Wednesday, June 27, 2007

3-1 Cav. meets with local youth center leaders

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3-1 Cav. meets with local youth center leaders
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

BAGHDAD - Elements of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team are helping to improve life for Iraqi youth by assisting with a $500,000 renovation
project to a local youth center. 

Iraqi contractors, youth center leaders and members with the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment and Soldiers of Company A, 97th Civil Affairs Battalion, currently attached to 3-1 Cavalry met June 21 in Jisr Diyala to discuss the planned improvements.

Construction is expected to begin in late July and will include renovations to the weight room, sewing room, library and arts and crafts room. Coalition Forces are also expecting to get new computers and exercise equipment for the center.

“The renovations of the youth center will help show the youth of Jisr Diyala that there are other activities out there that can help improve their lives,“ said Capt. Jimmy Hathaway, from Columbus, Ga., and Headquarters Company commander, 3-1 Cav.  “We are going to turn this youth center into a world class facility.“

1-15th Inf. detains four, destroys enemy trucks, barges

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15th Inf. detains four, destroys enemy trucks, barges
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

BAGHDAD - Coalition Forces have detained four suspects, destroyed two trucks and two barges in operations south of Salman Pak June 23.

Operation Bull Run, which supports Marne Torch, also netted two weapons caches, five improvised explosive devices, and two vehicles. The operation’s intent is to prevent insurgents from moving weapons and munitions into the Arab Jabour area.

Marne Torch is an offensive operation to clear extremist sanctuaries in the Arab Jabour area southeast of Baghdad. Marne Torch is named for the historic 1942 British-American invasion of French North Africa in World War II.

IED emplacers detained during Operation Peregrine II

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IED emplacers detained during Operation Peregrine II
Sgt. J.H. French
4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

KALSU, Iraq - As the Paratroopers packed inside the helicopter, engines roared to life and lifted them into the black of night, June 23.
The destination of the Paratroopers was Hawaii, but it was no island paradise, it was the target name for an insurgent stronghold in a village just outside Mahmudiyah.

The Paratroopers from Company C, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted Operation Peregrine II and captured five members of an insurgent cell in north Babil.

“The operation was a night time air assault to capture several (individuals) that we believe are directly responsible for attacks in our area, including the bombing of a bridge that took the lives of three of our fellow Soldiers,“ said 1st Sgt. Karl Zaglauer, first sergeant for Company C.  “This was actually the third raid we have conducted in response to the bridge attack.“

The Paratroopers trained and rehearsed for three days in preparation for the mission but at the last minute plans changed.

“Prior to take off we learned that the main target had moved locations,“ Zaglauer said.  “So, we came up with a hasty plan and our guys executed it flawlessly.“

Even though the Paratroopers made the raid look easy, it did have its problems.

“It was difficult.  This was our first air assault, and at the last minute there was a change, but we were flexible and stuck to the basics,“ said 1st Lt. Nathaniel Bretz, a platoon leader with Company C.

According to Bretz, several factors added to the difficulty of the operation including the sheer number of houses located within the vicinity of the target.

“Everything was a little more built up than we expected,“ he continued.  “But, we were able to clear the objective and take five insurgents off of the street.“

More missions of this type are being planned by Company C. 

“We like conducting these types of operations because it gives you the element of surprise,“ said Capt. Stew Lindsay, commander of Company C. 

In all, 19 suspected members of the IED cell have been detained.

Company A, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, attached to 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th BCT, (ABN), 25th ID, detained 14 insurgents June 24 while conducting a raid south of Baghdad alongside the Iraqi army.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Marne Torch air assault yields five detainees

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marne Torch air assault yields five detainees
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, detained five individuals while conducting a company-sized operation in the city of Dura’iya June 17.

Operation Chosin supported the efforts of Marne Torch, an offensive operation against Al Qaeda strongholds around Baghdad recently announced by Secretary of Defense Robert W. Gates and Gen. David Petraeus, Multi-National Force-Iraq commander.

The purpose of the mission, according to 1-15 Inf. leaders, was to disrupt key insurgent networks from freedom of maneuver in the battalion’s area of operation.

The mission began as elements from 1-15 Inf. air assaulted into the vicinity of targeted houses late Saturday night. During the ground operation, several houses were searched for weapons and improvised explosive device- making materials resulting in the detention of five individuals and the seizure of one rifle.

The 1-15 Inf. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and is one of the U.S. Army’s surge brigades.

Project Iraqi Kids makes its way to Iraq

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Project Iraqi Kids makes its way to Iraq
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

BAGHDAD - American Legion Post 256 members from Tennessee are supporting the war effort by raising money to purchase school supplies for Iraqi children.

The effort, called “Project Iraqi Kids,“ generates funds to buy school supplies to be shipped to U.S. units in Iraq. Elements of the 1st Cavalry Division and the 3rd Infantry Division are scheduled to start distributing the supplies in late June.

The idea for the project came when a former Company D, 278th Tennessee Army National Guard commander returned from Iraq in February
2006 and spoke to American Legion Post 256 members and the Tellico Village Retired Military Club members about the need to reach out to Iraqi children, according to retired Col. Dick Kolasheski, currently serving as the service officer of the American Legion Post 256.

The ability to reach out to the Iraqi kids and show them the true face of America will do much to determine the success or failure of the mission and the countless sacrifices the Iraqis are making, the company commander said to the American Legion.

This is the same view that has been reinforced to the service men and women currently in Iraq, Kolasheski said. Kolasheski’s son, Lt.
Col. John Kolasheski, with 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, is currently serving in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“It is a valuable tool to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi (people,)“ Dick Kolasheski said. “Our contacts with individuals who have served or are serving indicate that kids can be a key to opening doors.“

Since its inception, a number of Tennessee’s Tellico Village and Rarity Bay area churches and organizations along with contributions from Loudon and Monroe Counties businesses, almost $24,000 has been raised for the cause.

Five thousand soccer uniforms, 100 inflating pumps, 1,000 soccer balls and backpacks were donated to the effort by a Wilmington, Calif., soccer company. New Canaan, Conn., citizens donated more than 2,000 stuffed animals. Backpacks will be filled with school supplies and then shipped to units in Iraq. When the materials are received by the units in Iraq, they will be distributed to the local children by the Soldiers conducting combat patrols throughout their respective areas of operation.

“I think we can congratulate ourselves on a job very well done,“ Dick Kolasheski said. “It would not have happened without all countless people pulling together to get it done.“

Organizations who wish to contribute to Project Iraqi Kids can mail a tax deductible check payable to American Legion Post 256 - Iraqi Kids to:
American Legion Post 256
PO Box 233,
Vonore, TN 37885
“This war will not be won by bullets alone, but by efforts that directly address the needs and aspirations of the Iraqi people,“ Dick Kolasheski said. “This project will give our (Soldiers) additional tools that can be used to establish meaningful ties to an important segment of the Iraqi population, their children.“

1-15 Infantry detains five suspected insurgents

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15 Infantry detains five suspected insurgents
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, detained five individuals early Sunday morning during a search in the village of Dura’iya.

The unit’s mission, according to 1-15 Inf. leaders, was to disrupt key insurgent networks in the battalion’s area of operation.

Soldiers searched several houses for weapons and improvised explosive device-making materials.  The searches resulted in the
detention of five individuals and the seizure of one rifle.

Soldiers of the 1-15 Inf. have begun aggressive operations to eliminate insurgent sanctuaries to the southeast of Baghdad as a part of the Multi-National Division Center’s Operation Marne Torch.  The battalion has conducted three air assault missions in the last 12 days to eliminate or deter destabilizing influences in the region.

“When the enemy chooses not to engage us, in the areas they consider sanctuaries, it shows us that the enemy fears us.  It also shows the local population that we will protect them,“ said 1st Lt. Josh Powers, from Atlanta, Ga., assistant operations officer for 1-15 Inf.

The 1-15 Inf. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga.

Operation Marne Torch continues to net results in insurgent safe haven

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Operation Marne Torch continues to net results in insurgent safe haven
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

BAGHDAD - Four insurgents have been killed and 62 detained at the start of Operation Marne Torch’s fourth day in southeast Baghdad.

Ten caches have been seized, 17 boats destroyed, and five improvised explosive devices have been found. 

The operation’s purpose is to clear insurgents from safe havens.

Phase one of Marne Torch began in mid-May and focused on intelligence gathering and shaping the conditions for offensive operations.

Marne Torch is named for the historic 1942 British-American invasion of French North Africa in World War II. Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division fought alongside British comrades, and gave the Allies substantial beachheads in North Africa.

3-1 Cavalry destroys barge to interdict smuggling

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3-1 Cavalry destroys barge to interdict smuggling
By Maj. Joe Sowers
3rd HBCT Public Affairs Officer
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment destroyed one barge on the Tigris River June 16 near Salman Pak to deter the smuggling of ammunition and bomb-making materials into Baghdad.

The boat ignored several warnings to stop and come ashore.

Residents were warned to stay off the river during the operations.

Boats traveling near this area of the Tigris River are not used by local residents for fishing, said Iraqi officials. The qada, or county, mayor estimates that all boat traffic on the Tigris in that area is linked to smuggling, said the 3rd HBCT Deputy Commander, Lt. Col. Ryan J. Kuhn, from Clarks, Neb.

The 3rd HBCT Soldiers have witnessed individuals smuggling ammunition or bomb-making materials across the Tigris, according to the 3rd HBCT Executive Officer, Maj. Dewey Boberg, from Anaheim, Calif.

The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, is part of the 3rd Infantry Division and Multi-National Division-Center.

Elements of MND-C are currently executing Marne Torch, deliberate operations to deny insurgent and terrorist sanctuaries southeast of Baghdad.  Operations are being conducted southeast of Baghdad, to include Arab Jabour on the west side of the Tigris and Salman Pak and Jisr Diyala on the east side of the river.

1-15 Infantry Soldiers meet with local Iraqi council

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15 Infantry Soldiers meet with local Iraqi council
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and 97th Civil Affairs Battalion met with the Al Wahida city council June 18.

The meeting with Mr. Abbas, contracting manager, was held to discuss renovations and projects in the area to include rehabilitation of a local school and clinic, and enhancement of the sanitation and security of the Nahia council building.

“Progress was made in the meeting,“ said 1st Lt. Matthew Givens,
1-15 Inf. civil affairs officer, of Columbus, Ga. “There are a lot of new, friendly faces that are glad to see the Americans have come.“

Prior to the meeting, Soldiers of the 1-15 Inf. and the 97th CAB conducted analysis of sewage, water, electricity, education, and trash removal systems in the area.

Givens feels the projects will prove beneficial in the relationship between 1-15 Inf. and citizens in the area.

“The schools that will be rebuilt here will go a long way to build credibility and trust between us and the people of Al Wahida,“
Givens said.

1-15 Inf. is a part of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division-Center, which is currently executing Operation Marne Torch to deny insurgents and terrorists sanctuaries southeast of Baghdad.

“In Marne Torch, we are hunting down insurgents, who are terrorizing the good people of Iraq in an area that has seen little Coalition Force influence during the past several years,“ said Maj. James Carlisle, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, civil military operations officer, of Palm Beach, Fla.  “Now that we are here and the insurgents are on the run, we are able to assist the local government in rebuilding the communities that have suffered for so long.  We do this by repairing schools and hospitals and reestablishing public services and local police forces.“

3-1 Cav. seizes multiple caches near Jisr Diyala

Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3-1 Cav. seizes multiple caches near Jisr Diyala
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, who are currently attached to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, seized multiple caches June 17 near Tuwaitha as a part of Coalition Forces’ efforts to eliminate insurgent sanctuaries southeast of Baghdad.

The unit conducted Operation Destroyer Strike based on intelligence gathered from local citizens.  The operation was a part of a larger effort, Operation Marne Torch, being conducted by Multi-National Division-Center.

“In that area, there are a lot of people frustrated with sectarian violence and Al Qaeda,“ said Capt. Troy Thomas, of Oregon, a staff officer with 3-1 Cav. “They are just fed up with it.“

Troops cleared two target locations to seize caches and disrupt insurgent activity. Four individuals were detained attempting to flee at the first objective.  One of the detainees is suspected of making road-side bombs for Al Qaeda, while another provided additional information on cache sites.

“All of the information provided by the informant coincided with previously collected intelligence,“ said Thomas.

Thomas further explained that the intelligence led to six additional searches and the detention of a suspected sniper believed to be working for the Mahdi Army. 

Capt. Brian Gilbert, Co. D commander, of Boise, Idaho, was in command of all Soldiers in the operation, and has almost daily contact with local leaders and members of the city council. Gilbert spoke with local citizens and city council members following the operation.

“We talked to pretty much everybody that lives there and they were happy to see us,“ said Gilbert.  “They were specifically happy about us showing our commitment to their security and taking the bad guys off the street.“

Gilbert explained that the first objective was a large farm. Its owner was killed by Al Qaeda, according to local citizens, who also claim that Al Qaeda fighters used the farm as a training area.

Items found in the cache included 54 mortar rounds, two artillery rounds, 29 cell phones, 29 nine-volt battery connectors and more than 20 circuit boards - all commonly used in the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices. Four rockets, five AK-47 assault rifles, a .50-caliber machine gun, and Iraqi Security Forces’ body armor were also found.

The 3-1 Cav. and the 1-15 Inf. are assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

1-15 Infantry detains five suspected insurgents

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2007

1-15 Infantry detains five suspected insurgents
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq — Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, detained five individuals early Sunday morning during a search in the village of Dura’iya.

The unit’s mission, according to 1-15 Inf. leaders, was to disrupt key insurgent networks in the battalion’s area of operation.

Soldiers searched several houses for weapons and improvised explosive device-making materials.  The searches resulted in the detention of five individuals and the seizure of one rifle.

Soldiers of the 1-15 Inf. have begun aggressive operations to eliminate insurgent sanctuaries to the southeast of Baghdad as a part of the Multi-National Division Center’s Operation Marne Torch.  The battalion has conducted three air assault missions in the last 12 days to eliminate or deter destabilizing influences in the region.

“When the enemy chooses not to engage us, in the areas they consider sanctuaries, it shows us that the enemy fears us.  It also shows the local population that we will protect them,” said 1st Lt. Josh Powers, from Atlanta, Ga., assistant operations officer for 1-15 Inf.

The 1-15 Inf. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga.

3-1 Cav. seizes multiple caches near Jisr Diyala

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2007

3-1 Cav. seizes multiple caches near Jisr Diyala
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Multiple caches were seized Sunday near Tuwaitha as a part of Coalition Forces efforts to eliminate insurgent sanctuaries southeast of Baghdad.

Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, who are currently attached to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, detained four individuals. Two detainees provided the Coalition Forces the location of multiple cache sites. Soldiers seized 29 cell phones, three AK-47 assault rifles, body armor and ammunition at the cache sites.

The 3-1 Cav. and the 1-15 Inf. are assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga.

Marne Torch air assault yields five detainees

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

Marne Torch air assault yields five detainees
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq — Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, detained five individuals while conducting a company-sized operation in the city of Dura’iya June 17.

Operation Chosin supported the efforts of Marne Torch, an offensive operation against Al Qaeda strongholds around Baghdad recently announced by Secretary of Defense Robert W. Gates and Gen. David Petraeus, Multi-National Force-Iraq commander.

The purpose of the mission, according to 1-15 Inf. leaders, was to disrupt key insurgent networks from freedom of maneuver in the battalion’s area of operation.

The mission began as elements from 1-15 Inf. air assaulted into the vicinity of targeted houses late Saturday night. During the ground operation, several houses were searched for weapons and improvised explosive device- making materials resulting in the detention of five individuals and the seizure of one rifle.

The 1-15 Inf. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and is one of the U.S. Army’s surge brigades.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Think you know the military?

Try this test of your MQ—Military Quotient.

In honor of the Army’s 232nd anniversary in June, this month’s quiz is Army Strong.

Maybe you soldiered through Europe during World War II, waded through rice paddies in Vietnam or drove roads paved with IEDs in Iraq—but does that make you an expert?

We offer the chance to make your rank or earn a promotion with your knowledge of military trivia. Every question is multiple choice. Each correct answer earns you a higher rank. Answer every question correctly and you get a star—a general’s star.

Answers are at the bottom. No peeking!

1. The Army has had several slogans used in recruiting posters and advertisements. Which of the following was NOT a slogan.
A. An Army of One
B. Army Strong
C. Be All You Can Be
D. Accelerate Your Life

2. How many chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were Army generals?
A. 8
B. 10
C. 5
D. 16

3. What is the name of the body armor that was the focus of congressional scrutiny after the Army ordered troops to stop wearing it?
A. Under Armor
B. Second Chance
C. Dragon Skin
D. Interceptor

4. During the Sixties, the Army had a small atomic bomb that could be launched from a recoilless rifle and had a range of about 2 miles. Which frontiersman was it named for?
A. Daniel Boone
B. Davy Crockett
C. Kit Carson
D. Zebulon Pike

5. What is the highest Army rank ever conferred by Congress?
A. Field Marshal
B. General of the Armies of the United States
C. General of the Army
D. General

6. The military designates weapon systems, warships and aircraft with letters, numbers and names. Army helicopter names are derived from what?
A. Native-American tribes
B. Birds
C. Famous generals
D. Battles

7. When President Richard Nixon departed the White House for the last time in August 1974, what service was flying the aircraft.
A. Air Force
B. Marine Corps
C. Army
D. Navy

8. Who succeeded George Washington as the commander of the Army?
A. Major General Henry Knox
B. Major General Alexander Hamilton
C. Major General Winfield Scott
D. Major General Anthony Wayne

9. The book (and, later, movie) “We were Soldiers Once ... and Young” centers on the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam. One of the authors, Joe Galloway, was awarded a medal for valor for his actions during the battle. What was it?
A. Medal of Honor
B. Presidential Medal of Freedom
C. Silver Star
D. Bronze Star

ANSWERS:
1. D. The Navy wants young men and women to accelerate. The others are Army slogans used during the past 20 years.
2. A. Gen. Omar Bradley was named the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs in 1949. One chairman, Gen. Nathan Twining, was an Army Air Forces general before the Air Force was created in 1948. He counts as one of the four Air Force generals who served in the top post.
3. C. The maker of Dragon Skin contends its body armor is superior to the Army’s standard issue Interceptor vests. At Congress’ urging, the Army will test the vests.
4. B. With an explosive yield of 20 tons, the warhead was the smallest and lightest A-bomb in the U.S. arsenal. The weapon’s range was so short that troops had scant moments to escape the blast and radiation effects. It was removed from service in 1971.
5. B. Twice, first in 1919 for John Pershing following World War I, and in 1976 when Congress posthumously granted the rank to George Washington. The lower five-star rank of General of the Army was last given to five World War II generals.
6. A. While official names derive from tribes, common and more familiar nicknames often are used, such as Huey for the Vietnam-era UH-1 Iroquois.
7. C. In famous photos and film clips, Nixon waved good-bye from the steps of Army One. Until 1976, the Army and Marine Corps shared presidential helicopter duty.
8. A. A bookseller, Knox learned his military skills through reading. He impressed Washington when he hauled captured cannons to Boston and organized the boats for the famous crossing of the Delaware River.
9. D. Galloway, a civilian news reporter, was awarded the combat medal for rescuing wounded soldiers during the battle.

Advance one grade in rank for every correct answer. Here is how you rank:
1—Private. Go back to boot camp.
2—Corporal. Study harder and you may be promoted.
3—Sergeant. Hope you are better on the rifle range.
4—Master Sergeant. Climbing through the ranks.
5—Lieutenant. Half way to the top.
6—Captain. Over the hump.
7—Major. No longer a minor military buff.
8—Colonel. Put an eagle on your lapel to show your smarts.
9—General. Lead the troops ... in a trivia contest!

Compiled by James W. Crawley, national correspondent of Media General News Service. Email him at

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Four detained in joint raid

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Four detained in joint raid             
By Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq — Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment and the Iraqi National Police detained four men and confiscated bomb-making materials and rifles following a raid in northern Jisr Diyala, Monday.

The 3-1 Cavalry’s Troop A and Time Sensitive Target Platoon Soldiers worked with an Iraqi National Police platoon, called the Lions of Wassit, to search locations insurgent forces were using as meeting sites and cache sites.

The unit conducted several raids to collect information and disrupt enemy activities preventing extremists from engaging Combat Outpost Assassin and FOB Rustamiyah, according to Capt. Troy Thomas, the plans officer for 3-1 Cavalry, from Litchfield, Minn.
“No one shot a rocket or a mortar at either location last night, that was a big thing,” he said.

Thomas was also impressed with the performance of the Lions of Wassit.

“Every battalion in the Army should be lucky enough to have a platoon like the Lions to work with,” said Thomas.  “Those guys were well trained and disciplined.  They did a great job.”

The 3-1 Cavalry is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga.