The Expeditionary Times Proudly serving the finest Expeditionary service members throughout Iraq Vol. 3 Issue 14 February 24, 2010 http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ Pit stop 107 Soldiers become US citizens at Al-Faw Palace weeks prior, and I couldn’t do it St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y without the help of the profes- Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c sional (noncommissioned of- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f ficers) that I have working with VICTORY BASE COMPLEX, me,” he said. Soldiers travel miles for Iraq – The United Baker said new citizens tell States Forces – him their naturalization cer- students’ smiles Iraq command staff emony marks the best day of held its 16th nat- their life, and he is proud to be a uralization cer- part of that. Page 5 emony Feb. 15, “We had 107 Soldiers that welcoming 107 new U.S. citizens we naturalized today, from 44 in Al-Faw Palace at Victory Base different countries,” he said. Complex, Iraq. “Today, we had 12 Iraqi citi- Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., zens serving in the Army be- Mud flaps the deputy commanding general come U.S. citizens. I think it for operations with USF-I and adds special meaning for all the a Detroit native, presided over Soldiers to do this in a combat the ceremony and gave a coin to zone.” each Soldier. Pfc. Edilma Martinez, a In his speech, Jacoby said he transportation logistics spe- was proud to go through this cialist with the 612th Move- process with the candidates and ment Control Team, 49th told them they demonstrated Transportation Battalion, 15th their patriotism by serving in the Sustainment Brigade, 13th U.S. military before they gained Sustainment Command (Expe- citizenship. ditionary), was born in Guata- “I am tremendously proud mala and has lived in the U.S. of you for the contributions you since she was three years old. Mississippi Guardsman have made,” he said. “Congratu- “I thought this was a great uses ingenuity to protect lations on achieving a significant opportunity for me,” she said. milestone.” “This means a lot to me. I never convoying Soldiers Maj. Robert Baker, officer in had the chance to vote in the charge of plans and policies with last election and now I can.” USF-I and a Cincinnati native, Martinez, an Inglewood, Ca- Page 8 One hundred and seven Soldiers raise their right hand as they take the said coordinating the event was lif., native, said her family came oath of citizenship in a ceremony Feb. 15 in Al-Faw Palace at Victory Base Complex, Iraq. Soldiers representing 44 countries became citizens in the no easy task. to the United States with hope 16th United States Forces – Iraq naturalization ceremony. “It starts out eight to nine SEE CITIZEN ON PAGE 4 Election prep Provider command staff briefs incoming replacements St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Brig. Gen. Mark Corson, the com- Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o manding general of the 103rd Sus- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f tainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Maryville, Mo., native, and JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Command Sgt. Maj. LeRoy Haug- Command staff land, the senior enlisted adviser and leaders with with the 103rd ESC and a Cresco, the 13th Sustain- Iowa, native, attend a command ment Command staff meeting for the 13th ESC and (Expedition- the 103rd ESC Feb. 13 at Joint Base ary) and the Balad, Iraq. The 103rd is scheduled to take over sustainment command New entry control point 15th Sustainment Brigade, met operations in July. to ease congestion in with their replacement coun- terparts, the 103rd Sustain- The four commands ad- Baghdad area ment Command (Expedition- dressed operations and the ad- ary) and the 3rd Sustainment aptation of their mission dur- Page 12 Brigade Feb. 13 at Joint Base ing the upcoming drawdown Balad, Iraq, during their initial of U.S. forces and equipment, pre-deployment site survey. SEE BRIEF ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 Balad Blotter Chaplain’s Corner: learn to respect February 12 - February 18 By Lt. Co l . Ga r r y W. Lo s e y One day his hands trembled more than usual. 13t h ESC Ch a p l a i n He dropped his bowl and broke it. The young fa- STRAY ROUND: ther yelled, ‘If you’re going to eat like a pig, you’re A complainant entered the Joint Defense Operations espect should be a big part of our going to eat out of a pig’s trough.’ So they made Center Feb. 11 and reported a stray round at H8 hous- Rlives. the old man a wooden trough, put his meals in it, ing. Patrols were briefed and dispatched. The complain- Not just respect others because we and told him to eat out of it. And he did. ant said, after returning to his room after work, he found feel they deserve it, but respect others Not long after that, the couple came upon their a small hole in the ceiling and drywall dust on his bed. because that is who we are. Respect four-year-old son playing out in the yard with Upon further investigation, he located a stray round that them in spite of their differences. some scraps of wood. His father asked him what was protruding from his mattress. The room was unoc- Do to others as you would have them do to you. he was doing. The little boy looked up, smiled, cupied at the time of the incident. No injuries were re- Learning to respect others is one of the first les- and said, ‘I’m making a trough, to feed you and ported. sons my parents taught me and I am sure they were Mamma out of when I get big.’ The next day, the not alone. old man was back at the table eating with the PATROL RESPONSE: This is a story that I found in Grimm’s fairy tales family from a plate, and no one ever scolded him A complainant entered the Law Enforcement Desk Feb. that I thought might give us some insight into the or mistreated him again.” 11 and said he has not been receiving payment for his true meaning of respect. I believe that this quote by Jackie Robinson work and that his employer owed him $7,000. Officers “One of Grimm’s fairy tales is about a little boy might be something we want to take to heart. initiated an Air Force IMT 1168/Statement of Complain- who lived with his father, his mother and his el- “I'm not concerned with your liking or dislik- ant and the Turkish complainant used an interpreter to derly grandfather. The grandfather was feeble and ing me … All I ask is that you respect me as a hu- say he and five other employees have not been receiv- his hands shook. When he ate, the silverware rattled man being,” he said. ing payment for work from AZ Trade. The complainant against the plate, and he often missed his mouth. It is not that we have to be best friends with said he was supposed to be paid $1,000 a month and has Then the food would dribble onto the tablecloth. everyone, but we do have to give people respect. only received payments of $1,500 in June 2009, $1,700 Some say, “If you want to get my respect, you in September 2009 and $4,000 in November 2009. The This upset the young mother because she didn’t complainant’s temporary ID card will expire Feb. 12. want to have to deal with the extra mess and hassle must first give me a reason to respect you.” This complaint is under investigation. of taking care of the old man. But he had nowhere The golden rule in Matthew 7:12 says, “So in else to live. everything, do to others what you would have PHYSICAL ASSAULT: So the young parents decided to move him away them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the A complainant telephoned the Law Enforcement Desk from the table, into a corner, where he could sit on Prophets.” Feb. 14 and reported an assault had occurred at the H-1 a stool and eat from a bowl. The young mother said, Do you want others to treat you with respect? housing bathroom. A patrol was briefed and dispatched. ‘From now on, you eat over there.’ And so he did, al- Then it has to start somewhere with someone. The victim said, via Air Force IMT 1168/Statement of ways looking at the table and wanting to be with his That somewhere is now and that someone is you Suspect/Witness/Complainant, she heard the individ- family but having to sit alone in the corner. and me. ual, described as a Caucasian male, enter the lock code to the female bathroom and enter the bathroom. He ap- proached her and slapped her in the face before running out. All posts and patrols were told to look for a Cauca- sian male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black Army physical training shorts. The patrols conducted a sweep of H-1 housing but found nobody. The victim received aid and the emergency medical personnel said she had slight bruising to her face. They provided her with an ice pack, terminating medical response. She was released to her supervisor and provided with a Depart- ment of Defense Form 2701/Victim/Witness Assistance Program pamphlet. KBR, Inc. personnel were contacted to change the combination to female bathrooms in H-1 housing.

NIPR: 443-8602 SIPR: 241-1171 Email: [email protected]

EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for pub- 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Pfc. Lisa A. Cope lication by the 13th Sustainment Command (318) 433-2155 Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. (Expeditionary). The contents of the Expedi- [email protected] tionary Times are unofficial and are not to be 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor Spc. Michael V. Camacho Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO 139th MPAD Layout and Design [email protected] considered the official views of, or endorsed [email protected] Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- [email protected] ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. 13th ESC PA NCOIC Contributing public affairs offices Expeditionary Times is a command infor- Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Photo Editor 15th Sustainment Brigade mation newspaper in accordance with Army [email protected] Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 36th Sustainment Brigade Regulation 360-1 and reviewed by the ESC G2 [email protected] for security purposes. 13th ESC Staff Writer 90th Sustainment Brigade Expeditionary Times is published weekly Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Copy Editor 96th Sustainment Brigade by the Stars and Stripes central office, with a [email protected] Spc. Brandy Oxford 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team [email protected] circulation of 5,000 papers. 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team 139th MPAD Commander 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing The Public Affairs Office is located on Capt. Brad Sinkler 139th MPAD Staff Writers New Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433- [email protected] Sgt. Ryan Twist 194th Engineer Brigade 2154. Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, [email protected] APO AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 139th MPAD First Sergeant For online publication visit: 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller Sgt. John Stimac www.dvidshub.net Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: [email protected] [email protected] keyword: Expeditionary Times [email protected] Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners, and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 The Weekly Standard: inspector general system By Lt. Co l Re g i n a l d Ho w a r d temic issues that affect the command and • Give your chain of command a by other agencies or through the indi- 13t h ESC Co m m a n d In s p ec t o r Ge n e r a l the Army. chance to solve the problem. vidual’s chain of command. Whenever The IG has a duty to protect an indi- • Keep in mind that IGs are not policy possible, we refer Soldiers back to their nspectors general ex- vidual's confidentiality to the maximum makers. chain of command to address the issue Itend the eyes, ears, extent possible, particularly when the • Be honest and don’t provide mis- first. voice and conscience individual specifically requests confiden- leading information. We want to make commanders suc- of the commander by tiality. Although confidentiality and the • Keep in mind that IGs can only rec- cessful and assist them in taking care of executing the four IG measures necessary to protect it will vary ommend, and not order, a resolution. their organization and resolving their functions – assistance, from circumstance to circumstance, the • Don’t expect instant action on your Soldiers’ issues. Ultimately, your IG inspections, investigations, and teaching IG always treats confidentiality carefully request. Be patient. team will continue to provide the 13th and training – to enhance the command's and as a priority. • Be prepared to take “no” for an an- Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) discipline, readiness and operational war Before contacting the IG, consider this: swer. with the best possible support keeping fighting capability. • Be sure you have a problem, not just Some complaints are simply not IG the entire team mission-focused and in IGs use these functions to seek out sys- a peeve. appropriate and have to be addressed the fight.

Joint Base Balad (13th ESC): DSN 433-2125 Adder/Tallil (36th Sust. Bde./41st IBCT): Lt. Col. Reginald Howard (Command Inspector General) Maj. Andrea Shealy - DSN 833-1710 Maj. Christopher Minor (Deputy) Maj. Jeffrey Copek - DSN 833-5915 Master Sgt. Roy Thacker (NCOIC) Master Sgt. Marta Cruz – DSN 883-1710

Q-West (15th Sust. Bde.): DSN 827-6115 Al Asad (96th Sust. Bde.): DSN 440-7049 Lt. Col. Gary Davis Sgt. 1st class Alexander Arce Master Sgt. Richard Faust Taji (155 HBCT): DSN 834-3079 Lt. Col. Paul Bird Combat Stress: help vs harm Correction By Na v y Ca p t . St e v e J. Br a s i n g t o n would be a Soldier with a history of an trouble sleeping, wait until redeploy- In the Feb. 17 edition of the Ex- Co m b a t St r e s s Co n t r o l Ps y c h i a t r i s t alcohol related charge, such as driving ment to manage the problem. peditionary Times, the article titled, under the influence. This Soldier would However, these Soldiers choose alco- “Previously injured Vets return to fter completing a be asked to report for an exam to ensure hol to calm their nerves and help them JBB” should have said, “Capt. Fer- new combat stress he or she did not continue to show signs fall asleep. Self medicating with alcohol A ris W. Butler, former platoon lead- evaluation, a Soldier or symptoms of an alcohol disorder. contributes to additional problems like er with D Company, 2nd Battalion, might ask me the follow- Understandably, individuals coming assault, highway mishaps and suicide. 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade ing question, “Will this to combat stress think of potential nega- Returning Soldiers are showing Combat Team, 10th Mountain Divi- hurt my career?” tive consequences. Naturally, no one higher rates of substance abuse, which sion out of Fort Drum, New York.” Taking a little more time to under- would want to add to his or her troubles. I personally believe could be reduced if The Expeditionary Times regrets stand the concern, I learned Soldiers People come seeking relief, wanting to Soldiers accepted professional help at this error. were simply worried about having a feel better and function better. the first sign of emotional distress rather mental health entry in their treatment Ideally, Soldiers would come for than waiting until alcohol was readily record. They feared a documented men- evaluation early, after symptoms first available and then drinking on a regular tal health record would follow them, for- appeared. By intervening early, combat basis to reduce symptoms. ever casting a shadow over their military stress control can prevent problems or In my personal experience, the ma- Oasis dining facility career. progression of illness. jority of Soldiers who voluntarily sought Importantly, military members must Ideally, brief intervention by Combat services at Combat Stress Control come realize privileged medical information is Stress Control will help Soldiers grow back. They return because they find the hours of operation not used for promotion selection. Perfor- from adverse, overwhelming or chal- services beneficial. mance in positions of increasing respon- lenging experiences. Getting through a Appointments can be scheduled to sibility and complexity with comparison tough time can imbue a person with a accommodate work requirements. Typi- Midnight hours: against peers is the usual basis for ad- sense of strength and confidence called cally, co-workers know when the Soldier vancement. resilience. Coming to Combat Stress has an appointment due to accountabil- 12:30 a.m. - 3:30 a.m. Accepting new challenges may require Control can enhance resilience by giving ity in the unit. Nevertheless, my patients a security clearance and prior mental you professional coaching and guidance. have been encouraged by colleagues who health care potentially plays a role in One of the best reasons that I can tell them that they look better, sound the screening process. When you apply think of for consulting Combat Stress better or perform better. Breakfast hours: for a security clearance, you are permit- Control is to stay in control. Too often, In these supportive circumstances, I ted to answer “no” regarding ever having I speak to military members, who do not believe intervention did not hurt the Sol- 5:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. mental health treatment if the care you feel in control of their tempers. They feel dier’s reputation or career. I encourage received was connected to a family or de- on edge or ready to snap at the slightest those who have benefitted from stress ployment issue. provocation. These same Soldiers are re- intervention to let others know that the Receiving mental health care for luctant to go home, fearing that they will right intervention at the right time will Lunch hours: other reasons is not a show stopper for yell at a young child or explode at a lov- not hurt. individuals applying for a clearance. If er. They do not want to push loved ones Prevent future problems and get the 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. a question exists about an applicant’s away, but they fear losing control. help you need and deserve. Combat mental reliability, a special evaluation Unfortunately, many Soldiers dealing Stress Control is forward deployed to may be needed. A common example with high levels of irritability, including keep you resilient and mission ready. Dinner hours: ON 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. THE http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ WEB PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 CITIZEN: Soldiers served in Army before they gained citizenship CITIZEN FROM PAGE 1 Spc. Ivan Granja, a fuel specialist that she would become a U.S. citizen. with the 96th Sustainment Brigade, “So far, I have lived up to their ex- 13th ESC and a Brea, Calif., native, said pectations,” she said. “I plan to be a he is the second person in his family to sponsor for my mom now, so that she become a U.S. citizen. His father was can become a citizen.” the first. All of these Soldiers had a sponsor “Once I get back home to the states, I assigned to them as a mentor and to plan on sponsoring my wife,” he said. help them with their paperwork, inter- Granja said he originally started the view and citizenship exam. process to become a citizen when he Staff Sgt. Stephanie Thomas, a sup- was 13, and the military helped to expe- ply NCO with the 612 MCT at Contin- dite the process. gency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, and “After the interview, I found out in a a 13th ESC sponsor, said she does ex- few hours that I had been granted U.S. actly that for the Soldiers she sponsors. citizenship,” he said. “It means a lot to “It’s a lengthy process,” she said. me and a lot to my family, now I can “We send the Soldier’s paperwork to do things that I could not do before be- the battalion, then it goes to USF-I to coming a citizen.” get approved. From there it is approved or denied.” Command Sgt. Maj. Frank A. Grippe, com- Thomas, a Bronx, N.Y., native, said mand sergeant major for 1st Corps, congrat- she brings the Soldier to the interview ulates Pfc. Edilma Martinez, a transportation and makes sure he or she understands logistics specialist with the 612th Movement the process. Control Team, 49th Transportation Battal- “Pfc. Martinez was in my unit and ion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sus- tainment Command (Expeditionary) and an I was nominated to sponsor her,” she Inglewood, Calif., native, after the United said. “Becoming a citizen is very im- States Forces – Iraq naturalization ceremo- portant, and having someone there for ny Feb. 15 in Al-Faw Palace at Victory Base them helps them out a lot.” Complex, Iraq.

Where do you read BRIEF: meeting held your Expeditionary Times? for smooth transition For distribution, con- BRIEF FROM PAGE 1 work with the Iraqi government and viser with the 103rd ESC. tact the 13th ESC PAO at said Maj. Kevin Baird, plans officer military to help the country continue “It gives us situational awareness Joint Base Balad, Iraq with the 13th ESC. its operations and expand its capa- now as to what the current status is “This is an operational overview bilities. and what the anticipated status will Joint Base Balad : for the commanders, to give them a “Our focus will be on sustaining the be when we actually get here, and 318-483-4603 picture of the environment they will ongoing operations and retrograde of the plan beyond our RIP/TOA,” said come into when they arrive,” said equipment,” he said. “Through our Haugland, a Cresco, Iowa, native. Baird, a Nashville, Tenn., native. sustainment operations, we’re go- The 103rd will assume command COB Adder: The 103rd ESC, out of Des Moines, ing to allow the supported forces to of sustainment operations while 318-833-1002 Iowa, is scheduled to conduct its re- (have) those partnerships with the the drawdown is in full effect, said lief-in-place and transfer of author- Iraqis.” Haugland. With thousands of troops COB Taji: ity in July, when it takes over as the Baird said the logistics training and pieces of equipment slated to 318-834-1281 Iraqi Joint Operation Area’s sustain- and advisory teams with the 13th be moved out of Iraq, the 103rd ESC ment command, Baird said. The 3rd ESC, originally embedded with the needs to be ready, he said. Sust. Bde., out of Fort Stewart, Ga., Iraqi Army, were pulled from their This will be the 103rd’s first over- COB Q-West: is slated to take over the 15th Sust. day-to-day partnerships to oversee seas deployment as an ESC, said 318-827-6101 Bde.’s area of responsibly when the Iraqi operations. By doing this, the Haugland. The 103rd ESC has exist- unit redeploys in May, he said. Iraqi Soldiers operate unaided and ed, in some form of operation, since Al Asad Air Base: With the total amount of U.S. forc- the LTATs only assist when required, 1942, starting as an infantry division. es in Iraq slated to decrease to no he said. As the Army adjusted, so did the unit, 318-440-4103 more than 50,000 troops, the 103rd The briefings between the 13th he said. ESC’s mission comes at a crucial time and 103rd ESCs have provided help- As Iraq awaits its upcoming na- COB Speicher: in the drawdown, said Baird. ful oversight and up-to-date mission tional elections, the 13th ESC is dedi- 318-849-2501 Infantry units in place during the information since the 13th ESC’s ar- cated to preparing the 103rd ESC e-mail: drawdown will act as advise-and-as- rival in Iraq, said Command Sgt. Maj. for its support mission in Iraq, said [email protected] sist brigades, he said. The AABs will LeRoy Haugland, senior enlisted ad- Baird. February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 Soldiers travel miles for students’ smiles St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y tionally and internationally with basic Sp c . An i t a Va n d e r Mo l e n needs – and from supporting friends 41s t IBCT Pu b l ic Af f ai r s and families back home,” said Sgt. Julie Cavinee, the human resources noncom- CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- missioned officer with A Co. and a Cre- TION SCANIA, Iraq – swell, Ore., native. Soldiers with A Compa- The Soldiers have made 10 of these ny, 2nd Battalion, 162nd trips out to the villages, said Capt. Infantry Regiment, 41st Charles Ellis, the commander of A Co. Infantry Brigade and an Alvadore, Ore., native. Combat Team, 13th “The kids get really excited,” Ellis Sustainment Com- said. “They said we are the first Ameri- mand (Expedition- cans they have seen in a long time. They ary) loaded their rucksacks for a special know my face.” mission Jan. 27 near Scania, Iraq. The company distributed more than The rucksacks were full of school 400 bags of school supplies during this supplies for the students of a nearby vil- visit, he said. lage school. The pens, colored pencils, Staff Sgt. Eric McGinnis, an infantry- notebooks and crayons were donated man with A Co. and a Springfield, Ore., by friends and families in Oregon. native, said, “It was nice to be able to “Soldiers from each of the platoons help the local community and to put helped to put together each of the bags a smile on a little child's face, to give that were donated by TD Foundation them something that they might not be Soldiers with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) hand out school supplies to – an organization whose purpose is to able to have or get. It just makes good students Jan. 27 in a village near Scania, Iraq. The Soldiers delivered more than 400 bags to help needy families and children na- sense to help out the local community.” the students. Providers walk to raise awareness of sexual assault By Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o ual assaults in our ranks.” raise awareness about sexual assault tend the SAPR walk, said Capt. Alicia Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f The walk demonstrated the support prevention, taking a strong stance Thompson, a SARC with the 332nd Air of the installation communities, both against the problem, said Mitchell. Expeditionary Wing and a Milwaukee JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Sol- civilian and military, for the prevention “As leaders, we’re talking about pre- native. She coordinated with Mitchell diers within installations of sexual assault and the lasting psy- ventive measures and this was some- to involve Airmen at JBB and Air Base throughout Iraq took part chological damage it creates, she said. thing different,” she said. “We’re doing Ali, Iraq, to send a military-wide pre- in the first Iraq-wide Sex- Mitchell said every base under USF-I a walk and we’re doing it at night time, vention message. ual Assault Prevention held a walk after sunset Feb. 12. Base because most sexual assaults take place “We want to stop it. It’s not allowed and Response walk, leadership decided on the details and during the night time.” in our military,” she said. sponsored by United exact time of the event, she said. Master Sgt. Rita Cossio, the previ- Service members of all branches vol- States Forces – Iraq Feb. 12. Roughly 300 service members and ous DSARC with the 13th ESC, started unteered to support the walk, and Air- The walk served as an example of civilians attended the Feb. 12 SAPR the walks, said Mitchell. USF-I noticed men acted as volunteer road guards to the military community’s stand against walk at Joint Base Balad. The two-mile their success and subsequently decided manage traffic, said Thompson. sexual assault in Iraq and in the mili- walk started at Sapper Circle and went to host the theater-wide walk, she said. Mitchell said attendance showed tary, said Sgt. 1st Class Johnnie Mitch- around the theater and Morale, Wel- In addition to the walks, DSARCs the military’s dedication to eliminating ell, the equal opportunity adviser and fare and Recreation center. train Soldiers to be unit victim advo- sexual assault. deployed sexual assault response coor- Mitchell said the JBB community cates, said Mitchell. “As leaders, we need to push it down dinator with Headquarters and Head- always responds well and supports Instructors go to bases and speak to to Soldiers that sexual assault will not quarters Company, 13th Sustainment such events. Soldiers about the importance of sexual be tolerated,” she said. “It is punishable Command (Expeditionary). “We can come together when we assault and sexual harassment preven- under the Uniform Code of Military “It’s about awareness for sexual need to come together, to make a stand tion. The emphasis of this training is to Justice. It degrades the Army mission; assaults,” said Mitchell, a Sylvania, and prove a point about something we ensure leaders know that their Soldiers it degrades the Army values, the war- Ga., native. “It lets the predators believe in,” she said. understand what is right or wrong, she rior ethos. It’s something Soldiers need know that Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen Since arriving in Iraq, the 13th ESC said. to understand, that we will not tolerate and Marines will not accept any sex- has held three SAPR walks at JBB to USF-I did not require Airmen to at- this within our ranks.” PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 90th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers awarded for service St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y 90th Sust. Bde. and a Fishers, Ind., na- Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o mp e n b e r g tive. Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f At the end of the ceremony, Spry shared a story about his service during JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – As its de- the Gulf War. The ground war lasted ployment quickly draws only 100 hours, after which Spry and to a close, the 90th Sus- his comrades received awards, he said. tainment Brigade out of At the time, he and his fellow Soldiers Little Rock, Ark., 13th believed some of their awards had not Sustainment Com- been earned in such a short battle, mand (Expedition- but he said his commander set them ary) held an end-of- straight. tour award ceremony Feb. 15 at Joint Similar thoughts may have been in Base Balad, Iraq. the minds of the 90th Soldiers at the Roughly 200 Soldiers earned ceremony, said Spry. awards, including Army Achievement “We were supposed to be here a Medals, Army Commendation Medals, year,” he said. “We were only here seven Meritorious Service Medals, Bronze months. It doesn’t matter how long you Star Medals and a Combat Medical were here, you still answered the call.” Badge. Spry said one of his Soldier’s proud- Spc. David White, a combat medic est moments came in the wake of a with the 90th Sust. Bde., was the only tragedy at JBB. Soldier awarded the Combat Medical In September, a helicopter trying to Badge, for his actions in the wake of land in inclement weather crashed near an explosively formed projectile attack the unit’s housing block. Spry said his on a convoy while he was supporting Soldiers were likely the first to hear the D Company, 1st Battalion, 155th Com- crash, and his medics were the first re- bined Arms, 13th ESC. sponders on the scene. They had only “It’s an honor to get it, but the way Col. Gary Spry, commander of the 90th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Com- been in country for a few weeks, Spry you get it is bittersweet,” said White, mand (Expeditionary) and a Fishers, Ind., native, pins a Combat Medical Badge on Spc. said. David White, a combat medic with the 90th Sust. Bde. and an Anchorage, Alaska, native, an Anchorage, Ala., native. “Somebody “I’m convinced they saved at least at the 90th’s end-of-tour award ceremony Feb. 15 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. has to get hurt.” one life,” he said. Three Soldiers suffered shrapnel awards, which recognize those who walking and biking more than 900 Spry said that kind of bravery and wounds and White treated them all. He have rendered conspicuous, long-term miles. readiness was common among his Sol- said all three have returned to duty. service to the Quartermaster Corps, “I want to personally and publicly diers throughout their deployment. Other special awards presented and the 900-plus mile awards, which thank everyone here for your service,” “I’m very proud of our Soldiers,” he included three Order of St. Martin two Soldiers received for running, said Col. Gary Spry, commander of the said. Check CHUsdays Soldiers compete for spot on firing team Each Tuesday By Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Ta d Br o w n i n g their warrior skills, while mixing it up with a The course featured five stations where Check The 36t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l ic Af f ai r s different firing table than the normal qualifi- Soldiers shot standing, kneeling or lay- cation range. ing down, using their 9mm pistol and as- Following CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE AD- “It builds confidence in our Soldiers,” she signed rifle. They were timed during the DER, Iraq – Soldiers with the said. “A lot of the Soldiers, when they went event in case there was a tie. in Your CHU 36th Sustainment Brigade, out to the range, they hadn’t shot the 9mm “We have to shoot through a window, 13th Sustainment Com- pistol before. We offered them a full primary shoot over an obstruction standing, shoot mand (Expeditionary) marksmanship instruction and qualification over an obstruction kneeling and at a sim- 1. Power strips are free of debris met at Lightning Range before they fired in the competition.” ulated rooftop at 45 degrees,” said Dilger. Feb. 8 at Contingency The competition allowed Soldiers an op- Dilger said many of the Soldiers were and clothing. Operating Base Adder, portunity to get out from behind the sand- challenged by being required to wear Iraq, to test their marksmanship skills by bags and test their skills in a variety of simu- heavy protective gear during the competi- 2. Electrical devices not in use are competing in a small arms and rifle compe- lated situations, said Staff Sgt. Rolando Diaz, tion. tition. the coordinator of the competition with the “It’s like a lot of the competitions back unplugged. The competition was to determine who 732nd Combat Service Support Battalion home, except we’ve got all this gear,” he would make up a four-man team to compete and a San Diego native. said. “It will take some getting used to. I’ve 3. Power strips and outlets are not in an overall competition involving units as- “What we’re trying to do here is be more never shot in a competition with all this signed to COB Adder. proficient with our weapon systems,” said extra weight.” overloaded. Command Sgt. Maj. Elizabeth Shockley, Diaz. “Everybody is kind of bored with just Diaz praised the training’s primary les- senior enlisted adviser with the 36th Sust. going to the range and shooting behind some son, that firing is not always behind sand 4. Smoke detector is operational. Bde. and a Granger, Texas, native, planned sandbags. We want to run through, maybe bags on a qualification range. the event, which involved more than a shoot behind barriers, under overhead cover “This training is a little bit out of the 5. Fire extinguisher is serviceable dozen shooters with 9mm pistols and their ... it makes it a lot more fun.” box,” said Diaz. “It’s trying to simulate ac- assigned rifles, competing for a spot on the Sgt. Jason Dilger, the 36th Sust. Bde. ar- tual combat situations. It’s very important. (in the green) brigade team. morer and an Austin, Texas, native, said it It’s what we do as Soldiers. This course al- Shockley said she came up with the idea took about three to four hours to set up the lows us to shoot our weapons systems bet- 6. Room is neat and orderly to give Soldiers a way to continue building course. ter.” February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Guardsman recognized for personal courage St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y “Sgt. Haycraft has physical courage,” Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s said Hunt. “He’s been on more than 50 2/198t h CAB missions off the base, patrolling the wa- ter pipeline or supervising work projects CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE at the pump house on the Tigris River. Q-WEST, Iraq – A Mis- I know of two incidents when he risked sissippi Army National bodily harm from improvised explosive Guard Soldier received a devices, but he never complained and command sergeant ma- kept going on those missions, even when jor certificate during he could have passed the responsibility a ceremony Feb. 1 at off to fellow Soldiers. Contingency Operat- “Beyond physical courage, Sgt. Hay- ing Base Q-West, Iraq. craft has strong moral convictions. I’ve Sgt. James C. Haycraft, the noncom- never heard him say a bad word about missioned officer in charge of the mayor anyone, and I’ve seen him walk away cell water operations off post, a combat from gossiping Soldiers so as not to say medic with 2nd Battalion, 198th Com- anything bad about someone behind bined Arms, 155th Brigade Combat their back. That’s an example of moral Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- courage, to always do what’s right, even if peditionary) out of Senatobia, Miss., and it makes people uncomfortable. Sgt. Hay- a Brandon, Miss., native, was acknowl- craft is a Soldier that other young enlisted edged for embodying personal courage, Soldiers should mold themselves after.” Sgt. James C. Haycraft (left), the noncommissioned officer in charge of the mayor cell water one of the seven Army values. Capt. John E. Satterfield, director of operations off post, a combat medic and a Brandon, Miss., native, stands with Command To honor outstanding service at the public works and a Midway, Ga., native, Sgt. Maj. Perry Campbell, a Senatobia, Miss., native, during a ceremony at the battalion end of the deployment, the senior non- shared Hunt’s assessment. operations center Feb. 1. Haycraft was acknowledged for embodying personal courage, commissioned officers of the battalion “Sgt. Haycraft shows personnel cour- one of the seven Army values. To honor outstanding service at the end of the deployment, recognized seven Soldiers from through- age by being the first to be ready to go the senior NCOs with 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, 155th Heavy Brigade Combat out the unit who embody one of the Army on any mission,” said Satterfield. “As a Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Senatobia, Miss., recognized seven Soldiers from throughout the battalion who embody one of the Army values – loy- values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless medic, he is always ready to assist any- alty, duty, respect, selfeless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. service, honor, integrity and personal one, anytime or anyplace. As NCOIC courage, said Command Sgt. Maj. Perry for off-post missions, he faced personal planning and container management, and maintenance mission, the convoy Campbell, a Senatobia, Miss., native. harm on every mission to the pump and an Oxford, Miss., native, said he, was stopped by an unexploded IED. In- “This is an NCO-driven effort to hon- house and along the pipeline, but he too, would have chosen Haycraft as the stead of ending the mission, Sgt. Hay- or Soldiers who stood out during the de- never complained or tried to get out of Soldier who most epitomized personal craft proceeded on to the pump house ployment,” said Campbell. “The NCOs that duty. Stonewall Jackson once said, courage. and carried out his mission.” wanted to remind every Soldier in the ‘Never take counsel of your fears.’ And “Sgt. Haycraft demonstrated personal Haycraft was self-effacing about the battalion that outstanding service is not Sgt. Haycraft shows no fear, no matter courage when he volunteered for the off- honor. always the result of a single act. It is the what the mission or obstacle that needs the-base responsibilities for the water “There are other Soldiers who I view everyday practice of upholding the Army to be faced and overcome. His refusal to team,” said Pettis. “He knew this would as more deserving, as having a tremen- values.” quit in the face of danger and can-do at- mean spending numerous days and dous amount of personal courage,” said First Sgt. Carl Hunt, mayor cell NCO- titude epitomize the Army value of per- nights at the Tigris River pump house Haycraft. “It makes me feel honored that IC and a Louisville, Miss., native, said sonal courage.” with the local nationals and just a small the command sergeant major chose me Haycraft shows both physical and moral Sgt. Eric S. Pettis, the noncommis- security element. He never complained from all of those Soldiers. Really, though, courage. sioned officer in charge of water-mission or showed any fear. On one operation I’ve just been doing my job.” 546th Maintenance Company builds relationships By 1s t Lt. Wa i El l i s o n “Being a part of the team that helps to 36t h Su s t . Bd e . provide water for the base and our sur- rounding communities is a rewarding CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE feeling. I also love the chance to get to in- ADDER, Iraq – First Lt. teract with the local people of Iraq.” Nicholas R. Blair and Staff Blair, a Norton, Mass., native, said the Sgt. Jeffrey L. King, pump team is enthusiastic about helping the lo- mission officer in charge cals and building strong, lasting relation- and noncommissioned ships. The locals have grown accustomed officer in charge, re- to seeing the U.S. military and enjoy the spectively, with the company of Americans, he said. 546th Maintenance Company, 732nd Staff Sgt. Vernon T. Powell, assistant Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, convoy commander and an Oklahoma 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustain- City native, said the Soldiers on the pump ment Command (Expeditionary), lead a team do their best to make every encoun- U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Lisa Cope team on bi-weekly missions to ensure wa- ter a good one. ter is supplied to Contingency Operating “We put on our friendly faces each Staff Sgt. Sean Davis, a vehicle commander with the 546th Maintenance Company, 732nd Com- bat Sustainment Support Battalion, 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- Base Adder, Iraq, and its smaller partner time we get the opportunity to speak peditionary) and an Atlanta native, dismounts his Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle to bases, Cedar I and II, while building rela- to a needy child or a local shaykh,” said interact with children from a village near the Euphrates River during a Jan. 11 pump mission. tionships with local Iraqis. Powell. “We immerse ourselves in their While on missions, the team interacts culture and also imprint a piece of the In the last eight months, the pump said King, an East Orange, N.J., native. with locals, exchanges ideas, eats Iraqi American culture in the locals’ minds. I team received more than 300 boxes of “Without a doubt, our lives and the lo- cuisine and learns about Iraqi culture. enjoy seeing the smiles on the children’s donations – including school supplies, cals’ lives have been significantly changed Spc. James A. Saucier, a gunner with faces. I feel like we made a difference in clothing, sports equipment and candy – by our presence, in a constructive and the 546th and a Boyce, La., native, said, their lives.” from charity groups in the United States, positive way,” he said. PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 Mississippi Guardsman uses ingenuity to protect convoying Soldiers St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s 2/198t h CAB

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q- WEST, Iraq – Winter mud can pose safety and secu- rity risks to gun truck crews, but a Mississippi Army National Guard Soldier invented a method for minimizing those risks for his scout gun truck. Spc. Michael A. Boucher, a driver with 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, 155th Heavy Bri- gade Combat Team, out of Greenwood, Miss., 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- peditionary) and a Batesville, Miss., na- tive, designed and installed additional mud flaps to the Self-Protection Adaptive Roller Kit, which is attached to the front of the gun truck to absorb bomb damage and shield the vehicle and crew. Boucher’s ingenuity significantly im- proved the effectiveness, security and safety of his scout vehicle, and there- fore, the platoon, said 1st Lt. Nathan W. Hughes, Boucher’s platoon leader. “Mud is a big problem during rainy season, and the SPARKs kicks mud up onto the (Mine-Resistant Ambush- Protected) truck, making the situation worse,” said Hughes, a Batesville, Miss., native. “The windows got muddy and the scout truck would have to slow down for Spc. Michael A. Boucher, a gun truck driver and a Batesville, Miss., native, explains how he made additional mud flaps for the Self-Protection safety. The scouts would even have to Adaptive Roller Kit, which absorbs bomb damage and shields the vehicle and crew, in his company motor pool Feb. 4 at Contingency Oper- stop every six or eight miles, just to wash ating Base Q-West, Iraq. Boucher serves with 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, 155th Heavy Brigade Combat the mud off the windows. This slowed the Team out of Greenwood, Miss., 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). whole convoy and put all the vehicles at greater risk. Spc. Boucher came up with platoon sergeant, agreed. creased our risk of accidents,” said Pau- rials, Boucher mounted the mud flaps. an idea to solve the problem, gained the “We conduct our missions at night, ley, a Salisbury, Md., native. “It took me so long because I had to necessary materials and fixed it on his so we always operate in conditions of The mud flaps also enabled the turret cut the … mesh with bolt cutters,” he own. No one told him to do this.” limited visibility, but the mud makes it a gunner to provide better security, said said. “I cut the rubber flap with the ser- Staff Sgt. Robert E. Cullom, Boucher’s lot worse, and the scouts need to see the Spc. Robert S. Lacey, the truck’s gunner. rated blade of an Army-issued multi- roads,” said Cullom, “Mud covered my blast-resistant purpose tool.” a Flowood, Miss., windows, my goggles and my weapon Boucher has made other improve- native. “If they and ammunition,” said Lacey, a Hous- ments to his MRAP, such as mounting a can’t see the roads, ton, Miss., native. “That reduced my ef- spotlight on the gun turret – In addition they can’t effec- fectiveness a good deal. For instance, if to those mounted on either side of the tively scout for the the truck is near something, I’ve got to gun truck – for the driver and truck com- convoy. The extra be able to look down through my turret mander, said Cullom. mud flaps Boucher windows. Also, if my weapon and ammu- “He figured out a way to mount the added have made nition get fouled in mud, the gun could light without interfering with the rotat- a big improvement malfunction. Since Boucher made those ing turret,” he said. “This has increased on their ability to mud flaps, I haven’t had any issues with the scout truck’s security at night because see the roads.” mud. It’s easier for me to scan through three sets of eyes can scan with the spot- Sgt. Edwin L. my windows so I don’t have to stick lights. He made a metal plate to mount Pauley, Boucher’s my head above them, which puts me at the light, he rigged the power cable and gun truck com- risk.” he figured out a way to mount the remote mander, said Boucher said he spent several weeks control panel in the turret.” Sgt. Edwin L. Pauley (left), a scout truck commander and a Salis- Boucher’s efforts finding the materials to build the flaps. Boucher said he enjoyed fixing the bury, Md., native, and Spc. Michael A. Boucher, a scout truck have also helped “I used a section of wire mesh from problem. driver and a Batesville, Miss., native, examine the mud caked be- the convoy avoid a scrap … barrier to make the curved “I like fixing things, and back home, I neath the mud flaps of the Self-Protection Adaptive Roller Kit in accidents. form,” he said. “I went to the department have a small engine business on the side,” their company motor pool Feb. 4 at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. Boucher made additional mud flaps for the SPARKs “We can see of public works and got a sheet of quar- he said. “My dad taught me to work with – which absorbs bomb damage and shields the vehicle and crew much better, and ter-inch rubber, a one-by-four board and my hands, fixing cars and go carts, and – to increase the safety, security and efficiency of the scout truck, the extra mud flaps mounting bolts.” I’ve always enjoyed that. Anyway, I was said Pauley. have definitely de- After he collected the necessary mate- just doing what needed to be done.” February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 PAGE 10 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 Commercial Movement Division manages Iraqi transportation companies St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – In the past seven months, the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) has aided in the expansion of Al Sequir’s Iraqi Trans- portation Network and other companies that support the movement of equipment and supplies throughout Iraq. The ITN has become a conduit for business relations between roughly 42 tribes throughout Iraq, said Capt. Christopher Pruitt, commander of the 969th Movement Control Team and the Commercial Movement Division, and a St. Louis native. These tribes are all part of the ITN’s $78 million three-year contract with the U.S. mili- tary, signed in March 2009, to provide transportation support for U.S. forces stationed in Iraq, he said. The CMD at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, A convoy of Al Sequir Iraqi Transportation Network trucks are parked in the Central Receiving and Shipping Point Oct. 7 at Joint Base manages the transportation and se- Balad, Iraq. The ITN is an Iraqi company that unites Iraqi tribes through business while helping to improve the Iraqi infrastructure. curity operations of the local truck- ing companies, including the ITN and dard operating procedures, between it control team when it receives a trans- documents that grant local convoys Kuwaiti Global Logistics – a branch and the civilian organizations it works portation movement request from the quick passage through Iraqi Army of Theater Wide Trucking Company with, said Pruitt. Highway Traffic Division, 49th Trans. checkpoints, said Ahamd, a Baghdad – with support from two internation- A normal MCT uses military assets Bn., said Spc. Miranda Mossberger, native. al private security companies, Hart with similar standard operating proce- transportation movement request “This is to avoid any problems at and ArmorGroup International, said dures, but the CMD faced a challenge manager with the 969th MCT CMD. the Iraqi (Army) checkpoints – asking Pruitt. in its operations with local civilian CMD Soldiers verify points of con- ‘What is that? What is this cargo?’” he The CMD operates under the 969th groups, he said. tact on the TMR, ensure the cargo list- said. MCT, 49th Transportation Battalion “The CMD here deals with another ed on that TMR is the same cargo be- If any complications occur and a (Movement Control), 13th ESC. In country,” said Pruitt. “We’re dealing ing transported, and confirm that the convoy is delayed at a checkpoint, the 2008, when the Logistics Manage- with their work ethics, their equip- local company is authorized to move liaisons verify the convoy informa- ment Center at Victory Base Complex ment, their scheduling. There are lots that cargo according to its contract, tion through the proper channels, said in Baghdad dissolved, the CMD at JBB more parameters that we have to deal said Mossberger, a St. Charles, Mo., Ahamd. was formed, but remained in the ear- with than what a typical MCT would.” native. Having the material handling equip- ly stages of development until seven The concept for the Iraq Trans- On the other end of the process, ment and escorts ready makes the months ago, said Pruitt. portation Network was presented in the local transportation companies overall missions more efficient, said The CMD saw an increase in trans- 2008, in Al Anbar province with the can confirm or deny a mission based Randall Witt, the operations planning portation movements in May 2009 local tribes’ shaykhs, said Pruitt. on available resources, said Spc. Jes- and development liaison with Al Se- and grew accordingly, but remained “The CMD was brought about to sica Stumpe, an Al Sequir scheduling quir and an Edgewood, N.M., native. loosely organized until the 969th MCT bring some sort of economic stimulus assistant and TMR processor with the “Both the offload end and the up- took over in August 2009, he said. to the Iraqi people through transporta- 969th MCT CMD and a Belleville, Ill., load end have to be in sync,” said Witt. Pruitt said success and expansion tion and logistics,” he said. native. “They have to know what’s coming, were the result of cooperation between KGL, out of Kuwait, is older than The ITN has 48 hours to accept a when it’s coming.” U.S. military forces and Iraqi truckers, the ITN and operates in a smaller area. mission, said Kah Ahamd, the senior The U.S. works with the local com- two very different groups. ITN is Iraq-wide, said Pruitt. KGL planner with the Al Sequir CMD liai- panies in an effort to leave behind a “The friendships we’ve developed transports supplies to JBB, Contingen- son office. Once accepted, ITN sends system beneficial to the Iraqi infra- with our (liaisons) through the sub- cy Operating Base Taji, VBC and the a driver manifest to the CMD with a structure after U.S. military forces contractors have improved,” he said. other forward operating bases within safe passage memorandum, days prior withdraw from Iraq, said Pruitt. It The 969th MCT created a common that area, he said. to the mission start date, he said. Safe takes military assets off the road and ground of understanding through stan- The CMD operates like a movement pass memos are military-endorsed puts money back into Iraq, he said.

TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW MUCH YOU MISS THEM e-mail: [email protected] February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 11 Treat lasers as weapons, experts say By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o mp e n b e r g cornea often result in irritability last- Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f ing 48 hours or less, but damage to the lens or retina could be instant, severe JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Safety and irreversible. and medical officials say “A common symptom is headache or the use of lasers in the es- blurred vision,” said Schlegel, a Mitch- calation of force process is ell, Ind., native. decreasing in Iraq due The report said the lasers should be to the eye injuries they used as a way to get attention and not have caused Soldiers. to blind anyone, but Young said those The Army uses lasers for target ac- lasers are generally not needed for quisition, fire control, training and of- convoys. ten as a nonlethal step in the EOF, but Schlegel said lately he has had to units have begun to put the EOF lasers treat fewer laser-related eye injuries away, said Staff Sgt. Robert Young, than when he arrived in theater in Oc- the safety noncommissioned officer tober. in charge with the 13th Sustainment Although there have been fewer Command (Expeditionary). injuries since convoys stopped using “Our commanders figured out it lasers, they could still be useful to Sol- wasn’t working that well,” said Young, diers who know how to use them prop- an Inverness, Fla., native. erly, said Young. Soldiers were sustaining injuries as “It was a good tool, but as with any- Courtesy photo a result of eye-contact with the lasers, thing, people need to be trained on he said. how to use it,” he said. ing lasers, injuries are still occurring “You can’t prevent the guy on the Capt. Steve Schlegel, the officer Schlegel said before using lasers, because Soldiers are not the only ones other side of the laser (from lasing you) in charge of optometry with the 19th Soldiers should be trained on their using them, said Young. … but you can look away,” said Schle- Medical Detachment, Task Force 61 capabilities. Many types of lasers are “We have Soldiers all the time gel. “Most individuals report contact Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 1st powerful enough to cause instant and whose vehicles get lased on the road,” from three to 10 seconds, but 10 sec- Medical Brigade, said he treats rough- permanent eye damage and should be he said. onds is a long time.” ly three laser injuries a month, but has treated as weapons, he said. Although training can prevent Sol- The best action a Soldier can take is yet to see any that show the full capa- “You don’t play with your M-16 diers from inadvertently lasing one to simply deflect the beam with their bility of the lasers in theater. (rifle) … and you shouldn’t play with a another, they should be cautious and hand or turn their head, said Schlegel. A report from the 13th ESC safety laser,” he said. avoid being lased themselves, Schlegel “Whatever you are doing, do your office said superficial injuries to the Though fewer Soldiers are carry- said. best to shield your eyes,” he said. PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 New entry control point to ease congestion in Baghdad area St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y we had to work through those issues,” Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c he said. “We also had some issues with Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f the number of signs to be used on the checkpoint and communications equip- VICTORY BASE COMPLEX, Iraq – A ment, but those are all resolved now.” new entry control point is Schlosser said the last three weeks scheduled to open no later have been well choreographed between than March 7, in time for five local national contractors and mili- the Iraqi elections, at tary engineers. When the ECP opens, a Victory Base Complex, whole military convoy, because of the Iraq. ECP’s length, would be entirely off of ECP 14 was a contracted military proj- the road and inside of the ECP, which ect funded in fiscal year 2007 for $4.83 makes it safer for the Soldiers, he said. million, designed to ease the traffic and “We’re making sure they are safe tension of the other ECP’s at VBC, said before they come in,” said Schlosser. Col. Eric C. Bush, the VBC base defense “There is a much greater chance of that commander with the 41st Infantry Bri- happening with the opening of ECP 14, gade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment especially when it gives the badge in- Command (Expeditionary) and a Prin- spectors more time to focus on doing eville, Ore., native. their job at the gate and letting people Bush said ECP 14 is a major entry and vehicles in.” control point, built from the ground up, Bush said he hopes phase one of the to allow access to VBC to virtually any- ECP 14 opening lasts roughly 30 days. one who needs to come on base. “Phase one is open to inbound U.S. “This will be the largest and most Soldiers get familiar with their surroundings at entry control point 14, Feb. 15 at Victory military traffic only, but the plan is to modern ECP in the Iraq Joint Opera- Base Complex, Iraq. The new ECP, which has been under construction since 2007, is have it open to all traffic – military, con- tions Area,” he said. scheduled to open in time for the upcoming Iraqi elections, March 7, to ease the flow of tractors and pedestrians – that need ac- Bush said it will significantly enhance traffic during that time. cess to VBC,” he said. the base’s ability to provide protection, Schlosser said the changing environ- not only to service members and civil- fense operations center engineer and a soft target out there,” he said. “It’s also ment in Iraq makes opening the ECP ians working on base, but for those trav- Gresham, Ore., native, said the linear going to take more pressure off ECP 2 even more important, especially as the eling on and off the base. way the ECP is constructed only allows and 13, by lifting some traffic off them.” drawdown of U.S. forces draws near. “The ECP … is certainly the longest potential insurgents to come from one Schlosser said they had to imple- This, he said, is key to responsibly draw- ECP that we have,” he said. “More than direction, allowing the military the op- ment a few minor changes and make ing down. 100 people will be manning this check- portunity to spread its forces over a some tough decisions in the last year, “We plan on becoming more and point and that will include U.S. forces larger distance and better guarantee which caused slight delays in opening more of a hub here at VBC, and the and contracted security.” their safety in the event of an attack. the ECP. new and improved ECP 14 will facilitate Capt. Mark T. Schlosser, the base de- “When it’s all spread out, there is no “The ECP used to be a swamp, so those needs,” said Bush. Telling the Providers Story from all across Iraq Tune In To

Now airing on the Pentagon Channel Or log on to every Thursday at 0830 IZ www.dvidshub.net every Saturday at 1430 IZ keyword: Balad and Beyond February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 Deployed Soldiers train incoming troops St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Because he is a gunner, Brown said his Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t training in Kuwait provided him with the Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f skills necessary to succeed. “Pass it on to other gunners what you CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Soldiers need to know; know your weapon inside with the 155th Heavy Brigade Combat out; be able to take your stuff apart in Team, 13th Sustainment Command the dark; no matter what, be prepared (Expeditionary) convoyed to Kuwait to for anything,” he said. “That’s definitely train incoming Soldiers with the 278th something I’ve learned here that I want to Armored Calvary Regiment before they pass on to others.” travel to Iraq to replace the 155th HBCT. Pfc. Brent M. Duncan, a driver with The 278th ACR, out of Knoxville, Tenn., F Troop, 2nd Sqdn., 278th ACR, said he trained on Mine-Resistant Ambush-Pro- learned to use an LED (light-emitting di- tected vehicles, which they will use for ode) light and PMCS his vehicle, informa- their convoy security duties in Iraq. tion he would pass on. Staff Sgt. Jon M. Morgan, an instructor Duncan, a McMinnville, Tenn., na- with Task Force 1, 155th Infantry Regi- tive, said the pre-deployment training ment out of McComb, Miss., 155th HBCT, helped Soldiers acclimate and prepare, 13th ESC, said his unit gave the incom- something books or slide shows would ing Soldiers a thorough rundown of their Staff Sgt. Jon M. Morgan, an instructor with Task Force 1, 155th Infantry Regiment out of not have provided. He said he especially equipment. McComb, Miss., 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expe- appreciated the driver’s training, because “We’ve been showing them how to do ditionary), trains Soldiers with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment how to do preventive MRAPs are much larger than Humvees. (preventive maintenance checks and ser- maintenance checks and services to the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle Feb. 14 “It’s better that we’re getting to touch vices) on a vehicle,” said Morgan, a Biloxi, at Camp Buerhing, Kuwait. Morgan, a Biloxi, Miss., native, trained the 278th for its upcoming the vehicles now instead of getting in deployment when it will replace the 155th HBCT. Miss., native. “We’ve been showing them country and then touching them, because the weight distribution of the vehicle, how learn on the fly,” he said. “By doing this, “It’s really good to know, especially going from something like a Humvee to it handles, how it hits pot holes.” it will help us establish any (standard op- being your first time over … to have that this is a big jump,” he said. He said the instructors also showed erating procedures) here in country (Ku- reassurance that you’re going to learn Wasik said the MRAP training was the Soldiers how to prepare their vehicles wait) before we go up north. It’s going to something from someone that already valuable to him as well. for convoy missions. help our guys tremendously.” knows what’s going on,” said Brown, a “I think the training has been invalu- First Lt. John A. Wasik, an executive Sgt. Joshua W. Lively, a gunner with Murfreesboro, Tenn., native. “Not only able down here,” he said. “You get fa- officer with Headquarter and Headquar- HHT, 2nd Sqdn., 278th ACR, said the does it boost our knowledge, it also boosts miliarized with the vehicle, the piece of ters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 278th Ar- hands-on training was excellent. your confidence in the mission that you’re equipment, or the weapon system before mored Cavalry Regiment out of Cookev- “We’ve had a lot of one-on-one train- going to do.” you go into a combat scenario, and that’s ille, Tenn., said when a unit goes into ing with the 155th guys,” said Lively, a In Kuwait, there is time to train on what this has allowed us to do.” theater, the incoming and outgoing units Knoxville, Tenn., native. the MRAP and its equipment but in Iraq, The Soldiers absorbed the training usually do a relief in place/transfer of au- He said the instructors answered all of there is less time to focus directly on train- well, said Wasik. thority, which takes anywhere from two the questions the Soldiers asked and, in ing as Soldiers perform their mission, “I appreciate the 155th coming down weeks to a month. Wasik, a Cookeville, turn, asked their trainees about their con- said Brown. The convoy security mission here with a plan to get us up to speed on Tenn., native, said the training the 155th cerns and needs. comes first and on-the-job training comes the (tactics, techniques and procedures) provided allowed his unit to speed up that Spc. Adam D. Brown, a gunner with F second, but this training removes such is- that are happening up north, and also process. Troop, 2nd Sqdn, 278th ACR out of Mc- sues. giving us time to drive their vehicles,” he “We don’t have to worry about going Minnville, Tenn., said he appreciated his “You get to go into battle confident, said. “Some units aren’t crazy about doing outside the wire in country (Iraq) and trainers’ experience. ready and prepared,” he said. that, and we really appreciate it.” Incoming Soldiers receive counter-improvised explosive device training By Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t All Soldiers who will be regularly ex- perienced Soldiers, he said. Asberry, a Jamestown, Tenn., native, Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f posed to IEDs during their deployment Sgt. 1st Class Paul L. Collier, an in- used a coaching reference to explain the must be level-two certified, he said. structor with Headquarters and Head- situation at hand. He said knowing the CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Soldiers “Everybody that’s going to be working quarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th opponent’s ballgame, their plan and their with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regi- outside the wire will be going through the Combined Arms out of Senatobia, Miss., playbook would definitely help the 278th ment received counter-improvised ex- training,” he said. “We’re starting now. 155th HBCT, 13th ESC, said the trainers Soldiers. plosive device level two training, in This is the first unit coming up north that have recent experience with operations “I deployed last time during Opera- preparation for their upcoming mission will be trained here in Kuwait on (C-IED) in Iraq and readily gave their time and tion Iraqi Freedom,” he said. “This level in Iraq Feb. 13 at Camp Buehring, Ku- level 2. We’re training all the ESC compa- knowledge to ensure the safety of incom- of training is much better than I received wait. nies and force protection companies.” ing Soldiers. back then, so these guys are more pre- Soldiers with the 155th Heavy Bri- The training occurs in three phases, “(The incoming Soldiers) find it a little pared than we were the last time.” gade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment said Gomez. Students begin with class- more interesting when they hear first- The training improvements and the Command (Expeditionary), stationed room instruction. Then they participate hand accounts and the things we’ve actu- instructors’ knowledge and understand- throughout Iraq, traveled to Kuwait to in a static lane training exercise, in which ally witnessed,” he said. ing of the enemy and IEDs were remark- train roughly 2,400 incoming Soldiers instructors walk Soldiers through a train- Collier said the training gives younger, able, said Asberry. on the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protect- ing ground filled with mock IEDs. After newer Soldiers a better understanding “I have talked to several of the 155th ed vehicles, as well as finding and react- that, Soldiers drive MRAPs to find train- of Iraq, from the mouths of Veterans Soldiers and they all seem very familiar ing to IEDs, Feb. 9 through Feb. 24. ing IEDs and learn how to react to them. with experience, than a lecture or slides with their (area of operations) … and Lt. Col. Edwin N. Gomez, the C-IED “We integrate the classroom envi- would. have passed on a lot of good information officer in charge with the 13th ESC, said ronment with a static lane, where they “I think it’s great,” he said. “I think that to us,” he said. this training is normally taught in Iraq. go and identify the indicators, and it’s helping to save lives.” Asberry said when he was deployed Gomez, a Ceiba, Puerto Rico, native, then they actually go out and drive and Sgt. 1st Class Jerry D. Asberry, a pla- the first time, he and his fellow Soldiers said the training gives Soldiers the skills react to those IEDs,” he said. toon sergeant with E Troop, 2nd Squad- learned on the job. Now, Soldiers training to identify and react to IEDs. The in- Gomez said the 278th Soldiers ron, 278th ACR out of Jamestown, Tenn., in Kuwait can prepare mentally and tacti- structors also reviewed the most recent picked up the training quickly and said the instructors were professional and cally for their mission. patterns and techniques used by insur- communicated very well throughout. understood the enemy tactics, techniques “It’s allowed us to prepare a lot more gents in Iraq. They clearly wanted to learn from ex- and procedures in Iraq. in depth,” he said. PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 Iraqi, US leaders exchange farewell gifts By Cp l . Ri c h m o n d Ba r k e m e y e r As a symbol of good luck, the bottom 96t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l ic Af f ai r s of the planter also featured an elephant with a raised trunk, said Keel, who has CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE been collecting elephants since he was 8 TAJI, Iraq – Members of years old. the 96th Sustainment Bri- The plant itself was also symbolic. gade, 13th Sustainment “This is a legacy of the 10th Sustain- Command (Expedition- ment Brigade,” said Lt. Col. Harry Kim, ary) met with Iraqi officer in charge of the 96th Sust. Bde.’s Army Soldiers Feb. 3 Iraqi Security Forces cell and an Ago- in the Cantigny Dining ura Hills, Calif., native. “It started with Facility at Contingency Operating Base one leaf, and now it has grown. This Taji, Iraq, to exchange gifts and share symbolizes our friendship with the Iraqi lunch. Army.” “I appreciate the 96th and everything The relationship between the Iraqi you have done for us,” said Col. Nile, Army and the 96th Sust. Bde. has commander of the Iraqi Army’s medium strengthened since the 96th took control workshop at Taji. “I know you will be go- Oct. 15, and now each side trusts and ing to Al Asad, and you will be missed.” respects the other, said Chief Warrant U.S. Army photo by Capt. Anthony John Nile presented plaques to senior Officer 3 Souvanno Phetchanpheng, of- members of the 96th Sust. Bde., includ- Col. Nile, commander of the Iraqi Army’s medium workshop at Contingency Operating ficer in charge of the Logistics Training ing Col. C.J. Read, a Layton, Utah, native, Base Taji, Iraq, presents Command Sgt. Maj. Vicki Briggs, senior enlisted adviser with Advisory Team with the 96th Sust. Bde. and Command Sgt. Maj. Vicki Briggs, a the 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Roy, and a Fountain Valley, Calif., native. Utah, native, with a souvenir box of coins showing Iraqi historical locations, during a Roy, Utah, native, the commander and gift exchange Feb. 3 at COB Taji. “This was a brand new mission for senior enlisted adviser, respectively, me,” said Phetchanpheng. “It was com- with the 96th Sust. Bde. Nile also gave preciation by presenting the Iraqi Army tive. On each side, the planter features pletely different from my previous expe- gifts to members of support operations, with a planter, handmade by Sgt. 1st the 96th Sust. Bde.’s double-diamond rience. I wanted to go in with an open Iraqi Security Forces cell and the Logis- Class Paul Keel, noncommissioned of- insignia. On the bottom, Keel included mind as friends instead of Soldiers. It’s tic Training Advisory Team. ficer in charge of the 96th Sust. Bde.’s a representation of Read’s commander’s important that we carry on this relation- The 96th Sust. Bde. showed their ap- woodshop and a Herriman, Utah, na- coin, which Read presented to Nile. ship.” JBB celebrates Black History Month St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y In addition to Brogan’s speech on Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o mp e n b e r g the history of African-American mili- Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f tary aviators, guests at the luncheon were treated to a poetry reading and a JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Service performance by the H-6 Jazz Trio. members and civilians re- “That jazz was definitely on point,” flected on the accomplish- said 1st Lt. Kyle Frazer, the aide de ments of blacks in the camp with the 13th Sustainment Com- military during a Black mand (Expeditionary) and a Bloom- History Month lun- field, Conn., native. cheon Feb. 19 at Joint The band played an improvised blues Base Balad, Iraq. and jazz piece, giving the audience a The theme for the event was Heri- taste of traditional African-American tage and Horizons: The Legacy Of the music. Tuskegee Airmen, which originally be- Frazer said he believes it is impor- gan as an all black unit. tant for the military to hold observance The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, events, not just for Black History Month, whose equal opportunity office hosted but for all minority groups because of the event, has a lineage that began with their many contributions to America. the Tuskegee Airmen, more specifically “Going into the future, we’ve got the 332nd Fighter Group during World to keep having these events,” he said. War II. “We’re here, able to do the things we’re “The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen doing because of the work they did in is an important part of American His- the past.” tory,” said Maj. Bernard Brogan, the At the end of the luncheon, Brig. operations officer with the 72nd Expe- Gen. Robert Harris, commanding gen- ditionary Signal Battalion, 35th Signal eral of the 194th Engineer Brigade, Brigade, U.S. Army Network Enterprise 416th Engineer Command and a Hixon, Technology Command and a graduate Tenn., native, shared with the audience of the Tuskegee Institute. a quotation he said brought meaning The Tuskegee Airmen were the first not only to this Black History Month African-American fighter pilots in the observance, but to the observance of all Maj. Bernard Brogan, the operations officer with the 72nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, Air Force and played an integral role Americans’ contributions to their mili- 35th Signal Brigade, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, gives the key- in the de-segregation of the U.S. mili- tary and their country. note address at the Black History Month observance luncheon Feb. 19, at Joint Base Balad, tary, said Brogan, the keynote speaker “A man can’t know where he’s going Iraq. Brogan, a Muscle Shoals, Ala., native and a graduate of the Tuskegee Institute, spoke about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, an all-black unit that later became the 332nd Air for the event and a Muscle Shoals, Ala., until he has learned where he’s been,” Expeditionary Wing, and its contribution to the de-segregation of the U.S. military. native. he said. February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15 Force protection uniform postures

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U4 PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 Arizona National Guard sergeant earns club membership

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y tive, said his Soldiers are what the job is St a f f Sg t . Ro b St r a i n all about. 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l ic Af f ai r s “I lead my Soldiers; I train my Sol- diers,” he said. “Cut and dry.” CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Todd said he provides the tools his Q-WEST, Iraq – An Arizona Soldiers need to succeed, and they have National Guard noncom- grown leaps and bounds in the past sev- missioned officer competed eral months. Competing in the board and outperformed his was more important to them than it was peers during a Sgt. Audie to him, he said. Murphy Club board Feb. “I take the time and effort to teach 5 at Contingency Operating Base Q- them the right thing,” he said. “I can’t West, Iraq. expect them to replace me if they don’t Sgt. Scott Todd, the noncommis- know what I do.” sioned officer in charge of the 3666th Todd said he was most proud of his Maintenance Company, 541st Combat Soldiers during a Jan. 29 visit by Col. Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Larry Phelps, the 15th Sust. Bde. com- Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment mander and a Greenville, Ala., native, to Command (Expeditionary)’s Pacesetter the retrograde yard. During the visit, the Retrograde Yard, at Contingency Oper- Soldiers briefed the colonel completely, ating Base Taji, Iraq, displayed exempla- knowing their mission exactly and why ry bearing and an in-depth knowledge of it was important, he said. the required topics, said Command Sgt. That’s the kind of leadership that puts Maj. Nathaniel Bartee Sr., the 15th Sust. Todd above the rest, said Bartee. Bde. senior NCO, the president of the “For a young sergeant to attend the board, and a Greenville, Ala., native. Audie Murphy board, he has demon- Bartee said Todd’s engaged leader- strated himself as a senior NCO, way Sgt. Scott Todd, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Pacesetter Retrograde Yard with ship, especially his knowledge of each above his pay grade,” he said. “He is the the 3666th Maintenance Company, 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustain- Soldier, made him stand out. Todd, a 16- leader we are looking for to lead our Sol- ment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), answers questions in front of the year Veteran and a Florence, Ariz., na- diers in today’s Army.” Sgt. Audie Murphy Club board Feb. 5 at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. Soldier teaches combat skills at home, in Iraq By Sg t . Ma t t h e w Co o l e y tive, said, “It was neat to learn from 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l ic Af f ai r s a Soldier within the company and see how he took on the role of an instruc- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – A North tor. I'm used to seeing Putnam as just Carolina Soldier accom- one of the regular guys, but he did a plished a rare feat among great job being in charge and teaching service members – he is us the moves." one of a select few who Putnam emphasized the importance is certified as a level- of having support in his pursuit, espe- three combatant – and cially his wife, who he said always sup- passed his skills along to service mem- ports him, and Chief Warrant Officer bers at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, in late 2 Rich Mantooth, the 63rd Ord. Co.’s January and early February. resident level-four certified instructor, Spc. Jeffery Putnam, an ammuni- and a Biloxi, Miss., native. tion specialist with the 63rd Ordnance “I don’t consider myself a naturally Company, 80th Ordnance Battalion out gifted fighter, but I really enjoy teach- of Fort Lewis, Wash., 15th Sustainment ing and coaching others,” he said. “I Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command think that most people can become de- (Expeditionary) and a Raleigh, N.C., cent at fighting if they choose to push native, completed the modern Army themselves.” combatives level three course in May. Putnam completed the level-one U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Aaron Kao The four-week course was designed certification of more than 40 Soldiers to build on the skills Soldiers learned in Spc. Jeffery Putnam, an ammunition specialist with the 63rd Ordnance Company, 80th Ord- from Joint Base Balad, Victory Base levels one and two. nance Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), a Camp, and Contingency Operating combatives level-one instructor and a Raleigh, N.C., native, teaches a level-one class to his Putnam and Spc. Ryan Miklos, an Site Warhorse, Iraq, during the winter company Jan. 20 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. ammunition specialist with the com- combatives course. pany and a Tampa, Fla., native, waited tals, the two were ready, he said. Before deploying, Putnam and Mik- He said he relished the opportunity nearly two months to enroll in level After four weeks of training, Putnam los passed their skills on to fellow Sol- to take a break from his primary job three after completing levels one and and Miklos graduated as level-three diers during an internal company com- at the Joint Base Balad Corps Storage two, to prepare their bodies and minds, certified instructors, which means they batives level-one course in August. Area, and teach and mentor his fellow said Putnam. After hours of CrossFit can officially certify level-one students Pfc. Nikita Prosin, a company or- Soldiers. training, boxing combination drills and under the Modern Army Combatives derly room representative with the First Lt. Aaron Kao contributed to practicing their grappling fundamen- Program. 63rd Ord. Co. and an Akron, Ohio, na- this report. February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 Disarm workplace blowhards, bullies ditor’s Note: Oh how nurturing you will be. both creative and effective. Upon hear- – what I call Volcanus Eruptus Syn- EThis is the Forget to be or not to be ing my description, my brother pipes drome. The latency between eruptions first piece in a Just simply think of me, me, me! in, "You should have said such and invariably decreases. Not surprisingly, two-part series One administrative aide asked me if such to the father." I was struck by the the tension in the office may build to about handling she could tape the words to her door. witty but pretty insensitive suggestion such levels while anxiously awaiting the bullies in the Go for it. and grimaced. Seeing my expression, next eruption that you and colleagues workplace 2. The Retaliator. Nothing motivates my brother quickly pounced, "What's almost wish for the explosion. this individual more than fantasiz- the matter, you afraid the father would The susceptible blower here, actual- When it ing about revenge. Endorphins have punch you out?" At this point I coun- ly, may be a she man, the psychic part- comes to defin- nothing on the biochemical rush from terpunched. "No, I have a higher stan- ner to the he man. The "S" stands for ing and dealing spawning a fiendish scheme. When dard of plagiarism. savior. This individual isn't much of an “The Stress Doc” with the variety these people believe they have been 4. The Frequent Flasher. This reac- individual, more one who blindly and Mark Gorkin of braggarts unfairly treated or criticized, their eyes tive individual is a fiery flame thrower smugly upholds "the one right way." and bullies in widen. Perhaps, you’ll see a ghoulish who's quick to be triggered. The flasher This savior style reflects or rewards the workplace, the phrase “so much to grin. Sometimes simple and stealthy doesn't just expose himself, not a pretty servility more than civility. Always do, so little time” comes to mind. retaliation through gossip and innuen- sight, but he often feels exposed as well. ready to sacrifice or give advice – at a Let me sketch some classic ego-driv- do will do. These plotters are often into I've labeled this explosive type the "he price, your unquestioning loyalty and en personality types along with some prevention, harming others before they man." Driving this aggressive, impa- everlasting appreciation – that you are brief disarming or counterpunching themselves are harmed. tient, hyper person are two underlying expected to pay. Of course, the she man strategies. Learn to play constructive If former President Richard Nixon complexes, which are thinly disguised can be a nice guy as well a good girl. mind games and deflate or detach your- is the prototype for a retaliator with a with sparks and smoke: "H" stands for Like the he man, the she man's over- self from that office intimidator. highly suspicious bent, removal may be humiliation due to oft perceived rejec- dependence upon or need to control Five infuriating and intimidating the only remedy. Sometimes, you need tion, feeling shown up and deep-seated others has a covert purpose: to distract personalities and some antitoxins to help senior partners or managers re- unworthiness. And "E" is for empti- from feelings of humiliation and emp- 1. Mr. The World Revolves Around alize how much money they are losing ness brought on by separation anxiety tiness. Me. “You know what I mean.” It’s a having to replace the various profes- and feelings of abandonment. Please, So set boundaries or keep your dis- favorite refrain that’s never asked as sionals who have been infected by this I don't discriminate. A he man can be tance from those who silently smolder a question because this individual is organizational virus. While with gos- either male or female. and then shoot flames. Don’t let them too busy with his next rapid-fire pro- sipers, giving them a chance to more Please don’t let these intimidators help you make an ash of yourself. nouncement to really care if you know directly express their frustration or plead having a fiery temper gene and Closing what he, or she, means. Did you also anger, of course, not tolerating abuse, therefore claim they can’t help them- Of course, sometimes the determin- pick up the subtle dig to your intel- sometimes will dismantle the virus-ru- selves. I recall a U.S. State Department ing factor for tolerating or handling a ligence? Of course, this egotist would mor mill before it starts spreading. manager who, threatened with a demo- blowhard or bully is whether the ex- never ask, “Am I being clear?” And 3. The Intellectual Intimidator. "Oh, tion, finally realized he had to control ecutive/management team address the don’t hold your breath waiting for him you don't really believe that, do you?" his temper tantrum throwing inner stress carrier, the person who doesn’t to ask for and truly listen to your ideas "What's wrong with you?" "You should child. He came up with this strategy. get ulcers, but gives them. apart from his issues. This is the pomp- have done it this way." "You are so dis- In the middle of a typical, increasingly Part II will provide three vignettes ous boor who, after endless self-talk, appointing to me." Restrain me, please. heated blood starting to boil meeting, that clarify handling a hostile intimida- in so many words says, “Well, enough The intellectual bully's techniques range the manager would suddenly announce, tors. about me. Now, tell me what you think from finely judgmental observations to "Excuse me, I just remembered, I need about me.” condescending characterizations. Alas, to photocopy some documents. I'll Mark Gorkin, LICSW, “The Stress The above reminds me of a female these days verbal intimidation can all be back in five minutes." He'd leave Doc” ™, is an acclaimed keynote and kick- comic’s realization upon finally meet- too easily occur in an e-mail. Probably his startled antagonist, walk outside off speaker, training/organizational develop- ing Mr. Right. a graduate from The Institute for the or find a deserted office or bathroom, ment and team building consultant, psycho- “I had no idea his first name would Compassion Impaired, there's a com- shout some expletives and then return. therapist and “motivational humorist.” He is be ‘Always,’” she said. petitive edge to the aggressor that's of- Now he could deliver his anger in an the author of “Practice Safe Stress: Healing Or consider French novelist, An- ten a cover for self-doubt or a win-lose, adult manner. You might want to slip and Laughing in the Face of Stress, Burnout dre Gide’s pitch perfect response. It dominant-submissive survival strategy. this article under the door of some of & Depression” and “The Four Faces of An- will make your day whether you say it As I once penned: those Type A plus tyrants in the office. ger: Transforming Anger, Rage, and Conflict aloud or keep it covert as a slight know- When battling for position you won't 5. The Silent Smolder and Then. into Inspiring Attitude & Behavior.” A kickoff ing smile barely hides the fact that you stop Some people try holding back their speaker for Estrin Legal Education Confer- have just skewered an ego balloon. Cause you know your place -- you're anger because they are aware of the ences, Gorkin is America Online’s online psy- “One must allow others to be right,” always on top! Mount St. Helens potential. Others feel chohumorist ™ and pioneer of a USA Today he said. “It consoles them for not being Competition versus compassion re- a show of anger is a weakness: Either Online “HotSite” – http://www.stressdoc. anything else.” minds me of a dueling egos exchange they have allowed others to get to them com – recognized as a workplace resource Finally, sometimes a touch of ab- with my younger brother, a research or it's a sign of being out of control. Or by National Public Radio. For more info on surdity hits the spot. Here’s my lyric, psychologist, not a therapist. One day, suffering in silence is a sign of their self- Gorkin’s speaking and training programs “Tenaci-Tea for Two: The Narcissist’s I was telling Larry about some difficult righteousness. So, they smolder away and products, e-mail [email protected] or Version.” work I had done with a family, some until they implode – high blood pres- call 301-875-2567. You for me and me for me family interventions that I thought were sure, depressive episodes – or explode

This issue of the Expeditionary Times contains a reader submitted article written by Mark Gorkin, also known as “The Stress Doc.” Gorkin’s views are not necessarily those of the Department of Defense and the inclusion of his submission is not meant in any way as an endorsement of his services. PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 Service members, civilians sweat for love in V-Day 5K St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y “It helps through all the tough Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o times,” said Zavala, a New York na- Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f tive. “Even though it’s sad to be away from our families, we’re doing good JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – More than things for our country and we’ll be 400 service members and back with them soon.” civilians participated in The Army has a tradition of recog- the Valentine’s Day 5K nizing holidays with runs and com- run Feb. 14 at Joint petitive events geared toward cama- Base Balad, Iraq. raderie and morale, he said. The run, spon- An event as simple as a run allows sored by the 63rd Soldiers to relax and enjoy the bonds Ordnance Company, 80th Ordnance between coworkers in the Army fam- Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, ily, said Capt. Sharron Williams, the 13th Sustainment Command (Expe- officer in charge of the brigade human ditionary), offered service members resource branch with Headquarters a way to celebrate the holiday despite and Headquarters Company, 15th separation from loved ones, said 1st Lt. Sust. Bde., 13th ESC. Shawn Green a platoon leader with the William’s valentine is her husband 63rd Ord. Co. of 15 years, Capt. Derrick Williams. Green, a Graham, Wash., native, said “Not being with families but be- it is important to remember family and ing able to be with friends was a good Service members and civilians stand during a moment of prayer prior to the Valentine’s loved ones, and look forward to seeing opportunity to build morale,” said Day 5K run at Holt Stadium Feb. 14 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. them after deployment. His valentine Williams, a Los Angeles native. “It is his wife of 11 years, Crystal Green. difficult, said Spc. Anthony Zavala, an year old daughter, Julia Zavala. allows us to enjoy a deployment and “(Valentine’s Day) is a day my wife ammunition specialist with the 63rd A good relationship with coworkers be able to tell our children, family and I usually go out to dinner and have Ord. Co. This is Zavala’s second de- and battle buddies makes the deploy- and friends that we were able to get fun,” he said. ployment, but his first while having ment, and the separation, less stressful, out and celebrate (Valentine’s Day) Being away from family is always his own family. His valentine is his one he said. as well.” Greek societies host poetry slam at JBB St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The lights dimmed and music played as poets and actors per- formed on stage during the Joint Base Balad Poetry Slam Feb. 11 at Morale, Welfare and Recreation east. The Poetry Slam was sponsored by the JBB Pan-Hellenic Council, known as the Divine Nine in the United States, which consists of nine historically black Greek fraternal and sorority societies. Thomas D. Battle, the battalion adju- tant with 2nd Battalion, 402nd Army Field Support Brigade out of Rock Island, Ill., headed the committee for the event. Thomas D. Battle, the battalion adjutant with 2nd Battalion, 402nd Army Field Support Brigade out of Rock Island, Ill., performs a Greek “We wanted to introduce poetry to JBB,” dance to kick off the Joint Base Balad Poetry Slam at Morale, Welfare and Recreation east Feb. 11 at JBB, Iraq. Battle, a Portsmouth, Va., na- said Battle, a Portsmouth, Va., native. tive and a member of Iota Phi Theta Inc., chaired the committee for the poetry slam, which was sponsored by the JBB Pan-Hellenic Council, Spoken word poetry is an art form that called the Divine Nine in the United States, which consists of the nine historically black Greek fraternal and sorority societies. uses memory, he said. Service members society’s history. Then the performers told Maj. Robert W. Catlin, the 90th Sus- Battle, an Iota Phi Theta member, said may have read poetry in books or heard it their stories through poetry. tainment Brigade’s Iraqi Security Forces all ages, genders and social backgrounds read aloud, but they rarely witness the art An open microphone option allowed project manager of a Logistics Training were represented at the event. form performed from memory on stage, service members who were not on the orig- and Advisory Team, with the 13th Sus- The MWR east had seating capacity said Battle. inal performance roster to tell their stories tainment Command (Expeditionary), said for about 200, but much of the audience “We had a few people tonight, includ- on stage. he has been a member of Phi Beta Sigma stood along the walls, said Battle. He at- ing myself, who practice spoken word,” he Emotions played a big role during the Fraternity Inc. for 21 years. tributed this to the resurgence of spoken said. entertainment, said Battle, as performers Catlin, a Nashville, Tenn., native, said word art. Battle said he earned the nickname mixed happiness, anger, sadness, friend- the event was a tribute to Black History “People are more interested once Lyric because he tells his stories through ship, love and lust during role play and Month, with a college campus atmosphere they’ve seen the spoken word artist, and spoken word poetry. storytelling. He said service members en- that enabled service members to relax and they want to get everyone’s point of view,” Spoken word is a large part of African counter these emotions daily, so watch- tell their stories to the audience. he said. “It’s very interesting to see peo- history, which was captured by poets who ing them put it on paper and share it was “I think it was good timing for the ple express their point of view in differ- traveled from village to village telling sto- therapeutic. event,” he said. “It was a great time. (It ref- ent ways. Some people use anger, some ries through poetry, he said. Poetry can include topics ranging from erenced) black history, culture and intel- people use humor, some people use facts, The Poetry Slam began with a Greek love and religion to politics and sports, said ligence. It’s always good to celebrate and some people use fiction, but it all ties into dance demonstration, and a telling of each Battle. explore different cultural heritages.” an emotion.” February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19

Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so each 1. What U.S. athlete was “about a week” pregnant column, each row and when she broke the world 200-meter record at the each of the nine 3×3 1984 Olympics? boxes contains the dig- 2. What U.S. team did 59 percent of American viewers its from 1 to 9 only one root against during the 1996 Olympics, according to time each. an ESPN poll? Last week’s answers 3. What Soviet gymnast performed the first back som- ersault on a balance beam? 4. What sport is played with stones and brooms? 5. What contest of team strength was an official Olym-

pic event from 1900 to 1920? 1. Evelyn Ashford 2. The Dream Team 3. Olga Korbut 4. Curling 5. Tug of War of Tug 5. Curling 4. Korbut Olga 3. Team Dream The 2. Ashford Evelyn 1.

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Monday 03/01/10 2010 Waste Management Phoenix Open: Final Round, Tape Upcoming sports Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/sports 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Ice Hockey- Gold Medal Game, Tape Delayed 3 a.m. AFN/sports on AFN 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Closing Ceremony, Thursday 02/25/10 Saturday 02/27/10 Tape Delayed 7:30 a.m. AFN/ sports 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Curling-Tiebreaker 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Curling- Georgetown @ West Virginia, Live 4 p.m. AFN/ sports Match, Live 12 a.m. AFN/sports Semifinal Match, Live 12 a.m. AFN/sports Tuesday 03/02/10 Wednesday Night Hoops: Florida State @ North Carolina, Tape Cleveland Cavaliers @ Toronto Raptors, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. Orlando Magic @ Philadelphia 76ers, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/sports AFN/sports AFN/sports Wednesday Night Hoops: Pittsburgh @ Notre Dame, Tape Delayed 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Curling- Atlanta Hawks @ Chicago Bulls, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/ 6 a.m. AFN/sports Bronze Medal Match, Live 9 a.m. AFN/sports sports Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics, Live 5 p.m. AFN/ xtra Arizona State @ California, Live 12 a.m. AFN/ sports NHL on VERSUS: Philadelphia Flyers @ Tampa Bay Lightning, Friday 02/26/10 Sunday 02/28/10 Live 4:30 a.m. AFN/xtra Thursday Night Showcase: Iowa @ Northwestern, Tape Delayed Chicago Bulls @ Indiana Pacers, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/ Wednesday 03/03/10 12 a.m. AFN/sports sports Villanova @ Cincinnati, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/sports Thursday Night Showcase: Tulsa @ Duke, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. NASCAR Nationwide Series: Sam’s Town 300, Tape Delayed 3 Sacramento Kings @ Oklahoma City Thunder, Tape Delayed AFN/sports a.m. AFN/sports 7:30 a.m. AFN/sports Thursday Night Showcase: Arizona @ California, Tape Texas @ Texas A&M, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/sports Soccer: U.S. Men vs Netherlands, Live 11:30 a.m. AFN/ Delayed 6 a.m. AFN/sports 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Ice Hockey-Gold sports 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Ice Hockey- Medal Final, Live 9 a.m. AFN/prime pacific Wednesday Night Hoops: Wake Forest @ Florida State, Live Semifinal, Live 12 p.m. AFN/ prime atlantic 4 p.m. AFN/ xtra PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010

“Public Enemies,” offers shades of Pearl Harbor By St a f f Sg t . Jo e l F. Gi b s o n seamlessly turned into Dillinger watch- license to work at a restaurant in 1930s didn’t play against each other in 1934, Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f ing a newsreel of the headquarters. Chicago. and the only occasion they would have Johnny Depp was perfectly cast in the What positively killed the movie for had to do so would have been the World started viewing this role of Dillinger in that he does over the me was when Depp, as Dillinger, ap- Series, which doesn’t take place in July. IJohn Dillinger dra- top very well, and the role called for that proached a group of detectives crowded For me, this historical inaccuracy matization with the un- kind of acting. around a radio listening to a baseball made the rest, which I’d stomached derstanding that movies Any time a movie is done in a histori- game. Dillinger casually asked the score. fairly well to that point, pretty much un- about larger than life, cal setting, I usually try to suspend disbe- “Cubs 3-2 top of the 7th,” the detec- bearable. I think what truly bothered me iconic characters are lief and not really worry about historical tive answers just as casually. As the about the interleague play gaffe was that nearly always heavily rife with exaggera- accuracy. I understand that, for a movie camera zooms in on the radio, the ra- it was not creative license but sheer, un- tion and a fair amount of creative license, designed to make money, historical ac- dio announcer reports, “Leading off bridled laziness. but “Public Enemies” went overboard. curacy will always be thrown out in favor for the Yankees…” at which point, the For instance, the film portrayed Baby The obligatory, contrived love story of making the movie more marketable scene ends. This was supposedly the day Face Nelson being gunned down at the arc brought “Pearl Harbor” to mind. I and appealing. Dillinger died, July 22, 1934. Are the famous shootout in Little Bohemia in a think a lot of the story of Dillinger’s life However, there are some blatant his- majority of viewers so ignorant as to be- really well done scene. was sacrificed for the benefit of an awk- torical inaccuracies that can trigger me lieve the Cubs were playing the Yankees The main problem with this, of course, ward, underdeveloped love interest that to go on a hunt to look for all the prob- at Wrigley Field in July 1934? is that Nelson didn’t actually die until was only present to fit into a formulaic lems with the film. In “Public Enemies,” This is not just a little mix-up, I could 4 months after Dillinger. At first, I as- design to construct the movie. this blatant disregard for fact happened understand if the people who put the sumed it was just a plot ripple designed The cinematography was nice. The when Dillinger accompanied a girlfriend scene together didn’t research for two to make Special Agent Melvin Purvis a mix of wide angle shots and shaky first- to the Chicago Police headquarters while minutes to find out the Cubs lost to the bit more interesting as a character, but person shooting immersed me in the ac- she was getting a waitressing license. Philadelphia Phillies 6-5 July 22, 1934. after seeing the baseball scene, I think tion scenes. I was able to suspend disbelief that The two minutes was no exaggeration, it could just be another mistake in the One of the more innovative scenes America’s most wanted criminal would by the way, that’s how long it took me to film. used an effect of transitioning to antique willingly go into a police station at the dig up that little nugget. “Public Enemies” was just OK as a video-camera-type quality in the pres- center of the investigation to bring him The primary sin here is that the mov- work of pure fiction. It was enjoyable, ence of period news crews. Another great to custody. I was also willing to believe ie introduces interleague play 63 years but not thoroughly re-watchable. I give scene started at FBI headquarters and that someone might need a waitressing before its time. The Cubs and Yankees it a 5.5 out of 10. Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros: a sonic road trip

By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o mp e n b e r g One of the extra albums she sent was artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. At “40 Day Dream,” “Home” and the eerie Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f “Up from Below.” They have been around other times his crooner-esque sound is “Black Water” stand out as the strongest for less time than I have been deployed, so uniquely his own. Jade Castrinos, Ebert’s tracks, but the entire album is pretty fan- p from Below,” the first listen was a completely new expe- female counterpart, adds a modern touch tastic. “Uthe debut album rience for me. I had no idea what to expect with her gritty, slightly Southern vocals. There are more than a few comparisons from Los Angeles indie- based on the name, but the album cover Many critics will no doubt assert the I could make here. Beirut meets Cat Ste- rockers Edward Sharpe gave me a few hints. band is trying too hard to sound old fash- vens. Blitzen Trapper meets The Byrds. and The Magnetic Zeros, The cover art is a washed-out photo- ioned, but I don’t care. They do it too well Basically, you get the hippest of the folk is the most retro-sound- graph of a large group standing in the to not like. side of indie-rock and the hippiest of the ing album I have heard in a long time, and rocks, looking like folkies or perhaps hip- The band adds a few modern touches folk side of Woodstock. I love it. pies. It really looks like it was taken in the that give away their age. There is a line in I’m nearing the end of my deployment My sister was kind enough to mail me ‘60s, and it can’t be a coincidence. the opening track, “40 Day Dream,” that and planning a road trip from my home some music last week in a care package. I The 10-piece band, fronted by Alex I can’t print here, that was clearly not in Michigan to Portland, Ore., to visit my asked her to send me one of my favorite Ebert, not Edward Sharpe, uses jangly written in the ‘60s. The ambient swirls in brother and his wife. “Up from Below” will albums, “The Elected,” which I had lost, acoustic guitars, dry piano and cutesy har- “Desert Song” are another hint of modern definitely make the soundtrack of that va- and she took it upon herself to send a few monies with absolute perfection. Ebert’s indie-rock hiding under beards and vin- cation. It may be the perfect soundtrack to extras. voice at times sounds shockingly like the tage clothing. a summer drive out West. Pvt Murphy Sustainer Reel Time Theater Wednesday, Feb. 24 Sunday, Feb. 28 5 p.m. Leap Year 2 p.m. TBA 8 p.m. Valentine’s Day 5 p.m. TBA 8 p.m. TBA Thursday, Feb. 25 Monday, March 1 5 p.m. Valentine’s Day 5 p.m. TBA 8 p.m. Alvin and the Chipmunks 8 p.m. TBA Friday, Feb. 26 Tuesday, March 2 2 p.m. Day Breakers 5 p.m. TBA 5 p.m. Avatar 8 p.m. TBA 8 p.m. Shutter Island 12 a.m. Shutter Island Saturday, Feb. 27 Wednesday, March 3 2 p.m. Avatar 5 p.m. TBA 5 p.m Shutter Island 8 p.m. TBA 8 p.m. Alvin and the Chipmunks 12 a.m. Shutter Island February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21 Ph o t o s Ar o u n d U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Becky Bort Ir a q U.S. Army photo by Spc. Advin Illa-Medina

(Above) Spc. Owen Luong, with A Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, uses a metal detector to search for un- Local children wave Feb. 11 in exploded ordnance that may be Khadimiyah, Baghdad. hidden underground Feb. 11 on a farm near Baghdad.

(Right) First Lt. Ben Robinson, platoon leader with 4th Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Divi- sion, conducts an initial survey of his vehicle before the door opens and members of the Com- bined Security Force begin their

validation patrol Feb. 10 in New U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew D. Leistikow Dibaghtapa, Iraq. CSF conducted the validation patrol to gain con- fidence as the unit prepares to begin official operations through- out the Combined Security Area. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew D. Leistikow

A Soldier with B Troop, 6th Squad- ron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Bri- gade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division calls information up to higher command at an observation point during a cordon and search operation Feb. 12 near Kirkuk, Iraq. This search revealed several improvised explosive devices, as

well as weapons and an explosive Army photo by Spc. Joel LeMaistre U.S. cache.

(Above) A member of the Combined Security Force waits to collect ammunition for a validation patrol Feb. 10 in New Dibaghtapa, Iraq. PAGE 22 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q Benjamin Lovell, one of the firefighters. Sgt. Chris Smith, the CDL instructor who taught Engineers complete much of the driving, said high motivation among the Iraqi students allowed him to teach an eight-day driv- school project in ing course in just two days. Students were taught vehicle maintenance, water pump operations, targeting –“throwing water,” as Sadr City firemen call it – and driving skills, such as backing and negotiating obstacles, said Smith. SADR CITY, Iraq – More than 500 elementary school “The students were very intelligent and highly mo- students in Mahalla neighborhood in Sadr tivated,” he said. City were given the gift of a better educa- Hassan said he was pleased with the training and tional environment following the comple- looked forward to doing more with the Guardsmen, so tion of the 12-room Al Adalaa Elementary do the Iraqi police officers, said 2nd Lt. John Bibler, School. platoon leader of the instructors. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Iraqi 1st Lt. Mohammed Abdulla Jasim, a Ramadi- District, Loyalty Resident Office served as the manag- area police officer of five years, said he and his men ing construction partner for the 11-month, $816,000 are now fully capable of responding to civil distur- project. The school was funded through the Iraq Tran- bances. sition Assistance Office Economic Support Fund. “With this powerful vehicle and the training, we The school project included the construction of can disperse violence,” said Jasim. “I am ready a two-story classroom building, an administration to give a training course like this to my own stu- building and a playground. The administration build- dents.” ing contains office spaces, a first aid room and a food Although riots are uncommon in Iraq, newly won service area. The site also included the construction freedoms of expression and the right to assemble of a three-meter high security wall surrounding the staff Maj. Gen. Baha Husayn Abd Hassan, provincial could change all that, said Sgt. Mike Barnes, a military school, a guard house with a steel entry gate and a director of police for Al Anbar, presented diplomas to policeman with the Guard. maintenance building. the Ramadi-area policemen who completed the five- “In the Saddam era, there was no backtalk,” said Inez Bergerson, the Loyalty Office project engineer, day course. Barnes. “Now, they have the right to assemble. (The said the Sadr City school project posed some unique “Today’s graduation event is just another of the police may) have to use these new skills.” challenges for project engineers. many indicators of the continued progress of Iraqi “Because this school is located in Sadr City, where Security Forces,” said Tovo, the highest ranking U.S. violence can be expected at any time, our office man- military leader in Al Anbar. “These Iraqi policemen aged the construction by relying heavily on our local have acquired a new set of critical skills to prepare US continues to national engineers for updates and quality assurance,” them to provide security for the local populace and to Bergerson said. enforce the rule of law.” “Of all the projects I have had the pleasure of work- Tovo said the training was entirely initiated by return camps to ing on while in Iraq, schools remain my favourite. A Hassan, who assessed the force’s strengths and weak- new school can provide the opportunity for hundreds nesses after becoming the new provincial director of of children who have so little to receive a quality edu- police. cation, to become productive citizens and share in the “It’s just one of many significant improvements Iraqi control growth of this emerging country.” that the new (director) has made in his short tenure, The Iraqi-owned Al Sald Company was the general and I think that it bodes well for the increased profes- BASRAH PROVINCE, Iraq – U.S. military leaders re- contractor for the school construction project. sionalization of the police forces in Anbar province,” turned four camps to the Government of Iraq The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq has said Tovo. in the country's southern region Jan 30. completed thousands of reconstruction projects in The National Guard instructors who developed the In a second round of camp closures in Bas- partnership with the U.S. Government and the Gov- course belong to 585th Military Police Company out ra province in the last month, U.S. Forces and ernment of Iraq. Since 2004, USACE has completed of Ohio, with the 151st Military Police Battalion of the their Iraqi Army counterparts held symbolic ceremonies 5,257 projects throughout Iraq valued at more than West Virginia National Guard. signifying progress of the Iraqi Security Forces ability to $9.1 billion, and has more than 350 projects ongoing. The Guardsmen trained Iraqi policemen, who in provide security to the region during the drawdown of The overall reconstruction effort in Iraq provides jobs turn trained the rest of the policemen, said Sgt. 1st U.S. combat troops in accordance with the U.S.-Iraq Se- for more than 20,000 Iraqis. Class Melissa Hillis, noncommissioned officer in curity Agreement. charge of operations for the company and an instruc- All four of the ceremonies were attended by Col. Ste- tor at the MP Regional Training Institute in Ohio. ven L. Bullimore, commander or the 17th Fires Brigade, The course included instruction on the use of Sameer Alhaddad, a representative of the chief of staff Top Anbar security shields, riot batons and formations to intercept and of the prime minister, and Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz Noor disperse riots, said Hillis. In addition, 12 students with Swady al Dalmy, commander of the 14th Iraqi Army Di- prior commercial driving experience were selected to vision. officials graduate 45 be trained to operate fire engine-like anti-riot vehicles The Iraqi government official expressed the signifi- purchased by the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior. cance of the events and what it means to the Iraqi people, policemen from civil The 30,000 lb vehicles feature two remotely oper- their government and their partners, the United States. ated water cannons for pushing back rioters, as well "These events show that democracy is being im- as spotlights, digital cameras, fire-suppression sprin- proved, the security issue is being improved, and gov- disturbance course klers, front and rear blades to clear road debris, and ernment is moving forward," Alhaddad said. "It shows tanks for additives that include fire fighting foam, that the Army is stronger and is capable of handling our CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE RAMADI, Iraq paint for marking rioters and a tear gas compound to security, capable to move forward against terrorism." – Top American and Iraqi security officials drive away rioters. The U.S. military leader talked about the impact the presided over the graduation of 45 Iraqi Lacking a manual for the vehicle, the Guardsmen ceremonies will have to the partnership between U.S. policemen Jan. 28 from a civil disturbance assembled a team of three firefighters, a commercial and Iraqi forces. course taught by partnered American and driving license instructor and Hillis, already an in- "These ceremonies are the official start of a signifi- Iraqi instructors at the Ramadi Training Center. structor, to learn how to use it before teaching it to cant change in day-to-day operations and a public dem- Brig. Gen. Kenneth Tovo, deputy commanding the Iraqi instructors. onstration of our transition with the Iraqi military," Bul- general of the west for U.S. Division – Center, and “That’s the beauty of the Guard,” said Sgt. 1st Class limore said. "This transition to tenancy on these four February 24, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23 bases sets the conditions for physical moves after the dents, said 1st Lt. Daniel Barnhart, 89th Military of Iraqi correction officers," Ra’ad said. "Today's elections." Police Brigade engineer officer in charge. transfer of the Iraqi corrections tactical operation The ceremonies were held at military sites known as The estimated cost of the facility is about $1.3 center to the Ministry of Justice is a result of the Naval Base, Al Hindiyah, Camp Sa'ad and Camp Wes- million, which includes the construction and all American sustainment and support, and as a rep- sam, where American military transition teams are amenities and equipment inside, Barnhart said. resentative of the Ministry of Justice, I would like housed as they train, advise and conduct joint military "What we see today is the completion of a $1 to thank all of you." operations with ISF. Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 77th million facility that will deliver a world class de- Before concluding his speech, Quantock prom- Armored Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, tainee command and control capability to the ised a long lasting relationship between the U.S. with 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th Field Artillery, Government of Iraq," said the first guest speaker, and the GoI. 17th Fires Brigade, provide security, enablers and sup- Maj. Gen. David Quantock, USF-I provost mar- "We will continue to work in partnership, not port services such as food, vehicles and maintenance for shal general. only until we turn over this facility, but into the both the MTT and its Iraqi partners. Quantock recognized the importance of supply- future as we build on a long-term partnership be- The ceremonies began mid-morning at the Naval ing the Iraqi corrections system with top-of-the- tween the United States government and the Iraqi Base, headquarters of the 50th Brigade, 14th IA Div., line facilities to match the task ahead of them. Ministry of Justice," Quantock said. which is responsible for the security in the eastern part "Not only is it important that we release or of Basra City. transfer detainees in a safe and orderly manner, Afterward, leaders walked to Al Hindiyah, where the but it is also equally important that we assist the 53rd Brigade headquarters is located, about three city Government of Iraq by transferring world class fa- Newest Iraqi blocks from Naval Base. Sameer and the military leaders cilities to the Iraqi corrections service to properly walked along the city streets as ISF provided security. execute its responsibilities for taking care of the pilots earn wings, "Basra is proof that the Iraqi Army is strong enough detainees under their charge," Quantock said. to take over security and we will show the people that the With this new TOC, ICOs will be able to oversee government can protect them," Alhaddad said. "Today, and track everything that happens in their area of strengthen force we walked down the street with a few American military operations. and we proved we could provide for their security. The "A functioning TOC provides the necessary glue KIRKUK, Iraq – The Iraqi Air Force marked an- American Army can walk down the street ... and walk to manage and oversee all facility operations," other milestone as new Iraqi pilots grad- with the Iraqi people.” said Lt. Col. Eric Mullai, 192nd Military Police uated from the second rotary wing and The troops at the final two locations, Camp Sa'ad, Battalion and Cropper theater internment facil- fifth-fixed wing classes at the Iraqi Flight the 52nd Brigade headquarters and Camp Wessam, the ity commander. "This includes visitation, medical Training School Feb. 1 in Kirkuk. home of the 14th IA Div., headquarters held ceremo- services, programs and rehabilitation services. The 17 new pilots completed training that in- nies in the same fashion as the others. Each ceremony "They will also be able to ensure that the de- cluded classroom time, simulator sorties and involved a platoon of USF and ISF Soldiers positioned tainee population is housed, cared and accounted practical exercises in flying training devices. Four next to one another, representing the partnership the for in accordance with international standards for of the fixed wing graduates also qualified for T-6 two militaries have shared for years. detention.” training because they scored higher than 80 per- Before the ceremonies, the government official greet- ICOs who have been trained at the Iraqi Cen- cent on the American Language Course Placement ed Soldiers. He talked about the mood of the event. tral Training Center for detainee operations will Test. "You can see the happiness in the eyes of the Ameri- receive further training to enhance their skills in- “These outstanding young officers will have can Army; they did a great job in Iraq helping the people side the TOC. wings pinned to their chests and will make the stand up," Alhaddad said. “At the same time we see the "The 192nd MP Battalion along with the Inter- transition from student to operational pilot,” said happiness in the Iraqi Army eyes as they receive the national Criminal Investigative Training Assis- U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott M. Hanson, Iraqi property and continue to prove they are capable to se- tance Program advisers will be the primary train- Training and Advisory Mission – Air Force and cure the area.” ers for the Iraqi corrections personnel," Mullai 321st Air Expeditionary Wing commanding gen- Bullimore said the relocation of USF would not dete- said. "The prime focus is to train the leadership to eral. “These new Airmen will arrive at their units riorate the working relationship of the armies. manage the day-to-day operations through man- at a time of rapid growth as the Iraqi Air Force in- "While our partnership will remain strong, it is not agement of daily status reports, facility popula- creases operations across the country in support of necessary that we literally live on site at all of these loca- tion counts, processing of incidents and disciplin- all Iraqi Security Forces, taking full responsibility tions," Bullimore said. ary reports and management of detainee schedule for the protection of the Iraqi people.” Maj. Kevin Jackson, 17th Fires Bde. operations offi- of calls. The Iraqi Air Force began with five Iraqi pilots cer, said the Soldiers who lived and worked at three of "Management of emergency situations and in- who trained in Britain in 1931, and grew to what the four camps will now leave from a U.S. base to meet cidents, which is critical in maintaining control, was once the sixth largest Air Force in the world. with their ISF partners to continue to train and advise. is built off the successful management of these It was nearly depleted during the 1991 Gulf War, Jackson said the small number of USF at camp Wes- fundamental tasks." and was grounded after the United States, Britain sam will continue to live and work at the 14th IA Div. Beginning in October 2009, ICOs began taking and France seized control of Iraq’s airspace in the headquarters for the duration of the brigade's time in the lead in detention operations here by increas- 1990s. country. ing responsibility and taking the lead inside of the With every graduation of newly trained pilots, Earlier this year, U.S. Division – South returned compounds. Iraq’s Air Force takes a step forward in the re- Camps Hutch and Area 51, both in the Shaibah Training A one- for-one ratio of Soldiers to ICOs was im- building process. Center, to the Government of Iraq. Until recently, a pla- plemented in compound II of the theater intern- “After years of drought, we joined hands and ex- toon of Soldiers with 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th ment facility. changed common goals for the sake of rebuilding Field Artillery remained at Area 51 after their ceremony. “We are looking forward to the ICOs being able the Air Force and a free, democratic and unified Now only IA Soldiers remain. to take over the camp and the compounds, have Iraq,” said Staff Brig. Gen. Ali, commander of the the capabilities and the training that they can do Iraqi Air Force College. their job in a perfect way,” said Capt. Omar, the Ali reminded the audience to remember the ini- Iraqi corrections officer ICO warden. tial five pilots of the Iraqi Air Force and the oth- Mullai said, "The ICOs are well on their way ers who followed, sacrificing their lives for their to managing the TIF. The Iraqi leadership under country. tactical operation warden Omar has been very receptive of learning “We remember them as role models and he- the management aspects of facility operations." roes,” he said. center opened Ra’ad Jader Khalaf, Iraq Ministry of Justice Including these graduating students, 65 pilots deputy director general and second guest speak- have graduated from the Iraqi Flight Training CAMP CROPPER, Iraq – Members of United er, recognized the work U.S. and Iraqi forces have School, logging more than 9,000 hours of training States Forces – Iraq and the Iraq Minis- done to get them to a higher standard of deten- since it opened Oct. 1, 2007. try of Justice opened a tactical operation tion operations. “It’s no secret that the Iraqi people love the Air center for Iraqi corrections officers dur- "Today represents the cooperation of American Force – especially its pilots – and have been won- ing a ribbon cutting ceremony Feb. 2 at and Iraqi forces working together to achieve the dering when the Iraqi falcons would be in the sky Camp Cropper. transfer of correctional facilities whether they be again, carrying the flag and rebuilding confidence The construction of the three-building facil- in the middle, south or north Iraq,” Ra’ad said. in the armed forces,” said Ali. “This will lead to ity began in June 2009 and was completed one "We appreciate the training and support the a more secure country, the defeat of terrorists, month early in preparation to receive Iraqi stu- Americans provided to develop the experience bringing peace to Iraq.” PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 24, 2010 Phantom Support Soldiers with the U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Richmond Barkemeyer New Mexico National Guard’s 1115th Trans- portation Company converse as UH-60 Black Hawk Helicop- ters fly by Feb. 3 at Contingency Operat- ing Base Adder, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cory Grogan U.S.

(Right) Soldiers with the 396th Transportation Company, 260th Combat Sustainment Support (Above) First Lt. Alesia Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sus- Hughes, executive officer with tainment Command (Expeditionary) prepare E Company, 3rd Assault He- a load on a palletized loading system for their licopter Battalion, 227th Avia- move to Contingency Operating Base Adder. tion Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry The 396th Trans. Co. out of Fort Stewart, Ga., Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division is being re-assigned to COB Adder as a part of and an Orangeburg, S.C., na- the movement of equipment and personnel and tive, receives a commanders downsizing of U.S. Forces in Iraq. coin of excellence from Col. C.J. Read, commander of the U.S. Army photo by Capt. Vincent Cerchione Army photo by Capt. Vincent U.S. 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Layton, Utah, native, Feb. 2 for the sup- port she provided to the 96th Sustainment Brigade.

A Soldier with the 41st Infantry Bri- gade Combat Team stands patrol out- side the Ziggurat of Ur, Feb. 3, atop what is believed by many to have once been the Prophet Abra- ham’s kitchen.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cory Grogan

Staff Sgt. Demetro Ochoa, 36th Sustainment Bri- gade noncommissioned officer in charge of Heroes dining facility, fires his M4 rifle during a small arms competition Feb. 8 on Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tad Browning