British Paratroopers Train at Fort Dix for Afghanistan Deployment

3 July 07
By Eric Rutherford
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

FORT DIX, N.J. - The hand-held wind meter’s plastic cups spun rapidly in the breeze, displaying a wind speed of seven knots. Low clouds spread over Coyle Field in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, sky-lining the Humvees and the troops working diligently at the top of the hill. A light rain pattered down.

“They should have been here ten minutes ago,” said Maj. John Meredith, speaking with a heavy Welsh accent. “There must be some sort of problem.”

Meredith, a member of the British 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment Reserve, worked with the ground crews to ensure the drop zone was prepared properly for the British paratroopers who would soon land.

The ground crew continued to take wind readings, and set up large neon orange tarps on the ground in the pattern of an “A,” while observers and medical personnel stood by.

Static crackled over a member of the crew’s hand-held radio. “We have you in sight. You are clear to jump,” he transmitted into the radio. As those on the ground looked toward the horizon, the gray aircraft floated out of the clouds like a shark stalking through murky water.

Almost as quickly as the Air Force C-130 cargo plane came into view, it was overhead, leaving four distinct contrails behind it. When it passed over the drop zone, small objects began falling from it. They fell free for a brief moment before blossoming into round canopies, dangling their human cargo as they headed for the ground. Seconds later the plane was out of sight.

Joyous yelling and laughter could be heard from the people in the parachute canopies as they descended for about 20 seconds toward the earth. The yells and the laughter came from members of the 4th Parachute Regiment Reserve. A paratrooper infantry unit that traveled from Leeds, Yorkshire, England, to Fort Dix, N.J., for two weeks of mobilization readiness training this June and July in preparation for a deployment to Afghanistan next year. The training is designed to familiarize British paratroopers with American equipment, signals and terminology.

“The training here is first class,” said Warrant Officer Doug Muirhead, the regimental sergeant major, about the unit’s opportunity to come to an American installation and train with U.S. forces. “We are getting good training, which is important for interoperability.” The two-week training that the unit, which is made up of around 400 troops from throughout Great Britain, is conducting here is comprised of low-level jump certification, weapons training and land navigation. Of the unit’s 400 troops, about 130 made the trip to America for the training.

“Trips abroad don’t come around that often, so we look forward to it. The training facilities are fantastic,” Muirhead said about his experiences training on American installations. The training mission was no small task to organize, and was assisted and planned by the 404th Civil Affairs Reserve at Fort Dix. Staff Sgt. Monica Peck said American forces helped to survey the drop zone, familiarize the British with U.S. parachutes, rig the chutes and perform safety checks.

Peck, an Army Reserve jumpmaster and civil affairs team leader from the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion out of Riverdale, Md., not only assisted with planning and set up, but also made the jump with a handful of other American Soldiers. This is not Peck’s first time working with British paratroopers. She trained with them at Fort Bragg in 1997, but was unable to jump with them, because she had to end the training to attend jumpmaster school.

“Here I am, ten years later, and it is a real honor for me to get to be the leader with this group of guys, (they are) good folks,” Peck said. The British paratroopers return home July 8, and will deploy to Afghanistan next year.

Photo - Warrant Officer First Class Jim O'Donnell wraps up his parachute to clear the drop zone after a low-level jump from an Air Force C-130 aircraft at Fort Dix, N.J. O'Donnell, from Glasgow, Scotland, is a senior permanent staff instructor for Britain's 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment Reserves. The unit is spending two weeks at Fort Dix to prepare for a mobilization to Afghanistan next year. Photo by Spc. Eric Rutherford.

Marines of 6th PSC Train Djiboutian Navy in Less Lethal Force

27 Jun 07
by US Navy MC1 (SW/AW) John Osborne
CJTF-HOA/PAO.

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti - In an effort to fine-tune port security procedures at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, the Marines of 6th Provisional Security Company (PSC) trained members of the Djiboutian navy in less lethal force tactics during a three-phase training exercise June 10-17. The Djiboutians, who share port security responsibilities with 6th PSC, observed and participated in exercises involving military working dogs, the Long Range Acoustical Device (LRAD), proper search of vehicles and personnel, communications with incoming ships and small arms procedures.

The Marines of 6th PSC arrived at Camp Lemonier in February, and since that time their operations chief, Master Sgt. Harry McBrien, has seen a marked improvement in their working relationship with the Djiboutian navy and the quality of their joint performance.

“We needed to understand each other’s role,” McBrien said, explaining the need for the less lethal force training. “We have a slight communications barrier and we had never worked with each other before. Since we started working together, the feedback from the ships is that this is the best service they’ve received throughout the world. That is a direct result of the Djiboutian navy taking the time and genuinely caring about port security and the safety of our ships.”

The training began with two days of work controlling boats and practicing communications that included emergency procedures, engagement, and understanding shipboard security detachment standard operating procedures. The second phase, focusing on less lethal force in port security procedures for incoming ships, was three-fold beginning with a demonstration of canine tactics for subduing uncooperative and potentially dangerous individuals. Under the command of Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jeff Meyer and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jason Dutcher, canines Rex and Brit demonstrated to the Djiboutian navy that they are an effective alternative to drawing a gun on a suspicious person and very efficient at finding planted explosives.

The Marines and Djiboutian sailors were then instructed on and given a demonstration of the LRAD. Widely used on board ships to warn incoming vessels approaching without permission, the LRAD has also proven to be an effective crowd-control and combatant-deterrent sonic weapon on land. The 45-pound device is mounted onto a vehicle and is capable of emitting a warning tone that has a decibel sound pressure level of 150 (a gun shot is only 140). At less than 50 meters, this can cause immediate hearing damage. The LRAD can also be used as a loudspeaker that is fully capable of translating the speaker’s words into 14 different languages.

“This training is a step in our joint efforts with the Djiboutian navy,” said LRAD Instructor Staff Sgt. Rudy Diaz, who also teaches a driver’s course involving evasion techniques useful when driving high-profile personnel. “This training will allow the Djiboutian navy to become familiar with one of our Non-Lethal options before they are employed. We hope that, should the situation ever present itself, we will have numerous tools to help diffuse the situation without using deadly force.”

The final training of the day covered the search of vehicles and personnel who traverse the pier, which involved learning the correct commands for individuals being searched and the proper technique to employ during the actual physical inspection of the person.

“The instruction we received will help us and the Marines work together better,” said Djiboutian sailor Lt. Ahmed Djama. “Doing a good job depends on each of us knowing how to work with each other in every situation. It’s very important that we all know how to deal effectively with each situation using the least amount of force possible.”

McBrien said he was extremely proud of his Marines for realizing the importance of this training and stepping up to the role of being instructors. “I’ve been so impressed with our Marines because none of us are infantrymen. We are all air wing Marines from different parts of the United States coming together for the first time. They show a lot of dedication and character by understanding their roles and realizing the important contribution they each make to accomplish our mission.”

Photo - Lance Cpl. Andre Bautista of 6th Provisional Security Company (PSC) gives a friendly smile to Brit as she is told to relinquish her hold on his arm. Bautista was playing the role of a person who refused to get out of his vehicle when ordered, so Brit was sent into the car to chase him out. This was one of several exercises 6th PSC used to demonstrate methods of less lethal force to their Djiboutian navy counterparts, who share their port security responsibilities. Photo by US Navy SW/AW John Osborne.

New UK commander tells Iraqis 'We will stand by you’

10-Jun-07.

BASRAH — The new UK Brigade Commander in southern Iraq, Brigadier James Bashall, delivered a powerful message to the Iraqi people June 5 aimed at reassuring them that he has their best interests at heart.

Brigadier Bashall, of Tidworth-based 1 Mechanised Brigade, joined forces with Brigadier Akeel of the Iraqi Army 10th Division at a joint press conference, the first since his recent arrival in Basrah when he took over from Brigadier Tim Evans, Commander 19 Light Brigade.

1 Mechanised Brigade officially took control of the Brigade Headquarters on June 1. With the exception of a few units, the Brigade is now fully operational in southern Iraq and an important component of Multinational Division South East (MND(SE)).

Brigadier Bashall was keen to reassure the local people that he intends to build on the excellent work achieved by his predecessors in 19 Light Brigade during the last six months.

And his message was simple: that he and the rest of the UK personnel in southern Iraq had the best interests of the Iraqi people at heart. He said that there would be no let up in operations against the terrorists and criminals who continue to pose a threat to the people of Basra and the surrounding area.

"This is my third tour of duty here and I would hope that I have learned many valuable lessons that will assist me during this tenure," he explained. "I intend to put my previous experience to good use."

The Brigadier went on to confirm 2007 as the year of transition and that Iraqi Security Forces were making significant movements in order to ensure the transition to Provincial Iraqi Control. He also said that the training and support of the Iraqi Security Forces is his top priority and that he will do everything he can in order to assist them.

"You will have heard many times that 2007 is the year of transition and there has been much talk of British troops withdrawing,” he said. “This is simply not the case. The Prime Minister did announce a reduction in our force levels in Iraq but this is because the Iraqi Security Forces are growing both in confidence and capability.

"As the Iraqi Security Forces increasingly take the lead for security, the Multi National Force will adjust its force posture so that we can help with the crucial task of building Iraqi capacity while retaining the ability to intervene in support of the Iraqi forces should the situation demand it,” Brigadier Bashall said.

"Your security is of great importance. The training of your Security Forces is my top priority and I have soldiers dedicated to this task. Your military, the Police Service and the Department of Border Enforcement have achieved a great deal in the past year,” he continued. “We must build on this and continue to enhance your security. Improvements to the security situation will encourage investment in Al Basrah and your economy to grow as a result."

Brigadier Bashall added that attacks against multi-national forces are an attack against the ordinary citizens of Iraq.

"Criminals and terrorists hamper our efforts to assist you as well as causing injuries and damage. Whilst my priority is to train and mentor your security forces, I will continue to defend my forces against militia attacks and target those who are responsible,” he said. "I would be grateful if you could take away the message that my Brigade is here to offer you support and we will stand by you. There are many challenges ahead, but it is in all our interests that we succeed. Only you, the Iraqi people will provide the lasting solution."

Photo - Commander 1 Mechanized Brigade, Brigadier James Bashall (right), holds his first press conference with Brigadier Akeel, Commander 1 Brigade, 10 Division, Iraqi Army at Basrah International Airport. Photo by Cpl. Dan Harmer.

Iraqi AF flies high with safety course

5-Jun-07
By Marine Sgt. Jess Kent
MNC-I PAO.

BAGHDAD - The first aviation safety class on Iraqi soil was completed last week at New Al Muthana Air Base in Baghdad. Nine Iraqi Air Force pilots and two American Coalition Air Force Transition Team–Iraq members graduated the five-day course, taught jointly by American and Iraqi instructors.

The basic course focused on teaching Iraqi pilots about accident prevention and investigation, composite risk management and the duties of safety officers.

The pilots were also briefed about helipad and airfield safety surveys, aviation fuel operations and the medical factors a flight crew should consider.

These instructions were in addition to flight school at Camp Taji, for Iraqi Air Force pilots spread across the country in three squadrons.

“The new Iraqi Air Force has just now started getting off the ground and into the air, so Multi-National Corps-Iraq had school-trained aviation safety officers to enhance their accident- prevention program,” said Chief Warrant Officer Gregory Bonneau, aviation safety officer and class instructor, MNC-I. “We’re really giving them the basics because they’ve had no real formal safety management program.”

The basic safety course was the first phase of four. The class instructors will visit bases so each Iraqi pilot can complete a safety assessment during Phase 2. The Iraqi pilots will return to New al Muthana Air Base to discuss common problems and solutions in Phase 3. A ground safety course completes the program.

“The Iraqi Air Force just published its own safety regulation and they’re beginning to build the foundation for their aviation safety program,” Bonneau said. “This was an Iraqi course with some help from us.”

Some of the help includes providing a new attitude toward accident prevention and investigation.

“Their primary issue right now is overcoming a previous culture under Saddam Hussein which punished when you had accidents,” Bonneau said. “After an accident landing a MiG-25, one of the pilots was put on house arrest and unable to speak to anyone for three months. He was released when they found out it was a maintenance problem. We’re developing a new attitude to identify hazards and use risk management.”

The Iraqi pilots are very eager to put what they learned during the course to use, Bonneau said. They already provide C-130 transports, medical evacuations and some intelligence surveillance reconnaissance.

“They are real patriots to their country,” Bonneau said. “To make their Air Force and country better, they put their lives on the line outside the wire every day, and for me that puts into perspective what we do here.”

Iraqi Air Force Maj. Ala’din Mughir is one of those patriots. He said life is much different as a pilot now than it was under Saddam Hussein’s Air Force. Mughir graduated from the Iraqi Air Force College in 1986. After the invasion of Iraq, he stepped down as a pilot. He joined the new Iraqi Air Force in 2004.

“Under Saddam, Iraq was away from the world and the way it changed over the years,” Mughir said. “We were prevented from traveling and using the Internet. We had only the local channels. We did not know what was going on in the world. So before 2003, we did not have a program to concentrate on flight safety.”

Mughir learned a lot of useful information during the class. With the newfound knowledge, he plans to meet with his commander to establish a safety council for his unit. Mughir said the instructors were kind and very helpful, and he is honored to have them in Iraq as friends to the pilots rebuilding the Iraqi Air Force.

“It was our honor to teach them because it is such an important step in their Air Force development,” Bonneau said. “We learned a lot about each other, about our cultures and families, and we are not just going to do a class and leave them; we are going to be there by their side.”

Photo - An Iraqi Air Force flight nurse, tends to wounded Iraqis in a C-130 transport aircraft during a medical evacuation. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Samuel McLarty.

Patton's own embraces ex-Soviet state during info exchange

5-Jun-07
Staff Sgt. Alex Licea
Third Army/U.S. Army Central Public Affairs.

Fort Bragg, N.C. - Third Army/U.S. Army Central hosted a delegation of military police soldiers from the Kazakhstan national army during a two-day information exchange. This portion of the exchange is part of a week-long trip in which the Kazakh troops will received an inside look [at] how the U.S. Army operates and utilizes the military police in today’s global fight on terrorism. The exchange and lessons learned from the trip will assist the Kazakh army continue to revamp their own MP Corps.

The visit is part of the continued effort led by Third Army/U.S. Army Central's civil-military affairs “Theater Security Cooperation program” that hosts foreign soldiers and sends U.S. Soldiers to participating countries in the USARCENT area of responsibility to interface and train with their counterparts.

"The TSC program allows us [Third Army] to build a lasting relationship," said Lt. Col Dave Bennett, who is assigned to the Third Army/USARCENT CIMA as the central and south Asia branch chief. "This is the only program that allows the human factor of our nations to work together making it a more personal interaction between us.

He added that the Kazakh MP Corps, which was established in 1997, is still establishing itself in the national army. He said that TSC events such as this can only build a foundation and wiliness to work together.

The Kazakh soldiers received an up-close look at programs such as the urban MP operations, airborne refresher training, the military working dogs and the special reaction team, the military equivalent of the civilian force's SWAT team. All the events were coordinated by the Bragg-based 503 Military Police Battalion.

While Kazakhstan currently uses its MPs in a law enforcement capability, the hope is to continue to learn and gain experience in a more international capacity.

"We are eager to learn all these MP capabilities and continue to work with the U.S. in building a stronger relationship," said Capt. Tleukhan Baskhozhayev, a regional chief of the military police in Kazakhstan. "We are just still really young as an MP Corps."

The visiting soldiers, a total of seven soldiers, included senior Kazakh officials Col. Asylbek Zhumadilov, the first deputy to the main prosecutor of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Lt. Col. Andrew Sys, military prosecutor for the Kazakhstan national army, and Maj. Bakhytzhan Mailinov, chief of the security and convoy director of Kazakhstan military police.

The Atlanta-based Third Army conducts TSC activities throughout 24 countries in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which spans from the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. This includes enhancing or establishing relationships with regional national militaries, which promotes bilateral and multilateral interoperability, strategic access and operational basing.

With these programs, Third Army helps its partner countries strengthen their defense relationships and improve their ability to effectively participate in coalition operations.

Third Army TSC events go beyond just MP operations. The program takes on many forms and conducts dozens of events in the United States or in the partnering country.

"The TSC program benefits both countries because we can work together to fight the global war on terrorism," said Capt. Gary Katz, Third Army/USARCENT operation protection operations and TSC officer. "It is all about learning from each other."

Bennett said that Third Army's TSC program benefits more than just the unit's mission requirements because it spreads diplomacy and increases U.S. national security.

"This is great way to not only meet our partners but increase U.S. national security," he said. "We work together so we can both improve. You only see that with things like the TSC program."

The exchange will continue until June 8 with the delegation visiting military police facilities in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and Fort Leonardwood, Mo.

Photo - Capt. Sean Doyne, commander of the 65th Military Police Company, give Kazakh Lt. Col. Andrew Sys, senior military prosecutor for the Kazakhstan national army, and other Kazakh officers a hands-on briefing about the different components of the M-4 rifle during the urban operations information exchange event, May 31. The exchange is part of the Third Army/U.S. Army Central's civil-military affairs “Theater Security Cooperation program” that hosts foreign soldiers and also sends U.S. Soldiers to participating countries in the USARCENT area of responsibility.

Airmen mentor Afghan depot personnel

16 May 2007
By Staff Sgt. Carlos Diaz
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- Airmen stationed here supporting Operation Enduring Freedom are taking the time to mentor Afghan national army soldiers at the Central Maintenance Depot in Kabul.

Serving a one-year deployment, the Air Force mentors are embedded training team members supporting the Central Maintenance Depot's mission -- providing a storage place for the ANA's military supplies that is key for their sustainment level.

The depot is paramount to the ANA's ability to provide combat power, and when the Air Force team arrived, the compound was in austere, run-down conditions.

"This place was in dire need of basic, essential supplies," said Staff Sgt. Falsen Cambre, a weapons embedded training team mentor. "The buildings had no plumbing, electricity or windows. We began supplying them with the basics needed to accomplish the mission."

Some of the depot's 140-year-old buildings house large machines that manufacture vehicle and weapon parts.

"We've given the buildings a 100-year upgrade," said Maj. Jim Wood, a facilities mentor. "We've repaired walls, both structurally and cosmetically, added windows, doors, roofing and electrical capabilities."

The massive facelift did not go unnoticed.

"I'm so impressed how the (embedded training team) always pays attention to cleanliness and order," said ANA Col. Mohammad Usman, the deputy commander at the Central Maintenance Depot.

With time, patience and effort, the mentors have established and fostered a good working relationship with their ANA counterparts.

"They are very friendly and I've enjoyed our effective relationship," Colonel Usman said. "They have increased my leadership experience."

Helping to implement new safety practices was Senior Master Sgt. Bill Cole.

"Our team often stresses safety," the embedded training team member said. "Safety is, without a doubt, our No. 1 priority."

All manufacturing machines are cleaned and maintained to remain in proper working order. The team also designed a slogan, "People first, mission ready" to drive the safety message home. A large board was created to display this message and other important themes and proven safety practices.

"I'm impressed by this concept," said Lt. Col. Mohammad Asif, the machine shop chief. "A safe environment will provide the workers with the opportunity to produce good work."

"We're making a significant difference here," Major Wood said. "Several projects have enhanced the depot's ability to perform its important mission."

After constant use, weapons tend to break down. When that happens, they go to the depot for repair and maintenance. Once repaired, they must be tested for effectiveness.

This was when Major Wood and Sergeant Cambre's ingenuity was called to order. After reading through Air Force instructions, they synchronized their ideas to build a test firing range.

"This allows (the ANA) to test the weapons in a safe environment," Sergeant Cambre said. "This was a great team accomplishment and I'm happy they have a good firing range."

Whether it's a new firing range, buildings or supplies, the Airmen mentors left a mark on their ANA brethren's commitment to duty.

"I like being a part of the order established in our country and military," Colonel Usman said.

Photo: Staff Sgt. Falsen Cambre talks with Afghan national army weapon repair soldiers about logistical issues at the central maintenance depot in Kabul, Afghanistan. Airmen are mentoring ANA soldiers by establishing a process that helps improve the ANA's logistical capabilities. Sergeant Cambre is an embedded training team member assigned to Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.

Iraqi Troops Train for Mass Casualties

U.S. Army instructs Iraqi army on dealing with injuries in the theater.

By Sgt. Michael Tuttle
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

KIRKUK, Iraq, May 9, 2007 — The sound of emergency sirens streaked through the K-1 Iraqi Army Base as fire trucks and ambulances, escorted by military vehicles, rushed outside the base to respond to a simulated catastrophic event with massive casualties.

The recent massive casualty, or MASCAL, training exercise was a joint effort between the Iraqi army and medical personnel along with U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division soldiers from nearby Forward Operating Base Warrior.

In addition to providing urgent medical care to actors playing wounded patients on the ground, the responders had to deal with the real-world risks of operating outside the security of the base.

Iraqi and U.S. military trucks formed a secure perimeter around the site, and Iraqi medical personnel hustled to the scattered wounded to evaluate their injuries. The wounded lay on the rocky dirt dressed in moulage, rubber “wounds” and makeup, worn to simulate bleeding and other injuries.

The casualties were evaluated, transported to triage, by stretcher if necessary, and evacuated to the appropriate medical facility for treatment. Depending on the seriousness of their injury, arrangements were made to transport the casualties to the K-1 medical clinic, FOB Warrior, or a Kirkuk hospital.

“Coordinating and communicating with all of the elements involved added to the complexity of the exercise,” said 1st Lt. Ranston Harvey, the training exercise coordinator.

“When the alert (of the incident) was made, we had to simultaneously notify FOB Warrior, K-1, the hospital and the supporting services. Everyone had to work together and maintain communication to keep up with what was happening so they could react and coordinate their response.”

The 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team from FOB Warrior has conducted several MASCAL exercises at K-1. After evaluating previous exercises, it was determined that additional support was needed.

“We looked at past MASCALs and the (K-1 medical) clinic staff was doing too many jobs,” Harvey said. “So we contacted the K-1 firefighters and security forces to help.”

Officials at the K-1 medical clinic said the exercise demonstrated that their medics and the Iraqi army were ready to react to the real thing.

“Everyone got there quickly, picked up the casualties and got them to where they needed to be treated,” said Sgt. Mohammed Abbas, one of the first responders and a first aid instructor at K-1. “Everyone responded very well.”

Photo Caption: Iraqi medics wrap a splint around an injured soldier’s broken leg during a massive casualty training exercise in Kirkuk. Personnel from the K-1 Iraqi Army Base participated in the exercise with U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division soldiers from nearby Forward Operating Base Warrior. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Tuttle.

Institutional Competence Slow, But Growing, General Says

By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service.

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2007 – Coalition experts have identified trouble areas in the training regimen for the Iraqi security forces but see cumulative progress overall, the top U.S. training official in Iraq said.

The Iraqi police and army are short of functioning effectively as independent institutions, Army Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, told online journalists and “bloggers” in a conference call May 4.

However, the Iraqi forces improve tactically from month to month, he said.

“We’ve got some things that are going pretty well at the tactical level; we’ve got some things that are going pretty well at the institutional level; and the challenge now is to kind of pull it together and plug it in” so that the system performs fluidly from top to bottom, Dempsey said.

“We’re not there yet. There’s still some holes in the system,” he said. “We’ve got them, I think, pretty well identified and are moving toward it.”

In both institutions, Dempsey said, the most encouraging signs so far have come from individual units.

There are always some poor performers, the general explained, though, “in every case we’ve got a group of units and leaders who are essentially acknowledging their responsibilities and their accountability in a way that simply we didn’t see a year ago.”

That sense of responsibility dissipates to an extent up the chain of command and into the logistics, communications and intelligence support areas, Dempsey said. He blamed the problem on a legacy of poor leadership tracing back to the government of Saddam Hussein.

“The higher up you run in the echelons of command, the more the vulnerabilities of leadership tend to become evident,” Dempsey said.

Most of the senior leaders of the Iraqi army and police are from the old regime, he noted, and “old habits die hard.”

One reason for hope, the general explained, is that the Iraqi ministers of defense and interior are keen to overcome such problems.

In addition, Dempsey said, experience on the battlefield has imparted quick lessons. He said operational planning has improved rapidly in recent months.

Before “there was a tendency to dramatically oversimplify things when they would conceive of a mission,” Dempsey said of the Iraqi leadership. “There wasn’t much attention to detail. Now they appreciate the intricacies,” he said.

The benefits of that experience are paying out in the current Baghdad surge, Dempsey said. He explained that even six months ago it would have been impossible to bring 5,300 Iraqi soldiers into Baghdad from other parts of the country, but now the Iraqi army is already in its second rotation.

That the Iraqis are performing so well is exceptional considering they are graduating from their training academies into a war, Dempsey noted, but the fact that the security situation is so fluid means the needs of the force must be continuously reassessed, he said.

After studying the results of a 2006 review, Dempsey said, U.S. officials worked with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in determining the need to transition away from a short-war strategy.

“We made some assumptions in the early days about declining levels of violence and a short war,” Dempsey said. “I think that together last year we came to the kind of mutual conclusion that it could very well be that the levels of violence will be sustained and that this terror threat, this insurgent threat and the threat of sectarian violence could last in Iraq for some time.”

The challenge now before the Iraqi army, Dempsey explained, is to determine the necessary size of the force in relation to the threat.

Balancing the necessary training requirements to properly build the force against the demands of war has been difficult, Dempsey said, particularly in regard to developing an appropriately sized noncommissioned officer corps.

Despite a range of military academies around Iraq, he said, “they are having a very tough time taking their aspiring or their rising leaders out of the fight.” As a result, Dempsey said, the Iraqis “find themselves to be stretched rather thin to do all the things they feel that they need to do to control their battle space.

“We know how many NCOs we need for this army; we’ve got the system in place; we’ve got the courses in place; they’ve got a good cadre in place; it’s a good curriculum; but they can’t unplug from the fight as they would like to do, and so we’re coming up a bit short there,” he said.

Fortunately, overall recruitment numbers remain high, Dempsey said. He pointed to Anbar province, in particular, as an example of success in growing the force. Police ranks there have grown from 8,000 to over 11,000 officers in the past six months.

Numbers remain strong elsewhere around the country too, Dempsey said, despite a perception in the United States that many Iraqi police and soldiers either abandon their posts or fail to show up to work.

“The army loses about 18,000 (soldiers) a year,” Dempsey said. The Iraqi police lose around 25,000 officers per year. Those attrition rates match with “other similar conflicts around the world historically,” he said.

The majority of the Iraqi attrition rate is due to soldiers and police being killed or wounded in action or declared missing in action, Dempsey noted, rather than from them going absent without leave.

Accurate numbers are difficult to come by, however, because tracking is done manually. And in some cases, the general said, soldiers and police actually return to duty after leaving, at the urging of Iraqi leaders.

Another factor in readiness, Dempsey said, is that Iraq remains dependent on a cash-based payroll system. Rather than accessing funds electronically, army soldiers receive about seven days each month to travel to their homes and distribute their pay to their families.

The United States is helping to install an electronic banking system in Iraq, but the system is likely more than five years off.

There is also a gap in the Iraqis’ current logistics capability vs. their long-term need, Dempsey said. U.S. contractors are supporting the difference while the Iraqis come up to speed, he explained.

“I would describe the growth of the logistics architecture as kind of ‘evolutionary,’ certainly not ‘revolutionary,’” Dempsey said.

Continued training will make up that gap, Dempsey said.

If anything, Dempsey said, the proximity of U.S. troops brought in for the Baghdad surge operation will enhance the skills the Iraqis picked up in training and help segue the transition of security responsibility to Iraqi hands.

“The coalition forces that are coming in actually provide the opportunity to partner more closely with the Iraqi security forces and in some cases provide them some additional transition assistance,” Dempsey said.

“I think there was a calculation that we were transitioning at a pace that the Iraqis may not have been able to absorb, may not have been able to control, and that security, and notably the protection of the population, was suffering.”

Still, there are drawbacks to shepherding the Iraqi security forces so closely, Dempsey admitted.

“I do think that post-surge there will probably be some places where, because we kept doing things for our counterparts, they may have become used to it,” he said. “We may have to break that umbilical cord a little more forcefully than we did the first time.”

The Iraqis’ progress is exceptional though, Dempsey noted, considered in the context of pervasive violence.

“There hasn’t been many times in history where we have built a military and police force in the middle of a war,” he said.

With commitment to building effectiveness at the institutional level and developing ministries capable of supporting the forces in the field, the Iraqis can emerge as an independent force in time, Dempsey said.

“It’s not an army that is yet introspective. It doesn’t look at itself and discover its own problems, so we’re still in the process of doing some of that for them,” Dempsey said. “But that all gets better every time you do it.”

Airmen, Soldiers Mentor Afghan Medical Instructors

10 April 2007
By Staff Sgt. Carlos Diaz
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan – A team of five highly-skilled Air Force and Army medics mentor Afghan National Army instructors at the combat medic school in Kabul.

Their mission is to guide the ANA instructors into leading the combat medic course, which was recently extended to eight weeks. As instructors, they serve as mentors and help promote the growth and professionalism of the ANA’s road to self-sufficiency.

“The ANA has never had medics in the field,” said Army Master Sgt. Jeffrey Ryle, combat medic course instructor. “So, after further discussions with the ANATEC (Afghan National Army Training and Education Command), a combat medic course was implemented.”

The course teaches basic emergency medical technician information, anatomy and physiology theory, airway management and patient assessment, just to name a few.

Initially, the course was six weeks, but after further evaluation, it was determined that two more weeks needed to be added to the curriculum.

“We just didn’t have enough time to get them trained during the original timeframe,” Ryle said. “This extra training is necessary to enhance those basic medical skills even more.”

Inside of a lecture classroom in the basement of the combat medic school, Sen. Airman Phillip Bordé teaches a note-taking class to a roomful of students.

“I noticed a need for the students to have good note-taking abilities,” said Bordé, who’s deployed from the 42nd Medical Operations Squadron in Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. “This class should also improve their study skills.” the EMT with two years of outpatient clinic experience said.

Soon after the class ended, Master Sgt. Sherri Tarun, a medical mentor, addressed the students. “After these eight weeks, you’ll be disciplined combat medics ready for war,” she said.

Once the students graduate, they receive sustainment training in the field, Tarun, who’s deployed from the 375th Aeromedical Squadron in Scott AFB, Ill., added.

“It’s great for the students to see us working with the ANA instructors side by side,” Sergeant Tarun said.

One of the ANA instructors is a four-year member of the medical corps. He enjoys working with his American counterparts.

“We’ve learned so much from the American instructors,” ANA Master Sgt. Mohammad Sohaib said. “They’ve guided and helped us in teaching the students. That help allows us to produce the best leaders from this course.”

Sohaib said the students receive classroom lecture during the morning hours and in the afternoon perform hands-on-training in the field.

In the afternoon, the students walked several cement steps toward a rocky knoll. Scattered rocks dominated the hill’s walking path while tall trees dotted the rest of the site.

The students were separated into five groups.

Bordé approached his group, removed his desert camouflage uniform top and wrapped a blood pressure meter around his arm.

The students then took turns with the meter to monitor their systolic blood pressure and stethoscope to hear each other’s pulses.

In another group, Army Master Sgt. Craig Abrom, NCOIC of the combat medic course, took advantage of — what he calls — “opportunity training.”

“I enjoy this type of training because I can quiz and ask questions,” the 22-year Soldier said. “It reinforces what the students have just learned.”

Abrom enforces communication within the students’ learning. He asked the shy students questions so they can become more vocal and comfortable with the material.

“I really enjoy working with these young soldiers, “he said. “I get a kick out of seeing the light bulb come up above their heads. We’re really making a difference with them.”

Two of those students were Mohammad Haleem and Mohammad Sadiq. Their first name wasn’t the only thing they shared.

“We really like the course,” they said. “The medical teachings are well done, and we enjoy learning from the ANA and American instructors, too.”

ANA student Sadiq seemed to grasp the course material. “This course makes sense to me, and I understand it well,” he confidently said.

Abrom noted the students’ gradual improvement and progression.

“The quality of the medics’ knowledge has vastly improved,” he said.

ISAF team trains ANA humanitarian de-miners

17 April 2007
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
American Forces Network – Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – ISAF soldiers empowered Afghans with taking care of their own security by training humanitarian de-mining teams here.

“This training is a step forward to making a safer Afghanistan,” said Army Capt. Chris Nuckols, 207th Regional Security Assistance Command embedded tactical team. “The work we are doing here today will make for a safer tomorrow.”

Members of the Afghan National Army spent April 12-14 learning two levels of de-mining. Taking the de-miners course and de-miners pre-deployment course the ANA members were learning de-mining to international standards. This training made them qualified to conduct de-mining operations anywhere in the world.

“After these ANA members complete this training they will be able to clear land for buildings or farming,” said Australian Maj. Alex Thomson, Royal Australian Engineer officer in charge of the Operation Enduring Freedom mine action center. “Being trained will help them be ready to serve their community.”

In the past, the de-mining course graduated individual Afghan humanitarian de-miners. Even if those de-miners cleared a field they would still have to wait for someone else trained to international standards to come behind them to clear a field. This new course will graduate highly skilled teams so they can clear the fields without help.

“We can now help our own people ourselves,” said ANA Sgt. Said Arif, ANA humanitarian de-miner. “The classroom instructors have been enjoyable and helping me to be able to serve my country.”

When the class graduates, the ANA will have three new de-mining teams of 12-14 members capable of clearing 1,500 to 2,000 square meters of fields per day. Not only will the ANA members be able to clear mines they will also be able to clear unexploded ordnance.

“Seeing the Afghan people empowered to help themselves is something we take pride in,” Nuckols said. “They love our assistance and we enjoy helping them help themselves.”

The new ANA humanitarian de-miners are expected to graduate April 23.

Photo: Members of the Afghan National Army go through a field training exercise during the De-mining Pre-deployment Course here April 12. The first teams of Afghan Humanitarian De-miners are scheduled to graduate April 23. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson).

Iraqi Police eager to learn****

Sunday, 15 April 2007
By Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Wood
1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division

ANAH — Back home in Brainerd, Minn., this Minnesota Army National Guardsman Pfc. Adam Starry tends to lawns as a landscaper. Here in this 5,000-year-old city of about 20,000 people, Starry is helping to train several Iraqi police officers.

Starry, of Company B, 194th Combined Arms Battalion, and 15 of his fellow soldiers are experiencing what it is like being an Iraqi police officer in a city that is still a hotbed of insurgent activity. They form a police transition team whose task is to train the Iraqi police on how to take control of their own communities and maintain order. Training includes learning basic organizational skills, leadership mentoring and patrolling techniques.

Starry, who said he gets an adrenaline rush every time he goes on a patrol, admitted that working with the Iraqi police can be frustrating at times because of the language barrier. However, the young law-enforcement officers seem eager to learn.

"It is definitely inspiring and exciting," he said. "They amaze me more and more each day."

The transition team is able to watch this transformation close-up, because it shares floor space in a city building with the Iraqi police. There is also a U.S. Marine Corps headquarters space in this former sports complex.

One newly promoted Iraqi police lieutenant said he loves being a policeman and he loves peace.

"We're here to help you guys," he said. At a gas station, he arrested a resident who attempted to bribe him. He told the man, "No bribes accepted here" and tore the money up.

The police lieutenant said he joined the force for several reasons, including his belief in his country, personal honor, and wanting to protect his family and the Iraqi people.

Spc. Brent Haataja, a carpenter from Menahga, Minn., said he also noticed that the Iraqi police "work pretty hard to try and do good."

The team's officer in charge is 2nd Lt. Vitaly Sherbina. He is also a Fargo, N.D., police officer. Sherbina said he has met Iraqi police from Rawah and Baghdad, but they weren't as motivated as the Anah force.

"These guys motivate us and tell us this mission is possible," said Sherbina, who came to the United States in 1999 from Russia and became an American citizen after Sept, 11, 2001. "These guys are doing everything to take control of the situation."

The team's noncommissioned officer in charge, Sgt. Jon Morris of Salisbury, N.C., expanded on this statement. He said the Iraqi police leaders tell his team where they want to go on patrols. Morris said the Iraqi police haven't led any of these patrols or raids.

"They want their town cleaned up of the insurgency," he said. It is also apparent that trust between the transition team and the Iraqi police has grown.

"There is not a guy in the room right now that I wouldn't stand in front of or let stand behind me," Morris said.

Sherbina agreed: "I can risk my life for any of these guys."

The Iraqi police are very friendly toward their U.S. trainers, said Cpl. William Parker of Redwood Falls, Minn.

"They always want us to come over and hang out with them," he said.

Spc. Mark Belcourt of Hastings, Minn., said he “hangs out" with the Iraqi police frequently. The night after the patrol, he conversed with about 10 Iraqi police officers, talking about what any young soldier might discuss. At 19, he also is the youngest soldier in the company.

"I want to try and learn Arabic as much as possible," Belcourt said. His mother is a sergeant in the Minnesota Army National Guard's 34th Infantry Division. "The Iraqi police treat you with such respect."

Photo: U.S. Army Spc. Mark Belcourt of Hastings, Minn., Company B, 194th Combined Arms Battalion, talks with Iraqi police officers at their headquarters in Anah, Iraq. Belcourt is a member of a police transition team training the police. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Wood.