Volume Four, Number 19 - 8-29-09
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: Sunny all seven days in Baghdad.
Baghdad, Iraq - Sun, Hi - 108, Lo - 84; Mon, Hi - 107, Lo - 79; Tues, Hi - 107, Lo - 79; Wed, Hi - 108, Lo - 79; Thur, Hi - 108, Lo - 79; Fri, Hi - 108, Lo - 79; Sat, Hi - 106, Lo - 79.
Kabul, Afghanistan - Sun, Hi - 90, Lo - 62, sunny; Mon, Hi - 83, Lo - 63, thunderstorms; Tues, Hi - 85, Lo - 61, scattered thunderstorms; Wed, Hi - 83, Lo - 61, sunny; Thur, Hi - 81, Lo - 61, sunny; Fri, Hi - 82, Lo - 61, sunny; Sat, Hi - 84, Lo - 61, sunny.
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DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Matthew L. Ingram, 25, of Pearl, Miss., died Aug. 21 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, and his unit came under small arms fire from enemy forces. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Matthew E. Wildes, 18, of Hammond, La., died Aug. 27 in Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
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Let us keep the Families and fellow Soldiers of SGT Ingram and PFC Wildes in our thoughts and prayers.
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Casualty reporting by DoD
In case any of our readers are not aware of the policy of reporting casualties, the following was released on Sunday by Dept of Defense:
The names of service members killed in action are announced through the U.S. Department of Defense Official Website at http://www.defense.gov/. The announcements are made on the website no earlier than 24 hours after notification of the service member's primary next of kin. MND-B (or other units) will not release any additional details prior to notification of next of kin and official release by the Department of Defense.
Note from Bob: No official public announcements are made on those wounded in action - notification goes through the rear detachment of the unit direct to the next of kin. For operational security reasons, there is no need to tell the enemy how many of our troops they wounded.
And - as most of you have probably read or heard by now, August has become our largest casualty month since the war in Afghanistan started. Continue to pray for our Soldiers in harm's way.
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65 Years Ago This Week - Aug 30 to Sep 5, 1944 - 4ID in Northern France and Belgium
30 August 1944 - D+85
Our troops advanced with little opposition to the general line La Montagne - Ormoy - Villers - Levignen. The enemy depended on blown bridges to delay our pursuit. The 8th Infantry conducted vigorous patrols during the night and at 0900 continued the attack to the northeast. At 2010 all elements had closed without opposition in the vicinity of La Montagne. The 12th Infantry conducted vigorous patrolling during the night and at 0900 attacked to the northeast. At 2000, it closed in the vicinity of Bois du Roy, having made no contact with the enemy. The 22nd Infantry did the same and at the close of the day it occupied positions in the vicinity of Ermenonville.
31 August 1944 - D+86
Our troops met steady delaying action by scattered infantry, antitank and artillery fire. Considerable fire was received late in the day from the woods southwest of Pierrefonds-Les-Rains. Our forward elements reached the general line Palesne - Villers-Cotterêts. Intermittent 75 mm artillery fire was reported. The 8th Infantry continued its advance behind the 5th Armored Division and was engaged on the left by the enemy well prepared in the woods. CT 8 dug in for the night at 2100. The 12th Infantry continued behind armor without resistance and stopped at 1715. The 22nd Infantry remained first in assembly area and entrucked at 1800, the plan being to advance after the 5th Armored Division and to secure bridgehead along the Aisne river. Due to limited progress of armor, the Regiment closed in assembly area at 2110. The 4th Engineer Combat Battalion moved bridging material forward.
Notes about logistics: The shortage of gasoline had become critical by the end of the month. Replacement of vehicular losses became increasingly difficult. The evacuation of casualties was handled in a most expeditious manner.
Balance for August 1944 :
Killed or died of injuries: 20 Officers, 257 Enlisted Men
Missing: 1 Officer, 51 Enlisted Men
Seriously wounded or injured: 34 Officers, 623 Enlisted Men
Slightly wounded or injured: 34 Officers, 575 Enlisted Men
Total casualties: 1,595
Prisoners captured: 1,236.
Cumulative Casualties since D-Day June 6, 1944:
Killed or died of injuries: 153 Officers, 1,956 Enlisted Men
Total casualties: 10,441 (this equals approximately 65% of 4ID strength on D-Day)
1 September 1944 - D+87
Enemy withdrew rapidly and advance was so rapid that front lines did not exist. The 4th Infantry Division continued to advance to the northeast. The 8th Infantry with the 29th FA attacked to clear the woods along the road Morienbal-Berneuil-s-Aisne, seize crossings over the Aisne river, build a class 40 bridge and continue to advance. Task Force Taylor consisting of Task Force Burton (CC "A" 5th Armored Division), CT 22, 747th Tank Battalion and 4th Reconnaissance Troop attacked and met resistance of small arms and mortar fire at crossroads west of Coucy-le-Chauffrique and just south of Chauny. As a result of these two engagements, column was held up 2 1/2 hours. At 1530, leading elements consisting of Reconnaissance Troop, TF B and 1st Bn 22nd Infantry reduced resistance and continued on original route while remaining elements reversed their direction and used a parallel route. Task Force Regnier consisting of CC "A" 5th Armored Division, CT 12 and 70th Tank Battalion (less Co A) attacked but due to troubles encountered in traffic control and preparation and securing river crossings, the task force was dissolved at 1400 and elements broken in two parts. CT 12 secured crossings of the Aisne river and continued its advance.
2 September 1944 - D+88
Enemy front lines still did not exist. The enemy resisted our advance with road blocks, demolished bridges and strong points occupied by infantry, generally organized in the outskirts of key towns. The 4th Infantry Division (reinforced) continued its advance to the north. The advance was halted at 1800 by order of the CG V Corps. The 8th Infantry and attached companies entrucked at 0700 and followed the CC A 5th Armored Division at 0805. Good progress was made until 1205 when leading elements were held up by a destroyed bridge. Construction was started at 1500 and head of column crossed at 1745. Progress was fair thereafter. The 12th Infantry with attached units continued its advance at 0730. At 1030 these units were delayed due to a destroyed bridge and trouble experienced bringing up bridging materials. The bridge was made crossable at 1600 and thereafter good progress was made with no resistance reported. Task Force Taylor made good progress throughout the day against moderate resistance. At 1735 Task Force was ordered to halt the advance vicinity of Landrecies and protect the right flank. The 377th AA Artillery engaged eleven flying bombs at 0530 and one of them was heard to explode.
3 September 1944 - D+89
The enemy occupied and defended hastily constructed strong points with groups of disorganized personnel withdrawing into Belgium. Although the enemy was poorly organized and equipped, the resistance was steady and determined. The 4th Division secured crossings of the Saint Quentin Canal and Canal de la Sambre. The 8th Infantry proceeded to Wassigny by motor to open main supply route for TF Taylor, moved at 1030, advanced rapidly and seized objective at 1545 after meeting only slight scattered enemy resistance. The 12th Infantry, on orders, halted further advance, secured river crossings and at 2050 was alerted to move to the south and east. TF Taylor in two columns continued the advance against enemy resistance and made contact at 1800 with the 8th Infantry vicinity Wassigny.
4 September 1944 - D+90
Scattered groups of enemy attempted to prevent our forces from advancing across the Meuse river. However the 102nd Cavalry operating in conjunction with the 4th Division held the bridges at Vireux, Haybes and Montherne. Small disorganized detachments of enemy were mopped up in the vicinity of Landrecies. Considerable confusion caused most groups of enemy to surrender after offering very little or no resistance. The 4th Division remained in position, conducted patrols and prepared for movement east. The 8th and 12th Infantry conducted patrolling on their flanks and cleared area of enemy. The 2nd Battalion 22nd Infantry attached to 102nd Cavalry Group, began movement at 0730 and contact was completed at 1400 at Brunehamel. Remainder of the Combat Team remained in position to prevent enemy infiltration and completed mop-up of Foret d'Hormal.
5 September 1944 - D+91
The enemy continued to collect stragglers and remnants of retreating units to occupy hasty defensive positions. Enemy tanks were reported but no action was initiated by them. The 4th Division moved by motor to vicinity Foret d'Ardennes and secured crossings of the Meuse river. CT 8 moved by motor commencing 0730 by way of Arreux to seize and secure crossings of the Meuse river. At 1630 bridge over the Meuse had been secured. CT 12 moved by motor commencing 0800 by way of Roccroi and by 1730 crossings were secured. CT 22 remained on previous mission of cleaning up small pockets of resistance in area north and northwest of Wassigny.
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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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For those of you in the Fort Carson/Colorado Springs area, today is a big parade day - if you've forgotten about it, hopefully you will read this in time to get into your car and head for the parade.
Red, White & Brave: Parade welcomes home the troops
ANDREA BROWN
Colorado Springs Gazette
August 27, 2009
Tejon Street will be awash with patriotism Saturday (today) with the Red White and Brave Welcome Home Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. with floats, marching bands and thousands of troops heading down Tejon from St. Vrain Street to Vermijo Avenue. The last parade of this magnitude to welcome home troops fighting in Iraq in 2004 drew a crowd of more than 50,000. Organizers expect at least as many this year, and advise people to come at least an hour early for a good spot. Most of the $150,000 to fund the event came from donations.
Copyright 2009 - Colorado Springs Gazette
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For the first time since December 2007 - 21 long monhts, a 4ID unit is not actively engaged in the mission in Iraq. Although no 4ID unit is still in Iraq, I will continue to track 2HBCT of 1ID as they wrap up their mission over the coming weeks and will also keep reporting on highlights from Iraq since it won't be too long before 3BCT is back over there. Here is the report on 2BCT of 4ID transferring authority of their AO in Basra last Thursday.
17th Fires Brigade assumes command in Basra
By 1LT Chris Dunphy, 17th Fires Brigade
August 28, 2009
COB BASRA – Col. Steven L. Bullimore accepted command of U.S. military operations in Basra Province from Col. Butch Kievenaar in a transfer of authority ceremony on Contingency Operating Base Basra Aug. 27. Bullimore serves as commander of 17th Fires Brigade, an artillery brigade based at Fort Lewis, Wash., while Kievenaar commands the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
The 2nd BCT returns to its home station at Fort Carson, Colo. after 12 months in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After the invocation by 2nd BCT Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John L. Kallerson, the casing of the 2nd BCT’s colors and the uncasing of the incoming command’s colors, distinguished visitor Brig. Gen. David J. Elicerio, deputy commanding general of operations, Multi-National Division - South, approached the podium and spoke of the two brigade’s achievements and proud lineage.
“It is an honor to stand before two such distinguished formations for today’s transfer of authority,” he said.
“From the trenches of World War I to the beaches of Normandy in World War II and on to the jungles of Vietnam, each of our units has served the nation with honor. Now, as we write the final chapters of this great effort, you will be long remembered by the Iraqi people as bringing peace and lasting stability.”
Elicerio spoke about 2nd BCT’s close relationships with their Basra counterparts in the 14th Iraqi Army Division and their long-sustained efforts in coordinating provincial security with the Iraqi Police and Department of Border Enforcement. He also expressed the division’s confidence in the 17th FB’s ability to continue the important partnership with local Basra leadership and the Provincial Reconstruction Team in promoting economic growth and ensuring regional stability.
“I look to the Thunderbolts to provide unique leadership and mentorship in order to further security and
establish more collaborative practices throughout Basra,” Elicerio said. “I am confident that you will model successful partnerships.”
After remarks by Elicerio and Kievenaar, Bullimore took the opportunity to thank the 2nd BCT leadership for their guidance and assistance as the 17th FB prepared for command. “It is a privilege to accept this mission hand-off with the Warhorse Brigade,” he said. “We appreciate the time and effort you and your leaders have
expended to ensure we clearly understand the mission and what your team has accomplished to get to this point in the very southern tip of Iraq.”
Bullimore also pledged his brigade’s readiness and enthusiasm in working with Basra Province’s Iraqi leadership in the months ahead. “The Thunderbolt Brigade is excited to have the opportunity to work with these great leaders for the security and prosperity of the Iraqi people,” he said. “Our Soldiers have trained hard to prepare for this and they are fully capable of accomplishing this mission. We stand ready in partnership with our Iraqi brothers.”
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Forces Hinder Insurgent Communication in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2009 – U.S. forces conducted an air assault to disrupt insurgent communication and an Afghan civilian thwarted a bomb attack in operations in Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported. U.S. Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, conducted an air assault to disrupt insurgent communication in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
Two Black Hawk helicopters from 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade inserted and extracted troops along the harsh terrain. The force used two-wheel landings, which allowed the troops to dismount and execute their mission. “Insertion of troops [by helicopter] allows ground forces freedom of maneuver in locations where harsh terrain is a factor,” said Army Capt. Joe Daigle, commander of Company C, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, who served as a pilot during the operation. “We take these teams to their mission site and pull them out safely, minimizing their time on the ground.”
Army Capt. Matthew Bebo, the battalion’s liaison officer, said the operation made an impact. “The disruption caused by this operation will have a great effect in Kandahar province,” he said.
Meanwhile, a Sundurwa village resident stopped insurgents from emplacing a homemade bomb on a highly travelled road in Laghman province’s Alingar district. One insurgent fled the scene. The resident apprehended another insurgent and delivered the suspect to the Alingar police, who transferred him to the province’s Afghan National Police headquarters for questioning. The incident marked the third time in five days that villagers in Nuristan and Laghman provinces have prevented insurgents from attacking their villages, officials said.
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 and Task Force Pegasus news releases.)
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Carson troops hunting Afghan insurgents, kickstarting economy
TOM ROEDER
Colorado Springs Gazette
August 28, 2009
Soldiers in Fort Carson’s 4th Brigade Combat Team are pushing into remote mountain valleys in southeast Afghanistan, hunting down insurgents in areas where Americans have seldom ventured. Their days are marked by long foot marches to villages in the roadless mountains. Many times they’re eagerly greeted by the locals. Sometimes they fight for their lives in hours-long battles against an elusive enemy, said Col. Randy George, the brigade’s commander.
“We’ve found that our guys are disciplined,” George said in a telephone interview from his headquarters in Jalalabad. “They’re able to turn it on and turn it off.”
The 3,500-Soldier brigade went to Afghanistan in May where they patrol a four-province area. Last week they backed up Afghan forces who policed the country’s presidential election. George said on election day Afghans voters had relative safety while insurgents saved their fury for Americans and their Afghan allies.
“They were not really focused on the polling sites,” George said. “We didn’t have a lot of violence against the people.”
On the mountain patrols, Soldiers face a creative enemy that often strikes from long distances with sniper fire and mortars. “A lot of it depends on the terrain,” George said.
In the worst cases, Soldiers have responded with artillery and Air Force bombs. “All of our guys take great pains to make sure they understand the situation they are in and how to use your weapons,” George said.
Soldiers in the brigade have so far been nominated for 30 medals for valorous action. George said some of the men cited for valor have continued to fight despite wounds. “You read some of these accounts of these things and it’s amazing,” he said.
As the insurgents are pushed back, the brigade is following with programs to improve life for villagers. The unit is working to build roads through the region to spark commerce. Farmers are getting help with fertilizer. The unit helped locals open a furniture factory.
The purpose of the programs is to give jobs to people who would otherwise be driven to the insurgency in search of a paycheck. George said among the insurgents his units have encountered, only a few are fighting for ideology while the rest are fighting for money. “We need to create viable economic alternatives,” he said.
Other initiatives are aimed at countering insurgent propaganda. George said the unit is helping set up radio stations in the region to reach the public and is giving seed money to local newspapers.
Conditions back at base are steadily improving for the brigade. George said even isolated outposts now have facilities for Soldiers to call Family at home.
He’s laid out a goal for the nine months the brigade will remain in Afghanistan: to build up local authorities so they can take the reins in keeping the peace and rebuilding infrastructure that’s been destroyed by decades of combat and neglect.
Copyright 2009 - Colorado Springs Gazette
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Living life in the Korengal Valley
By U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Moeller
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
August 23, 2009
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – As bullets stated to rain down on Baker Company’s position, a Soldier sighed, and said, annoyed, “Well here we go.” Over the next twenty minutes the service members fired everything from bullets to curse words at the invisible enemy attacking from the surrounding hills.
“Just once I’d like to come out here and not get shot at,” said an exasperated U.S. Army Sgt. Graham Mullins, of Columbia, Mo., using a four-foot stone wall for cover. “Just once.”
Near the end, two F-15 fighter jets pummelled the insurgent forces with 500-pound bombs, and an eerie silence fell across the battlefield. For the U.S. service members, it was just another morning in the notorious Korengal Valley.
Nicknamed “The Valley of Death,” the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers have called the isolated valley, in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, home, since arriving in June. “This place is definitely its own monster; there are a lot of other dangerous places in Afghanistan, but I would say this place lives up to the hype,” said U.S. Army Capt. Mark Moretti, Co. B. commander, and New Windsor, N.Y., native.
“It’s all just a waiting game,” said a Co. B Soldier, during a ‘routine’ patrol. “We come out here, and wait for them to open fire on us.”
Seeing some of the toughest fighting in Afghanistan on a daily basis, many Baker Co. Soldiers find humor in the idea that many of their fellow Soldiers are envious of their assignment, who often refer to the almost constant battle as the ‘infantryman’s dream.’ “I would tell them to seriously reconsider their thinking positions,” U.S. Army Spc. Guadalupe Gardenias, a B Co. Soldier, said, laughing.
Living in conditions that rival the third-world villages they patrol, the tiny U.S outposts dotting the valley walls are in stark contrast to other American mega-bases in Afghanistan, such as Bagram Airfield, which offers everything from personal internet to American fast food restaurants.
Here, if a resupply helicopter gets canceled, Soldiers miss not only letters from home, but risk having to ration their food. At the Korengal Outpost, Soldiers use outhouses and hope to shower once a week to conserve water. At nearby Restrepo Outpost, Soldiers lack any running water, and eat field rations for every meal.
“The conditions out here are tough, and it’s a tough fight,” said Moretti. “But given the chance, I don’t think anyone would want to leave.”
Despite daily gun battles, poor hygiene and tortuous terrain, the men of Baker Co. seem content living their life in the “Valley of Death.” When asked if they would take an easier assignment, the answer was always the same. “Not unless everyone else came with me.”
To these Soldiers the debate back home about the war in Afghanistan means little. To them, it’s the brotherhood, born in combat, keeping these Soldiers motivated to stand shoulder to shoulder.
“Before I came into the Army a lot of people would talk about brothers in arms, and I thought it was kind of cheesy, but being out here, I can definitely say that it brings us a lot closer,” said Gardanias. “Cause no matter what we say, or what we do, nobody besides us is going to know what we went through, and what it was like.”
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Influx of U.S. troops a ‘pivotal moment’ for Canadian mission in Kandahar
By The Canadian Press
Published: August 27, 2009
ZHARI DISTRICT, Afghanistan — Every day gunfire erupts on the other side of the barriers of this rugged Canadian base in the middle of Taliban country. All too often of late, insurgent rockets and mortars have breached the perimeter. This is the heart of the insurgency in Afghanistan, and for three years Canadian troops have battled to hold this ground and keep their enemy from the gates of Kandahar city.
The fight is about to change drastically.
Everywhere on base, people are busy building — a new kitchen, thick concrete barriers, sleeping quarters. The base where Soldiers have seen some of the fiercest action of this war is about to get a whole lot bigger.
The U.S. government’s decision to refocus its military efforts from Iraq to the eight-year-old war in Afghanistan, and the ensuing influx of American troops, means the base in the volatile Zhari district will be the new home of the U.S. 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment.
“They’re obviously a lot bigger than we are,” said Maj. Tim Arsenault, the highest-ranked Canadian officer on the base and commander of the Royal 22eme Regiment’s combat troops there. “Just to get them in here, we have to do some preliminary construction.”
While some Canadian troops will remain on the base with the U.S. battalion, the combat contingent will be relocating to another Canadian base in Panjwaii, to the south.
The U.S troops, who will operate under Canada’s Task Force Kandahar command, will significantly increase the combat capability in the two volatile districts where many of Canada’s slain soldiers have given their lives. The commander of Canadian troops in Kandahar calls the area west of Kandahar city the “heart of darkness” in the fight against the insurgency. The Van Doos based here now have lost three comrades during their tour.
The dust and heat and patchwork grape and poppy fields of Zhari and Panjwaii offer a glimpse into why, all these years after the Taliban were toppled from power, Afghanistan is facing the worst security situation yet.
Canadians have operated in the two districts since 2006, vastly outnumbered by the Taliban. Generally speaking, in Zhari as a whole it’s really, really obvious that being so big, and having such a small Canadian element working here, we can’t be everywhere all at once. I can go someplace and try to do some work but I’ll have to come back and go someplace else,” Arsenault said.
“The Taliban are there every day. In dealing with the local population, it’s really obvious that the Taliban have a very strong intimidation campaign going on. They’re scared to talk to us.”
When Canadians arrived here, they had hoped to provide security, development and governance to the area. Several projects were undertaken, including irrigation projects, road-building and bridges. Again and again those projects were targeted by insurgents. Afghan contractors were shot, roads blown up. Today, Arsenault said, Canadian troops concentrate on improving security, realizing that the region was not secure enough for the development and governance pieces.
“It’s really hard to do that unless you saturate the area with a lot of troops,” he said. “With what we had here, we couldn’t work on all three lines of operation.”
The U.S. troops will greatly boost the combat power in the region but it still may not be enough. “Even with that whole battalion they’re almost short to be able to deal with that. It’s very manpower consuming,” Arsenault said.
If not an entirely new war, the influx of American troops will certainly put a new face on the battle-fatigued and, until now, undermanned international effort. It’d better. U.S. Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. joint chiefs of staff, has called situation in Afghanistan “serious and deteriorating.”
Three years ago, the U.S. had about 20,000 troops in the country. By year’s end there will be 68,000 and the NATO-led combat forces in Kandahar province will more than double.
For the Canadian troops, the coming months will see much change in the mission. The 5,000-strong U.S. 5th Stryker Brigade will be deployed in Kandahar, where for more than three years Canada has had about 2,800 soldiers battling insurgents hell bent on wresting control of the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban. The Canadians will be handing off about the half the vast area they’ve been responsible for and concentrating their efforts on Kandahar city and key districts to the south and west.
“I think what we’re about to see is the emergence of the war we’ve been wanting,” said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, commander of Canadian troops.
Canadians will continue training and mentoring Afghan national security forces, and work with the growing Canadian and U.S. civilian contingent to reconstruct and develop.
There will still be combat operations, Vance said, but the focus will be on the kind of development and reconstruction work already underway in the Dand district, south of Kandahar city, where Canada has unveiled a “model village” in the district centre of Deh-e-Bagh.
With U.S. troops taking over responsibility for security to the north and east of Kandahar city, Canadian troops will take the approach being employed in Dand into Zhari and Panjwaii. Canadian troops will live among the Afghans, as they do in Deh-e-Bagh, to provide protection and allow reconstruction.
The U.S. forces have a “highly compatible” doctrine, and Vance said he expects development on a massive scale in Kandahar.
Although the U.S. contingent is considerably larger, Vance said the Canadians will operate and deliver on par. “We’re punching a bit above our weight here, but nonetheless, I think in terms of effect on the province, although they’ve got larger space but much of that is sparsely populated, we are actually delivering on par as a smaller task force, with the Stryker Brigade,” Vance said. “There are more of them on the ground, but we’re pretty good at what we do. We have some pretty key terrain.” It’s a “pivotal moment,” Vance said.
Top U.S. military officials have bluntly admitted the situation is bad in Afghanistan and said there must be visible progress within 12 to 18 months or the American public may decide the war is unwinnable. Vance agrees. But he said it’s not just the western public that expects progress.
“We need to remember that there is also an Afghan population watching this,” he said in a recent interview with The Canadian Press. “All parties want to see tangible progress — our populations at home, the population here, and we ourselves, those who are actively involved.”
Violence could spike in coming months as U.S. troops venture into areas that have seen little international presence. The Canadian contingent chose to focus on seven of the most populated of the province’s 17 districts.
Maj. Christopher Hormann, operations officer for the 1-12th, said that with more combat troops, the environment in Zhari is about to change. “For the combat power that they had, they were doing phenomenal,” he said of the Canadians. “It’s a difficult piece of terrain ... I know that the Taliban are going to fight hard for it.”
Hormann said the U.S. strategy will be based on the success of the Canadian approach in Dand.
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Community leaders discuss key issues at Basra forum
By SPC Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
August 19, 2009
COB BASRA – Col. Butch Kievenaar, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and 17th Fires Brigade commander Col. Steven L. Bullimore met with key community leaders of Basra Province to discuss important issues affecting the community recently. Kievenaar used the meeting to address recent issues such as indirect fire attacks on Basra International Airport and asked the sheikhs to use their influence to help catch the individuals involved in the crimes.
He also introduced Bullimore, who will be assuming command of operations in Basra Province later this month. “I want to express how happy I am to be here,” said Bullimore. “My primary mission here is one of transition. We want to complete all training and improvements of the Iraqi Security Forces while conducting a responsible drawdown of U.S. forces.”
The sheikhs expressed their gratitude for all Kievenaar and the 2nd BCT have done for the community and welcomed Bullimore and the 17th FB with open arms. “We appreciate the Coalition forces because they have helped make Iraq safe from a bad regime,” said Sheikh Ahmed Twaiyah al-Karmashy.
“With the help of U.S. forces, Basra will develop into a thriving economy because of the opportunity for businesses to rise and the opportunity for tourism to cultivate.”
The sheikhs expressed concerns about their quality of water and the lack of job availability for the citizens
of Basra. “There is a team here from the U.S. to do an agricultural assessment of Basra,” said Kievenaar. “Their assessment will help us build a strong case to acquire more money for agricultural development; however, we need your input on what projects need to be pursued in order to better help the people of Basra.”
“We need as many projects as possible to provide jobs for the people of Basra,” said Sheikh Fahad Kalaf Al-Onaan.
“The only way to fix unemployment is to get investment in Basra up, which we will,” Kievenaar responded.
“This is the economic capital of Iraq and we believe that it will thrive in the future.”
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Interesting story about the success of a program that was a key part of the 4ID's mission during OIF 07-09.
'Sons of Iraq' Gain Iraqi Government Jobs
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2009 - Several years ago, tens of thousands of Sunni fighters considered themselves enemies of the Iraqi government and its U.S. conspirators, but after switching allegiances, these former insurgents now are filling the ranks of Iraq's ministries and armed forces.
Thousands of these "Sons of Iraq" -- the moniker given to those Sunni combatants who defected from insurgent groups to fight alongside U.S. and Iraqi security forces -- recently gained employment as government workers in Baghdad. Another 13,000 have jobs as Iraqi policemen or soldiers.
Though once part of the al-Qaida-aligned resistance in Iraq, these fighters left the insurgency in droves in 2007 amid the surge of U.S. troops, notably in Anbar province as part of a broader movement that was later dubbed the Anbar "Awakening," or "Sahwa."
"It started with the Sahwa movement where the Sunni Iraqis recognized the true nature of al-Qaida," Army Maj. Gen. John Johnson, deputy commander for Multinational Corps Iraq, told reporters in a news conference today. "They rejected that ideology and ultimately stood side by side with their countrymen and with U.S. forces to bring al-Qaida to the point they're at today."
All told, the Iraqi government hopes to hire the entire 89,000-strong Sons of Iraq force. Though less than one-fifth has been hired, Baghdad continues to integrate the forces into their ranks, Johnson said, providing a progress update on the Sons of Iraq today.
"There was the recent transfer of over 3,300 Sons of Iraq into 18 government of Iraq ministries," he said. "These examples help illustrate the maturing capabilities and strength of the government and its security forces."
About 20 percent, or nearly 18,000 Sons of Iraq, will enlist as members of the Iraqi security forces when the rounds of hiring are complete.
"It's pretty amazing when you think about the level of sacrifice that these men have made for their country," Johnson said. "And it's important to recognize that they're an integral part of the security for this country."
In the past, bureaucratic and budgetary issues created problems related to salaries paid to the Sons of Iraq. But Johnson said the Iraqi government has taken steps to rectify these lapses and reimburse wages lost.
"Here in this last month, the Sons of Iraq were paid double pay to catch them up from back pay to make sure that they have what they deserve for helping with the security of this country," he said.
Though many are still waiting for jobs within the Iraqi government, Johnson said, they see signs of progress with the hiring of fellow Sons of Iraq. He noted that the former insurgents are proud to take a stake in their country's security.
"They see that their brothers are moving into ministerial jobs," he said. "They also see that many of them have moved into the security forces. So I think that they see this progress, and they're willing to continue to participate in providing security until it's their turn to be moved into governmental jobs.
"From talking to the Sons of Iraq and from talking with our commanders who work with them daily, I think they're very proud of the job they're doing in assisting with the security here," he said.
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Soldiers provide goods, goodwill to Basra citizens
COB BASRA – Soldiers from the Iraqi Army, 17th Fires Brigade and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division handed out humanitarian aid packages consisting of food and supplies to the local citizens of Faddaqhryah and Bahar Aug. 18.
The mission was to assist the Iraqi Army in providing urgent humanitarian assistance to Iraqi citizens, thereby fostering a relationship and laying the groundwork for future success between the IA and its country’s residents, said Lt. Col. Ross. C. Scott , 17th FB civil affairs officer. Scott said the IA delivered more than 400 packages, at an estimated cost of $90,000. Each package will feed a family of eight for 30 days.
The U.S. patrol, containing civil affairs and personnel security Soldiers, departed early from Contingency Operating Base Basra to link up in the Iraqi villages with their IA counterparts from the 14th Iraqi Army Division. In each village, the IA and U.S. Soldiers were met with the welcoming, hopeful looks of local elders and heads of families and the curious, smiling faces of children.
“This is really helpful to us,” said Abod, a citizen of Faddaqhryah, and one of the hundreds who lined up to
collect food. “Since Ramadan is coming, we thank God for all of this. I have nine family members that all these supplies will benefit greatly.”
The IA soldiers were pleased as well to be part of such a mission. “This is really nice. We’re here helping
these people who are poor and need these supplies,” said Krarr Haidar, an IA Soldier. “Also, there are large
families where no one in the household is working; these supplies benefit them the most.”
Although the Iraqi Army was in the lead for the mission, the 17th FB Personnel Security Detachment provided additional security for the event. “It seems as though the IA is becoming completely self sufficient by the way they handled this event in a professional matter,” said Cpl. Dale L. Comella, 17th FB Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Personnel Security Detachment, medic and native of West Seneca, N.Y.
“Overall, I was impressed with the organization of the mission and the gratitude from the locals. We are trained to think that the threat is always out there, so to come in contact with these people who were so inviting and welcoming was a whole different experience for me,” she added.
“We’re so happy that the Soldiers are here to help,” said a Bahar citizen, who is an Iraqi secondary school teacher. “We have no hospitals close by so if we get sick we must travel far. Also our water isn’t drinkable which is why we are very grateful that the Soldiers are bringing us supplies.”
“The Iraqi Army has made tremendous strides toward providing for their people,” said Staff Sgt. Samuel G.
Ward, 17th FB HHB, PSD, 2nd squad leader and native of Jefferson City, Mo. “We used to have to pull a lot of our own security, but now we’re in a supervisory role where we’ll aid them by pointing out something we notice and they’ll take charge in securing the threat. They’re setting up their own operations; they’re clearly running their own show. We’re just here just to point them in the right direction,” Ward said.
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Although I can't find details on the Fort Carson or Fort Hood web pages any more, it is my understanding that the 2BCT command group arrived home last night and another flight is due in sometime today, leaving only the trail party of 2BCT yet to come home to Fort Carson.
Soldiers come home to Families, crowded Carson
TOM ROEDER
Colorado Springs Gazette
August 25, 2009
The lines at Fort Carson — to get on the post, to get a burger, to do just about anything — got a bit longer today. The post was a virtual ghost town early this year with just a few thousand GIs on hand. Now, with Soldiers coming home from Iraq and arriving by the score every day to fill out the 4th Infantry Division headquarters and its 1st Brigade Combat Team, the post is brimming.
And leaders couldn’t be happier. “It’s great getting all these kids home safe,” said division Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey at a ceremony this afternoon to welcome 230 Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team back from a year in Iraq.
The post now houses three combat brigades — more troops than have been on the post at one time since the invasion of Iraq.
Before the sun rises, lines of cars form at the post’s most popular gates as Soldiers crowd in for their morning physical training. “You have to go in early,” advised Spc. Amelia Blackmon.
But there’s happiness in the tumult. Having so many Soldiers at home is a sign the war in Iraq is winding down, Family members said at the ceremony. “It’s been a long time coming,” said Lupe Pena as she waited with her two children to welcome back their father, Cpl. Juan Pena.
By the end of the month, the 3,800-soldier 2nd Brigade, which spent a year patrolling Iraq, will be home. In early September, most of the 6,500 Soldiers who are being moved to Fort Carson this summer will be here as well. The 3,800-Soldier 3rd Brigade came home earlier this year.
Dailey said about 70 percent of the 1st Brigade Combat Team is at Fort Carson now. That means even with the 4th Brigade Combat Team serving in Afghanistan and many of the post’s Green Berets deployed overseas, Fort Carson has about 15,000 Soldiers at home — more than the 13,500 who called Fort Carson home before the Iraq war.
Home from his third tour in Iraq, Staff Sgt. Julio Fernandez gripped his daughter at the welcome ceremony as his wife stood smiling nearby. “It’s a really happy time,” he said.
Copyright 2009 - Colorado Springs Gazette
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The last unit I'm tracking in Iraq, 2HBCT of 1ID (led by COL Joe Martin, a 4ID friend from OIF I), is starting to return home. Within the next few weeks we'll have all of 2HBCT/1ID home.
Troops Return Home to Fort Riley
"Dagger" Brigade had been away for a year
Anna Staatz - KSAL News
Families and friends welcomed home the first "Dagger" Brigade Soldiers to set boots back on the ground at Fort Riley during a ceremony Saturday, August 15. About 80 Soldiers, comprising the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team torch party (1ID), returned from a 12-month deployment to Iraq and will begin preparations for the rest of the returning Dagger Soldiers.
Kristen Pinkston waited anxiously for her husband, Spc. Derek Pinkston, of 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, while keeping 3-year-old Eliza and 3-month old Damien, occupied prior to the ceremony. The past year has been an eventful one for Kristen, who found out she was pregnant with twins the week after Derek deployed in September 2008.
"It was total phone tag trying to reach him to tell him," she said. "They had just left and it was one of those 'if you talk to your husband first, tell him to have Derek call home'.?"
The twins part came as a surprise. While twins run in Kristen's family, she wasn't really expecting to go into a sonogram appointment and see two babies. She opted to stay with her parents in Wisconsin during the deployment, but is planning to move back to Fort Riley now that Derek is home.
The one thing she most hopes Derek can do now that he's back is be on hand when Damien's twin brother, Andrew, comes home from the hospital. The twins were born prematurely in April, and Andrew had to have extended kidney dyalisis, so he is still in the hospital. "Derek got to come home close to Memorial Day, so he got to bring Damien home from the hospital," Kristen said. "I really hope he gets to be there with us when Andrew comes home."
About 3, 800 Soldiers of the 2nd HBCT deployed from Fort Riley in September 2008 to Baghdad, where they conducted security and stability operations. At the end of January, as part of a new agreement between coalition forces and the Iraqis, the Dagger Brigade removed occupational forces from the city. During the following months, Soldiers of the 2nd HBCT continued to work by, with and through the Iraqi Security Forces to provide better security and quality of life for the citizens of Iraq and improve local infrastructure.
The brigade's Soldiers will return to Fort Riley during the next few weeks.
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What our Families Are Hearing From our Soldiers
1) My daughter is in the National Guard. She served her time in full-time Army over in Korea as an MP. When she got out, she joined the National Guard. So today, she was doing some "recruiting" at the Marshfield Fair - complete with 4-H stuff rides and horticulture. I took her daughter to the fair and was stunned by the reception that she and the other National Guardsman got. People offered to pay for my granddaughter's rides because she was with my daughter. People stopped and shook her hand to thank her for her service. She said that they don't pay for anything there from food to rides to drinks. I accepted this with my son because his service was so evident (double amputee 4ID vet from OIF 05-06) - I just did not realize how people felt about your average Soldier/national guardsman. Just some random thoughts... (And great random thoughts about recognition for those in uniform).
2) Bob!! Hey! My kids' dad came home on July 30th. He is with 2BCT. We finally were able to get out to Colorado for a week to bring stuff back to South Carolina and so the kids could see him. They loved seeing and spending time with their daddy! The day we left, more guys from 2BCT came in! It was exciting. The boys hated leaving.
3) Dear Bob, When my son deployed in 2006 (1BCT STB PSD), you got me through that year with all that you do. I wrote in a few times, bought your book, bought the T Shirts. Even though he hasn't deployed since, I'm still on your list because I want to keep up with your wealth of information. When my son got back in country, he was already making plans to apply to go to Special Forces Selection. He did so, and was "selected" to attend the Qualification Course at Ft. Bragg. Last week, after nearly two years, we were at Ft. Bragg to attend his graduation ceremonies as a Green Beret (Weapons Sergeant). The events by themselves were awe inspiring, emotional, whirlwind; the esprit de corp was incredible. More than once during the ceremony the General used the term "brotherhood". I did notice three other 4th ID Soldiers that received their berets. For right now, his Group (7th) will be based at Bragg, but by 2011 will have a new HQ at Egland Air Force Base in Florida. Passing through the Atlanta Airport and seeing all the Soldiers brought back memories of attending his Basic Training Graduation at Ft. Benning. One situation that occurred I need to share with you. As we were waiting on our flight to Fayetteville NC, a young Soldier sat down in front of me. I could tell by his face and demeanor that he was really tired. I also saw the 1st Cavalry patch on his shoulder, so I figured we might converse about Ft. Hood. I went over to shake his hand and thank him. He acted a tad surprised but thanked me. He said he was on his two week leave (had 9 mos. in) and couldn't wait to see his daughter he hadn't yet seen. I know we've all heard stories about this, but until you hear the words in person, one just can't fathom the sacrifices these young men and women give for our country. When he said that, I gritted my teeth a little to choke back a tear. I can't even remember what I said after that. Take care... (Thanks for sharing - we are all one big, happy military Family who love to share our patriotism and pride in our Soldiers with others).
4) From COL Randy George - CO of 4BCT/4ID - in response to a note I sent praising the 12th Infantry Regiment about their liberation of Paris 65 years ago: Hello Bob, I didn't remember the 25 AUG heroics of our Regiment back in WWII - I appreciate you reminding us all. The 12th Infantry Regiment has an incredible history - we need to continue to work to strengthen the ties to those who served in the 12th in the past.
Things are going fine here - elections were extremely busy - tough start, but everything turned out well. Still hot but cooling off...only 100 degrees. It's always about 12-15 degrees hotter here than in Kabul. All the best to you and your family. Randy
5) I enjoy getting your news. Sometimes it is all I get in reference to the unit. My husband is in 2-12 and is busy busy! He says he thinks they are doing great things. Trying to make a difference.
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That concludes another update, and brings us one week closer to the start of college football season. I bet the Saturday productivity of a lot of us takes a dramatic dip for the next few months, I know mine will.
Continue to pray for our Soldiers and their Families. Please continue to send me notes, news is sparse from the sources I have relied on for the past deployments so I need as many sources as possible to keep us all informed.
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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)
