April 23, 2005 www.mnstci.iraq.centcom.mil

Official Weekly Command Information Report for the Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq 74 and still soaring

Iraqi and Coalition leaders join together to celebrate 74th anniversary of Iraq’s Air Force Vol. 2 Issue 17

April 23, 2005 Saddam-defying colonel now

leads Iraqi Army battalion

pride of his imprisonment after an MNSTC-I

By U.S. Army Spc. Matthew McLaughlin alleged argument with Hussein,

Commanding General

10th Mountain Division Public Affairs the tyrant known for executing

U.S. Army

dissenters.

Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus

FORWARD OPERATING BASE

HAWK, Iraq — When Coalition “I told Saddam I don’t care about

Command Sergeant Major

Forces were faced with having to him, I care about God,”

U.S. Marine Corps

help Iraq rebuild its Army, they Mohammad recalled of the com-

Sgt. Maj. Ronnie L. Edwards

knew they needed someone who ment that sent him away for eight

would walk down the most dan- months and 11 days, a number

Public Affairs Officer

gerous street in Baghdad without Mohammad kept track of by mark-

U.S. Army

fear; someone who would ignore ing every day on the wall of his

Lt. Col. Frederick Wellman

religious differences for the cell in between beatings from the

greater good; someone who once prison guards.

Deputy Public Affairs Officers

told Saddam Hussein where to go.

U.S. Army

“Every day they beat me,” he said Capt. Larry George

They needed a leader and found as if reading the memories from a

U.S. Army an outspoken warrior. book, apparently devoid of hatred.

Capt. Tim Jeffers

Col. Mohammad Faik Rauf al- Eventually, Hussein released

Operations NCO Samarai, 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Mohammad and reinstated him as

U.S. Army Army Brigade commander, is a an officer. Mohammad no longer

Sgt. 1st Class Allen R. Thomas stark contrast to the image of a wished to serve in the Army.

ruthless Iraqi Army commander.

Editor “I told Saddam I need to quit. I

U.S. Army Known to all as “Colonel told him that I’ve gone crazy and I

Sgt. Lorie Jewell Mohammad,” his graying hair and can’t work. He said if I can’t work

wrinkles around his eyes and I’ll go back to jail. I said ‘Okay, I’ll

CPATT Public Affairs Liaison mouth from years of laughter go back to work,’” Mohammad

Ann Bertucci mask a hardened warrior’s said and laughed.

heart. He has experienced both

national and personal struggles After Coalition Forces defeated

The Advisor is an authorized publication for yet manages to laugh in the face Hussein’s Army, Mohammad members of the U.S. Defense Department and of strife. joined the Iraqi National multinational partners. Guard. He joined as a captain for Contents of this paper are not necessarily the Mohammad served as an air de- operations and in less than a year official views of the U.S. government, fense officer in Hussein’s re- worked his way to colonel. After multinational partners or the U.S. Dept. of Defense. The editorial content of this publication gime. He boasted that he excelled several unsuccessful battalion is the responsibility of the Multi-National Security beyond officers who outranked commanders, Mohammad be- Transition Command - Iraq Public Affairs Office . him and was a valued asset to the came commander of the 303rd Army. He received 14 medals ING, now known as the 2-1 IA. Direct questions and comments to: [email protected] from Saddam, awards he now gives as gifts to American allies. MNSTC-I PAO See ‘Mohammad’ APO AE 09316 As proud as he is of his accom- Page 3 DPN: 318-852-1334 plishments, he spoke with equal To subscribe to The Advisor, visit us online at: www.mnstci.iraq.centcom.mil/advisor “Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands Cover: An Iraqi pilot, with a Coalition still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders co-pilot, flies over the Iraqi Air Force 74th anniversary celebration in a Bell seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” 206 helicopter. — Harry S. Truman (1884—1972) Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 2 “It was hell,” Mohammad said. “No soldiers’ loyalty to Mohammad and Mohammad one could open shops, no one could their fearlessness in battle. From Page 2 leave their house, no one could go to Under Mohammad’s leadership, the school. Many people were killed.” His soldiers don’t run from a fight 2-1 IA flourished, said Staff Sgt. and their courage is a reflection of Kiplangat D. Marisin, an IA Mohammad combated the terrorists their leader, said Lt. Col. Mark Kne- advisor from the 2nd Brigade Com- by saturating the streets with dis- ram, officer in charge of 2nd BCT bat Team, 10th Mountain Division. mounted soldiers and working with advisors. the community to un- cover terrorist opera- “They respond to the fact he leads tions. After several from the front,” said the New Castle, weeks of intense fight- Penn., native. “He cares about his ing, 2-1 IA significantly soldiers and they know that.” reduced terrorist activi- ties. Mohammad’s success and high pro- file has come at a price, however. “When my 303rd (soldiers) go to Haifa He is under constant threat from ter- Street, they take care of rorist attacks, claiming he’s escaped the problem,” 42 assassination attempts. He joked Mohammad boasted. that if cats have nine lives, he must “They captured many have at least 43. terrorists and worked Col. Mohammad Faik Rauf al-Samarai, 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army very hard. They cleaned His family is also subjected to at- Brigade commander, talks with U.S. Army Lt. Col. David B. Batchelor, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Com- the roads, cleaned up tacks. His cousin was reportedly kid- bat Team, 10th Mountain Division, during a mission March 30. the trash and helped napped by terrorists and Mohammad Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Matthew McLaughlin people.” had to restrain himself from retalia- tion. “He is the type of leader they needed Mohammad led the pack of moti- to get things done,” the South Bend, vated soldiers on the front lines. He Even his mother was attacked and Ind. native said. “He’s compassion- gained respect from U.S. and Iraqi threatened. His wife and children ate to the Iraqi people, but if you’re soldiers by leading from the front must take tremendous precautions bad …” and willingly putting himself in dan- to ensure their safety. ger’s way. A major contribution to Mohammad’s “It is hard for them,” he said. “We success was his personal selection Mohammad made his presence felt continue with our lives. It is worth it if of 2-1 IA leadership. Mohammad, a to Haifa Street, residents, introduc- it gives my son a future, En shaa Sunni Muslim, is in charge of an ing himself to everyone he could, Allah (God willing).” overwhelmingly Shia battalion. said Capt. Mike Campbell, an IA He ignored religious and political advisor from Ce- affiliations and selected officers and lina, Tenn. non-commissioned officers for pro- motion based on performance, said “Mohammad will Capt. Christopher G. Johnson, a 2-1 walk the streets IA advisor from Kent, Ohio. and talk to people,” he said. “Someone “He operates no differently with Sun- will wave at him nis, Shias and Christians,” he and he will go and said. “They are all soldiers first.” talk to them. Twenty feet later Mohammad and his 2-1 IA soldiers he’s talking to faced a major challenge in February someone else.” when they assumed responsibility U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multi-National Security Transition over part of Haifa Street, a notori- His willingness to Command-Iraq commander, greets commanders in the 1st Brigade of the ously dangerous road in Baghdad. face danger as Iraqi Army 6th Division on Baghdad’s Haifa Street April 14. The 1st Brigade (formerly 40th IA Brigade) was the earliest Iraqi unit to assume autono- Violent hostilities towards Coalition well as his loyalty mous control of its own battle space in Iraq when it took over the Haifa Forces earned the street the title to his troops is area of downtown Baghdad and has transformed the area into a safe and “Death Street” to media outlets. matched by the quiet neighborhood again. Photo by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Wellman

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 3 Iraqi forces take control during Salman Pak mission

By U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell They found a terrorist training camp, Spatt said, that in- MNSTC-I Public Affairs cluded a car bomb factory. Six vehicles and one motorcy- cle were confiscated; one of the cars was completely SALMAN PAK, Iraq — Five battalions of roughly 3,500 wired with explosives and ready to be used, he said. Iraqi troops responded to insurgent threats and claims of hostage-taking by taking control of the city in a four-hour One weapons cache was discovered buried under the sweep that brought in about 40 suspects, officials said. floor of a house under construction. “The dis- The April 18 operation by two battalions of police com- covery of this hidden mandos and three public order battalions uncovered sev- cache is very fortu- eral vehicles loaded with explosives and two large weap- nate; it will save nu- ons caches. No hostages were found. A third weapons merous coalition and cache was discovered Iraqi lives,” Spann April 21, said U.S. Army said. Lt. Col. Martin Spann,

commando adviser, as- Commandos recov- Coalition forces inspect a large ammuni- signed to the Civilian Po- ered dozens of mortar tion cache that was hidden under the floor lice Advisory Training and artillery rounds, of the building (above) and discover an active car bomb (below) during the opera- Team (CPATT), Multi- explosive materials, and tion in Salman Pak April 18. National Security Transi- several 200-pound U.S. Army photos by MNSTC-I Team Commando tion Command – Iraq. aerial bombs. Iraqi security forces uncover ammu- nition cache in Salman Pak April 18. U.S. Army photo by MNSTC-I Team Commando “This was a show of force U.S. Army Maj. Paul to show that the Iraqi Johnson, a CPATT forces are effective,” Spann said. “It was planned and adviser, said the Iraqi executed by the Iraqis in response to insurgents claiming military leaders may they had taken a number of hostages.” not have planned and executed the opera- The forces started moving tion as Coalition into the city around 6 a.m., forces would have, but with commandos from the 1st they were effective. and 2nd Battalions of the 1st Brigade sweeping the city “They did it,” Johnson said. “They went in and they kicked while the public order battal- butt down there.” ions maintained security Iraqi forces secure a perimeter around the outskirts of the during a four-hour sweep in Salman The operation included a back-up quick reaction force Pak. city and along the only road U.S. Army photo by MNSTC-I Team Commando and support from Coalition soldiers with the U.S. Army’s leading in and out. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Task Force Baghdad supports Salman Pak mission “The mission was very successful,” said Lt. Col. Michael By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Craig Zentkovich Johnson, commander of 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regi- 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs ment. “The (Iraqi forces) were able to secure Salman Pak SALMAN PAK, Iraq – Following an early-morning cordon … and find a large weapons cache where IED vehicle and search of a city south of Baghdad, Iraqi Security bombs were being manufactured.” Forces supported by Task Force Baghdad Soldiers, discov- ered weapons caches at two separate locations Monday. In the town center, Iraqi Security Forces, numbering in the hundreds, celebrated after reclaiming a police station that Prior to Monday’s search, Salman Pak for months had had not been occupied by Iraqi Police for months. been known as a terrorist staging ground for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and U.S. forces. “The U.S. forces had a very small part in the operation,” Items discovered were later destroyed by an explosive ordi- Johnson said. “(3-7 Cavalry) served as a quick reaction nance disposal team from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, force, if necessary. This was an all Iraqi-planned and exe- 3rd Infantry Division. cuted mission.”

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 4 Iraqi Navy holds first council meeting

By U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell future to make sure our processes, structures and forces MNSTC-I Public Affairs are sustainable in the long term,” he said. “We will be working on that. BAGHDAD, Iraq – The head of Iraq’s Navy met with other senior-level Navy and Ministry of Defense officials for a The Iraqi Navy is first-ever meeting of the Navy Council. responsible for defending the Commodore Jawad, who heads the Navy, chaired the April country’s coast- 20 meeting in Maude House, home to Gen. Brims, the new line, territorial wa- deputy commanding general for Multi-National Forces – ters, approaches Iraq. Also attending to its two main was Dr. Sawsan, di- ports in Basrah rector general for Re- and Umm Qasr, sources and Programs and its off-shore at the Ministry of De- oil platforms, said fense; Commodore Al- British Cmdr. An Iraqi patrol boat docks to the United King- Lami, deputy director Scott Verney, the dom’s RFA Diligence during a training exercise. The Diligence, a fleet support ship, is acting as a for MoD Policy and MNSTC-I Maritime forward operating base for the Iraqi Navy at Um Iraqi Gen. Babekir, chief of staff of the Requirements; Capt. advisor. Iraq’s Qasr. Photo by British Brig. David Clements country’s Armed Forces, gets a close look Adel, operational com- Navy operates in of an Iraqi fast boat approaching a patrol mander in Umm Qasr patrol boats and smaller, faster patrol-type vessels, he boat. Photo by British Brig. David Clements Naval Base; Capt. said. With the Iraqi Navy’s Infantry, it also conducts non- Thamir, who will soon head the Naval Staff from Baghdad; compliant boardings of other ships suspected of illegal ac- a MoD acquisitions representative and the newly- tivity. appointed senior Navy officer to the Joint Headquarters. The Navy’s operational headquarters is at the Um Qasr The Iraqi Navy has been in the process of rebuilding since base, while strategic issues are handled out of Baghdad. major combat operations ended in 2003. With assistance from the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Naval forces at Um Qasr are currently participating in a Iraq, the Navy has made strides in establishing coastal month-long training exercise with a United Kingdom auxil- defense capabilities, Jawad said before the meeting iary ship, the RFA Diligence, which serves as a forward started. operating base at sea for the Iraqi patrol boats. It is simul- taneously supporting up to three patrol boats with food, “This is our first conference for the Iraqi Navy,” he said, water, fuel and engineering and life-support services. through an interpreter. “Our ambition is ready. We are here to discuss The Iraqi Navy is in the process of buying two smaller aux- what we want to iliary vessels to perform a similar function. develop, the obsta- cles we are facing, “This will enable 24-7 operations around the oil platforms,” and how to remove Verney said. them.” On a recent visit to the ship, Jawad joined Iraqi Gen. Ba- Having ministry bekir, Commander of Iraq’s Armed Forces, and Commo- representatives dore Gilmour, Coalition commander of North Arabian Gulf present will help Maritime Security Operations, to watch a boarding exer- the council deal cise by the Iraqi Naval Infantry Battalion. The leaders also with acquisition and discussed continued interaction between the Iraqi Navy finance issues, and Coalition maritime units. Jawad said. The other main obstacle Adel, the commander of operations at Um Qasr, said his is planning for the forces started operations in February, working jointly with future, he added. Coalition forces in protecting the oil platforms. Adel said he Two Iraqi patrol boats maneuver on open seas “We must make expects his forces to take complete responsibility for the during a training exercise with the United King- dom’s RFA Diligence. sure we plan far platforms by September, and continue working to achieve Photo by British Brig. David Clements enough into the sole responsibility for defending Iraq’s territorial waters.

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 5 Iraqi Air Force celebrates 74 years

By U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell MNSTC-I Public Affairs

TAJI, Iraq – The commander of Iraq’s Air Force joined other Iraqi and Coali- tion leaders in a flight line hangar here to mark the 74th anniversary of the country’s Air Force.

The April 22 celebration included a flyover by a UH-1H “Huey” helicopter of Squadron 2, which began opera- tions the same day, and a Bell 206 ‘Jet Ranger’ helicopter, which will serve Squadron 12, which is ex- pected to start operating in the next few months.

Six years after the Iraqi Army was created on Jan. 6, 1921, five students were sent to Britain to study aeronau- An Iraqi officer gives a short brief on the UH-1H Huey to Maj. Gen. Kamal Abid Al-Sattar Barzanjy, com- mander of the Iraqi Air Force, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Schwitters, commander of the Multi- tics and another 32 for instruction in National Security Transition Command—Iraq’s Coalition Military Assistance Training Team. aircraft mechanics. Four years later, Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell the pilots flew warplanes back to Baghdad from London. The day they Its history of service includes partici- porting Jordanian troops by breaking landed, April 22, 1931, has been pation in the May 1941 war against through Israeli air space. The Iraqi Air celebrated since as the country’s Air British occupation, the 1948 war Force also attacked Israeli bases in Force Day. against Israel, and in June 1967, sup- Sinai in October 1973 and played a major role in the war against Iran in 1980, according to historical ac- counts.

The Air Force was crippled from American strikes in Desert Storm, and was destroyed, for the most part, in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Free- dom.

Coalition forces are helping rebuild the Iraqi Air Force, with four squad- rons operational so far and perform- ing missions involving oil pipeline surveillance and transport services.

Squadron 2, with 21 pilots and 43 engineers and technicians will use Hueys for transportation-type mis- sions, said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Juliet Tate, an adviser from the

Members of the Iraqi media interview Maj. Gen. Kamal Abid Al-Sattar Barzanjy following a ceremony marking the 74th anniversary of the Iraqi Air Force. The celebration also focused on the Air Force’s See ‘Air Force’ Squadron 3 starting operations the same day. The squadron will provide transportation services in UH- 1H “Huey” helicopters donated by the Jordanian government. Page 7 Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 6

Air Force Plans are for the Air Force to have a total of six squadrons. From Page 6 The Jet Ranger Squadron 12 will be the next online, fol- lowed by Squadron 96 with Recce aircraft. Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq who is helping with the rebuilding efforts. Crews will transport In remarks to the crowd gathered to celebrate the anniver- high-level leaders and other personnel, cargo and eventu- sary, Iraqi Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Kamal Abid Al- ally, perform some medical-related transportation mis- Sattar Barzanjy thanked Jordan and the Coalition forces sions, Tate said. that have assisted in putting the Air Force back on its wings. The Jordanian government has pledged to give Iraqi’s Air Force 16 Hueys; four have been delivered so far, she “As you know, we have had a difficult time due to previous added. In time, the Air Force will have another squadron of years of neglect,” the general said, through an interpreter. Hueys. “The time ahead will be hard, but with all of your effort, it will get easier and take less time.” The other Air Force units include Squadron 3, with Comp Air surveillance aircraft donated by the United Arab Emir- Iraqi Col. Satte, commander of the Air Force contingents at ates; Squadron 70, with two Seeker and two CH-2000 air- Taji, shared his pride in watching the Huey and Jet Ranger craft – with four additional CH-2000s due to arrive in the fly over the ceremony. “These are our pilots, who will pro- next couple of weeks; and Squadron 23, flying three C- vide security to our country,” Satte said. “This is a stepping 130E cargo planes donated by the United States. stone to Iraq’s sovereignty.”

Air Force Birthday

A pilot with Squadron 2 of the Iraqi Air Force flies over a crowd celebrating the Air Force’s 74th anniversary (above left); Iraqi officers and pilots get a close-up look at a Jet Ranger helicopter (above), which will be used by Squadron 12 when it begins opera- tions; U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Schwitters chats with an Maj. Gen. Kamal Abid Al-Sattar Barzanjy, commander of the Iraqi Air Force, before the anniversary ceremony begins (left); Schwitters presents a thank-you gift to Taji Coalition base commander U.S. Army Col. Robert Catalanotti (bottom left); a crowd gathers around a UH-1H “Huey” helicopter as Schwitters and Iraqi Air Force Com- mander Gen. Kamal try out the pilot and co-pilot seats (far bottom left); U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Juliet Tate gestures a thank-you as Iraqi Air Force pilots, engineers and technicians show their appre- ciation for the work she and other Coalition advisers put into get- ting Squadron 2 ready to begin operations April 22. Photos by U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 7 Tips from Iraqi residents root out terror small villages and no urbanization. It out, it’s hard for the Iraqis to get to By Spc. Erin Robicheaux was a perfect place for terrorists to know you, but when you stick around 256th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs hide weapons and ammunition. for a little while, they’ll start to trust you and eventually they’ll tell you From the word “go,” the Marines set where to find these guys.” MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – Supplied with out to rid the area of as many terror- tips from local residents, Army and ists as they could. “We conducted Based largely on intelligence given to Marines Corps patrols are giving anti- several search-and-attack missions, them from the local residents, the Ma- Iraqi forces a reason to complain searched homes, culverts, and ca- rines detained more than 40 terrorists, lately. nals,” said Furness. “If it looked like a many high-value targets. They went good hiding place, we searched it.” after three terrorist cells and in the Soldiers of the 256th Brigade Combat end, disrupted them. Some of the Team, 3rd Infantry Division and Ma- As a result of their persistence, the leadership was captured by the Ma- rines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary 15th MEU uncovered a number of rines, including a few high financiers. Unit (Special Operations Capable), weapon caches, including sites for are working side-by-side to flush ter- rocket-propelled grenades, improvised rorists from their hiding places. explosive devices, and mortar rounds. Iraqi Security Forces and Task A dismounted patrol discovered two Force Baghdad officials strongly “Unless an insurgent is willing to be a IEDs made of aviation ordinance. A suicide bomber, they don’t want to 500-pound Russian aviation bomb encourage all Iraqi citizens to come here. The military presence is daisy chained to a 155-millimeter report suspicious behavior by too high, and it’s growing,” said Col. howitzer round was also discovered. calling one of the TIPS hotlines Ronnie D. Johnson, the deputy bri- at 07901737723 or 07901737727 gade commander for the 256th. He Furness gave much of the credit of or e-mailing said the experience of working with the successful missions to the Iraqi the Marines was a textbook case of people themselves. When the Marines [email protected]. how a joint force operation should run. arrived in the Mahmudiyah area, the local populace was overwhelmingly “The Marines came in here straight off cooperative and showed signs they Johnson believed that the combina- of a ship, they integrated their staff in were happy the 15th MEU was there. tion of local intelligence and the good our operations center and we’ve been working relationship between the two a team since day one,” said the New “These insurgents are taking advan- military services are what made for a Orleans, La., resident. “If we run joint tage of the lawlessness in the area very successful operation. operations again, this would be a and they’re preying on these people,” model for it.” said Furness. “The Marines are able to sustain themselves in a field environment for Lt. Col. David Furness, from Colum- The locals were so grateful for the a significant amount of time,” said bus, Ohio, and commander of 1st Bat- Marines that they told them where to Johnson. “We were able to provide talion, 1st Marines, 15th MEU, said find weapon caches and anti-Iraqi them with logistical support, such as his unit was brought in to clear an forces. Furness’ Marines discovered a ammunition and up-armored vehi- area that lacked military forces for huge explosives cache that was used cles.” quite some time. They conducted op- to make IEDs, because of a local erations in a rural area comprised of woman’s assistance. She, along with The 256th BCT provided the Marines the rest of the community, seemed with the intelligence they needed to tired of the insurgency, Furness find the insurgents, but Johnson said. claimed that the significant contribu- tion was the information provided by “The insurgents take their money, the local people. It was a sign that the their cars, their furniture, everything Iraqis were approaching their breaking they can from the innocent people point and willing to do what they could in the area, and the residents are to get rid of the criminals who were getting sick of it,” said Furness. terrorizing them.

He claimed that having a constant “They’re beginning to trust the Ameri- presence in the area is key. can and Iraqi militaries, and once they Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit patrol the do, they’ll tell us which doors to knock streets around Mahmudiyah, Iraq. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Benoit “When you’re episodically in and on,” said Johnson.

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 8 Elite Iraqi police putting training to use on streets The specialized teams being formed In another mission, they captured a By Sandra Jontz are unlike anything the Iraqi police suspect charged with the kidnapping Stars and Stripes force has seen in the past, said an and beheading of one of the police Mideast edition, April 14, 2005 Iraqi company commander. Because team members. of the volatile security situation and CAMP DUBLIN, Iraq — He was a the targeting of Iraqi police forces by CPATT’s goal is to train a total of 20 soccer star in a previous life, the one insurgents, he and other members SWAT teams of 27 members each, untouched by war. He was famous interviewed asked that their names and placing one team in each of among his fellow Iraqis, as soccer not be published. Iraq’s 18 provinces. The additional players usually were. two could be placed in provinces “We never had this kind of organiza- with large cities, such as Baghdad, But now, he lives a life in obscurity tion, this kind of specialized training,” Lanzo said. Nine teams have gradu- — his face hidden behind a black ski the lead captain said through a ated so far. mask when on the job. It’s too risky translator. “They are so excited to for the 24-year-old soccer star- come and train to be operators.” “We get a very high level of training turned-cop to reveal to the world his from very good instructors and we life as a member of the Emergency The rigorous course translates into a develop day by day, building our Response Unit, an elite part of the high dropout rate, however, with only ability, step by step,” said a 23-year- rebuilding Iraqi police force. about 30 percent of the candidates old member of the SWAT team from graduating after eight weeks of basic Karbala. He prefers his new life. and advanced courses, U.S. Army Capt. Ron Lanzo said. “We are like the lion of Iraq, very “My jobs are almost the same. In brave.” soccer, we made goals. Now I make The ERU will serve as Iraq’s national goals. Goals by capturing terrorists,” high-end specialized police force, he said Monday during a training trained to carry out missions such as break at Camp Dublin, near Bagh- hostage takeovers or high-risk dad International Airport. search and arrest missions, said U.S. Army Col. Ted Westhusing, DID senior adviser for the counterterror- ism special operations training pro- YOU gram under CPATT. KNOW? The ERU now comprises three com- panies of 60 members each. The goal by June 2006 is to build a regi- mental-size unit and add support, training and headquarters compa- North Atlantic Treaty Members of the SWAT team from Karbala nies, Westhusing said. pull suspected “terrorists” from a commer- Organization forces cial bus during a training exercise at Camp Given the short time in which the Dublin, near the Baghdad International Air- port. Stars and Stripes photo by Sandra Jontz units have trained, they’ve per- have donated ap- formed remarkably well during real proximately $21 Last summer, the U.S. military’s Ci- missions, said trainer John Howard, vilian Police Assistance Training a former member of Britain’s hos- million in equipment Team began rigorous training pro- tage rescue team. grams to establish specialized police to Iraqi Forces. teams in three areas: Special Weap- During a deployment to Mosul last Equipment includes ons and Tactics (SWAT), emergency month, the team helped the U.S. response, and dignitary protection, Army in various missions that in- body armor, uni- similar to functions carried out by the volved the freeing of hostages. forms and AK-47s. U.S. Secret service. The Iraqis also captured two high- The training team also is responsible value targets following an attack on NATO Figures for organizing, training, equipping the 25th Infantry Division that re- and mentoring the entire Iraqi police sulted in U.S. casualties, Howard force. said.

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 9 Iraqi women determined to join police force

Female police officers are not new to Iraq. In 1970, Mo- By Sandra Jontz hammed said, the force started a pilot program that put Stars and Stripes females on traffic details in skirted uniforms with the hem Mideast edition, April 19, 2005 just below the knee — a stark contrast to the traditional head-to-toe abaya worn by a majority of females at the BAGHDAD — Things worth having are usually hard to time. The program failed, he said, though he is not sure if it come by, and Ammera Rathy says she is not intimidated was because Saddam Hussein came to power or if the by a culture not 100 percent ready to accept women on the culture failed to accept women in positions of authority. Iraqi police force. The 27 female cadets now learning at the Baghdad acad- “I want to help keep my emy “by and large” perform better than the males, Adams country and the people on said. They tend to outperform the men in academics and the streets safe,” said the 35- even on the shooting range, where instructors don’t have year-old police cadet candi- to break bad shooting habits. date who never before has held a job. Out of the nearly 28,000 graduates from all five academies who have gone through basic training since October, 582 “It will be difficult, yes, but I are women — all from Baghdad academy. On May 1, the am ready.” Iraq, however, Sulaymaniyah Regional Academy is expecting to enroll 25 might not be. females for the first time.

Women present “I am not against women,” Mohammed said through a “physiological” challenges, translator. “But females recruits will face difficulties from such as pregnancy, that society. Where can we assign them? We are trying to make then incompatible to make them equal to men, equal to men in the police de- Ammera Rathy, 35, takes a written hold jobs as police officers, partment, but I exam to qualify to become a cadet said Maj. Gen. Mohammed, don’t know if at the Baghdad Police Academy. Stars and Stripes photo by Sandra Jontz dean of the Baghdad Police this is going to Academy, the only one of work.” five police academies in the country training women to be Iraqi Police. That is not a thought Zahrr “[Those] we have right now are assigned to do desk work, Alganabe is and I fear they will be harassed,” he said, referring to har- willing to ac- assment coming from both within the ranks as well as from cept. the general population. For security reasons, he asked his last name not be published. “I can do this job,” she said It is a delicate issue being addressed by the U.S.-led coali- after complet- tion and Iraqi leadership as the country transforms into a ing an obsta- democracy. cle course to qualify for the Women police cannot be forced upon the society, but nei- Baghdad ther can they be ignored, especially as they line up to sign Academy. on the dotted line to be recruited, said officials of the Civil- ian Police Assistance Training Team, or CPATT. “I do not ac- cept” that CPATT is responsible for organizing, training, equipping women can- and mentoring the entire Iraqi police force and manages not defend five police academies in Iraq. their nation by putting on the “We have a society very rooted in a certain way of think- two-toned ing,” said Jim Adams, chief of institutional development for blue police Zahrr Alganabe runs between cones during an obsta- CPATT. “For us, it has been problematic, but we recognize uniforms, she cle course test given to candidates seeking to join the we can’t change overnight what has been going on for said. Iraqi Police. Stars and Stripes photo by Sandra Jontz centuries.”

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 10 Iraqi Army patrolling streets with Task Force Baghdad and the daily missions have been English, an interpreter goes along on By Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft critical to that progress. During one each mission to communicate be- Task Force Baghdad Public Affairs routine patrol April 8, the IA soldiers tween the two units. accompanied their U.S. counterparts CAMP PROSPERITY, Iraq — Staff to various areas in Baghdad. Even without an interpreter, though, Sgt. Juan Serrano, Spc. Noel Mata the smiles on the IA Soldiers’ faces and Spc. Michael Foutch, all from B “Today, we’re doing a joint patrol with speak volumes about their pride in Company, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor the Iraqi Army; patrolling the river their new jobs and their desire to con- Regiment, are used to riding around road route on the border of the Ti- tinue to get better at what they do. in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle; but gris,” said Hill, referencing the first these days, they’ve had to get used stop of the morning. “A lot of times “They’re very proud people,” said 2nd to something a little better suited to it’s been used as a dumping ground. Lt. Bill Evans, a B Company, 1st Bat- the streets of Baghdad. We get out there and make sure talion, 184th Infantry Regiment, Cali- there haven’t been any caches fornia National Guard platoon leader. placed or anybody trying to cross the “They want to learn. We seem to do a river. It’s one of the main infiltration lot for them these days, but we have routes we worry about when coming to wean them from that; we have to outside the Green Zone.” sever those ties so they can do this on their own.” Upon arriving at the dumping ground, some of the 1/1 IA soldiers secured Sgt. Marcus Brister, a D Co., 4/64 the perimeter while others searched squad leader, said he thinks the for items such as weapons and unex- Iraqis’ biggest improvements come ploded ordnance. With some coach- from their daily involvement in the A soldier from 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division ing from 4/64 Soldiers, the IA troops security missions. looks out over the Tigris River toward Baghdad were able to complete the mission while pulling perimeter security during a routine patrol. Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Emily Wilsoncroft without a hitch. “At first, it was like herding cats,” he said of his unit’s initial work with the “Last time we were here to fight a war The next several stops along the way IA soldiers. “You could tell them what and that was it,” Sgt. 1st Class Har- were what Hill called “meet and to do and where they need to go, but old Hill, a D Company, 4/64 Armor greet” areas — the city residential they’re going to take their own way to platoon sergeant, explained. “Nobody sections where Soldiers take time to get there.” was friendly. Now we’re working feel the pulse of the community. hand-in-hand with the Iraqi Army.” Evans said the IA soldiers’ zeal has “We get out and walk around, talk to caused the biggest challenges. The positions have shifted with the the local populace, go to the local mission: Serrano drives an M1114 store, maybe buy a soda,” Hill said. “If we get (intelligence) on someone up-armored Humvee, while Mata “We hang out and talk to them, see if we’re looking for, we go through a mans the hatch and Foutch provides they’ve had any problems.” whole (order) before we take any ac- extra security. tion,” he said. “But if we send them As the three-vehicle convoy moved out just to get information on the per- And instead of fighting against from place son, they’ll come back, all excited, the Iraqis, the Soldiers are work- to place, IA with him tied up, and say, ‘We got ing with them. Now, most of their soldiers him!’ We’re trying to teach them that time is spent training and on pa- moved con- that’s not the way we do things.” trol with the soldiers of 1st Bri- fidently and gade, 1st Iraqi Army Division. efficiently, “They want to do their jobs,” Evans quick to added, “but they just don’t have the “We... let them do most of the carry out guidance. You can’t easily undo what patrol mission, so eventually they instructions Saddam did over 35 years.” can do it on their own,” Serrano, given to a section leader from Levittown, them by Still, little by little, the U.S. Soldiers’ Puerto Rico, said. “So far, the their U.S. joined efforts are essential in reach- IA’s doing good; they seem to be A soldier from 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi comrades. ing the ultimate goal of turning Iraq’s motivated and willing to learn.” Army Division looks out over the Since most security over to its own soldiers, and Tigris River toward Baghdad while pulling perimeter security at a dump- of the Iraqi the need for Serrano, Mata and Mata and Foutch agreed that the ing ground during a routine patrol. soldiers Foutch’s Bradley is growing smaller trainees have come a long way, Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Emily Wilsoncroft speak little and smaller.

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 11 Iraqi soldiers prepare for medical emergencies After they passed, Williams gave a hands-on test, to see By Spc. Erin Robicheaux how well they performed under pressure. The soldiers 256th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs were required to perform CPR on a mannequin, as well as apply field dressing to a bleeding wound. CAMP JUSTICE, Iraq -- Soldiers of the 1st Iraqi Army Bri- gade received training on basic first aid, sexually transmit- All soldiers passed with flying colors and received certifi- ted diseases, and personal field hygiene April 12, making cates of achievement. They agree that the classes will be them even more prepared to handle medical emergencies beneficial to soldiers in future combat operation. in a war zone. A brother and sister from Baghdad joined the Iraqi Army “The purpose is to increase education of the Iraqi Army together, though it was not the intention at the beginning of medical sections, and to clarify the existing knowledge,” the day. said Lt. Col. Fuoud, 1st IA Brigade Surgeon. They attended a recruiting drive and the brother was there He said the Iraqi medical personnel are well-educated, but only as a spectator to cheer on his sister, a second lieuten- most have only hospital experience. His vision is for them ant. However, once he saw how the medical operations to be proficient medically on the battlefield. He hopes to ran, he was hooked. improve on the training program, with the help of the U.S. Army. “I feel confident “We are in need of a sophisticated program, one that will that if I educate the Soldiers in all positions,” said Fuoud. had to use my medi- Battalions were tasked to send five medics to the training. cal train- After they receive and pass all requirements, they will go ing, I back and train their own Soldiers. The education, until could per- now, was primitive, said Fuoud. form my duties as “Each soldier should know how to use a battlefield dress- an effec- ing, how to conduct personal hygiene in the field, and how tive com- to maintain medical operations in that type of environ- bat ment,” he said. medic,” said the Fuoud also said the subjects of the instruction needed to lieutenant. be wide-ranged, and the staff needed to be plentiful. Her “The more medical personnel you have, the better,” he brother said. said he is grateful for He said soldiers need to be prepared for anything, and the addi- learn the fundamentals of first aid. In this program they are tional taught enough skills to effectively stabilize an injured sol- training. “It dier for medical evacuation. has in- creased Master Sgt. Tony Williams, from New Orleans, with the 3rd my skills Infantry Division Surgeon office, said the soldiers followed of first aid A second lieutenant in the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade takes the the ways of Saddam’s regime in the past, but now are and made hands-on portion of her first-aid exam. Soldiers of the bri- gade participated in a course to polish their medical skills, learning more advanced ways to treat wounds and ill- life in in order to make them more effective medics on the battle- nesses. combat field. Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Erin Robicheaux easier.” “There has been a vast improvement since this training began. Their skills have increased due to the training, and Fuoud said the training was one more step toward inde- they are willing to soak up all the information that we can pendence, and he felt that it will only get better. throw out to them,” said Williams. “We’re making progress, and I think with time, it will grow. The training consisted of classroom instruction, and was It’s slow right now, but the goal is to have medical support given by Williams and Fuoud. for the entire Iraqi Army,” he said.

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 12 Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers form bond of brothers new group of U.S. Soldiers to train them. The 2-1 IA Sol- By U.S. Army Spc. Matthew McLaughlin diers already established close bonds with their prior train- 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs ers from the 1st Cavalry Division. Like a new kid in the neighborhood, the Iraqis were reluctant to make new CAMP LIBERTY, Baghdad — If Iraqi and American Sol- friends, said Staff Sgt. Joseph T. Myer an IA trainer from diers met on a street in Baghdad less than three years Jackson, Mo. ago, blood might have soaked the streets. “When we started War cries were replaced with a jubilant reunion, however, working together, when Iraqi soldiers bumped into their American trainers on they were appre- separate patrols and embraced each other like longtime hensive,” he said. friends one February evening. “But over time we called each other Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Moun- ‘akhuyas,’” mean- tain Division military transition team and 2nd Battalion, 1st ing brothers in Iraqi Army Brigade shared battles, meals, tragedies and Arabic. triumphs together. As the 2nd BCT Soldiers neared the A 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Divi- end of their tour, they reflected on their time spent with Both sides got a sion Soldier observes a 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi their friends from what they consider the best battalion in crash course in Army Brigade soldier pull security during a cor- don and search mission in Baghdad. the Iraqi Army. trust and friend- Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Matthew McLaughlin ship after their Before they became friends, however, both sides needed first firefight together. The Iraqis saw the Americans were to gain each other’s trust. highly proficient in battle and the Americans were im- pressed with the Iraqis’ willingness to stand by them and Staff Sgt. Stephen Barker, an IA trainer from Mesa, Ariz., fight, said Staff Sgt. Kiplangat D. Marisin, an IA trainer said he was apprehensive towards his new trainees at from South Bend, Ind. first. He didn’t know if they were trustworthy or reliable in battle. But he said he has been slowly and continually im- “We’ve been in so many firefights with them,” he said. pressed with their hospitality and integrity. “You have to be able to trust the guy next to you. The com- pany I’m with will do just about anything for me.”

Marisin said the Iraqi Soldiers also began to open up when they realized the trainers were sincere in their efforts to assist the Iraqi Army.

“They saw we really cared about them,” Marisin said.

“I think a lot of our friendship came when they realized we’re here to help,” Barker added.

The awkward phase finally ended and Soldiers from both sides became familiar with each other, calling each other by name or simply “akhuya.” Their alliance that was once built on obligation now had established a special camara- derie. Their communications were supported by translators and the few Iraqi Soldiers who spoke English. Both sides An Iraqi Army soldier pulls security during a patrol around Baghdad March 30. exchanged stories, jokes and meals, Marisin said. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade are responsible for Haifa Street, an infamous road in Baghdad that has remained relatively silent for more than a month. Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Matthew McLaughlin “I showed them family pictures, they showed me theirs,” he said. “We hang out in the barracks with them and get to “My opinions were mixed on them when I first came here,” know them. We had some real deep conversations about Barker, an engineer from the 58th Combat Engineer Com- how they felt about us, our culture, our families and things pany, Fort Irwin, Calif., said. “But now I’ll stand next to they’ve been through under Saddam Hussein.” them and fight any day.” See ‘Bond’ The Iraqi soldiers also had to learn to trust and rely upon a Page 14

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 13 Concern for their friends made it harder when Iraqi sol- diers died, however. The 2nd BCT Soldiers felt their com- rades’ pain and gained a greater respect for their strug- gles, Barker said.

“These guys go through more sacrifices than U.S. Sol- diers,” he said. “We’re here for a year, but they have to go home at night.”

One Iraqi’s death in particular hit Soldiers from both sides particularly hard, Barker said. A respected Iraqi lieutenant who quickly befriended the Americans was captured by insurgents and beheaded. Barker somberly recalled the last conversation he had with his friend.

“The night before he died, he was going home and he U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kiplangat D. Marisin, an Iraq Army trainer from South Bend, Ind., speaks to a 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade soldier March 30. said good night,” he said. “I told him to be careful walking The Iraqi soldier, a close friend to Marisin, was shot in the face several weeks the streets after dark.” ago. Marisin said he was greatly concerned and embraced him when he saw him for the first time seen here. Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Matthew McLaughlin The Iraqi and American Soldiers were devastated by their loss. The trainers attended the lieutenant’s memorial, Bond complete with traditional rifle fire honoring the deceased, From Page 13 alongside their 2-1 IA counterparts.

The Soldiers also experienced Iraqi generosity in the form “They had one of the biggest funerals for him,” Barker of gift-giving. The 2-1 IA Soldiers were always willing to said. “You would have thought World War III broke out give what little they had to their allies. One soldier particu- with how many rounds they shot off for him.” larly close to Marisin’s heart gave him a gift for his wife when Marisin went on leave. Soldiers from 2nd BCT are nearing the end of their de- ployment and while they are looking forward to going “This guy never asked me for anything,” he said. “When I home, they all said they don’t look forward to leaving their went on leave, he gave me jewelry for my wife.” comrades. Unfortunately very few Iraqi soldiers have e- mail accounts, or home addresses for that matter, so Marisin was grateful for his friend’s heartfelt present and communications will likely end in Iraq. For now, however, wanted to return the favor. When he returned, Marisin the American Soldiers said they will value their friendship gave the Iraqi Soldier a number of gifts, including a for a lifetime. leather jacket. “I’m gonna miss these guys,” Marisin said. “I feel like we “He just about cried he was so happy,” he recalled. accomplished something with the Iraqi Army.”

Iraqi Security Forces / In Brief Tip leads to joint search, cache Suspected weapons dealer detained by joint forces BAGHDAD – A tip from a local citizen led to a search April 18 by Iraqi police officers and Coalition military police, who SAMARRA – Iraqi police officers and a Coalition task force took possession of 600 rounds of ammunition, drawings of conducted a joint raid which captured a suspected weap- sniper attacks and road diagrams, according to a multina- ons distributor April 18, according to a multinational forces tional forces report. report. The suspect is an Egyptian national and believed to In Karbala, another munitions cache was discovered by be a lieutenant in the Mullah Shawkat anti-Iraqi forces or- Coalition forces April 18. An Iraqi explosive ordnance dis- ganization. posal team took control of the ordnance, which consisted In Hillah, an Iraqi SWAT team joined Coalition forces in a of 37 152mm artillery rounds and 60 100mm mortar cordon and search operation April 18 that resulted in the rounds. detainment of 15 suspected insurgents.

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 14 Iraqi Security Forces / In Brief

Iraqi police defend station Coalition, Iraqi forces uncover car against insurgent attack bombs and terrorist records

MOSUL – Iraqi police officers stood their ground and re- BAGHDAD – One vehicle rigged with explosives and four turned fire against a large-scale attack by anti-Iraqi forces others loaded with ordnance were discovered April 18 on their west Mosul police station April 18, according to south of Salmon Pak by Coalition forces, who were as- multinational force reports. sisted in clearing the scene by an Iraqi Public Order Battal- An estimated 40 to 50 enemy forces attacked the Sheikh ion, according to a multinational forces report. Al Fatehy Police Station in the morning with small arms Iraqi soldiers with the 2nd Company, 2nd Battalion also fire, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar rounds. The discovered a number of record books that appeared to be Joint Command Center coordinated information about the Chechnan, suspected Al Qaida training manuals, and a attack, which resulted in police officers receiving back-up variety of other papers. assistance from Mosul police commandos and a U.S. A second cache was discovered a short time later quick reaction force unit. The commandos and QRF forces nearby, consisting of a 250-pound bomb, rockets and mor- fought their way through small arms fire and assisted in tar rounds. Explosive ordnance disposal teams handled repelling the attack. both sites. The insurgents fled on foot and in three vehicles. One Iraqi police officer was wounded during the battle, but re- Iraqi soldiers uncover IEDs in turned to duty later in the day. Iraqi and Coalition forces continued search operations in progress during area search the area after the fight, locating two weapons, explosives caches and detaining 20 suspected insurgents. An explo- KIRKUSH – Iraqi soldiers searching an area hit by an im- sive ordnance disposal team destroyed the munitions. provised explosive device discovered materials and muni- tions in two separate locations in various stages of being assembled into IEDs, according to a multinational forces Iraqi forces stop attack on oil report. pipeline after IED hit The 5th Battalion Iraqi Army soldiers discovered a sack of two 130mm rounds with detonation cord and wire in one BAYJI – Iraqi civil defense forces reacted to a suspected location during the April 16 search. They also discovered improvised explosive device attack on an oil pipeline April four 130mm rounds bundled and primed with a blasting 18 by securing the scene and stopping the flow of oil, ac- cap and detonation cord, which was tied to an initiation cording to a multinational forces report. wire buried and tied off to a bush on the side of the road at In other operations, Iraqi Security Forces detained three the other location. suspected insurgents identified as high-value targets re- An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the sponsible for anti-Iraqi attacks near Hawija, Bayji and rounds at the site. Baqubah. Officials believe the capture of these men will Basic soldiering skills and a metal detector helped the reduce anti-Iraqi operations in those areas. soldiers uncover the rounds, the report said. Iraqi equipment rollup

A look at some of the equipment delivered to the Iraqi Security Forces this week

Ammunition…………. 6.6 million rounds Chevy LUV trucks.………...………. 411

Handguns…………………...………. 5,760 Chevy Luminas….………………….. 344

Individual body armor…………….. 5,402 Chevy Blazers………………………..250

Global Positioning Systems....……...301 Land Cruisers………………………….56

AK-47s……………………………...…5,724 Ashok Leylands………………………..18

Z-Backscatter X-ray vans………………2 Water trailers…………………………..12

Information provided by MNSTC-I J-4

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 15 Iraqi Security Forces / In Brief

Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers In the first search, Soldiers raided a Laylan. One suspect confessed to terrorist cell leader’s house and de- planting improvised explosive de- discover IEDs, arrest tained the identified suspect. Another vices, a multinational forces report terrorists late-night operation targeted four for- said. mer regime generals. One of the gen- BAGHDAD – In two separate inci- erals was taken into custody. He is dents April 15, bombs in the Baghdad suspected of planning and carrying Iraqi police discover area were found before terrorists out attacks on multi-national forces. munitions cache could use them. Elsewhere in Baghdad, two local Acting on a tip from an Iraqi local nationals were detained when Task KIRKUK – Iraqi police officers recov- national, Iraqi Army Soldiers discov- Force Baghdad Soldiers observed ered munitions consisting of 53 mor- ered a improvised explosive device them unloading what appeared to be tar rounds and 24 rockets here April placed near the home of a former munitions from their car. The sus- 10, according to a multinational ministry official. Task Force Baghdad pects were taken into custody. forces report. Soldiers were called to the scene to The munitions were taken to a local assist. An explosives ordnance dis- Search ends with five police station for verification. The posal team arrived and removed the mortar rounds of various sizes were bomb. suspects detained determined to be inert except for two The other IED was described as a of the rounds. The rockets, ranging in burlap sack with wires coming from it. TALL AFAR – Iraqi Army and Coali- size from 105mm to 120mm, were An explosives ordnance team deto- tion soldiers detained five suspected determined to have no explosives, nated the bomb in place. insurgents after searching a mosque but contained propellant. Task Force Baghdad Soldiers also April 17, according to a multinational An explosive ordnance disposal performed two cordon-and-search forces report. team was notified in order to trans- operations, netting two suspected Elsewhere, Iraqi police officers de- port the munitions to a forward oper- terrorists. tained three suspected insurgents in ating base for removal.

Support graduation

An Iraqi commander salutes passing troops (above) at an April 18 graduation ceremony for 143 students of the first class of the Iraqi Army Support and Ser- vices Institute in Taji. An Iraqi soldier salutes (below) as he passes by in one of several vehicles used to teach wheeled maintenance. The 30-day course is divided into six classes covering transport supervision, wheeled maintenance, armored maintenance, supply supervision, basic logistics for supply and basic logistics for maintenance and transportation. The initial class was made up of officers and enlisted soldiers from the 1st Division of the Iraqi Intervention Force. Photos by U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 16 Iraqi Security Forces / In Brief

Call-in tip leads to Joint recon gathers Iraqi Division search large cache find munitions, detainees nets 27 detainees

ASH SHURA – Following a cordon MOSUL – A tip from a local citizen TIKRIT – A combination of Iraqi and nd led to a search of a garage April 20 Coalition forces conducted a recon- and search here April 20, 2 Division Iraqi forces (1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade; by Iraqi forces, which confiscated a naissance operation northwest of nd rd rd large cache of weapons, ammunition here April 20 that netted three sus- and 2 and 3 Battalions, 3 Bri- and other contraband materials in a pected insurgents and a small assort- gade) detained 27 suspects, accord- red truck, according to a multinational ment of improvised explosive device ing to a report. forces report. equipment and munitions, according One of the detainees was identified Soldiers with the 22nd Battalion, 6th to a multinational forces report. as a captain from the Ash Shura sta- Iraqi Intervention Brigade, confis- Soldiers with the Iraqi Army’s 30th tion and is being held for possible cated three rocket propelled grenade Bomb Company partnered with U.S. involvement with anti-Iraqi forces. launchers, three machine guns, two Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 7th The detained suspects are being held sniper rifles, 14 rocket propelled gre- Infantry of the 1st Brigade Combat for further questioning. nade rounds, one 60mm mortar Team to conduct the large area re- round rigged as an improvised explo- connaissance. The detained sus- Iraqi soldiers catch sive device, two drums and hundreds pects were transported to a Task man with explosives of loose 7.62 mm rounds, anti- Force holding cell for further ques- personnel ammunition, one bag of tioning and processing. BAYJI – A group of Iraqi Army sol- unidentified white powder, 17 protec- The joint forces confiscated various diers manning a traffic checkpoint tive masks, six chest harnesses, 34 items to include time fuse, detonation detained a man April 16 after watch- maps and other various contraband cord, expended shock tube, wires ing him trying to hide a bag under his items during the search. and electrical devices (IED kit materi- car that later was found to contain 10 Iraqi forces detained the two als) and an altitude fuse for a 155mm pounds of stick propellant, according guards of the garage and transported illumination round. to a multinational forces report. them for further questioning. No inju- ries or damage was reported during the operation.

Iraqi soldiers capture suspects, weapons

AL SAMAJJIR – Following an early morning cordon and search here April 20, Iraqi forces discovered a weapons cache and detained seven suspected insurgents to include a chief suspect in an improvised explo- sive device attack, according to a MSGTBaker Mark multinational forces report. One of the detainees was identified as Abu Omar, who is a confirmed IED maker and a key suspect in the Zumar IED attack. The detained sus- pects were transported to Al Kisik for further questioning. Soldiers with the 21st Battalion of the Iraqi Army confiscated two rocket propelled grenades, two RPKs (Russian style machine guns), a kit for making IEDs, numerous belts of 7.62 mm ammunition and a mortar base plate during the search.

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 17 Iraqi Security Forces / In Brief

Iraqi citizen helps eliminate Iraqi police graduate 222 from massive weapons cache advanced training courses

MOSUL – Acting on a tip from a local citizen, Iraqi and BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Police Service graduated 222 po- Coalition security forces recovered massive amounts of lice officers from advanced and specialty courses at the weapons and munitions during raid and search operations Adnan Training Facility, April 21, as part of the Iraqi gov- April 22. ernment’s on-going effort to train its security forces. One cache was discovered dur- The courses consist of Basic Criminal Investigations with ing a raid in Al Hatr, southwest of 51 graduates, Interview and Interrogations with 38 gradu- Qayyarah by soldiers with the Iraqi ates, Violent Crime Investigation with 35 graduates, Inter- Army’s 107th Battalion, 22nd Bri- nal Controls Investigation with 22 graduates, Critical Inci- gade and U.S. Army Soldiers with dent Management with 29 graduates, Executive Leader- the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery ship with 13 graduates and Counter Terrorism Investiga- Regiment of the 1st Brigade, 25th tions with 34 graduates. Infantry Division’s Stryker Brigade The Basic Criminal Investigation course covers topics Combat Team. The raid was based such as theft, burglary, arson, robbery, sexual offenses, on information reported to local and homicide investigation. The BCI course has previously Iraqi police by a citizen, officials graduated 1,448 police officers. said. The Interviews & Interrogations course covers advanced The cache included about 2.5 interview and interrogation techniques and includes in- million anti-aircraft rounds, 850 Rockets and other weapons struction on the preservation and protection of human mortar rounds, 144 rocket- are lined up for destruction rights, and the importance of ethical behavior during inter- following a massive weapons propelled grenade rounds, 150 cache seizure by Iraqi Army views and interrogations. Two hundred and fourteen stu- rockets, 225 pounds of TNT, 127 and U.S. Troops in northern dents previously completed this course. anti-tank mines, 75 anti-personnel Iraq. U.S. Army photo The Violent Crime Investigation course introduces par- mines, 300 assorted artillery, ticipants to investigative techniques to be used in a variety rocket and mortar initiators, 200 hand grenades, and an of situations, but particularly in violent crimes such as anti-aircraft weapon. armed robbery, rape and murder. One hundred and fifty Soldiers detained one suspect. eight students have previously graduated this course. Another cache was found during a cordon and search Internal Controls provides training on how to deal with operation southeast of Mosul by U.S. Soldiers with the 1st personnel complaints and allegations, as well as police Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Brigade, 25th In- conduct in general. Five hundred and fifty eight officers fantry Division’s Stryker have previously graduated from this course. Brigade Combat Team. Critical Incident Management is designed to provide par- It included 880 anti-tank ticipants with the understanding of and application skills for detonators, 307 anti-tank managing critical incidents. One hundred and twenty one mines, 95 artillery rounds, students previously graduated this course. 1,200 grenades, 30 Executive Leadership covers executive level concepts of rocket-propelled grenade planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, re- rounds, 700 grenade porting and budgeting. Other topics include visionary lead- Iraqi Army troops from the 107th Bat- fuses, 800 rounds of large ership, along with strategic planning. Two hundred and talion, 22nd Brigade and Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regi- caliber ammunition, and nine officers have previously graduated from this course. ment organize a massive weapons 3,000 rounds of small Counter Terrorism Investigations is designed for senior cache seizure that took place south- west of Qayyarah in the town of Al arms ammunition. police officials who will be assigned to counter-terrorist Hatr April 21. U.S. Army photo The weapons and muni- activity investigation. The course explains the FBI’s and tions were confiscated for various branches in the U.S. Justice Department’s efforts future destruction. against terrorism activities. One hundred and thirty six offi- In a separate operation, U.S. Soldiers from the 2nd cers previously graduated from this course. Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment detained one individual Officers who participated in these courses previously suspected of terrorist activities during a cordon and search completed either an eight-week basic training course for operation in Tall Afar April 21. new recruits or a three-week ‘transitional integration pro- Coordinated efforts between Iraqi and Coalition forces gram’ course designed for prior-service officers. and citizens providing tips are creating a trend toward im- The police officers report back for continued duty at their proved security, officials said. respective stations immediately.

April 23, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 18