DANGER FORWARD November 8, 2010 | Issue 41 U.S. hands over real estate to Iraqi Forces Joint Security Station Al Tib now the responsibility of Iraqi Security Forces By Sgt. Raymond Quintanilla 305th MPAD, USD-S PAO AL TIB, Iraq – Just a stone’s throw away from the Iranian border, United States Soldiers spent their final day at Joint Security Station Al Tib before pressing forward with their next mission. After nearly two-and-a-half years of operations at the border, the U. S. officially transferred Al Tib, also known as Chalat, and all its properties to the Government of Iraq Oct. 28, enabling the Iraqi Security Forces to continue border protection for the Iraqi people. Maj. Christopher Adams, a native of Dayton, Ohio, and an advisor for the 2nd Commando and Department of Border Enforcement, attached to the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, signed documents with Iraqi Army Col. Imad Karem, battalion commander for the 2nd CDO, and Nasir Zaid, aide to the Receivership Secretariat, Office of the Prime Minister. “The official transfer of the property will further the commandos training and Photo by Sgt. Raymond Quintanilla enhance their resources,” Adams said, Maj. Christopher Adams, a native of Dayton, Ohio, and advisor for the 2nd CDO, attached to the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division stability transition team, exchanges official documents “continuing border protection of the Iraqi with Iraqi Army Col. Imad Karem, battalion commander of the 2nd CDO. Nasir Zaid, aide to the people.” Receivership Secretariat, Office of the Prime Minister, was also present to transfer the property from the U.S. to the Government of Iraq. See TRANSFER, page 9 Riverines finish mission - p. 4 Ahead of the curve - p. 5 Find the NCO in ‘Lost’? - p. 6 Command’s Message Danger Six sends ach year we pay tribute to both our While many Americans will be present and past veterans, including honoring veterans with parades and theE hundreds of thousands who have worn observances, you will be honoring veterans the Big Red One patch. in the most fitting way possible – by From Cantigny to the beaches of continuing the tradition of selfless service Normandy, France; from the jungles of in a land far away from home where you Vietnam to the rugged, bombed-out carry freedom’s flag. And, in doing so, you villages of the Balkans; and from the will also be remembered by your fellow deserts and the streets of Iraq to the stark citizens who gather this day to recognize valleys and ridges of Afghanistan, the your contributions as veterans. 1st Infantry Division has added to the distinguished rolls of American veterans. Thanks, Veteran, for your service. Together, with our brothers and sisters from other “patches” of the Army, and Duty First! joined with veterans of our Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, Vincent K. Brooks we have been privileged to add to a legacy Major General, U.S. Army of courage and service to our great Nation. Commanding Commanding General Command Sergeant Major Major General Command Sergeant Major ANGER ORWARD Vincent K. Brooks Jim Champagne D F PAO Danger Forward Contributing Units 1st Inf. Div. PAO: Lt. Col. Sophie Gainey Print NCOIC: Staff Sgt. Nathan Smith 3rd ACR Editor/Layout: Sgt. Jason Kaneshiro Command Info OIC: Capt. Brian Melanephy 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. Command Info NCOIC: 1st Sgt. Charles Owens Staff Writers: Staff Sgt. Chanelcherie DeMello, 305th MPAD Email: [email protected] Staff Sgt. Cody Harding, Sgt. Jason Kemp, Sgt. Phone: (Iraqna) (0790)-194-2865 Raymond Quintanilla, Sgt. James Kennedy (770)-263-9379. Benjamin, Spc. Eve Ililau Danger Forward, Issue 41 Page 2 November 8, 2010 Safety First TOXIC MIXTURE By Joe Zelko Reactive substances including dishwashing detergent and pool USD-S Safety chemicals typically contain chlorine. When exposed to shock, pressure, temperature, air, water or A Soldier was detailed to clean the latrine and poured some other chemicals, they’ll polymerize vigorously (the process where ammonia into the bucket and began scrubbing the shower walls. one or more small molecules form larger molecules). That’s what But before long, the Soldier was feeling dizzy and his lungs happened when the Soldier mixed the bleach and ammonia. were hurting. When he walked out of the latrine for some fresh Every day, we’re exposed to chemicals used for a variety of air, another Soldier rushed over to see what was wrong. She purposes in and around our CHUs and workplaces. For our was shocked when she found out what was done. The Soldier vehicles, fuel-powered tools, and generators we store things unwittingly concocted chloramine, or chlorine gas, a “witch’s such as diesel, gasoline, brake fluid, battery acid, lubricants and brew” similar to the phosgene gas used to kill Soldiers in World degreasers. War I. The Soldier almost gassed himself! Protecting yourself from the hazards posed by these products All it took was mixing a couple of household products with is simple; it just takes a little time and attention. a lot of ignorance. Chemicals can be hazardous because of First, thoroughly read product labels and Material Safety Data their toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness or how they react Sheets (MSDS) to understand how to use them safely and what when combined with other substances. Toxic chemicals such as protective equipment might be required. fungicides or insecticides can damage skin and other tissue and Second, inspect your work areas, storage closets and offices for lead to serious injury or death. proper storage conditions. Ensure substances that are dangerous At low temperatures, flammable substances including hair when mixed aren’t stored side by side. sprays, solvents, adhesives and paint thinners can spontaneously For more information on poison prevention, visit the combust. Corrosive chemicals such as cleaners for ovens, drains AAPCC’s home page at http://www.aapcc.org and click on and toilets and battery acid can damage your skin on contact. “Poison Prevention & Education.” n This week in Army history... 1st Infantry Division History November 8, 1942 – The 1st Infantry Division sees its first combat of World War II when they assault Oran, Algeria, as part of Operation Torch. By May 1943, the division had already secured Tunisia and was setting its sights on Sicily. Operation Iraqi Freedom History November 8, 2004 – Operation Phantom Fury begins in Fallujah. Approximately 6,000 U.S., British, and Iraqi troops battle about 6,000 dug-in insurgents for control of the city, which had fallen completely under insurgent control. Of the 300,000 residents of the city, it is estimated 270,000 fled in anticipation of the fighting. 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment History November 3, 1943 – The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment is redesignated Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Cavalry Group, Mechanized and the 3rd and 43rd Reconnaissance Squadrons, Mechanized. The regiment would take the name it is known by today five years later on November 5, 1948. Danger Forward, Issue 41 Page 3 November 8, 2010 Photo by Staff Sgt. Cody Harding Brig. Gen. Ricky Gibbs, the 1st Infantry Division deputy commanding general for maneuver, speaks to the guests and sailors of Riverine Squadron One during the unit’s end of mission ceremony Oct. 30. Navy Capt. Vincent Martinez, the commander of Task Force 56, far left, and Navy Cmdr. Craig Hill, the commander of the Riverine Squadron One, were both in attendance. Ceremony marks end of riverine mission here By Staff Sgt. Cody Harding Infantry Division deputy commanding of Riverine Squadron One, and Senior 1st Inf. Div., USD-S PAO general for maneuver for the 1st Infantry Chief Petty Officer Bruce Diette, an Divison and United States Division – intelligence operations chief in the BASRA, Iraq – In 2005, Adm. Michael South, was invited as a guest speaker squadron, cased the colors in front of their Mullen, the Chief of Naval Operations at for the ceremony. Navy Capt. Vincent sailors, marking the end of their mission the time, challenged the Navy to become Martinez, the commander of Task Force in Iraq. more involved in the battle in Iraq. He 56, the riverines’ parent unit, was also in Diette said the Iraqi Security Forces said the Navy should take the fight from attendance. trained by the riverines are ready to take the carriers and battleships at sea to the In his speech, Gibbs spoke about some on the mission of defending their country, waterways and ports inland to support the of the criticism the riverine squadron which made the riverine mission a success. fight. faced from the Navy and Marine Corps at “The mission was very successful,” Less than a year later, Riverine the beginning on their effectiveness. said Diette, a Kiln, Miss., native. “We Squadron One was formed and deployed “The riverine forces proved their skeptics accomplished all of the tasks on time, to patrol the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers wrong,” Gibbs said. “By the end of their and all the Iraqis that we have trained are in Iraq. Their mission, which included nine-month maiden deployment, they ready to stand up and take that mission smuggling interdiction, counterinsurgency had captured more than 100 insurgents, and support their goal.” and the defense of trade routes, hearkened discovered over 75 significant caches, and Hill said the mission, though successful, back to their missions in Vietnam, the last provided strong combat support from the had unique challenges from dealing with major conflict the Riverines took part in water for marine operations.” the language barrier to the level of water before they were disbanded. During the end of Operation Iraqi in the rivers during the summer. So it was fitting that Riverine Squadron Freedom and in Operation New Dawn, “But they worked together and they One was bidding farewell to Iraq during the riverines trained the Iraqi Security overcame those challenges,” said Hill, a a ceremony in front of the unit’s Basra Forces to take their place in protecting Bowie, Md., native.