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The War
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American forces are fighting
heroic battles in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the
Global War On Terror, yet the
Mainstream Media is largely ignoring these efforts. Hopefully,
we can help get the word out here at MNN. |
 Iraqi
Army, U.S. Soldiers Conduct Reconnaissance Patrol in Hamza
By Sgt.
Rodney Foliente
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, 1/03/09
CAMP ECHO, Iraq - Iraqi army soldiers conducted a combined
reconnaissance patrol in Hamza, Dec. 30, 2008.
The patrol allowed the Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 8th Iraqi
Army Division, and Company B, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th
Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division to become more familiar with the town, its people and
the local leaders.
"It is important for us to know the area better and meet the
people on missions like this. When the people see us out among
them, we get to know each other better and build trust between
us," said Ali, a sergeant with 4th Bn., 30th Bde., 8th IA Div.
"It is an important relationship we are building. They help us
help them and let us do our job better because they know what
is happening in their area. Also, the more the citizens see us
doing our job, the more they trust us to keep them safe. That
is our job: to protect the Iraqi people," said Ali.
Throughout the day, the patrol walked through market streets
and residential areas, stopping to greet people and ask
questions about the area.
"These missions build the people's trust in us when we talk
with them, help them and show them that we work for them and
for their safety," agreed Damin, a staff sergeant with 4th Bn.,
30th Bde., 8th IA Div.
"It's necessary to talk to all the people so they understand
our presence and what our mission is," said 1st Lt. John
Mullany, platoon leader, Co. B, 2-8 Inf. Regt., who comes from
Gainesville, Va.
Crowds of children threaded their way into conversations with
Iraqi and American soldiers, vying for attention with
greetings, offers of refreshments and even cartwheels.
"I like interacting with the people, even if you're not
talking about mission related things, but about families and
things like that; I enjoy it. I don't think there is any
better way of building trust," said Mullany.
"They need to know that we're here to train the Iraqi army so
they can take over and do their own missions and take care of
their own country. So when we leave, they will know their
[army and police] are strong," said Mullany.
The combined patrol introduced the IA to the area; though U.S.
Soldiers have every confidence their IA partners can handle
the tasks at hand.
"These men are trained. They're amazing. The 8th IA Division;
they're on top of it," said Sgt. Jason Kugler, team leader,
Co. B, 2-8 IN, who hails from Houston.
He said he felt the U.S. role in training the 8th IA is coming
closer to an end as the unit shows more a growing capacity and
desire to take over the full responsibility for security in
their area.
"This is their country," said Kugler, adding his confidence in
their ability to maintain the peace.
"The coalition forces have given us much training, and the
Americans we work with are finishing our training. Now, the
Iraqi army is strong and we are able to take care of our
country," concluded Damin. |
 Marines
Depart Karmah Police Station
By Lance
Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis
Regimental Combat Team One 1/02/09
KARMAH, Iraq - Coalition forces departed Karmah's Iraqi Police
Station throughout December, leaving the station to be manned
by Iraqi police as they progress toward self-sustainment.
The Karmah IP Station served a pivotal role in coordinating
efforts with the IP. As security in the greater Karmah region
continues to improve, Marines from Company C, Task Force 1st
Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, are
ending their presence there.
Marines lived and worked at the station to support operations
in Central Karmah, posting security, patrolling with the
police, and assisting any other Coalition forces in the area.
As IP continue to grow in proficiency and dependability, the
platoon sized element of Marines no longer need to operate out
of the station.
Since the beginning of 1st Bn., 3rd Marines' deployment,
Karmah's Iraqi Police Station was a joint effort. Marines
supplemented operations and any security initiatives. As the
decoupling process commences, IP will begin taking operations
and any security into their own hands.
"It's time to turn the Iraqi [operating bases] back to them,"
said Capt. Paul Stubbs, the 36-year-old company commander from
San Jose, Calif., Company C, 1st Bn., 3rd Marines.
The Marines who called the station home since the start of the
deployment began packing their bags and prepared to depart the
station at the beginning of December.
"We don't want to be an intrusive presence," Stubbs said.
"We're not needed there as much as we used to be. We're able
to move out and let them take control."
The decrease of coalition forces in Central Karmah further
demonstrates Iraq's progress to a self-sustaining, democratic
government. The move coincides with future operations as
Marines will be less likely needed for Iraqi operations.
"We were the main effort in the city," said Lance Cpl. David
Miller, a 20-year-old machine-gunner from Lake Charles, La.,
with weapons platoon, Company C, 1st Bn., 3rd Marines. "When
we first got there we went out all the time. It was a fast
tempo, and they got better because of it."
Local Iraqi forces continue to take control and mature as a
self-sustaining security force in the Greater Karmah Region as
Marines continue transitioning to an overwatch position.
"We're taking off the training wheels and getting the
Band-Aids ready," Stubbs added. "It's a very challenging job,
but they're as ready as we can get them." |
 Wolfhounds
Train Iraqi Police
By Staff Sgt. JB Jaso III
2nd Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry Division 1/01/09
ISTAQLAL, Iraq - As U.S. Forces in Iraq transition all of
their operations by, with and through the Iraqi security
forces, "Wolfhound" Soldiers continue their efforts in
ensuring the Iraqi police in the Istaqal Qada are ready to
protect the residents in this northeast Baghdad region.
The "Wolfhound" Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th
Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat
Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to
the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,
Multi-National Division - Baghdad, conducted tactical training
with their Iraqi police counterparts, Dec. 29.
"We taught them entering and clearing rooms and buildings,
sensitive site exploitation and searching individuals," said Spc. Joshua Lewis, of Dayton, Ohio, who was one of the
instructors for training. "We taught them the tips and tricks
you need to know.
"It was important to teach them to ensure that they stay alive
and safe." Lewis continued.
When planning the course, the non-commissioned officers
responsible for the training had to overcome the language
barrier when trying to implement the finer details of this
training.
"It was difficult trying to explain the way to do the
maneuvers in simple words," said Sgt. Tony Macias, an infantry
squad leader and native of Wauchula, Fla., who used an
interpreter to train the Iraqi police. "It went good though.
We are trying to teach them the basics."
An Iraqi police officer agreed that the training went well.
"It was good training," said the IP officer. "I look forward
to more training by the coalition forces."
As the Iraqi security forces take an even stronger
responsibility for the security of their nation, the
"Wolfhounds" remain dedicated to ensuring that their
counterparts are prepared.
"The security environment in Istaqlal Qada and northern
Adhamiyah fosters coordination between members of the Al
Zahour IP Security District, the 6th Emergency Response Unit
Battalion and the 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police
Division," said Lt. Col. Richard "Flip" Wilson, of Brooklyn,
N.Y., the "Wolfhound" commander. "We, as a security force, on
any given day honorably serve our respective nations with
great discipline and teamwork." |
New
Riverine-focused Police Force Hits Waterways, Streets for
First Mission
By
U.S. Air Force Capt. Greg Hignite
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian
Peninsula 1/01/09
BASRAH, Iraq - Just three days after graduating the multi-week
training course, the first Special Weapons and Tactics
Tactical Response Team was thrust into action December with
coalition forces to execute a joint operation.
The riverine-focused force filled vital over-watch positions,
and maintained active security and communications with Iraqi
police and army units as well as with coalition units.
"This demonstrates the capability of this force, and how their
training prepared them for real-world missions," said a
coalition advisor to the TRT.
The TRT is a new capability for Iraq allowing the police to
have a specially trained cadre skilled in the art of maritime
and land-based, urban-strike operations.
The tactical response team will not impede on the unique
mission of their partners in the Iraqi coastal border patrol
and coast guard. Although they will also interdict watercraft
suspected in criminal activity, their primary objective is to
smother the flow of lethal aid being shuttled across and along
the waterways, using the waterways as a means of insertion to
an objective, according to IP representatives.
According to TRT officials, the aim is to not merely patrol
the river, but to find smugglers and halt activities.
The TRT is targeting smuggling networks and will use
watercraft to gain access to areas difficult to reach, said a
CF advisor to the TRT. "Once on the objective, the TRT is
trained to quickly transition from the water to the land, so
the team can quickly interdict a person or facility engaged in
illegal activities."
This region is a patchwork of navigable waterways ranging from
rivers and tributaries to man-made canals and vast marshlands.
The abundance of waterways coupled with the proximity to the
Persian Gulf and Iranian border has IP officers concerned
about the smuggling to Iraq's enemies.
"Outlaws use the river to hideout and transport weapons from
across the border," said the Iraqi lieutenant in charge of the Basrah TRT.
"The insurgents come across the river to kill and kidnap my
people and destabilize Iraq."
According to CF advisors, without the TRT on the water it is
entirely too easy to ferry equipment, explosives and even
fighters across the border. Once on the Iraqi riverbanks those
items can eventually make their way into vehicles and be
shuttled anywhere in the country, he added.
"Along with slashing the flow of lethal aid into Iraq, the TRT
is also logistically relevant due to the lack of roads in the
outlying areas," said a coalition advisor mentoring the TRT.
The TRT will also allow the IP a quick means of reaching small
villages to either track down an enemy or deliver assistance
to fellow citizens, he added.
The path to creating the first TRT began more than two months
ago, when coalition advisors began laying the groundwork for
the course. With guidance from the regional IP headquarters,
the scope, mission and training necessary for the TRT was
established.
While the TRT is now considered the lone, elite riverine
strike force in the IP, the training for the team began on
land for the IP volunteers coming from numerous precincts in
and around Basrah.
The TRT candidates were taught advanced weapons skills and the
principles of waterborne insertion and extraction. Throughout
training, instructors pushed candidates to their limits to
challenge each candidate's mettle, said a coalition advisor to
the TRT.
"Within a month, I've seen leaders emerging within the team,
taking responsibility and pushing each other to do better and
get stronger ... It's very encouraging," said the coalition
advisor mentoring the TRT.
In the future, the TRT will train more recruits to expand
maritime capabilities and coverage in the area. The TRT is now
responsible for many kilometers of waterways, according to CF
officials.
"We expect to have another course soon, and we will recommend
that the TRT have their strongest non-commissioned officer's
assist in the training," said a CF advisor.
For those who recently endured the difficult training and
physical demands to see graduation day, they stand ready to
protect Iraq.
"We completed the toughest training and became one of the best
and most brave within the IP," said the Iraqi officer in
charge of the TRT during his address to the class during
graduation.
Beaming with pride from completing the training, one of the
TRT graduates recalls the decision to join the team.
"I have an engineering degree and considered taking a job in
the oil fields, which would have paid me considerably more,"
said the TRT officer. "[However], this is where my country
needs me, and I choose to protect my country." |
Coalition Forces Target Road Side Bombers in Zabul
1/01/09
KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces killed eight armed
Taliban militants and detained one suspected militant during
an operation to disrupt the foreign fighter and roadside bomb
network in Zabul province, Wednesday.
In Arghandad District, approximately 120km northeast of
Kandahar City, coalition forces targeted a Taliban
sub-commander wanted for his ties to the roadside bombing
network along Highway One and recent attacks against coalition
forces in Zabul province. He is also assessed to traffic
foreign fighters into the region.
During the operation coalition forces gave explicit
instruction for all individuals to exit the building
peacefully. Adhering to the instructions, four women and ten
children exited and were protected by the force and moved to a
safe location. Several armed militants refused to exit the
compound.
These militants presented a threat to the force and had to be
engaged with small-arms fire, killing six. A search of the
targeted compound revealed multiple AK-47 assault rifles,
pistols and hand grenades. Coalition forces confiscated these
items to prevent future use.
As coalition forces left the targeted building armed militants
moving along a nearby ridge attempted to maneuver on and
engage the force. Realizing the imminent threat coalition
forces engaged the militants with precision close-air fire
support, killing two armed militants.
"Roadside bombers and those who support them are a threat to
the Afghan people and their livelihood, as well as to all
security forces operating in Afghanistan," said Col Jerry
O'Hara a U.S. Forces spokesman. 'We will continue these
capture/kill operations until the roadside bomb networks stop,
simple as that." |
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