his partner in the establishment FORWARD OPERATING BASE PALIWODA, BALAD — of his company. Capt. Kaed Yunis Mohammed lives the challenge of command Elder, commander of Troop B, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry like few others in the profession of arms. Command generally Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Liberty, has means responsibility for the personnel and equipment of a given dedicated the last seven months to teaching, equipping, support- unit. For Kaed, command means building a cohesive unit from ing and protecting Kaed and his men. nothing, training new leaders and Soldiers and ridding his area of “They’ve really come a long way,” said Elder, who relin- terrorists. quished command Sept. 1. Kaed, the commander of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 1st “Kaed is different,” said 1st Lt. Cory Tatom, the company fire Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, finds himself burdened and support officer assigned to be the liaison to Kaed’s company. blessed with the mantle of command during an exciting and dan- gerous time in Iraq’s history. His company’s area of responsibili- See KAED, Page 6 Page 6 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Troops remember 9/11 by honoring true hero Sgt. Bucca’s father, Ronald Bucca, served in the U.S. Army By Task Force 134 Public Affairs Office Reserves for 29 years and was a firefighter for 23 years. Bucca’s visit began with a small memorial ceremony followed CAMP BUCCA — On Sept. 11, Sgt. Ron Bucca, currently sta- by a flag raising ceremony to honor his father. Following the cer- tioned in Iraq, came to visit the forward operating base (FOB) that emony, Bucca was given a tour of the FOB, to include the Theater bears his family name. Internment Facility, which houses more than 6,000 security Bucca’s father was a firefighter in New York City and was one detainees. Later on, he spread some of his father’s ashes from the of the initial responders at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, top of an old communications tower overlooking camp. 2001. He was on the 74th floor of the second tower when it col- For some, the memory of Bucca’s father served as a reminder lapsed, killing him and numerous others. not only of the events of 9/11, but of why they are serving in Iraq.

procedures, as well as a low risk pregnancy lace while renovations were ongoing with Fallujah birth center. Urgent care is also provided in other healthcare projects. With 23 opera- from page 2 the form of a 24 hour emergency room at tional beds, this hospital supports both the for this new state of the art facility. some of the larger clinics. ISF and civilians. Fallujah General is cur- Construction is expected to take two years. The Janabi Clinic is an example of a rently the largest hospital in the city with Current health capabilities in Fallujah pro- unique, coordinated effort between the pri- 173 beds. The Jordanian Field Hospital is vide a higher standard of care than is found vate sector and Coalition Forces. This smaller but also provides complete operat- frequently in other Iraqi cities. Fallujah effort combined funds to renovate the hos- ing room capability as well as inpatient General provides a wide range of out-patient pital to meet the needs of the local popu- capability.

they keep getting better,” Elder said as C “Many times, I arrest the [terrorists], Kaed Co. prepared to head out for the latest in very bad men with the [weapons] in the from page 5 a series of raids to clean up its area of house, and they return to my neighbor- “He’s the lone Sunni commander in his operations. hood in seven days,” Kaed complained. battalion,” he added. “This raid is Kaed’s show,” said Tatom “I am getting them again,” he said with a Every day, his challenge is more diffi- referring to the Aug. 28 operation. “This determined smile. cult. He must deal with the cultural divide is his intelligence and his target list. If he Like many company commanders, just north of the city of Balad notoriously says it’s there, it’s there.” The operation Kaed desires more funds for his work. supportive of Sunni-backed insurgence. netted four of Kaed’s five targets. His infrastructure is constantly in disre- On occasion, war hits close to home. Many of Company C’s challenges are pair, but the new Troop B commander, Kaed had to order a raid on his own like ones other units face, said Sgt. 1st Capt. Jacob Dalton, thinks he can help. cousin’s home on Aug. 28. Class Benjamin Perez, platoon sergeant “I’m going to do all I can to help him,” “Tonight, we have five targets,” Kaed assigned to train the Iraqi unit’s noncom- Dalton said. “It’s very frustrating here. told 5th Bn. officers during an opera- missioned officers. We’re fighting an enemy we can’t really tional review before the raids. “This one Developing leaders and systems takes see.” Dalton said he hopes Kaed will trust right here is very important, I am sure. It time and patience, he said. “They’re him and continue the climb to success. is my cousin’s house.” learning; each day here, I end up doing a Kaed said he believes the future is Now, his cousin is in Coalition cus- little less and watching more.” bright. “This is very hard, but the offi- tody accused of facilitating improvised Kaed said he is extremely satisfied by his cers and sergeants, they help me and my explosive device attacks. company’s evolution, but acknowledges company,” he said. “The future is good The raid was the second in the three days there are still problems and challenges. with [men like] Tatom, Elder and Perez.” led by Kaed into his home area. Each of C “The [junior] officers need to be more Plans are in place to refurbish Co.’s raids are a matter of pride for the dedicated,” Kaed said. “I spend much Company C’s compound and provide Soldiers of Troop B as their hard work time on doing [their] jobs, not mine.” improved equipment, Tatom said. “It’s develops into an operational Iraqi company. Another challenge facing Kaed is that just hard to see them have to wait for it.” “We’ve been coming out here for he sleeps close to his work, and he’s not Kaed remains determined, and he relish- months to work with these guys, and very popular in his neighborhood. es the partnership. Success isn’t far off.

argo vessel activity at the Port of Um Qasr in Basrah Province will increase substan- Ctially. Four cargo vessels arrived Sept. 16, carrying 130,000 tons of Thai rice to be dis- tributed throughout Iraq. Construction and maintenance work continues on 40-ton cranes as well as the provision of five electric cranes being returned to service. Page 7 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Election protection in ISF hands By Staff Sgt. Julie Nicolov ate, coalition troops are step- there providing securi- Multi-National Corps – ping back while ISF troops ty.” step forward. Providing security Iraq Public Affairs “It is important for Iraqis as during the elections is As of September 2005, more a whole to know that there an opportunity to gain than 190,000 Iraqi Security security forces are able to pro- the confidence of other Forces (ISF) have been trained tect them,” said Col. Tarek, countries, as well as Courtesy photo to defend their new country civil affairs officer, Iraqi the Iraqi population. Iraqi Soldiers prepare to provide and impending constitution. Armed Forces Command, who “It shows to the rest security for elections. While the citizens of Iraq pre- chooses to use only his first of the world that the in country in Afghanistan and pare for their constitution ref- name. “The election is the first ISF are willing and ready to Iraq in anticipation of elec- erendum on Oct. 15 and elec- step. If we do a good job in protect anything in Iraq,” tions,” said Secretary of tion day on Dec. 15, the ISF the election, the people will Tarek said. “We want to tell Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Soldiers prepare to secure and have more faith in our ability.” the world that we are in charge during a press brief at the protect those citizens. ISF Soldiers have started the of securing our country.” Pentagon, Aug. 23. Coalition forces, with 138,000 planning and organization Two battalion-sized ele- Although troop strength will troops, will merely be a con- process so election day will ments from Fort Bragg’s 82nd increase slightly and an emer- tingency plan. run smoothly. Airborne Division will deploy gency plan has been prepared, “It’s the Iraqi face that’s at “They’ve identified a few to Iraq for the election process. coalition troops will continue the front of this, not ours,” places where they thought they The approximately 2,000 their duties as they would any said Lt. Col. might need troops will not stay longer than other day. Patrick Stevens, some assistance 120 days, according to Army “It’s good for us to know operations plan- with security,” officials. that this is really an Iraqi ner, Multi- said Lt. Col. “We have prepared a contin- process, and we just happen to National Corps Scott Hood, gency plan in case we need to, be in the country while it’s - Iraq. chief of staff, but this is totally an Iraqi-led going on,” Hood said. Over the past Multi-National effort,” Stevens said. For the Iraqi citizens, how- two years, Force - Iraq An increase in troop ever, Oct. 15 and Dec. 15 will Coalition Courtesy photo Election strength is a precautionary be days for the history books. Iraqi Soldiers patrolling a Forces have Support measure taken regularly during “We are literally seeing the street are ready to provide guided the ISF Branch. “In elections in the areas of evolution of democracy in this security for elections. and Iraqi parlia- those cases, Operation Iraqi Freedom and country,” Stevens said. “It is ment through a “crawl, walk, even if the Iraqi police force Operation Enduring Freedom. almost like we’re working run” model of leading and and Iraqi Security Force can- “We, of course, in each with the Thomas Jeffersons training. Now, like a teacher not provide it, it’ll be the face instance, have increased the and Benjamin Franklins of who watches a student gradu- of the Iraqi Army that will be number of forces that we have America.”

onstruction worth $416,100 started this week on eight artesian wells in the Ninewa Province. The work consists of digging and adding the associated piping and tanks for six villages in Cthe Ba’asheka, Al Hamdaniya and Al Shikhan Districts. Estimated completion date for these wells is Dec. 1. The projects were selected by the local Provincial Reconstruction and Development Committee and funded by the Commanders Emergency Relief Program.

onstruction will be completed this three-day international exposition of Iraqi week on three projects totaling $1.4 reconstruction concluded Sept. 18. More Cmillion for the approximately 750 Athan 250 Arabic companies attended the Soldiers in the 20th Iraqi Army Battalion sta- event, which was hosted by the Kurdistan tioned in the Diyala Province. The work con- Regional Government, the Iraq Chamber of sisted of renovations of four barracks, a Commerce and Industry and the U.S. Chamber of maintenance area, a bakery, instructional Commerce and Industry. The event will help the classrooms and offices. Chain link fencing region to introduce foreign companies to the was also installed around the battalion area. investment opportunities in the Kurdish region. Page 8 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005

Iraqi Security Forces operations this week in Iraq MND-NC Government.” The defense minister sent rorists during a combined raid with SF Operations a clear message to the terrorists that “we advisors in Q-West. A weapons cache Iraqi police captured a potential suicide are coming for you” — implying the uni- including two 122 mm artillery rounds bomber outside a mosque in Tuz Sept. 16. fied people of Iraq — and, along with and IED-making equipment was also The capture came moments after another Iraqi Transitional Government outreach confiscated. suicide bomber detonated himself outside efforts, is using the operations in Tall a mosque in the city. The detonation dam- Afar to flex Iraqi autonomy as the elec- Operation Sayaid aged the mosque door and nearby Iraqi tions approach. IA troops maintain effective control of shop windows. An initial assessment by Iraqi Army units continue to run inde- Rawah, and continue combined opera- Iraqi police at the scene indicated 10 civil- pendent security and reconnaissance tions in the Haditha/Hit area. ians were killed and about 20 others operations and provide the majority of The IA leadership in the western region wounded in the suicide attack. The two the troop strength for combat operations. is currently preparing to assume control terrorists wore explosive vests and IA units are leading the expansion to the of battle space in the Syria/Iraq border attacked the mosques at about 2:30 p.m. villages surrounding Tall Afar and con- area. Friday, the traditional Islamic day of tinue to integrate Iraqi police officers prayer. into village security to free themselves MND-SE Iraqi police had removed the up for more independent offensive oper- Operations bomber’s detonation switch before ations. Iraqi Police officers arrested two men handcuffing the individual to a tree. The 4th Police Commandos are con- who had been observed planting IEDs This safety measure allowed Coalition ducting independent operations in sup- near the Al Taqwa Mosque, in the Al Force explosive ordnance disposal port of Coalition and IA forces and have Farahidy district of Basrah City. The IPs (EOD) personnel to investigated and assumed control of western Tall Afar. immediately launched an investigation remove the estimated 10 to 15 pounds A weapons cache found in Tall Afar under the direction of their Provincial of explosives worn on his suicide vest. included mortars, rocket-propelled Joint Operation Centre (PJOC). Four EOD removed the vest with a robot and grenades (RPGs), RPG armor-piercing more men, who were found in a Toyota destroyed the device. rounds, anti-coalition propaganda, small Land Cruiser which contained a large Members of the 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi arms and ammunition. Two terrorists quantity of TNT, were arrested in the Army Division and their SF advisors were also detained. search. detained five suspected terrorists and During a patrol in Kisik, the Iraqi Members of the Iraqi Counter-terror- discovered a weapons cache in Balad. Police provided the 2nd Brigade, 3rd ism Force and their Special Forces advi- The cache included several 155 mm Division of the Iraqi Army with informa- sors detained a leader of a Anti-Iraqi rounds. tion regarding hidden weapons in a Forces cell in Baghdad. town’s power generator room. The Iraqi The suspect was allegedly an intelli- Training Soldiers found four men with IED-mak- gence colonel in the former regime. Approximately 120 Soldiers from the ing materials. The four suspected terror- Intelligence indicates that he arranged 10th Iraqi Army Division’s Engineer ists were detained. numerous IED attacks against Coalition Company started three weeks of training During a combined direct action mis- Forces and attempted to purchase anti- at the 1st Field Engineer Regiment sion with an the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi armor and anti-aircraft weapons from School at Taji. Eighty-one students grad- Army Division and Special Forces advi- Mahdi army. uated from Military Intelligence basic sors in Tall’ Afar, Iraqi Soldiers captured training at Taji. 28 suspected terrorists, sustaining six Training The Transitional Integration Program casualties. Approximately 750 volunteers from As academy also graduated 118 students. Samawah will attend an eight-week mili- At the Al Kut Regional Training MND-NE tary course at the An Nasiriyah Military Center, 17 students graduated from the Iraqi troops from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Training Center. Training includes basic Basic Medic course. Iraqi Intervention Force detained a sus- infantry skills and military urban opera- pected insurgent east of Saqlawiyah dur- tions. MNF-NW ing a combined operation with Coalition Operation Restoring Rights Forces Sept. 13. MND-B Prime Minister Ja’afari has assumed Training responsibility for operations in Tall Afar. MNF-W Approximately 100 students graduated CNN declared the operation a “rare show Members of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi from the Transitional Integration of force by the Iraqi Transitional Army Division detained 14 suspected ter- Program Academy in Karada. Page 9 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Operation Flea Flicker sweeps through Zafaraniya By 2nd Brigade Combat sion, searching for illegal Team Public Affairs weapons, propaganda and other contraband. ZAFARANIYA — U.S. Troops discovered sever- and Iraqi Forces searched al minor weapons viola- houses and fields during tions, and detained a man An AH-64 Apache flies Operation Flea Flicker in with a 60 mm mortar round overhead, as Public Order U.S. Army photos by Spc. Ben Brody Zafaraniya Sept. 14. in a plastic bag under his Brigade troops pull securi- A Soldier inspects a mortar The operation — con- bed. ty during the mission. round found in a Zafaraniya ducted by Soldiers from 1st residence Sept. 14 during Battalion, 9th Field Operation Flea Flicker. Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi Public Order Brigade — was designed to disrupt anti-Iraqi activity in the area in prepara- tion for the Oct. 15 constitutional refer- endum. The joint force U.S. Soldiers and Public Order Brigade swept through neigh- Sgt. Shaun Mance, Battery A, 1st Bn., 9th Field troops search houses in Zafaraniya borhoods during the Artillery Regt., hands out T-shirts to Zafaraniya during Operation Flea Flicker. early-morning mis- children during Operation Flea Flicker. Iraqis, 3rd ACR set up Forward TOC in Tall Afar Story by Sgt. Daniel W. Lucas “It is easier to get reception with units in Setting up the Forward TOC may be all 366th Mobile Public Affairs the field from here than from the main in a day’s work for the HHT troopers, but Detachment TOC,” said 1st Lt. Alex Vershinin, HHT, the TOC they created stays up and running 1/3 Cav. “We can also track units faster 24 hours a day, keeping constant commu- TALL AFAR — The 3rd Armored with less interference.” nication with all of the units currently Cavalry Regiment and Iraqi Army set up a A lot of factors had to be considered for deployed in Tall Afar. forward Tactical Operations Center close security and communication, on the top of “Each situation has its own unique chal- to the town here in preparation to root out the priority list. lenges,” said McKaine. “We have every- the terrorists who have come to call this “We are bringing out various barriers thing we really need here to be successful. place their new home. and sandbags to fortify force protection These guys are performing a job most guys “A Forward TOC is a forward manifesta- here,” said Capt. Terrence Buckeye, won’t do, and they go above and beyond. tion of the unit to keep communication Commander, HHT, 1/3 Cav. This is a great unit doing great things.” with Soldiers on the ground,” said Sgt. 1st He added that a platoon of Iraqi Army Even though the HHT set up the TOC in Class Clarence McKaine, Headquarters Soldiers is helping guard the Forward TOC a matter of hours, they were pushed to do it and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 3rd by guarding the main gate and manning right, not to do it fast. ACR. two of the guard towers. “It’s not about the speed which we do “It is supposed to help maintain com- When the building was hardened, anten- our mission,” said McKaine. “It’s about mand and control and communication with nas went up and the Soldiers’ pushpins dot- the effectiveness of it. Anybody can run the units, because if those aren’t upheld, ted the activity of that day on maps hung though and tear stuff up, but these guys are the units won’t be as effective.” from the walls. taking their time and doing things right.” Page 10 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Iraqi police train at Mosul Public Safety academy Story and photos by Sgt. Rick Way teered to lend a hand. 366th Mobile Public Affairs With over 250 cadets to examine, Detachment the medics must work swiftly while maintaining a thorough health screen- MOSUL — The newly created Mosul ing for the cadets. Public Safety Academy opened its doors “Most of the Iraqis have not been to for the first class of Iraqi Police officers a doctor their entire lives, unless Aug. 21. Over 250 cadets arrived to take something really bad happened,” part in the first class. Although they are Leonard said. “The Iraqis are surpris- here as Police Cadets, they are not new to ingly healthy for the conditions that law enforcement. they live in.” The first class of cadets has been All of the medics agreed that ath- employed as Iraqi Police officers in Mosul lete’s foot was going to be the number and surrounding areas. Police trainees file into a classroom at one medical issue with the cadets. “All of the cadets are IPs, they just haven’t the Mosul Public Safety Academy. Literacy testing and the issue of been formally trained,” said Capt. Kevin and the ITOs, civilian International Police identification badges followed the medical Pugh, commander of the 179th Military Trainers provide training in the classroom screenings. As always with a new facility, Police detachment assigned to the academy. and firearms instruction. there are bugs to be worked out, but the “They probably have a decent idea of The IPTs are employed by Military first day went exceptionally well and all of what Iraqi Police do in this country, but Professional Resources Inc., a contractor the cadets were soon standing tall in their they should be a total package when they for the U.S. Department of Justice. fresh new uniforms for the welcoming cer- graduate from this academy,” he said. “Everybody knows we’re here for one emony that evening. “The primary mission [of the 179th] is to mission and one goal,” said Greg Jordan, At the brief ceremony, MPRI employee augment and supervise the force protection an employee of MPRI. “We work side by John Hayes, told the cadets, “We plan to of the facility; we also advise the training side with the 179th MPs, doing everything make the academy the premier police acad- and instruction,” said Pugh. from filling sandbags to washing dishes.” emy of Iraq, a place you can be proud to “Facilitating the movement of the police After an initial inspection of the cadets’ say that you graduated from.” cadets and providing drill instructors is personal luggage, they were issued uni- also on the list of duties for the 179th.” forms and marched to the dining facility The 179th are not the only instructors; for breakfast. they also support a team of Iraqi Tactical The next step in the process was a med- Officers (ITO), advising them during their ical screening. “My job is to screen the training and instruction. cadets from head to toe,” said Sgt. David “We already have a pretty good relation- Edwards, a combat medic, 179th MP. ship built between my [non-commissioned To aid Edwards during the medical officers] and the ITOs,” said Pugh. screenings, two of the Headquarters and “I didn’t expect it to develop this quick- Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Iraqi Tactical Officers march ly. They’ve surpassed our expectations,” Cavalry Regiment medics, Pfc. Corey trainees after being issued the new In addition to the Soldiers of the 179th Daniels and Spc. Abram Leonard, volun- blue tactical uniforms. Ansar al Sunna Emir of Mosul Captured Rahman, aka after being incarcerated, as well as Mosul. These By Multi-National Corps - Dara moved to Mosul where he include suicide, VBIED and Iraq Public Affairs Mohammad. believed he and his family IED attacks on local citizens Dara would be safe from Iraqi as well as attacks directed BAGHDAD — On Sept. 6, Mohammad authorities. He is wanted for against governmental, Iraqi elements of 1st Brigade, 25th is an admit- alleged terrorist acts against Security and Coalition Forces. Infantry Division (Stryker ted terrorist the Iraqi people in the Kurdish Dara Mohammad, as the Brigade Combat Team), acting in the Ansar region. senior Ansar al Sunna terrorist on intelligence sources and al Sunna (AS) terrorist organi- His alleged crimes include in Mosul, is also alleged to tips from concerned citizens, zation and the alleged Ansar al the participation in and the have numerous terrorist con- raided a suspected terrorist Sunna Emir of Mosul. directing of numerous murders nections in the region as well location in Mosul and captured Dara Mohammad, who and bombings against targets as with international terrorist Amanz Muhammad Abd-al- recently returned from Iran throughout the Kurdish region groups like al-Qaida. Page 11 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Troops search for explosive devices, pink taxis Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Matthew Acosta 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment FORWARD OPERATING BASE PALIWODA, BALAD — Although the Iraqi Army is well on its way to taking An interpreter speaks to responsibility for the security the driver of a pink taxi as of the area here, Coalition directed by Staff Sgt. Forces are still patrolling Main Derrick White, dismount Supply Route (MSR) Tampa commander, 5th Bn., 7th and the surrounding areas, Cavalry, Task Force Liberty. keeping the roads open for Coalition travel. Iraqi Soldiers from 3rd Bn., 1st Bgde., 4th Division check a Every day, Soldiers of truck for explosives at an Iraqi Army checkpoint in Balad. Combat Troop, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Brigade tions of the area we’re respon- every time we get hit, there’s a Combat Team, Task Force sible for covering and if we mention of a pink car in the Liberty, mount trucks and set can see that far, we can shoot area,” he said. “Pink is just not out to check roads and set up that far, too.” that popular here.” observation posts, with or Besides observation posts, While the Soldiers are out without the assistance of the the Soldiers conducted several on patrol, they are made aware Iraqi Army. random vehicle inspections of intelligence reports that may “We try to utilize the Iraqi and one deliberate inspection. come in as the patrol is out Soldiers as much as possible, “The last few times we were clearing the streets. An Iraqi Soldier from 3rd taking them out on patrol and hit with an IED, there have White said they get calls on Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th sitting back while they do been reports by more than one the radio telling them to keep Division checks a man’s most of the work leading the person of a pink-colored vehi- an eye out for specific makes identification at an Iraqi patrol and clearing the MSR cle fleeing the scene at a high and models and colors of sus- Army checkpoint in Balad. and other known [improvised rate of speed,” said White. picious vehicles. explosive device] (IED) sites,” The IED attack that “This is the only pink car [that From now on, White said, said Staff Sgt. Derrick White, destroyed a Bradley fighting I know of] in Balad.” whenever they see the pink dismount patrol commander, vehicle was on a road infa- White carefully approached taxi, the driver is going to be Troop C, 5/7. “Sometimes, the mous for IED attacks against the driver and asked his busi- pulled over and searched, Iraqi Soldiers are busy raiding the Coalition Forces. White’s ness in the area. especially if there’s an explo- a nearby village or patrolling platoon regularly sets up The driver of the taxi tells sion in the area. other problematic areas and observation posts around the White he lives on the other Until the Iraqi Army takes they can’t go out with us, so area looking for suspicious side of Balad and knows noth- complete control of the road we go without them.” activity. ing about the IEDs. and MSR security around Although the roads are “We use the highest site in After thoroughly searching Balad, Coalition Forces will patrolled several times a day the area for an observation his vehicle, White let him go continue to patrol the streets by the Soldiers, the IED threat post,” White said. “From here with a warning. looking for those who may remains at an elevated level. we can see into different sec- “It just seems so odd that plant IEDs or drive pink taxis.

volunteered their time to hand out the Caring for detainees’ family members bags. Some even donated some items ABU GHRAIB — Soldiers at plies including cookies, potato chips, such as Beanie Babies for the children. Forward Operating Base Abu Ghraib are etc., to be used in care packages pre- Handing out the care packages not working with the Army & Air Force pared by Soldiers and distributed during only helps put children at ease during an Exchange Service to distribute care family visitations. often emotional visit with their loved packages to families visiting their loved Soldiers recently distributed more than one, but also helps foster good relation- ones at the Theater Internment Facility. 200 individual care packages to children ships between the Soldiers and the Iraqi AAFES is donating overstocked sup- visiting the FOB. Numerous Soldiers people. Page 12 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Iraqi Soldiers respond to terrorist attack, find cache CAMP ECHO — Soldiers from Iraqi This is the latest successful action 8th Division carried out a cordon and carried out by 8th Division Soldiers search operation in Al-Jawasim six miles that deprived terrorists groups of west of Diwaniyah in response to a mortar weapons and ammunition that would attack on Camp Echo Sept. 14. otherwise be used in terrorists The Iraqi troops seized a cache of illegal attacks. weapons and ammunition, including two The successful response on terrorist mortars, 29 anti-tank launchers, nine anti- action demonstrates growing capabili- aircraft launchers, one machine gun, one ty of Iraqi army to quick respond to sniper rifle, 175 mortar grenades, 30 kilos violence acts and proves the ability of explosive material, 35 fuses, 13 impro- use and a large amount of various caliber Iraqi Soldiers to ensure safe and vised explosive devices that were ready to ammunition. secure environment to Iraqi people.

Abu Ghraib 6,1826,150 Camp Bucca

Camp Cropper 4,6004,639 Brigade Internment Facilities/Division 137150 1,7141,700 Internment Facilities

MNF-I Detainee Population as of September 16, 2005 — 12,600

onstruction is completed on the $485,000 Al Rasheeda Hinda Water Treatment Unit in the Karbala Province. An Iraqi company from Karbala employed 30 Cworkers and installed over nine miles of new water lines supplying water to approximately 7,000 residents. Page 13 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Local leaders celebrate Baghdad bridge opening By 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

BAGHDAD — Task Force Baghdad Soldiers and leaders from the Tissa Nissan District of East Baghdad cut the ribbon on a much-anticipated bypass Sept. 9. U.S. Army photos by Spc. Ben Brody The opening of the Rustamiyah Traffic Bypass represents the The Rustamiyah Bypass Bridge is a concrete girder bridge culmination of a $2 million project conceived by the Tissa with a concrete deck and asphalt surface able to handle Nissan District Advisory Council with assistance from 1st loads in excess of 70 tons. Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division; the 36th Engineer Group; and 1st Battalion, 64th Armor, 2nd Brigade and logistical traffic. Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Additionally, the compound and travelers in its “The idea for the bypass was the brain- vicinity have been at increased risk for car bombs child of the Nine Nissan DAC,” said Lt. because of traffic congestion. The Rustamiyah Col. Kevin Farrell, commander of 1st Bypass attempts to solve these problems. Bn., 64th Armor. “It’s benefited the local “The heavy traffic near Rustamiyah posed a economy by creating jobs, but also by threat to both civilians and Soldiers from [vehi- improving the traffic flow in the area.” cle-borne improvised explosive devices],” Farrell A gathering of Iraqis and U.S. Soldiers said. “The area is safer for everyone now.” The project included a bridge, 1.5 kilometers of grew on the bridge as attack helicopters District Advisory Council mem- roadway, curb construction and emplacement of circled the area and tanks patrolled the bers from Tissa Nissan cut the roadside lighting. The bridge itself is a concrete streets. ribbon at a ceremony for the girder bridge with a concrete deck and asphalt Tissa Nissan DAC member Dr. Karim opening of the Rustamiyah surface able to handle loads in excess of 70 tons. Al Amber, who cut the ribbon officially Bypass Bridge Sept. 9. opening the bypass, praised the project This project is one of many road and infra- as representing a bridge of peace between Iraqis and Americans. structure improvements completed or currently underway under “This is a great project. It is also a weapon, which will shorten the guidance of the leaders and citizens of Tissa Nissan in part- the age and the time of the terrorists,” Amber said. “The motiva- nership with 1/64 Armor Soldiers. tion from this will promote hope in the souls of the people.” Since February, local leaders with the help of the battalion Since the liberation of Iraq in 2003 and the continued presence have supervised the completion of $3 million worth of projects, of Coalition Forces on the Rustamiyah Military Academy with another $2 million worth of projects ongoing throughout the Compound, residents of Baghdad have found it difficult to travel Tissa Nissan District. All projects share the same goal of easily on nearby Canal Road due to the high volume of military improving the quality of life of the district’s citizens.

More power on the way ...

International Limits of Baghdad has the $1.1 million contract to supply, install, test and place in service two new 33kV underground feeders in Adamiyah 132/33/11kV substation to New Greatte 33/11kV substation in the Rusafa Governate of Baghdad (west of Sadr City). Currently the work is 48 percent finished and 22 500-meter cable drums have been delivered on site. About 70 Iraqis are part of the work crew. Construction started July 19 and is expected to be complete Oct. 14. Page 14 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Economic hopes soar with new airfield tower Ninewa economy is flat By Polli Keller lined or, more realistically, Gulf Region Central District negative. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers “If Ninewa Governorate were a more permissive area MOSUL — The U.S. Army Corp of in which to work, local com- Engineers is working hard to assist Ninawa panies would be supplying Province in becoming a major commercial building workers and building center in northern Iraq. materials to the ATCT in lieu The USACE is providing quality assur- of foreign countries.” ance oversight as a Turkish contractor, During construction, this EMTA Construction Co., builds a new air project employs 150 workers traffic control tower at Mosul Airport, on Photo by Jim Gordon daily for approximately seven FOB Diamondback, Iraq. Workers install the reinforced concrete footing months. Iraq Air has committed to providing air for new construction of the 30 meter tall control Once completed, this project service to this airport in northern Iraq when tower at the Mosul Air Field in northern Iraq. will employ approximately 50 the tower is completed in June 2006. in Ninawa.” workers in permanent airfield mainte- This commitment will bring internation- According to Scopa, this project should nance, operations and air traffic control al air travel to the Ninawa Province, which lead the effort for the economic recovery of jobs. Tower construction is not the only will attract international commerce. Ninawa Province. improvement planned for the Mosul air- In turn, the increase in commerce will There is very little capital investment in field. strengthen and should help stabilize the the area, but projects like the building of Other improvements consist of new nav- economy. this tower should help the local economy igation aids for the Instrument Landing Frank Scopa, the Corps’ Mosul Office to expand. System, which includes the distance meas- Area Engineer, spoke of the positive social Most of the money paid these construc- uring equipment, glide slope approach, and changes increased commerce will bring. tion workers is not being spent in Mosul. the control and monitor system. “With an improvement in commerce, The company’s Turkish workmen come The new system will also include a pre- there will be significant alternatives to to Iraq because there is work here and cision approach path indicator and new joining the insurgency, which should lead they can earn premium wages, which communications equipment. to a reduction in violence,” said Scopa. they take back to Turkey to support their Additionally, there will be new lighting “There will be choices not available families. for the existing runways and taxiways, as today due to the extreme unemployment Scopa explains, “Right now, the well as new signage.

From the very SumerSumer waterwater plantplant beginning of its mission the MND- undergoesundergoes rrenovationenovation CS has been actively engaged in improvement of By Lt. Cmdr. Bartosz Zajda living conditions Multi-National Division - Central South Public Information for local society in the area of respon- SUMER — Polish Soldiers from Multi-National Division sibility. MND-CS Central-South Civil Military Cooperation renovated a water plant soldiers organized for the citizens of Sumer, nine miles north of Ad Diwaniyah. The reconstruction of water plant provides potable water for about 30,000 citizens. the civilian infra- This is the latest water project provided by MND-CS for local structure and pro- citizens. Just last week MNDCS Soldiers opened a new water Courtesy photo vided humanitarian Workers and Polish Soldiers discuss plant in Sarai, 18 miles south of Ad Diwaniyah. relief for Iraqi citi- the renovation of the Sumer water The water plant in Sumer didn’t work effectively as the pumps zens. plant. and electric engines were broken down. Polish Soldiers decided to During the two prepare the project to renovate the water plant. years, the civil military relations specialists have completed 2,100 Thanks to that project the water plant in Sumer has five new projects; other completed projects include water purification facil- pumps, five new electric engines and new electric installation. ities, electrical power stations, educational infrastructure, medical Additionally general service and conservation of the generator facilities and administrative buildings. In total, they helped more 500 kVA were made. than 500,000 Iraqi people. Page 15 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division

••ConstructionConstruction started Dec. Dec. 20, 20, 2004, 2004 onon the the $658,000 $658K Al Al Guyaraspace (was forAl Baladiyat)medical and Primary dental examination Healthcare andCenter treatment, project in BaghdadGuyara (was Governance Al Baladiyat) (located Primary at thHealthcaree southern Center edge proj- of Sadrwith City). space for a pharmacy and public education. •ectAbout in Baghdad 30 Iraqis Governance work there (located daily. Currentlyat the southern they edgeare involv of ed• Thirty-fourin building Public brick wallsHealthcare and partitions, Center projects shuttering are under and casting the overhead columns. Contract completion date is Oct. 30, 2005, and 24% of the work is complete. Sadr City). construction throughout the area. These facilities will relieve • This is a 2-story 1,155-sq.-meter facility providing space for medical/dental examination and treatment, with space including• About 30 medical Iraqis work and dentalthere daily. x-ray Currently capabilities, they arevaccination,the testing overburdened lab, pharmacy, outpatient and care public currently education. being provided by •involvedThere are in 34building Public brick Healthcare walls and Center partitions, projects shuttering under constructionexisting hospitals. throughout Sadr the City GRC has AOR. seven These health facilitiescare projects will relieveand casting the overburdened the overhead columns. outpatient Contract care currentlycompletion being date provwithided contracts by existing totaling hospitals. nearly $21 Sadr million. City has That seven includes health careis Oct. projects 30. About with 25 contracts percent of totaling the work nearly is complete. $21 million. That$17.2 includes million $17.2M for renovating for renovating the Al theBaladi Al Baladi Hospital, Hospital which is which• This is is 40%a two-story, complete. 1,155-square URI 11838 meter facility providing 40 percent complete.

Engineers to improve Al Mada’in Schools

Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Troy Westerman A site assessment of two schools in the Al Mada’in community in southeastern Baghdad Sept. 13 found the Al Mada’in schools had falling ceiling plaster, cracked walls, and were in need of some extensive rehabilita- tion. Gulf Region Central District has renovation or new construction work involving 107 schools totaling $29 million. Of those schools, 58 have been completed.

esterday the Radwaniyah Medical Clinic opened in Baghdad. The clinic is co-located with the government information center, adjacent to the 48th Brigade Combat Team YCivil Military Operations Center. Iraqi doctors and staff will provide free medical service to all Iraqis, and Coalition health service personnel will provide support as needed. Page 16 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 This week in Multi-National Corps - Iraq Coalition Operations: a week in review MND-NC Another 236 students graduated from the Ramadi Sept. 14. Operations Sulaymaniyah Regional Academy. Troops from 1st Iraqi Intervention Force Task Force Liberty Soldiers near Fifty-one students graduated from and U.S. Army Soldiers detained two men Samarra killed an insurgent while respond- Advanced Instruction Criminal engaged in suspicious activity during a ing to a sniper attack. 1st Brigade Combat Investigation courses at Adnan Palace as combined combat patrol. Upon searching Team Soldiers manning an observation well. their residence, they found one IED, two post identified two other insurgents follow- Construction AK-47 rifles and one machine gun. ing small arms fire from a nearby house. A new school in Homerat Alaouk held its Two weapons caches found in Ar Rutbah Another group of Soldiers engaged the grand opening ceremony Sept. 13. The new and Iskandariyah included mortars, rocket- insurgents fleeing in a civilian sedan. The school will house 120 students and has propelled grenades (RPG), RPG armor- insurgents abandoned their car and fled the provided jobs for the village over the past piercing rounds, anti-Coalition propagan- scene of the attack on foot. six months. da, small arms and ammunition. Two ter- After securing the scene, 1st BCT troops Soldiers of the Iraqi Army and a Task rorists were detained. conducted a search and discovered one Force Liberty civil affairs team checked dead insurgent with a Draganov sniper the construction progress on a new school MND-B rifle. Soldiers searched for the second in Aflad Sept. 11. The troops also passed Operations insurgent and discovered a blood trail. The out school supplies to the children. A suspected bomber was detained after second insurgent was not found. he assaulted his mother-in-law in her In the Diyala Province, Task Force MND-NE home. Coalition Forces were clearing Liberty and Iraqi Army Soldiers followed a Operations unexploded ordnance northwest of Nasser civilian tip to a cache of artillery and mor- Iraqi Army and U.S. Marines detained a Wa Salam when they saw a man running to tar rounds near Jalula and detained four man suspected of being the leader of a a vehicle parked near the site. individuals Sept. 10. The cache included known insurgent cell during a cordon-and- The troops pursued the man and saw him 29 82 mm mortar rounds, 14 122 mm search mission in the Saqlawiyah-Fallujah run into a residence where they heard artillery rounds and six 130 mm artillery area. women screaming. rounds. Task Force Liberty explosive ord- Coalition forces found the woman, later nance disposal (EOD) personnel conducted MNF-W identified as the suspect’s mother-in-law, a controlled blast to destroy the munitions. Operations suffering from head injuries. She told the Eight more individuals suspected of mak- Coalition Forces conducted an air strike Soldiers the man who assaulted her was a ing and placing improvised explosive Thursday night against a known terrorist terrorist and was putting bombs in the devices (IEDs) were detained in Kirkuk safe house and weapons cache in the roads. The man was taken into custody and Sept. 11. The joint force conducted a search Western Al Anbar Province border town of the woman was taken to the local hospital based on information gathered by the police. Karabilah. The target was an abandoned for treatment for suspected skull fracture. A weapons cache of mortar rounds was school used by al Qaida in Iraq terrorists to Women insurgents were arrested this found near Bayji Sept. 10 while Coalition carry out attacks against local civilians and week in at least two separate incidents in Forces searched a farm north of the city. Coalition Forces. At the time of the strike, Baghdad. The cache included 35 60 mm mortar terrorists were also observed firing mortars Operation Thunder rounds and boxes of artillery propellant and from outside the building. A weapons cache found in the Karkh was taken to a Coalition base for disposal. Two AV8-B Harrier jets destroyed the region of Baghdad included mortars, An Iraqi informant led Iraqi Army building using precision-guided 500 lb. RPGs, RPG armor-piercing rounds, anti- Special Forces and elements of Task Force bombs. Multiple secondary explosions were coalition propaganda, small arms, small 5/7 to a house owned by a suspected IED observed after the strike. Nine terrorists were arms ammunition and two anti-Iraqi force maker. Soldiers found IED-making materi- confirmed killed and one vehicle destroyed. personnel detained. als and several IEDs made out of artillery During other operations throughout the Constitution rounds. Seven anti-Iraqi forces cell mem- week, U.S. Air Force F-16s and Navy F/A- College students and recent graduates bers were detained, including a tribal 18s and EA-6Bs provided close air support are helping to educate citizens on the Iraq leader where the cache was discovered. to Coalition troops in the vicinity of Al- Constitution’s content. Although some dis- Training Fallujah, Al Ramadi, Balad, Baqubah, and trict councilmen have expressed their lack Approximately 150 students graduated Mosul. of support for the current draft, they are from the Taji Military Training Base Iraqi and Coalition forces detained two committed to the democratic process and a Engineer School. suspected insurgents during a patrol in free and fair election. Page 17 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 This week in Multi-National Corps - Iraq Iraqis undergo intense transportation training By Pfc. Spencer Case York, the regimental Multi-National Corps - Iraq training operations non- commissioned officer for Public Affairs the 3rd MTR Military U.S. military trainers in northern Iraq Training Team (MiTT). challenged Iraqi Soldiers to think with The need for critical platoon-level exercises that test progress thinking became evident towards running their own supply mis- when the 3rd MTR con- sions. ducted a mission to pick Eighteen platoons of the 3rd Motorized up barricade materials Transportation Regiment at Al Kasik per- from Forward Operating formed two mock convoys. Passing three Base Sykes. One of the points where U.S. trainers ran scenarios vehicles drifted away ranging from non-threatening civilians from the convoy and fol- Iraqi Soldiers with the 3rd MTR arrest an “insur- asking for water to complex attacks lowed a tank from anoth- gent” during a training exercise at Al Kisik. involving terrorist tactics, with smoke, er unit. artillery and blank ammunition for real- “In the absence of guidance, a jundai Salman Abed Salman, a sergeant in the ism. (Iraqi Soldier) will 3rd MTR, “but that’s OK because it is Trainers, from the follow whatever’s in good training.” 1st Corps Support front of him,” York 2nd Lt. Yassiem Taha Fatah, a platoon Command, did sub- said. He added cor- leader, showed surprising skill by impro- tle things to create recting this is vital vising techniques that he had not been cohesion. Instead of — and challenging. taught. When trainers tested him with an briefing the Iraqi York trained eight IED scenario, he secured the area using soldiers directly, Posing as an insurgent, a U.S. interpreters and two both vehicles and dismounted soldiers. they briefed platoon Soldier targets the Iraqi convoy dur- U.S. Soldiers in the When a sniper attacked, Yassiem pulled leadership and gave ing the training. MiTT to act as them back to the vehicles, and flanked the them two hours to prepare. After that, pla- opposing force elements, attacking as real attacker. toons moved to the staging area to make terrorists would. Trainers have difficulty relaying safety terrain models and conducted “rock York said. “It’s a scenario base that to Iraqi troops because of the language drills,” in which leaders called on soldiers allows the commander to make decisions barrier and a military history with accept- randomly to explain parts of their mission. based on the circumstances he sees … and able one or two percent casualty rates. This represents the first time the Iraqi flexibility to allow good or bad conse- U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers said the training platoons integrated a broad range of sol- quences.” showed progress towards the day when dier skills, said Army Master Sgt. Nathan “Maybe the jundai feel it is hard,” said they will run their own operations.

218,000 in construction work will be com- n Monday, a groundbreaking cere- $pleted this week on four schools in mony was held for a corn pro- Baghdad, Kirkuk and in the Salah ad Din and Ocessing plant in Balad Ruz. Qadisiyah Provinces. Nearly 1,350 children will Currently 40,000 tons of corn is produced receive a better education in schools with in the Diyala Province, 30,000 tons of repaired roofs, bathrooms, water fountains and which comes from the Balad Ruz region. playgrounds. One of these, a girls’ school, with The nearest processing plant currently is a capacity of 600 students, received two addi- in Kirkuk, much too far for local farmers tional classrooms and a bathroom. to travel and causing much of the har- vested corn to go to waste. The plant will RD/PCO released $20 million to invigorate the agricultural community, as Gstabilize the Mosul dam. well as the collateral business activities. Page 18 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 This week in Multi-National Division - Central South Iraqi battalion hits the streets near Al Suwayrah By Yuriy Karin the troops from the 4th Airmobile (Ukrainian Contingent) Company, 81st Task Forces. Under supervision of the mili- 81st Task Force Public Information tary advisers Iraqi Soldiers were AL SUWAYRAH — The Iraqi Army’s engaged in conducting 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade of the 8th patrolling, service at the check- Division, trained by Soldiers from the points as well as stabilization Ukrainian 81st Task Force, was certified operations in the northwestern ready to conduct operations independently district of the Wasit province. Sept. 15. As a result the commission of This is a keystone stage of the prepara- the MND-CS acknowledged the tion process within the 3rd Brigade struc- high ability of the 3rd Battalion Courtesy Photo ture. It means that all individual subunits to conduct its tasks at all levels. The Iraqi Army’s 3rd Bn., 3rd Bgde., 8th of the 3rd Brigade achieved their certifica- When they certified the 3rd Division, trained by Soldiers from the tions, which confirms their readiness to Battalion, the 3rd Brigade com- Ukrainian 81st Task Force, was certified ready implement a wide array of tasks within its mander and Brig. Gen. Sergey to conduct independent operations Sept. 15. area of responsibility. Ghoroschnikov, commander of The next stage is to evaluate the ability since June and is scheduled to be the 81st TF, noted with great satisfaction of the 3rd Brigade as the uniform compo- deployed near the city of Al Suwayrah. that Soldiers from 3rd Battalion were well nent of the 8th Division. In August, the battalion was redeployed prepared to live up their superiors’ expec- The 3rd Battalion has been working to the city of As-Souveyra where prepara- tation in the area of responsibility of the with advisors from the Ukrainian military tions were carried out in cooperation with 8th Division. Coalition Soldiers help kids begin new school year

By Lt. Cdr. Bartosz Zajda Child’s House in Ad Diwaniyah. In total Multi-National Division Central-South it was about 200 Public Information kilograms of dona- AS SALAHIYAH tions, including — Soldiers from school supplies, Multi-National footwear and cloth- Division-Central ing. School supplies South provided for another 600 stu- donations for Iraqi dents will be provid- children who are ed to other Iraqi starting a new school schools in the future. Grateful students look at the school year. Girls from Those gifts were supplies delivered by Coalition intermediate school collected by Soldiers. Courtesy Photos in As Salahiyah, 40 American organiza- Coalition Soldiers visit a girls’ kilometers west of tions such as “People to People,” “Operation Iraqi Children,” school in As Salahiyah to distribute Ad Diwaniyah, and and “Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation,” and distributed by supplies for the new school year. boys from Child’s MND-CS Humanitarian Coordination Centre. House in Ad Diwaniyah, were the recipients. A problem in Iraq when the new school year starts is a lack of “We know how important thing is to support Iraqi families teaching aids and educational infrastructure. In many cases the when the Iraqi children start a new school year,” said Polish offi- problems are basic, for example, lack of electricity and water. cers from Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Centre in That’s why, for the last two years Multi-National Division- MND-CS. “That’s why we provided school supplies, footwear Central South provided for Iraqi people about 500 educational and clothing to the schools.” projects. They included renovating the schools, educational About 150 girls were given school supplies. This week MND- buildings, providing the equipment, school supplies and many CS HACC provided also school supplies for about boys from other supplies that are necessary to teach the children. Page 19 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 This week in Multi-National Division - Baghdad New equipment brings smiles to Salhiya orphanage well acquainted, but this day, completed goes to waste,” Story and photos by Spc. Dan Balda Aug. 29, was different. The said 1st Lt. Kevin Siegrist, a 4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs assembled parties were civil military operations offi- together to celebrate the cer assigned to Headquarters BAGHDAD — Humvees descended on installation of a generator the and Headquarters Company, Salhiya in the blink of an eye. Roads were U.S. Soldiers had purchased 4th Bn. 64th Armor. closed and cordons established as armor-clad for their little friends. The bid process is a way for Soldiers stepped The orphanage had an old the civil-military operations from their vehicles, run-down generator, said section to teach Iraqi citizens wary eyes hidden Capt. Steve Wood, A Co. the intricacies of capitalism. behind dark glasses. commander. “They didn’t They take a minimum of three As the dismount- have power too often, and the A Soldier entertains a bids from area contractors and ed U.S. Soldiers got temperature inside the build- little girl during the then choose the best qualified closer to the crowd, ing would get into the triple celebration. candidate. their tight-lipped digits. To enhance the living conditions, we “We don’t choose them based on who expressions sudden- bought them a new generator.” knows who,” Siegrist said. “It’s based on Sgt. Kelly Johnson ly turned into smiles The generator works with the city who can provide the best product for the gently rocks a little as children circled power. The orphanage can turn it on when best price in the least amount of time.” girl who lives at around for hugs. the Baghdad power grid shuts down. Within a matter of days after the con- the orphanage. The children were The civil-military operations section tract was approved the contractor was at orphans excited about another visit from the researched the project to make sure it was the site, laying the concrete slab for the Soldiers of Company A, 4th Battalion, 64th feasible for the area and that the generator base. There was less than an eight-hour Armor, 4th Brigade Combat Team. would be maintained. period where the military generator was The orphanage was in the company’s “We don’t want to start a project where, removed from the site and the new gener- patrol route so Soldiers and children were once we leave, the work that we have ator was powered up. Injured Iraqi girl captures U.S. medic’s heart By 4th Brigade Combat 1st Cavalry Division in her 11 brothers and sisters. Team Public Affairs February, and she was taken to Hawra raved about the chance to the military hospital in the eat cheeseburgers and macaroni BAGHDAD — By the time International Zone. and cheese when she visited the she was 15, Hawra had already After her release, Hawra con- aid station. suffered a lifetime of pain. Her tinued to receive care from the Hawra also told Perfors about father was killed by the old 4th Brigade Combat Team her dream of going to school in regime; then, a year ago, her Falcon Troop Medical Clinic. the fall and maybe one day hav- sister was killed when she and That’s where Sgt. Tracy Perfors ing a family of her own. Hawra were caught in a cross- first met her. “Hawra had captivated me,” fire between terrorists and Perfors, a Company C, 703rd Perfors said. She was so upbeat. Coalition Forces. Forward Support Battalion, 4th Perfors continued to work Hawra was trapped in the BCT, medic, said she walked U.S. Army photo with her week after week at burning car, leaving her with into the aid station for work that Sgt. Tracy Perfors poses the aid station, and with each severe burns on both her legs. day as she would any other. with Hawra at the Camp visit she amazed the sergeant She was taken to an Iraqi hospi- “But this time, instead of Falcon Troop Medical further. Hawra is currently tal, but after several unsuccess- being greeted by only sick and Clinic in June. recovering at her home ful skin grafts, her legs healed injured Soldiers, a small, wheel- laughed and joked with every- “Through her courage and incorrectly in a bent-knee posi- chair-bound Iraqi girl captured one in broken English.” unbeatable determination, tion. An Iraqi doctor had to my attention,” Perfors said. Perfors was the only female Hawra continues to remind me break her knees in order to “Though frail and small for a medic on shift, so she spent the of why the U.S. is in Iraq: to straighten her legs. teenager, she was the most ani- afternoon with Hawra assisting give the innocent people who Hawra’s case caught the mated person in the waiting with her medical care. The little have suffered under Saddam’s attention of a U.S. Army civil room. Her eyes shone brightly girl told stories of life in Iraq regime a chance at a prosper- affairs unit working with the and her smile radiated as she since Saddam and of living with ous life,” Perfors said. Page 20 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 This week in Multi-National Division - North Central Cavalrymen counter terrorist propaganda Story and photo by said. “We determine what mosque we are going to record, then see what cover is Staff Sgt. Matthew Acosta available around the area.” 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment On one mission, the Soldiers crept FORWARD OPERATING BASE through an orchard prior to the broadcast PALIWODA, BALAD — An integral part and waited for it to begin. of the new Iraqi Security Forces’ success lies “We got close to the speaker, which was in the people they have vowed to protect. mounted on the roof of the mosque; close Without the support of those who live in enough to hear the message loud and Iraq, the effort to rebuild this country could clear,” Bush said. “We also had an inter- be severely hindered; hence the importance preter to let us know if there was an anti- of assessing the opinion of those who may Coalition message being played.” have influence over the population. Bush said after the message is recorded, Army Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Bush, One way to do this is to listen to and it is turned over to the interpreters and 2nd Bn., 7th Cavalry, 1st BCT, Task translate mosque messages that are broad- translated into English, then used for intel- Force Liberty, records a mosque cast for the townspeople to hear. ligence purposes. message from the concealment of “We conduct what we call mosque mis- “Terrorists come from other countries to trees next to a mosque in Balad, sions where we go out and record the mes- destroy this country,” said “Jack,” who is while “Jack” translates the message. sages that are preached in town,” said Sgt. working as an interpreter with Coalition 1st Class Jeffrey Bush, platoon sergeant, medic, Co. B, 5/7. Forces. “So we must stay together to build a Company B, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, Sometimes, the 5/7 Soldiers have driven safe country, so everybody can live in peace. Task Force Liberty. “Listening to the mes- right up to the mosque during the broadcast “They are not all bad messages,” Jack sages is a good way to see how the reli- over the loudspeaker and recorded the said. “Sometimes mosques preach good gious leaders perceive us and our efforts.” message from within its secure perimeter. messages for the Soldiers.” Bush said that although many of the Bush said however, there have been times Soldiers go out on mosque missions messages broadcast are innocent in nature that as they pulled up, the broadcast weekly covering different mosques every preaching “good things,” there have been stopped in the middle of the message. time, Schindewolf said. reports of mosques preaching anti- “It makes me think they were preaching “Since we’re not allowed to enter the Coalition propaganda. anti-Coalition messages because when mosques, all we can do is record the mes- “It annoys [the Iraqi Army and police- they see us coming, they stop the mes- sages, but it’s a good gauge in seeing what men] because their actions are being sage,” Bush said. So Coalition Forces have kind of positive support or negative influ- undermined by these few people who are adapted their tactics. ence is being preached,” Bush said. “It trying to recruit [insurgents] or upset their “We decided to start approaching the gives us a heads up on what to expect from progress,” said Pfc. Aaron Schindewolf, mosques unseen when possible,” Bush that area.” Nawroz Boys School gets supplied By 116th Brigade Combat Boys’ Primary School. The supplies, donated by individuals Team Public Affairs from the United States, were delivered FORWARD OPERATING BASE during a stop at the school while the WARRIOR, KIRKUK — Soldiers team was assessing local schools for from the 116th Brigade Combat Team possible use as referendum or elections delivered school supplies to a Kirkuk polling sites. The supplies were assem- boys’ school Sept. 11 while assessing bled by the Coalition Force’s Operation possible polling sites. Provide School Supplies program oper- A team of 451st Civil Affairs ating on FOB Warrior. Battalion, Task Force 2/116 Armor “The visit was very positive,” said Photo courtesy 451st Civil Affairs and 324th Psychological Operations Capt. Alex Carter, a 451st Civil Affairs Principal Amin of Nawroz Boys Primary Soldiers delivered privately-donated officer. “The children at the Nawroz School in Kirkuk receives privately donat- markers, pencils and writing tablets to Boys’ Primary School told us, ‘George ed markers, pencils and writing tablets Principal Fasal Amin of the Nawroz Bush – A OK.’” from 116th BCT Soldiers Sept. 11. Page 21 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 This week in Multi-National Force - West Gatekeepers manage Convoy Marshaling Yard for all the convoys leaving and Army’s 949th Story and photo by also for Third-Country Movement Control Cpl. C. J. Yard Nationals who are escorted by Team. 2nd Force Service the Marines and Soldiers. “We need to make Support Group When TCNs come aboard sure we don’t have the base they must be inspect- convoys leaving the CAMP TAQADDUM — ed. same time as the Tracking the convoys leaving The first step of the inspec- Army does,” said and coming into base here is tion is stage the TCN vehicles Hoopingarner. no small feat. at the CMY. After being Some units get Since the beginning of the inspected they are returned to Cpl. Travis W. Hoopingarner, a unit “special treatment” month two Marines, Sgt. Andy the CMY. movement control specialist with when they are trying J. Jeffords and Cpl. Travis W. “This job is very time con- the Convoy Marshaling Yard, to leave. Hoopingarner, have had 632 suming because convoys are checks a piece of gear being retro- “Usually when vehicles and 1,600 personnel coming and going at all hours graded back to the United States. EOD is called out, pass through the Convoy of the day and night,” said see everything that goes on.” we let them roll through pretty Marshaling Yard. Jeffords, staff noncommis- Staff Sgt. Darryl Rosencrants quickly,” said Hoopingarner. “The [2nd Infantry sioned officer in charge, CMY. said he knows how hard “When they are called out, Battalion, 112th Armor] won’t “Sleep out here is very hard Jeffords and Hoopingarner every second for them counts.” let a convoy leave unless it has to come by. Most of the time work at the CMY. Along with the disadvan- passed through the CMY,” said we sleep on a cot or in a ham- “They’re out there running tages of having only two Hoopingarner, noncommis- mock we have strung up out 18-hour shifts working end- Marines, Jeffords and sioned officer in charge, CMY, back..” less, tireless hours,” said Hoopingarner feel it is better Headquarters and Service “It just doesn’t work to have Rosencrants, unit movement to have a small work section Battalion, 2nd Force Service one person here at a time,” control chief, 2nd FSSG because it is easier to assume Support Group (Forward). said Jeffords. (Fwd.). responsibility. “We keep a log of all mili- “This isn’t really a two-per- Not only do the Marines “Its good there’s only two of tary and nonmilitary move- son job; there should be more keep track of the times of us, because we can’t blame ments on and off TQ.” Marines out here because this Marine Convoys, but coordi- somebody else if something The CMY is a staging area is a huge yard and it is tough to nation must be made with the goes wrong,” said Jeffords. Marine’s family joins reenlistment at Al Asad had never been done before, and I figured They’re my fuel, the catalyst for all I do,” By Cpl. James D. Hamel it would be neat to reenlist via VTC.” he added. 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Smith's wife and children were present After the ceremony, Smith was treated for the ceremony thanks to modern tech- to some private time with his wife and AL ASAD — When Gunnery Sgt. Ron nology. Although they were at Marine children. His youngest child is only 1 S. Smith, the Marine Aviation Logistics Corps Air Station New River, NC, they year old. Squadron 26 aviation information sys- could see and hear as if they were physi- “She didn't understand [the reenlist- tems chief, reenlists, he likes to mark the cally present. ment]. She just wanted to know if she occasion by doing something no one else It was important for the 18-year Marine could see me,” he said. “The kids were has done. Corps veteran, as this reenlistment cere- excited. My 1-year-old was touching the For one of his reenlistments, the mony might be his last. screen; it was really special for her. Brooklyn, N.Y., native, tried to spring out “I'm trying to focus on the task at “I think that any Marine who has the of a helicopter. For his most recent, Smith hand,” he said, although he cautioned he opportunity to do this should. It is a great decided to become the first forward hadn't yet made his final decision. morale tool to enable [deployed Marines] deployed Marine to reenlist through “But it was important for [my family] a different manner of communication,” he video teleconferencing (VTC). to share this with me considering it could said. “It was kind of a fluke,” he said. “I had be my last. “You can actually bring situations to a planned on reenlisting, but I found out it “I include my family in everything I do. video screen in front of you.” Page 22 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 This week in Multi-National Force - Northwest Troopers’ presence helps secure northern Iraq Story and photos by the area have begun to enjoy bet- Sgt. David J. Nunn ter living conditions than they 366th Mobile Public Affairs have ever known. The Soldiers assigned to the Detachment base have been very successful in RAWAH — During their mission to preventing the flow of illegal traf- provide a safe and secure environment for fic, and flushing out the insur- the people of Iraq, Soldiers of the 2nd gents that inhabited the area. Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment, contin- “These foreign fighters have ue through the final chapters of their come to this country to wage war deployment to break new ground in the on the people of Iraq and their effort to rid the country of the insurgency. allies,” said Hayes. Their tour began at the northern “One of our biggest missions Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sykes, here has been attempting to stop tempering the living conditions for the cit- the flow of suicide bombers and izens of Tall Afar, while enforcing an their explosives.” A trooper from 2nd Bn., 14th Cavalry walks aggressive stance against the insurgency The mission becomes more across a northern forward operating base. campaign in their area. successful with every operation to These Soldiers continue their hard work the border. Members of the 2/14 Cav. that we are doing these operations, it will to the south, at the newly established FOB have been deterring these forces with their stop them from entering this part of the Rawah located north of the City of Rawah presence along the border, heavy patrols, country,” said Hayes. “Everyone that we and the Euphrates River that serves as the and by conducting hasty traffic stops. detain and every weapon we discover borderline between Syria and Iraq. This These tactics have yielded the arrests of equals lives saved in this country, both area of Iraq was suffering from being used many hostile personnel, seizures of those of our forces and those of the free as a portal for foreign fighters from Syria numerous weapon caches, vehicular people of Iraq.” and a smuggling route used to fuel terror- improvised explosive devices, and other In addition to their offensive operations ism in Iraq. weapons aimed at disrupting the peace against the insurgency, the Soldiers have “We are conducting operations here to process the Iraqi people continue to work also worked tirelessly to develop the trust basically disrupt the foreign fighters and hard to fortify. of the good people of the region. They insurgent activity along the Syrian bor- “We feel that once it becomes known walk the streets of these villages and meet der,” said Capt. James Hayes, commander with the local people, talking with them of Troop C, 2/14 Cav. “This area was and handing out information that reveals being used to supply the enemy opera- the truth about the damages caused by for- tions in Baghdad, Mosul and the sur- eign and domestic fighters. rounding areas with equipment, explo- “We are just doing our jobs out here,” sives and weapons.” said Cpl. Zachery Houston, Troop C, Apparently since the recent establish- 2/14. “We are continuing to do the same ment of FOB Rawah, the Iraqi citizens of good work we started back in Tall Afar.” Arctic Wolves reenlist in the desert CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — Two hundred and ten Soldiers istered the oath of office to the enlistees. from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) reenlisted “This is truly a great morning. This whole group represents a here Aug. 26 in the largest re-enlistment ceremony in the unit’s his- great tradition. Two hundred and ten Soldiers re-enlisted in a tory. Approximately 5 percent of the brigade reenlisted. time of war and there are more out there. They are truly patriots “The big thing for this is about half of the Soldiers here re- and it is extremely humbling,” Shields said during the ceremony. enlisted to stay in Alaska. To me, that means when they return This year alone the 172nd SBCT is currently at approximate- they have been combat seasoned for the next life cycle of the ly 156 percent for re-enlistments. unit,” said Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Ulibarri. The 172nd SBCT is stationed out of Fort Wainwright and Fort Col. Michael Shields, commander of the 172nd SBCT, admin- Richardson, Alaska. Page 23 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq

a way, what we said, Protecting Habbaniyah went.” Parsons is the only Story and photos by Sgt. Lorie Jewell remaining member of Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq the first BSU. There are Public Affairs now 14 members of the base support unit advis- HABBANIYAH — In its er team, led by U.S. heyday, Camp Habbaniyah Army Lt. Col. Ed was a bustling base for the Brown. The number of British Royal Air Force. Iraqi Intervention Force With tree-lined roads, gar- Soldiers stationed there dens and green lawns, it A cemetery on the outskirts of is close to 3,000. was a desert oasis for thou- the east camp has fallen into dis- As an Army medic, sands of personnel and repair, but some headstones are Parsons expected to their families stationed Many of the roads are lined still upright. Hundreds of British share his medical there. with towering willow-type Royal Air Force members and knowledge and expertise Construction on the base trees, remnants of the base’s their families are buried there. with Iraqi Soldiers. began in 1934 and ended in British roots. They worked with a 17-per- But with only four 1937. It was a town unto itself, February as part of a four-per- son Iraqi advance team of people jump starting the base, boasting family housing and son base support unit (BSU) Soldiers, but without vehicles, he found himself doing every- amenities such as a swimming adviser team, the only hint of phones or computers, progress thing but teaching for the first pool, indoor and outdoor the base’s former glory was in was slow, Parsons recalled. few months. movie theaters, a Catholic the towering willow-type trees “We’d walk or run P.T. over Parsons was able to work on church, golf course and a race- lining the narrow paved roads. to the west camp (the a proposal to build an Iraqi track. Everything else was in sham- Coalition side) to use the inter- Army medical clinic. It is Iraqi forces eventually took bles. net on their MWR (morale, scheduled to be complete in control of the base in 1955; the Parsons and the team, led by welfare and recreation) com- January. His tour ends in RAF pulled out completely U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jeff puters and to take showers,” December. four years later. Davis, were tasked with get- Parsons said. “That’s really frustrating for When U.S. Army Staff Sgt. ting the east camp prepared for “We really had to build from me, that I won’t be here to see Nathan Parsons arrived in mid- Iraqi Army units. scratch. But it was exciting in it open,” he said. Iraqi Armed Forces Joint Staff College to open By Multi-National Security last nine and a half months. colonels were selected for the course by a Transition Command - Iraq Selection tests were conducted in committee made up of representatives Mosul, Irbil, Baghdad and Basra over the from Iraq’s Ministry of Defense and the Public Affairs summer for those interested in attending Joint Headquarters. BAGHDAD — A Joint Staff College the college; officials reported the number The course included more than 300 for the Iraqi Armed Forces opens soon at of applicants far exceeded the amount of hours of lectures and 120 hours of exer- Ar Rustimiyah, which is also the location seats available for the initial courses. cises, divided into five sections. of the Iraqi Military Academy. There were also a large number of They are: International relations, secu- A team of 24 Iraqi instructors for the applicants for the Train-the-Trainers rity and political organizations; national college’s two courses went through a 15- course who had to meet standards such as: policy, security and economic organiza- week “Train-the-Trainers” course earlier ability to teach, understand and embrace tions and cooperation in security issues; this year, with instruction provided by democratic principles; a desire to work at judicial aspects of international and NATO Training Mission - Iraq. the college; ability to speak English or national military operations; sociology The college will consist of a junior another language; and be a graduate with and leadership aspects; and operation of course, conducted over five and a half an initial degree. war, military decision making and staff months, and a senior course, which will Nine Iraqi colonels and 15 lieutenant work. Page 24 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 This week in Logistics Support Area Anaconda Contracts bring money back to local economy By Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda Ordering Officer (FOO) program, Army units requested money to purchase small Logistics Support Area Anaconda supplies through local businesses. Public Affairs The project allows Army units to spend LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANA- up to $2,500 per purchase, per vendor, for CONDA, BALAD — As fiscal year 2005 small supplies, if obtaining them would winds down, budget figures from the be difficult or inefficient through the Regional Contracting Center (RCC) here esti- Army’s logistics system. mates approximately $88 million in contracts According to Maj. Van Auken, 1st were awarded since October 2004, with over COSCOM’s comptroller, 1st COSCOM $30 million to companies registered in Iraq. units spent approximately $2.5 million in The RCC here reports to the Joint Master Sgt. Martin S. Nemes, a mem- fiscal year 2005 on supplies. Contracting Command, Iraq/Afghanistan, ber of the 100th Institutional Training Similarly, U.S. troops working with and processes contracts for 1st Corps Division purchases office supplies for units from the new Iraqi Army received Support Command, Army Material the 3rd MTR at a local business in funds through the Transition Team Initial Command, the 42nd Infantry Division and Dohuk. Fund (TTIF), a program that parallels the special operations units. FOO program. About $130,000 was Iraqi companies were awarded contracts Water Project, awaiting approval, is appropriated to 1st COSCOM units work- that covered construction projects, labor expected to employ 60 Iraqis. It will bene- ing with the Iraqi Army. services and commodity purchases, said fit between 700 to 800 families upon com- The units have used the money to buy Maj. Erwin Rivera, the chief of contracting pletion and cost approximately $620,000. small supplies and office materials from for the RCC at Balad. Building the Qara Tapa courthouse, a local businesses. He said the spending Some projects improved conditions at $415,000 project, went to an Iraqi company. helped the war efforts in two ways. First, Anaconda. A significant portion of the money Additionally, a significant amount of the money spent on local labor allowed Soldiers was awarded through the Commander’s CERP went to rebuilding local schools and to concentrate on combat duties. Second, Emergency Relief Program (CERP), money roads through Iraqi companies. doing business with local Iraqis and pro- for local projects to rebuild Iraq. Iraqi businesses benefited through at viding employment for them minimizes the For example, the Balad Train Station least two major programs. Under the Field recruiting market for insurgents. A hero from an almost forgotten war — still serving Thien Province, Roberts would claim Roberts had also received two By Sgt. Maj. Joe Adelizzi Republic of Vietnam, years later that there Silver Stars, The Bronze Star 301st Area Support Group the 19-year-old really was no alterna- Medal, two Army Roberts, a Middletown, tive to hitting that Commendation Medals and LOGISTICS SUPPORT Ohio native, was serv- bunker, but there was. three Air Medals. AREA ANACONDA, BALAD ing with the 101st He could have got When his tour ended in 1971, —The commander of the Airborne Division, down and simply wait- he was discharged and went to Army’s 1st Corps Support when his platoon air ed for his platoon bud- college. He then served in the Command’s Troop Support assaulted near another dies to move up to his Army Reserve and Ohio Battalion, Lt. Col. Gordon company who had Lt. Col. Roberts position and decide National Guard. He received a Roberts, is an average-sized been ambushed and their next move. direct commission in 1989. He man, with a penetrating gaze that were taking casualties. Instead, he chose to attack. could have continued along this takes in everything around him Roberts was walking point That day he saved the lives of path and eventually retire, but with a quick glance, inquiring, toward the sound of the guns many fellow Soldiers and ulti- an opportunity arose from the appraising and missing nothing. when his platoon happened on mately changed his life forever. Ohio National Guard to return Roberts came of age during a a dug-in enemy bunker. Four Nineteen months later, his to active duty. To Roberts, it war serving in the infantry and Soldiers moving behind him Medal of Honor had been was an offer he couldn’t refuse. received the Medal of Honor. were hit and he found himself approved and presented to him Roberts is one of the very He was the youngest ever to cut off from his platoon and by President Richard M. Nixon. few Soldiers who was awarded receive the medal. pinned down by intense auto- By the time he had completed the Medal of Honor and who On July 11, 1969, at Thua matic fire. his first tour in the Army, still serves on active duty today. Page 25 This Week in Iraq September 21, 2005 Iraqis taking the lead

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Gul A. Alisan Soldiers from the Iraqi Army’s 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Division search a car during a mission in the Diyala province.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Gul A. Alisan Iraqi Army 3rd Platoon leader, Sgt. 1st Class Tho-Falgar of 1st Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Division talks with an elderly women during a vil- lage visit in Al Hizam village, Diyala province. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeromy K. Cross Iraqi police recruits receive a number before they are screened by U.S. forces at the Police Training Facility in the city of Najaf.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ben Brody Courtesy photo Col. Joseph DiSalvo, 2nd BCT commander, speaks with District Iraqi Army 8th Division Soldiers cele- Advisory Council members at a ceremony for the opening of the brate their discovery of a weapons cache Rustimiyah Bypass Bridge, Sept. 9. in Al Jawasim.