Volume Four, Number 26 - 10-17-09
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 to partly cloudy all week in Baghdad and sunny in Kabul.
Baghdad, Iraq - Sun, Hi - 99, Lo - 74; Mon, Hi - 99, Lo - 68; Tues, Hi - 97, Lo - 67; Wed, Hi - 97, Lo - 67; Thur, Hi - 95, Lo - 67; Fri, Hi - 91, Lo - 65, Sat, Hi - 89, Lo - 65.
Kabul, Afghanistan - Sun, Hi - 69, Lo - 44; Mon, Hi - 70, Lo - 43; Tues, Hi - 69, Lo - 39; Wed, Hi - 67, Lo - 39; Thur, Hi - 67, Lo - 41; Fri, Hi - 66, Lo - 41; Sat, Hi - 65, Lo - 41.
I apologize for missing last week's update. I had a very enjoyable trip to Seattle to attend the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society reunion and then came home to a lot of catching up to do - thus my first ever time of missing putting out an update. I'll get back to my old routine and send them out weekly going forward.
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We start with more news reports from the battle in Afghanistan on October 3...
Fallen Carson Soldier recalled as 'the type of Soldier every leader wants'
BRIAN NEWSOME
Colorado Springs Gazette
October 16, 2009
Sgt. Michael P. Scusa talked so much about his wife and baby boy that his fellow Soldiers sometimes told him, jokingly, to shut up. On Friday, the woman and child so often discussed on a deployment thousands of miles away sat before a flag-draped coffin as all the talk turned to him. Scusa’s funeral was held at First United Methodist Church in downtown Colorado Springs before he was taken to Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver for burial.
The 22-year-old was killed Oct. 3, one of eight Fort Carson Soldiers who died in a fierce, daylong battle against more than 300 insurgents at remote outposts in Nuristan province in Afghanistan. It was the deadliest day for Fort Carson since the Vietnam War. A statement from Lt. Col. Robert Brown, read aloud by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kurt Story at the service, talked about the valiant efforts by Scusa and others that day. “Eight have fallen,” he wrote. “Their actions preserved the lives of many.”
Scusa, who was originally from Villas, N.J., set his sights on the military as a child, according to his Family, and he was known for an ever-present smile and his penchant for saying, “It’s all good.” In Afghanistan, he was never short on updates about his wife, Alyssa, and 1-year-old son, Connor. From Connor’s latest noises to his first steps a few weeks ago, Soldiers felt they came to know his Family without meeting them, one sergeant said in a statement read by Story.
“He came into the Army as a slightly reckless, wide-eyed youth,” the sergeant wrote. “He became the type of Soldier every leader wants.”
In a slideshow, photos of Scusa captured the transformation of a towheaded little boy to a young man showing off his muscles on the monkey bars to a father in fatigues doting over his infant son.
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Fallen Soldier called 'one of the bravest'
Arizona Daily Star
By Carol Ann Alaimo
October 16, 2009
During 21 years in the Army, Don Becker saw thousands of Soldiers come and go. One from Tucson left him in awe. Few were as fearless as Staff Sgt. Justin Gallegos, Becker told mourners at Gallegos' funeral on Thursday.
Gallegos, who grew up near the University of Arizona campus, often volunteered for war assignments that made him an enemy target, Becker said. As an Army scout, he scoped out hostile terrain. He also served as a tank crew member, as a gunner on armed Humvees, and as a bodyguard handpicked to protect high-ranking officers.
Twice hit by enemy fire in Iraq, each time Gallegos ignored his wounds and kept shooting to protect his fellow Soldiers, said Becker, a retired command sergeant major who served overseas with the Tucson Soldier in 2005.
When Gallegos was killed Oct. 3 during a fierce clash in Afghanistan, Becker has no doubt that he died trying to save the lives of comrades. "Your son was one of the bravest men I've ever met," he told Gallegos' mother, Josefina "Yolanda" Heideman.
Gallegos, of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, at Fort Carson in Colorado, was one of eight Soldiers felled in a daylong firefight with insurgents near the Pakistan border. He was the 42nd service member with ties to Tucson and Southern Arizona to be claimed by recent conflicts overseas.
An estimated 200 people turned out to pay respects at Evergreen Cemetery as the Soldier was buried with military honors. Among them was Gallegos' son, MacAidan, 5. The boy sat somberly at graveside, dressed in a dark suit, as an Army general knelt and presented him with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a folded U.S. flag that had covered his father's casket.
Loved ones said Gallegos was especially close to his son and spent most of his time at the child's side when he wasn't deployed. "This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation," Brig. Gen. Sean Macfarland told the youngster. In addition to the medals awarded after his death, Gallegos was posthumously promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant.
While military personnel recalled the Soldier's courage, Family members remembered him as a devoted father, brother and son. "When people die in a war, people call them heroes. My brother was my hero all my life," said the Soldier's sister, Amber Gallegos. "He was a hero because he loved his Family."
Rene McCormick, a private first class in the Army National Guard in Tucson, fought tears as he stood near the gravesite in his dress green uniform. He and Justin Gallegos played football together at Tucson High Magnet School from 1996 until 2000, when Gallegos transferred as a senior to Aztec Middle College and graduated there. "He was one of the greatest guys — smart, funny, outgoing," McCormick said. "He was the kind of guy who would walk into a room and light it up."
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AF praised for support in Afghanistan battle
Air ForceTimes
Staff report
Air Force warplanes released more than 30 bombs and flew numerous strafing runs in defense of two Army outposts, threatened by hundreds of Taliban on Oct. 3, the Air Force said in a release Thursday.
Eight U.S. Soldiers and three Afghan troops died, but the losses could have been worse if not for the Air Force jets.
“There is no doubt that without the incredible air support we received, it would have been a much worse day,” said Army Lt. Col. Robert Brown, 3-61 Cavalry commander from the 4th Infantry Division of Fort Carson, Colo. “Your ability to keep a steady flow of aircraft and ordnance on the enemy turned what could have been a terrible defeat into a hard fought victory.”
Inside a steep northeast Afghanistan valley, hundreds of militants at several firing positions attacked combat outposts Keating and Fritsche.
Within minutes, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were on scene and engaging the enemy, according to Army 1st Lt. Cason Shrode, COP Keating’s fires support officer. “[W]e had so many different assets up in the air ... we had everything we needed.” Shrode said.
The first F-15Es on the scene were helmed by Capt. Isaac Bell, pilot, and Capt. Gordon Olde, weapons systems officer, as well as Capt. Dave Nierenberg, pilot, and British Flight Lieutenant James Siwicki, a WSO. All aircrew were part of the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
Capt. Mike Polidor and 1st Lt. Aaron Dove arrived later over the battle zone and served as tactical air controllers airborne. Along with coordinating the Strike Eagles, the two airmen guided B-1B Lancer bombers and Army attack helicopters.
“We coordinated and relayed many airstrikes with various aircraft,” Dove said. “By the time we got home, we had been airborne for eight hours, strafed mountainous terrain in dangerous weather, and integrated more than 30 bombs on targets around Keating — none of which caused any friendly injuries or fatalities or civilian casualties.” The defending Afghan soldiers and U.S. troops killed nearly 100 militants.
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I'll catch up today on the actions of the 4ID during WWII in October 1944... Scroll forward if you want to skip this three weeks of 4ID history from 1944.
65 Years Ago - 4ID in Germany - October 3-24, 1944
3 October 1944 - D+119
The enemy continued its work and additional fields of fire were cleared. The 8th Infantry prepared to be relieved by the 9th Infantry Regiment and made preparations for move. The 1st Battalion was relieved and moved to an assembly area at Wisheid. The 12th Infantry continued vigorous patrolling and made preparations to be relieved. The 22nd Infantry continued patrolling and plans were formulated for move.
4 October 1944 - D+120
The 4th Infantry Division was relieved by elements of the 2nd Infantry Division by 1800. So it occupied two sectors. In the old sector the enemy front lines remained the same while in the new sector, there was no contact. As in previous periods, considerable effort was made by the Germans to improve their positions.
The 8th Infantry having been relieved, moved to the north.
The 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 12th Infantry Division, having been relieved, moved by foot to a new assembly area in the vicinity of Holzheim, closing therein at 1930 and 1845 respectively.
The 1st Battalion of the 22nd Infantry, having been relieved, moved by motor at 1330 to the north in the vicinity of Honsfeld. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions moved by foot to temporary assembly areas in the vicinity of Buchet and prepared to move by motor.
The 4th Engineer Combat Battalion supported the movement of division units by improving roads and preparing unit assembly areas to the north.
5 October 1944 - D+121
In the new sector, enemy troops were encountered, protecting a road block. Its force was estimated of about a company strength and it employed small arms and machine guns in dug in emplacements. The enemy offered little resistance and hastily withdrew immediately upon being engaged by our forces. An increasing usage of land mines was noted.
The 4th Infantry Division moved remaining units to the north, improved areas, sent reconnaissance patrols to seek information and continued preparations for future operations.
6 October 1944 - D+122
The enemy used an outpost line as an intermediate line of defense which was employed with the objective of holding out as long as possible and then falling quickly back to the permanent installations of the Siegfried line. The outpost positions in all cases had at least one machine gun well dug in and defended roads and trails leading east into the West wall. Numerous mine fields indicated that the enemy had spent considerable time in preparing the defense of the arteries leading into the Siegfried Line.
The 4th Infantry Division patrolled vigorously and maintained contact with the 112th Infantry on the north and the 2nd Infantry Division on the south. At the end of the day, plans were formulated to attack to the east on 7 October.
7 October 1944 - D+123
The 4th Infantry Division advanced to the east and secured preliminary objectives and line of departure to attack the Siegfried Line in the vicinity of Udenbreth.
The 8th Infantry secured by 1245 objectives across the main north-south road. It encountered the enemy defending its dug in positions.
In front of CT 12 the enemy defended the crossroads in the vicinity of Losheimer Graben using heavy machine guns, 80 mm mortars and small arms; the enemy utilized dug in emplacements and cellars of buildings to stubbornly defend this crossroad. Finally after being shelled by artillery from Cannon Company and 81 mm mortars, the estimated force of 200 enemy was dislodged with bazookas and tank support, and by 1730 was driven from the position. Mopping up operations were begun.
The 22nd Infantry advanced to the east in a steady advance. First contact with the enemy was at 1305, consisting of sniper fire and a little mortar and artillery fire. Around 1340, the objectives were reached. Except for some slight offensive action by a few patrols, the enemy remained defensive.
8 October 1944 - D+124
The enemy launched four counterattacks. They were made by forces of about 50-70 men and they occurred at 0630, 0745, 0800 and 1030. Two of the attempts were preceded by heavy artillery and mortar barrages. In all cases the counterattacks were repulsed and in at least one instance, the enemy received heavy casualties. In addition, usual interdictory and harassing fires on roadways and junctions were experienced.
The 4th Infantry Division maintained and improved positions, dispatched patrols and continued plans for the coordinated attack.
9 October 1944 - D+125
The enemy remained on the defensive except for a few small patrols, mainly in the 8th Infantry sector. The 4th Infantry Division sent out strong patrols to report enemy dispositions.
10 October 1944 - D+126
The enemy was still improving its positions and fields of fire. The area about Neuhof was particularly active.
The 8th Infantry improved positions secured in preparation for the attack and conducted vigorous patrolling.
The 3rd Battalion (reinforced) of the 12th Infantry attacked at 0900 to seize favorable terrain from which it could support the planned assault. Leading elements reached objective by 1030 and consolidated positions throughout the balance of the day.
The 22nd Infantry conducted reconnaissance for emplacing direct fire weapons to support the attack and patrolled aggressively with two patrols reaching enemy line of concrete emplacements.
11 October 1944 - D+127
Considerable heavy mortar fire fell on our front line elements but enemy artillery was not particularly heavy.
The 8th Infantry improved its positions and conducted training in assault of fortified positions.
The 12th Infantry sent vigorous patrols to the east and conducted training.
The 22nd Infantry patrolled aggressively with one patrol reaching the outskirts of Udenbreth with little activity of the enemy being noted. It also conducted training in assault of fortified positions.
The 70th Tank Battalion moved to vicinity of Hunningen closing at 1200.
12 October 1944 - D+128
Combat teams sent out strong patrols to the east to determine enemy disposition and strength.
CT 8 and CT 12 kept minimum of troops in line with remainder to the rear for rest, cleanup and training.
CT 22 reported small arms fire coming from the vicinity of Miescheid and it was reported that two enemy assault guns were firing from the vicinity of Giescheid. The enemy was observed placing mines in the shell craters leading up to the West wall defenses. As in previous periods, no evidence of enemy armor was reported. The results of our propaganda dissemination were further proven by the fact that all prisoners of war surrendered with "Safe Conduct" passes.
13 October 1944 - D+129
The enemy improved its defensive position with renewed vigor. More mine fields were layed, even during the night in areas which had previously been swept and cleared.
The 4th Infantry Division continued active patrolling, and under battalion rotation policy, instituted training program with emphasis on tactics in assault of fortified positions, tactics of tank-infantry coordination, use of flame-throwing tanks, and schools for determination of hostile mortar positions.
14 October 1944 - D+130
No changes in the activities of strong combat patrols and rotation of the battalions for training.
15 October 1944 - D+131
Our patrols observed considerable activity in the vicinity of the Siegfried Defenses and at 1600 a group of about 200 enemy were observed moving east across country southeast of Neuhof. It was learned that enemy troops had been warned to stay away from felled trees because they were all mined. It was learned that the 3d Panzer Grenadier Division which had been reported crossing the front opposite the 4th Infantry Division during the previous two days had been committed in the 1st Infantry Division zone of action.
Same activities for the 4th Infantry Division with periods being devoted to care and cleaning of equipment, rest and recreation, cleanliness of personnel and clothing, and training.
16 October 1944 - D+132
There was little activity on the part of the enemy except for a considerable increase in mortar shelling, principally in the CT 8 and CT 22 sectors. The 4th Infantry Division dispatched strong combat patrols to the east, harassed the enemy and continued training programs for the units not actively engaged on the front line.
17 October 1944 - D+133
The enemy was observed engaged in such activities as washing clothes, cutting trees and generally moving about in Ulenbreth. One of our patrols that reached Miescheid received high-velocity fire from an antitank weapon in a pillbox and heavy machine gun fire from pillboxes located in the northern end of Uldenbreth. The 4th Infantry Division continued patrolling, maintained main line of resistance and conducted training.
18 October 1944 - D+134
At 0725 the enemy using an amplifying system directed music from phonograph records towards our front line troops. No changes in the activities with rotation battalion policy.
19 October 1944 - D+135
Enemy patrols were not active. An increase in enemy mortar fire was noted by CT 8 and CT 22; in some cases, the enemy fired smoke, probably to cover its activities in these areas. Several prisoners of war surrendered as a result of our propaganda broadcast delivered from the CT 8 area between 1200 and 1245. CT 12 continued normal patrol activity and rotation policy of battalions. The 4th Division Artillery continued firing registration, close support, harassing, interdiction, counter battery and propaganda missions. Engineers continued to improve roads, remove mines etc.
20 October 1944 - D+136
Smoke was again used by the enemy, apparently to conceal its activities in and around the Siegfried emplacements. Mine fields were again encountered in strength.
21 October 1944 - D+137
Some enemy patrolling activity took place. The shelling of our front lines with fairly heavy mortar fire continued. The 8th Infantry prepared to relieve the 22nd Infantry on main line of resistance to be effected on October 22 and the 22nd Infantry prepared to relieve the 28th Infantry Division.
22 October 1944 - D+138
The enemy increased its patrol activity and established more outposts. It increased also the number of mine fields.
The 1st Battalion 8th Infantry maintained positions on the main line of defense, the 2nd Battalion continued their training program and the 3rd Battalion relieved the 22nd Infantry. The 12th Infantry continued aggressive patrolling to the east and southeast to establish ambushes and harass the enemy. The 22nd Infantry moved to a temporary assembly area prior to effecting relief of the 28th Infantry Division in their zone of action to the north.
23 October 1944 - D+139
Several rounds of artillery, estimated to be 105 mm, fell in the CT 22 area from 1200 to 1800 hours. The 8th Infantry consolidated and improved positions extended to the north, sent out patrols, one of which engaged an enemy outpost during the afternoon and captured three prisoners. The 12th Infantry with 4th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized) continued aggressive patrolling. The 22nd Infantry moved to the northwest and completed the relief by 1330 with regimental CP opening at Rocherath.
24 October 1944 - D+140
The enemy line in the newly defined northern sector of the 4th Infantry Division was vague. Small enemy forces were employed forward of the pillbox line. About thirty-two rounds of rockets containing enemy propaganda leaflets were received in the CT 8 area at about 1015. The 4th Infantry Division maintained positions to the immediate west of Siegfried line fortifications, and continued patrols and training.
(Thanks to Philippe Cornil, our friend in Europe for providing these reports for us. He has now moved from Normandy back to Belgium and has closed his St. Marie du Mont bed and breakfast and tour guide operation, at least until next summer).
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The monthly memorial service at Fort Carson was held on Wednesday, October 14. The Soldiers eulogized at this memorial were from August and September, the eight killed in the attack on 3 October will be remembered at the November ceremony.
Family, comrades remember fallen Soldiers; bright smiles, loving natures
The Colorado Springs Gazette
By Tom Roeder
October 15, 2009
More than 500 people packed a chapel at Fort Carson on Wednesday, many of them left standing, to mourn six Soldiers from the post killed in Afghanistan. The six died in August and September, victims of a burgeoning insurgency in Afghanistan that has claimed 25 lives from the post since June, including nine who died this month.
Eulogists highlighted the individual traits of the six: 1st Lt. Tyler E. Parten, Staff Sgt. Randy M. Haney, Sgt. David A. Davis, Sgt. Youvert Loney, Pfc. Matthew E. Wildes and Pfc. William L. Meredith.
But commanders said they shared one thing in common: heroism. “As we mourn the loss of six heroes, the price of freedom echoes in the deepest recesses in our souls,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Houston, a chaplain who presided over the service.
Parten paid that price as he charged up a hill to rout an insurgent band that was blasting away at comrades from another platoon in the 4th Brigade Combat Team. His mother, Lona Parten, had told him to be careful and to let others lead the charge. “He told me ‘Mom, they’re not going to follow me if I don’t go first,’” Lona Parten said after the service.
An outgoing man with a flair for music, Parten’s ashes will be scattered atop Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania — the peak he climbed with his brother after graduating the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
“He inspired everyone around him,” his mother said. “He believed in what he was doing.”
Loney inspired those around him without saying a word. A native of the Federated States of Micronesia, Loney died when his 4th Brigade Combat Team patrol was hit by insurgents using a recoilless rifle. “He spent his final moment on Earth trying to defend his gunner and driver,” Capt. Shaun Conlin wrote in a letter read at the service.
Loney was self-conscious of his thick accent, and seldom said more than “roger” to acknowledge commands. But others watched him gutting out long hikes in spite of painful back problems. They saw him cheerfully, if silently, complete every task he was given. “He let his actions do all the talking,” Conlin wrote.
Davis would have been upset at all the crying in the chapel Wednesday. The Army truck driver, who died when insurgents shelled Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, always had a smile on his face and a good joke on his tongue, eulogist Lt. Col. Thomas Rivard said of the Soldier from the 43rd Sustainment Brigade.
“He brought laughter and good times to the unit,” Rivard said. A father of six, Davis was supposed to be starting mid-tour leave on the day his body was returned to U.S. soil. “He most looked forward to being home and making dinner for his kids,” Rivard said.
Wildes had a childlike look about him that made superiors question whether he would fit in the Army. “I didn’t quite know what to think of him,” Capt. Mike Erlandson wrote in a letter from Afghanistan that was read at the service. The 18-year-old died when his patrol was hit with insurgent machine gun fire and a roadside bomb.
By then he’d proven to Erlandson and everyone else that he fit in. “He did as every good Soldier does — exactly what he was told,” Erlandson wrote of the easy-going kid with a Louisiana drawl.
Haney was a teacher and father-figure to many younger Soldiers in his 4th Brigade Combat Team platoon. “He was a great guy, a good leader and a good father,” his widow, Katie Haney, said after the service.
When the notification team knocked on her door on Labor Day weekend, “I thought he was hurt, then they ask you to sit down and you know it’s not good.” Haney died when his truck was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade during an escort mission in Afghanistan. “He lived his life defending others,” Katie Haney said.
Meredith gave his life in a blast while hunting for roadside bombs along major supply routes, a mission that defended Soldiers and civilians alike from the insurgents’ weapon of choice. Capt. Jonathan Davis remembered when Meredith first showed up at Fort Carson’s 4th Engineer Battalion, fresh from basic training. “He was like a confused student arriving at a new school,” Davis said. But from that first day, Meredith wore a smile. “Seeing him without a smile instantly prompted the question — what’s wrong?” Davis said.
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Fort Carson Quietly Mourns War Deaths
NPR – Denver
By Jeff Brady
As the White House considers the country's future role in Afghanistan, U.S. Soldiers continue to fight and die there. Eight Soldiers, all from a single unit stationed at Fort Carson, died on Oct. 3 when their outpost in Afghanistan was attacked. The men ranged from 21 to 30 years old. The attack came just a few days shy of the eighth anniversary of the start of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Outside Fort Carson's main entrance near Colorado Springs, there are no flowers, candles or any other sign that this base recently suffered the largest number of deaths in a single battle since the Vietnam War.
But on Thursday, there was one guy holding a neon green sign that read simply, "Thank you." Fred Haddock of Pueblo, Colo., says he's stood outside Fort Carson a couple of days each year since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. "Maybe sometime, somewhere, some guy in some hell-hole — and all hell's breaking loose — will remember that there's one son-of-a-bitch out here that still appreciates why he's there," says Haddock.
Military wife Heather Gravens says her husband will be deployed to Afghanistan in about a month. She says when it comes to combat deaths military Families don't have the luxury of getting emotional over each individual passing anymore. "We feel sorry for the people who lost their lives and especially their Family — for the grieving that they have to do," says Gravens. "But in the same breath, it's not over. So we have to keep going."
At a Fort Carson press conference on Wednesday, military leaders said service members in the affected unit were keeping their spirits up, because they knew their dead colleagues helped to win that particular battle. "There were a lot of heroes on that day," said Maj. Daniel Chandler, commander for the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Rear Detachment. "They're really rallying around themselves and morale in the 4th Brigade Combat Team is high and it's getting stronger."
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have claimed 279 Fort Carson Soldiers. Currently about 3,500 military personnel from the base are deployed in Afghanistan.
As the number of dead and injured Soldiers has risen, the atmosphere in nearby Colorado Springs has changed. Gone are many of the Support the Troops banners in local store fronts. There are fewer flags and not as many yellow ribbons. In their place a form of stoicism has set in.
College student Tasha Bryant says she's a military brat. Her dad was in the Army. When news of the eight deaths came, she chose to focus on the sacrifice the Soldiers made. "I'm more thankful than anything," says Bryant. "[Rather] than sit and grieve, I want to focus more on the fact that I'm thankful that somebody, at least, went over there."
Local residents also want to know that Soldiers volunteering for the military are doing it for a good reason, according to Father Bill Carmody. He's pastor at nearby St. Dominic Catholic Church, where he says 85 percent of the parishioners are active or retired military. But Carmody says he's not heard much talk about the Soldiers who died. "Most people around here want to make sure they didn't die in vain," says Carmody, "and what I mean by that is, are we going to win this war on terrorism or not?"
This is one big reason residents of this military town will watch closely as President Obama decides the country's future role in Afghanistan.
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Although no 4ID units are included in this announcement, I include it to keep you updated on troop movement plans in 2010 (and, lots of former 4ID personnel are now in these units) ...
DoD Announces Units for Next Iraq Rotation and Extension
The Department of Defense announced today major units scheduled to deploy as part of the next force rotation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The announcement involves three brigade combat teams, and one armored cavalry regiment totaling approximately 15,000 personnel. The scheduled rotation for these forces will begin in the summer of 2010.
These units will serve as advise and assist brigades and will replace redeploying units, with no increase in overall force levels.
Specific units receiving deployment orders include:
4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Wahiawa, Hawaii
3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas
Additionally, the secretary of defense approved a request by the commander of Multi-National Forces-Iraq (MNF-I) to extend the deployment of the 1st Cavalry Division Headquarters for up to an additional 23 days, and elements of the II Marine Expeditionary Force for up to an additional 79 days.
The extensions will ensure that key capabilities are maintained during the critical period following the January elections, and provide additional support for the orderly redeployment of the remaining Marine Corps forces and equipment.
The department recognizes the continued contributions of these units and their Family members.
DoD will continue to announce major unit deployments as units are identified and alerted.
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Forces Reposition From Afghan Outposts, Target Insurgents
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2009 - NATO's International Security Assistance Forces have completed their repositioning from two combat outposts in Nuristan province to other areas in eastern Afghanistan, military officials reported.
Militants attacked the two outposts – Keating and Fritsche – in the Kamdesh district Oct. 3 from multiple firing positions in the steep valley. ISAF forces on the ground, assisted by close-air support and attack helicopters, fought the militants, ultimately securing the outposts and killing an estimated 100 insurgents during the battle, officials said.
Despite Taliban claims, the movement of troops and equipment from the outposts are a part of a previously scheduled transfer. The remote outposts were established as part of a previous security strategy to stop or prevent the flow of militants into the region.
In line with the counterinsurgency guidance of Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, ISAF commander, ISAF leaders decided last month to reposition forces to population centers within the region, officials said. Commanders developed plans for the repositioning. However, as in every conflict, timelines may shift to accommodate conditions on the ground and developing security priorities.
Commanders have not discussed specific movements before their completion to ensure the security of ISAF and Afghan forces as well as Afghan civilians in affected areas...
(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force and Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)
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PRT Nuristan meet with Nuristan Provincial Council and Community Leaders
By Air Force 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne
Provincial Reconstruction Team-Nuristan- Public Affairs
October 10, 2009
FOB KALA GUSH, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy CDR. Russell McCormack, the Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan commander, met with six newly elected members of the Provincial Council of Nuristan, and community leaders Oct. 9 to discuss PRT Nuristan’s strategy on security and development for the province.
The six members of the Provincial Council were accompanied by Senator DadMohammed, the Waygul district representative of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, and community leaders from the Wama, Waygul, Parun, Dow Ab, and Nurgarm districts. In total, 17 men came to voice their concerns about recent withdrawals of coalition forces of in Barg-e Matal and Kamdash.
A community member from Wama said, “People are with the government, we don’t want to go back in time.” A different community member said, “We don’t want to live in the stone age.” These statements show that the people of Nuristan want to work with the government of Afghanistan, its security forces, as well as Coalition Forces.
The council members and the community leaders fear that with Coalition Forces pulling out of certain areas and canceling infrastructure projects, the Taliban will get the upper hand. One community leader said that the Taliban use their people’s lack of education, work, and money to recruit Nuristanis to work for them and attack Coalition Forces.
“The meeting was productive because it engaged the new Provincial Council members of Nuristan of the requirements necessary for continual development including demonstrating support of Coalition Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, as well as not tolerating and reporting Anti Afghanistan Forces activity in the area, ” said McCormack.
The bottom line for the Provincial Council members and community leaders is, not only do the people have to ensure security, but they must be willing to help themselves. Nuristan has many problems with their roads being washed out, snowed in and blocked by boulders. To allevitate this issue, PRT Nuristan purchased road building equipment to turn over to the Department of Public Works, but there was no representative in the Nurgaram district to take over the equipment.
One of the goals for the Provincial Council members and community leaders to accomplish by the next meeting with McCormack was to find a representative to be responsible for the equipment and name a person PRT engineers can train to work the equipment. “There is no need to throw seeds on a field full of rocks. It’s their responsibility to clear the field of rocks and ensure it is fertile ground to grow those seeds. The seeds are symbolic of Coalition Forces and American dollars,” said McCormack.
Another goal included building a better relationship with the people of Kunar. Nuristan and Kunar have had poor relations in the past, is preventing the people of Nuristan access to the road in the Chapa Dara valley of Kunar. The road is the only way for Nuristanis to reach the south and it is currently controlled by the Taliban. The objective is to let the past be the past and to create a partnership to regain control of not only the road Chapa Dara valley, but of their country as well.
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Carson troops preparing to teach Afghan soldiers, police
Colorado Springs Gazette
TOM ROEDER
October 11, 2009
Fort Carson Soldiers headed for Afghanistan next summer have a lot to learn before they become teachers. The 3,800 Soldiers from the post’s 1st Brigade Combat Team will train tens of thousands of Afghan soldiers and police in an area covering half that country and join them in combat.
The brigade’s commander, Col. Jeff Martindale, said it’s a mission that will challenge his Soldiers to become teachers as they fight in an austere environment. “The thing we’re going to have to focus on is what will motivate the Afghan soldiers to fight,” Martindale said.
Martindale has ample experience in Afghanistan, having served there with the 75th Ranger Regiment shortly after the American invasion. He later went to Iraq to command a battalion of Soldiers from Fort Carson’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
Afghanistan has unique problems, with infrastructure destroyed by decades of fighting and a population that’s largely uneducated and is segregated by lack of a common language.
Martindale’s brigade will be broken into company- and platoon-sized teams that will train the Afghans while fighting beside them throughout southern and western Afghanistan. The sole focus of the Fort Carson troops will be making the Afghans better at their jobs. Other American or allied units will be responsible for controlling and patrolling the countryside where the Afghan troops and their Fort Carson trainers will operate.
It’s a concept that’s at the heart of the latest American strategy to win the eight-year war. Top commanders want to grow Afghanistan’s army and police forces and begin to hand over security responsibility to the Afghan government. It’s a plan that has proven its worth in Iraq, where Americans have pulled back from combat operations to focus solely on training Iraqis.
To prepare for Afghanistan, the unit will have to learn to live without its heaviest firepower — M-1 tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles that aren’t suited for Afghanistan’s rugged, roadless terrain. Soldiers must also learn how to operate independently, without the instantly-available backup that is typical in Iraq.
“I am focusing a lot more on physical fitness and I am focused on the mindset of being self-sufficient,” Martindale said.
The Soldiers in the brigade are now training at Fort Carson. Before they leave for Afghanistan, they have a final training exercise at Fort Polk, La.
Copyright 2009 - Colorado Springs Gazette
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Regional GMIC Set to Give N2KL Communication Capabilities
Story by Maj. T.G. Taylor, Task Force Mountain Warrior Public Affairs
October 13, 2009
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Leaders from the Government Media Information Center and the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team met with Nangarhar leaders in Jalalabad to discuss and assess the feasibility of a Regional GMIC in Nangarhar province, Oct. 10.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the capabilities of the current media center at the governor’s palace and identify improvements that need to be made to upgrade it to a RGMIC.
The GMIC is a ministry level office whose purpose is to operate as the official communication department of the central government, said Hakim Asher, director of the national GMIC.
An RGMIC is designed to close the gap between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the community by communicating through media in the region. “[Modern] communication in Afghanistan is a new experience,” said Amin Shafiee, deputy director of the national GMIC. “Our job at the GMIC is to coordinate and connect GIRoA to the people through the free and independent media.”
Shafiee explained that the GMIC has a signed agreement with the Independent Directorate of Local Governance, an organization dedicated to strengthening local governance, to establish RGMICs in Jalalabad and Kandahar before the end of the year. “This is our first trip to Jalalabad and we are here to see what we can do to establish the office here,” said Sediq Sediqi, head of the media relations and coordination department of the GMIC in Kabul. “The RGMIC will establish strategies for the [Nangarhar] government to communicate” with its people.
Establishing a functioning facility here will require some technical improvements to facilities in Nangarhar, said Shafiee. “It requires us to have modern facilities here; it’s essential that we share information between the region and Kabul by the internet, and video teleconference,” said Shafiee. The Nangarhar PRT and IDLG will assist with those technical aspects of a facility.
“The Nangarhar PRT is willing to also assist with the technical capabilities of the RGMIC anyway we can,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Melissa Milner of Forrest Hill, La., information operations officer for the Nangarhar PRT. “We can also help develop training programs for the future employees and local media.”
Shafiee went on to explain the other assistance the GMIC would provide to help open the Jalalabad office. “According to our strategy we will deploy six officers here—a director plus a staff of professionals,” said Shafiee. “We will see the gaps and fill those gaps in terms of salaries and equipment.”
The RGMIC will also have the task of training communication professionals in the region including civilian media, said Marine Capt. Staci Reidinger of Morgan City, La., the U.S. Forces—Afghanistan liaison to the GMIC. “One of the most important things we do is build capacity,” Reidinger said. “It’s essential that we identify what training is needed and then provide that training.”
Everyone at the meeting was in agreement that communication was essential to connecting the people to their government. “The public has a right to know what the government is doing,” Sediqi said. “That’s why we are here today, to see how we can do this better.”
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The following story caught my eye - very interesting statistics that most Americans don't know about, and you can bet this won't be reported by the mainstream media. Bottom line - those of you in today's Army continue to have your hands full and you are carrying the load for all Americans. I'm proud to be associated with all of today's Soldiers and the Families who stand "Steadfast and Loyal" behind them.
Global Commitments Stretch Army
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2009 - With more than 1.1 million active and reserve-component Soldiers in the U.S. Army, some may wonder how the service could be stressed, as is commonly discussed and reported. The answer lies in the number of deployments Soldiers have around the world -- known as operations tempo -- and the "dwell time" needed for them to spend at home between deployments, officials say.
The following is a look at where Soldiers are based as of Oct. 6.
The Army has 552,400 active-component Soldiers, who are called upon most for operations and exercises. Of the Army's 207,400 reservists, 21,700 are mobilized. The Army National Guard has 362,000 Soldiers, with 58,100 activated. Once Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers come on active duty, there is no difference between them and active-component Soldiers. Reservists can be called up for one-year tours, including training.
According to Army statistics, 102,400 active-component Soldiers are based overseas, and 450,000 are in the continental United States. About 21,200 Soldiers are in Hawaii, and 13,200 are in Alaska. Soldiers deploy to contingencies around the world. Some 38,200 Soldiers are based with U.S. Army Europe, and 17,300 serve with U.S. Forces Korea.
The two largest contingencies for the Army are Iraq and Afghanistan, with 98,025 Soldiers operating in Iraq and 43,800 in Afghanistan. Another 12,700 Soldiers based in Kuwait provide assistance to both theaters in U.S. Central Command, and 1,050 Soldiers work in Qatar.
But those aren't the only areas of operations. NATO's Kosovo Force in the Balkans has 1,525 U.S. Soldiers – most from the Army National Guard. Ten Soldiers based in Bosnia work with the European Union effort in that country.
Another 700 Soldiers are part of the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai desert. Since 1981, a battalion of American Soldiers has been in the area to ensure peace between Israel and Egypt.
Some 1,200 Soldiers are based with Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. They're based mainly in Djibouti, but also work in Ethiopia and other areas of the region.
Another 600 Soldiers are part of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, helping to run the detention center at the Guantanamo Naval Base, Cuba, and in Honduras, 325 Soldiers are part of Joint Task Force Bravo, which works at improving military-to-military ties with Central American countries. In place since the mid-1980s, the command has used civil-military operations to connect with the people of the region.
There are 225 Soldiers in the Philippines, working to develop the capabilities of the Philippine armed forces, and another 3,440 Soldiers are deployed around the world in "other operations and exercises," officials said.
Added to these numbers are Soldiers going through various levels of training, sick or injured, on recruiting duty or involved in other aspects of maintaining the base.
The bottom line is that there are more than 266,000 Soldiers deployed or forward stationed in almost 80 countries around the world.
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General Officer Announcements
In a long list of promotion announcements that came out this past week, these four promotions to major general caught my eye - all with ties to 4ID - and well deserved promotions:
Army Brig. Gen. William F. Grimsley has been nominated for appointment to the grade of major general. Grimsley is currently serving as deputy commanding general, III Corps and Fort Hood, Fort Hood, Texas. (Grimsley was ADC - Maneuver of 4ID during OIF 07-09, and was a brigade commander during the "Thunder Run" of 3ID into Baghdad in March 2003).
Army Brig. Gen. David R. Hogg has been nominated for appointment to the grade of major general. Hogg is currently serving as deputy chief of staff, operations, International Security Assistance Force, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. (Hogg was 2BCT commander of 4ID during OIF I, working out of the Baqubah area).
Army Brig. Gen. William C. Mayville Jr. has been nominated for appointment to the grade of major general. Mayville is currently serving as 82d Airborne Division/Combined Joint Task Force-76, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. (Mayville led the 173rd Airborne Brigade, as part of TF Ironhorse, during OIF I - making the airborne drop north of Kirkuk in late March 2003).
Army Brig. Gen. Keith C. Walker has been nominated for appointment to the grade of major general. Walker is currently serving as director, Future Force Integration Directorate, Army Capabilities Integration Center, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Bliss, Texas. (Walker has the longest and closest ties to 4ID - his father landed on D-Day with the 22nd Infantry Regiment, was wounded as a battalion commander in the Hurtgen Forest, and was 4ID commanding general in Vietnam. His father-in-law was a brigade commander in 4ID in Vietnam. His daughter, Laura, served with 555 EN GRP, part of TF Ironhorse in OIF I. Sadly, I attended her funeral at West Point after she was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Keith's wife continues as a recipient of these updates - ever since OIF I).
Stars have fallen on many 4ID commanders as a result of the outstanding leadership they have provided serving with 4ID in Iraq - from GEN Ray Odierno at the top all the way through to these great Soldiers. Congratulations to all our present and former 4ID general officers.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers
1) It is always sad when we hear about losses in the battle areas. It is even sadder when they are our Brothers or Sisters from the 4th ID. Now is the time for the individual 4th ID Associations to come to the aid of the Families, Friends and Comrades of these true American Heroes. The Soldiers have fought the good fight. Another fight is now on when these Soldiers come home. The Families need our Support and Condolences, not forgotten about during their time of sorrow, which will take some time to heal.
2) Bob, such young kids again - so sad. I'll be thinking of them/their Families - and feel very sorry.
3) Bob – although my son is not with the Soldiers from Ft. Carson, he is still in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne. My heart aches for these Families and for the Soldiers who were with the lost in battle. I have them in my prayers. Thank you for keeping us up to date on what is going on over there. You are appreciated.
4) Let me hear from more of you...
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As you can see, news continues to be sparse. I will keep looking - and keep sending me things that you find or hear from your Soldier.
Continue to pray for our Soldiers and their Families. At noon today, you can bet I'll be sitting in front of my TV set rooting for my OU Sooners against the Texas Longhorns. OU has priority over the UGA game with Vanderbilt for this lifelong Sooners fan. Boomer Sooner! Go Dawgs! Unless you're a Texas or Vanderbilt fan, I hope your favorite team wins today.
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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)
