Playground for Iraqi Kids in the Zone

MARCH 2009 l VOL 1 l ISSUE 6 In the Zone Magazine

Joint Defense Ops Center puts eyes on the IZ

Photographs tell story of 50th IBCT Soldiers serving across Iraq

Directorate of Public Works unveils playground for Iraqi kids in the zone

DEDICATED TO SERVICE - Capt. Albert Garcia, National Police Training Team, In the Zone checks out the expanded military merchandise now Magazine being offered at FOB Prosperity’s AAFES facility. Photo by 1st Sgt. David Produced by the Joint Area Moore. Support Group-Central Public Affairs Office

JASG-C Commander: Col. Steve Ferrari

JASG-C Public Affairs Staff: Maj. Jon Powers 1st Sgt. David Moore Sgt. 1st Class Robert Stephenson Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris Sgt. Bill Addison

DEPARTMENTS LEADERS’ LOG 3 FEATURES Joint Defense Operations CHAPLAIN’S WORD 7 Center keeps IZ safe 8-9 JAG CORNER 11 Soldiers from 50th IBCT serve across Iraq 12-13 ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 Do you have a story to share? In The New stage adds entertainment Zone welcomes columns, commentar- value to Prosperity 17 ies, articles, letters and photos from readers. Submissions should be sent to [email protected]. NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY Include the author’s name, rank, unit, and contact information. In The Zone Directorate of Public Works Soldiers awarded for helping to save Airman’s life 15 reserves the right to edit submissions opens new playground for selected for the newsletter. For fur- local Iraqi children 4-5 DPW supervises demolition ther information or to reqest to be on of river villas 20 our distribution list, e-mail the In The Transfer of Authority cer- Zone staff or call DSN (318) 239-9529. emony welcomes 1/7th FA as 3/29th FA redeploys 6 ON THE COVER: In The Zone is published monthly as an electronic news magazine under Spc. Ron Solimando of the In- provisions of AR 360-1, para 3-6 by JASG-C medics help train tel, Security and Recon Platoon, the Command Directorate’s (JASG-C) Iraqi soldiers 10 Headquarters and Headquarters Command for all military personnel Company, 113th Infantry Battal- serving in the Operation Iraqi Free- Comedy trio brings show to ion, stands guard during a meet- dom International Zone. The views FOB Prosperity 16 ing between Soldiers and Safwan and opinions expressed herein are not city officials outside FOB Bucca. necessarily those of the Department FOB Union III has plenty For more photos of other 50th of Defense, the U.S. Army, Air Force, to offer both civilians and IBCT Soldiers, see pages 10-11. Navy or the Marine Corps, or the Na- tional Guard Bureau. service members 19 Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Morris

2 : Vol 1 MARCH 2008 LEADERS’ LOG Mitigating risk everyone’s responsibility The JASG-C continues to in- Lastly, never loose focus on force protection, safety tegrate and synchronize the and accountability. The nature of our military profession complex task of Green Zone is a hazardous one. We can make our environment even security and property transi- more dangerous by our actions or inactions. Safety must tion. Primary focus over the be in the forefront of everything we do. Competent, next 60 days will be to plan credible leaders who genuinely care for the well being of and coordinate the Sunken their subordinates must exist at all levels of command. Highway road opening to the The safety of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Ci- Republican bridge. This will vilians and equipment is paramount in everything we do be a significant event for the and the risk management process will be incorporated Government of Iraq and will into all operations. be another milestone in this year of transition. The sup- Mitigating risk is everybody’s responsibility; ensure port from all the JASG-C directorates, 1/7th FA Bn and standards are enforced, and never compromise when IZ Police play a key role in shaping the future of Iraq. lives are at stake. Leaders must never forget that person- Keep up the great team work! nel are the military’s most valuable resource. Composite For the majority of the JASG-C, we are approaching Risk Management is one of the most important tools we the 60-day mark for redeployment. As we begin to plan have. If we discipline ourselves to identify and assess for redeployment, we cannot lose focus on the mission hazards, and establish control measures or stop unsafe at hand. We must continue to execute and support all our acts, we can minimize our exposure to those risks. customers. Most importantly, we must begin to plan for Always look out for each other and be safe. One a smooth and seamless transition with the 32nd IBCT team, One Mission! Thanks for all you do! when they arrive to ensure no loss or degradation of services. Build your RIP plans and take the time to think Col. Steve Ferrari through your approach, think what went right or wrong Joint Area Support Group – Central during your RIP and improve the process. Commanding Still much to do as deployment nears end With about three months until the end of our deploy- is important to our careers, so ment, everyone is beginning to see the end of our mis- let’s complete the record and sion here in the International Zone. take care of the Soldier. Our mission is not over until we conduct a successful Pay attention to posted Relief in Place (RIP) and Transfer of Authority (TOA). dates for the early movement The fact is the last of our replacements – the 32nd Infan- of equipment and personal try Brigade Combat Team of the Wisconsin Army Na- items when they are pub- tional Guard – arrived at Fort Bliss this month. lished. You will only get one One important task we all have to do is conduct a shot at the pack-out dates. If successful RIP/TOA, while at the same time staying fo- you miss one then you will be cused on our fast-paced, changing IZ mission, and look- left, for lack of a better term, ing at standard operating procedures to make sure our ‘holding the bag’ all the way replacements have the latest information of our respec- to Fort Dix. tive operations. You need to get those documents up-to- Remember, this mission is far from being over, so date so that when the 32nd hits the ground, you and your do not let complacency creep and set in. There is still a replacement have a seamless transition. real threat out there just waiting for someone to let their Much has changed since day one of us getting into guard down. Keep sharp, constantly be aware of your Iraq. The military footprint of the IZ is much smaller surroundings, use the buddy system, and keep your PPE today than in September of last year, and it will change close. Each and every Soldier executing the mission has again before we leave. We all know at the mobilization done a superb job to date and there is no doubt in my station, it was extremely hard to get current information mind that our Soldiers will continue to do and outstand- for our training. Everyone here is now a subject-matter ing job. expert, so think about what you needed and struggled Stay the course, stay safe, enforce and maintain the with for information and fill in the blanks for the 32nd. standards of excellence. Another task we need to close out in the next 30 days is any NCOERs left open. We are here together and any NCOER challenges can be fixed here right away since Command Sgt. Maj. David Kenna nearly everyone is located in one place. This document Joint Area Support Group – Central

Issue 6 : 3 in the zone

they’re coming against the fence ‘when is it going to be open, when is it going to be ready?’” Sterling said the combination of Building a construction projects that encom- pass the apartments and the traffic that passes through them on a daily basis made the area an unsafe place for the children to play after school. “This was something we were able to do to fill an immediate need in a relatively short period of time,” said Sterling. But what is the price of building a playground in the developing areas of Baghdad’s “Green Zone?” If you are the American taxpayer, the answer is zilch, nada, nothing. “The Iraqi government came to us and said, ‘Here’s this money, we need a playground, we’d like you to do this project for us,’” said Ster- ling. While this was Sterling’s first project for DPW since arriving in the IZ two months ago, it is hard- ly her first foray into construction. Sterling is a civil engineer and came to the JASG-C from Lingham Air Force Base, Va., where she over- saw operations in maintenance and repair across about 16 Air Force bases. “My whole background is being Better a civil engineer, doing construction projects, so this is right up my al- ley,” she said. Sterling also was in Iraq during 2003-2004, where she helped to Tomorrow build the major Air Force bases in the country. New playground offers safe venue for “When we were first coming in, our main push was to build main generations of Iraqi children to enjoy operating bases,” she said. “That’s Story and photos by The new playground, equipped not our push anymore, now we’re Sgt. Bill Addison with play sets, swings, monkey bars looking at projects that are going JASG-C Public Affairs and even a fountain, filled the need to benefit the Iraqi people. They’re for a safe playing environment for going to be here after we leave; it’s An empty dirt lot transformed the apartment complexes. going to help them re-establish their into a children’s paradise when the “There are about four-to-five hun- communities.” Joint Area Support Group- Central’s dred kids that go to the school right But with this extensive back- Directorate of Public Works (DPW) down the way,” said Air Force Capt. ground in construction and engi- completed a playground at the 215 Michelle Sterling, project manager. neering, Sterling said that this seem- Apartments in Baghdad’s Interna- “It’s colorful, it’s safe, you’ve got ingly simple playground project was tional Zone. equipment and you just see the kids, anything but.

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FOR THE CHILDREN - Spc. Sanjiv Joshi, Directorate of Public Works contract officer representative, near right, works with Iraqi contractors on the new playground at the 215 Apartments. “We’re leaving something behind that generations can enjoy; especially the kids,” Joshi said.

you can’t get transport and you paving stones from other demoli- can’t get workers in; when all tion projects around the IZ, which of the sudden you thought you provided a significant savings on had permission to tap into a the project, costing less than one- utility and now you don’t. But tenth of the originally quoted price. those are things that happen on Joshi said that he’s proud to be every construction project,” she working on projects like the play- said. ground. Overseeing the day-to-day “This is very exciting. We’re operations fell to Spc. Sanjiv leaving something behind that Joshi, DPW’s contract officer generations can enjoy; especially representative. He is in charge the kids. This is something we can of quality control, and works proudly go back and say we built a “Really this project, for various closely with the contractors hired to park, we built a school. This is defi- reasons, mostly to do with supplies complete the job. For Joshi, a busi- nitely for Iraqi people. This is for and getting the workers badged and ness owner from Guttenburg, N.J., the new generation, the young kids, into the IZ, it’s taken a lot longer getting the most from the contrac- to enjoy,“ he said. than initially anticipated,” she said. tors is no break from what he did Joshi said that one of the most “It was alternately very satisfying back home. rewarding things about this project and frustrating, as most construc- “I’m a customer; I demand a lot is to see the reaction of the Iraqi tion projects are. It’s satisfying in of the contractors. I want them to children to the project. the fact that you’re building a playground, you’re creating a safe area for the “We’re looking at projects that are kids to go and to play. Be- fore we went in there and going to benefit the Iraqi people.” started building the playground, the area was re- - Air Force Capt. Michelle Sterling, DPW project manager ally just a big pile of dirt. We’re cleaning it up, creating a sense of community, creating a finish everything on time. I try to “When we were bringing the place for people to gather and watch save money as much as I can,” he equipment in there were kids wait- their kids play, so that part was very said. ing for us to put the playground in satisfying,” said Sterling. One way he saved money was so that they could use it. So they “The frustrating part is when on the sidewalk that surrounds the were very excited and seeing that parts get delayed in the port, and playground. Joshi suggested using continued on page 14

Issue 6 : 5 in the zone ‘Lightning’ strikes SECFOR mission Story and photo by JOB WELL DONE - Lt. Col. Robert Bailes, 1/7th Field Artillery commander, right, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Lt. 1st Sgt. David Moore Col. Kevin Gregory, 3/29th FA commander, during a transfer- JASG-C Public Affairs of-authority ceremony at FOB Prosperity.

While the military has a tradi- tion of casing outgoing military colors and raising new ones to as- sume a mission, it was the passing of a handmade wooden key containing military crests that upstaged a simple ceremony between outgoing and incoming commanders of 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regi- ment, and 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment. The passing of the key Feb. 11from Lt. Col. Kevin Gregory, commander of the 3/29th FA, to Lt. Col. Robert Bailes, commander of the 1/7th FA, became the symbol for 1/7 Soldiers to start force protection and Iraqi military and police train- tioning security to the Iraqi govern- thanked the outgoing commander ing missions on their own after two ment,” he said. for his support during his mission weeks of training between the two Gregory thanked subordinate and welcomed the new one on battalions. units who worked with his team dur- board. “We are ready for the challenge. ing the tour and said all of them were “It will be an interesting time While this mission has broad diver- “good comrades to have around.” each day here in the IZ. It is going to sity and complexity, I have all be an interesting ride because the confidence in the world we you come here at an historic will meet the mission because “While this mission time for Iraq,” Ferrari said of they have given us the tools,” operations in the IZ. Bailes said during the transfer- has broad diversity and The 1/7th FA Soldiers have of-authority ceremony held at complexity, I have all the spent nearly four months in Forward Operating Base Pros- Baghdad at the Victory Base perity’s Al Salam Palace. confidence in the world Complex conducting multifac- The handmade wooden key we will meet the mission eted force-protection missions, containing crests of the military so the new assignment repre- battalions that serve at Prosper- because the 3/29th FA sents somewhat of a change ity now hangs in the 1/7th’s of mission for them. While at palace conference room. Soldiers have given us the Victory, some “First Lightning For Gregory, the mission tools. We are ready for the Battalion” Soldiers spent two hand-off became a reflection weeks becoming recertified on of a 15-month Operation Iraqi challenge.” their cannoneer skills to pre- Freedom mission of making pare for the mission. the International Zone (IZ) a - Lt. Col. Robert Bailes, 1/7th FA commander As the ceremony drew to a safe and secure environment close, Soldiers of the 3/29th’s for coalition forces and Iraqis. Col. Steven Ferrari, commander “Task Force Pacesetters” packed “There have been a lot of chang- of the Joint Area Support Group- trucks with their equipment and es here in the IZ since we first got Central (JASG-C) whose Soldiers belongings and moved to Baghdad here. In July, there were a lot of at- provide base operations support International Airport for a flight to tacks. After that, things began set- for the 1/7th FA at Prosperity and their home station at Fort Carson, tling down and now we are transi- other Iraq forward operating bases, Colo.

6 : Vol 1 MARCH 2008 CHAPLAIN’S WORD Avoid pride’s inevitable fall Chap. (Maj.) Jan Koczera So here’s my point - soon we JASG-C Chaplain return home, and most of us will quickly make judgment calls about While I was home on leave re- the conduct of others. Maybe we’ll cently, I found this saying in a for- be disappointed by how poorly our tune cookie (and yes, even fortune spouse kept the household, or how cookies get me thinking about ser- dumb our kids were, or how out-of- mons!): “If you understand what touch our old boss is. Before jump- you’re doing, you’re not learning ing to conclusions, think a moment. anything.” Almost always, things are more It’s a bit silly, because we can complicated than we think and peo- both understand something and still ple generally do the best they can learn more, but it speaks to me about searchers proved that the more pow- with the resources at their disposal. attitudes of pride and complacency. erful a person is, the more they tend Instead of a patronizing attitude The danger is that once we master a to overestimate themselves. Hence of superiority, cultivate a desire to task, we think there is nothing more the mess in the economy right now; understand. When we make the ef- to learn and we lose the humble and powerful and greedy people over- fort to really listen and care about teachable attitude that helped us to estimating their ability to control another person’s view, then we learn in the first place. events. Of course, this is not a new show that we truly have learned In a similar vein, I read a recent idea — we’ve all seen it happen and something and, amazingly enough, article in Time stating that through the Bible says how pride often comes they’ll be motivated to listen to us a series of psychological tests, re- before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). in return.

Chaplain Services Fridays Directions to the Building 1 Eastern Orthodox Service Conference Room: Enter Union Sundays 0930 every other Friday in Bldg 1 III, turn left. The first building to Protestant Service Conference Room your left is Bldg. 1. Enter and ask 0900 in the DFAC Juma’a Prayer Service for the conference room. Catholic Mass 1300 in the Embassy Prayer Room 0915 in the FOB Prosperity Chapel Directions to the Union III Latter Day Saints Service West DFAC: The DFAC is just beyond Latter Day Saints Service East 1500 in Bldg. 1 Conference Room Bldg. 1 on the opposite side of the 1300 in the CSH Compound Chapel street. Jewish Shabbat Service Catholic Mass 1800 in Bldg. 1 Conference Room Directions to the Bldg. 5 Bas- 1630 at the Bldg 5 Basketball Court Saturdays ketball Court: Enter Union III, Contemp. Protestant Worship Catholic Mass Bldg. 5 is to the right and is the 1815 at the Bldg. 5 Basketball Court 1100 in the CSH Compound Chapel largest building on Union III. A Spanish Catholic Mass large exterior concrete ramp goes 2000 in Bldg. 1 Conference Room Sundays to the second floor. Walk up the Church of Christ services ramp and, once inside the build- 0900 in Bldg. 1 Conference Room Tuesdays and Thursdays ing entrance, take the lefthand hall. Follow the hall to the stair- Catholic Mass Denominational Protestant Service 1200 in Bldg. 1 Conference Room (Anglican, Episcopal and Lutheran) well, continue walking forward 1800 in Bldg. 1 Conference Room into what looks like an abandoned Wednesdays and Fridays corridor. The basketball court is Catholic Mass An Easter event will be held at Free- located on the left at the end of the 1200 in the CSH Compound Chapel dom Rest March 27 from 1100-1500 corridor.

Issue 6 : 7 in the zone Putting Eyes On the IZ

Joint Defense Operations Center helps keep International Zone secure Story and photo by whether it is IDF (Indirect Fire) or “Triple Canopy handles a lot of the Maj. Jon Powers coordinating a Tier One move for internal checkpoints; KBR handles JASG-C Public Affairs the Government of Iraq, that gets emergency fire, emergency medi- coordinated through us,” said Bry- cal transport, and vehicle recovery. Behind a heavy steel door on an. “If there is an incident with IDF Sabre handles all of the contracted Union III lies the nerve center for or S-vest (Suicide vest) out at one of working dogs.” the International Zone (IZ). Behind the ECPs (Entry Control Points) we Spc. Wentworth Grayman was several rows of computers, Soldiers, coordinate the emergency response originally assigned to the radio dis- Airmen and contractors sit, waiting out to the incident.” patch but has changed jobs. As the for the next emergency. Behind the “A lot of it is a common sense ap- Command Post of the Future (CPOF) calm demeanor in the room lurks proach; we rely on the battle drills,” computer operator he brings the the possibility for chaos at any mo- said Bryan. “Everybody in here has more important occurrences to life. ment. a very specific position, some days Making graphics and chronological The Joint Defense Operations you are busier than others ... you’ve charts to show events in the IZ, he Center (JDOC) has been quiet late- got to be flexible and expect the un- provides those with no knowledge ly, and that is good news for all. expected.” of the IZ or the JDOC an easy way Maj. Robert Bryan is the Joint The “J” in JDOC is there for to understand what they do. Area Support Group - Central good reason, too. “We have liaisons Grayman explained these reports (JASG-C) chief of operations in from Sabre, KBR, Triple Canopy consisted of “getting the chronolog- the JDOC. “The JDOC serves as and each one of them brings some- ical order of who called who, and the 9-1-1 center of the IZ; anytime thing unique,” Bryan said. Sev- the who, what, where, why from the anything happens within the IZ, eral contractors work in the JDOC. eyes on the ground, capturing the

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battle damage assessments and response times.” When bombs aren’t landing, Grayman tracks the move- ments of government officials or supplies through ECPs and the IZ. “I have to keep my ears open, listen for what is going on,” said Grayman. “If IDF comes in (Grayman’s) going to spend a good portion of his day preparing a story board which captures the imagery of the point of origin, point of impact and the battle damage assessment and that goes all the way up to MNF-I (Multi- National Forces-Iraq),” commented WHAT’S UP, JDOC? - Maj. Robert Bryan, Bryan. Joint Defense Operation Center (JDOC) chief of operations, far right, and 2nd Lt. Yaser A few of the JDOC operations are Saad of the Baghdad Brigade discuss issues pro-active rather than re-active. The relating to International Zone security. job of the S2 Intelligence officers is to look forward, not back. The S2 represent the Multi-National Divi- comes in the form of the compet- officers coordinate the intelligence sion Baghdad (MND-B). ing interest between security and activities and produce summaries Twenty-four hours a day the access. “We still have the role that and analysis for use in JDOC opera- JDOC stands ready to react to emer- the 45th had, when there is a fire or tions. The IZ Police work their desk gencies and coordinate a response. IDF or medical emergency we are operations from inside to provide a Eleven JASG-C Soldiers on three the ones who deploy the assets to traffic and security viewpoint. rotating shifts ensure an expedi- put out the fire,” Bryan said. “But “We have the ability to work with ent professional response to all of we are also involved from a politi- the commander of the IZ Police to the IZ’s problems, any time day or cal standpoint; if we jam up a Tier deploy them and next door we have night. But since arriving, Bryan has One at an ECP and it is perceived the JOC (Joint Operation Center) so noticed a distinct change in the day- that it was caused by Americans, it whenever we have to coordinate a to-day business in the IZ. could have political ramifications,” Tier One move or significant event “When the 45th was here it was a he said. “We don’t have a battle drill it has to work through the JOC be- lot more crisis management. There for that. We have to apply the access cause the Baghdad Brigade is man- was a lot of IDF and a lot less politi- control measures in the IZ defense ning all of the ECPs,” said Bryan. cal stuff that is going on. We have op-order, but at the same time try to The JOC is the most recent addi- 27 specific battle drills and none of please the politicians.” tion to the JDOC. After the January them talk about how to deal with a One of the greatest concerns for IZ Transition ceremony, Iraqi Army political incident involving Tier One the JDOC is protecting the high- and Iraqi Police dedicated staff to an or Tier Two Government of Iraq of- ranking government officials who office adjoining the JDOC. Sharing ficials,” remarked Bryan. visit the IZ on an almost constant space in this office are the liaisons Bryan admits that the most basis. In December 2008, Bryan to the 1st Infantry Division who challenging aspect for the JDOC had to protect the most powerful politician in the world, President George W. Bush. The plans for the president’s visit originated at Multi- Some days you are busier National Corps-Iraq but much of the staffing and execution became a than others ... you’ve got to be JASG responsibility. Operationally controlled by MND-B, the JASG-C flexible and expect the had to block the side streets that ac- cessed the main routes and minimize unexpected.” the number of contracted security personnel that were in the IZ. - Maj. Robert Bryan, JDOC chief of operations continued on page 14 “ Issue 6 : 9 in the zone US, Iraqi medics team for training Story and photo by STICKING TO THE PROGRAM - Dr. Ali Satter 1st Sgt. David Moore Jabbar, Badhdad Brigade, JASG-C Public Affairs tests his injection skills during medic training with 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Medics from Headquarters and Soldiers Feb. 19. The event Headquarters Battery of the 1st Bat- is part of a train-the-trainer talion, 7th Field Artillery provided a program held by the U.S. and half-dozen Soldiers of the Baghdad Iraqi Armies. Brigade lifesaving skills training in the event they suffer casualties on the battlefield or get injured in an accident. As part of the Feb. 19 training program held at the brigade’s headquarters, known as FOB Honor, three U.S. Army medics conducted a train-the-trainer program so the Iraqi Army can conduct its own training in the future. “What’s nice about this training program is that all Soldiers can per- form these tasks on the battlefield,” Dr. Ali Satter Jabbar, a physician with the Baghdad Brigade, said. “Our goal here is to provide a full The class then moved out for the Jabbar, who has only been in the training foundation so the Iraqi sol- field experience. As the Iraqi sol- Army about a year, said while the diers can conduct their own training diers worked with their American former Iraqi Army did have med- in the future,” Orino said. counterparts, someone cried out, ics, most Iraqi Army soldiers had Orino provided a basic review “Boom!” and the American Soldiers no formal training at all. Basically, from the combat lifesaver material fell to the ground, suffering simulat- they had to rely on treating casual- a week earlier, and then they moved ed severe wounds of various types. ties by doing what they thought may into intravenous injection training Spc. Gary Combs and Spc. be right, he said. to include using his own arm as an Thomas Pruitt, who were assistant During the classroom portion of example. instructors, changed into a different training, Jabbar assisted the FOB role. They served as simulated pa- Prosperity-based Army medics in While the former Iraqi tients in the lane during the training providing his medical expertise to “run” phase to let Iraqi medics prac- the class and reinforcing the Army Army did have medics, tice treating patients on a battlefield trainers information. most Iraqi soldiers where there were injuries such as The morning of class was con- stomach and gunshot wounds, and ducted in the Army crawl-walk- had no formal burns. Combs went down with sim- run technique of training: First, the medical training. ulated injuries, began panicking and classroom, and then a classroom simulated going into shock to add practice session. Finally, a lane area After Orino was stuck with the realism to the training. was set up for the run portion of test- IV needle and saline solution began Orino and Jabbar observed training what the Iraqi Soldiers would do flowing, Iraqi soldiers took their ing and made corrections to insure a in a time of crisis. turn at completing the task. All were life would be saved on a battlefield. Cpl. Cedric Orino, the NCOIC successful. “I wanted to give the Iraqis great for the training, said the doctor of- After the Iraqi medic task com- training by making it as a realistic fered a greater medical insight into pletion, Orino stuck up his thumb as possible,” Combs said. what the future trainers could ex- and said, “You all get a go.” Each of (Sgt. Anthony Franklin, HHB, pect when training or dealing with the Iraqi Army medics was success- 1ST Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, injuries. ful at the first jab of the needle. contributed to this story.) 10 : Vol 1 MARCH 2008

JAG CORNER Security Agreement brings change Col. Daniel G. Giaquinto law. Also, unlike indefinite peri- will discuss those items that are Command Judge Advocate ods contained in SOFAs, there is a most likely to affect members of definite termination date set forth the JASG-C. You have heard of the Security in this agreement. The Law of Armed Conflict Agreement (SA) and received in- Prior to Jan. 1, 2009, the legal principles that we follow and the struction and training aids to assert basis for our presence and opera- analyses we employ in use of force your jurisdictional rights under tions was the United Nations Secu- situations have not changed. The it. You may wonder whether you rity Council Resolution 1790 (UN- Rules of Engagement (ROE) have are now subject to Iraqi prosecu- SCR). This was a UN Mandate that essentially remained the same; you tion for crimes and offenses, and allowed us to take all reasonable should review and understand the you may have questions regarding measures to secure and stabilize current ROE and remember you how the SA affects your mission. Iraq. Upon the expiration of UN- always retain the inherent right This article will attempt to answer SCR and implementation of the of self-defense. What are differ- those questions and give you some SA, we are now guests in the sov- ent are detention operations. Be- perspective and practical advice ereign nation of Iraq, and security fore U.S. Forces could detain any- regarding the present legal dynam- and stability are the full responsi- one they thought to be a threat to ics in Iraq. the security and stability of Iraq. The official title of the SA is it- Upon the expiration Now a valid arrest warrant issued self revealing: Agreement Between of the United Nations by an Iraqi investigative judge is the United States of America and required for US Forces to detain the Republic of Iraq On the With- Security Council someone other than a member of drawal of United States Forces Resolution and the U.S. Forces or its civilian com- from Iraq and the Organization of ponent. Exceptions to the arrest Their Activities during Their Tem- implementation of the warrant requirement are provided porary Presence in Iraq. It is an Security Agreement, we by other laws, and allow for arrests international agreement between are now guests in the by U.S. Forces of individuals en- the Government of Iraq (GOI) and gaged in combat activities against the United States, that is, in effect, sovereign nation of Iraq. U.S. Forces, or of individuals who the legal basis and authority for the are witnessed committing a crime. presence and military operations bility of the GOI. Pursuant to the Also, a search warrant is required of the United States Forces in Iraq. SA our presence, and activities, are to conduct a search of homes or The term of the agreement is three at the request and invitation of the real estate, except in case of com- years beginning Jan. 1, 2009, but GOI. Our mission- to protect and bat operations. In the event of an it may be terminated sooner by ei- strengthen the sovereignty, securi- arrest or detention of someone oth- ther party pursuant to a procedure ty and territorial integrity of Iraq- er than a member of the U.S. Forc- set forth in the agreement. has not changed, but the way we es or its civilian component, U.S. Some refer to it as a Status of do business has changed. Forces must hand over that person Forces Agreement (SOFA), as oth- So what is different and how to Iraqi authorities within 24 hours er agreements are called that allow does it affect you? The SA covers of the arrest or detention. for the presence of U.S. Forces in a lot of ground, in fact it contains Combat operations, that is op- foreign countries. Although some- thirty separate articles, with many erations designed to capture or what similar, this agreement dif- facets and issues that cover the kill the enemy, must be fully co- fers from SOFAs in several key spectrum from missions, to deter- ordinated and conducted with the respects. SOFAs deal with the rence of security threats, detention, agreement of the GOI. The new peacetime presence of U.S. Forces property ownership, taxes, free- mantra, By-With-Through (the whereas the SA allows for ongoing dom of movement, and to claims; Iraqi forces), reminds us that our combat and detention operations in short, all areas that would im- operations, once unilateral, must by U.S. Forces to be conducted pact on the presence and activities be conducted jointly or with the in accordance with the terms of of the U.S. Forces in Iraq. How- knowledge and agreement of our the SA and with respect for Iraqi ever for purposes of this article we continued on page 18

Issue 6 : 11 in the zone

A detainee is escorted for transfer from Cropper Cropper’s Theater Internment Facility

FOB Cropper Spc. Heather DiNapoli, B/114th, preps for a mission

FOB Bucca

Spc. Mohammed Shonibare, A/102nd, mans the turret

Sgt. Albert Grant, A/102nd, on patrol

Sgt. Ricardo Suarez, HHC/113th, makes friends Detainees at Bucca’s Theater Internment Facility Soldiers from HHC/113th patrol Safwan Hill

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FOB Grizzly

Cropper’s Theater Internment Facility U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers work hand-in-hand

Soldiers from B/102nd service an M-2 .50 cal.

Troops conduct base-defense drills at Grizzly

A HHC/113th Soldier visits Safwan’s market

Sgt. Ricardo Suarez, HHC/113th, makes friends Soldiers from HHC/113th patrol Safwan Hill

Issue 6 : 13 in the zone A better tomorrow continued from page 5 makes me very happy for what I’m doing here and what I’m contributing to the Iraqi people.” According to Joshi, this project means something to more than just the inhabitants of the 215 Apart- ments; it means a lot to his twin nine-year-old daughters as well. “I send them e-mails, I send them pictures. I say, ‘Hey look, I’m building a park,’ and they’re very excited, they always want to see new pictures they always want to see how the playground is coming along,” he said. Joshi said that the interest in the playground project doesn’t stop with his children. In fact, the other students at their school as well as teachers are taking an interest as well. “They’re going back to school, telling their teachers what I’m doing in Iraq. I’m getting positive e- mails from my kids and their classmates saying how wonderful it is to hear that we are building a playground for the Iraqi people.” He also said that it gives him a unique way to bond with his daughters, which can often be a challenge for parents deployed away from home for long periods of time. “It gives me something to talk about with my girls. To them, building a park is a big deal. They’re al- LENDING A HELPING HAND Air Force Capt. Michelle ways asking me questions about the playground. You Sterling, Directorate of Public know, ‘Do the kids play like us?’ They always want Works project manager, plays to know,” he said. with Iraqi children at the new 215 Apartments playground. Now completed, Sterling said it feels good to know that she’s doing her part to help move the country in that’s for the benefit for all these other people. At the a positive direction. end of the day, we’re giving something back to the com- “It’s really good to see all your hard work come to munity, we’re making that community better and a more a concrete end point. Yes, I did that; look at that and vibrant place,” she said. Putting eyes on the IZ continued from page 9 Looking to the future, Bryan to affect where the ECPS are, and “This worked out well because sees a whole new set of challenges how people move around the IZ,” we did not have a lot of the resourc- for his replacements. “There are go- he said. es needed to action the Corps’ plan. ing to be a lot of changes inside the Even though the JDOC is quiet We ended up having everyone from IZ; our duties aren’t going to neces- now, constant reminders of how that the JASG go out and man a certain sarily change but as the Green Zone could change appear almost daily. position inside the IZ, it was a lot continues to transform, they are talk- “A lot hasn’t happened in the of work,” explained Bryan. Much ing about opening new roads, like Green Zone but a lot does happen of the former President’s visit was the sunken highway to the north. in the red zone, close to the Green in and around the IZ; and consider- Some huge changes that are going Zone - attacks and IDFs. Inside the ing there was not a single hiccup in to happen have already pinged the Green Zone we feel safe, but just the security plan, the JDOC proved 32nd and let them know some of outside there is still a lot going on,” their competence. the changes because they are going Grayman concluded.

14 : Vol 1 MARCH 2008

Going Above Maj. Robert Hughes, WO1 Robert Morgan and Spc. Hyacinthe Luna, from left above, as well as Airman 1st Class Joshua Haley, Air Force Staff Sgt. Bobby Wood and Tech Sgt. Timothy Lawrence, from left below, receive the Joint Service Achievement Medal from Col. Steve Ferrari, Joint Area Support Group-Central (JASG-C) commander, below center, and Command Sgt. Maj. David Kenna, JASG-C CSM, below right, for helping save an Air Force captain who suffered a gunshot wound to the head. And Beyond

Issue 6 : 15 in the zone Comedy show leaves Soldiers in stitches

THE LAUGH RANGER - James Gleason, the Cowboy Comedian, kicks up a laugh riot during a comedy show at FOB Prosperity Feb. 12. Trio tickles funny bones of FOB Prosperity service members Story and photos by ditional chairs were set up near the tion of comedy, seamlessly spinning 1st Sgt. David Moore soccer field, some personnel were jokes about her flying to Kuwait, JASG-C Public Affairs left standing to take in a show where drugs in America, and the reces- humor poked fun at everything from sion. A trio of comedians from Lone hometown America to Middle East The next act was James Gleason, Wolf Entertainment and Morale, culture. who goes by the handle of Cowboy Welfare and Recreation came out The Houston, Texas, native has Comedian. He is doing his second swinging to become the first enter- travelled the globe since 1994 de- round of shows for troops in the tainers to break in a new stage at livering her jokes to thousands Middle East. Despite suffering from Forward Operating Base Prosperity of troops. For this show, she also hearing loss on his first tour from a that left hundreds laughing Feb. 12. served as the master of ceremonies mortar explosion, he displayed no The show got started when Oliv- for two other comedians, Mo Amer fear galloping across the stage to ia Allen-Arrington jokingly teased and the Cowboy Comedian. share his humor on being single, people walking by the stage to at- After Arrington’s introduction to living in a trailer park, as well as tend. As the bleachers filled and ad- the show, she moved into her por- being married. During his opening of the show, he thanked to troops for attending If the Army has ‘Hoaah!’ and their service to country. Imme- diately, he poked fun at the various and the Marines have military battle cries that are more audible sounds than words. ‘Oorah!’ then the Air “If the Army has ‘Hoaah!’ and the Marines have ‘Oorah!’ then the Air Force must be ‘Latte!’” Force must be ‘Latte!’” the Florida resident and ranch worker said - Comedian James Gleason Mohammed Amer, a Palestinian “16 : Vol 1 MARCH 2008 Soldiers set stage for future entertainment Story and photo by 1st Sgt. David Moore JASG-C Public Affairs

The mysterious voice from the heavens in the movie “Field of Dreams” said, “If you build it, they will come,” and the saying held up Feb. 12 when three comedians from BRINGING FUNNY TO THE FOB - Olivia Allen-Arrington, left, and Lone Wolf Productions stepped on Mohammed Amer make up two-thirds a brand new stage built by Forward of a comedy trio that put on a show a Operating Base Prosperity Soldiers. FOB Prosperity Feb. 12. The event, As a result of the new stage, near- CENTER STAGE which was sponsored by Lone Wolf ly 300 military personnel took in the - Spc. Kyle Lyons Entertainment and Morale, Welfare and and Staff Sgt. Jerry Recreation, was the first to be held on evening, which was sponsored by Rodriguez complete the FOB’s new outdoor stage. Morale, Welfare and Recreation. the new stage at A partnership with the Joint Area FOB Prosperity. Support Group-Central’s Mayor’s ready to go,” Rodriguez, a Seattle Cell and nine Soldiers of Bravo Light Company employee, said. Troop, 1st Battalion, 303rd Cavalry, “I thought that with this stage we Washington Army National Guard, could possibly have the same shows combined talent for a win-win situ- here as what are being held at the ation to replace a small, dilapidated bigger FOBs in Iraq,” he added. stage on a volleyball court. So after conducting missions, New Jersey Army National Rodriguez teamed up with Spc. Kyle Guard 1st Sgt. Edward Santiago of Lyons and others to work the proj- the FOB Prosperity’s Mayor’s Cell ect. Another seven Soldiers from said another Jersey Guard Soldier, the cavalry unit also helped move Cpt. Juan Abreu of the Mayor’s the project along. Soldiers averaged Cell, moved quickly to fund and four hours a night on the project. Af- procure wood for the project. ter about 32 hours of construction, a born in Kuwait who moved to the “All we did was reach out for 40 by 20-foot stage was ready with U.S. during the Persian Gulf War, volunteers to build it. So I made a two days to spare for the show. wrapped up the show delivering wit telephone call to the 303rd since I Lyons, a native of Sammanish, about the clash between U.S. and knew they had a few carpenters. I Wash., and a bar tender when not Middle East cultures. think it’s incredible that one phone deployed, said the project gave him Also a Houston resident, Amer call made to a fellow Guardsman, something else to do besides sitting joked that names such as Moham- and it got done. That’s the Guard - down and watching a movie. med and Obama alone have a ten- getting it done,” Santiago said. Rodriguez said the redwood- dency to draw a Texan’s attention. Staff Sgt. Jerry Rodriguez, MWR stained stage near the entrance of The show wrapped up on the NCO with the 303rd Cavalry who the Al Salam Palace is functional for new stage with a meet and greet performs Personnel Security De- entertainment, but it’s not finished. between Soldiers and entertainers. tachment duties daily in Baghdad, Plans include building a backdrop Those coming to the stage found the saw this as a way to put his Army- and a partial roof on the structure. entertainers still providing humor to learned carpenter skills to the test. “You know, I’m thinking I would the crowd. And with that, military “Once we had the material and like it to resemble an Iraqi palace, personnel received autographed supplies from the Mayor’s Cell and or better yet, making it look like an pictures with a message of love and got everything in one place with Army engineer castle,” he said of “Thanks for all you do!” help from KBR contractors, we were his dream.

Issue 6 : 17 in the zone Security Agreement continued from page 11 risdiction over U.S. Forces and its accused available for purposes of hosts. However, it bears repeating civilian component. It should also the Iraqi investigation and/or trial. that in any situation you always re- be noted that U.S. contractors and Where Iraq exercises jurisdiction tain the right of individual and unit contractor employees, who are not over a member of the U.S. Forces or self-defense. employees of DOD, are now subject its civilian component, the accused Of particular importance to the to Iraqi jurisdiction for all crimes shall be entitled to due process stan- JASG-C is control of our AO, the and offenses at all times. So unless dards and protections consistent International Zone (IZ). Referring you are outside of duty status, out- with U.S. and Iraqi law. to the IZ as the Green Zone, Ar- side your FOB or other U.S. con- So how do you ensure you will ticle 28 of the SA makes clear that trolled area, and commit a “grave not be investigated or charged by the GOI “shall have full responsi- premeditated felony”, you will be our host authorities? The easy an- bility for the Green Zone”. It also subject to the primary jurisdiction swer is to comply with the UCMJ, provides that the GOI may request of the United States and not of Iraq. General Order Number 1, the ROE the support of U.S. Forces in secur- Also keep in mind that even in and command policies and direc- ing the Green Zone. Thus we have a case where Iraq does not have pri- tion. You should also limit yourself continued our mission by working mary jurisdiction, it may still request to mission essential traffic outside jointly with and at the request of the of your FOB, do not travel alone, Iraqi authorities. and always conduct yourself with Our FOBs and areas that we con- Of particular respect for Iraqi law. Also, be in trol are defined in the SA as “agreed importance to the an official uniform of your service, facilities and areas”. The SA grants carry your ROE and other training the U.S. Forces access to these ar- JASG-C is control of our aids, and use your emergency chit eas and the authority to exercise “all AO, the International (contains an Arabic translation) in rights and powers that may be nec- case you have to assert your juris- essary to establish, use, maintain, Zone, or Green Zone. The dictional rights with Iraqi authori- and secure such agreed facilities Security Agreement ties. Staying within “your lane” and and areas.” Bottom line, we con- putting mission first is the key. tinue to secure our own FOBs and makes clear that As in any international agree- other “agreed facilities and areas” the Government of ment there will be situations, glitch- in our AO. es, and perhaps even disagreements You may have read or heard Iraq “shall have full that need to be addressed, particu- about the jurisdictional question, responsibility for the larly in the initial implementation that is, whether you are now subject Green Zone.” phase. Indeed, no written document to prosecution by the GOI for crimes can envision all scenarios involving or offenses. Previously you were U.S. Forces in Iraq. Anticipating not subject to Iraqi law. But under the U.S. to grant it jurisdiction. Iraq this, the SA provides for implemen- the SA, Iraqi authorities will have must make this request within 21 tation measures, which has led to a primary jurisdiction over members days of discovery of an alleged of- series of committees and subcom- of U.S. Forces, including civilian fense and notify the U.S. that it is of mittees being formed at different employees of the Department of particular importance that Iraq exer- levels of the U.S. and Iraqi forces Defense (DOD), for: cise jurisdiction in the matter. It is to work out various implementation • Grave premeditated felonies within the discretion of the U.S. to issues. If you run into an operational (still to be specified and enumer- grant or deny the request. or other disagreement with the Iraqi ated), A member of the U.S. Forces de- Security Forces, you should seek • Committed outside agreed tained by Iraqi authorities must be guidance from your chain of com- facilities and areas, and handed over to U.S. Forces within mand and try to resolve it with your • Committed outside duty sta- 24 hours from the time the deten- Iraqi counterpart at the lowest lev- tus (U.S. Forces determine whether tion or arrest began. Even in a case el possible. As always should you an alleged offense arose outside of where Iraq has primary jurisdiction, have any question about the SA, duty status). custody of an accused U.S. ser- seek guidance from your chain of In all other situations the U.S. vice member will remain with U.S. command or your servicing Judge has the primary right to exercise ju- Forces, which in turn must make the Advocate office.

18 : Vol 1 MARCH 2008 Getting To Know FOB UNION III Mayor’s Cell Finance Fridays and Saturdays from 2000 to 2300. Times and events MAJ Thomas McGhee The times and location for are subject to change. FOB Union III mayor Union III finance operations DSN 318 239-0232 at are Bldg. 6, Rooms 1-4A and Common Access Cards Asia Cell 0770-444-1653 1-4B, from 0900 to 1600, Tues- days and Thursdays. The IZ Common Access Card CSM Scott Lewis Finance operations include (CAC) office is open in Bldg. 1, FOB Union III deputy mayor check cashing, Eagle Cash Card Room 107, Monday through Sat- DSN 318 239-0234 transactions, military pay issues, urday from 0830 to 1800. For Asia Cell 0770-444-1705 collection and review of travel questions, call DSN 318 239-0641 vouchers and other military pay- or 703 270-0641 or e-mail jasg- Dining Facility related documents, and more. [email protected] Eagle Cash Card (ECC) ap- The Union III Dining Facility plications are available. The ser- Laundry Service (DFAC) across from the Bldg. 1 vice member must provide a cur- parking lot offers four meals a rent bank statement or LES to Since dirty laundry is serious day. Meal hours are: verify bank routing and account business, the FOB has a seven- numbers. As a reminder, you can day-a-week laundry service that Breakfast: 0530 to 0800 load up to $350 per day to your at a maximum takes three days Lunch: 1130 to 1330 card. You can get cash back up to complete. Individuals using Dinner: 1730 to 2000 to $200 per month. Checks can the service can only have 20 piec- Midnight Meal: 2330 to 0100 also be cashed for up to $200 per es of laundry in each bag. Blan- month. kets and comforters must be sep- Post Office Fore more information, call arated from clothing or uniform Sgt. Genea L. Michael at DSN items. The hours of operation are Free mail, which is limited to 318 239-8570/8571 or send e-mail 0700 to 2000 daily. 13 ounces, still exists for the let- [email protected]. ter home and a mailbox is located mil Medical Treatment in front of Bldg. 6. But if you are looking to mail pictures, a small Gym/MWR The Union III Troop Medical souvenir in an envelope or pack- Clinic, located behind the May- ages, then you must go to the Post The Union III Gym is located or’s Cell in Bldg. 1, is open for Office located in Bldg. 5. in Bldg. 5 and is open 24 hours a routine health care needs. Sick- Your packages will be inspect- day, seven days a week. call hours for walk-ins are Mon- ed and limited to three packages The MWR facility, adjacnt day through Friday from 0800 to or items, such as footlockers, per to the gym, offers a large-screen 1100 and 1300 to 1500, and Sat- visit. You are also required to have television, DVDs, books, board- urdays from 0800 to 1100. The a military ID card for the trans- games, XBox and other fun ac- clinic is closed on Sundays. action. Civilians are required to tivities. The MWR facility is also Those eligible for care include have two forms of identification open 24/7. active-duty U.S. and Coalition to conduct postal transactions. The gym/MWR facility host Forces, retired U.S. military and Items that are forbidden to be several weekly events, including Department of Defense federal shipped include weapons items, Karaoke Night Sundays at 1900, government employees. drugs, alcohol, and perishable Movie Night Saturdays at 2000, Routine immunizations and material. For a complete list of ping-pong and pool tournaments Post Deployment Health Assess- items, consult CENTCOM AR Thursdays at 1930, ab workout ments are available for individu- 25-200 or HRSC Policy 07-26. classes Mondays, Wednesdays als during sick call hours. For The hours at the Post Office and Fridays from 2000 to 2100, groups of 10 or more call 239- are 0800 to 1730 daily. and Texas Hold-Em Tuesdays, 0680 to schedule.

Issue 6 : 19 PW DEMOLITION

The Directorate of Public Works supervises demolition of villas along the Tigris River. For more photos and complete story, see next month’s In The Zone.