D Pfc. Antonio Espricuetavelaquez from Company B, 2Nd Bat- Talion

The view of Camp Liberty, Iraq in the mirror of a Humvee. Photo

illustration by Spc. Joshua Ramey

STRIKER TORCH NEWS TEAM 2nd BCT Commander Col. Robert E. Scurlock Jr. CONTACT US!

2nd BCT Command Sergeant Major HQ, 2BCT, 1AD Command Sgt. Maj. Jose A. Santos ATTN: PAO Camp Liberty 2nd BCT Public Affairs Officer APO, AE 09344 Maj. Frederick K. Bower frederick.bower@ mnd-b.army.mil Striker Torch Editor in Chief david.r.dockett @ us.army.mil Capt. John D. Turner This Edition can also be found online at Striker Torch Editors http://www.1ad.army.mil/2BCTNewsletters.htm Sgt. 1st Class David R. Dockett st We are looking for any type of submissions to include: Sgt. 1 Class Liviu A. Ivan letters, articles, comic strips or artwork, and photographs.

Striker Torch Design Coordinator If you would like a copy of this issue please contact your Battalion UPAR Spc. Jeremy E. Neece 1-22 IN: Capt. Robert Stoffel 47th FSB: Maj. John Kuenzli 1-6 IN: Capt. Herbert Flather

1-23 IN: 1st Lt. Marc Miller 40th EN: Capt. Matthew Holbrook 2-6 IN: Capt. Michael Cygan Striker Torch Staff Writers 8-10 CAV: Capt. Daniel Tower 4-27 FA: Capt. Thomas Hasara 1-35 AR: Capt. Matthew Hustead Sgt. Raul L. Montano Pfc. Antonio Espricuetavelaquez from Company B, 2nd Bat-

Spc. Joshua P. Ramey The Striker Torch is an authorized publication for Department of Defense members. Contents of the talion, 6th Infantry Regiment, attached to Task Force Con- Striker Torch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the queror, provides security on a street corner during a foot patrol Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the 2nd in Tameem, Ramadi, Iraq. Photo by TSgt. Jeremy Lock Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office. PAGE 2 Final Edition October 30, 2006 PAGE 19

Top Left: Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment conduct a foot march during a stress shoot competition in Kuwait. Photo by Spc. Joshua Ramey Top Right: (From left to right) Spc. Michael Mumford, Spc. Cameron Ray, Spc. Jerry Masaga, and Spc. Jon Capello of Com- pany A, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, of Task Force Conqueror stack up and advance into a building during Military Operations in Urban Combat (MOUT) training. Photo by Spc. Jeremy Neece Bottom Left: Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment’s Personnel Security Detachment team in front of the cross sabers in Baghdad, Iraq. Photo by Spc. Joshua Ramey Bottom Right: A Soldier from 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment guides a medical helicopter for a safe landing at a training range near Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Photo by Spc. Joshua Ramey

The Striker Torch Team would like to thank all the units for allowing us to tell their story and our readers for supporting our Soldiers.

We would also like the thank the leadership of the Iron Bri-

gade, the Battalion Unit Public Affairs Representatives, and everyone who helped in any way for their support, guidance, and assistance throughout the year. Without you to tell the stories of the am told and I win where I fight.” fight.” I I win where am told and Iron Soldiers, we would have never been able to produce the Striker Torch. Quote of the Week Quote of the - Gen. George S. Patton What Do YOU Think? “How Has This Deployment Changed Your Life?”

SSG Marvin McKay, CPT Daniel Napolitano, SPC Daniel Barr, SPC Maxwell Conrad, PFC Douglas Yazzie, “I am a Soldier, I fight where I fight where I “I am a Soldier, HHB, 4-27 FA HHC, 40th EN HHC, 2BCT HHB, 4-27 FA HHC, 2BCT

“I’ve learned that no matter “This deployment in- “It has taught me than I “Take more advantage of “I learned to communi- where I am, I’ve got support spired me to be a leader, am more capable than time while we’re not cate better with my wife from my family back home I think I can make a what I’ve given myself deployed and I’ll appre- and family. “ and that’s what means the most.” difference.” credit for in the past.” ciate things a lot more.” THE STRIKER TORCH PAGE 18 Final Edition October 30, 2006 PAGE 3 A Word From the 2BCT Command Team

Special Programs during Reintegration Process: Religious Support Plan

2nd Brigade Chaplain Every Sunday @ 1100 hrs Catholic Mass in Chapel 2 (St. Michael Chaplain (MAJ) Roetzel 485-6650 Chapel) welcomes returning soldiers with flowers, medal, songs and 1-6 Infantry blessing. Chaplain (CPT) Brunson 485-6176 Welcome Home Mass, @ 1800 hrs every Saturday 2-6 Infantry December 4th, Praise and Thanksgiving Celebration featuring Chaplain (CPT) Krieder 485-7202 "Building 429", contemporary Christian rock band concert at the 1-35 Armor Wagon Wheel Theater at 1800. Free admission. Chaplain (CPT) Maxwell 485-7158 December 10th, Baumholder Evangelische Kirche Christmas Choir 40th Engineer Battalion Concert w/ singing groups from our congregations performing w/ COL Robert E. Scurlock Jr. CSM Jose A. Santos Chaplain (MAJ) Horton 485-6550 the German choir. Tentative time is 1800. 47th Forward Support Battalion January 8-12th, Spiritual Renewal Week; classes taught, light sup- In the last year, the Iron Brigade be leaving the brigade, and even the Chaplain (CPT) White 485-7435 per served, on premises watch care, praise/worship/preaching Iron Families and Soldiers, Soldiers accomplished many great Army. Some of these Soldiers have 4-27 Field Artillery every night; Thursday night, 11 January, contemporary Christian things and deserve many accolades. As been with the Iron Brigade for two Chaplain (CPT) Park 485-7539 concert w/ "Pierced". One year ago, just before Thanks- proud as I am of our Soldiers, I can not tours in Iraq. I want to thank you for giving, the Iron Brigade deployed in thank the families of the Iron Soldiers your service to our country and to the support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05- enough. You made it possible for your Iron Brigade. 07. Now, as our Iron Soldiers return spouse, parent, and/or child to conduct We will arrive in Germany after a

home and reunite with their loved ones, his or her duties in combat without year of being away and many things I want to express my sincerest appre- having to be concerned about things may have changed. I want each and ciation for all the hard work that our back home. The sacrifices you make every one of our Soldiers to enjoy daily may not always be realized by us, being home, but I encourage you to OYALTY – Bear true faith and allegiance to the Untied States Constitution, the Army, your Unit, and other Soldiers. Soldiers and families have done since L we left. but know that you made a tremendous remain vigilant. Keep a close eye on We arrived in Kuwait and were difference. You are an integral part of each other in Germany just as you D UTY – Fulfill your obligations designated the CENTCOM Theater the Iron Brigade and a big reason for kept an eye on each other in Iraq. We Reserve, the first of its kind for an Ar- our success over the last year. do not want to lose anyone to a pre- We accomplished a lot and have ventable accident. If you or a fellow ESPECT – Treat people as they should be treated. mored Brigade in Kuwait. We settled R into Camp Buehring and began training much of which to be proud, but I ask Soldier is having a hard time readjust- in order to remain ready to deploy at a each of you to remember the families ing, please talk to your chain of com- S ELFLESS SERVICE – Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own. moment’s notice. We set the conditions and loved ones of the 28 Germany- mand and we’ll see to it that you re- and maintained the fighting edge that based Iron Soldiers, and the 14 Sol- ceive the assistance you need. Thank ONOR – Live up to all the Army values. allowed us to deploy Task Force 2-6 in diers attached to the Iron Brigade, you again for all you have done and H March to support the seating of the who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our will continue to do for each other and Iraqi Government in Baghdad. In May, nation in the fight for freedom this past for our Nation. NTEGRITY – Do what is right, legally and morally. I Task Force 1-6 and Task Force 1-35 year. We will forever be indebted to joined with 1st Brigade, 1st Armored them for their service to our great Iron sharpens Iron as ERSONAL COURAGE – Face fear, danger, or adversity (physical and moral). Division to help secure Ramadi. The country. They will not be forgotten. P remainder of the Brigade deployed to With the return of the Iron Bri- one Iron Soldier sharp- Baghdad in July in support of Opera- gade, we realize that in the next few ens another. THE STRIKER TORCH tion Together Forward. months many of the Iron Soldiers will PAGE 4 Final Edition October 30, 2006 PAGE 17

Top Left: A Bradley Fighting Vehicle from Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, patrols the desert during a combined arms live-fire exercise. Photo by 1st Lt. (From left to right) Cpl. Ian Morris, Spc. Juan Escamilla, 1st Lt. Ian Blackstone, and Wesley Brooks Spc. Sam Van Ryssegem, all of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment Top Right: Members from Scout Platoon, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment of Task Force Regulars prepare to clear a building during their Military Operations in Urban after being awarded the Army Commendation Medal with a “V” device for Valor. Terrain (MOUT) training. Photo by 1st Lt. Bledy Taka Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Beaulieu Middle Left: Pfc. Cary Novaillanda (left) and Pfc. Aaron Musgrove (right) of Scout Platoon, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, provide during Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training. Photo by 1st Lt. Bledy Taka Middle Center: Spc. George Kusel of Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, charges ahead to engage targets as part of 1st Bn., 6th Inf. Regt's marksmanship competition. Photo by Spc. Alberto Bretado Middle Right: Spc. Juan Lopez from Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment fires his M240B at a target during the Squad Live Fire. Photo by Spc. Alberto Bre- tado Bottom: Soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment maintain an aggressive speed while conducting a foot march to their next training event. Photo by 1st Lt. Bledy Taka Task Force Regulars

Heroes Just Doing Their Jobs Story by Capt. Eliot Thomasma

ince moving to Ramadi in late May, the When Staff Sgt. Lee Rinehart and Cpl. treating casualties, extinguishing fires, and evacu- Soldiers of Task Force Conqueror Ignacio Garza volunteered to assist the 1st Battal- ating wounded. At one point late in the engage- distinguished themselves daily with ion, 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division, part- ment, as Staff Sgt. Rinehart was preparing to be S repeated acts of heroics and dedication. nered with Task Force Conqueror, they understood evacuated for his wounds, a shot from a sniper hit Whether it is the Support Platoon guarding the main that their new jobs were more demanding and an already wounded Iraqi Soldier sitting next to entrance to Camp Ramadi, the mechanics performing inherently different than the original assignments him in the Medical Evacuation vehicle. Staff Sgt. constant maintenance, or the tankers and infantry- they had with the Task Force. On the morning of Rinehart immediately jumped out of the vehicle, men on patrol, there is no shortage of willing, ready, June 4, four days after starting their new jobs, Staff returned fire, and, despite his own wounds, helped and able “Conquerors” who work to improve secu- Sgt. Rinehart and Cpl. Garza were baptized by fire load the additional casualties into the vehicle. Cpl. rity conditions in Ramadi. Within this team of into the life of an advisor to the Iraqi Army. While Garza, an experienced medic, was so focused on extraordinary Soldiers, some members of the 1st conducting routine daily operations securing a doing his job that he refused treatment of his own Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment were recognized strategic entry control point in the south of wounds so he could treat the rest of the casualties. with awards for valor after showing extreme courage Ta’meem, the Iraqi Army, supported by Task Afterwards, Cpl. Garza described the entire epi- under fire. Cpl. Ignacio Garza III, from Headquar- Force Conqueror Tanks, came under a complex sode as “Amazing”. He was impressed with how ters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 35th Armd. attack beginning with heavy small arms and mortar well everyone on the Military Transition Team Regt., and Staff Sgt. Lee Rinehart, 1st Lt. Ian Black- fire, climaxing with a suicide dump truck bomb, (MiTT) worked as a team. “We were all just doing stone, Spc. Richard Anderson, Cpl. Ian Morris, Spc. and continuing with more small arms and sniper what we were supposed to be doing”, says Cpl. Juan Escamilla Jr., and Spc. Sam Van Ryssegem fire. In the middle of this chaotic scene and al- Garza, “Everyone on the team had a job to do and, from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regi- ready injured, both Staff Sgt. Rinehart and Cpl. as a medic, mine was to treat and evacuate the ment, all earned awards with a “V” device for valor Garza took control of the situation and ran between because of their heroic actions in combat. the Iraqi Soldiers directing a coordinated defense, Heroes- Continued on Page 5

THE STRIKER TORCH PAGE 16 Final Edition October 30, 2006 PAGE 5

Vehicle Registration Host Nation Events Nov. 5 Shops open on Sunday in Kusel Dec. 2 St. Nicolas Ball, Baumholder, Brühlhalle If you placed your vehicle in stor- cle was placed in storage; if your vehi- Further information on vehicle Nov. 5 Kusel fall market Dec. 2 Christmas market, Berglangenbach age before you deployed, your vehicle cle was not in storage the registration registration at Baumholder can be Nov. 10 St. Martin’s parade, Kusel Dec. 8 City of Baumholder tree lighting, 5 p.m. registration documentation may have of the vehicle has most likely expired found at the website: Dec. 8-9 Christmas market, Baumholder Nov. 10 St. Martin’s parade, Baumholder http://www.baumholder.army.mil/ expired. If your vehicle was placed in and must be re-inspected and regis- Nov. 10 St. Martin’s parade, Birkenfeld Dec. 9 Christmas market, Heimbach storage, this is not a problem because tered. media/pmo/vehreg.html Dec. 10-12 Christmas market, Birkenfeld Nov. 10 St. Martin’s parade, Berglangenbach your registration has been “frozen” If your vehicle is not in storage Dec. 12 Christmas Market, Reichenbach during the deployment period, meaning and you have a spouse, family mem- Nov. 11 Church service, St. Martin’s parade, Burg Lichtenberg Dec. 16 1st AD Christmas concert in Baumholder that your registration is still valid when ber, or other using your vehicle, en- Nov. 25 Advent Bazaar, Birkenfeld Dec. 16 Christmas Concert, Frauenberg, Gemeindehaus 8 p.m. you get back to Germany. courage them to register your vehicle Nov. 26 Bazaar, Ruschberg, 2 p.m. This means if your vehicle was now if it is within the three month Nov. Dec., Nativity Display, Catholic Church Baumholder due to be registered two months after window to avoid the rush of redeploy- Heroes - Continued from Page 4 you deployed, your vehicle must be ment. Bradley in front of them, Cpl. Morris, the vehicle Blackstone, Staff Sgt. Lee Rinehart, Cpl. Ignacio wounded”. For heroically doing their jobs while registered within two months after you commander, and Spc. Van Ryssegem, the driver, Garza, Cpl. Ian Morris, Spc. Juan Escamilla, and reacting to multiple forms of enemy attack, both quickly notified Spc. Escamilla, the gunner, of the Spc. Sam Van Ryssegem, and Spc. Richard Ander- return. This only applies if your vehi- Staff Sgt. Rinehart and Cpl. Garza were awarded the threat and he began firing his machine gun at the son continue to work diligently with the first-hand Bronze Star Medal with a “V” device for Valor. car. “The biggest fear was that the car would hurt knowledge that, at any time, they may be called Just doing your job takes on an exceptional the Bradley and its crew” said Spc. Van Ryssegem. upon again to act quickly and decisively in a life or meaning for the Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Bn., After multiple rounds from Spc. Escamilla im- death situation. On June 4, July 18, and September 6th Inf. Regt. The Company B “Death Dealers” pacted the target, the car, which was rigged as a car 18, they performed admirably confronting fear and WAR TROPHIES have been engaged in the highly contested Ta’meem bomb, exploded into a giant fireball. “It all hap- selflessly protecting others. If asked about their district of Ramadi since they took over the area in pened real quickly” said Spc. Escamilla. “After I actions, they all respond with variations on the What kind of souvenirs can I take home from my time in Iraq? General Order #1 and Multi-National Corps – Iraq have clear guidelines that describe what May. On 18 July 2006, Co. B, 2nd Bn., 6th Inf. you can and not take home with you. knew everyone was alright, I thought it was the same theme: they were simply doing their job. Regt. was attacked with small arms fire while con- coolest thing I had ever seen.” The quick reaction MNCI FRAGO 076 to OPORD 05-01 on War souvenirs states the following are prohibited: ducting dismounted census operations in Ta'meem. of this truck crew prematurely - All weaponry whether operational or non-operational, this includes triggers, barrels, shells, receivers, rockets, rocket components, grenades, explo- During this incident Staff Sgt. Mike Muir was shot in aborted this suicide bomber’s (From left to right) 1st Lt. Ian Blackstone, Spc. Juan Escamilla, Sgt. sives, munitions, shell casings, primers, and projectiles. Any club type weapons, brass knuckles, blackjacks, or numchucks. the legs. 1st Lt. Ian Blackstone and Spc. Richard mission preventing any casualties. Rossell Willis, Spc. Sam Van Ryssegem, and Cpl. Ian Morris, from - No Switchblade knives or gravity knives. Anderson grabbed Staff Sgt. Muir and pulled him to “It was really just about staying Company B, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment,after being - No Iraqi privately owned articles such as rugs, china, silverware, goldware, linens, furniture, or fixtures unless you have a purchase receipt for them. a covered area while under fire and without regard alive” said Cpl. Morris when awarded the Army Commendation Medal with a “V” device for - No objects of art, science, archeological, religious, national, or historical value. for their own safety Spc. Anderson, a medic, began describing their quick reaction. Valor. Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Beaulieu medical treatment. 1st Lt. Blackstone maneuvered “This was a total truck effort. No - No personal items such as letters, family pictures, dog tags, or ID cards. his elements to begin searching the house where the - No sand, dirt, rocks, stones, or gravel. one person did this; everyone small arms fire potentially originated, but found worked together and things turned -No plants or animals of any kind, whether dead or alive. This includes body parts of animals. nothing. For their selfless action 1st Lt. Ian Black- out well.” Cpl. Ian Morris, Spc. stone and Spc. Richard Anderson were awarded the Juan Escamilla, and Spc. Sam Van Though you may not take any of the above items back with you as a war souvenir, you may take the follow- Army Commendation Medal with a “V” device for Ryssegem were awarded the Army ing items with a letter from your commander: Valor. Commendation Medal with a “V” - Helmets and head coverings, bayonets, uniforms, and uniform items such as patches and insignia. Cpl. Ian Morris, Spc. Juan Escamilla, and device for Valor. - Canteens, compasses, rucksacks, pouches, and load bearing equipment. Spc. Sam Van Ryssegem of First Platoon, Co. B, 2nd These seven Soldiers who Bn., 6th Inf. Regt. are not strangers to enemy contact were recognized for valor met the - Flags, military training manuals, books and pamphlets. and have become experts in the art of identifying - Posters, placards, and photographs. enemy head on and did their job potential threats. On September 18, 2006, this brilliantly. During those intense expertise saved many lives and foiled the plans of a moments, they performed above You must have a completed CFLLC Form 603-1 in order to take any war souvenirs home with you. This form suicide car bomber. While responding to an and beyond the incredible standard must be signed by your battalion commander and must accompany the item in question. If you have any SVBIED attack on Al Horiya Iraqi Police Station, set and maintained everyday in questions as to whether or not you can take an item home with you please contact the legal NCOIC, Staff Sgt. Neal. these three “Death Dealers” recognized a car suspi- Ramadi by the Soldiers of Task ciously approaching their up-armored humvee. As it Force Conqueror. 1st Lt. Ian attempted to drive between their vehicle and the THE STRIKER TORCH PAGE 6 Final Edition October 30, 2006 PAGE 15

Civil OPS - Continued from Page 16 cycle rotation schedule that The Striker CMO team has a dynamic will keep the Company A, “joint” staff make-up to match the dynamic, 412th CA Team and some of Modern Pioneers Live Up to Name the 354th CA Brigade Team Story by Maj. John D. Kuenzli multi-agency, multi-cultural mission-set. Capt. Brian Luti, Capt. Michael Jakubson, and Chief on station with our eventual Petty Officer Bernard Ben-Carew—in the Relief in Place Transfer of What exactly is a Modern Pioneer? If containers in the absence of shop vans, tents, or When they fight alongside the 2nd Brigade Com- Authority unit well into you’re into word origins, Merriam-Webster’s structures. They laid out every inherent capabil- bat Team, they have no qualms about it. “Essential Services Cell”—have the manage- ment of fifty-five different projects across Area 2007. dictionary provides the following: “Modern” from ity to make a Forward Support Battalion become The Modern Pioneers medical Soldiers and Time will be the meas- the Latin word, Modo, means - just now, and the a deployment projection enabler. This allowed leaders provided first-class in the Tactical Com- of Operations IRON—ranging from a $10,000 canal cleaning projects to a $2.4 million electri- ure of our CMO efforts here word Modus meaning- measure. Further descrip- heavy task forces to deploy within 12 hours of bat Casualty Care and Emergency Medical Train- in western Baghdad and Abu tions of the word “Modern” use the definition: notification, and move additional enablers from ing with the incorporation of technical simula- cal rehabilitation projects. Working behind the scenes in the “Governance Cell,” Capt. Michael Ghraib Qada. From the “characteristic of the present or immediate past,” within the battalion with the deployers. The tions and Military Operations in Urban Terrain inquiring citizens at the and descriptive terms like Contemporary, and Modern Pioneers took on Detainee Operations in (MOUT) site application. They conducted the Said (U.S. Air Force), Commander James Prothro and Senior Chief Petty Officer Jeffery Forward Operating Base involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas- the absence of Military Police, and provided for Expert Field Medical Badge qualification course Hawk Civil Military Opera- up-to-date. the health, wellness, and medical readiness of the in Kuwait, and implemented new First Responder Carlock, all from the 354th CA Brigade, keep track of all of our government contacts and tions Center, to the markets The word Pioneer comes from the Old brigade Soldiers. They supported Task Forces techniques into the Combat Life Saver program. of Khandari and Shulla/Nur French Pioneer, meaning foot Soldier. After foreign to the brigade combat team with new In Iraq, they treated Coalition Soldiers, Iraqi develop future engagement plans and strategies. This team is rounded out by our CAT-B Team to the advocates at the Dis- learning the word origin, Websters provides the fleets and logistics requirements. This furthered Soldiers and security officials, and supported trict Advisory Council Hall definition of Pioneer as, “a person or group that recent thoughts around the Army that Combat medical operations to improve the health and of Captains Stacy Bare and Brad Gustafson, and our invaluable interpreters and cultural advisors, in Mansour—in all of these originates or helps open up a new line of thought Service Support Soldiers have to be Warriors and lives of Iraqis in their operating areas. locations, Striker BCT CMO or activity or a new method or technical develop- War fighters like the Infantry, Scouts, and After leaving the 47th Forward Support Shaan, Bani and Adel. Because relationships Lieutenant Commander Phil Burnside and Chief Petty Officer Bernard are so important to the CMO effort, the Striker efforts are truly on point for Ben-Carew brief Lieutenant Colonel William Graham on the intricacies ment.” Artillerymen. Battalion supply warehouse in Baumholder, the the nation. MODERN PIONEERS - Now you know. If The Modern Pioneers went so far as to Modern Pioneer supply Soldiers turned their Area of Operation will benefit from the off- of the Shulla/Nur sewer system as they plan infrastructure upgrade pro- you didn’t have a good dictionary with you, you establish support operations and support capabili- supply skills towards Army Materiel Command at jects. Photo by Maj. Jason Kirk would need to look no further than the Soldiers of ties, provided by its flexible and supportive Sol- Camp Arifjan. They helped establish a repair the 47th Forward Support Battalion, who are diers, in Ramadi, Al Taqaddum, Camp Corregi- parts warehouse for the Army Pre-Positioned known as the Modern Pioneers. dor, Habanniya, Camp Liberty, Forward Operat- Stocks-5 (APS-5) fleet in Arifjan. In May, they This unit entered into Operation Iraqi Free- ing Base (FOB) Justice, and FOB Falcon. How shipped out to Ar Ramadi and Al Taqaddum to 10 Rules of OPSEC which pertain to redeployment: dom, ready to take on any mission asked of them. many other units in Iraq can lay claim to being in run support operations in support of the 2BCT The Modern Pioneer Soldiers, like the foot Sol- so many locations performing their mission to Task Forces deployed there, as well as all the diers of the word origin, (many of which are on support war fighters? The Modern Pioneers are Marines and other Army units in need of support Do their second combat tour in the Global War On Soldiers that opened up new lines of thought with in West Iraq. DON'T Terrorism) adapted to each change in condition. respect to performing missions you will not find The Modern Pioneers maintenance Soldiers 1. Discuss future destination 9. Assume the enemy is They performed support operations out of storage in the Army’s Combat Service Support doctrine. performed direct support maintenance out of Modern Pioneers- Continued on Page 7 2. Discuss future operations or missions trying to collect informa- Left: A Load Handling System Heavy Expanded Mobility Tacti- 3. Discuss movement dates tion on you, your family cal Truck (HEMTT) prepares to leave Camp Liberty, Iraq with a

4. Discuss movement times and payload of water on a Company B, 47th Forward Support Battal- ion, Combat Logistics Patrol. 5. Discuss readiness issues and numbers your unit Photo by 1st Sgt. William Bess Right: The Battalion Commander 6. Discuss peoples’ name and positions in 10. Be smart about OP- of the 47th Forward Support Battalion, Lt. Col. Jeanne conjunction with operations SEC when using phones, Hooper, leads an esprit-de-corps building battalion run at Camp 7. Speculate about movements/operations email, or any type media Buehring, Kuwait. Photo by Capt. Martin Reidy 8. Spread rumors about movements/operations transfer

THE STRIKER TORCH PAGE 14 Final Edition October 30, 2006 PAGE 7

Modern Pioneers - Continued from Page 6 milvans and put their talents to work on equip- Soldiers. ership of Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jeanne ment that belonged to 101st Airborne, 4th Infan- Ironically for the Modern Pioneers, they Smith Hooper, and Command Sgt. Major Lester try Division units during their Reception and achieved their missions while being one of the Stephens, the Modern Pioneer Soldiers performed Civil Military Operations in AO IRON Staging in Kuwait and during operations in Bagh- last pre-transformation, or legacy, support battal- their missions with pride, honor, and high stan- Story by Maj. Jason Kirk and Capt. Matthew Holbrook dad; 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored ions in the Army. Through it all and the course of dards and provided an outstanding example for all Division in Kuwait and in Ar Ramadi. Most a year in Kuwait and across Iraq, under the lead- to take notice of what it means to be a Modern hroughout 2nd Brigade Combat notably, while taking care of Pioneer. Through the year, Team’s deployment to Iraq, 40th everyone’s maintenance needs, the Modern Pioneers still T Engineer Battalion, Task Force the company also ran continuous found ways to honor the Ram, has assisted in several of the BCT’s major Combat Logistics Patrols to Abu birthdays of the Ordnance operations including Civil Military Operations Ghuraib Internment Facility, or and Quartermaster Corps, (CMO), Governance, and Essential Services. distributed barriers through win Brigade Soldier and These efforts, enabled by the Security Operations Baghdad, or other supplies Non Commissioned of the and Iraqi Security Forces, are arguably the most around Victory Base Complex. Quarter in 3rd Quarter vital of TF Ram’s efforts in Operation Iraqi Finally, as previously Fiscal Year 06, and conduct Freedom. It is certainly a rewarding endeavor as mentioned, the remaining Sol- other special observances, we work alongside our Iraqi partners, the District diers not to be forgotten, champi- such as the Battalion Birth- Representatives of Kadhimiya and Mansour, the oned the Brigade’s call for a day, the Army Birthday, a public works officials from the Baghdad Provin- detention facility and re-opened Patch Ceremony to present cial Council and the general contractors trying to the Camp Liberty Division Hold- Soldiers their combat make a living and improve the quality of life for ing Area Annex to hold Brigade patches, and several organ- their fellow citizens. With the addition of Com- detainees; a first time mission for izational days to promote pany A, 412 Civil Affairs Battalion—Anvil— the Modern Pioneers, but proved the esprit de corps of the and a Special Functions Team from the 354th to be well within the capabilities The 47th Forward Support Battalion’s Detainee Holding Area Annex team poses for a photo after Modern Pioneers. Iraqis at work at the U.S.-funded Ghazaliya Sewer Collapse Repair project in southern Ghazaliya. Photo by Civil Affairs Brigade, Task Force Ram has ea- and flexibility of the Pioneer completing a day of training on Camp Liberty, Iraq. Photo by Capt. Mark Bednarczyk. gerly stepped into this important and difficult task Maj. Jason Kirk of aiding the Government of Iraq (GoI) in rebuilding Baghdad’s essential services and in streets of Baghdad and the agricultural fields of interaction of Brigade Combat Team and Task further developing as a capable and credible the Abu Ghraib Qada are peaceful and trying to Force Ram leadership and the CMO staff with How To Contact A Chaplain: democratic government. move their country forward. local government officials. The 40th Engineer 1. During duty hours, call your Unit Chaplain listed on the other side of this pamphlet. The Civil Affairs (CA) Teams from Com- One of the most successful and high profile leaders, Lt. Col. William Graham, Commander of pany A, known as CAT-As, move about daily in projects undertaken by the 2nd Brigade Combat the 40th Engineer Battalion; Maj. Jason Kirk, the 2. After duty hours, on weekends or holidays, call the U.S. Army Garrison, Baumholder, Staff Duty Of- their Task Force areas of responsibility conduct- Team during “surge CMO” efforts was the re- 40th En. Bn. Executive Officer; Maj. Gary Ca- fice at 485-6150 or 06783-6-6150 and request that the On Call Duty Chaplain call you. ing Sewer, Water, Electricity, Trash, Academics, moval of trash and debris from the streets of lese, the 40th Engineer S-3; and Maj. Jon Culber- 3. Suicide prevention help is always available through your Chaplain or your unit. You can also call and Medical (SWEATM) assessments and check- western Baghdad, starting with the neighborhood son, the CAT-A commander, met with ing the progress of U.S.-funded reconstruction of Ameriyah. Ameriyah, a former Sadaam loyal- Kadhimiya and Mansour District officials as well 485-8070 or 485-8080 and ask to speak to the appointment nurse. projects. They also meet with local Iraqi leaders ist stronghold, was one of the first neighborhoods as U.S. Department of State representatives; The suicide hotline is DSN 485-1988 or civ 06783-999-2977. to plan further reconstruction efforts and discuss to undergo a house to house clearance during Capt. Bailey of Company A, 412th CA and Lieu- community issues. They engage with the locals Operation Together Forward. Within the first tenant Commander Burnside of the 354th CA during their movements, conducting market week of operations in Ameriyah, US Army Engi- Brigade attended technical meetings and site The Baumholder Catholic Community would like to welcome home our returning soldiers. surveys and assessing “atmospherics” that help neer’s from the 68th Engineer Company and Iraqi visits with Iraqi public works engineers. As Each Sunday returning Soldiers will receive: BCT and TF Ram leaders gauge the effectiveness civilian contractors removed an astonishing 2,500 Battalion Commander Lt. Col Graham has stated, ¾ Fresh flower presented from our Youth Group of our efforts in the eyes of the Iraqi people. As tons of garbage and debris. American and Iraqi “essential to where we are going with Iraq’s ¾ Message and presentation of a medal from a Parish Member with all units that regularly patrol, these efforts Army officials were impressed by the immediate future, is getting an Iraqi face out front. CMO ¾ Special song by Suzanne Martinez come with the risks of roadside bombs, car effect such a clean-up had on the neighborhood’s engagement with local authorities is critical to bombs, and small arms fire—all of which the citizens as they began for the first time in nearly what we are trying to do here. This interaction is ¾ Accompaniment by our pianist Davina Gill CAT-A teams have faced. They—maybe more three years to assist clean up crews and clean-up vital to mission success and to the stability and ¾ Welcome Home Blessing by the priest than other combat Soldiers—appreciate and know their own shops and offices. A n o t h e r future of Iraq.” Mass times are: that the vast majority of the Iraqis out on the critical part of the CMO effort was the weekly 9:00 a.m. – Strassburg Chapel

Civil OPS - Continued on Page 17 11:00 a.m. – Baumholder Chapel #2 For more information please contact: Chris Strickland, Parish Coordinator at 06783-1850890 THE STRIKER TORCH PAGE 8 Final Edition October 30, 2006 PAGE 13

Gators Eventful Year - Continued from Page 12 diah, Bayaa, and Rad- the motor pool continued nearly 24 hours a day waniyah districts of to keep the Task Force’s Humvees, M1A1 Baghdad. Less than 30 Thunder Odyssey Tanks and M2A2 Fighting Vehicles, prepared days later, the 750 Sol- Story by Capt. Thomas Hasara for combat operations. During the four months diers of Task Force 2-6 Most members of the 2nd Brigade Combat in Kuwait, the task force overcame numerous assumed even more bat- Team, 1st Armored Division, would agree that the challenges and emerged a better trained and tlespace when they ac- past year deployed in support of Operation Iraqi prepared combat force ready for operations in cepted responsibility of Freedom 05-07 has been extraordinary and quite Iraq. the Risallah, Shurta, and different from what they expected. This is all the With the increase of violence in Iraq, the A’amel districts of Bagh- more so for the Soldiers of the Iron Thunder Soldiers of Task Force Gator deployed to dad. Soon after the addi- Battalion, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery. In Baghdad in support of Operation Scales of tion of increased battle addition to experiencing, along with the rest of Justice. The task force arrived at Forward space, the Task Force the 2nd BCT, eight months in Kuwait as the first Operating Base Falcon within 48 hours upon conducted Operation Multi-National Forces – Iraq (MNF-I) Call For- receipt of mission. The Soldiers conducted the Together Forward to ward Force, they also saw several changes to their transfer of authority on March 20 and quickly secure Baghdad. Con- training and operational focus as well as their task adapted to their new mission. The primary ducting joint patrols and organization. This is their journey from a direct 1st Lt. John Varvel, of Company B, 40th Engineer Battalion, of Task Force focus during the first 45 days was to aggres- operations with the Na- Gator, instructs national police through a local national interpreter on support Field Artillery battalion to “Task Force sively patrol Route Jackson to ensure coalition tional Police, the Soldiers standards at a checkpoint. Photo by Staff Sgt.. Brent Williams Thunder,” fulfilling a Coordinating Headquarters role for all Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in the freedom of movement. The task force con- of the 2nd Bn., 6th Inf. North West quarter of Baghdad, approximately ducted Operation Stallion Run and cleared 17 Regt., made great strides during the opera- operation in Risallah, Soldiers confiscated 9,000 personnel. kilometers of Routes Irish and Jackson that tion. Everyday, the Soldiers conducted joint numerous weapons and explosives by con- The odyssey truly began with a summer benefited both Coalition Forces and the Iraqi patrols with the Iraqi National Police in ducting house to house searches. After rotation in Hohenfels, Germany, as part of the populace by removing tons of debris scattered efforts to build the Iraqi Soldiers proficiency searching the area, concrete barriers were 2nd BCT’s Mission Readiness Exercise. There, along the route. and foster confidence and trust with the emplaced to encircle the cleared area to two of the line companies were transformed into In early May 2006, Task Force Gators Baghdad populace. prevent weapons being moved back into the Motorized Rifle Companies (MRCs) and Batter- increased its area of operations and began During seven months of combat opera- area. The task force has always known the ies A and B became part of the task organization conducting framework operations in the Say- tions in Baghdad, the Soldiers of the task center piece of winning the counter- for 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment. Battery force conducted over 3500 patrols, with insurgency fight in Baghdad is securing the C remained with the battalion to provide a United States Army Europe and Seventh Army Commander, General David McKiernan meets with Soldiers of almost half of those being combined with the populace and partnering with the security counter-fire capability against the enemy indirect the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, during a visit to Germany-based Soldiers and leaders Iraqi Security Forces. In addition to con- forces. This strategy, coupled with the hard on September 23rd, 2006, in Baghdad. Photo by Maj. Robert Foster fire threat. It was at Hohenfels that the first fore- stantly patrolling the neighborhoods of south- work and determination of the task force shadowing occurred of the Thunder Battalion the unit as it conducted operations in Baghdad. after the operations we conducted during OIF I. west Baghdad, the task force has undertaken Soldiers, has been the key to success. working so closely with the ISF. A portion of the Every unit moving into the Iraqi Theater of With the formal training, and our well-versed the project of rebuilding Iraq by completing Upon redeployment of the task force, Battalion staff was given the role of assisting the Operations spends some time in Kuwait training leadership, I knew this Field Artillery battery was five major projects totaling in excess of they will have completed three months of Brigade staff in understanding and tracking all of and becoming acclimatized to the environment. ready to hit the ground running as a Motorized $100,000. The rebuilding of Iraq helped training in Kuwait as the Theater Reserve the intricacies of the still-evolving ISF. “The idea Upon arrival in Kuwait, it became public knowl- Rifle Company,” said Sgt. Nikolas Rudolph of foster relations between the civilian popula- and eight months of combat in Baghdad, seemed really unusual back then; almost an edge that the 2nd BCT would be designated as the Battery A, 4th Bn., 27th FA. The Headquarters tion and coalition forces. These projects also Iraq. Their accomplishments are numerous unlikely course of action. We’re a Field Artillery first Call Forward Force and would remain in and Headquarters Battery became highly profi- rebuilt Iraq’s infrastructure system. and the accolades have come with their su- battalion, what do we know about Iraqi Security Kuwait until needed in Iraq. The Thunder Battal- cient in the conduct of Protective Service Detail During operations in Baghdad, the perb performance. Col. Michael Beech, the Forces? Well, we’re here now, and we’ve done ion used that time to train and hone their skills. (PSD) operations and worked closely with Ser- Soldiers of Task Force Gators detained over Commander of the 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry it, and I can say that all the training and learning Batteries A and B continued to improve their vice Battery at institutionalizing Combat Logisti- 150 individuals, many of which were high Division remarked “Task Force [Gator] is the at Hohenfels was worth it in the long run,” said training posture as Motorized Rifle Companies as cal Patrol (CLP) procedures. value targets responsible for planning and premier IED defeat battalion in Multinational Spec. Ryan Yurchison of Battery C, 4th Bn., 27th Battery C trained for the dual skill sets of both By July of 2006, the Brigade Combat Team executing acts of violence and terrorizing Division-Baghdad.” This remark says a lot FA. As the lessons learned from the exercise Paladin operations and as a Motorized Rifle had committed all three of its maneuver task innocent Iraqi civilians. The task force’s about Task Force Gators, they started the were compiled, no one realized the extent to Company. “The Battalion has always adapted forces into Iraq to support specific combat opera- Operation Relentless Hunt made a huge deployment as part of the reserve, and when which the experience would later return to affect well to non-standard missions. This was too easy tions there. In order to provide a responsive force Capt Andy Staiano (left) and Sgt. Willie Mace (left) of impact and progress towards reducing sectar- they were called to the battlefield, they ex- Thunder Odyssey - Continued on Page 9 of Company B, 40th Engineer Battalion, of Task Force ian acts and protecting the Iraqi populace. celled beyond expectations. Gator, during a patrol in Risala. Photo by Staff Sgt.. During the three day combined US and Iraqi THE STRIKER TORCH Brent Williams PAGE 12 Final Edition October 30, 2006 PAGE 9

Thunder Odyssey - Continued from Page 8 also serve as their higher headquarters for report- supplies and material, and filled with maintenance to support other contingencies in Iraq, the BCT ing the current readiness of their Iraqi units, parts, mail, and other critical items necessary for reorganized the 4th Bn., 27th FA, as a Motorized assessing their abilities to operate independently,” daily operations and the morale of the Soldiers Gators Wrap up an Eventful Year Task Force and Task Force Thunder was formed. said Maj. Robert Foster, Operations Officer for who lived at FOB Justice. When the Government of Iraq and the 4th Infan- the 4th Bn., 27th FA. The support came in part The Headquarters and Headquarters Battery Story by Maj. Jeff Grable and Capt. Mike Cygan try Division requested additional combat power in from personnel augmentation from the Battalion’s Soldiers of survey and other headquarters ele- support of the second phase of Operation To- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery and Ser- ments served as a Protective Service Detail The Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 6th 40th Engineer Battalion, Com- gether Forward, MNF-I called forward the motor- vice Battery to the Military Transition Teams (PSD). The heavy training regimen in Kuwait Infantry Regiment, or Task Force “Gators” pany C, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infan- ized Task Force Thunder. Additionally, the (MTTs) of the 1st Bde., 6th IA Div. These aug- paid off as these Soldiers routinely escorted the experienced numerous successes over the past try Regiment, and Headquarters Brigade headquarters was directed to assume mentees played a vital role in the training of ISF. Battalion Command Group throughout Western eleven months while deployed in support of and Headquarters Company, 2nd command and control of other forces already The medics from HHB trained the medical pla- Baghdad. This included providing security for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Task Force Bn., 6th Inf. Regt. Task Force committed on the battlefield. Iraqi Security toons within the Iraqi Army battalions and pro- District Advisory Council meetings in the dis- started its deployment as the Theater Reserve Gators were also supported by Forces (ISF) played a crucial role in the future of vided oversight to real-world medical evacuations tricts of Monsour and Khadamiyah regarding and closed out the challenging year controlling maintenance teams from 47th Baghdad and Iraq, and Task Force Thunder was, and urgent care. Similarly, the Battalion’s me- security concerns. The teams also transferred all of the west Rasheed district in southwest Forward Support Battalion, and designated to fulfill the vital role of a coordinat- chanics worked closely to ensure the 1st Bde., 6th division detainees and escorted numerous con- Baghdad—an area over 110 square kilometers fire support teams from 4th Bat- ing headquarters for the two brigades of Iraqi IA Div. MTTs’ vehicles remained operational. In tractors and Department of Justice employees to and one million residents. The Task Force talion, 27th Field Artillery Regi- Army (IA), two brigades of National Police (NP), addition to the additional MTT vehicles they and from FOB Justice. They also performed planned and executed a variety of operations ment. and twenty Iraqi Police (IP) Stations in the 2nd serviced, they also ensured the IA battalions time-sensitive crater analysis for indirect fire BCT area of operations. TF 4-27 manned the and is now prepared to shift focus to redeploy- Upon arrival at Camp received instruction on how to maintain their attacks which impacted the FOB, so that battle Combined Operations and Intelligence Center ing Soldiers and equipment back to Germany. Buehring, Kuwait, the Soldiers of respective vehicle fleets while instilling a sense of reporting of proper analysis could be accurate, (COIC) which provided a critical link between Task Force Gators came together again the task force embarked on an operator ownership throughout the process. timely, and useable. Coalition Forces of the 2nd BCT and the ISF that One of the more spectacular of these transi- By the end of the deployment, the Soldiers in mid-December 2005 when the 2nd Brigade aggressive training plan in prepa- shared battle space. Combat Team organized into task forces, but ration for possible deployment to tions for Task Force Thunder was to exchange its of the Iron Thunder Battalion realized that they In order to accomplish this mission, Task three firing batteries for two Military Police had applied their combined strength and versatil- trained as a Task Force as early as August Iraq. Commanders developed and Force Thunder pushed its base of operations out 2005 at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Ger- executed weapons ranges, companies and an additional MP platoon. These ity to a unique task which will make a lasting into the city to Forward Operating Base (FOB) elements were placed under the tactical control of impression to the future of Baghdad and Iraq. many during gunnery. Combat elements of the counter-IED training lanes, and Justice, located in north central Baghdad on the Task Force consisted of Battery A, 4th Battal- urban training operations. The Task Force Thunder, adding nearly 300 personnel “There is only so much you can hope to accom- banks of the Tigris River. The COIC was collo- to the ranks. These military policemen provided ion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, Battery B, less glamorous, but still impor- plish in any deployment, but I believe that we cated there with the 1st Bde., 6th IA Div., Tacti- mentorship and training to the 20 police stations deployed here at full speed, acted together as a 4th Bn., 27th FA Regt., Company B, 1st Bat- tant, maintenance operations in Staff Sgt. Jeremy Billings, of Company B, 40th Engineer Battalion, of Task Force Gator, speaks with his interpreter about the recent events in Objec- cal Operations Center (TOC). The COIC mission in the BCT’s area of responsibility. Developing team to throw our shoulders into the massive talion, 35th Armored Regiment, Company B, involved coordinating current and future opera- Gators Eventful Year - Continued on Page 13 tive Risala that the locals reported. Photo by Staff Sgt.. Brent Williams the Iraqi Police was designated as the main effort effort of ‘ISF in the lead,’ and it will be up to tions with the partnered ISF units and the 2nd for 2006 by the Commanding General in charge others to maintain the momentum we have toiled BCT headquarters in order to facilitate increased of all forces in Iraq, dubbing this “The Year of the here to create,” said Lt. Col. Robert Cheatham, situational awareness across national, cultural, ¾All paper will be shredded Police.” “This is a unique and challenging mis- Commander of the 4th Bn., 27th FA. This shared and language barriers. The COIC was addition- sion by any standard. Getting these guys up to idea will be on the minds of the Battalion as they ¾Must be crosscut shredding ally designed to facilitate increased mentorship speed is critical, when you think about it, it is the prepare to return home to their spouses, friends, and training of ISF by partnering with Coalition POLICE, not the ARMY that provides day to day and families that supported them throughout the ¾Units will burn all other paper staff counterparts. security for the citizens of any successful nation,” deployment. They will inevitably reflect on the shredding New units were assigned to Task Force said Capt. Jay Avery, Commander of the 615th units that briefly made up Task Force Thunder, as Thunder, including Company B, 141st Signal Military Police Company. those transition teams remain in Iraq to carry on ¾All classified documents must be Battalion to provide life support and force protec- THE BAD The Soldiers of the Iron Thunder Battalion the long-term project of a safe and secure Iraq. THE GOOD THE UGLY burned. tion to the FOB. Additionally, the battalion re- filled additional roles outside of assisting work Lt. Col. Cheatham closed by saying, “The breadth ceived tactical control over the wide variety of with ISF and their Transition Teams. The Stal- and scope of this mission is extensive and it will ¾Addresses, stick pads, phone numbers, Transition Teams that serve as mentors and advi- lions of Service Battery, in addition to providing take additional rotations working in concert with notes, hand receipts, personal letters, sors for the various Iraqi Security Forces, to personnel for MTT augmentation, conducted our Iraqi partners to achieve steady progress, but I include two full companies of Military Police photos, junk mail, etc; all can be used Combat Logistics Patrols. “…weekly the Stal- can leave here knowing that for every stride (MPs), to coach, teach, and mentor their counter- lions travel through some of the most dangerous forward the ISF have made working with us, we by the enemy and must be burned. parts in the Iraqi Police. times of the night to get supplies to our troops. were there to support their advance toward their “The relationship with the Transition Teams That’s our job,” said Spec. Joran Jackowiski of own victory in Iraq. Our time here has brought is an unusual and often a challenging one. We Service Battery, 4th Bn., 27th FA. These CLPs results that our Soldiers know has contributed primarily provide support to them so they can routinely escorted civilian and military vehicles directly to winning the Global War on Terror- accomplish their mission of training the ISF. We THE STRIKER TORCH which departed Camp Liberty full of essential ism.” Final Edition October 30, 2006 2BCT PAO, A Successful Year of Operations Story by Spc. Joshua Ramey To most Soldiers, “the media” is what is distribution sources available on the Internet and diers to read. on T.V., what is printed in the Stars and Stripes, print. The staff writers were Sgt. Raul Montano, and what is heard from loved ones who pay The Soldiers, NCOs, and officers dedi- originally from Battery C, 4th Bn., 27th FA attention to worldwide events. Soldiers rarely cated to this mission spent much of their time Regt., and Spc. Joshua Ramey from Company think about the process involved in telling their split between writing, compiling, researching, B, 40th Engineer Battalion. Their jobs included story to sources that are very interested in what and sorting information in the office, and spent gathering and processing material, as well as they do, and how they do it. The entire world the rest of their time in the field gathering mate- preparing material submitted from battalions. has eyes-on American Soldiers, and it is likely rial from the Task Forces. Since the beginning Spc. Jeremy Neece from Headquarters the high social esteem of being a U.S. Soldier of the deployment, the Striker Torch staff edited and Headquarters Battery, 4th Bn., 27th FA comes, in part, from the dedicated work of pub- and published over 190 stories, processed over Regt. selected stories and pictures to be used in lic affairs offices attached to military units 40,000 pictures, and took nearly 35,000 pictures. the Striker Torch and assembled the publication. around the world. The processing of material is not as simple as it Sgt. Ben Siep and Capt. Thomas Hasara “The media” cannot be defined by those sounds. There are strict standards which much of the 4th Bn., 27th FA Regt’s intelligence

st Class Liviu Ivan ackground), Sgt. 1 two words. Many different journalists enter the be met for a picture or an article to be published. shop, were the software experts who worked to Thomas Hasara (b ommand infor- Capt. ce (left), process c d Pfc. Jeremy Nee tion news- Iraqi Theater with different agendas, different The Striker Torch staff checked every train members of the office on how to use vari- (center) an command informa pare the Brigade’s oto by mation and pre ehring, Kuwait. Ph tendencies, and bring their own personal bias to photo and article to ensure that Soldiers were ous computer programs that streamlined com- Torch, at Camp Bu paper, the Striker the battlefield. The 2nd BCT Public Affairs adhering to the 2nd BCT’s standards for uniform munication. They were also key players in the amey Spc. Joshua R Office was designed to facilitate the media’s and editing process and the production of several xpert Infantryman Sgt. 1st Class David D en Seip takes video of E ockett takes photos interaction with Soldiers and leaders, so videos telling the brigade’s story in Kuwait Sgt. B wait. Photo by during the Expe g at Camp Buehring, Ku rt Field Medical Badge Badge trainin conducted training they can publish and broadcast their sto- and Iraq. r at Camp Buehring, K Maj. Frederick Bowe by P uwait. Photo fc. Even Richardson ries as accurately as possible. The senior NCOs of the office, Sgt. 1st Early in the deployment, the 2nd Class David Docket originally from 1st Battal- BCT leadership showed interest in empha- ion, 35th Armored Regiment, Sgt. 1st Class sizing public affairs operations for the Armaruel Peralta and Sgt. 1st Class Liviu Theater Reserve mission in Kuwait. Maj. Ivan, both from the 4th Bn., 27th FA Regt.’s Frederick Bower, the 4th Battalion, 27th intelligence shop, coordinated with different Field Artillery Regiment’s operations brigade elements, and helped facilitate opera- officer (and later, the battalion’s executive tions in the field and in the office. The senior officer) was appointed to guide the Public NCOs worked closely with battalion-level Affairs shop in a direction that would public affairs representatives. establish success. None of the members of Upon the 2nd Brigade Headquarters the section were trained on journalism or arrival to Baghdad in the end of July, Capt. photography, so necessary skills to do this airs section with a CNN Hasara, Sgt. Siep, and Sgt. 1st Class Peralta, Sgt ade Combat Team public aff . Raul Montano exa The 2nd Brig ing Operation mines a photo he re mission came from individual motivation to red events in Ghazaliyah dur moved to Forward Operating Base Justice to Baghdad, Iraq. P cently captured in news crew who cove Daniel hoto by Spc. Joshua iberty, Iraq. Photo by Capt. Ramey learn different journalism styles, study how Together Forward at Camp L serve full-time in 4th Bn., 27th FA Regt.’s to operate professional camera equipment, Tower intelligence shop working with the Iraqi s in the green zone and adapt to different requirements and Security Forces in combined operations. Capt. Thomas Hasara stand 1st Sgt. Armaruel in Baghdad, Iraq. Photo by standards from the division and corps levels. safety. All Soldiers had to be identified, as well Maj. Bower and Capt. John Turner Maj. Fredrick Bower (center), with m Peralta In order to complement outside media’s the photographer that took the picture. Large (recently moved from 4th Bn., 27th FA Regt., Stephen edia members from Turner (left), and Ga CNN amounts of effort were expended coordinating da briel Ramirez (right) i representation of the 2nd BCT, the Public Af- staff) became more closely involved with the d, Iraq. Photo by Sgt n Bagh- 1st Class Liviu Ivan fairs section produced its own material so that with battalions and companies, ensuring that public affairs operations after the brigade’s the audience was able to observe the brigade in information in our products were accurate. movement to Baghdad. With help from Sgt. 1st much more depth. The Striker Torch was the Finally, a photo is combined with a “cut-line” Class Ivan, the three dealt with a barrage of 2nd Brigade’s weekly publication that served to that states who is doing what, when, and where. embedded reporters from the Western media, highlight what Soldiers were currently doing The group of pictures and cut-lines were then organized press conferences, and ran day-to-day throughout the deployment. Pictures and articles sent through the approval chain for changes and operations in the shop. They worked to coordi- from the Striker Torch were distributed directly authorization to release. nate at least 30 embedded reporters to units to the 1st Armored Division, and rear- Articles were formatted to the Associated going on missions and made sure they stayed detachment elements in Germany, Ft. Hood, Press standard for style, and proper abbreviation busy. Texas, and Ft. Lewis, Washington. From there, for units and ranks. The OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM other media outlets commonly used material During the course of the deployment, the 05-07 rotation for the Public Affairs section has gathered by 2nd BCT public affairs, such as the Public Affairs section made contact with the been a continuous and very interesting learning Stars and Stripes, Ironsides Magazine, Desert Herald Union and the Army Times who sent free process. Monotony never set in and the office’s Voice, Ivy Leaf, Herald Union, the 1st Armored copies of their publications to the 2nd BCT. The success came largely from an ability to remain Capt. John T urner coordinates o phone ver the Division Website, the V Corps website, the Public Affairs section distributed these publica- flexible, think outside of the box, and maintain a for future operations diers training at Ir in Baghdad, und) takes video of Sol Camp tions to the task forces from Germany for Sol- aq. Photo by Spc. J lass Liviu Ivan (foregro records a training event in Pentagon website, and a host of other news- “can-do” attitude. eremy Neece Sgt. 1st C . Joshua Ramey Spc. Joshua Ramey , Kuwait. Photo by Spc y Pfc. Evan Richardson Camp Buehring Buehring, Kuwait. Photo b

THE STRIKER TORCH Final Edition October 30, 2006 2BCT PAO, A Successful Year of Operations Story by Spc. Joshua Ramey To most Soldiers, “the media” is what is distribution sources available on the Internet and diers to read. on T.V., what is printed in the Stars and Stripes, print. The staff writers were Sgt. Raul Montano, and what is heard from loved ones who pay The Soldiers, NCOs, and officers dedi- originally from Battery C, 4th Bn., 27th FA attention to worldwide events. Soldiers rarely cated to this mission spent much of their time Regt., and Spc. Joshua Ramey from Company think about the process involved in telling their split between writing, compiling, researching, B, 40th Engineer Battalion. Their jobs included story to sources that are very interested in what and sorting information in the office, and spent gathering and processing material, as well as they do, and how they do it. The entire world the rest of their time in the field gathering mate- preparing material submitted from battalions. has eyes-on American Soldiers, and it is likely rial from the Task Forces. Since the beginning Spc. Jeremy Neece from Headquarters the high social esteem of being a U.S. Soldier of the deployment, the Striker Torch staff edited and Headquarters Battery, 4th Bn., 27th FA comes, in part, from the dedicated work of pub- and published over 190 stories, processed over Regt. selected stories and pictures to be used in lic affairs offices attached to military units 40,000 pictures, and took nearly 35,000 pictures. the Striker Torch and assembled the publication. around the world. The processing of material is not as simple as it Sgt. Ben Siep and Capt. Thomas Hasara “The media” cannot be defined by those sounds. There are strict standards which much of the 4th Bn., 27th FA Regt’s intelligence

THE STRIKER TORCH PAGE 12 Final Edition October 30, 2006 PAGE 9