AllMilitary.com

Once again I am offering a good news inoculation to cure you of the defeatist disease perpetuated by the main stream media. Take a peek at the good news pouring in from Iraq. Stability, economic growth, peace, citizen participation, patriotism, and vital industry being built may sound like success to the average person, but to the likes of Reid, Pelosi, et. al, it means defeat. Go figure!

Combat Medicine at Its Finest
Friday, 29 August 2008
By Dr. (Capt.) Joseph May
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

Excerpt

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — During a recent air assault operation in the Diyala province, the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division medical team once again demonstrated its excellence.

The group, which consisted of one physician, three physician assistants, one mental health provider, a preventive medicine officer and numerous skilled combat medics, delivered seamless and exceptional medical care, despite harsh conditions.

Several of the team members flew by helicopter, carrying everything needed to set up a rapid aid station with them. A rapid aid station is able to provide immediate treatment for any injuries sustained during the early phase of an operation.

The remaining members of the medical team moved by ground convoy bringing with them the infrastructure required to establish a robust treatment facility in the middle of an isolated desert. The facility included X-ray capabilities, a limited lab, routine and sick call care and trauma and critical care resuscitation. Read More
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Home safe: 3rd Marine Division troops recall Iraq tour, look ahead to life
By Cindy Fisher, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, August 31, 2008

Excerpt

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa—About 75 troops from the 3rd Marine Division returned Friday morning from a seven-month deployment to Iraq.

The Marines and sailors, mostly from the division’s Combat Assault Battalion based at Camp Schwab, were deployed to Anbar province in support of the division’s Hawaii-based 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.

The returning troops departed Okinawa in October for pre-deployment training at Twentynine Palms, Calif., and arrived in Iraq in February.

For the battalion’s engineers, the deployment focused on force protection — from building barriers and monitoring traffic control points to working with the Iraqi army, said Staff Sgt. James Peebles.

The engineer company also helped the Iraqi army build two medical clinics. “It showed they were taking control of their country and progressing forward,” Peebles said. Read More
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‘Sons of Iraq’ evolving into new roles
By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Saturday, August 30, 2008

Excerpt

BAGHDAD — Above the desk of Nadder Ali Muhammad Al-Jabouri hangs an old but still imposing Iranian rifle, used in fighting years ago. On the desk of the head of the As’ia neighborhood’s “Sons of Iraq” chapter sits plans for renovating the community’s Christian church, contracts for building a new civic center, and new vehicle registration stickers for his men to hand out.

The projects and paperwork are part of U.S. efforts in Baghdad’s Rashid District to shift the “Sons of Iraq” from a paramilitary force to other community functions. While U.S. officials acknowledge the largely Sunni force has been critical in stabilizing many sections of the city, they also note that eventually the groups will have to integrate into the national government or disappear for the neighborhoods to return to normal.

And with a push by the Shiite-led central government to disband the groups, the U.S. effort is gaining more urgency.

Capt. Todd Poindexter, head of 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry’s Troop A, said the SOI traffic checkpoints throughout this neighborhood have already begun linking their efforts with official Iraqi security forces checkpoints, with the long-term goal of phasing out the makeshift stands. Read More
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Security Gains Set Stage for Economic Progress in Iraq
By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2008 – Improvements in the security situation south of Baghdad have enabled economic and political progress, and the continued development of the Iraqi security forces will advance those gains, a U.S. commander said yesterday.

Progress across those multiple fronts is interconnected, Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, deputy commanding general for operations for Multinational Division Center, explained during a call with military bloggers.

“If this were an organism, it would be a symbiotic effect that we have through these different factors operating in concert with each other to achieve an overall more positive effect,” Buchanan said.

The general said that in his area of operations, south of Baghdad, his troops are charged with six primary objectives: securing the Iraqi population, defeating violent extremist networks, disrupting lethal aid from Iran, professionalizing the Iraqi security forces, transferring security responsibilities to the Iraqis, and enabling governance and economic development.

Of those missions, Buchanan pointed to the “professionalization and development of the various Iraqi security forces” as the decisive effort in turning the conflict in Iraq’s favor. Those forces include the army, the National Police, the Department of Border Enforcement and the Iraqi Police Service.

“We operate by, with and through the Iraqi forces throughout our [operating environment],” Buchanan said. “And so it is not us — the coalition forces — securing the Iraqi population; it’s the coalition forces, in partnership with the Iraqis, securing the Iraqi population.” Read More
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Apache Squadron Aids Iraqi Security Progress
By Army Sgt. Dale Sweetnam
Special to American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

BAGHDAD, Aug. 29, 2008 – The view from the sky indicates the tide in Iraq may be turning.

In Camp Taji, 4-3rd ACR was involved in an intense battle for Sadr City. The soldiers fought daily, to defeat Iranian-backed “special groups” in Baghdad’s Sadr City district and to eliminate the indirect-fire threat to Baghdad.

“Obviously, during that time frame, the fight in Sadr City was a very kinetic fight,” Frawley said.

The unit moved to Camp Striker and Multinational Division Center, where its AH-64D Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk pilots are experiencing a different pace. In its new home, the squadron is part of Task Force 49, Multinational Division Center Combat Aviation Brigade.

Frawley said threats from roadside bombs and direct and indirect fire are fewer in Multinational Division Center than what the squadron experienced in Sadr City. The aircraft that once fought constantly in a small geographic region now are responsible for a much larger area; they support ground forces by providing surveillance and reconnaissance.

“With the threat of these areas being lower and the ground guys focusing more on nonlethal operations, we, of course, conduct fewer lethal operations as well,” he said. “If you look at the big picture, the less we have to shoot and destroy targets or kill insurgents indicates that we are getting closer to mission success in Iraq.”

Frawley said the changing operational tempo in Multinational Division Center also has allowed the squadron to catch up on maintenance and give the pilots a break.

“The changing nature of our attack and reconnaissance missions reflects a greater level of security among the people, a demonstrated capability of the Iraqi police and army, and a general improvement in the daily lives of the population,” Army Col. Chandler C. Sherrell, Task Force 49 commander, said. “This would not be possible without the continued efforts of our ground partners to transition security to the Iraqis and aid in the economic development of their areas. These positive trends have allowed us to provide a greater degree of overwatch and a reduced level of direct action.” Read More
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Foundation-Stone Ceremony Celebrates Farmers Market Project
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis
Special to American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq, Aug. 26, 2008 – Sealing off a cornerstone time capsule marked a new beginning for the farmers in the northern portion of Iraq’s Babil province.

Sealed in the time capsule was an official document with the signatures of about 15 key individuals who helped to develop the vision of the farmers market, which is scheduled to be built by the end of the year.

“We are happy today to officially corner a stone in this project,” Sheik Kudair Ulawi al-Jubori, chairman of the Central Euphrates Farmers Market and Agricultural Center Management Board, said. “This idea came up, and it has expanded over time, and we are hoping this market will be a great project and meet the needs of the people.”

The vision for the $2.8 million market is to provide a central location for farmers in the area to sell their produce.

“More than 10,000 farmers live in this area, but today, much of this area’s once-fertile farmland lies unplanted and idle,” Army Col. Thomas James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, said. “There are several reasons for this: a lack of electricity and water, poor drainage, inadequate fertilizing and years of warfare.”

The leaders of the agriculture associations in Jiff Jaffa, Haq, Muelha and Diyarah visited coalition forces and members of the embedded provincial reconstruction team based here in 2007, when security was still an issue, to discuss the farmers market project.

“They laid out their own reasons why a new farmers market needed to be built in this area,” James said. “At that time, the agricultural association leaders were simply looking for a place closer to home where they could come together under the protection of Iraqi security forces to sell their produce.” Read More
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Terrorists with Suicide Vests Killed, Cell Leader Detained
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2008 – Coalition forces killed three terrorists - two of whom were wearing suicide vests - and detained six suspects, including an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq leader, during operations in Iraq’s Diyala province today, military officials reported.

Coalition forces targeted regional terrorist leaders near Jalula, about 125 kilometers northeast of Baghdad. When forces arrived, several men ran from the target building and hid in nearby fields. Coalition forces repeatedly called out for the men to surrender and fired warning shots, but they refused to comply. Coalition forces found bomb-making materials and weapons in the target building, perceived hostile intent from the men and engaged them.

Two terrorists were killed in the engagement. One man who survived the engagement detonated his own suicide vest as coalition forces approached, killing only himself. One dead terrorist also was wearing a suicide vest that did not detonate, while the other was armed and wearing a military-style assault vest and ammunition. Coalition forces called for supporting aircraft, which destroyed the explosives in the target building and the suicide vest.

Also in Diyala, coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaida leader who, according to detainees already in custody, is responsible for bombing attacks and assassinations in the Hawijah area. Five additional suspected terrorists were detained in the operation near Tuz Khurmartu, about 70 kilometers south of Kirkuk.

In other operations, coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists while targeting al-Qaida in Iraq operatives around two of the country’s major cities yesterday and today.

During a precision operation in Baghdad today, coalition forces captured a man who reportedly is involved in a network that brings foreigners into Iraq to conduct attacks against civilians. Intelligence reports indicate the man conspires to forge documents for the terrorist network, officials said. Read More
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Rejuvenated Iraqi National Police Now ‘Force of Choice,’ General Says
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2008 – The Iraqi National Police once owned an unenviable reputation for unreliability, but that has all changed, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said today.

“The National Police, a force that had an unacceptable reputation and performance less than 15 months ago, is now the Iraq police force of choice,” Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick told reporters at a Baghdad news conference. Helmick commands Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, which, through its NATO component, trains Iraqi police and soldiers.

The National Police, once considered a corrupt, inefficient organization tainted by ethnic, religious and sectarian politics, has been remade into a “professional, competent and reliable police force,” Helmick said. Today’s National Police force, Helmick told reporters, is no longer an ethnic, religious or sectarian organization.

“It is a security force composed of Iraqis for Iraqis,” Helmick said, noting the Iraqi Interior Ministry has hired and trained more than 70,000 new police officers since June 2007. Thousands of other Iraqi police already on the beat, he added, have benefited from increased training.

The overhaul of the National Police force “is illustrative of the commitment made by the government of Iraq to provide security and stability to their citizens,” Helmick said. Read More
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Coalition Forces in Iraq Detain Nine Suspects, Find IED
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2008 – Coalition forces in Iraq detained nine suspected terrorists, including two alleged al-Qaida in Iraq leaders, and found an improvised explosive device during operations in Baghdad and the Hamrin Mountains region of Diyala province today, military officials reported.

A suspected terrorist leader who reportedly just returned to Iraq after trying to escape arrest during a trip to Syria was captured in Baghdad. The man is believed to be a regional al-Qaida in Iraq leader who orchestrates assassinations of Iraqis and allegedly moves foreign terrorists into Iraq to conduct attacks, officials said.

Information from a July 29 operation led coalition forces to Sadiyah, where they captured an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq leader suspected of directing attacks in the Hamrin Mountains region. Three additional suspects were detained in the operation.

Near Qara Tappa, coalition forces detained four suspects while targeting another al-Qaida leader who reportedly operates a kidnapping cell in the Hamrins and supplies terrorist cells with weapons and ammunition.

Early this morning, Mulinational Division Baghdad soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division’s Troop A, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, contacted a coalition explosives ordnance disposal team to diffuse a possible IED in a house in the Hadar community of southern Baghdad.

In operations yesterday:

– Coalition forces captured a suspected senior Iranian-backed “special groups” leader during an operation at Baghdad International Airport. Intelligence sources report that the captured man is part of the most senior social and operational circles of special groups. Most notably, he is believed to be responsible for the planning of the June 24 bombing of the Sadr City District Advisory Council meeting, where six Iraqis, two U.S. State Department employees and two U.S. servicemembers were killed. Ten other Iraqis were wounded in the blast. The man has been known to travel in and out of Iraq to neighboring nations including Iran and Lebanon, officials said. To maintain the safety and security of the passengers and patrons of the airport, coalition forces waited for the wanted man’s plane to land, and in cooperation with airport authorities, detained the man without incident.

– Members of the “Sons of Iraq” citizen security group reported finding two grenades, two grenade fuses, 19 blasting caps, 30 AK-47 assault rifle magazines and a pound of propellant in the Shurta community of southern Baghdad’s Rashid district. The Iraqis contacted soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division’s Company E, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, who took responsibility for the site.

– Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers captured a weapons cache in the Abu Tshir community of southern Baghdad’s Rashid district. Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division’s Troop C, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, seized 10 60 mm mortar rounds, 10 mortar fuses and two 80 mm mortar rounds.

– Soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division’s Troop B, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, discovered a pipe bomb, three bombs made from fire extinguishers and an undisclosed amount of homemade explosives in an abandoned house in the Abu Tshir community. The soldiers contacted a coalition forces explosives disposal unit, which confiscated the munitions. Upon further investigation, the soldiers also discovered a can rigged with detonation cord.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.) Source Link
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Air Traffic Controllers Keep Skies Safe for Coalition Forces Aircraft
Posted on 08.29.2008 at 02:07PM
By Sgt. Jason Dangel
Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division

Excerpt

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The U.S. Army is sometimes described as a large jigsaw puzzle –all the pieces have a place in the accomplishment of the overall mission, and if a piece is missing, the picture or mission cannot be completed.

The air traffic control mission at Camp Taji, performed by the Soldiers of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, encompasses not just one but many pieces of the aviation mission for MND-B.

“This is one of the busiest airfields in Iraq,” said Sgt. 1st Class Derrick Brown, who hails from Kingstree, S.C., and serves as the senior enlisted supervisor for air traffic controller operations at Camp Taji. “We control all aircraft that fly within five nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet in the air. Our job is to put the aircraft on the ground safely.”

Unlike the other service branches of the military, which have service members working a wide array of specialties, who complete the air traffic control mission, the Army has a sole military occupation specialty responsible for providing those services. These Soldiers must coordinate all movements in their airspace to include both fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft. Read More
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Falafel King Provides Soldiers Taste of Iraq at COP Apache
Posted on 08.29.2008 at 12:42PM
By Sgt. Philip Klein
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Excerpt

COMBAT OUTPOST APACHE, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers operating out of Combat Outpost Apache now have another choice for meals in addition to the dining facility: the Falafel King.

Ronnie, an Iraqi citizen who operates the small stand outside of the gym at this base in northern Baghdad, got the idea after being approached by Soldiers interested in eating Iraqi food.

“They would always ask me, or other Iraqis working here, if they would go out to the city and buy food to prepare traditional Iraqi meals,” said Ronnie. “My uncle is a translator, so we contacted a few people to see what kind of set up we would need, what equipment and things like that, and we got started.”

Ronnie, who runs the stand with his cousin, Kirk, serves basic staples of Iraqi food, like falafels and kabobs, but has also expanded their menu to include American favorites, such as cheeseburgers and french fries.

“Business is good; we have been set up since, Aug. 11, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, since we are always here, we also feed Soldiers when they come back from a mission and might have missed meal time. Instead of eating a Meal Ready to Eat, we will cook up something for them,” said Ronnie. Read More
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4th Inf. Div. Town Hall Focuses on Families, Back to School
Posted on 08.29.2008 at 11:28AM
By Sgt. Jason Thompson
Multi-National Division - Baghdad

Excerpt

BAGHDAD – The dictionary defines the term family as “a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation.” The 4th Infantry Division, however, defines family as the bedrock of the Ironhorse foundation.

Family was the primary focus for the 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division – Baghdad senior leaders as Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, the commanding general of the 4th Inf.. Div. and MND-B, met with families during a town hall meeting, Aug. 28, 2008, with the Ironhorse Division’s families back home at Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Carson, Colo., via live satellite feed from Camp Liberty, Baghdad.

More specifically, the town hall highlighted those family members who recently returned back to school and provided an opportunity to thank the spouses and family members back home who are providing the loving care to the children as they return to their scholastic adventures.

The Town Hall also served as an opportunity for the division to pay special tribute to the high school seniors who are entering their final year before graduation as several of the division’s guest speakers provided words of encouragement for those entering such a decisive period of their lives.

Hammond opened up the meeting by introducing Maj. Lance Hamilton, a lawyer with the division’s Staff Judge Advocate office, to the gathered families at Forts Hood and Carson. Read More
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Why I Serve – Iron Eagle Air Traffic Controller Keeps Airfield Safe
Posted on 08.29.2008 at 10:39AM
By Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt
Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division

Excerpt

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – For one Iron Eagle Soldier, the decision to serve her country was never if it would happen only when.

“Since I was 15, my mom started giving me the idea of serving in the military. She is real pro-military,” said Spc. Radha Bhramdat, air traffic controller, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Avn. Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad from New York City.

“Then, when I was a freshmen in high school, 9/11 happened and the event had a big impact on me,” she said. “I lived very close to where it happened, so joining the military was inevitable for me.”

Bhramdat begin her Army career by serving in the New York and then North Carolina National Guard. After four years of serving in the Guard, Bhramdat made the move to active duty.

Currently, she is serving in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bhramdat spends her days coordinating aircraft movement from the Camp Taji Air Traffic Control Tower just north of Baghdad.

“I’ve been doing this for about two months and this job is more than I expected,” she said as she constantly looks at the airfield and then to the sky. “Once you get an aircraft [on the radar] you start communicating with them and then you tell them where you want them to land. It is a lot to worry about with all the other aircraft in the area.”

Bhramdat works in a company of more than 40 air traffic controllers who are responsible for safely orchestrating the take-offs and landings of all types of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Soldiers from the company are spread out in different locations throughout the country supporting the Multi-National Corps – Iraq mission. Read More
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Anbar handover could free Marines for Afghanistan missions, general says
by Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Excerpt

WASHINGTON (August 27, 2008) – Iraq’s once-deadly Anbar province could within the next few days become the 11th province to be turned over to Iraqi control, paving the way for a reduced U.S. Marine Corps presence there, the Marine Corps commandant said today.

Gen. James T. Conway told Pentagon reporters the marked drop in violence in Anbar sets the stage for a drawdown of Marine forces that could be freed up for duty in Afghanistan, if needed.

“The change in the al-Anbar province is real and perceptible,” with attacks at an all-time daily low of two to three, Conway said. He cited assessments by Marine Maj. Gen. John Kelly, commander of Multinational Force West, that a reduced U.S. force in the region could keep violence in check.

“Anbar remains a dangerous place, but the ever-growing ability of the Iraqi security forces continues to move us closer to seeing Iraqi control of the province,” he said. Once believed to be “the last [Iraqi province] to turn for the better,” he added, it is expected to return to Iraqi control “in just a few days.”

Conway noted that signs of construction and rebuilding – not violence – were ever-present during his drive through the Anbar cities of Fallujah and Ramadi earlier this summer. Read More
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Pacesetters offer microgrants, security while patrolling streets of Sha’ab
by Zach Mott
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div

Excerpt

BAGHDAD, Iraq (August 26, 2008) – He sees a lot of potential in northern Baghdad. During a routine patrol around the area, he points to several areas that need improvements – a park here, a new store sign there; even Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq) checkpoints are on his radar for upgrading.

“(We’re) showing the people that we care about them, and we care about the future and trying to put money into the environment – treating them with dignity and respect – trying to get them out of their homes into a safe, secure environment so they feel comfortable with us,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Maynard, a native of Mitchell, S.D. “Once we do that, they can start living normal lives.”

As the patrol drove around the Sha’ab neighborhood that surrounds Forward Operating Base Callahan, Maynard pointed to the areas that he sees room for improvement as well as those that have improved in his three weeks here.

In the eight months prior to arriving at FOB Callahan, Maynard and the other members of the Pacesetters, a unit of the 4th Infantry Division stationed in Iraq, were responsible for entry control points in Baghdad’s International Zone.

After an abbreviated relief-in-place of the counter improvised-rocket assisted mortar patrol mission from the Scout/Sniper Platoon of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Maynard and his Soldiers hit the ground running – and with microgrant applications in hand. Read More
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Iraqis Put Proud Face on Budding Businesses at Joint Base Balad
Friday, 29 August 2008
By Staff Sgt. Les Newport
76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Excerpt

JOINT BASE BALAD — In a region where many men are often judged on their ability to thwart progress, he is counted among a growing number that can make things happen. And he has been making good things happen for his fellow countrymen since long before coalition forces arrived six years ago.

His name is Hashim Abd Al-Amir Mahdi and he is an Iraqi business leader who has been able to sustain long-term contracts with Coalition forces and provide valuable jobs for local nationals. Hashim recently took yet another step in his long journey to help restore normalcy to the land between the rivers.

Hashim hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new container repair facility at Joint Base Balad, marking the most recent and largest contract his business, the Miran Company, has negotiated with Coalition forces.

According to Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Crabtree, the contract has the potential for saving the US government more than one million dollars a year. Read More
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Schools Open for Children in She Shon
Thursday, 28 August 2008
By Pfc. Michael Schuch
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

Excerpt

COMBAT OUTPOST CASCHE SOUTH — A kindergarten and primary school opened in the She Shon area during ribbon-cutting ceremonies Aug. 21.

Soldiers from the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion helped local contractors renovate two schools in She Shon to ensure the children of the area have the opportunity to receive a formal education.

“We are very thankful this project is now complete,” said Fatema Rhady, the headmistress of the kindergarten. “I hope that this will show Iraqi contractors that here, just like in America, they shouldn’t be scared of anything by helping us. We are all just trying to help the children.”

Participants cut the kindergarten’s ribbon first, marking the school’s opening and ability to begin classes in September. Children in the area received cookies, a special treat in celebration of the momentous day.

The school repairs took six weeks to complete. A local Iraqi contractor hired skilled citizens from surrounding towns to perform the work. This helped create jobs and increase the flow of money for the small urban village.

The school received new doors, windows, paint and remodeled bathrooms. The school boasts the only playground in the area, in addition to the numerous classrooms.

The children are put through two classes: a starter class, which introduces them to the educational system in slow, smooth steps, and a preparatory class, which ensures children are ready to move on to the grade school that follows. Read More
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Members of Successful Security Program Take Steps to Join Police
Monday, 25 August 2008
By Sgt. Philip Klein
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Excerpt

FORWARD OPERATION BASE WAR EAGLE — Members of the successful Sons of Iraq security program began the transition from neighborhood guardians to full fledged members of the Iraqi Security Forces at Forward Operating Base War Eagle, Aug. 22.

The screening process took place at War Eagle where Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers facilitated the transition of Iraqi citizens to the Iraqi National Police by evaluating applicants and job packets for the would-be members.

The screening process consisted of the applicants taking a test to determine suitability, a physical fitness test, identification verification and medical screening.

“Once we assemble the packets they are sent through Iraqi channels to be vetted, if they are approved and deemed appropriate candidates, the applicants will receive a class date and will attend the Iraqi Police Academy for approximately four weeks,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, a squad leader with the 300th MPs. Read More
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Marines, Law Enforcement Professional Work Together to Prosecute Criminals
Friday, 29 August 2008
By Cpl. Erik Villagran
Regimental Combat Team 5

Excerpt

HIT — Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 and the battalion’s law enforcement professional is working closely to prosecute criminals in Iraq.

Roger Parrino, the battalion’s LEP, serves as the criminal investigator for the battalion and uses his background in law enforcement to assist Coalition forces. His 21 years in the New York Police Department helped him prepare for the job. He retired as the commanding officer of the Manhattan North Homicide Squad.

Prior to the battalion’s combat deployment, Parrino joined the unit in September 2007 and assisted the Marines by giving classes on sensitive-site exploitation, tactical questioning, rule of law, detainee handling and patrol observations. He has continued to advise Marines during their combat deployment.

“When we take the LEP out, he teaches us questioning techniques and how to read people’s body language to see if they’re being forthright,” said Sgt. Jhttp://www.kneedeepinthehooah.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=1136&message=4ay J. Richardson, a section leader with 3rd Bn., 4th Marines.

He has spent the deployment assisting 3rd Bn., 4th Marines by questioning Iraqi locals about shootings in town, building evidence against insurgents and appearing in Iraqi courts to testify. He’s also been mentoring the National Intelligence and Investigation Agency, which is similar to the FBI. Read More
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Colonel Credits Predecessor, Iraqi Forces for Improvements
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2008 – Coalition forces in the Madain community south of Baghdad are shifting their efforts from predominantly offensive operations to improving central services and further developing the local government, a military official posted in Iraq said today.

“Progress in Madain is absolutely phenomenal,” Army Col. Pat White, commander of the 1st Armored Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, known as the Iron Brigade, told Pentagon reporters via teleconference.

The Iron Brigade’s main mission in Madain may suggest heavy combat, as they’re responsible for filtering the flow of insurgents and munitions entering Baghdad. But attack levels are down from an average of more than three per day in 2007 to less than one now – half of them directed toward Iraqi security forces, White said.

White credited the area’s growth to the overwhelming success of Iraqi forces and his predecessors from the 3rd Infantry Division’s 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, who were part of the original troop surge in 2007, he said.

“The area saw very little coalition presence prior to 2007,” he said. “Now, the populace is absolutely assured of [coalition] commitment and the commitment of [Iraqi security forces].

Today, Iraqi forces have a much bigger role in the region’s security efforts, he said.

The “ever-increasing professionalism” of Iraqi security forces and the contributions of the “Sons of Iraq” citizen security group have led to security operations in the area being conducted “by, with and through Iraqi security forces,” the colonel said.

“Coalition and Iraqi security efforts combine to deny insurgent sanctuary and provide a solid foundation of hope for the free citizens of Madain,” he added. Read More

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