Volume Four, Number 15 - 8-1-09
Mission - Soldier - Family - Team
For the latest news, pictures, and information from 4ID, regularly check:
http://www.hood.army.mil/4ID
(Note from Bob - work is underway to transition this 4ID web site to Fort Carson. Once it is complete, I will give you the new address. In the meantime, this is still the official 4ID web site).
Seven Day Weather Forecast:
The next seven days will be sunny in both Baghdad and Kabul.
Baghdad, Iraq - Sun, Hi - 108, Lo - 85; Mon, Hi - 110, Lo - 82; Tues, Hi - 111, Lo - 82; Wed, Hi - 111, Lo - 83; Thur, Hi - 111, Lo - 84; Fri, Hi - 109, Lo - 82; Sat, Hi - 107, Lo - 81.
Kabul, Afghanistan - Sun, Hi - 97, Lo - 65; Mon, Hi - 97, Lo - 65; Tues, Hi - 96, Lo - 61; Wed, Hi - 95, Lo - 61; Thur, Hi - 94, Lo - 63; Fri, Hi - 93, Lo - 65; Sat, Hi - 94, Lo - 66.
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DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Spc. Justin D. Coleman, 21, of Spring Hill, Fla., died July 24 in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. (1-32 IN is attached to 4BCT, 4ID).
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Let us keep the Family and fellow Soldiers of SPC Coleman in our thoughts and prayers.
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65 Years Ago This Week - 4ID in Normandy, France - 1-8 August 1944
1 August 1944 - D+56
Small pockets of resistance by-passed by the assaulting armored units were encountered by the 4th Division. Small arms, antitank guns and tanks were used defensively, taking advantage of favorable terrain and erecting road blocks on key arteries. From positions in the vicinity east of Percy, the 8th moved to the south and then continued the attack on Villedieu-les-Poêles. At 2200, the 3rd Battalion had occupied the town.
2 August 1944 - D+56
It was apparent that the enemy had developed a policy of laying low and allowing the spearhead of armor to pass, and then rallying again to delay the advance of our infantry. Usually the resistance was built around a machine gun or an antitank gun. The 8th Infantry protected the left flank of the Division until passed through by elements of the 9th Infantry Division. The 12th Infantry continued the attack at 1000 while the 1st Battalion maintained defenses to the north, northeast and east of Villedieu-les-Poêles. The 3rd Battalion cleared enemy pockets of resistance that were hindering transportation along the main route leading to the town. The 22nd Infantry was now reverted to control of the 4th Division and moved by motor to assembly areas north of Villedieu-les-Poêles. The 1st Battalion relieved the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, in the city. The 4th Division had succeeded in maintaining an active defense in its zone of action against enemy forces attempting to escape to the northeast.
3 August 1944 - D+58
It was apparent that the enemy contemplated falling back to the high ground surrounding St Pois and thence to the Forest of Saint Sever where it appeared that the enemy would attempt a determined rear guard action while a general withdrawal was effected. Artillery fire was slightly heavier along the front lines. The 8th Infantry attacked at 0800 in the right half of the Division zone of action. During the afternoon, the task force was dissolved and CT 8 assigned the mission to block the roads. The 12th Infantry resumed the attack at 0800 to clear the enemy from the Division zone of action and in the late afternoon was assigned the mission of containing St Pois and securing the left flank. The 22nd Infantry was ordered in the late afternoon to maintain contact with the 12th Infantry to the south and to block roads to the east and northeast. Movement to assembly area in the vicinity of Villedieu was completed.
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Some History About 4ID Units
You may or may not know that the major Infantry and Armor units of the current 4th Infantry Division are made up of the Infantry units of the 4ID (8th, 12th, 22nd) and the Armor units of the 2nd Armored Division (66th, 67th, 68th) plus, of course, all the very important other units of the division. That merger was made at a reflagging ceremony on December 15, 1995 as the Army downsized to 10 active duty divisions (I participated in that ceremony, my first ever trip to Fort Hood).
This is not the first time the 4ID and 2AD have worked closely together. During the St. Lo Breakout in late July/early August 1944, the two divisions worked as a team. Most significantly, the 22nd Infantry Regiment was attached to the 66th Armored Regiment under the command of the 2AD to form "Task Force Rose". They provided the spearhead for the breakthrough at St. Lo which got the American forces out of the intense hedgerow fighting they had been involved in since landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944. As a result of their actions and teamwork, the 66th Armor and 22nd Infantry Regiments earned the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) - which reads as follows:
Unit Citation - Presidential Unit Citation - St. Lo Breakout
The 22nd Infantry Regiment is cited for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action in Normandy, France, during the period 26 July to 1 August 1944. The 22nd Infantry Regiment was the infantry element of an armored-infantry combat command (66th Armor Regiment was Armor unit) which successfully effected a breakthrough of the German line of resistance west of St. Lo, forming the St. Gillis-Marigny gap through which the armored-infantry column surged deep into German-held territory. Operating against hardened infantry, artillery, and panzer units, this Regiment, often riding its accompanying tanks, met and overcame the stiffest German resistance in desperate engagements at St. Gillis, Canisy, le Mesnil Herman, Villebaudon, Moyen, Percy, and Tessy-sur-Vire.
The 22nd Infantry Regiment, in its first action with an armored division, after a short period of indoctrination, assumed the role of armored infantry with unparalleled success. Throughout the swiftly moving, seven-day operation, the infantry teams kept pace with the tanks, only resting briefly at night relentlessly to press the attack at dawn. Rear echelons fought with enemy groups bypassed in the assault. There was little protection from the heavy artillery which the Germans brought to bear on the American armor. Enemy bombers continually harassed the American troops at night, but in an outstanding performance of duty, the 22nd Infantry Regiment perfected an infantry-tank team which, by the power of its determined fighting spirit, became an irresistible force on the battlefield. (I think it is safe to assume that the 66th Armored Regiment's PUC reads very much like this one - as a 22nd guy, I have a copy of our PUC).
So - it is not a coincidence that elements of the 22nd Infantry Regiment and 66th Armored Regiment are again teamed up, as they have been since late 1995, to show their might against an enemy of America.
1-22 Infantry and 1-66 Armor are two of the three maneuver battalions of the 1st BCT of 4ID today and worked together, along with 3-66 Armor, during the first deployment to Iraq in 2003-2004.
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4 August 1944 - D+59
The ridge line parallel to the highway from Coulouvray-Boisbenâtre-St Pois was held by the enemy. The roads into St Pois were defended with tanks, machine guns, mines and small groups of infantry. Heavy artillery fire was also encountered. The 8th Infantry attacked from positions in the vicinity of La Gautière to seize Hill 211 at 1020. The advance was slow due to heavy enemy resistance with small arms, machine guns and artillery fires. Four battalions of the Division Artillery supported the attack and two air attacks were made on the Hill. The 12th Infantry attacked at 1045 from positions along the road La Bruyère to clear out pockets of enemy resistance and to seize Hill 232. After repeated efforts to advance, the Division Commander ordered this unit to remain in its present positions. Heavy enemy fires were encountered on the left flank from the woods and high ground in the 9th Division zone of action. The 22nd Infantry moved from bivouac areas to an assembly area south of La Marcellière and attacked to the southeast to seize St Pois. The attack progressed satisfactorily with light opposition until two battalions were within 500 yards of St Pois. There heavy enemy resistance was met from the town and the high ground to the east.
5 August 1944 - D+60
The enemy launched a counterattack early. The enemy occupied and defended the critical terrain around St Pois until about 1725 hours when a general withdrawal to the southeast was effected. Another counterattack foreseen for 1200 was disorganized by our artillery. The 8th Infantry consolidated positions on Hill 211. A counterattack at 1000 by the enemy resulted in the temporary loss of three anti-tank guns and three half-tracks which were regained by counterattack. Three German tanks were destroyed in this action. The 2nd Battalion attacked to capture Le Mesnil-Gilbert and La Houssardière. The 12th Infantry continued to consolidate and clean up pockets of resistance. The 1st Battalion seized Hill 329. The 3rd Battalion supported by fire the attack of the 22nd Infantry in the seizure of Hill 232. The 3rd Battalion supported the attack of the 47th Infantry (9th Infantry Division) in the seizure of the hill in the vicinity of La Cobière. The 22nd Infantry attacked at 0900 to capture Hill 232 which after heavy resistance was taken at 1700. The 1st Battalion attacked at 0900 to seize the woods after by-passing St Pois from the south. Throughout the day, the 1st and 2nd Battalion received determined resistance from the high ground east of St Pois. The Division had seized key terrain features, eliminated isolated points of resistance and destroyed numerous motor vehicles and foot troops retreating along roads northeast and southeast from St Pois.
6 August 1944 - D+61
Enemy front lines did not exist as such. Isolated pockets were to be mopped up in the vicinity of St Pois. Armored movement was heard during the hours of darkness but seemed to indicate a withdrawal rather than an attack. The 8th Infantry mopped up small pockets of enemy resistance. Little opposition was met. The 12th Infantry did the same within its zone of action. The 22nd Infantry occupied the division outpost line to protect the division from enemy attack from the east.
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This Date in History - August 6, 1966
43 years ago, 1-22 IN and 1-12 IN, then part of 2BCT of 4ID, after a 16 day voyage from Fort Lewis, WA, unloaded from the USNS Nelson Walker at Qui Nhon, Vietnam to begin their tour in Vietnam. A few days later, 2-8 IN and 4-42 FA, would join them. By early October, all other units of the 4ID were in Vietnam, beginning a tour that lasted until December 1, 1970. I remember the day well - I was a LT rifle platoon leader with B/1-22 during that memorable first year in Vietnam.
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7 August 1944 - D+62
The enemy defended from hastily prepared positions with a concentration of resistance on Hill 230 (vicinity of Lingéard). The chief defensive fire came from automatic and direct fire heavy weapons. The enemy attempted to move east across our sector at 1630 but was immediately destroyed by artillery fire.
The 8th Infantry closed in bivouac area at 0000 to the south and southwest of Hill 211. As a result of the breakthrough by enemy force in the 30th Division sector, the 2nd Battalion was notified at 0345 to dispatch patrols to Sursée and the 3rd Battalion between Les Fontaines-La Roussel. This movement was canceled at 0530 when it was found that the enemy was not attempting to go north of the river. At 0820 the 2nd Battalion was ordered to move to defensive positions in the vicinity of La Roussel. It was completed at 1215. The 1st Battalion remained in bivouac area (Hill 211) and the 3rd Battalion established a bridgehead at Sursée to allow the passage of the 2nd Armored Division over the Sée river.
The 12th Infantry was in assembly area 2000 yards northeast of Brécey at 0000. Upon notice of the threat of counterattack, they were ordered to establish a bridgehead across the Sée river. At 1515, CT 12 was created and attached to the 30th Infantry Division.
The 22nd Infantry was outposting a line extending from Lingéard Château to Hill 232. At 1200, the Hill 230 was captured by Company C.
The 4th Division Artillery fired a concentration in support of Company C 22nd Infantry and fired on an enemy vehicle column consisting of approximatively 30 vehicles which had been spotted from the air.
Task Force Welborn consisting of 70th Tank Bn, 4th Engineer Combat Battalion, 4th Reconnaissance Troop and 801st Tank Destroyer Battalion established an outpost line which extended from Fontière to Brécey to Le Besnerie.
8 August 1944 - D+63
The enemy concentrated its armor at Le Mesnil Tôve for a second attempt to cut our lines of communication and to anchor its left flank at Avranches. This breakthrough was to have been exploited by elements of Adolph Hitler, Das Reich and Deutschland divisions. This attempt and several subsequent attempts were disorganized and put to route by our artillery fire before they could gain any momentum. CT 8 maintained defensive positions and prevented enemy infiltrations from the southeast. CT 12 remained attached to the 30th Infantry Division. The 22nd Infantry maintained defensive positions until 1100 when the unit entrucked and moved to an assembly area. Task Force Welbron maintained an outpost line and patrolled routes and road blocks.
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Thanks to Philippe Cornil for providing these for us. You can find this information, plus pictures from the WWII action, at his website at http://www.ordinateurslaval.ca/Normandie .
And, if you're visiting Normandy and need a great place to stay, or a guide who loves the 4ID and can show you all the highlights, check out his bed and breakfast site at Chambres d'hôtes - Guest House Normandy : http://www.lamaisondeshotes.com Deeds, not words.
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41st Fires Brigade is Coming HOME! (Some are already HOME!)
Although not being reported in the Killeen paper like the 4ID welcome home ceremonies were, the 41st Fires Brigade "Rail Gunners" started their return to Fort Hood from Iraq on July 10 when the advance party returned. Five flights have already arrived with three more scheduled over the next few days. Currently, the remaining flights are due in to Fort Hood as follows:
Tuesday, August 4 - 11:55 AM
Wednesday, August 5 - 1:00 PM
Thursday, August 6 - 5:00 AM
Welcome Home Ceremonies will be at Kieschnick Gym. To get latest updated details and any changes, go to their web page at www.railgunnerfamily.com/redeployment/ or call the hotline at 254-288-7894. For those from out of town planning to attend the ceremonies, the following gives information on getting into Fort Hood:
Getting into Fort Hood:
On the day of the ceremony, Family and friends may enter Fort Hood through any gate using the lanes designated with a "Welcome" displayed on the LED signs above the lanes. It is recommended to enter through Bernie Beck Gate (Main Gate) or Clear Creek Gate for quickest access to Kieschnick Gym (13th ESC). Every adult in the vehicle will be required to present proper state or federally issued identification, such as a driver's license, to the gate guards. In addition, please inform the guards that you are here to attend the ceremony. While on Fort Hood, you must abide by all policies, rules and regulations of Fort Hood.
I wish I could be there to enjoy the welcome home festivities but my schedule won't allow it. Rest assured, the Families and Soldiers of 41st Fires Brigade are still favorites of mine. Welcome Home!
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Initial Flights of 2BCT, 4ID Return to Fort Carson
The advance party of 2BCT returned to Fort Carson last Saturday, July 26 and another 200 returned home on Friday, July 31. As I learn more about their return schedule, I will report it here. All 2BCT troops should be returning to Fort Carson in August and September. Here are the reports on the return of the first two flights:
Fort Carson homecomings begin for 2nd Brigade
July 25, 2009 - 5:09 PM BILL REED THE GAZETTE
Sgt. 1st Class James McKee couldn’t hold back the tears as he hugged his daughter and mussed his son’s hair. Twelve-year-old Kade looked up at his dad with obvious admiration, ready to get back to the camping and fishing trips that he’s missed for a year while his dad fought in Iraq. “It feels awesome,” the elder McKee said. “It’s been a long time coming. I’m glad to be home.”
Fourteen Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division came home to Fort Carson on Saturday, the first trickle of a flood of Soldiers expected back in the next several weeks. The brigade sent 3,700 Soldiers to Iraq last summer, Fort Carson officials said, and they’re returning after a year of combat.
They’ve been serving primarily near the Iraqi port city of Basra.
The Soldiers marched into a gymnasium as Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” blared over the speakers. The Families in the bleachers cheered wildly, waved signs and leaned forward, waiting to be unleashed during a short speech and the National Anthem.
Then they were released, and a mad mob of hugs, passionate kisses and jumping kids ensued. Some Families are happy to have their Soldier home, but they know it won’t be the last time they say goodbye.
“I don’t want to think about that yet,” said Pauline Siebenaler, who traveled from Minnesota to greet her son, Capt. Michael Siebenaler. Her son has committed another four years to the Army and she expects to see him deployed again.
Meanwhile, Shanice Luciano, 17, said this homecoming was especially sweet because she knows it will be her dad’s — 1st Sgt. Perry Reed — final trip overseas. “It’s amazing, since I know he doesn’t have to go back,” she said.
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Family and Friends Wide Awake for Early Morning Homecoming
KKTV, Channel 11, CBS
July 31, 2009
By: Leslie Fichera
Hundreds of Fort Carson Soldiers are home Friday morning. The Soldiers were reunited with their Families around 12:30 a.m., but there was not a sleepy eye at the excitement-filled Special Events Center. Family and friends cheered as the 200 Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division marched into the gym. There were smiles and tears as they hugged their loved ones after a long year apart. The 2BCT, 4ID has been supporting the war effort in Southern Iraq for the past 12 months. These 200 Soldiers are some of the first to be welcomed home of the approximately 3,500 2BCT Soldiers that will be coming back to Fort Carson in the coming month.
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Tough Fight Will Continue in Afghanistan, Mullen Says
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2009 - Though troop morale is high in Afghanistan, the Taliban is a tough organization and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he doesn't expect conditions to change soon. As everyone knows, we've lost a large number of people here very recently," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said during a Pentagon Channel podcast interview today. "It's going to be a tough fight in Afghanistan for the foreseeable future, and we're doing everything we can to certainly eliminate any losses.
"But the Taliban are a tough, tough organization, and it's going to be that way for a while."
Despite seeing a long road ahead, Mullen, who recently visited Afghanistan, said he was pleased with what he saw. That includes the Marine Corps' integration with the British military, which he called "exceptionally good," in southern Afghanistan. He noted the same with the provincial reconstruction team in the area. "I also was encouraged by what I saw there in terms of the civilian and military integration," he said. "This is not about a military solution alone. It can't be."
In fact, Mullen said the Afghan people must be at the heart of the solution. That's where Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, is focusing.
McChrystal has issued a tactical directive to reduce airstrikes in Afghanistan in an effort to decrease civilian casualties. The directive is being well received by forces on the ground, Mullen said. "I think his directive is well focused, it's well understood and is being executed exceptionally well very shortly after he put it out," Mullen said, offering an example in which he said Marines executed an operation over several days in which no Afghans were killed.
"All that focuses on the criticality of making the Afghan people the center of gravity," he added. "If we can't get it right for the Afghan people, we can't get it right."
Mullen added that McChrystal's assessment of the situation on the ground in Afghanistan isn't really up until mid-August. He anticipates that a focus on the population and integration with the civilian team will be a part of the assessment, however. "I think what General McChrystal represents ... is new leadership, new focus, new strategy, and they'll be doing all they can to [make progress] as rapidly as we can so we can really start to turn the tide in Afghanistan," he said. The upcoming national presidential elections scheduled for Aug. 20 are a big part of that.
On Iraq, the chairman said he was pleased with what he saw during a visit to the country a short time after the official withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraqi cities. "The conversations I had with leaders were good," he said. "There are some very difficult issues and the politicians in Iraq are really going to have to move forward and solve them."
Mullen also said he was impressed with the way U.S. forces talked about the Iraqi security forces. Currently, U.S. forces are supporting Iraqi elections, which are slated to happen in January 2010. "I was encouraged, cautiously optimistic," he said.
Mullen also touched on Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' decision to increase the Army's numbers by 22,000. Those Soldiers would fill brigades scheduled to deploy. With brigades full, Mullen said he's confident that by increasing the Army ranks by 22,000, everyone will benefit.
"The operational tempo has stayed the same and we don't see dwell time going down significantly right now," he said. "I expect within the next couple of years, as these brigades actually fill up because of this increase, we actually will see our [operations] tempo be reduced and see dwell time increase, which is absolutely critical."
Mullen addressed the Pentagon's preparations to respond to any changes President Barack Obama makes to the so-called "Don't, ask, don't tell" policy, which prohibits officials from inquiring into service members' sexual orientation in the absence of disallowed behaviors, but allows action to be taken if a service member discloses homosexuality by word or action. In fact, he said, he's addressed the topic with the service chiefs and combatant commanders, as well as his own staff. "There's a lot of focus with respect to this right now," Mullen said. "Certainly when the law changes, when we get to that point, we'll carry out the law."
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Press Release from Afghanistan
During July 24 operations:
-- A joint force seized a weapons cache in Nangarhar province as part of the ongoing effort to disrupt Taliban operations, particularly suicide-bomber and homemade-bombing attacks against Afghan National Army and international security units in the region. In a raid, troops killed several enemy combatants and detained eight others.
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School, Bridge Highlight Progress in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan, July 31, 2009 - An agreement for a new school to be built and a new bridge over the Kunar River highlight continued improvements in Afghanistan. An Afghan construction company here agreed with Task Force Mountain Warrior service members July 29 to build a primary school in the province's Qhargayee district.
The new school, the fourth to be built in the province, will serve as the first primary educational center for the children of Miakhan Kac village and surrounding areas. Funding will come from the U.S.-sponsored Commanders' Emergency Relief Program. All four schools are scheduled to open by spring.
In Kunar province July 27, the provincial reconstruction team assessed the Shigal district's recently completed Bar Sholton Bridge. The bridge's construction, coordinated and funded by the team using CERP funds, supports 50 to 60 vehicles per day and was built entirely by Afghans. It officially opened July 10.
"Now we have an area where we can set up our own bazaar," said Noor Mohammad, a local villager. "Also, we can now see relatives regularly. Now we have access to the district center [and] clinic, and our children can go to high school, when before they could not."
Previously, villagers had to use a rope ferry to cross the river.
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Lethal Warriors search mountains of Kunar
Story by Army Spc. Eugene H. Cushing
July 31, 2009
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Soldiers of 1st platoon, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, assigned to Task Force Mountain Warrior, conducted reconnaissance in the Pesh River valley on July 21 to gather information for future combat operations.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chris J. Capasso, of Nashua, N.H., the platoon leader for 1st platoon, explained his unit was conducting reconnaissance of possible enemy positions and escape routes. Capasso said the platoon found actionable intelligence, including several enemy fighting positions and trails. “It helps plan and shape future operations,” he said. “The mission’s purpose was to gather information on the enemy.”
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph S. McKinney, of Fairfax, Okla., the platoon sergeant for 1st platoon, explained why reconnaissance missions are important to the success of future operations. “The enemy we’re fighting is an enemy we can’t see,” he said. “These missions set up the future operations.”
Capasso praised his Soldiers for the work they did on the day’s mission and the work they continue to do in hunting down the enemies of Afghanistan. “These guys have been working real hard,” he said. “They’ve been doing missions back to back with little complaint. They understand that to go after these guys we have to get out there and patrol the mountains.”
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New equipment on the frontlines
Story by Army Spc. Eugene H. Cushing
TF Mountain Warrior Public Affairs Office
July 31, 2009
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, assigned to Task Force Mountain Warrior, were among the first Soldiers in the Army to receive new equipment intended to lighten their load and make their missions easier.
The equipment issue included a new individual body armor, boots suited to the mountainous terrain, and other equipment like lighter sleeping systems and knee pads.
U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Mark A. Eckstrom, of Frazier Park, Calif., the first sergeant for Company A, 2 Bn., 12 Inf. Reg., said the difference between the new and old equipment is remarkable.
Eckstrom said the new equipment provides greater freedom of movement in addition to being lighter, allowing Soldiers to maneuver easier in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan.
Eckstrom also described a visible difference between Soldiers wearing the new plate carriers and the previously issued Improved Outer Tactical Vest.
U.S. Army Pvt. Mark A. Haas, of Omaha, Nebr., a gunner assigned to A Co., received the new equipment before deploying to Afghanistan. He liked the boots included in the issue because they are better suited for the terrain of Afghanistan. “They have a better grip, and form to the rocks a lot better,” he said. “You don’t get as many blisters.”
U.S. Army Sgt. Dustin M. Kaminiski, of Chicago, Ill., a team leader for A Co., said the new equipment allows full range of motion and doesn’t restrict movement or circulation. “It’s lighter,” he said. “It helps you breathe easier.” The team leader went on to say the plate-carrier came with pouches specifically designed for the different types of ammunition that Soldiers use depending on their job in the unit. “It allows you to be more agile, and also allows you to place your pouches so you’re not all bunched up,” he said.
Eckstrom felt the new equipment has given his Soldiers a definite advantage. “Without the equipment, we still would have been doing the same missions,” he said. “It lets them get to the fight a little bit easier.”
Task Force Mountain Warrior is currently on a 12-month rotation in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
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MP’s train ANP to take charge of security
Story by Spc. Eugene H. Cushing
July 31, 2009
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan –Afghan National Police in the Kunar province and U.S. Army Military Police assigned to Task Force Mountain Warrior have been conducting election-focused training in the Kunar province, to keep the area secure during the August elections.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Michael T. Nicholson, the platoon leader for 2nd platoon, 984th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, led his unit in focused district partnership training with the police force at the Shigal district center. Nicholson, of Burnsville, Minn., explained the goal of the training was to ensure the ANP stations were able to effectively operate on their own.
U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher C. Silva, of Boston, Mass., a squad leader assigned to 2nd platoon, said the mission in Shigal consisted of two days of meetings and training with the ANP. He said the first day involved meeting with the police chief and his officers, and assessing the station’s armament, personnel and facilities. “The second day we finished the assessment and started training for the elections,” he said.
According to Silva the training included conducting personnel and vehicle searches, reacting to IEDs, conducting checkpoints, reacting to small arms fire, searching buildings, first aid, emergency response, crowd control and force protection. Silva said the reason behind the training was to get the Afghan people to run their own elections, and that the elections will not be an International Security Assistance Force led event.
Afghan National Police Maj. Sali Mohammed, the operations officer for the Shigal district police station, said the training was highly beneficial. Mohammed explained that the Afghan police officers attending the training were going to take what they learned back to their individual police stations and train the rest of their units.
U.S. Army Cpl. Marcus R. Bennett, of Thermopolis, Wy., a team leader assigned to 2nd platoon, had spent a lot of time on the road as a military policeman before coming to Afghanistan and was able to share some of his experience with his Afghan counterparts. Bennett said he taught the Afghan Police how to search for weapons, explosives, drugs and other potentially dangerous items. “I enjoyed working with the Afghans,” he said. “That was the first time I got to get out and teach them.”
Nicholson described the Afghan police his platoon worked with as motivated and willing to learn. “They’re very friendly,” he said. “They share everything they know. They’re willing to try the stuff we teach them so it’s been very positive.”
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Odierno Says Iraqi Response Paves Way for More Progress
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq, July 28, 2009 - The commander of Multinational Forces Iraq said today he's extremely pleased with the way Iraqi security forces have stepped to the plate following the June 30 withdrawal of American forces from the cities and towns of the country.
Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said he is on track to fulfill the mission he and his command of 130,000 Americans in the country have received. "I've been given very clear guidance: one is that we will have a change of mission on Aug. 31, 2010, and we will no longer have a combat mission," he said during an interview at the Al Faw Palace here. "And by Dec. 31, 2011, all U.S. troops will have left Iraq."
Trend lines are moving in the right direction, with overall incidents in July down from June, which was down from May, the general said. High-profile attacks also will be down in July, and casualties are fewer than in past months, he added. "All indicators are right," Odierno said. "It's not perfect -- we've had some growing pains -- but I will tell you we've worked through those over time."
The turnover of responsibility to Iraqi security forces is itself important, the general said. The fact that the United States is executing the agreement signed in December is important in and of itself. "It has sent the message that we are going to abide by the agreement that we signed," he said.
Iraqi and American commanders worked together to get past difficulties in implementing the agreement, Odierno said. On July 9, Army Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, the commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, and Gen. Ali Giban, the Iraqi ground forces commander, held a historic video teleconference including 500 Iraqi and American commanders. They resolved many of the issues with the agreement at that time, which has helped the process go so smoothly since then.
The change has improved relationships between Iraqi and American commanders. "The Iraqi commanders have realized that the better their relationships with the U.S. counterparts, the more successful they will be," Odierno said. "We're really seeing the relationships improve."
The area that most concerns the general is northern Iraq. The Arab-Kurd issue is the main "driver of instability" in the country today, he said. Insurgent groups are trying to exploit the Kurd-Arab tensions in the north, especially in Iraq's Kirkuk and Ninevah provinces. "We watch very carefully that this doesn't escalate so this doesn't cause some sort of ethnic violence," he said. "We've not seen that so far."
Arabs and Kurds have had discussions, and with the conclusion of the elections in the Kurdish Regional Government last week, the general said, he hopes a high-level Kurdish-Arab group under United Nations auspices will help to solve areas of disagreement between the two sides.
U.S. forces also are working through a mindset change due to the withdrawal from the cities and towns, a change that takes into account "the fact that [the Iraqis] are in the lead, the fact that we do every operation jointly and we do no unilateral operations, to include special operations missions," Odierno said.
American troops have the inherent right to self defense, and will retain that, Odierno said. But in everything else, he added, it means that the Iraqis are in the lead. This was a bigger change in Mosul and some parts of Baghdad than it was in other parts of the country.
"There are those who have had more trouble than others [in embracing the new mindset]," he said, "but overall, I've been very happy that the majority have been able to make the adjustment."
The idea is to finish the mission with honor and success, the general said.
The change, Odierno noted, is something for American service members to celebrate. "When I got here as the corps commander in November 2006, I would never have dreamed that we would have some this far," he said, noting the Sunni-Shiia struggle that permeated the country at the time. Now, the unified Iraqi force is responsible for security.
American service members must realize this success is because of their sacrifices, and none of this progress would have happened without them, the general said.
The improved position in Iraq has allowed the U.S. military to increase the effort in Afghanistan. The security situation in Iraq is such that forces now are flowing into Afghanistan -- long considered the secondary front. Odierno acknowledged some bumps in the road in that effort, however, especially with some enablers such as engineers and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets. Odierno also acknowledged that "there will have to be some hard decisions made" if serious problems arise in Iraq as troops are flowing in to Afghanistan.
The election coming up in January is the key to Iraq, the general said. "If we have a successful election and there is a peaceful transition of power," he said, "I believe it will make it more difficult [for terror] groups to move the country backward."
The Iraqi people have momentum on their side, the general noted. They've built it by taking over security in the cities and towns and by holding successful provincial elections. If the elections in January are successful, he added, "then the momentum would be very hard to stop."
(Note from Bob - I hope all our 4ID/MND-B Soldiers and Family members take heed of what GEN Odierno said in this note. You were all keys to our success in Iraq and you have earned the right to celebrate your successes, even though the mainstream media refuses to report it. I'm proud to be associated with all of you).
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ISF and U.S. forces respond to a rocket attack in Basra province
Multi-National Division - South PAO
July 31, 2009
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq - Iraqi Security and U.S. forces responded when COB Basra was attacked by indirect fire at approximately 4:40 p.m. today. Multiple explosions of an unknown type struck near the military base. Soldiers from the 52nd Iraqi Army Brigade and 2nd Combined Arms
Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, responded to the attack to conduct a joint investigation.
"The Iraqi Army in Basra was extremely quick to respond to the incident and are leading the joint investigation regarding the attack.These acts of violence endanger the lives of citizens of Basra and
jeopardize the security of the province," said Maj. Matthew Cody, executive officer of the 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. "The U.S. is fully committed to fulfilling the terms of the Security Agreement and U.S. Forces have an inherent right to self-defense and the authority to protect themselves. We will not tolerate such acts of violence against our Soldiers."
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Gates Says Iraq Drawdown May Accelerate Moderately
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
INCIRLIK, Turkey, July 29, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said conditions in Iraq have improved to the extent that the U.S. combat brigade drawdown from the country may accelerate. "I think there is at least a chance of a modest acceleration" in the drawdown schedule, Gates said during a news roundtable today.
Gates visited Iraq yesterday and today, and was pleased with the progress being made. As part of the U.S.-Iraqi agreement signed in December, American forces turned over responsibility for security inside all Iraqi cities and villages to Iraqi security forces by June 30.
Gates said the process has gone remarkably well. Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, said yesterday that all trends are positive, and that Iraqi security forces have shouldered the security burden and run with it.
The modest acceleration may mean one additional U.S. brigade comes out before the Iraqi elections in January. Fourteen U.S. brigades are in Iraq. Plans had called for two to redeploy without being replaced by the end of the year. The acceleration may mean a third can return home without being replaced. This means by the end of the year, only 11 American brigades would be in Iraq.
Any drawdown, Gates said, depends on continued security progress. Ultimately, the redeployment decision will be made only after Odierno's advice, the secretary said, noting that many things still can go wrong. Arab-Kurd tensions, for example, could derail the progress made in Iraq.
"I don't want to put the general of the spot, because it really depends on circumstances that may or may not happen," Gates said. "But I mention it only because I think it is an indicator of his view that things are going pretty well following June 30."
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Daggers, Baghdad ePRT complete sewage project
By Sgt. Brian Tierce
2nd HBCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div., MND-B
July 28, 2009
BAGHDAD – Local Iraqi leaders from the Karkh district of northwest Baghdad, along with leaders from the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and the Baghdad embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team gathered July 26 in the Salhiyah neighborhood to mark the competition of a major sewer network project that will provide sewage services to the area that were not previously available.
The effort to restore essential services in Baghdad has seen a significant increase since the improvement of security throughout the Iraqi capital and for the people of Karkh, projects like the sewage plant are just what the neighborhood ordered. “I was pleased to see this sewage project in our area,” said Mr. Mobarak, Salhiyah neighborhood council chairman. “We have not seen a project like this occur in our area in over 15 years.”
The project was one of many started and seen through to completion by members of the Joint Project Management Office of the Dagger Brigade, but the project also held a special place due to the benefit it could provide the citizens. “The people of Salhiyah will have a new sewer network that will last for decades,” said Maj. Andy Attar, a native of Bristol, Conn., Officer in Charge, JPMO, 2HBCT. “It’s a great sign of Iraq moving forward.”
Following a small ceremony to commemorate completion of the project the contractor in charge of the project provided a luncheon for the leaders in attendance. The luncheon was a chance for the leaders to discuss the importance of the project as well as reflect on their choice of who should be responsible for the construction of the sewage plant.
“I was very happy to see this event turn out so successfully,” said Mr. Jamal, Karkh Beladiyah Director General. “I was happy about the choice of the contractor because I knew he would follow up on his work.”
Another positive sign for the project was the start to finish involvement by the local government in the effort that shows Iraqis are ready to take and keep the lead on future reconstruction efforts. “This sewer network was designed by Baghdad City planners,” said Attar. “The work was supervised by their engineers daily with the Dagger Brigade in overwatch.”
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A few words from the Rail Gunner Public Affairs NCOIC
July 27, 2009 - From Final Edition of Rail Gunner Weekly - 41st Fires Brigade
As we wind down our time here at FOB Delta, I would like to take a moment and thank everyone in their
support of our public affairs mission in Iraq. Although The Rail Gunner Weekly may not have had vivacious
verbiage or colossal colloquialisms that would challenge your psyches, I hope that it kept you informed of the happenings on FOB Delta and in Wasit province.
I would like to thank Col. Francey and Command Sgt. Maj. Hughes for allowing us the latitude to conduct
our operations with the freedom and trust to tell the Rail Gunner story. It is very fortunate to be assigned to
a command team that has such a positive attitude and support for public affairs operations.
Thank you to all the units that cooperated with our requests and supported our mission by giving up seats on convoys, putting up with our questions and dealing with our persistence to take so many photographs. I know my staff and your families appreciate it.
I would like to thank the families for their support of their Soldiers and I hope you looked forward to each
edition of The Rail Gunner Weekly. If we did our job right, we kept you informed of what your loved ones
were doing and the progress we made here over the last 14 months.
Finally I would like to thank my team: Sgt. Churchill and 1st Lt. Bryant. Their daily contributions made the
public affairs mission a success. Their hard work and dedication made sure that our office operated smoothly and that we had a newsletter to distribute every week.
I have been fortunate enough to have seen a lot of different things throughout the duration of the deployment and as we get ready to leave here I can say without a doubt that the 41st Fires Brigade made a positive
impact on the people of Wasit province and have given them a chance for a prosperous future. Sometimes it’s hard to see the big picture when your nose is to the grindstone every day; I only hope that through our efforts you were able to see how much of a difference the Soldiers of this brigade made.
Thanks for all your support!
Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson
41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs NCOIC
And a note from Bob - my hat is off to the great PAO and leadership team of 41st Fires Brigade. I worked with all of you during OIF 05-07 and again on this deployment. You are true professionals - and have become friends in the process. You made a difference - thanks for providing so much good news for me to report.
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Stay Away From the Girls' Bathroom - (and other teaching tips)
You probably think I have lost my mind. No, I haven't - I'm just making you aware of a newly released book that would make a great gift for teachers as they prepare to start the new school year. Jennifer Bonn, a teacher with 28 years experience, in boarding and day schools, both public and private, to include a few coaching assignments, writes with humor and passes on common sense lessons that she has learned over those years influencing America's younger generation. One teacher wrote, "I wish this book had been available during my first two years of teaching. I like Jennifer's common sense ideas that I can implement as I start my third teaching year this fall. Also, this would be a great book for non-teachers and parents to read, to learn what the real life of a teacher is all about." A veteran teacher wrote, "This book is wonderful to help new teachers find their way during their first year. It can serve as a reminder for experienced teachers of what they should be doing in the classroom. Jennifer's tips are easy to read, and she presents them with a dose of humor. I would recommend this to any teacher."
The 104 page book is available on my web site - www.deedspublishing.com - or can be ordered by mail by sending a check for $15.95, which includes shipping charges, to Deeds Publishing, PO Box 682212, Marietta, GA 30068. We also accept Visa or Mastercard.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers
1) Hey Bob, Just commenting on your College Football shout out...GO GATORS!!!
2) Nothing - at least that's what is being reported to me (other than the above from someone who supports the Florida Gators - we'll beat them this year). Let me hear from you...
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As you will note, there is very little 4ID specific news coming out of Afghanistan or Iraq, and I expect we will see even less out of Iraq as 2BCT and 41st Fires Brigade complete their tours over the coming weeks. I encourage you to remember my old adage, "No News is Good News, Because Bad News Travels Fast".
I'll continue to report what I can find - next update will be in about a week. Continue to pray for our Soldiers and their Families. Many of you from 2BCT and Fires Brigade can say - "My Soldier comes home this month!" And I can say - college football season opens this month! Boomer Sooner!
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Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Deeds Publishing - www.deedspublishing.com
President, Americans Remembered - www.americansremembered.org
Past President, 22nd Infantry Regiment Society - www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President, Historian, National 4th Infantry Div Assn - www.4thinfantry.org
PO Box 682222, Marietta, GA 30068 - Phone 678-480-4422 (cell)
