Security Detachment enables EOD to focus on task at hand

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's Thoughts.

31 July 07
By Staff Sgt. Matthew O. Holly
13th MEU.

NEAR KARMAH, Iraq -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal, without question, is one of the most stressful occupations in the Marine Corps, and, if at all possible, it makes sense to rid EOD Marines of unnecessary stress and tension.

Enter the Personnel Security Detachment of 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit EOD, also known as “Task Force AWESOM-O,” headed by Staff Sgt. Jason D. Walker, MEU force protection chief. This unit, made up Command Element and Combat Logistics Battalion -13 Marines, enables EOD to focus on their ever-important task of neutralizing IEDs and reducing weapon caches.

“Our mission is to come out here and provide security for the EOD team,” said Walker. “That way EOD can concentrate on their duties while knowing they have security watching their back.”

To build “Task Force AWESOM-O,” sections throughout the MEU were asked to give up qualified Marines who were willing and able to lay their current duties aside. As many Marines were eager to participate, there was competition for the limited number of spots on the team. This, and finding the right people for the job, was a task in itself. Ultimately, the appropriate Marines were identified, put in place and more than two weeks of solid training commenced.

“We had to come a long way and complete a lot of training in a short span of time,” said Cpl. Anthony J. Principe, an infantry assault man with the 13th MEU and a Placerville, Calif. native. “Very few Marines on the team have an infantry background, but the roles were assumed, just as Marines are trained to do, and the security detachment came together.”

Walker said he has a great group of Marines and is impressed with how they jumped into their individual roles and took the initiative to come together as a team in a very important function.

“I would take any of these Marines into battle with me,” said Walker. “I look forward to watching them grow into their responsibilities and do what they’re trained to do-- so EOD can do what they do.”

Although they have only been called upon a handful of times to date, the Marines of “Task Force AWESOM-O” are standing by and ready to assist EOD.

Photo - The Personnel Security Detachment of EOD, also known as “Task Force AWESOM-O,” headed by Staff Sgt. Jason D. Walker (center), force protection chief for the 13th MEU, and made up of Marines from the 13th MEU command element and Combat Logistics Battalion 13, set up security for EOD as they prepare to neutralize a weapons cache near Karmah, Iraq. Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew O. Holly.

Coalition Reclaims al-Jamea'a

30 July 07
By Spc. Alexis Harrison
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD - As Operation Arrowhead Ripper moves along in Diyala, ever so quietly, Operation Rogue Thunder swept through a section of the capital in hopes of ridding the area of anti-Iraqi forces for good.

The 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army, their Military Transition Team and Soldiers from the U.S. 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, cleared al-Jamea'a of caches, bombs and insurgents while helping to ramp up security efforts to reclaim the area terrorized and bullied by al-Qaeda.

Terrorists in the area had been ruthlessly controlling every action of the people according to Maj. Chris Norrie, the transition team's commander. Women were forced to cover their faces, men were arrested for no apparent reason and children weren't even allowed to play soccer in the streets.

At one time al-Jamea'a was occupied by white-collar professionals until insurgents began scare tactics that led many of the well-off residents to leave their homes. Many of the mansion-sized homes in the neighborhood are empty, and as Capt. Peter Kilpatrick said, the empty homes are seen as an opportunity for insurgents to move in.

"Only 30 percent of al-Jamea'a was occupied," said Capt. Kilpatrick. "The vacancies made it vulnerable."

Several caches had been found during previous operations around the Najra Mosque area. During the first day of this operation, streets and shops around the mosque were empty. A few people cautiously came out to see the Humvees, tanks and Iraqi army vehicles stage. This would begin the lengthy process of securing the area.

Sgt. Kenneth Swartwood said many of the residents are happy to see the Coalition forces move into their neighborhood. More importantly, the combined presence of Iraqis and Americans working together proved to the people just how important the area's security was.

"We came in with open arms to the Iraqi army," said Sgt. Swartwood. "A big reason Adel and Jamea'a are good now is because of the partnership with the IA. They actually worked with them hand-in-hand. The civilians feel a lot better when it's a partnership. They feel like it's twice as secure."

After many of the new security measures were in place, the commander of the Iraqi Army battalion, Col. Raheem went to the mosque to use its loudspeaker to make an announcement to the people in the neighborhood.

He let it be known to the people that coalition forces were in the area to make a change for the better. He said security will improve for the people and that they have not only God watching them, but the entire coalition.

"Almost immediately, people began to come out of their homes," Col. Raheem said. "These people deserve to live in peace after al-Qaeda had oppressed them for so long."

Now that security measures are in place, Capt. Kilpatrick said coalition forces in the area will have 24-hour surveillance over the entire area.

"We've established several static positions," he said. "However, I don't think locals would have felt comfortable with putting a coalition outpost next to the mosque without help from the Iraqis."

Col. Raheem said many of the locals feel that having a combined presence in the area is good and that it helps gain the trust of the people even faster.

Photo - The commander of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, Col. Raheem, points out locations of traffic control points and other security measures being placed in Al Jamea'a during Operation Rogue Thunder. The Iraqi army battalion, along with a Military Transition Team and Soldiers from the U.S. 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, swept the area and implemented several new security measures during the operation. Photo by Spc. A. Lexis Harrison.

Balad F-16s destroy terrorist training camp

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's Thoughts.

27 July 07
by Maj. Robert Couse-Baker
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing here destroyed an al-Qaida training camp southwest of Baghdad July 21.

In a coordinated attack, joint air terminal controllers on the ground cleared seven F-16s to drop 500-pound and 1,000-pound guided bombs on the terror complex near Karbala.

The precision-guided weapons destroyed the target, degrading al-Qaida's ability to mount attacks on the Iraqi government, coalition forces and innocent civilians.

The destruction of the terrorist facility is part of aggressive and comprehensive operations to hunt down, capture or kill terrorists trying to prevent a peaceful and stable Iraq, said Col. Charles Moore, the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group commander. "Our Airmen and other coalition forces are helping Iraq achieve a stable government and ultimately, helping the United States and our allies to defeat terrorism," he said.

A large part of the 332nd AEW's combat effectiveness stems from the Air Force's culture of excellence. "We train day-to-day to make sure when we are called upon to deliver, we do it with precision and professionalism," said Capt. Kevin Hicok, a pilot with the 13th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed here from Misawa Air Base, Japan. "Deliberate coordination and careful planning goes into every weapons drop," Captain Hicok said, "to ensure that we have a positive ID on the target and that everyone is on the same page."

The recent increase in air operations is part of the coalition's increasing pressure on violent extremists, primarily in Baghdad and nearby areas. In a separate air strike north of Baghdad July 22, another F-16 from Balad AB dropped a precision-guided weapon on a terrorist weapons cache in a rural area, destroying it and detonating the explosives stored inside.

"I could not be prouder of the way our Airmen performed on Saturday," Colonel Moore said. "The events of this past weekend once again demonstrate the Air Force's ability to deliver decisive combat airpower any place and at any time."

Photo - An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off for a combat mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom July 22 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The two F-16s are deployed from the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 138th Fighter Wing at the Tulsa International Airport. F-16s from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing destroyed an al-Qaida training camp southwest of Baghdad July 21. Photo Senior Airman Olufemi A. Owolabi.

Iraq's Prime Minister Visits Diyala for First Time

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

27 July 07
By Multi-National Division-North Public Affairs Office.

BAQUBAH, Iraq - Iraq’s prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, met with the governor of Diyala, provincial leadership, key tribal leaders, Diyala’s Iraqi security force leadership and senior coalition officers during a meeting at the Baqubah Government Center, July 26.

“The prime minister’s visit is vital, not only for the government and security officials, but for the people of Diyala to see that their effort in achieving peace and fighting against terrorist groups does not go unnoticed,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of coalition forces in Diyala province.

The visit, which focused on current operations in the province as well as provincial-level government issues, was Maliki’s first trip to Diyala province since taking office.

“This is a great day for Diyala province because the prime minister is among us,” said Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, governor of Diyala.

“We are here to thank all the excellent efforts by you (the government and security officials), and we also came to thank the people of Diyala,” Maliki said in his opening remarks. “We can say that the suffering of Diyala people is ending, and we in the central government appreciate all your efforts.”

During the meeting, Maliki addressed the peoples’ ability to rise above terrorism, assuring those present that the central government will continue to work closely with the provincial government and is committed to the people of Diyala.

“This province suffered a lot from the outlaws,” Maliki said. “They wanted it to be a huge graveyard, but we wanted something else for Diyala – and we succeeded when the Iraqi army, Iraqi police, tribes and all other people found out what the terrorists are really made of. “We are fighting against the terrorists and we will prevail,” Maliki added, before discussing the importance of tribal reconciliation.

“Iraq is not only for some people, it’s for everyone,” Maliki said. “We cannot ignore our nation and we have to be united in our efforts to build Iraq.”

“The tribes have to support the government in its war against the terrorists – they play a big role,” the governor added.

“Iraq, with all its (rich resources) and people, can eliminate all kind of threats,” Maliki continued. “We will all work together for the prosperity of this country and we will not let anyone interfere with our affairs or with the political process.”

“The ultimate success of Diyala lies in the hands of the people,” Sutherland said. “Today’s meeting continued to prove that the governments, both central and provincial, care greatly for the peoples’ safety, security and well-being. “The will of the government drives the hope of the people,” Sutherland continued, “and I hope today’s visit, along with recent operations throughout Diyala, continue to restore that hope – a hope that the terrorists tried to destroy, but couldn’t.”

Photo - Iraq's prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, left, walks with Staff Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem, commander of Iraqi security forces in Diyala province, after arriving at the Baqubah Government Center for his first visit to the province since taking office, July 26, 2007. Photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden.

Marines take to skies to hunt insurgents

25 July 07
By Lance Cpl. Joseph D. Day
2nd Marine Division (FWD).

Ramadi, Iraq -- The scout-sniper platoon from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, left the ground behind as they took to the skies to hunt for weapon caches and insurgents. As part of the aeroscout mission, the Marines travel by helicopter to areas not normally checked because of their remote locations.

“The average size group for this type of mission is usually two platoons. We’re doing it with about half,” said 1st Lt. Jordan D. Reese, the executive officer for Weapons Company, 3/7. “We train constantly, so that we are comfortable with each other. The Marines know what type of air power they have behind them. We believe there is no objective we can’t handle.”

Marines from the scout-sniper platoon conducted aeroscout operations south of Ramadi, in the desolate lands of the Razazah plains July 22.

The Marines loaded onto the helicopters at 9 a.m. They carried with them a full combat load, and packs of food, blankets and water to pass out to the people they encounter on the mission.

“The food drops are our way to show that we are on their side,” the Rockford Ill. native said. “In the city this might not be a big deal, but this food could mean life or death to these people. There is nothing out there in the far desert. Maybe it will keep them happy enough to have them stay working with us, and not the terrorists.”

During the flight, Reese observed different sites looking for anything suspicious. After flying around for about 15 minutes, he spotted a tent with vehicles around it and people walking around. He decided to insert the team to take a closer look.

The two CH-53 Sea Stallions landed and the two scout-sniper teams moved fast out the door of the helicopter and began to provide security for the landing zone.

“With a unit this small conducting the operation, it is real easy to maneuver,” Reese said. “We can get in, hit the objective, and get out in about 20 minutes.”

Once the helicopters lifted the scouts went to work, moving fast, but cautiously toward the tent. Between the two teams, one team held security while the other team searched the people and the structure.

After a quick, but thorough search the Marines decided there weren’t any suspicious items or information, so they called in the helicopters for extraction.

“These missions give us a presence in an area which hasn’t had any coalition forces in it for years or even ever,” Reese said.

“This will keep the bad guys on their toes and that is really what we’re going for. Keep them guessing so we can catch up to them and get them.”

Though the Marines had finished with the objective, they were not done. While observing a different area, Reese noticed some additional suspicious activities. They went back to work.

“The Marines showed the ethos of being a professional warrior today,” said Capt. Miguel A. Pena, a forward air controller for the battalion. “They showed the people we’re here to provide help to them.”

As the Marines sprinted toward their second objective, men came out with their hands up as the Marines approached their vehicles.

“We are able to reach far into the desert winds and help some people who we had no contact with before,” Pena said. “We are conducting these missions in a nonstandard way. Before they were ground driven, now we bring the air element to the fight.”

The Marines questioned the men through the interpreter. They asked them about where they were from, why they were there, and if anything suspicious happened recently. The Marines gave the group of men the one of their packs of food for co-operating with them.

The Marines then set up landing zone security again, while Pena called for the birds to come pick them up.

“These missions provide us with the opportunity to hit the enemy before they hit us,” Reese said. “We will continue to do it because of all the positive effects it has on the people and on our mission here in Ramadi.”

Photo - Lance Cpl. Adam A. Ramirez, squad automatic weapon gunner for the scout snipers, runs off the CH-53 Sea Stallion toward the objective. The Marines only have a short time on the ground so they move fast to ensure they can get everything they need done at each site.

Iraqi Army Takes Security Lead

24 July 07
By Lance Cpl. Joseph D. Day
2nd Marine Division (Forward).

RAMADI, Iraq — As the evening sun started to set, the Iraqi army geared up. After looking over each other’s equipment thoroughly, they prepared to step off.

On July 21, the 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division, led Marines on a foot patrol through the ghetto of Ramadi to identify local populace needs and how their basic utilities were working

“This area of Ramadi used to be one of the most dangerous,” said one local citizen. “Every day there were bombs and insurgents fighting the coalition. Now, this area is so quiet that it may even be considered the best in the city.”

One of the local residents claimed, “I believe that most of this is due to the Iraqi army patrolling this area constantly. Bad guys would walk these streets as if they owned them. Then the Iraqi army started patrolling here, and they haven’t been back since.” With a smile, the patrol and the citizens parted ways.

The soldiers of the Iraqi army sniper platoon walk through each street carefully, moving from corner to corner, but taking the time to talk to the locals. Everywhere they walked the people came running up expressing their gratitude saying "hello" and "thank you."

When asked what the Iraqi army philosophy was when dealing with the people, Iraqi army Sgt. Maj. Abbas Abud Kadin, the senior enlisted man of the Iraqi Scout Sniper Platoon said, “I talked to them with my heart open. I will do anything for these people whether I share a joke, give them candy or just listen to their problems, I do it all with an open heart. I do it because if I help them, they will help me.”

Walking up to a group of men sitting in the front lawn, Kadin extends his right hand to them and greets them. The rest of the soldiers take a knee and provide security as the group talks.

The men also said the security in the area has improved drastically in the last two months. Whereas they used to be afraid to sit on their front lawn drinking tea, now they know that no one will bother them. The man said that he can enjoy his time out there with his friends and know that the only interruption they might have will be from friendly Iraqi army soldiers and policemen, stopping by to say "hello."

“I try to teach my men to respect the people here, because they could save our lives,” Kadin said. “If we show them respect they will show us respect and help us fight the insurgency.”

Kadin found a 7.62mm shell casing on the way back to the base. A little curious about why it was in the street he asked some nearby residents.

They told him the casing had come from a local who had a celebration the day prior.

“My goal here is to help the good people of Ramadi rid themselves of the insurgency that plagues them. I want all of this country to be safe,” Kadin said. “If it starts here in Ramadi, then so be it. I know that my men and I are doing a very good job. I will terminate as many insurgents as I can, until there are no more to fight, then I will know we are done here. But we will move to the next city to do the same for them.”

Photo - Iraqi Army Sgt. Maj. Abbas Abud Kadin, the senior enlisted man of the Iraqi Scout Sniper Platoon, hands out candy to some children during a patrol here. The patrol was trying to find out what the citizens of Ramadi needed to make their neighborhoods a better place to live. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph D. Day.

New Vehicles Support Mission in Anbar

23 July 07
By Sgt. Stephen M. DeBoard
Regimental Combat Team 6.

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq — Marines with Regimental Combat Team 6 recently got their hands on the Marine Corps’ newest counter to attacks by terrorist forces in Anbar Province. The Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicle, or JERRV, is the latest melding of technology and combat firepower to find its way onto the battlefield in Iraq. Like any new weapon fielded to Marines, instructors are needed to certify potential operators in its use

One of the JERRV operator instructors for the regiment is Cpl. Miarco T. McMillian, a motor transportation operator with Headquarters Company. He is one of a handful of instructors responsible for training the Marines who will be driving the trucks on combat and logistics patrols throughout Al Anbar Province.

The JERRV is one type of vehicle in the category of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, or MRAPs. It’s the usual alphabet soup of military acronyms that all boils down to one thing: protecting Marines in combat. Unlike the Humvee, the current workhorse of the American vehicle fleet, the JERRV chassis was designed with heavy bomb-proof armor in mind.

“There’s a higher sense of security with brand new vehicles. They’re designed to carry the weight of the armor,” said McMillian, a Las Vegas native and 1998 graduate of Meadows High School. “(The JERRVs) are 40,000 pounds but they can go up to 52,000 pounds with extra modifications. Being surrounded by all that armor makes you feel safe.”

Gunnery Sgt. Matthew A. Larson, the motor transportation maintenance chief for RCT-6, echoed McMillian’s sentiment. “They're like no other vehicle I have ever driven,” Larson said. “They are like riding in a bank-vault with wheels. You can't help but feel safer in the JERRV than in an armored Humvee. These vehicles will definitely save lives.”

Larson said the process of training Marines on the JERRV will be a “continuous process. The intent is for RCT-6 instructors to train instructors in all of the subordinate units, while simultaneously teaching all potential operators in the RCT headquarters,” said Larson, a Hubert, N.C., native. “When all is said and done, we should have in the ball park of 700 or so Marines trained to operate the MRAPs.”

RCT-6 will need every one of those operators to man the fleet of vehicles it is slated to receive. Around 500 MRAPs, including the JERRV and other variants, will make an immediate impact on the mission in Anbar Province, according to Capt. Russell W. Wilson, the motor transportation officer for RCT-6.

“The MRAP will go a long way in the IED force protection of our Marines, sailors and soldiers; however, this added protection comes with a price. The price is reduced visibility, maneuverability, off road capability … and (experienced operators),” he said. “That is where training becomes critical to the success of the vehicle and the adaptation to accomplish the mission.”

McMillian said his first experience with the JERRV was something any civilian can identify with.“It smells like a brand new car. It’s got that nice, plastic, clean car smell,” said McMillian. “There’s nothing else like it in the world.” More important than the smell, McMillian said, is how the 20-ton, six-wheeled behemoth handles.

“Surprisingly, it handles very well. It’s a lot more nimble than you would expect from a 20-ton vehicle. Its turning radius is amazing, and its versatility and terrain capability is way up there,” he said.

A versatile vehicle requires a versatile operator. This is the value in having Marines like McMillian in the instructor seat, said Wilson.

“The Marine Corps is one of the only places in the world where a corporal, with relatively minimal training, teaching, and public speaking experience, can get out there and teach all ranks and grades with confidence and professionalism,” he said. “With the training of Cpl. McMillian and the cadre of instructors like him, we aim to safely and rapidly field the MRAP for convoy security and give Marines a better fighting chance against the tactics of the enemy.”

Photo - Marine Cpl. Miarco T. McMillian is a certification instructor for the new Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicle, or JERRV, with Regimental Combat Team 6. The JERRV, pictured behind McMillian, is the newest addition to the Corps' arsenal to combat the threat from roadside bombs. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Stephen M. DeBoard.

WARNING: Not age appropriate; Video

This is a video where you must be over 18 years old to view. That is why I am linking to the video instead of having it here.

There is some writing on this video, however, which I believe would be alright to share. Sometimes these videos go by so fast that I cannot read it all, so I have decided to write it down for you in case you missed it.

MNF-Iraq

A sniper that fired on Coalition Forces was killed by an attack helicopter Northeast of Baghdad. July 14, 2007.

(No sound.)

After the sniper was killed, Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division were able to proceed beyond the bridge where they later discovered a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device factory in the Qanat Banat al Hasan area.

The car bomb factory contained 2,000 lbs. of ammonium nitrate, 1,000 lbs. of nitric acid, 10 large shape charges and two trucks already rigged for detonation. Artillery fire was used to destroy the factory.

WWW.MNF-IRAQ.COM.

It lasts only 1:46 minutes. Great job, guys.

North Bend, Ore. native inspires Marines with art

20 Jul 07
By Sgt. Andy Hurt
13th MEU.

NEAR KARMAH, Iraq -- On a blistering hot day here in the Al Anbar province, Marines not conducting patrols seek solace in shade and machine-cooled air, books, video games and word finds. It’s highly unlikely to find a Marine outdoors unless he has to be. One of those Marines is Lance Cpl. Cory Howland. A gunner for Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, Howland is working on something special. His latest masterpiece is a table-top drawing of a comically voluptuous she-devil, complete with horns, tail and menacing eyes. It’s huge, and perfect. Although Howland has spent the last two days here scratching away at the table with a map pen, wiping dust from his eyes after every pen stroke, he wouldn’t rather be doing anything else. Howland is a company artist.

The drawing is Howland’s submission in an art competition. The Marines of Kilo Company recently moved to Combat Outpost Lincoln and have worked around the clock to make the base livable. Filling hundreds of sandbags and erecting camouflaged netting in uncovered areas have been the main tasks, and now the finishing touches are being added. For the completion of the table, set between two company tents, Howland was pitted against a fellow company artist, Lance Cpl. Michael Morgan. Although there isn’t a prize, the reward, says Howland, is completion.

“I could care less what people think. When I’m done, I love looking back and saying ‘I made this.’”

Roots

Howland hails from the Great Pacific Northwest. Bedded along Oregon’s rocky pine-peppered coast lies North Bend, pop. 10,000, Howland’s home town. It’s the kind of place, Howland says, where “everybody knows your name.”

“North Bend is the one place I’ve always known where everyone is nice and always in a good mood … you feel comfortable walking down the street.”

From the age of twelve, Howland has been drawing. Everywhere on everything. He’s never without a pencil and paper. North Bend High School was the perfect place for a young artist to branch out. “In high school, I took an art class every term,” he said. “I did everything, from painting to molding jars of clay.”

His true love of drawing, however, was apparent to his instructors, and Howland says they gave him free reign, whatever the period of instruction was. “After a while, my teachers kind of realized that I loved to draw, so I really didn’t have to do what the rest of the class was doing. They’d just let me chill out and draw.”

The relaxed atmosphere, combined with raw talent produced excellent results. When Howland was a sophomore, his work was added to a permanent installation at a local museum. Howland says the accomplishment has been his proudest moment. “It’s still there,” he said, “Just a simple drawing of a vase and a flower.”

Another of his favorite pieces is a twelve-inch clay figurine of “Jack the Pumpkin King” from the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas. Howland said the sculpture, which took him the better part of three months to complete, was a tribute to his instructor who worked as an animator on the film. “I’m pretty sure it’s still at the school.”

While producing his art, Howland says he was all-along considering service in the military. After careful deliberation, he whittled his future down to two options – art school, or the Marine Corps. The final decision came from, what else?, a televised omen.

“I remember sitting on the couch, watching TV, and a commercial came on for an art institute. I asked myself ‘should I pursue an art career, or the Marine Corps? And no kidding, the next commercial that came on was the Marine Corps commercial – the one where the guy is climbing – and I pretty much made up my mind then.”

Honor, Courage, Commitment … and tattoos

Howland said when he came in the Marine Corps, one of his biggest fears was losing his drawing skills. The hustle-and-flow of Marine Corps life has made personal time a commodity. “There’s just no time to draw,” he said. “I’m always training or working on my weapon system or something … I worry that I’ll lose my skills. This isn’t like riding a bike you know.”

Howland has found plenty of time. Recognized in recruit training for his abilities, Howland was selected as an “Artist Recruit”, tasked with creating motivating range flags and other projects. During his time at the School of Infantry, Howland drew countless tattoos for young Marines, all the while filling sketch pads with personal work and sending them back home for storage. He says he used proceeds from his tattoo commissions to buy more materials.

Company Artist

In Iraq now, doing his countries dirty work, Howland continues to create and inspire. His time is divided between patrols, guard duty and “COP Beautification (filling sandbags).”

Howland’s unit, the “Thundering Third” Battalion, 1st Marines, serves as the ground combat element for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Setting sail this spring, the unit traveled aboard Navy ships, stopping for liberty calls in Guam and Singapore prior to landing in Kuwait. Since mid-June, Howland’s brothers in Kilo Company have dwelled in the arid Iraqi deserts, conducting 24-hour counter-insurgency operations. Life is dismal and dreary at times, frequent sand storms and scorching heat make for tedious off-hours. Still, Howland practices his passion. He’s even drawn on goat skulls.

When Kilo Company moved from the relatively pleasant Combat Outpost Pacers – seated on the shores of Lake Thar Thar – to the apocalyptic ruins of COP Lincoln, the Marines did whatever they could to add comfort here. Constantly looking for opportune motivation, Howland’s seniors looked at a blank piece of plywood and saw a canvas.

“Howland’s a good kid,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Bate, Howland’s platoon sergeant. “When he came to us from security forces, he didn’t really know anyone, and his drawing has been a great way to get to know everybody.”

Bate, a native of Philadelphia, says although the subject matter of the massive drawings could be considered taboo, the Marines aren’t trying to exploit anyone. Drawings of women were popular on World War II airplanes, and often serve as momentary inspiration for troops marching into battle. At COP Lincoln, pictures of beautiful women were also the most available subject matter.

“They just grabbed a magazine they had, and the squad leaders picked out two pictures. They’re focusing on the art, and it’s a contest. The subject matter makes for added difficulty … shading legs and the detail of the hair and everything.”
Bate added that for anyone to negatively criticize the drawings would be openly insulting Howland’s work ethic.

“Howland stayed up all night working on the drawing, and when the Marines woke up this morning, they had something nice to look at. He sacrificed his sleep for the morale and welfare of his fellow Marines.”

Howland is still out there, adding careful shadows to contours and shapes. Painstakingly filling in “negative space” so the she-devil’s hair looks incredibly real. He’s working under critical eyes, and Led Zepplin tunes blast from tiny speakers nearby.

“Is that the girl from the magazine,” asks one Marine.
“Yes, sergeant,” says Howland. Another Marine walks by and smiles.
“If she was Satan, I wouldn’t mind going to hell.”

What’s ironic is that Howland, as he draws this sensual demon-girl, is in heaven.

Photo - Lance Cpl. Cory Howland, a squad automatic weapon gunner with 1st squad, 2nd platoon, Kilo Company, adds details to his recent “devil girl” drawing on a company table. Kilo Company and 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines have been conducting counter-insurgency operations in the Al Anbar province here. Photo by Sgt. Andy Hurt.

Italian police to train Iraqi National Police

20 Jul 07
Spc. Emily Greene
Combined Press Information Center.

BAGHDAD — Italian Army Maj. Gen. Alessandro Pompegnani, Deputy Commander of NATO Training Mission-Iraq spoke about his country’s efforts to help train the Iraqi National Police at a press conference at the Combined Press Information Center Thursday.

Since 1814 the Arma dei Carabinieri (Force of Carabinieri) has ensured the rights of the Italian people, both at home and abroad. The Carabinieri are Italian military police whose mission is to control the crime and to serve the community through respect for the Law.

Now the Carabinieri will share their training techniques with the Iraqi National Police as part of the efforts of the NATO Training Mission in Iraq.

“The Gendarmeria-type training provided by the Carabinieri will help establish the Iraqi National Police as a professional military police force, filling the gap between the police and the armed forces,” said Pompegnani.

This will not be the first time the Carabinieri have worked with the Iraqi National Police. In 2005 they helped train a specialized police unit at the regional police level in Nasiriyah.

“The training will build on the very effective basic training that the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team (CPATT) already provides for the national police since 2004,” said Pompegnani. “It is not intended to replace that training in any way, it is a specialization that builds upon the basis that CPATT has laid and continues to provide for the national police.”

Pompegnani said the Carabinieri have a two-year plan to train Iraqi National Police leadership. Eight battalions of national police will train at Camp Dublin, close to the Baghdad International Airport. Each course will last three months and will initially be staffed by about 40 Carabinieri in training and support roles, he said.

The training will focus primarily on counterinsurgency methods and forensic investigation to help the Iraqi Police fight the terrorism they are faced with daily said Pompegnani.

“The national police can connect with the public in a way that armed forces cannot and the NATO Training Mission in Iraq considers that the training the Carabinieri provides will help build the Iraqi people’s trust in the national police,” Pompegnani said.

Currently there is an advance planning team in Baghdad which is working with the Iraqi National Police authorities to adapt the European Gendarmerie training model to the needs of the Iraqis, said Pompegnani.

“The NATO Training Mission in Iraq has had success in helping build up leadership training for the Iraqi Armed Forces and is committed to support the Iraqi National Police training to its fulfillment,” Pompegnani said.

Photo - Italian Army Maj. Gen. Alessandro Pompegnani, Deputy Commander of NATO Training Mission-Iraq speaks about the Carabinieri training to be provided to the Iraqi National Police at the Combined Press Information Center. Photo by Sgt. Sky Laron.

New Iraqi Police Station Opens in Wahida

19 July 07
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs.

COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY, Iraq — The Wahida City Council opened a new police station in Wahida July 17 in the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment’s area of operation.

When Lt. Col. Jack Marr, 1-15 Infantry commander, Lt. Col. Ryan Kuhn, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s deputy commanding officer, and Capt. Ravindra Wagh, commander of Company E, 1st Battalion, 125 Infantry Regiment, arrived at the new police station, they were greeted by a mob of excited Iraqi policemen and local leaders.

The visit began with a tour of the new facility followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony signifying the end of the project and the opening of a brand new Iraqi police station.

On paper, the project began in October 2006 with a request for a new Iraqi police station. According to Wagh, who headed the project from start to finish, the Iraqi Police of Wahida received the title to an empty lot and the appropriate funds to get the project under way. Wagh said the former Wahida police station, which was co-located with a mosque, did not have the resources fit for a unit whose main mission is providing security to Wahida.

“The old police station was right down the road from the new one,” Wagh said. “It had three rooms and the front of the building was a mosque. It wasn’t fit for jurisdiction in Wahida.”

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, members of the Wahida police, along with leaders of the community and Coalition Forces, sat down for a conference to discuss the new station. “It is very nice to have the new police station here (in Wahida,)” Jawad Khadum, chairman of the Wahida city council said through a translator. “I would like for you to all be equal, to work as one, to serve the community and enforce the law.” He then saluted the policemen for a job well done on the project.

Lt. Col. Kareem, the station commander, also spoke at the conference. He thanked the Coalition Forces for their efforts on the project. He also reminded his policemen that they have a brand new station and encouraged them to maintain the station as it stands today.

According to Wagh, the project is a symbol the citizens of Wahida can see that proves the government is capable of listening to the requests of the community and spending the $3.5 million it took to fund the project on the community. “This government has a commitment to security,” he said. “Many people believed the government was getting all this money and they would never see it. "This project proves the government is spending the money on their communities.”

Wagh, who has been in Iraq since August 2006, said he was privileged to be able to see the new Iraqi police station project from start to finish. “The problem with many of these projects is that one unit is there for the beginning and then has to leave so another unit gets to the final outcome,” he said. “I am glad I was able to see the conception on paper all the way up to the building we see today.”

Although the new police station doesn’t necessarily increase the capability or the capacity of the Iraqi police, Marr believes it does a lot for the morale of the policemen. He said it also shows the Wahida citizens that progress is being made and normalcy is being restored.

“This project gives the good people of Wahida confidence in their police,” Marr said. “The project was Iraqi driven, which means we are coming along the way we have always wanted. We want to help the Iraqi people help themselves. The best solutions are the Iraqi solutions.”

Photo - Army Brig. Gen. Allawi, deputy district commander, cuts the ribbon with Army Lt. Col. Jack Marr at a ceremony July 17 to open the new Wahida police station in Wahida, Iraq. Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek.

Ice and Fire: Eskimos in Kuwait

16 July 07
By Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
National Guard Bureau News.

CAMP BUERHING, Kuwait - Hot like a giant hairdryer; like standing under a giant magnifying glass; or like turning an oven to 127 degrees, jumping in and closing the door. These are ways Eskimo members of the Alaska National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment explain the Kuwait heat to family and friends back home.

The hottest weather that many of them experienced before the Alaska Guard's largest deployment since World War II brought them to the desert was 70 degrees, depending on the part of Alaska they're from, since the state has a wide range of temperatures over an area more than twice the size of Texas. Unit members claim the heat has approached 150 degrees in Kuwait during their deployment.

"Big difference for us; horrible," said Pfc. Darin Olanna, 23, from the Alaskan coast near Nome where the record high is 86 and the record low is minus 54. "As soon as I smell the ocean, it feels like home. I miss the mountain tundra. The wilderness is right out your back door."

A wilderness is right out the back door of Camp Buerhing, too – a sparsely populated flat desert. The coldest temperature on record in Kuwait? In January 1964, 21.2 degrees, according to the country's United Nations representatives. No "minus" in front of that number.

Drinking water, increasing food intake, seeking shade and – perhaps counter-intuitively – increased exercise regimens have helped the Alaskans cope with the heat, they say. Some douse themselves in cold water, as they would during peak heat back home.

"To me, it's the same survival techniques as being in the Alaskan winter," said Master Sgt. John Flynn, 40, a Yup'ik Eskimo. The extreme cold presents similar challenges to extreme heat, including dehydration, he said. Blinding sandstorms remind him of blinding snowstorms. "The only difference is when it's cold you put more layers on, but here even when it's hot you cannot take layers off," he said.

Near Nome, a "polar bear swim" is an annual tradition, swimmers diving into the water in May, when there is still ice. "If I could do that now, I wouldn't hesitate," Olanna said.

More than 80 Alaska communities are represented in the 3rd Battalion. "There's people from all over the state," Olanna said. "From Barrow to Dillingham to Nome to Sitka. You've got Athabascan Indian, Yup'ik Eskimo, Haidan Tlingit Indians from southeast. All walks of life."

Their mission in Kuwait, where they arrived in October 2006 and which they expect to leave this fall, includes providing security, including quick reaction forces that can cross the Iraqi border, and performing infrastructure vulnerability assessments.

In their civilian lives, the Eskimos hunt and fish for a smorgasbord of walrus, whales, Canada geese, moose, reindeer, bear, caribou, salmon, white fish, trout and pike. Some are full-time Guardmembers back home or have other jobs such as working in a halfway house counseling petty criminals, but their roots are in a way of life as radically different from most of their colleagues as is the lifestyle of Kuwait's desert nomads.

"The way I grew up, until I joined the Guard, was surviving off the land," Flynn said. "You need a little bit of money, but money will not make you survive where I'm from. The land will. Mammals, geese, wild flowers, berries, that's the way of life I grew up with – hunting and fishing." In Kuwait, rifles are the tools for personal protection. Back home, rifles are the tools for hunting.

"I miss the food from back home," said Spc. Reuben Olanna, 27. Darin Olanna's cousin fantasizes about a filet of salmon cooked within minutes of being caught. Darin Olanna missed corralling his friend's reindeer herd this year. The Olanna cousins are Inupiaq Eskimos from Brevig Mission and Nome.

For some, military service is the only reason they have ever left Alaska – to attend basic combat training in Georgia or South Carolina, pre-mobilization training in New Jersey, professional development in Arkansas. They have never previously deployed outside the state, which was exempt from overseas deployments during the Cold War because Alaska Guardmembers were considered forward deployed against the Soviet Union. "I have uncles that were in World War II and Vietnam," said Sgt. 1st Class Homer Nunooruk, 38. "Relatives that were in the first Gulf War and Afghanistan. It brings a deep pride in me."

Nunooruk, an Inupiaq from Nome, Alaska's northernmost town, said many Eskimos choose the National Guard for the educational opportunities, training and discipline. "A lot of my relatives that I talk to from other communities, they do it so that they have an alternative income and training and education," he said.

For Flynn, the National Guard was a life-changing opportunity. Orphaned at 13, inspired by the camaraderie he witnessed at a military funeral, reminiscent of an Eskimo extended family, the 19-year-old enlisted to turn his life around. Twelve of Nunooruk's relatives deployed with him. Another died in a vehicle accident during their pre-deployment training at Camp Shelby, Miss.

"Every once in a while, I'll pull them aside and we'll talk," he said. "We'll just talk about what's going on back home. Things that we miss. Hunting and fishing. Being outdoors. The biggest consensus is we miss being in the outdoors in Alaska, especially wintertime."

It has been a deployment of firsts – first exposure to such extreme heat, to a sand desert, to overseas travel, to separation from extended families. "Being away from home," Reuben Olanna said. "I can depend on no one else but all these other guys I've been training with."

Nunooruk said the deployment has helped him follow his parents' advice. "They always said 'See what's outside of Nome, '" he said. "When I went to Anchorage, they said, 'See what's outside of Alaska.' One thing they always wanted me to experience was different cultures and lifestyles. I always loved meeting new people and trying new foods."

Nunooruk moved his family to Palmer, where it reaches the 80s, before the deployment. "It's so hot at night, I can't sleep," his wife told him during one call home. "It's 123 degrees here," he replied. "80 is pretty cold here." He wondered if he would feel cold back home on leave.

The Eskimos say extended families are a blessing for a deployment. "I'm getting a lot of support from them, from all my cousins and friends. They've been telling me to hang in here," Reuben Olanna said. "I tell them I am enjoying it."

Unit members say they will miss something about their deployment in Kuwait – but it's not the heat. "Being around all these guys on a daily basis," Darin Olanna said. "It wouldn't be a bad place," Flynn said, "if it wasn't so hot."

Photo- The Alaska National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment has left its mark at Camp Buerhing, Kuwait. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill.

A Gathering of Michael Yon's Writings

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

Michael Yon is one of the best citizen reporters we are blessed to have in these days of war and peace. He does a wonderful job of bringing the news, no matter the state of the news, so that we may be informed of the truth. Why do I say this?

I say this because Michael is an American, and he never forgets that. He is not ashamed to be an American! Most 'journalists' are 'world' journalists, which leads them to consider America as just another country. Not the place of their birth, not the place that gave them all the opportunities they have taken advantage of, not the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. No. They hate America, subconsciously perhaps, but they do.

I can no more trust my enemy to tell me how this dress looks on me than I can trust a reporter who would rather see our enemies be victorious. The arguement may not be comparible, but I assure you that all the women readers of this know exactly what I mean! (For you brave gents, let's assume you took your prized car to the mechanic of your enemy...get it? lol)

Okay. I have been so busy that I have fallen behind in my posting of Michael's articles. That is why I am going to give them to you as a 'gathering' (not to be confused with the wonderful group known as, "A Gathering of Eagles").

Here we go. This article was posted on Independence Day. Michael states clearly that when you see the fireworks and hear the booms, try to imagine the sounds of jets and helicopters and the occasional screams, and that should give a slight idea of life at this time in Baquba, Iraq. The article he has written for us is "Bless the Beasts and Children." He has also issued this: "A warning to those with children: some of the photographs in this dispatch may be too graphic for young ones."

In this email he let us know that he has updated "Update on Bless the Beasts and Children." He also notes that there is a growing number of readers whom are becoming more and more furious at the media for not paying any attention to these facts on the ground, such as well documented mass-murders. Yet they are more than happy to publish anything that is ugly, wrong, fabricated by al Qaida, and so on. This is covered in the update.

There seems to be some difficulty with the archives for people who are new to Michael's site, so he gave us a list of really good dispatches while he works on fixing the problem.

The Kids!, Hello, Ameriki, Little Girl, Killing for God, Lost in Translation, Whipping Boy, Camp Bastion, The Floating Village and The Hands of God.

In Baqubah Update 05-July-2007, Michael spoke with an Iraqi official in Baqubah, Iraq. They spoke about al Qaida's treatment of those who disagreed with them. He did not comment on the truthfulness of this reporting by the official, because there were too few "specifics."

They found mass-grave sites about 3 1/2 miles away, which gives just a clue, however, as to al Qaida responds. There were bodies of decapitated children and possibly their mothers as well as men. Michael actually visited the site, so it is not just what someone told him. 'That grim discovery was the focus of "Bless the Beasts and Children."'

There were many people who picked up his article, many heavy-weights as well. Rush includes his sources names to give the reporter proper due. If you see any of Michael's dispatches or hear of them being read without giving credit, please let him know. HIS WORK IS COPYWRITED.

He doesn't mind that we share it amongst ourselves and others, but please remember to always name your source! It is good to have the people understand the truth about what is really happening. This can lead to an intelligent discussion (not like they have in the Senate!).

Whether or not the stories are true about al Qaida's horrendous behavior, ever since the plan set to take place (and did so in Baqubah on 19 June), 'the citizens of Baqubah are very happy, markets are opening, and there has been practically zero fighting in the last couple of weeks. For the latest, please read "Second Chances."'

This dispatch was written on June 12, 2007, while Michael was still in Baquba. I heard his radio interview with Hugh Hewitt at 4pm PCT. It was wonderful to hear your voice again, Michael. :)

His dispatch for today is Al Qaeda on the Run.

Another day, another dispatch. Superman.

I am going to quote these, because I think they deserve it.

I made an appearance today (Tuesday) from Baqubah on Good Morning America to talk about events in Baqubah. That video should be available on their site, and includes loud combat video I shot yesterday (Monday.)

I will be appearing on the Laura Ingraham radio show tomorrow (Wednesday.) We realize the site has become difficult to navigate after growing beyond all expectations, both in content and readership. The site will be overhauled during the coming months, but the work is very expensive so this will happen in stages.

This site depends 100% on reader support. Every bit helps and is critical. We'll revamp the site as funding permits to allow for easier searches, and will continue to bring cutting edge stories from the war.

I hope you enjoy them, give them the recognition they deserve, and take heart. If you are so moved, there is a place on his site for you to donate to help him. He is out there on his own. If you would like to know why this man was motivated to go to Iraq and Afghanistan so many times, I'm sure you will be able to find this explanation. In the meantime, I will look for it and place it in a link here. :)

TrackBack @ DoD Daily News-2.

Fallon Visits Bayji Oil Refinery

25 Jun 07
Sgt. Joshua R. Ford
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

BAYJI, Iraq - Adm. William Fallon, commander of U.S. Central Command, met with Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, 25th Infantry Division commander, and other Iraqi and coalition leaders, June 11, 2007, at the Bayji Oil Refinery to discuss the future of the refinery.

Fallon expressed his concern with getting the Bayji Oil Refinery running at its maximum potential, which included proposed methods for the protection of the oil pipelines that run to other cities and neighboring countries.

During the meeting, a representative from the Army Corps of Engineers introduced a $16 million plan to re-design traffic flow throughout the refinery, making tankers and fuel trucks less vulnerable to insurgents extorting resources.

The plan also includes surveillance and lighting equipment in heavy traffic areas to increase security in the refinery.

The discussions went beyond the Bayji Oil Refinery’s problems and shifted to fixing other refineries in Iraq to maximize fuel efficiency in other provinces throughout the country.

The refinery in Haditha seemed to be one of Fallon’s main concerns. He wanted to know what the Ministry of Oil and the Bayji Oil Refinery could do to help the Anbar province see some of the same positive changes that Salah ad Din has seen with the Bayji Oil Refinery.

Bayji Oil Refinery representatives said that money is not the primary issue when it comes to repairing some of the problems at the oil refineries in Iraq. Contracting is the issue. It is hard for the Ministry of Oil to find contractors who will work on the different problems each refinery is experiencing.

Since the paratroopers with 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, have been working with the Bayji Oil Refinery, they have seen decreased prices of black market fuel throughout Salah ad Din province, a gas station inspection plan that makes sure various gas stations are accounting for the fuel they receive, and better fuel availability to the local population.

“We’ve done some polling throughout the area, and people of Iraq are actually getting drastically increased amounts of fuel now compared to what they were getting, say, four or five months ago,” said Capt. Kwenton Kuhlman, overseer of the Bayji Oil Refinery and Company B commander, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.

“I think (Fallon) left with a positive assessment that those things (discussed) are possible and that we are working towards the way ahead on those issues,” said Kuhlman.

Photo - Adm. William Fallon, commander of U.S. Central Command, is greeted by Iraqi leaders, June 11, 2007, upon his arrival to the Bayji oil refinery in Bayji, Iraq.

Basrah Railroad Station Vital to a Growing Region and Economy

This post is still available. I've had to move to combine all my blogs. This post may be found at Rosemary's Thoughts. Thank you for your patience.

Exposing the Enemy: 1 June 2007

Muhammad Khalil al-Hakaymah Urges Muslims to Support Fatah al-Islam.

Muhammad Khalil al-Hakaymah AKA Abu Jihad al-Masri, a prominent member of a faction of al-Gama’a al-Islamiyya in Egypt which aligned with al-Qaeda, issued a statement through al-Fajr Information Center and dated Sunday, May 27, 2007, urging Muslims to support the Fatah al-Islam Movement in northern Lebanon. Fatah al-Islam, a jihadist group based in the Nahr al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp in this area has been under attack for the past week by the Lebanese army. Hakaymah argues from the perspective of Salafist-jihadist doctrine that it is imperative for Muslims to support Fatah al-Islam, and portrays the siege on the camp to bear similarities to coalition military incursions in al-Fallujah in Iraq, striking civilians and Mujahideen. He also states that the “Crusaders” are supporting the Lebanese army with “17 fighter planes and weapons which were estimated at about $300 million.”

Further, Hakaymah assures that the group seeks only the benefit of Muslims and “liberating” Palestine, and reports and rumors in the media that state otherwise are mere lies intended to deter Muslims from supporting Fatah al-Islam.

Airmen deliver strategic aid to Lebanese military

29 May 2007
By Capt. Teresa Sullivan
379th Air Expeditionary Wing.

BERUIT, Lebanon (AFPN) - C-17 Globemaster III crews of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron delivered bullets to Beirut as part of a short notice ammunition re-supply tasking in support of the Lebanese military.

The 816th EAS, a tenant unit of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing based out of Southwest Asia, was given the order to deliver ammunition to the Rafic Harari International Airport in Beirut. The delivery was critical to the Lebanon Armed Forces due to a rise in hostilities this week.

"We're happy to support national security objectives and provide support to the Lebanese military for their effort in fighting terrorism," said Capt. Judd Baker, 816th EAS aircraft commander and a Charlotte N.C., native who flew a 10 hour mission from the evening of May 25 through the morning of May 26. "It's makes perfect sense to me that we would be tasked with this mission. The C-17 is the best instrument for cargo delivery in the military inventory."

Due to the strategic location of the 816th EAS and the versatile range of capabilities, it was an easy fit for the squadron to fulfill the requirement, said the captain.

"We may be flying combat sorties day and night in Iraq and Afghanistan, but we can also handle supporting high priority missions like this, especially since we're close by," Captain Baker said of the airlift mission to Beirut. "It's a great feeling to know leadership has the confidence in the C-17 and our aircrews to get the job done."

The crew of eight - one aircrew commander, a pilot, a co-pilot, two loadmasters, one flying crew chief and two security forces Airmen - said they were glad to be a part of this airlift mission.

"This mission is very important because it relates directly to fighting terrorism," said Capt. Jeff Liegl, 816th EAS pilot and a Cleveland, Ohio native. "We've been involved in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom for years now so these missions are second nature to us. This is a high priority - everything we do we treat as a high priority."

The crew began their mission to Lebanon from the 379th AEW. They then flew to another base in Southwest Asia and quickly uploaded about 180 pallets of munitions. Then the cargo and crew made a bee line for their destination in Beirut.

"It's exciting to deliver ammunition in such a short amount of time to someone who needs it," said Staff Sgt. Greg Rada, 816th EAS senior loadmaster from Southbury, Conn. "It's our job to support national interests and this is another way we can contribute."

The squadron flew about 10 sorties over a three-day period to support the re-supply mission to Lebanon, while maintaining support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Photo: Staff Sergeants Greg Rada and John Quick, Senior Airman Dale Adkins and 1st Lt. Alex Hanna joined with two forward-deployed Airmen to upload about 180 pallets of ammunition for delivery to Rafic Harari International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon May 26. The C-17 Globemaster III is capable of rapid delivery of troops and cargo to any location worldwide. Sergeant Rada is a 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster. Sergeant Quick and Airman Adkins are 436th Security Forces Squadron Ravens. Lieutenant Hanna is an 816 EAMS copilot. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Teresa Sullivan).

Qatari finds talent as translator during MNF military exercises

23-year-old computer expert helps Centcom personnel understand Arab language, culture

17 May 2007
By Sgt. 1st Class David Dodds
United States Central Command Public Affairs.

DOHA, Qatar -- Mohammed J. Saad couldn’t let anything get lost in translation. The stakes were just too high, he said.

A computer engineer by trade for Qatar Television, the national network here, Saad, 23, had no idea he would be thrust into the role as an English/Arabic translator when he became involved in Eagle Resolve Exercise 2007, which just wrapped up in this city.

The exercise, which is hosted by US Central Command, is an annual event involving the six nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC: Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates), as well as dozens of other countries, including the United States. Military and civil emergency representatives from the countries use the exercise as an opportunity to train together on emergency response and crisis management scenarios.

Saad, working in the “media cell,” quickly found himself as the go-to interpreter between American military personnel and his Arabic co-workers. Though it wasn’t his primary job, Saad stepped up to the task with no hesitation.

“They just told me that I would be supporting the computer network (for the exercise),” Saad said. “But I love to do this … I love to translate the individual languages.”

He said it’s fun to learn the different dialects and accents that people use.

Saad said the job didn’t come without pressure, however. He said that because of the importance of the exercise, in relation to civil and military defense, and because his work was being used on a multinational level, he had to make sure that all his translations were completely accurate.

He said certain words can take on a whole new, and sometimes erroneous, meaning if they are communicated or written slightly different.

Saad holds a baccalaureates degree in computer engineering from Philadelphia University in Jordan.

Maj. Matt T. Tedesco, a theater air and missile defense expert with US Central Command’s J3 directorate and one of the primary planners for the exercise, said effective communication is key to managing the crises scenarios that are thrown at the participants of the exercise. Translators, such as Saad, and others who understand the Arab culture and who can convey that understanding to non-Arab speakers, are a core resource.

“One of the goals we had for this exercise was information sharing,” Tedesco said. If you can’t communicate what’s going on in the exercise you can’t be successful.”

This year’s Eagle Resolve exercise dealt with missile defense and consequent management scenarios stemming from threats posed by a fictitious rogue nation. Under the watchful eye of American military personnel and Department of Defense civilians, who served as exercise facilitators, the GCC nations worked together to protect their citizenry and to administer the appropriate countermeasures.

The bulk of the exercise took place over a two-week period in early May, in which the GCC representatives under went four days of computer simulated crises scenarios followed by two days of mock drills in the field. The field training included an exploding vehicle and building, emitting hazardous gases, as well as radiation contamination scenarios.

The exercise was aided by the use of dozens of Qatari military basic trainees who served as “victims” of the various mock incidents.

Tedesco said this year’s exercise was a success.

“And that was made possible because of the hard work of both the U.S. and the Qataris,” he said.

Saad was happy to do his part, whether it was working on the computer network, or serving as an impromptu interpreter.

His linguistic skill is even more impressive when one considers that he’s never attended formal schooling for English. Everything he knows about the language he learned from watching American films, listening to American and British music, reading English newspapers and just interacting with English speaking friends.

Saad said his English improved greatly while he was in college, where all of his computer studies were in English. He looks surprised and is genuinely appreciative when people compliment him on his English fluency.

Saad said that he still plans to study English formally some day.

“I think if I had done it already I would have been so so much better,” Saad said

But even now, he’s not too shabby.

Photos: Top: Mohammed J. Saad. Bottom: A Qatari military recruit pretends to be a victim of a vehicle accident as civil emergency responders tend to his injuries and prepare to rush him to a nearby hospital as part of the annual Eagle Resolve Exercise in Qatar in early May. The exercise takes place each year allowing Gulf nations’ military and civil agencies to work with other Gulf countries on emergency response. The U.S. Central Command facilitates and evaluates the training each year. Photos by Sgt. 1st Class David Dodds.

Admiral Fallon Tours U.S. Army Central Facilities in Kuwait

17 May 2007
By Sgt. Thomas L. Day
Desert Voice Staff Writer.

KUWAIT - Adm. William Fallon, in his first visit to U.S. compounds in Kuwait as the new commander for U.S. Central Command, toured the Camp Buehring Training Village Sunday and met with commanders who oversee training of most U.S. forces prior to entering Iraq.

Fallon was met at Camp Buehring by Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, the Third Army/USARCENT commanding general – Fallon’s top Army officer. Whitcomb and his assistant commander, Maj. Gen. Dennis Hardy, escorted the 42-year Navy officer through a simulated urban combat course, first aid training with a deploying unit, and the humvee Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT) before flying to Third Army/USARCENT headquarters at Camp Arifjan.

The CENTCOM commander was direct when speaking with Soldiers deploying to Iraq. “You are the last of the big plus ups,” he told the troops. Fallon told the Soldiers that he would be relying on their work to “stabilize” some of the hottest regions of Iraq.

Troops train at Camp Buehring for 10 to 15 days before crossing into Iraq. The training is geared toward building upon training already completed at their duty station. The urban combat training facilities, which also include a video-screen simulator where Soldiers are tested on targeting in a virtual environment, prepare troops for the “complexities” of the Iraq theater, Hardy explained.

Fallon also got to see a demonstration of new counter-improvised explosive device technology at the Camp Buehring Training Village. His tour of the village spanned about an hour before flying to Camp Arifjan. There, Third Army/USARCENT had a display of new up-armored vehicles, which Fallon toured before joining Hardy and his wife, Mary Fallon, for religious services with troops.

Photo: U.S. Central Command commander Adm. William J. Fallon (right) greets Pfc. Christopher Webber, heavy equipment operator, 96th Transportation Company, May 14, during a visit to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Houston F. White, Jr.)

Romanian Soldiers Stand United with Americans in Iraq

From friendly contests to focused missions, coalition forces learn from each other.

By Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte
13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT AREA ADDER, Iraq, May 15, 2007 — There are differences in uniform, equipment and language, but to members of the Romanian Army’s 495th Infantry Battalion and their coalition partners, the similarities among troops are more important.

The Romanian paratrooper unit patrols certain areas in southern Iraq, provides a quick reaction force for British Explosive Ordinance Disposal units and maintains a safe route for convoys 24 hours a day.

While the soldiers are trained in airborne operations, scuba diving and climbing, they are “just infantry guys” during their missions in Iraq, their commander, Lt. Col. George Constantin said. Their paratrooper status has helped them bond with the 82nd Sustainment Brigade, but overall he sees troops from both armies in the same light.

“I don’t see boundaries between Americans and Romanians,” Constantin said. Their efforts have gained the respect of many U.S. soldiers, who provide additional equipment and training to the unit stationed at Logistical Support Area Adder.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael E. Proctor of Jacksonville, Fla., a senior maintenance adviser with the 546th Maintenance Company, said he enjoyed working with the Romanians when he recently taught Humvee maintenance to more than 50 of them.

“I’m pretty impressed with them,” Proctor said, noting the Romanians were eager students who constantly asked questions about the unfamiliar vehicle. The southeastern European country has participated in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom since their beginnings. Currently, there are nearly 600 Romanian soldiers serving throughout Iraq, with a majority of those at the Tallil base, according to their spokesman, Lt. Dorian Constantin Balan.

The Romanian army takes part in numerous training exercises with the American military every year and many of the soldiers know basic or intermediate English, he said. Balan himself learned English through a training program at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

“We have a special partnership with the U.S.,” he said.

Although the Romanian men and women serve under British forces at LSA Adder, many Americans have worked to forge connections with the paratrooper unit. Maj. Lisa Munday, the plans and effects branch chief for the 365th Corps Support Battalion of Hattiesburg, Miss., said she started working with the Romanians to help provide the Humvee training.

She was also looking for ways to improve life on the base, so she organized a soccer tournament among various coalition forces, including the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, the Romanian army, the British army, the Ugandan security forces and the Australian army.

“Initially, it was going to be just one tournament,” she said. Instead, the game has become a Sunday ritual at the Romanian camp inside LSA Adder. Variations on physical training uniforms substitute for team colors, with the exception of teams such as the Australians, who brought soccer jerseys with them to Iraq.

Cpl. Mihai Gancea, a Romanian soldier, was preparing for the American-Romanian match, except he was suiting up to play on the United States team. He said he found Americans to be very friendly and any preconceptions have gone away as he’s gotten to know them.

“We are all here for the same thing, so we have to be united,” Gancea said. “They are the same as us.”

This equality doesn’t extend to everything. He said while the Americans might be victorious if they were playing their version of football, those skills don’t necessarily translate to a mastery of European football.

“I don’t know if they can beat us at soccer,” he said, smiling.

Lt. Delman J. Hafermann of Waverly, Iowa , a liaison officer for 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, was one of the Americans competing on the field. He said he enjoys playing against the Romanians and the good-natured competition works both ways.

“We tell them Americans can beat Romanians any day,” Hafermann said. This time, however, the Romanians earned a 3-1 victory over their American counterparts. Munday, who took part in a volleyball game with the Romanians the same day, said she enjoys seeing the interaction between the different countries. Munday, who is from Fuquay-Varina, N.C. , said her new friends have refused to teach her any Romanian, because they want to practice their English. She also noted their discipline, stating they do physical training five times a week.

“They have such huge hearts. They’ll do anything for you,” Munday said. “If we
stay in our little cliques, we miss a chance to get to know each other.”

The Romanians have had several chances to learn from U.S. troops. Many participated in a Combat Lifesaver course taught by the 82nd Sustainment Brigade in February and there are plans to conduct a joint mass casualty exercise in the near future.

“It is very important that we do these exercises together,” Lt. Macau Florin commander of the Romanian medical platoon, said. “We cannot afford mistakes in this.”

There are a few other differences. While the names attached to some military camps can be obscure, it’s pretty clear where the namesake of the 495th encampment comes from. The large bat painted on the concrete wall outside the camp is one clue.

“They call it Camp Dracula to scare the enemy,” Balan, the spokesman, said with a smile. The Romanians are also involved in their own civil affairs projects, including the planned rebuilding of a nearby Iraqi school, he said.

The Romanians also face their own dangers. Recently, members of an American convoy helped alert the soldiers stationed at a checkpoint about a suspicious vehicle in the area, Lt. Benone Bodoc, a Romanian platoon commander, said. The vehicle was later prevented from approaching the checkpoint.

“They are always willing to help us,” Bodoc said of the U.S. convoys.

The Romanians constantly scan the area and the traffic for trouble. They also stay alert for dangers, including improvised explosive devices, during their own convoys.

“We have to know it’s a war and we have to pay attention to everything; not just one thing,” Cpl. Mihai Gancea said while on security duty.

The 495th arrived in February, just a month after their military did away with its draft, Romanian officials said. All the soldiers currently here volunteered to come to Iraq . The Romanian commander said each will do his best to accomplish the mission.

“We are honored to be shoulder-to-shoulder with the American Army and we want to be all the time in the same situation,” Constantin said. “Our place is here with NATO soldiers.”

Photo Caption: Lt. Sorin Lungu (right), with the Romanian Army’s 495th Infantry Battalion, makes a kick during a soccer game with American soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte