What’s in the bag... • 4th “Tuskers” Bn., 64th Armor Regt., says goodbye to combat operations ... pg.4

• Iraqi, American cultural exchange VTC Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond ... pg. 6 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division - Baghdad Commander • EPRT: Building Iraq’s economic future Col. Ted Martin ... pg. 8 1st BCT Commander • Copperhead Co., increased AO, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael responsibility ... pg. 10 Bobb 1st BCT Command Sergeant Major • FRONT SIGHT POST ... pg. 12 Maj. Dave Olson 1st BCT Public Affairs Officer • Raiders oversee first SoI payday ... pg. 14 Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams • Doura Art and Culture Show ... pg. 16 1st BCT Public Affairs NCOIC Sgt. David Hodge • ICE Team: Improving Iraqi qualtiy of life Staff Writer ... pg. 17 Staff Sgt. Vin Stevens • Raider Brigade on track to meet yearly re- Broadcast NCO tention goals after first 60 days ... pg. 18 Justin Carmack Media Facilitator • Raiders train Iraqi EOD technicians ... pg. 20 • Master Sgt. reflects on Desert Storm battle, third deployment to Iraq ... pg. 21 • Raider Soldier unites in Taji for son’s reen- listment ceremony ... pg. 22 The Rally Point is published monthly in the interest of the Families • Chief of Chaplains visits Soldiers at FOB and Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Ma- Falcon ... pg. 23 rines of the Armed Forces, deployed in support of Multi-National Division - • Combat Camera: SoI payday in West Rashid Baghdad and the 1st Brigade Combat ... pg. 24 Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Rally Point is a U.S. Army funded publication authorized for the members of the Armed Forces, under Staff Sgt. Herbert Smitley, mechanized the provision of AR 360-1. infantry platoon sergeant, assigned to The views in The Rally Point are Company C, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor not necessarily the official views of, Regiment, checks an identification nor endorsed by the U.S. Govern- card of an Iraqi citizen during a late ment, the Department of Defense, or night patrol Oct. 28 in the Risalah com- the Department of the Army. munity of southern Baghdad. Smitley, a To contribute to Raider Bri- native of Waynesburgh, Pa., deployed gade’s The Rally Point, contact the to Baghdad three times since the start 1st BCT Public Affairs Office or send of the war, and said the conditions on stories, photos and information to the ground now are the best yet. [email protected] or Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams, 1st BCT PAO, 4th [email protected]. Inf. Div., MND-B Happy Holidays from the Raider Brigade Combat Team Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09

Raider Command Team visits Soldiers throughout Rashid for Thanksgiving holiday 4 - 64 Armor Soldiers finish 15-month15-month deploymentdeployment inin thethe leadlead Story by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B

n October 2007, the Soldiers Operations changed involving ISF,” he said. “The – a better appreciation for what of Company C, 4th Battalion, significantly since his first next thing we did is start they have done,” he said. I64th Armor Regiment, a mix deployment in 2003, through incorporating the Neighborhood The citizens of Risalah of armor and infantry, assumed his second tour in 2005, and Advisory Councils.” started reaping the benefits of responsibility for the majority now the conclusion of his third The new NAC Hall, co- the improving security situation of the Risalah community in deployment in support of OIF, located with two Iraqi National through the start of micro- southern Baghdad, an area said Berriman. Police battalions and Coalition power generation programs, comprised of 12 muhallahs and The armor officer from Forces at a joint security station which provide local power to home to approximately 250,000 Springfield, Mo., explained in the Risalah community, the neighborhoods, and micro- Iraqis. that he saw the focus of efforts opened Oct. 26 to provide grant funding, one-time grants The company’s third change from major kinetic local leaders a venue where for local Iraqi entrepreneurs deployment to Iraq took them to operations of past deployments they can meet with Iraqis in to help stimulate the local the Rashid district in Baghdad, to the tasks of increasing the a secure area and maintain businesses and economy, said and introduced the Soldiers to capabilities of the Iraqi Security direct coordination with their 2nd Lt. Daniel Gorczynski, fire an area recovering from the Forces and working to return community, said Berriman. support officer, Co. C, 4th Bn., violence and turmoil of Special normalcy to the daily lives of Berriman served more than 64th Armor Regt. Groups and militias trying to the Iraqi people. two years as the “Cyclone” Community events, such impose their will on the Iraqi “Our approach has always Company commander and his as school supply distributions people. been that it is going to be a joint career, like many of the Soldiers and community medical Currently attached to the effort,” said Berriman. “The in his company, spanned the engagements, are critical 1st Brigade Combat Team, company has always included many phases of Operation Iraqi opportunities to get local 4th Infantry Division, Multi- the Iraqi Security Forces as Freedom, working through leadership, ISF and the people National Division – Baghdad, my goal was to get the ISF major combat operations to involved, he added. the Soldiers of “Cyclone” involved, because I knew that providing stability and support “The NAC has the biggest Company recently took a huge they would take ownership.” for the people of Baghdad. potential for development, step in the right direction, During the past seven “It has been a very especially with civil operations said Capt. Michael Berriman, months, the ISF took ownership interesting deployment, very in Risalah, because they are commander of Co. C, 4th Bn., of their communities and are challenging, and I think the knowledgeable of the area,” 64th Armor Regt., 1st BCT, 4th good at it, he said. Soldiers of this company can Gorczynski said. “The power Inf. Div. “We got past that part walk away with a good feeling lines, generators, micro- generators, and (essential services) in the area all belong to the NAC.” The Soldiers of Cyclone Co. recently started working with the NAC to gain Ministry of Education support to refurbish the schools in the area, said Gorczynski, a native of Basking Ridge, N.J. The NAC also played an essential role in assisting with resettlement in Risalah, said Gorczynski, adding that the new governance building in the ISF compound provides a haven for Iraqis to bring their problems. The unit’s relationship with the NAC and the Rashid District Council helped to improve the security situation on the ground, said Staff Sgt. Herbert Smitley, mechanized infantry platoon sergeant, Co. C., 4th Bn., 64th Armor Regt. Soldiers from Company C, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, enter In fact, said Smitley, a an Iraqi house during an early morning raid Oct. 30 in the Risalah native of Waynesburgh, Pa., community of southern Baghdad’s Rashid district. Co. C, or “Cyclone,” it is the best he has seen in his deployed to Baghdad three separate occasions since the start of the three deployments to Baghdad. war. “We have a good U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B relationship with the NACs, and that plays an important part in getting the Iraqi people to work with the U.S. Forces and work with the people to get the (Special Groups) out and build trust,” he said. Conditions in Risalah and Saydiyah changed drastically from the heavy fighting at the beginning of 2008, said Smitley, who re-enlisted during the deployment. “I think that we’re closer than we ever have been in building a functioning government,” he said. “This year has been a complete success.” Taking ISF out on every mission, the focus of the company was to push the ISF to do their job and work to their maximum potential, said Smitley, who credited the Iraqi National Police with taking responsibility for their area of operations. “We are taking a step back with the ISF, letting them work to meet the needs of their people. A lot of our focus is to step out, step back and watch to U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Hodge, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B make sure that they are doing the right thing, he said. “Over Lt. Col. Johnnie Johnson and Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Greene, leaders watch for us means using their of the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade leaders. If they have one good Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, furl leader per platoon, then we the battalion colors during a casing ceremony Nov. 28 at Forward Operat- focus that leader, mainly the ing Base Falcon in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district. The 4th “Tuskers” lieutenants and high ranking Bn., 64th Armor Regt., recently finished a 15-month deployment in support noncommissioned officers, of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Johnson is a native of Tampa, Fla., and Green forcing them to do more of the hails from Richmond, Va. job.” Staff Sgt. William Bailey, Vehicles, now works primarily said. “We have to continue to strides and progress in their mechanized infantry squad from humvees and conducts work and use the ISF to help security forces,” Mager said. leader assigned to Co. C, 4th dismounted patrols through the accomplish the mission.” “The aggression of the NP and Bn., 64th Armor Regt., said area, which is another indicator The Iraqi National Police the aggression of the American he saw a drastic change in of the continuing progress in made great accomplishments Forces pushing the ISF to conditions and quality of life the area, said Bailey. since Staff Sgt. Joshua Mager accomplish the mission have for the Iraqi people in Risalah. During their final days, the worked on a Military Transition caused the people in the area to “The people have returned Cyclone Soldiers prepared and Training Team for the get to a point where they trust to the streets, returned to their the Soldiers of the “Raider” Rashid district ISF in 2005. us – and where they trust the daily lives,” he explained. Brigade to assume the mission Since the violence in Iraq NP.” “People are out; they are in southern Baghdad. subsided, the armor section “Things are getting better all smiling and living their lives.” Bailey said he believes it is sergeant and tank commander the time, and looking over time Missions vary day-to-day a daunting task for the Soldiers traded his M1 Abrams here in the next few years, I for the armor company, said of the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Tank for a Mine Resistant think we will see a good turning Bailey, which at a minimum, to absorb the territory once Ambush Protected vehicle and point,” said Mager, adding he include conducting cordon controlled by the “Surge” assumed many of the duties wants to maintain what has and knock operations, raids, forces, units that will not be and responsibilities normally been accomplished during his security over watch, market replaced once they leave Iraq. allocated to an infantryman. three deployments in the last assessments, atmospherics and Fortunately, the Iraqi While day-to-day operations five years. checkpoint inspections. National Police of the 1st Bn. remain the same, Mager, a The “Tuskers” Bn. of the There has not been a drastic and 3rd Bn., 5th Bde., 2nd native of Statesboro, Ga., said 64th Armor Regt., part of change since the company NP Div., did an excellent job he takes personal pride in the 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., assumed its mission, but the stepping up their operations to watching the NPs grow into the stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga., ISF gradually transitioned into take control of their areas of lead, becoming more competent deployed to the Rashid district a leading role in providing responsibility, he added, which in the pursuit of the enemy and of southern Baghdad, finished security for their country, said helps the Soldiers as they taking a more active role in its 15-month deployment Nov. Bailey, a native of Worland, maintain over watch for the their community. 28. Wyo. entire Rashid district. “Now, to see the NP doing The unit which primarily “I think it is important to the same thing that the Iraqi conducted patrols from maintain the relationships we Army did back (in 2005), I their M2 Bradley Fighting have built with the ISF,” he think we have made great Cultural borders extended during Iraqi, American VTC

Story and photos by Sgt. David Hodge children in America,” The conference Many of the students’ 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B stated Hammond, who offered a chance for Iraqi parents, residents of hails from Hattiesburg, teachers and students to Nolanville, neighboring ll for Iraq” different states in Miss, explaining that the experience the cultural Fort Hood, are Soldiers adorns the America,” Hammond program is designed to warmth and good will currently deployed with “Alight blue explained to the teachers, foster communications the Americans exude, the 4th Inf. Div. in Iraq. flags held by Iraqi students and leaders on between Iraqi and said Maj. T.J. Reed, civil In fact, Reed’s 11-year- children Nov. 12 as they both sides of the world. American youths affairs officer assigned old daughter, Jordan, recited Iraq’s National “The School Partnership and develop a better to Headquarters and participated in the event Anthem during a live Program continues to understanding of the Headquarters Detach- with the rest of her video teleconference at build and grow in all different cultures. ment, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. class. the Forward Operating directions.” During the exchange, Div. “Jordan was very Base Falcon’s Morale, More than 20 Iraqi the two sides asked “We will foster a excited about finding Welfare, and Recreation children from the al questions and made cultural change to a time out what her father Center. Khartoum Primary remarks on a multitude of enlightenment – not experiences on a daily The cultural exchange School in the Shurta of subjects, such as to change Iraqis to be basis, interacting with video teleconference community of southern school, life and culture. like Americans but to Iraqis,” Reed said. “She between Iraqi and Baghdad gathered at “I was very pleased exercise their freedoms is always interested in American children Forward Operating Base to talk to the American and make their own the stories I tell her about began with the opening Falcon to participate in students, and I was well decisions,” explained life at home in America remarks from Maj. Gen. a question-and-answer educated on how their Reed, who calls Las being different than life Jeffery Hammond, the VTC with a group educational system Cruces, N.M., his home. in Iraq.” commanding general of of their peers from works,” said Aseel Interactions between Following a question the 4th Infantry Division Nolanville Elementary Mazin, a 12-year-old the schools will continue by an American student and Multi-National School in central Texas. girl, in what is the Iraqi to blossom and extend about the Arabic Division – Baghdad. “My experience is equivalent to 7th Grade into high school and language, an Iraqi child “We have a program that the young school- in American schools. “I college for both sets of asked why Americans in Baghdad with 31 Iraqi age children in Iraq are got to learn what their children, said Reed. do not learn the Arabic and American schools no different than the daily schedule is like p a r t n e r e d too.” with 11

An Iraqi girl from the al Khartoum Pri- mary School, a grade school for chil- dren in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, waves a flag while others Children from the al Khartoum Primary School in the Dou- recite Iraq’s National Anthem during ra community display a hand-painted banner for American a cultural exchange with American children from an elementary school in Nolanville, Texas, school children from Nolanville Ele- during a video teleconference Nov. 12 at Forward Operat- mentary School in Central Texas, Nov. ing Base Falcon in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district. 12. A young Iraqi boy en- joys a hearty meal Nov. 12 at the Raider Café Dining Facility at For- ward Operating Base Falcon, Iraq.

language in their school. “It’s not really in our curriculum,” answered Jordan, whose response brought about laughter. Hand-painted banners displaying cultural symbolism and national pride filled the television screen after the question-and-answer portion of the VTC. Hammond said he believes the children are a nation’s greatest credentials, and that is a major factor in the Government of Iraq and Coalition Forces’ decision to invest in schools across Baghdad. During the previous year, he added, Coalition Forces renovated approximately 267 schools and more than 350 this year. A GoI official offered his thanks to Coalition Forces for helping with the Iraqi educational system. “This meeting represents a good will between these children,” said Satter Muhammed, deputy general of the Karkh II School District. “Be assured that Iraqis’ memory is deep, and we will never forget this. We will pay our friends back.” The Soldiers of the 1st “Raider” Brigade and the 4th Teachers and school children from al Khartoum Primary School, an Inf. Div. headquarters are Iraqi grade school in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, file into currently serving a combat the Forward Operating Base Falcon Morale, Welfare and Recreation deployment in support of Center, Nov. 12, for a video teleconference with American students MND-B and Operation Iraqi from Nolanville, Texas. Freedom. Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B sustainability,” he said. for major communications Koenig said that the Raider corporations. rue individual said Koenig, who hails from Brigade is working to get “It is a difficult challenge freedom cannot exist Melbourne Beach, Fla. the highly networked and for business to move in and without economic “I think that really what successful business owners, establish themselves, so we “T who fled Iraq during periods of have been working on projects security and independence,” we’re trying to achieve here is said President Franklin D. a business environment where civil unrest and insurgency, to and programs to develop Roosevelt, the 32nd U.S. individuals invest their own return to Iraq. infrastructure that will support President. “People who are money in their own business,” “They know the market,” he business investment on the hungry and out of a job are the Koenig said. explained. “They have factories part of business owners,” he stuff of which dictatorships are The Rashid district can be and capital investment currently added. “A lot of commercial or made.” considered a microcosm for here, and it is their home. business zones were destroyed Job creation is the number- Iraq, he added, since there are “The second wave of from an essential services one priority for the senior lots of small businesses, an offshore investment will come standpoint during periods of business development advisor agricultural business sector and from Arab countries in the sectarian violence.” of the 1st Brigade Combat a capacity for light and medium region, particularly the Gulf The business in the Rashid Team’s Embedded Provincial industrial business, as well as States,” Koenig said. “All have district runs from the corner Reconstruction Team, said the Doura Oil Refinery. interest in investing money in baker to the large industrial Edward Walter Koenig III, the Koenig outlined three Iraq. Because these countries enterprise, which is the greatest economic advisor for the 4th basic elements to a strategy to share a common language, opportunity as well as the Infantry Division’s “Raider” rebuild the Rashid economy culture, family relations and a biggest challenge for the Iraqis, Brigade, deployed in support and provide an environment method of doing business, it’s said Koenig. of Multi-National Division – where people can establish easier for these investors to The team accomplishes Baghdad. a successful business, which joint venture, and partner with, this task by working with Creating successful ultimately translates into jobs and invest in Iraqi business.” the banking sector, building businesses and, ultimately, jobs for the Iraqi people. Another key component to upon the small business loans in southern Baghdad involves “In this capacity, we have building the economy lies in and working to make capital opening up institutional been meeting with commercial infrastructure development, said available to medium- and large- lending, repatriating high banks and are launching Koenig, a corporate executive sized enterprises, said Thomas network Iraqi businessmen and programs to facilitate micro- officer of an electronics Lynch, team leader of the group regional investors, and building lending and working to company, who has spent more of specialists hired by the U.S. upon infrastructure to facilitate transition certain microgrants than 15 years working in Department of State to address markets and commercial to small business loans to Europe and the Middle East the needs of the Iraqi people in zones in southern Baghdad, move the economy toward self as a regional vice president Rashid. U.S. Ambassador Marc Wall, Minister for Economic Affairs and Coordinator for Economic Transition, U.S. Embassy – Baghdad, tours Al Dijla Soda Bottling Plant with the local business owner, Khafaji, in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. The Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, hosted Wall and John Bass, Baghdad PRT Leader, during a tour of various medium and small business enterprises and projects from the Doura and Saydiyah communities in Rashid.

“Economic conditions make jobs, and the officials is very encouraging. There must be a good relationship effort is to arrange the pieces in such a way “It’s a great example for the rest of the between the military and the EPRT to be that the economic conditions will support country and an example for our higher successful, said Lt. Col. Richard Caya, employment,” he explained. “We have in effort,” Wall said. deputy EPRT leader and executive officer the EPRT supported the transformation of One Rashid business in particular, a soda for the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. this economy with the steps which make bottling plant in southeastern Baghdad, is a The concept of a provincial investment capital more transparently unique case study in how far the nation’s reconstruction team dates back to the Civil available and more predictably available.” capital has developed since the widespread Operations and Rural Development Support The Iraqi banking system needs to be violence more than six months ago, program started in Vietnam and revised in integrated into the world banking system said John Bass, the Baghdad Provincial Afghanistan in 2003, said Caya, an infantry and requires development of accounting Reconstruction Team Leader. officer born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa. reserve requirements and modern services, “(The Dijla Soda Bottling Plant) took Specializing in local government, such as electronic funds transfers, said a risk, came back after the big wave of energy distribution, agriculture, culture, Lynch, a native of Fairfax, Va., who has violence subsided in April, and restarted economics and health services, the 1st more than 25 years experience as a U.S. operations,” said Bass, a native of Upstate BCT EPRT increases the brigade’s ability Foreign Service Officer. New York. “… they invested their own to build civil capacity in the Rashid district, Lynch said he looks forward to money in restarting their operations; they said Caya. redeveloping the local markets to help weren’t asking for hand-outs.” “They take the services out to the district restart the business in Rashid, putting The Rashid district is doing better than and provide it to the citizens,” he added. money in circulation throughout the market other areas and has the potential to grow, “They can run a literacy campaign; they streets, and opening the accessibility of the said Bass, who visits the area, home to can stand up a bank or a local business, areas by easing security measures. approximately 1.6 million Iraqis, monthly. and then get management for that to make “So access, plus money, plus The 1st BCT EPRT is really creative it grow.” redevelopment in this small space should and innovative at finding new solutions to Each member of the team focuses on equal by about February or March an problems, said Bass. a specialty, bringing with them years of explosion of economic activities,” said “The PRTs are unique organizations, experience in an area of expertise from Lynch, who earned a master’s degrees and in many respects are an experiment the civilian sector, which from a brigade in European History and Soviet Military in post-conflict civil-military joint combat team’s perspective, Soldiers don’t Strategy. operations,” Bass said. “If they work well have, explained Caya. Rashid is an area that has been relatively – and this one here works very well – it’s “It’s awesome; you can’t bring a price overlooked since the conclusion of a true partnership, where each half of the tag on what these guys bring to the brigade “tontense and savage” ethnic conflict 2005 organization, the brigade and the EPRT, and allow us to accomplish,” Caya said. - 2007, stated Lynch. are bringing their expertise and resources “Us military guys, we train to fight and “The precondition for it all, of course, to bear, together, collaborating to fix a close with the enemy and hold the ground. is security,” said Ambassador Marc problem, to tackle a challenge, and to get The Army’s whole mission is to hold Wall, Minister for Economic Affairs and us down the road.” terrain, and while we’re holding terrain and Coordinator for Economic gaining momentum, they help Transition, working out of the us to increase those gains. It’s U.S. Embassy – Baghdad. invaluable what they bring to The Raider Brigade us.” has made great progress in Economics is important but establishing security for the not the only thing that makes Rashid district, and with the Rashid district work, security established, the claimed Caya, who said that focus can change to power the people must have security generation and raising capital and essential services. to expand business – “the “It all has to grow ingredients for private sector comparably,” Caya said. success,” said Wall, who “Each is a piece unto itself hails from Virginia Beach in and supports the whole Norfolk, Va. brigade effort. Without power “If security can take root, or water, jobs or money, then then the Iraqis have the know- the system fails.” how and the creativity to make The 1st BCT EPRT is it happen, and we can provide currently tracking 41 projects, just a little bit of the expertise estimated at a total of $5.1 and a little bit of the seed million, mostly sponsored by capital to make it happen,” he the United States Agency for explained. Thomas Lynch, Embedded Provincial Reconstruc- International Development, Wall also reinforced the tion Team leader, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th In- an independent federal point of the partnership fantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, government agency dedicated between 1st BCT Soldiers and guides John Bass, Baghdad PRT Leader, through a to providing overseas federal the EPRT, working with the tour of Al Dijla Soda Bottling Plant Nov. 17 in the assistance to countries, such as Iraqi business men and local Rashid district of southern Baghdad. Iraq, said Caya. ‘Copperhead’- Increased AO - Increased responsibility Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams Regt., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. space,” said Capt. Christopher 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B Looking at the combined Watkins, commander of Co. C, effort of the ISF in the Rashid 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt. s “surge” forces begin “We are ready for whatever district, Navarro said that the The Soldiers will continue to to redeploy, returning we have to do,” Parker assured. IA and IP moved forward in work, mentor and patrol with the Ahome after a 15-month “Stay here and maintain this developing their capabilities Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police to deployment in support of area, keep it peaceful or move where conditions within increase proficiency and prepare Multi-National Division – to a different area. Whatever the communities prevented the Iraqi Security Forces to take Baghdad and Operation Iraqi the mission needs, we’re ready progress in previous years. control of their neighborhoods Freedom, the units used to help for it.” “In order to secure their and communities, said Watkins, bring security and stability to The Soldiers will use the area, they are still going to an armor officer from New the Iraqi capital are not being experience that they have gained need the resources,” explained Orleans. replaced. during more than seven months Navarro, who was born in Peru “We won’t go into tactical Consequentially, the 1st of patrolling and operating in and moved to the United States over watch for months to Battalion, 22nd Infantry western Rashid to control the at the age of 16. “We can’t just come,” he explained. Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat area and maintain security, he say that it is just a matter of Leaving its former patrol Team, 4th Infantry Division, explained. providing security or fighting base in the care and control of realigned battle space in “In the old muhallahs, we an insurgency; the government the Iraqi Police, the company early November, moving its know the people, how they has to be able to provide for signed over its combat outpost companies across the Rashid act, what they can expect from their citizens, and in order to in West Rashid to the control district in southern Baghdad us and what we can expect of do that, they have to provide of the Iraqi Police as Soldiers to assume more of the sector them,” said Parker, who hails resources.” moved into a nearby joint and assist Iraqi Security Forces from San Antonio. “Now, it’s Navarro, who calls security station, shared with the enforcing the Rule of Law. like we just got out here again. Washington home, said that Iraqi Army soldiers of the 1st Picking up new muhallahs We just have to learn the area, his unit will undertake more Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 14th and areas of responsibility learn the people and see what combined patrols and operations IA Division, said Capt. Nathan to patrol and secure is like they’re up to in those areas.” with the ISF in ongoing efforts Wilson, executive officer, Co. starting all over again because Parker said that sooner or to prepare the Iraqi leaders to C, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt. every area of operations, every later, Coalition Forces will transition into independent The unit left the COP in neighborhood is different, said leave Iraq, and the Iraqis will operations and take over more better condition than it found Staff Sgt. Ryan Parker, a squad take ownership of their country. responsibility through out the it, improving the quality of leader assigned to Company And while ISF are patrolling Rashid district. life for the IPs and providing C, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., 1st the streets and securing the Working in concerted generators, air conditioners and BCT, 4th Inf. Div. neighborhoods every day, he efforts in the neighborhoods, other supplies to the ISF. added, they businesses and communities, the “A lot of people did tasks still need to company established an early that they wouldn’t normally be take additional rapport with the Iraqi citizens doing,” said Wilson, who was steps for their and the ISF in its eight organic responsible for planning and forces to muhallahs, said Navarro. organizing the move “They become self- “I am not saying we took understood that there was a sufficient. a radical approach to how we task that needed to be done, and The Iraqi conduct business …, but we they pulled together to make it Army is better used all platoons to go out into happen.” trained and sector and create a presence Wilson thanked his has learned — not at the expense of force Soldiers, as well as members a number of protection though.” of Headquarters Platoon and t e c h n i q u e s Months prior to the move, Forward Support Company E, and skills Copperhead Co. cross-leveled 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., for from Coalition personnel, attaching a platoon their tireless efforts in getting Forces through to the outgoing unit to gain the job done. years of knowledge about the area and The move meant long hours training and help prepare the other platoons for the Soldiers, who maintained m e n t o r s h i p for the new area of operations, their patrols and operations in on how to explained Navarro. face of the move – even after soldier, said “The big challenge right now they lost an organic platoon, 1st Sgt. Walter is getting the platoons familiar which was attached to another Navarro, Co. with the new battle space and unit, he explained. C., 1st Bn., getting the other platoons The endeavor resulted in 22nd Inf. familiar with the old battle 12-hour patrols for the Soldiers,

Spc. Leonard Waters, a combat medic from Asheville, N.C., as- signed to Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, searches the skyline from the third-floor balcony of apartments Nov. 10 in the Hayy Jihad community of the Rashid district. Soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Bri- gade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Bagh- dad, clear abandoned houses during sweeps to search for weapons in the Hayy Jihad community of the Rashid district Nov. 11.

who would return to base to refit and then help pack and prepare the unit for the move, said Wilson. The Soldiers inspect checkpoints to ensure that the IA, IP and Sons of Iraq forces are conducting proper inspections “The at traffic control points, properly searching vehicles and operating two forces working with the latest military intelligence and tactics, techniques and together is a good thing. Every procedures, said Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Sotomayor, an armor day, we stop at checkpoints and talk with the crewmember from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and platoon sergeant ISF, and having more people on the checkpoints assigned to Co. C, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt. ensures that everyone is searched,” he explained. “I Sotomayor said SoI and IA soldiers manning checkpoints and would rather have more people than less.” conducting patrols and operations together is a good formula for The checkpoint inspections also provide the Iraqis the success. opportunity to voice concerns and bring valid issues to the attention of the Coalition Forces, said 1st Lt. Jonathan Muir, a platoon leader from Pittsburgh, assigned to Co. C, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt. “The Iraqi Army soldiers talked about pay issues,” Muir said. “The U.S. commander addresses the issues with their command.” The armor company, part of a combined arms battalion, deployed to the Rashid district in southern Baghdad, increased its presence in the muhallahs and surrounding areas to disrupt potential enemy activity and plans to duplicate its efforts in the new battle space to ensure that the transition runs smoothly, said Muir.

1st Sgt. Walter Navarro, an armor crew- member from Washington, assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, discusses security with a local Iraqi resident Nov. 11 in the Hayy Jihad community of the Rashid district of south- ern Baghdad. Cpl. Steven Kramer, a mech- anized infantry dismount from Antioch, Ill., assigned to Company C, 4th Battal- ion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Divi- sion – Baghdad, frisks a sus- pected weapons trafficker Oct. 28 during a target raid in the Risalah community of the Rashid district in south- ern Baghdad. The Soldiers of “Cyclone” Co. conduct daily security operations to A cornucopia full of col- assist Iraqi Security Forces orful fruit spills onto a enforcing the National Secu- table in the Raider Café rity Plan, Fardh al Qua Non, Dining Facility Nov. 27 Iraq’s Rule of Law. to celebrate Thanks- giving Day festivities. Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, enjoyed a traditional turkey and dressing meal for lunch and dinner. Soldiers from the Raider Brigade celebrated the special day at combat outposts and joint security sta- tions throughout south- ern Baghdad’s Rashid district.

Staff Sgt. Jerod Childs, an in- fantryman from Texas City, Texas, hand delivers an Iraqi toddler to his mother, Nov. 10, during a security patrol in the Risalah community of the Rashid district in south- Pvt. Christopher Mc- Sgt. Kristopher Shiplett, ern Baghdad. Childs, a squad Donald, an indirect fire a cavalry scout assigned leader responsible for two infantryman assigned to Troop B, 7th Squad- teams of infantry dismounts to Headquarters and ron, 10th Cavalry Regi- in an armor company, took Headquarters Compa- ment, 1st Brigade Com- the baby, who had wandered ny, 1st Battalion, 22nd bat Team, 4th Infantry into the streets, back to his Infantry Regiment, Division, Multi-National mother. The Soldiers of Com- drops a 120mm mortar Division – Baghdad, pany C, 1st Battalion, 22nd In- round down the tube speaks to a local Iraqi fantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Nov. 9 at Forward Op- boy about soccer while Combat Team, 4th Infantry erating Base Falcon patrolling a market in Division, Multi-National Di- in southern Baghdad. the Mechaniks neighbor- vision - Baghdad, expanded McDonald, who hails hood of southern Bagh- their operations into the Ri- from Santa Rosa, Calif., dad. Shiplett, who hails salah community, Nov. 6, is assigned to the 1st from Zanesville, Ohio, when they assumed respon- Brigade Combat Team, and other Troop B, or sibility for the battle space 4th Infantry Division, “Bulldog,” Soldiers pa- as “Surge” forces begin to Multi-National Division trol the Hadar communi- redeploy. – Baghdad. ty in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district. Raider Soldiers oversee Hayys Jihad and Furat Sons of Iraq’s first payday under GoI

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams Initially beginning in early 2007, Coalition Forces sponsored 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B the Sons of Iraq program, an Iraqi initiative employing local citizens as security guards for their neighborhoods and oldiers of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st communities. Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi- The program, which grew stronger with the recognition and SNational Division – Baghdad, joined their Iraqi counterparts support of the Iraqi people, multiplied the presence of the ISF at various locations across western Rashid to assist Iraqi Security and increased security in the area, said Capt. Christopher Forces issuing the first payday to the Sons of Iraq Nov. 10-13. Watkins, commander, Company C, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. The long-awaited payday activities are a critical step in uniting Regt., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. the Iraqi people for the future of Iraq, said Staff Col. Ali Abood “The concern with the SoI program transitioning Thamer, commander of the 1st Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 14th Iraqi into the ISF was that the Government of Iraq Army Division. would not buy into it,” said Watkins, who hails “What is happening here, in my opinion, is extremely from New Orleans. “The added important because we are training them, putting tools in their security measure was virtually hands, and what is the most important thing, taking them away on the verge of disappearing.” from terrorism,” Ali said. “We are going to give them money; we In light of the growing are going to give them jobs; we are going to give them goals for concern by the SoI members their future lives.” that the Iraqi government would Ali said that he took responsibility for supervising and paying disband the program, the ISF the more than 1,000 West Rashid SoI have, in fact, embraced it, said in the Hayy Furat and Hayy Jihad Watkins. communities after the Government “They have allowed the of Iraq assumed control of the supervisors to maintain their roles citizens-led security program and will hold the Sons of Iraq Oct. 1. accountable in the same way “We are bringing all these that Coalition Forces people into the IA and the have always done,” National Police,” said Ali. “They he explained. “My are extremely important because guess is because we can train them, and it is yet another they will be our eyes step in the right in the muhallahs. direction for They will Iraq — another keep us better step toward the informed on Iraqi people the overall securing their situation.” country for

Iraqi Army leaders of the 1st Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 14th IA Division, finger- print an Abna al Iraq (Sons of Iraq) se- curity guard, Nov. 10, cross-checking ledgers and recording the first payment at a joint security station in the Hayy Jihad located in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. Soldiers of Compa- ny C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regi- ment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Divi- sion – Baghdad, supervised the event to assist Iraqi Security Forces issuing the first payday since the transition of the SoI to the Government of Iraq’s control. An Abna al-Iraq (Sons of Iraq) security guard counts $351,900 Iraqi dinar ($300 USD) after receiving his first payment Nov. 11 from Iraqi Army Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 14th IA Division. Soldiers of Company C, 1st Bn., 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Bagh- dad, helped facilitate the event providing over watch for both the Iraqi Security Forces and the SoI.

Command Ser- geant Major Mua- taraf, command sergeant major of the 1st Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 14th Iraqi Army Divi- sion, pays a Banaat al-Iraq (Daughter of Iraq) at the Ji- had Neighborhood Advisory Council Building Nov. 11 in the Rashid district of southern Bagh- dad. themselves.” Coalition Forces are preparing for the eventual transition of the The payday activities are currently one of Multi-National SoI to the GoI and ISF’s control since early 2008, and the Soldiers Division – Baghdad’s top priorities as the SoI transition into the of Co. C began facilitating the process, registering members and control of the GoI, said Watkins. creating personnel packets in mid-September, said Maxwell, a “This is a critical step that has to be completed,” he said. “We native of Santa Maria, Calif. have to work those kinks out before we can move out. We are just “This is the first payday under ISF control,” Maxwell explained. making sure that the Iraqis are getting paid.” “We’re watching over, monitoring the payday activities, to make Coalition Forces currently are responsible for overseeing the sure all the Iraqis we are tracking are the same guys the ISF are first payday for the SoI, providing advice and ensuring thatthe tracking, but it’s not 100 percent accurate yet.” interests of both sides are served during this critical transition of Working with ISF and local community leaders from the joint the SoI into the GoI control, said Watkins, an armor officer with security station in Jihad, the Jihad Neighborhood Advisory Council, more than 11 years in the U.S. Army. and the Jihad and Furat Support Council Office, a reconciliation “We still need to keep in touch with the SoI as well as the ISF,” council, Maxwell said that Coalition Forces are comparing their Watkins explained. “(SoI) must maintain their relationship with master list to the ISF list of names to ensure that there are no CF.” discrepancies, and the SoI are paid their due wages. The Soldiers of “Copperhead” Company, an armor company “Our ISF counterparts are in direct contact with us, and so far in a combined arms battalion deployed to the Rashid district in there has been no problem,” he said. “They are doing a great job southern Baghdad, also secured the multiple sights for the SoI so far.” payday activities and assisted the IA soldiers in maintaining order In the past, the SoI have faced difficulties validating their during the day-long events, said 1st Lt. Jonathan Muir, an infantry organization to the ISF, but both sides seem to realize that this officer from Pittsburgh, assigned to Co. C, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. is the next step in uniting Iraq and are working together toward a Regt. solution, said Maxwell. Platoons increased their presence in the muhallahs and “I think it is pretty important we are employing a lot of the young surrounding areas to disrupt any potential enemy activity and to adults in our area of operations,” said Maxwell, a 2006 graduate of ensure that there were no interruptions to the pay-out process, said the Virginia Military Institute. “The more of them who have jobs, Muir. the less likely they will fall in with the gangs and begin conducting The SoI in the Hayy Jihad and Hayy Furat communities will criminal activity with the special groups and terrorists.” continue to man checkpoints and provide local security working in Coalition Forces will continue to oversee ISF and SoI activities support of the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police in the area, said 1st Lt. for the foreseeable future to ensure that the transition occurs Nolan Maxwell, fires support officer assigned to Co. C, 1st Bn., without any issues as ISF increasingly take the lead in providing 22nd Inf. Regt. security for the citizens of Iraq, he said.

1st Lt. Nolan Maxwell, a fire support officer from Santa Maria, Calif., assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-Na- tional Division – Baghdad, cross checks names of Sons of Iraq receiving their first payment from the Government of Iraq Nov. 11 at the Hayy Jihad and Hayy Furat Support Council Building in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. Soldiers of “Copperhead” Company facilitated the payment made by leaders of the 1st Battalion, 53rd Bri- gade, 14th Iraqi Army Division, after the SoI se- curity program transferred Oct. 1 to the control of the GOI and Iraqi Security Forces. Art, culture in community Story by Sgt. David Hodge, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B Zaith al-Tark, an Iraqi sculp- tor, displays his al-Battaani art ulti-National Division – Baghdad Watson described the art show as the piece Nov. 26 at the Doura Art Soldiers joined artists, musicians pinnacle of social events in his area of and Culture Show in the Rashid Mand Iraqi citizens to celebrate the operations. district of southern Baghdad. premier of an art exhibition Nov. 26 in the “Thanks to the hard efforts of Capt. The statue is dedicated to the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. Brett Walker and cooperation with the 1st 1,000-year memorial of Bat- The Iraqi artists assembled more than BCT Embedded Provincial Reconstruction taani, who is widely known as 100 artworks at the Doura Technical Team, we’ve been working towards this an Islamic philosopher. College to showcase their ability in the local in Doura for the last 12 months,” said community, an epicenter of commerce for Watson. the eastern Rashid area. The EPRT team played a crucial role in Community leaders and local patrons identifying important details of the show, filled rooms prepared with paintings, said Walker, an infantry officer assigned sculptures and photographs portraying to the 2nd Bn., 4th Inf. Regt, who serves the exhibition’s theme: “New Life, New as the information operations officer. The Culture.” Soldiers offered their assistance to facilitate Doura, a neighborhood with a notorious the five-day event; however, it remains an reputation for its intense sectarian violence, Iraqi-led event. saw credible progress since the arrival of “The people of Rashid are ready for the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, art; they are ready for a sophisticated in November 2007, said Lt. Col. Timothy reputation,” added Walker, who hails from Watson, commander of the “Warrior” Mill Valley, Calif. “It’s a new national Battalion, attached to the 1st Brigade identity that will endure for ages.” Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Faruq Fu’ad Rafiq Hamdani, a featured Photo by Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT PAO “We think the event shows incredible artist and event organizer, said he believes “These places need to be full of work by the people of Doura to bring the everybody continually worked hard to set color, exhibition, and true happiness,” he community back to life,” stated Watson, up for the art and culture show. explained. a San Diego-native. “We are hopeful the It took Hamdani 20 days to prepare Hashem Mahmood, the deputy chairman progress here will continue.” supplies and artwork for the show. He of the Rashid District Counsel, said the said he credits the variety of artwork served as a canvas for An Iraqi exhibition to the the Iraqi people’s concerns. artist dis- true efforts of both “This is what Iraqis are all about,” plays his Iraqis and Coalition explained Mahmood. “We have security, p a i n t i n g Forces, adding that so we can have the art show.” Nov. 26 at the Iraqi people are The Doura Art and Culture Show is the Doura in need of a place scheduled to remain open for five days, and Art and to relieve stress and buyers can purchase the artwork on the last C u l t u r e tiredness. day of the event. Show in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. Photo by Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT PAO Capt. Brett Walker, in- formation operations officer from Mill Val- ley, Calif., assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, at- tached to the 1st Bri- gade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, worked closely with Iraqi art- ists, community lead- ers, and members of the Embedded Provin- Photo by Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B cial Reconstruction Band members Helall, Hala, and Hazzar Bassam Team to facilitate the play traditional Iraqi music Nov. 26 at the Doura Doura Art and Cul- Art and Culture Show in the Rashid district of ture Show Nov. 26 in southern Baghdad. The family members are mu- the Rashid district of sicians and instructors at the Baghdad School of southern Baghdad. Photo by Maj. Dave Olson Music and Ballet. lthough capturing terrorists and of Tupelo, Miss. “It feels like I’m making a Another major breakthrough for finding weapon caches in Iraq make big difference.” the citizens of Rashid is the opening Athe headlines in the news, restoring Bilingual, bicultural advisors also work of a regional office for the Ministry of essential services and key infrastructure with the ICE Team and provide technical Labor Social Affairs in the Hayy Jihad elements to the citizens of Baghdad are expertise, stated Clark, who calls Copperas community. considered by Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Cove, Texas, his home, but was born and “There is a great need for providing Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, raised in Singapore. support for the unemployed, widows, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, “The BBAs are a natural bridge between orphans and people who are on the fringes Infrastructure Coordination Element Team us and the Iraqis,” Clark explained. “They of society,” Clark explained. “The GoI is as the real victories in the Global War on understand the Iraqi culture and how to looking to extend that support through a Terror. negotiate with the locals.” headquarters in southern Baghdad.” All coordination issues, from The ICE Team is charged with ensuring Last summer in Rashid, the ICE Team brainstorming for a worked with numerous contract to the final schools to get them ready inspections of a multi- for the start of the school million dollar construction year. project, are handled by Clark said he believes the ICE Team, which when Iraqi people see the works coordination neighborhood schools issues between Iraqis and in better condition, they Coalition Forces, said Maj. understand the genuine Tom Clark, ICE chief, concern CF has towards assigned to Headquarters Iraq and its people. and Headquarters Throughout their time Company, 1st Special in Iraq, Soldiers from Troops Battalion. the ICE Team encourage The restoration the local leaders to set begins and ends with goals and develop their coordination from a small own systems, said Master team of Multi-National Sgt. Jason Staub, ICE Division – Baghdad noncommissioned officer- Soldiers, contractors and in-charge, assigned to Iraqi civilians. HHC, 1st STB, 1st BCT. “We make sure the “As we work with the construction in sector is Iraqi leadership, we make done to standard,” added Maj. James Lantz, Infrastructure Coordination Element suggestions to them on Clark, who is part of the Team, assigned to the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, at- how to manage ongoing 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. tached to the 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade projects and planning for Staged at Forward Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Divi- future projects,” stated Operating Base Falcon, sion – Baghdad, speaks to local leaders at the opening Staub, who hails from Clark and his team of of the Doura Refinery Kindergarten School in the Rashid New Cumberland, Pa. Soldiers and civilians district of southern Baghdad. As the GoI and Iraqi work with members of the Security Forces continue Government of Iraq and the District Council America’s tax dollars are spent wisely, to gain more control of Rashid, Clark in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district. said Clark, who has years of engineering and his team must prepare to decrease the Six Iraqi quality assurance and quality experience in underdeveloped countries amount of CF involvement in operations. control inspectors help the ICE Team throughout the world. “Basically we are working with our ensure contracts are completed to standard “Our mission is very important counterparts to ensure that when we leave by holding local contractors accountable because we are asked to be good stewards Iraq, they are able to pick up where we for the work produced. of the American taxpayer’s dollars as leave off,” Clark stated. “There is a lot of Working with the ICE Team is a good far as construction and initiatives in the work to do. Some departments are not quite team environment, said Spc. Gregory operational environment,” explained Clark, manned for the synchronization piece, but Chism, a fueler working as a clerk for the a 1994 graduate of West Point. “I’m really they are steadily working on it.” ICE, assigned to HHC, 1st STB, 1st BCT, proud of my team. They have performed The Iraqis are breaking through more 4th Inf. Div. very well.” than 20 years of negligence from the Everybody is really easy to get along One of the major projects coordinated Saddam Hussein regime, and the ICE with, he said. by the ICE Team is the Airport Road Team is working with them to overcome It is a different kind of accomplishment Renovation Project, a multi-million dollar Iraq’s out-dated infrastructure system, said working with the ICE Team, said Chism, highway reconstruction effort paid for by Clark. who deployed to Iraq as an infantryman the GoI. “It is heartening to see Iraqi patriots out with the Army National Guard in 2005. As Iraq starts to open up again, it will there who put their lives at risk when things “Working for the ICE Team feels like I open its doors to foreign investors, said are bad in order to serve their own people,” am working for a purpose,” said the native Clark. Clark explained. Infrastructure Coordination Element Team manages projects to improve Iraqi quality of life Story and photo by Sgt. David Hodge, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B Raider BCT Career Counselors retain quality Soldiers Story by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B

he 1st Brigade Combat Army force and to provide but taking care of the Soldier miscellaneous benefit programs Team, 4th Infantry the best counseling and offer in conjunction with making the and promotion potential. TDivision, recently paired the best options for Soldiers mission, I think the Soldiers “But of course, at the end of retention noncommissioned whatever their future endeavors recognize that,” he said. “Within the day, the commander wants officers and career counselors may be, said Sgt. 1st Class Paul 38 days, we were already over to know where we stand, how to retain the Army’s most Thompson, a recruiting NCO, the 100-percent aggregate much in each of these categories qualified Soldiers and supervise serving as a career counselor piece,” Thompson said. “By the that we accomplish toward our retention activities in garrison for the 4th Support Battalion, 38th day, we accomplished 80 goal,” said the former aviation while deployed in support of 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. contracts – over 100 percent in operations specialist, who re- Multi-National Division – Thompson said he believes each category.” classified to recruiter and then Baghdad and Operation Iraqi job security is key for many of Attached to the 1st BCT, career counselor. Freedom 07-09. the Soldiers, who have reenlisted 4th Inf. Div., from the U.S. The battalion-level career With two battalions during this deployment, but Army Recruiting Command, counselor and retention NCO at more than 100-percent there are many reasons driving Thompson said that he has seen also manage the Army’s Bar to complete and three battalions today’s Soldiers to stay Army. much change in the Army since Reenlistment Program, the only nearly 70-percent complete “I think the majority of the inception of the Unit of “down-side” to his job, said in meeting their retention the Soldiers have accepted the Action, and the many moving Andreas, a native of Albany, mission, the Raider Brigade’s fact that Iraq or Afghanistan is parts continue to grow and N.Y. career counselors are making going to be part of our lives for change to meet the needs of the Working personnel moves, considerable headway in their the next however many years; mission. continuing deployments goals to keep initial, mid-career fact is, I think they do identify Career counselors have a and accompanying training and career Soldiers in the and like being in the Army,” multi-faceted job, said Staff requirements, and an ever- brigade, the division and the said Thompson. Sgt. Daniel Andreas, a retention changing operational Army, said Sgt. 1st Class Alyce The key to the “Packhorse” NCO and career counselor environment, such as limiting Williams, career counselor for Battalion meeting its retention for the 1st Bn., 22nd Infantry requirements associated with the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. goals so early is the result of Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. the Stop/Loss Policy, keep In fact, the “Raider” a good leadership foundation Div. the counselors attuned to their Brigade, deployed to the Rashid from the battalion commander In addition to providing Soldiers’ needs, he said. district in southern Baghdad, and command sergeant major retention services for the “We always know of reenlisted more than 70 percent to the line unit with the platoon battalion commander and pending deployment in advance of its retention mission in the sergeants pushing to make command sergeant major, and have to be careful not to first 60 days of fiscal 2009, said for a successful mission, said Andreas said that his two- reenlist Soldiers into back-to- Williams. Thompson, who calls Miami man team is responsible back deployments,” Andreas The role of the career home. for counseling Soldiers on said. “We have to take care of counselor is to maintain the “The mission is important, educational opportunities, Soldiers.”

Staff Sgt. David Ray, a military policeman from Powder Springs, Ga., assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Di- vision, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, raises his right hand for his career reenlistment Nov. 7. Maj. Thomas Clark, a native of Copperas Cove, Texas and the Infrastructure Coordination Element Team Chief for the 1st “Phoenix” STB, 1st BCT, served as the presiding officer for the reenlistment at Forward Operating Base Falcon in southern Baghdad. Photo by Sgt. David Hodge, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B Spc. Brady Dietrich, a transportation specialist from Reedsville, Wis., Forward Support Company E, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Bri- gade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi- National Division – Baghdad, repeats the Oath of Enlistment as recited by Capt. Brian Kalaher, an infantry officer from Fort Hood, Texas, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st “Regulars” Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., Oct. 14, on For- ward Operating Base Falcon, located in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district.

Photo by Sgt. Dennis Winegar, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., 1st BCT Even as the 4th Inf. Div. looks to complete its move to Fort Carson during the next fiscal year, the counselor said he will never stop working to retain quality Soldiers and meet the needs of the Army. The “Regulars” Bn. of the 22nd Inf. Regt. comprises approximately 25 percent of the brigade’s goals, said Andreas, who is well on his way to meeting his battalion’s aggregate retention requirements before next September. Photo by Sgt. David Hodge, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B “Of course retention and recruiting work together to keep the Col. Ted Martin, commander of the 1st Brigade Army’s end strength where it needs to be at, so we have the five Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-Na- or six hundred thousand Soldiers we need to make up the U.S. tional Division – Baghdad, reenlists five members Army,” he added. of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detach- Commanders make the Army easy for Soldiers to reenlist, said ment Personnel Security Detachment (left) Spc. Staff Sgt. Richard Sayers, an infantryman from Fort Hood, Texas, Matthew Cole, a cavalry scout from Killeen, Tex- who has the additional duty of 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt. retention as; Spc. Jamel Johnson, an armor crewmember NCO. from Fayetteville, N.C.; Spc. Clayton Schmid, an Soldiers, who serve in squared-away units where missions are infantryman from Alamogordo, N.M.; Spc. Gary prepped, platoons are informed and discipline is uniform, are more Chafton, an infantryman from Arkansas City, likely to stay in the Army, explained Sayers. Kan.; and Spc. Anthony Wagner, an infantryman “Command helped by making a good command climate,” said from Akron, Ohio; Nov. 13, at Forward Operating Sayers, who reached his company’s retention goals during 2007 Base Falcon, located in southern Baghdad. The and 2008. “I had no problems getting Soldiers to stay Army.” Raider Brigade met more than 70 percent of its Soldiers who invest time in their units have the opportunity to retention goals the first 60 days of fiscal 2009. work with their leaders and learn from their chain of command, said Sayers. Soldiers deployed to an actual combat zone have greater “They all seem to be motivated about being over here and come awareness of how important their job is to accomplishing their to the realization that this is part of military service,” said Staff Sgt. mission, explained Williams. Redonzo Jackson, an ammunition specialist and retention NCO for “The Soldiers are much more dedicated,” she said. “They are the 4th Spt. Bn., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. just much more loyal to me in a combat zone.” “Everybody has done their part, and they are continuing to The U.S. Army Human Resources Command works with do their part; even though we have made our battalion mission, the deployed personnel to get the type of assignments a Soldier everybody is still pushing forward to make the Army 100 percent,” might not get in garrison, said Williams, who graduated from the he said. University of South Carolina. Working for the Soldiers of the 1st BCT’s “Packhorse” Bn., While bonuses will decrease a little bit due to the number of has been a great experience during the current deployment, said Soldiers currently choosing to stay in the Army, a reenlistment Jackson, a native of Columbia, S.C. bonus often plays an important factor in a Soldier’s decision to re- “The leadership and the chain of command have been great up in a combat zone, she added. with assisting us in trying to make sure that the brigade meets its “Just about everybody gets a bonus here,” Williams said. mission requirements that were set for us,” he added. “Soldiers get a bonus if not for their particular (military occupational Career counselors may be the subject-matter-experts; however, skill); they get a bonus for being deployed and not just a bonus but retention is – at all levels of command – a commander’s program, a tax-free incentive.” said Williams. Soldiers should talk to their leadership about a possible career There is no one Soldier responsible for the retention mission, in the Army, but they should also make a visit to their career but the charge to maintain Soldier levels reaches across the entire counselors even if they do not plan on re-enlisting, she explained. Army, said Williams, who hails from Asheville, S.C. “At least know what is available,” Williams said. “At least have “The Soldiers are already loyal to the Army, to defending their all the information needed to make an informed decision, learn nation, but it seems more so in a combat zone,” she said. “Because what tools are available and talk it out to make the best possible in garrison, they’re just doing a job … but here is where the rubber decision.” meets the road, and the Soldiers are just so much more patriotic.” Raiders train 9th IA bomb disposal technicians

Story by Sgt. David Hodge, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.,

ulti-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers conducted explosive ordnance training with Iraqi Security Forces Mbomb disposal technicians Nov. 16 at Forward Operating Base Falcon in southern Baghdad. Photo by Justin Carmack, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B Soldiers and leaders from the 752nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, attached to the 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B, detonated by the IA bomb squad. a van full of munitions to train soldiers from the 9th Iraqi Army “In the beginning, we received good training and knowledge Division Bomb Disposal Company on the proper techniques for from our friends,” said Lt. Col. Neverathwan Risa, commander effective post-blast site exploitation. of the 9th IA Div. Bomb Disposal Company. “They have good “I think this training is important for the Iraqi EOD unit, experience, and hopefully we will develop ourselves to deal with because it gives them a chance to see how we operate,” said Staff the improvised explosive devices.” Sgt. Stephen Cunningham, a team leader assigned to the 752nd Risa, a Baghdad native, stressed the importance of knowledge EOD Co. and training to his soldiers and said he believes the exercise was a The Soldiers packed the van with approximately 200 pounds of good opportunity for Iraqi bomb disposal technicians to train with military-grade munitions to properly depict a real-world scenario. Coalition Forces. “As far as their equipment is concerned, they have plenty of “It’s very important to have this kind of branch in the new IA robots; their bomb suits and their knowledge is very up to date,” to deal with all the roadside bombs and to disarm any explosive explained Cunningham, a Los Angeles native. “They know what devices to make the roads safe for the people and the army,” Risa they’re dealing with, especially when it comes to conventional explained. ordnance.” The team is an excellent bomb disposal company, said 1st The training keeps the IA soldiers on their toes and it contributes Lt. Brad Lewis, EOD technician assigned to the 752nd EOD Co. to the fight in the long run, said Spc. Curtis Garner, anEOD They are one of the leading bomb disposal companies in the Iraqi specialist assigned to the 752nd EOD Co. Army. “They seem really responsive, and they have a good grasp on “These guys played a big part in the push for Sadr City what they are doing for their country,” stated Garner, a native of earlier this year,” stated Lewis, who hails from Lubbock, Texas. Portland, Ore. “We just offer them a different avenue, outlook or “Since, we have been trying to work them by establishing training thought process.” programs, training of the younger soldiers and getting them to the Garner said he believes the IA team leaders are competent point where they could pass the EOD school in Basra.” and capable enough to This type of training signifies what the ISF need to eventually introduce new concepts take control of another operational area, said Maj. Mike Ricciardi, previously not practiced liaison to MND-B EOD operations. Ricciardi, a native of Orlando, Fla., said Coalition Forces are An Iraqi Army sol- a better-equipped and trained force over the last five years and he dier assigned to believes improvements for the ISF are on the horizon. the 9th IA Division “We are partnered with the ISF; we are mentoring them, and we Bomb Disposal are assisting on levels that we can,” Ricciardi explained. “We’re Company, trans- sharing tactics, techniques and procedures that will help them stay ports evidence alive and continue on with their mission.” for further inves- tigation Nov. 16 during an Iraqi Security Forces training exercise near Forward Op- erating Base Fal- con in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district. Photo by Justin Carmack

1st Lt. Brad Lewis, explosive ordnance techni- cian assigned to the 752nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, attached to the 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Bagh- dad, shows fragmentation from a car bomb Nov. 16 during an Iraqi Security Forces training ex- ercise near Forward Operating Base Falcon in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district. Photo by Justin Carmack, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B Senior NCO’s career spans Desert Storm to Iraqi Freedom Story by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B Master Sgt. Craig Wagner, a he senior noncommissioned officer squadrons; each squadron comprised of forward observer assigned to of the Fire Effects and Coordination three cavalry troops, consisting of scouts, Headquarters and Headquar- TCell for the 1st Brigade Combat tankers and mortar platoons. There was ters Detachment, 1st Brigade Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi- also a tank company and an artillery battery Combat Team, 4th Infantry Di- National Division – Baghdad, began his in each of the maneuver squadrons and a vision, Multi-National Division – mission almost immediately upon arriving forward support squadron and air command Baghdad, is a veteran of Opera- at Forward Operating Base Falcon in the squadron to complete the regimental force tions Desert Shield and Desert Rashid district of southern Baghdad in of approximately 5,000 Soldiers. Storm. March. “Our training was really good; it was Currently serving as a special projects top-notch,” he explained. “When we finally manager for the “Raider” Brigade, got the word to go, the superiority of our specializing in force protection, Master weapons systems and training, compared to Sgt. Craig Wagner, a forward observer theirs, they didn’t have a chance.” assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Removing the guard towers and Detachment, has come full circle with breaching the 25-foot berm that lined a career that has spanned Operations Iraq’s border, the reconnaissance element Desert Shield and Desert Storm to three assumed a wedge formation and tore north deployments in support of Operation Iraqi to cut off retreating Iraqi forces before they Freedom. could return to their bases. When Wagner enlisted as a private and The regiment earned the opportunity a cannon crewmember for the U.S. Army in to test its mettle in the Battle of the 73rd 1988, Saddam Hussein had the third largest Easting, the biggest battle of the Gulf War army in the world. and the biggest tank battle since WWII, Stationed with the 2nd Armored Cavalry said Wagner. Regiment, Wagner’s duties as a driver and “Our jobs were to … make contact loader of an M109 Howitzer, earned him a with the enemy; so we did,” remembered deployment to Saudi Arabia for the initial Wagner. “Meanwhile 1st Infantry and push to liberate Kuwait from the armies of 1st Armored Divisions were supposed to Iraq. come up and relieve us; and 12 hours later The mission kept the Soldiers in they did a relief-in-place with us. They a constant state of combat readiness, did a forward passage of lines while we explained Wagner, and when alerted, the were still engaging with the enemy. They units reported, loaded its gear and went out did it without any fratricide, and that was the gate to take up defensive positions. impressive.” “We were always ready to go to fight the By the time reinforcements linked up Russians on the East German border, but with the 2nd Armored Cav. Regt., Wagner we never even thought about packing up said that he had shot 100 missions; each Photo by Sgt. David Hodge, 1st BCT PAO and going somewhere else,” said Wagner, mission consisting of loading one to six Throughout his career, he worked who calls Santa Rosa, Calif., his home. 155mm artillery rounds onto load trays, in a variety of positions, from leader to Within days, the Soldiers deployed to sliding the round into the cannon, applying trainer, eventually returning to the Raider Saudi Arabia to prepare their equipment powder and prime and waiting for the Brigade, which was part of Task Force and conduct training, awaiting orders in the section sergeant’s signal to fire. XXI, the mission to modernize the Army’s middle of the desert to drive the Iraqi Army “So the enemy was retreating, trying Command and Control systems used on from Kuwait. to get through us to get back to Iraq,” he today’s battlefield. “We flew into Saudi Arabia, waited recalled. “We were blocking their return Despite the many changes seen in the for ships to arrive with gear and vehicles, route.” U.S. Army during the past two decades, loaded up and moved out,” Wagner said. The reconnaissance unit was never “Soldiering” remains the one consistent The unit was only in the port for supposed to go toe-to-toe with the brigade- force, said Wagner. approximately a week when it assumed sized Iraqi element, but the troops were “Without getting into the politics of positions in the desert along the Saudi- ready to fight, remembered Wagner. what I think, I knew we would prevail in Kuwaiti border. “We had to disengage after running out battle against Saddam’s Army – that wasn’t “We were staring across the border at of ammunition,” he said. really much of a worry for me,” Wagner them staring at us,” Wagner said. “All the Operation Desert Storm came to a head explained. “I knew we had a far superior stuff that they had, we were worried that for U.S. Forces with four days of fighting force and would go in and win; and I also if we got into a fight, the Soviets would after six months of living on tracked knew the hard part was going to be after.” scuff us up really bad. We knew that we vehicles in the middle of the Saudi Desert, Wagner, who will reach his 20-year were going up against forces a lot bigger he explained. mark in February 2009 is currently serving than ours. I knew our equipment was good, “The fight will always be with me,” his third tour with the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. but I didn’t know that it was going to be Wagner said. “We were pretty well- Div., in support of OIF. He deployed to that overwhelming of a difference because prepared and well-trained. We were experts Tikrit in 2003, Taji in 2006, and currently the Iraqi forces were using all Soviet at our weapons systems.” with the “Raider” Brigade in the Rashid equipment.” In the years that followed, Wagner district in southern Baghdad. The size of the regiment, with its reclassified from a cannon crewmember to attached elements, was roughly the size a forward observer and eventually reported For the complete story about Wagner of a modern brigade combat team, said for duty with the 4th Battalion, 42nd visit www.dvidshub.net. Wagner. Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th The unit deployed with three maneuver Infantry Division, at Fort Carson, Colo. Ivy Soldiers dedicate life to country Father and son unite for re-enlistment ceremony at Camp Taji

Story and photos by Sgt. David Hodge 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B

Multi-National of the Family Readiness between friends is Division – Group program since special. A Baghdad Soldier 2001, said Young. “I’ve been looking carried the seven “Susan is the forward to serving in the Army Values with him backbone of the Family,” Army ever since I was a everywhere he went, to Young admitted. “If kid, so I hope to make it include his household. there is anything going another 20 years,” said Staff Sgt. Jason on while I am away, she Cpl. Young, a native of Young, a wheeled- handles it.” Temple, Texas. vehicle mechanic Young seized an Cpl. Young ap- assigned to Company B, opportunity to fly from preciates time spent 4th Support Battalion, his base, Forward with his dad whether 1st Brigade Combat Operating Base Falcon it’s at the 4th Inf. Div.’s Team, 4th Infantry in southern Baghdad, home in Fort Hood, Division, MND-B, to attend his son’s Texas, or deployed. serves as the moral reenlistment ceremony. “I don’t get to hang- compass for his Family Young’s son, Cpl. out with him very and role model to two Jason Young, extended often,” the junior Young other servicemembers. his service to his country explained. “Back in the A 15-year Army for another six years rear, we get weekends veteran, Young, adopted during a ceremony Nov. off and sometimes I pick his wife’s three kids 14 at Camp Taji, north up my son and hang out after arriving at Fort of Baghdad. at my parent’s house.” Hood, Texas, more than “It’s really good Cpl. Young said that nine years ago. to have my dad at my he truly believes he is “When I met Susan, reenlistment,” said Cpl. defining a better life for I always tried to instill Young, a veteran of his Family and his son the Army Values in approximately four- by serving his country. the household,” said and-a-half years. “It was “My son will be able looked up to me,” Staff to them while they Young, who hails from fun getting to show him to take pride and say, Sgt. Young explained. were growing up,” Plymouth, Ind. where I work.” ‘my dad’s a Soldier,’” “That makes me feel Staff Sgt. Young said. Balancing the Cpl. Young, a U.S. Cpl. Young said. proud.” “The military is a good military and his Family Army AH-64 attack Staff Sgt. Young Young recently living.” was not always easy helicopter repairer with also has a 17-year- signed a waiver form for The Youngs are for the veteran of three Co. B, 1st Bn., 4th old daughter entering Jordan to enter before currently serving a deployments and Young Aviation Regiment, the Army as a CH-47 her 18th birthday. combat deployment with confesses that taking Combat Aviation Brigade, crew member after she “I think my kids the 4th Inf. Div., MND-B care of them was always 4th Inf. Div., MND-B, graduates high school. realized everything they in support of Operation a joint effort with his said he takes pleasure “My girl has always needed was provided Iraqi Freedom. wife, Susan. in the opportunity to “It can become continue fixing aircraft. stressful trying to balance “I am pretty happy,” career and Family,” Cpl. Young stated. “I Young explained. “The get to continue with kids noticed my hard what I want to do – fix work and dedication, and Apaches.” I always stopped what I Cpl. Young said he was doing for them.” enjoys the Army life Susan is a school because it is structured teacher and a member and his camaraderie

Cpl. Jason Young (right) and his father, Staff Sgt. Jason Young, compete in a friendly video game of football Nov. 15 at Camp Taji north of Baghdad. The Youngs serve with the 4th Infantry Di- vision, Multi-National Division - Bagh- dad. The Youngs have approximately 20 years of service between the two of them. he U.S. Army’s highest ranking sacrifice.” Spc. Joshua Clare, a chaplain’s spiritual leaders visited Multi- Carver said he considers the service to assistant assigned to Headquarters and TNational Division – Baghdad be one of the most respectable lifestyles Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, Soldiers Nov. 24 at southern Baghdad’s and after visiting numerous FOBs around 66th Armor Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Forward Operating Base Falcon to address Iraq, assured the Soldiers that the Army’s Div., said he believes Carver’s visit was the needs, concerns and direction the chaplaincy is in good hands. encouraging that he is glad the Chief of Chaplain Corps faces across the Army. Marrero also chatted with the Soldiers Chaplains took the time to visit 1st BCT’s Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver, U.S. Army and stressed the importance of keeping spiritual leaders. Chief of Chaplains, and Sgt. Maj. Tommy one’s faith while deployed. Clare, who hails from Saint Maries, Marrero, Chief of Chaplains Regimental “If chaplains lose their faith while Idaho, stated many chaplains and Sergeant Major, visited the 1st Brigade deployed, the Soldiers are the ones that assistants are engrained with the “Soldiers Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division’s pay the price,” explained Marrero, a First” ethos. chaplains and their assistants at the Steel former U.S. Army Ranger. “At the same “We focus on Soldiers first, and it Falcon Memorial Chapel to listen and time, Soldiers are helping other Soldiers; gives us a sense that what we are doing is offer insight concerning the future of the they need to take the time and care for helping the Soldiers,” explained Clare. branch. themselves in a spiritual and moral way.” Upon completion of the question- “It is an honor to visit with deployed Marrero primarily focused his and-answer session, Carver urged the Soldiers,” explained Carver, a 35-year attention on the retention of chaplain’s chaplains at FOB Falcon to continue veteran. “Any chance we get to come assistants and stated that each Soldier is to wholeheartedly minister to the to theater to see our chaplains, we take. important to the Army’s mission. Soldiers throughout the remainder of the That’s what it is all about.” “We have maintained the number of deployment. Carver spoke about counseling chaplain’s assistants in the Army without Clare and the Soldiers of the 1st Bn., techniques for the deployed Soldiers to lowering the standard by which we 66th Armor Regt. “Iron Knights,” are help cope with the effects of war and recruit,” Marrero stated. currently serving a combat deployment encouraged the chaplains and assistants Marrero also explained to the Soldiers attached to the 4th Brigade Combat to maintain their spiritual resilience that chaplain’s assistants have done an Team, 10th Mountain Division, in eastern throughout the deployment. outstanding job since the onset of the war, Baghdad in support of MND-B and “I’m looking for a chaplain with and encouraged the veterans to share their Operation Iraqi Freedom. a pastor’s heart,” Carver stated. “We experiences and encounters to as many appreciate your service, dedication and people as possible.

Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver, U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains, fields questions from Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infan- try Division, Multi-National Division – Bagh- dad, Nov. 24 at the Steel Falcon Memorial Chapel, Forward Operating Base Falcon in southern Baghdad. Carver, a 35-year Army veteran, discussed the future of the Chap- lains Corps with battalion-level chaplains and their assistants. Lt. Col. Jim Carter (right), who hails from Monroeville, Ala., serves as the chaplain for MND-B in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Chief of Chaplains visits Raider Soldiers to discuss future of U.S. Army Chaplain Corps

Story and photos by Sgt. David Hodge, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B COMBAT CAMERA: First SoI payday from Iraqi Government

Sons of Iraq members await the oppor- Sons of Iraq members enter the 3rd tunity to receive their first paycheck Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd NP Division from the Government of Iraq Nov. 10 headquarters to receive their first pay- at the 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd check from the Government of Iraq Nov. National Police Division Headquarters 10 in the Doura community of southern in the Doura community of southern Baghdad. Baghdad. Soldiers from the 2nd Battal- ion, 4th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th In- fantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, provided over watch during the pay distribution.

Iraqi National Police from the 3rd Battalion, A Sons of Iraq 7th Brigade, member counts 2nd National money after the Police Division, first Govern- distribute mon- ment of Iraq- ey to Sons of sponsored pay- Iraq members, day, officially which marks the marking the first time, Gov- transition of ernment of Iraq responsibility has assumed Nov. 10 at the responsibility 3rd Battalion, of finances for 7th Brigade, 2nd the SoI program National Police Nov. 10 in the Division Head- Doura commu- quarters in the nity of southern Doura commu- Baghdad. nity of southern U.S. Navy photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Todd Frantom Baghdad.

Sons of Iraq members complete paperwork to receive their first paycheck from the Government of Iraq Nov. 10 at the 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division headquarters in the Doura community of southern Baghdad.