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Good News from Iraq, week ending July 26, 2008. Enjoy!

Pentagon: Surge a success by any measure

by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON (June 24, 2008) — The surge in Iraq has been a success by any measure, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said during a news conference June 23.

The policy, announced by President Bush in December 2006, pushed additional brigades in to Iraq to provide a security umbrella so the Iraqi military could build and the country’s government could grow.

The surge has allowed Iraq to make improvements from security, political and economic standpoints, Morrell said. The last of the five surge brigade combat teams recently left Iraq.

“By every metric that we measure violence in Iraq, there has been a dramatic improvement from where things were before the surge,” Morrell said. “I’ll just point to one, and that is [that] in July of last year, we had 79 U.S. [servicemembers killed in action] in Iraq. We have four thus far this month.”

The dramatic security gains have provided room for political and economic successes. “You name it, it is happening in Iraq,” Morrell said. “Do you want to talk about political gains? We’ve had basically all the major benchmark legislation passed.”

The Sunni bloc has returned to the government, 10 of 18 Iraqi provinces are under local control, and Najaf International Airport has reopened. “You see a $300 million luxury hotel opening up in the Green Zone [and] $50 million in refurbishment of the airport road,” Morrell said. “There’s economic investment, and there’s political progress. There’s increased security. All those things are undeniable, and they are attributable to the fact that we plussed up forces in there.”

There were, of course, other factors at work in the security improvement, Morrell said, but the surge and the change in U.S. counterinsurgency strategy made all else possible. The “Anbar Awakening” that allied formerly insurgent Sunni Muslims with the coalition and influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s cease-fire were other factors, he said, but he noted they didn’t happen independently of other events. Read MORE

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Coalition continues to disrupt al-Qaeda operations (Baghdad)

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
Press Release A080726a-261
Saturday, 26 July 2008

Excerpt

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained five wanted men and 15 additional suspected terrorists Saturday while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in central and northern Iraq.

During a precision operation in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted man who is reportedly part of a group that builds trigger components for bombs used in AQI attacks.

Another man in Baghdad allegedly tied to terrorist bombing and propaganda operations was captured, along with four additional suspects. The man is suspected of working with terrorist leaders who provide support to AQI.

South of Baghdad, Coalition forces detained a dozen suspects, including a wanted man, during continued operations against terrorist leaders around the capital. The wanted man is believed to be an AQI leader responsible for providing security for terrorist operations. Read MORE

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Water Treatment Plant Benefiting 20,000

Friday, 25 July 2008
By A. Al Bahrani
Gulf Region South district

Excerpt

BASRAH — Al-Zierji, a town located in northern Basrah Province, has fresh drinking water for the first time ever.

“This is one of seven USACE water projects in the province,” said James Hodges, chief construction representative with the Gulf Region Division’s Basrah Area Office. “The $1.2 million reverse-osmosis plant is providing potable water for more than 20,000 Iraqis. It was completed June 20 and is now fully operational, producing 200 cubic meters per hour.”

Salah Ali, chief of engineering with the Basrah General Directorate of Water, said he is very pleased with the opening of the new facility, located alongside the Shatt Al-Arab waterway. It is connected to the national power grid and also has its own generator, ensuring 24-hour continuous power.

“It means a healthier environment for the entire community,” he added.

According to James Mills, area engineer with the Basrah Area Office, “This project and other essential service projects we’re overseeing are important because they positively impact Iraqis every day. With proper maintenance, these facilities will enrich Iraqi lives for decades to come.” Read MORE

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AQl ‘Severely Disrupted’ in Babil Province

Friday, 25 July 2008
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON — Al-Qaida terrorists have been largely marginalized in Iraq’s Babil province, thanks to the joint efforts of Iraqi and U.S. security forces, as well as local “Sons of Iraq” citizen security groups, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said July 24.

“The organization related to al-Qaida is severely disrupted, … as well as the [extremist] militia” in Babil province,” Army Col. Tom James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, said during a satellite-carried news conference with Pentagon reporters.

“Overall, we are extremely optimistic about the security situation in Babil province, because of the professional actions of the Iraqi security forces and the population’s strong desire for peace and stability,” James said.

About 1.2 million people live in Babil province, located about 50 kilometers south of Baghdad, James said. Babil’s population is about 70 percent Shiia Muslim and 30 percent Sunni Muslim. Hillah is the provincial capital.

The improved security, he said, “will stimulate positive governance and economic growth for the future, and eventually will result in irreversible, sustainable security.”

James complimented his soldiers’ ability “to adapt rapidly to extremely complex situations,” and he also saluted Iraqi soldiers’ ability to adjust to conditions.

The last of the U.S.-provided surge forces recently departed Iraq, but improved Iraqi security forces are picking up the slack, James said. With the departure of the surge troops, “Iraqi security forces are at a [capability] level to be able to handle that,” he added. Read MORE

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Private Trucking Companies Form Transportation Network, Improve Economy
Friday, 25 July 2008

Excerpt

BAGHDAD — Recently, 62 tribes and 68 sheiks organized four private trucking companies, which together, is known as the Iraqi Transportation Network.

Taking the initiative, the sheiks approached the U.S. military with a proposition for the ITN to haul their cargo throughout Iraq, guaranteeing safe shipment and taking financial responsibility for any loss.

The sheiks chose people from their tribes to drive for the companies and the U.S. military conducted background checks. More than 100 drivers were chosen and 97 percent of them were approved.

The formation of the ITN is one of the first efforts in 30-40 years to build a private logistics company in the country. ITN moves low-value cargo for the U.S. forces to and from different forward operating bases in Iraq.

“For Iraq, this particular form of logistics network is a key enabler for the Iraqi economy, so we’re seeding it with military cargo to get this going,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ken Titcomb, the ITN action officer for Multi-National Forces – Iraq. “The goal is that after a couple of years, their revenue will come from commercial services, not military. Hopefully it will end up driving a lot of jobs, and it’ll be a factor for economic prosperity in Iraq.”

The ITN has successfully hauled different classes of supplies in Fallujah, Al Asad, TQ, Ramadi and Jordan.

Since the missions in that region have proven successful, they plan to expand their services to Multi-National Division – Center by September and to Multi-National Division - North by October. This will triple the size of their network in the next couple of months. Read MORE

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Engineers Rebuild Joint Security Site

By 2nd Lt. Janeene Yarber
926th Engineer Brigade

Excerpt

BAGHDAD, Iraq – An exhausted Soldier, tired from a long patrol on the hot streets of Baghdad, sits in a coffee shop on his base and takes in the pleasant surroundings. Afterwards, maybe he’ll make a trip to the barber or head to a vendor’s shop for local goods.

This isn’t a reality - just yet - for the joint security site located near the Sadr City district in Baghdad, but the vertical construction Soldiers of Company A, 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), are working hard to make it so. The 46th ECB (H) is assigned to the 926th Engineer Brigade serving with Multi-National Division-Baghdad.

“Our mission is to repair and improve the living accommodations for the Soldiers that work in this area,” said 2nd Lt. Michael Cirillo, of Baltimore, Md., Company A., 46th ECB (H) vertical construction officer-in-charge.

Cirillo is the team leader of the engineer crisis response team sent to rebuild the site after an attack on the JSS damaged several life support facilities and which left a mess of rubble and debris that took the engineers a couple days to cleanup. The team used their plumbing, carpentry and electrical skills to quickly make repairs and in many areas, improve the facilities. Read MORE

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Striker Soldiers Search for IRAM Facilities

By Sgt. Philip Klein
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office

Excerpt

JOINT SECURITY STATION UR, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers conducted a presence patrol in northwest Baghdad to disrupt the manufacturing of improvised-rocket assisted mortars and engaging the local population to provide humanitarian assistance and security July 21, 2008.

Soldiers with Company A, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, searched and cleared a warehouse facility adjacent to the Sadr City district of Baghdad looking for materials used in the construction of IRAMs.

An equally important aspect to this patrol was to continue to establish relations with the local community and assessing their needs and concerns.

“There are lots of displaced families in this area who fled the violence and oppression inflicted upon them by special group criminals in Sadr City,” said 1st Lt. Matthew George, a platoon leader for 1st CAB, 68th Armor Regiment.

George said that in addition to providing security for the people of this community, getting to know their needs and concerns are also crucial to achieving success in Iraq.

“These are very poor people and they have fled what was their home and, like us, all they want is a better life for themselves and their families, so we come out here to learn about them and provide what assistance we can,” said George, a native of Los Angeles. Read MORE

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Iraqi and Coalition Doctors Make a Difference

Posted on 07.25.2008
By Cpl. Ryan L. Tomlinson
Regimental Combat Team 5

Excerpt

AKASHAT, Iraq – Navy surgeons and corpsmen with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5 and 3rd Marine Air Wing (Forward) worked with Iraqi doctors to provide medical services here July 23–24, 2008.

“We wanted to provide these people with medical care that they aren’t able to get without traveling far away,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Heingarten, 34, a corpsman with Delta Company, 4th LAR Bn., 2nd LAR Bn., from Jacksonville, N.C. “It’s a blessing these people have needed for a long time, and we wanted to provide them with that.”

During the event, surgeons and corpsmen were assisted by Iraqi doctors to treat sicknesses ranging from measles to the flu. More than 200 citizens were seen during the event, and the Marines and sailors had candy and toys to hand out to the children.

“The doctors have done a great job treating the people of Akashat,” said Jalal Muhammad Kabole, 30, a resident of Akashat. “When they come here and bring medicine to serve to the people, it brings us another step toward becoming a better town. I thank them for all of their help.”

The town has also been safeguarded by the Iraqi police and Marines with Delta Company. Since arriving in theatre, Delta Co. has been able to assist the police department, keep the streets safe and ensure the citizens are living without health deficiencies. According to some service members, the operation is another step in making the town one of the safest in Iraq.

“It’s good for the people because we see how they are sick and hurt,” said Lance Cpl. Alex L. Crane, 19, a scout from Middletown, Md., with Delta Co. “It’s an opportunity for them to get care they normally can’t get. It was an honor to be a part of this project.”

There are plans to provide more towns with medical care. The doctors and corpsmen returned to their units and hospitals knowing they made a difference in the lives of the people. Read MORE

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Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers Uncover Multiple Caches in Baghdad Area

Courtesy Story
Posted on 07.25.2008

Excerpt

By the Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers uncovered multiple weapons caches July 24 while working to secure the Baghdad area.

At approximately 9 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division seized two AK-47s, four AK-47 magazines and 246 7.62 mm rounds in the East Rashid area of Baghdad.

Later, at approximately 11:30 a.m., acting on a tip from a local citizen, Soldiers with the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., found an improvised explosive device-making workshop. The cache included personal mobile radios, base stations, batteries, power sources, garage door openers, circuit boards, programmers, a cable, LCD screens, assorted tools, wire, plastic bags, a global positioning system device, assorted electrical components, miscellaneous documents, identification cards and propaganda tapes.

Sons of Iraq turned a cache into Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, consisting of three 57 mm rockets and a 106 mm recoilless rifle round in the Abu Grhiab area of Baghdad at approximately 1:45 p.m.

Shortly after, at approximately 2 p.m., 54th Brigade, 6th Iraq Army Division soldiers acted on a tip from a local citizen and seized a rocket propelled grenade, three RPG heads, six 60 mm mortar rounds, eight anti-tank mines, 10 grenades, three flares, 500 PKC machine gun rounds, detonation cord, a container of bolts and a license plate in the Mansour area of Baghdad. Read MORE

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Government of Iraq Renews Bridge of Ruins

Posted on 07.25.2008
By Pfc. Lyndsey R. Dransfield
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

Excerpt

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Engineers with 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, journeyed to the Grand Canal Bridge in Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad July 22, 2008, to monitor repair progress.

The bridge which spans a portion of the Grand Canal and is one of the key crossing along the main highway, west of the Tigris River was damaged by two terrorist attacks last year.

The first attack happened May 11, 2007, when a terrorist drove a vehicle-born improvised explosive device onto the middle of the southbound lane. When it detonated, it left a massive hole in the middle of the lane. The second attack occurred August 14, 2007. Another VBIED was detonated in the northbound lane, sending a large span of the bridge plummeting into the water below.

Although temporary fixes were made, the damage caused other side effects such as increased traffic and severe corrosion to the river banks.

A local Iraqi construction company, Rownaq al Mas, was contracted by the government of Iraq to rebuild both lanes of the bridge and remove fallen debris from the canal below.

“What is most significant about this project is that the Iraqis are doing this completely on their own,” said Capt. Mark Gillman, a native of Las Vegas, and assistant engineer, 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., “The bridge is funded by the Iraqi government, a local company is doing all of the work, and the Iraqi army is here for security.”

The project is separated into two phases; each phase is scheduled for completion in three months. During the first phase the contractors are working to repair the hole in the northbound lane and break down the fallen span to remove it from the canal piece by piece. Read MORE

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Why Teaching, Coaching, Mentoring Is More Critical Now Than Ever Before

Posted on 07.25.2008
By Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia
Multi-National Division-Baghdad

Excerpt

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - Most senior non-commissioned officers in our Army had the benefit of being raised during the Cold War. The reason I say ‘benefit’ is due in large part of the opportunity they had to learn how to care for and counsel Soldiers through institutional knowledge and day-to-day experiences in a garrison environment.

The time was available because we weren’t deploying back-to-back rotations. There were a number of opportunities that presented themselves in the form of training, courses and a longer NCO Education System.

In retrospect, almost all the sergeants in our formation today came into the Army after Sept. 11, 2001. They’re institutional knowledge and experience is limited to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operations Enduring Freedom 1, 2, 3, 4 etc…

The only NCO education they have received thus far may have been two weeks of the Warrior Leader Course.

It takes time to generate confident and skilled NCOs. They do not just suddenly appear. Rather, they are developed over time through a carefully designed progression.

So you can plainly see, now more than ever, senior NCOs must commit to teaching, coaching and mentoring to fill the gap of what is missing in our junior NCOs. Empowerment of the junior NCO is critical; NCO induction ceremonies lend themselves as a great tool in laying the foundation of empowerment.

Mentoring is about one-on-one, face-to-face counseling, focused on preparing junior NCOs for increased responsibility. A successful mentor can significantly influence character and values while guiding Soldiers through the fundamentals of basic leadership.

Mentoring requires leaders to look for and take advantage of teaching and coaching moments; opportunities to use routine tasks to build skills and confidence in subordinates. Mentoring should not be limited to formal sessions; every event should be considered a mentoring opportunity. When done correctly, this takes time and our junior NCOs are worth the investment. Read MORE

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ISF, MND-B Soldiers Continue to Keep Baghdad Safe

Courtesy Story
Posted on 07.24.2008

Excerpt
By the Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs Office

BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continue their efforts to secure the Baghdad area and uncovered weapons caches, July 23.

At approximately 9 a.m., Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 14th Iraq Army Division, seized eight 120 mm mortars and 12 60 mm mortar rounds north of Baghdad.

Later, police officers with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, found an explosively-formed penetrators, a bag of TNT explosive material and a hand grenade, at approximately 3 p.m., in the West Rashid area of Baghdad.

In a separate incident, a local citizen turned in a cache to Soldiers serving with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, consisting of 17 rocket sections, 232 fuses, a mortar bipod, two improvised rocket launchers, a 57 mm rocket inside each improvised rocket launcher and a 81 mm rocket war head at approximately 3:30 p.m., north of Baghdad.

Later, Soldiers with 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., found two Russian 105 mm heat rounds, a 130 mm Russian heat round, two 120 mm heat rounds and four 106 mm 75 Chinese heat rounds north of Baghdad at approximately 4 p.m.

At approximately 5 p.m., Soldiers with 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, seized two PG-7M rockets, a machine gun, a 105 mm mortar, a signal flare, three Iraqi hand grenades, two 82 mm mortars and five pounds of sulfur power in the New Baghdad area of Baghdad.

Soldiers with 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., received a cache turned in by a local citizen consisting of three 82 mm mortars, a 70 mm PG-7 rocket and a 130 mm projectile with the detonation cord in the fuse well at approximately 7:45 p.m., north of Baghdad. Read MORE

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Oil Refinery Fuels Al Anbar Forward

Posted on 07.23.2008
By Lance Cpl. Paul M. Torres
Regimental Combat Team 5

Excerpt

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – As the doors of the K3 Oil Refinery open, so does the future of the Iraqi people.

Members of the Al Anbar government gathered to celebrate the Haditha oil refinery’s resumption of production for the first time in three years July 18. Ministers, city officials and military generals also gathered to recognize the significance of the oil refinery to Al Anbar province and all of Iraq.

“The opening of the Haditha oil refinery is a huge step towards self reliance for the people of the Al Anbar province,” said Navy Lt. Eric I. Palmer, 35, the officer in charge with Detachment 1, Civil Affairs Team 6, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5.

Operating at maximum efficiency, the refinery will be able to process 16,000 barrels of oil per day. The refinery will employ more than 1,500 workers.

“The ability to get the crude oil from up north, bring it down here, refine it and then have the distribution system that will take it through Al Anbar [province] is absolutely a critical piece to keeping the Al Anbar economy moving forward,” said Brig. Gen. Martin Post, deputy commanding general, Multi-National Force – West.

Making the refinery operational was not an easy process, but members of CA Team 6 aided the Iraqis as they helped them repair the refinery.

“The Iraqis had no ability to bring crude here because the pipelines had been destroyed by people stealing oil to sell on the black market,” said Palmer. “We came up with a plan to offload the crude oil from trains instead of depending on the broken pipeline.”

There were other repairs needed before the refinery could operate properly.

“We did a joint project with the local government to buy the oil pumps and generators for the off-loading dock for the train,” said Palmer. “We also helped them renovate the truck-loading rack where trucks come in to ship the refined product out.” Read MORE

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IA Soldiers Learn to Care for Their Own

Posted on 07.22.2008
By Cpl. Dustin Weidman
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

Excerpt

BAGHDAD – Cries of help, from soldiers of the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division broke the silence of a training exercise at Camp Constitution, northwest of Baghdad, July 16.

The cries came from the “casualties” who were a part of a final exam for 31 Iraqi soldiers. Medics, from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, “Gimlets,” and the 225th Brigade Support Battalion, both from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad conducted a three-day Combat Lifesavers Course in which they observed the 24th Bde. medics teach their own soldiers the basics of CLS.

“Our intent was to have the Iraqi medics train the Iraqi soldiers in order to start the establishment of a permanent, sustainable medical training product,” said Maj. Jason Davis, native of Killen, Texas, and Gimlet battalion surgeon. “The CLS course is the exact type of training which will help the Iraqi soldiers save lives on the battlefield.”

The three-day course, began with the basics; how to stop a wound with massive bleeding and to assess casualties. Each student conducted hands-on training on how to apply tourniquets and pressure dressing.

“The class went fantastic,” said Capt. Jody Brown, a native of Kingston, N. H., and registered nurse assigned to 225th BSB. “The motivation and drive seen in these young Iraqi soldiers was impressive. Their ability to learn the fundamentals needed to save lives on the battlefield was clearly exuded. The Iraqi medics showed an abundance of knowledge and competence necessary to train these soldiers – the key to a highly successful training event.”

The last day of the training was the final exam for these soldiers as well as the Iraqi medics who trained them. The final exam consisted of a simulated improvised explosive device strike on an Iraqi army truck with multiple casualties varying in severity.

Each group relied on their training and properly assessed and cared for each casualty with minimal help from the instructors. Read MORE

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Government, security improvements lead to drop in violence

by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON (July 23, 2008) – As violence levels maintain a steady decrease across Iraq, coalition forces and the Iraqi government are able to focus their efforts on reconstruction and civil issues, a senior Coalition military official in Iraq said Wednesday.

Iraqi forces are improved, and the government continues to develop and progress, Army Brig. Gen. David Perkins, a Multi-National Force - Iraq spokesman, said in a news briefing from Baghdad.

“Government, security and economic institutions continue to surge forward” throughout Iraq even as the last of the initial five surge brigades – 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team – left Iraq this week, Perkins said.

Military officials credit the past year’s five-brigade troop surge as the foundation for the country’s recent progress, the general said, but that wasn’t the only surge that took place.

“The coalition surge was one of many surges that have come to produce programs and progress across Iraq,” Perkins said. “The coalition surge has been accompanied by a surge in Iraqi security forces, a surge of support by the Iraqi people, a surge in political and governance progress and a surge in the revitalization of the economic sector.”

With violence throughout the country at its lowest levels in four years, the Iraqi council of representatives has approved 20 major legislative measures, ranging from accountability and justice laws to the Ministry of Interior penal code. Also, the improved security has facilitated meeting high demands of electricity, water and residential reconstruction in Baghdad, he said.

Throughout the past year, electricity production has increased 13 percent and oil production has increased 25 percent a day, the general said. Iraqi government agencies have granted loans to 18,000 small and medium businesses. Read MORE

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Compassion and Skill: the Art of Saving Lives

Posted on 07.25.2008
By Spc. George Welcome
101st Combat Aviation Brigade

Excerpt

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — Every morning, the Soldiers of 1st Platoon, C Company, 6-101 Aviation Regiment make their way across a scorching flight line to the platoon’s three UH-60 Black Hawks.

Pilots, crew chiefs and medics all take part in the ritual checks to make sure medical equipment is prepared, perform pre-flight inspections and power up the helicopters.

As the medical platoon attached to Task Force Out Front, they are responsible for conducting medical-evacuation missions at a moment’s notice.

“The platoon’s primary mission is to provide continuous first-up and second-up [medical evacuation] support for the entire [Nuristan, Nangahar, Konar and Laghman] regionws of Afghanistan,” said Capt. Ben Seipel, 1st Platoon leader. “Twenty-four hours a day and 365 days a year, we have two ships available to pick up urgent and urgent surgical patients. We also pick up casualties on the battlefield or Afghan civilians.”

The moments between calls are filled with a quiet anxiety because the crews can never completely let their guard down. Waiting becomes a constant in the life of MEDEVAC Soldiers. It’s a peculiar situation to be in – none of the Soldiers wants anything bad to happen, but at the same time, doing the job is the only real way to stop the waiting. To pass the time between missions some of the Soldiers take correspondence college courses.

When a call comes, the Soldiers race to their aircraft, get their gear on and are ready for takeoff within minutes. This is critical, every minute counts when life hangs in the balance.

“Our average response time [from receiving a mission to wheels up] is down to about 12 minutes, which is a significant reduction from the previous unit that was here,” said Seipel. “Our goal is to never be the weakest link. I never want the process to be waiting on us to get ready for takeoff; our goal is to be ready and waiting for launch authority.”

Expecting the unexpected is critical to being able to operate in an environment where hardly anything is routine. Soldiers don’t know what time a call will come and the medical report they receive prior to take off doesn’t always provide a full view of what they will face. Read MORE

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Jawzak: the Road to Clearing Out Insurgents

Posted on 07.21.2008
By Pvt. Tamara Gabbard
382nd Public Affairs Detachment

Excerpt

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – As the fight for a better Afghanistan becomes more vivid to the world, coalition forces try to push the enemy further toward extinction by creating missions to better life the lives of Afghan nationals.

One particular section of Afghanistan has become a safe haven for the enemy. Jowzak is located near Kabul in the Kohi Safi District of Afghanistan, which is surrounded by water and mountains.

The Afghan national army with the help of the Kapisa and Parwan provincial reconstruction teams here are preparing to build a road to Jawzak, which will ease ANA and coalition access to the area.

“Influencing these people is very important,” said Army Capt. Steve H. Kaiser, the Bagram and Kohe Safi Civil Affairs leader here. “We want [the Afghan nationals] to see that the Afghan national army and coalition forces are working together to help them and we will do this by being a constant presence in these areas.” Read MORE

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