Monday, September 24, 2007

Patrol nets insurgent money handlers

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Patrol nets insurgent money handlers
By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of 59th MP Company

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Seven insurgent money handlers were captured Sept. 20 in Al-Ma’amil by military police patrolling the area.

The 2nd platoon of the 59th Military Police Company, part of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, was patrolling the area known as the brick factory, a large conglomeration of shops specializing in making bricks, based on tips from workers in the area.

The 59th MP Co., tasked as the Police Transition Team for Mada’in Qada, has been working with the 3rd HBCT since the company’s arrival to Iraq in July.

Second Lt. Darrell Jones, from Allen, Texas, and 2nd platoon leader for the company, said the company regularly patrols the area because their PTT duties often take them to the Iraqi police station north of the brick factory.

“We were patrolling through that area to get to the IP station,” Jones said. “We were linking up with the rest of the platoon to pick up our Iraqi police adviser.”

The workers in the brick factory informed Coalition Forces weeks before about insurgents regularly “shaking them down, demanding payment or they would shut down their shops,” Jones said.

The informants gave Jones and his men approximate times, days and patterns the insurgents used during their collection rounds.

Jones said though the patrol was planned, it was really chance they were in the right place at the right time.

As a section of the platoon started their patrol south through the brick factory, Jones and the rest of his men traveled north toward them on an adjacent road.

Jones said as they were approaching the outskirts of the area, the insurgents saw their patrol of vehicles on the road and sought to avoid them by driving their two vehicles through the brick factory.

“As we cut up on Route Sooners, they drove right on in to the shops,” Jones said. “We cut in behind them.”

They ran right in to Jones’ men coming south. Due to the narrow lanes in the brick factory the cars had no way to turn around.

“They were pinched with nowhere to go,” Jones said. “They gave up without a fight.”

As soon as they had the insurgents cornered, Jones called in the report to the squadron’s headquarters and his men cleared the cars and detained the men.

First Lt. Luke Self, a Mobile, Ala., native and 1st platoon leader for Troop B, 3-1 Cav. Regt., and his platoon were dispatched from Narwhan. Narwhan is several kilometers west of Al-Ma’amil.

“We were pulling security for the Narwhan IPs as they worked to improve one of their checkpoints,” Self said. “We got the call that they had identified two
vehicles and needed assistance processing and transporting the men.”

A search of the seven men and two vehicles netted an AK-47 assault rifle with several loaded magazines, three handguns, $1,200 in U.S. currency, and more than 18 million Iraqi Dinar. Several fake identification cards were also found.

Both Jones and Self agree the capture of these insurgents will have an affect on Shiite extremist cell operations in the area.

“It could have a positive and immediate effect,” Self said. “The populace can see the affect Coalition Forces are having in the neighborhood.”
Jones offered a similar estimation.

“Now the (insurgents) have to find new money handlers; someone they can trust with their money,” Jones said. “It shows that we’re not messing around.”

The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, is from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

Mada’in Qada IPs receive unique badges

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mada’in Qada IPs receive unique badges
By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of 59th MP Company

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The Iraqi police of Mada’in Qada received new identification badges at IP stations across the Qada Sept. 16 and 18.

Military police have been working with local IPs to make a unique badge for several months.

Following the time-consuming task of processing all Mada’in Qada policemen into the biometric automated tool set and handheld interagency identity detection equipment system databases, the 59th Military Police Company worked with their headquarters, the 759th MP Battalion from Fort Carson, Colo., to design and produce the badges.

All the collected personal and biometric data of the policemen including fingerprints, retinal scans, and blood type, are electronically stored in the new badge, said 2nd Lt. Darrell Jones, from Allen, Texas, 2nd platoon leader for the 59th MP Co.

The 59th MP Co., tasked as the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment’s Police Transition Team, has been working with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team since the company’s arrival to Iraq in July.

The MP teams arrived early Sept. 16 to issue the badges to IPs assigned to the Jisr-Diyala police station. Jisr-Diyala, located across the Diyala River south-east of Baghdad, is the government center for Mada’in Qada.

Other platoons and teams of the 59th MP Co. conducted badge issuing in their respective areas. Jones’ platoon issued badges at the Al-Ma’amil and Narhwan stations.

According to Jones, the mission originally slated for one day actually took two.

“We handed out 178 badges the first day in Narwhan,” Jones said, “93 at Al-Ma’amil.”

IP station managers and MPs checked the badges to ensure they were correct before issuing them. The policemen were verified through HIIDES, then signed with a fingerprint, and walked away with a new badge.

The new badges, Jones said, offer greater freedom of movement for the IPs in Mada’in Qada. It will also alleviate confusion between IPs and Coalition Forces in the area.

“Now, if they are pulled over at a checkpoint, Coalition Forces can verify that they are one of our guys,” Jones said.

Jones described a scenario where Coalition Forces manning checkpoints may think an innocent IP with a handgun in his possession may look suspicious. He believes the new badges will combat that confusion in similar situations.

“All it will take is for them to check his ID,” Jones said.

In the event the identification badge’s authenticity is questioned, all they need to do is swipe it, Jones said.

“Kind of like swiping your license back home,” Jones said.

Badge issue will continue throughout the Qada until all IPs have the new badge.

The 3-1 Cav. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

3rd HBCT leaders pass on lessons

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT leaders pass on lessons
Story and photos by Maj. Joe Sowers
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team is not scheduled to redeploy from Iraq for nine months, but leaders from the brigade are already passing along lessons learned from their first six months of combat operations.

Speaking from FOB Hammer on Thursday, staff officers from 3rd HBCT conducted their second video teleconference with representatives from the Joint Multinational Readiness Center to help JMRC better prepare and resource training for units deploying to Iraq.

JMRC, located in Hohenfels, Germany, provides simulated combat training exercises for brigade combat teams preparing for full-spectrum operations, according to the JMRC Web site.  Units rotate through JMRC to train on major combat operations, counter-insurgency operations and security and stability operations. 

Leaders from the JMRC initiated the dialogue by providing specific questions to the 3rd HBCT staff.  The 3rd HBCT staff provided responses to the questions and additional “take aways” to assist the JMRC leaders as they construct training exercises.

“We tried to apply our pre-deployment training and six months of combat experience so JMRC can better train deploying units,” said Maj. Dave Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio, the 3rd HBCT operations officer.

Fivecoat emphasized that the input provided will help, but there are no “book” answers to the complex situations found in Iraq.

“We found it important that units focus on the basics during pre-deployment training,” said Fivecoat.  “Unit missions and locations can change as late as a brigade’s two weeks reception, staging, onward movement and integration in Kuwait.  We hope this VTC will enable brigades that train at JMRC to be better prepared for the challenges of combat in Iraq.”

The 3rd HBCT is from Fort Benning, Ga.

Proposed AG union could bring security, stability

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
BAGhdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Proposed AG union could bring security, stability
By Staff Sgt. Tony M. Lindback, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – While wheat prices are causing international frustration, there is a proposal for an agricultural union that could have Mada’in Qada, Iraq, providing enough grain for the entire Middle-East.

Holland, Ohio, native Lt. Col. Todd R. Ratliff, commander, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, met with the agricultural representative for the Nahia Council, Ali Hussien Mahmoud, in Wahiyda to discuss possibilities for an “AG” union in the area.

Ratliff said the union would be able to offer members lower-cost seed, fertilizer and equipment. Members would also be offered education that could teach them how to farm much larger areas, and how to yield the most harvest from their land.

A challenge to the program is resistance to change. Changing the way a person farms may not be as difficult as changing the way they do business.

Maj. James F. Carlisle, from West Palm Beach, Fla, now a civil military officer with the BSTB, 3rd HBCT, said what makes the union difficult to maintain are the traditional ways of doing business here.

Carlisle said, “In theory, why would you join a farmer’s union? You would join because it’s cheaper. If I pay $100 per month to be part of this farmer’s union where there’s a group of people it provides me buying power. In the States that works great. What happens in Iraq is everyone takes a profit so there’s no ability to cut out the middleman.”

If the farmers in the Qada can make the AG union work there is a potential for the wheat crops in the area to have an impact on the global economy, benefiting the whole country.

“I would like to get this up and running now, and come back 10 years from now and have it looking like Kansas – wheat fields as far as the eye can see.” Ratliff said to Mahmoud.

“We would really like to see you be able to grow enough wheat for not just the Qada, but the whole Middle-East,” Ratliff said. “We can show you how.”

Ratliff and Mahmoud spoke through the help of Pvt. Zack Mouaddeb, an interpreter with the BSTB. For nearly two hours they talked about the farmer’s needs in the area, and how a union could provide better and quicker aid to farmers.

Mahmoud was receptive to the idea of the union. Mahmoud said he is very familiar with the people farming the land and would like to get them together to discuss the idea.

“I’m the son of a farmer. I’m from this area. I have had long-time relationships with all the farmers here.

“If the farmers could get help, especially from the American farmers with all their experience, it will help the economy and this country for sure,” Mahmoud said.

Mahmoud said the best time he could remember for farmers in the area was 1975 to 1980 when they were getting help from Egypt in the way of three million workers. He said it would be significant for the people in the Qada to be able to produce record crops and sustain them on their own.

“Because of the war, and what the people of Iraq have endured, the farmers have sort of forgotten about their job,” Mahmoud said. “If this union works, it would bring stability and security. It would end all the wars (sectarian violence).”

Ending the sectarian violence is one of the main, underlying, goals of the union.

Carlisle said, “The greatest immediate benefit of the agricultural union is the resulting social networking that helps the Iraqi people overcome their sectarian rifts by encouraging large numbers of people to work together in order to earn a living.”

“In Narhwan there’s already an AG union that was set up during Operation Iraqi Freedom II,” Carlisle said. “What makes that AG union work is that the union owns the land.”

Though that union still requires help to make the union work, Carlisle said there has been a drop in the violence in Narhwan since the union’s formation.

There are more meetings scheduled to show the farmers in the Qada more of the benefits of the union, and how to start and run one.

The BSTB is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March, 2007.

Humanitarian mission weakens insurgent hold

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Humanitarian mission weakens insurgent hold
By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of 1-15 Inf. Regt.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Fort Benning Soldiers handed out humanitarian aid packages Sept. 12 to help break the hold insurgents have had on a poor community in Salman Pak.

A local sheik, also a concerned citizen leader, has been working with Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, to combat the insurgent stranglehold. Capt. Walter Straube, Ferndale, Calif., a fire support officer for Company B, said the Sunni sheik has been very helpful and has used his connection with the people to unify their resolve.

Straube said residents have stood up a concerned citizens group to counter insurgents who have been targeting the poverty-stricken people of the region. Insurgents have been extorting the populace by forcing them to give money, possessions or food as payment in exchange for utilities such as food, water and gas.

The Soldiers handed out bags containing rice, cooking oil and other necessities. Straube said he feels confident that humanitarian missions like this one have helped. On previous missions, Co. B Soldiers have distributed the humanitarian aid bags by hand, often while walking the neighborhoods.

“We’ve distributed bags before. Usually we go around the area and give out a few bags,” Straube said. “We’ll pass them out to people on the street, or we’ll see a kid and give him a bag to take home with him.”

Straube believes by helping residents, they will be less inclined to be pushed around by the insurgents and even less likely to be persuaded or bribed to assist insurgents.

“Instead of an insurgent offering to pay $300 for someone to dig them a hole for an improvised explosive device,” he said, “by us giving them humanitarian aid bags, they’ll probably say no as they are less likely to need it.

“Simply put, it will break the bond with the insurgents. Once that bond is broken, it will enable us to help them even more.”

Along with the humanitarian aid bags, Soldiers also distributed six generators, two 10,000-gallon gas tanks, and many blankets and mattresses in preparation for the coming winter.

Leaders discuss security issues

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leaders discuss security issues
Story and photos by Maj. Joe Sowers
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Representatives from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Iraqi police, Iraqi army and the government of the Mada’in Qada gathered Sept. 19 at FOB Hammer to discuss security issues and initiatives.

The purpose of the meeting was to synchronize the efforts of all units to decrease violence and secure the population of the Mada’in Qada.

Mada’in Qada Mayor Abu Bahar expressed his appreciation of the Iraqi army’s participation in the meeting. Iraqi army units are a recent addition to Iraqi Security Forces in the region. 

During the meeting, unit representatives briefed their counterparts on current and future operations. Much time was dedicated to proposed improvements to ISF facilities and plans to integrate concerned citizens groups into security efforts. 

Concerned citizens groups within the Mada’in Qada are a new development. Leaders from 3rd HBCT estimate about 1,000 local citizens now play a role as part of concerned citizens groups.  The concerned citizens are groups of Iraqi volunteers who cooperate with Coalition Forces to drive terrorists and insurgents from their own neighborhoods.

“This is a huge success,” Bahar said through an interpreter. “We would like to expand this concept to other regions.” 
Bahar also said he has begun discussions with local leaders to initiate additional volunteer groups in areas that currently have no such organization.

Lt. Col. Ryan J. Kuhn, deputy commander of 3rd HBCT, concurred with the mayor that concerned citizens were having a positive effect. He went on to emphasize that 3rd HBCT leadership is prepared to begin discussion with any local sheik interested in establishing a group of volunteers and encouraged his ISF counterparts to actively seek out volunteer leaders.

Brig. Gen. Adnon, the Chief of Iraqi police in the Qada, provided an update on a recent IP recruiting drive. He estimated that 80 percent of the 122 recruits have completed all prerequisites for admittance in the police academy with the exception of physicals. 

Maj. Dave Fivecoat, 3rd HBCT operations officer, outlined the brigade’s plan to establish two Joint Security Sites. The JSS would serve as command posts with representation from all ISF elements, local government and 3rd HBCT.

Kuhn said the establishment of Joint Security Sites would allow security forces to conduct coordinated security operations 24 hours a day.

“There are a lot of great things going on in the Mada’in Qada due to everyone’s hard work,” Kuhn said. “We have seen a significant decrease in violence in the Mada’in Qada.”

The 3rd HBCT is assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Soldiers can take steps to avoid explosives

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soldiers can take steps to avoid explosives
By Staff Sgt. Tony M. Lindback
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Explosive ordnance disposal technicians have seen a change in the enemy’s tactics, techniques and procedures.

Field experience, battlefield changes and the larger and more frequent presence of Coalition Forces in more areas are reasons the enemy has changed the way it operates, said Sgt. John Siebert, an EOD technician, 789th Ordnance Company, Task Force Troy.

Task Force Troy is comprised of military and civilian explosives experts for the purpose of lessening the threat of improvised explosive devices in Iraq. The 789th is from Fort Benning, Ga., and is attached to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Siebert has seen changes in the way insurgents work with his own eyes, having been deployed twice before.

“In the beginning of the war the IEDs were very simplistic,” Siebert said. “As the war progressed, the IEDs progressed. Now, with the help of counter-IED technology, they’re going back to their roots – the basics they know work. The only way you can stop them is to find them.”

Currently U.S. Forces are being educated about IEDs and unexploded ordnance in a much broader way. Soldiers in basic training are learning how to look for and identify IEDs and UXO, and mobilization stations are training Reserve, National Guard and active servicemembers from other branches.  Refresher training is also provided upon entry to the combat theater.

Siebert said, “Five years ago a lot of people in the Army didn’t know what we did. Nowadays privates coming right out of basic training know what we do, when we need to be called and how to send up a nine-line UXO report.

“We’re integrated with the units on the ground a lot better,” Siebert added. “They understand what our job is more, so they know how to prepare for us arriving better.”

The job is easier with more Soldiers understanding EOD’s mission, said Spc. Dennis Speek, another 789th EOD technician, but Soldiers can still take steps to make EOD’s job easier.

Capt. Justin Gerken, commander, 789th Ordnance Co., said his recommendations for handling an IED or UXO is to call EOD for anything that looks suspicious. The person who saw the item should remain on scene to share information with EOD.

One challenge EOD technicians face is not always having a good marker for a suspected IED, Speek said. Telling an EOD team, “It’s over there,” simply isn’t good enough.

Even with the challenges, Siebert and Speek said IEDs are becoming easier to defeat.

Siebert said it appears the purpose of many IEDs is to harass Coalition Forces rather than effectively kill large numbers of troops. For Coalition Forces, damage from IEDs, other than explosively formed projectile types, has been minimal, he said.

Another threat EOD tries to minimize is injury from UXO detonations, Speek said. 

“We have had several incidents on the FOB of unexploded ordnance being dug up with a lot of the construction work being done,” Speek said. “It’s not uncommon at all. We’ve also had several incidents out on the ranges here.”

He said UXO is just as dangerous as IEDs. 

“Dead and injured is dead and injured, no matter how the explosion happens,” Speek said. “There’s no need to touch it. It’s not a good souvenir.”

“Even if it looks harmless, or like it has been there for a long time, it could very well be an IED,” Gerken said.

The last piece of advice Gerken has is for Soldiers to wear the personal protective equipment they have been issued for going outside the wire.

“Items such as gloves, protective eyewear, ear plugs, and fire-retardant clothing have minimized injury and saved countless soldiers when they have struck an IED, or been in the vicinity of one,” he said.

The 789th Ordnance Co. (EOD) has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since May.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

1-10 Field Artillery shifting operations to FOB Hammer

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-10 Field Artillery shifting operations to FOB Hammer
Story and photos by Sgt. Natalie Rostek,
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment are leaving Camp Bucca after six months of detention operations and heading to FOB Hammer.

Since 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team came to Iraq in mid-March, the 1-10 FAR has been separated from the brigade and stationed in Southern Iraq. They were attached to the 16th Military Police Brigade at Camp Bucca.

The battalion is expected to make the transition to FOB Hammer in late September and assume control of the Nahrwan area of operation in the Ma’a’in Qada in mid-October, said Capt. Scott Lorenzen, of Des Moines, Iowa, battle captain, 1-10 FAR.

Soldiers living at FOB Hammer are readying accomodations for the arrival of their 1-10 FAR comrades.

Air conditioned living quarters and latrines are set up in what will be the unit’s logistical support area. Engineers of the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron, currently attached to 3rd HBCT to aid in rebuilding and maintenance of the FOB, have already completed the battalion headquarters building. Early arrivals of 1-10 FAR are in the process of setting up work stations and offices.

Sgt. Roderick Thompson, of Selma, Ala., is new to the unit and said he is excited to have his battle buddies join him at FOB Hammer. His daily tasks include ensuring the communication aspects of the headquarters building will be fully operational upon the unit’s arrival.

“I’m still getting to know everyone on the team,” Thompson said. “I’m getting to meet new people and with the arrival of the rest of 1-10 (FAR). I’ll be able to get to know Soldiers from my own unit.”

Lorenzen said the unit is executing the movement rapidly with few difficulties.

“There are a lot of moving pieces,” he said. “Trying to keep track of all the moving pieces is probably the hardest part, but everything has been running pretty smoothly.”

Upon arrival to their new area of operation, the unit must make the transition from military police work to conducting full-spectrum operations.

“I think we will do very well in the transition,” Lorenzen said. “We have pushed our Soldiers back to Kuwait for retraining and it should be an easy transition.”

First Sgt. Michael Patton, of Memphis, Tenn., Battery B, 1-10 FAR believes his Soldiers will have no problem getting back into field artillery missions.

“I don’t think there are going to be any challenges making the change,” he said. “My unit is going back to fire support missions. That’s our job. Most Soldiers know their jobs already and they are glad to come back to doing their job.”

Lorenzen said working at Camp Bucca in the detention facility has given the battalion Soldiers an experience that will help them accomplish their mission in Nahrwan.

“We learned a lot about Iraqi culture,” he said. “We spent so much time with the Iraqi people that we’ve picked up a lot of things that will help us for this next mission.”

The Soldiers must also re-adjust to FOB life. Accommodations at FOB Hammer are very different than those at Camp Bucca. Soldiers will be going from a well-established base to one where 3rd HBCT is the first occupier.

“Bucca has been there for five years, so it’s more established,” Lorenzen said. “I think the transition will be harder for Soldiers who haven’t been deployed to Iraq before now. For the rest of us, it’s not going to be a big surprise. FOB Hammer is what I was expecting.”

First Lt. Scott Dickson, of Midwestern, Kan., Battery B executive officer, said he believes the changes will be welcome.

“There are less people at Hammer,” he said. “This means shorter lines, longer time on the phones and internet, and a faster laundry turnaround. Yeah, there is dust everywhere, but everyone understands that and it’s not that bad.”

The 3rd HBCT is assigned to 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Soldiers, aviators engage insurgents in Salman Pak

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soldiers, aviators engage insurgents in Salman Pak
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq — Coalition Forces captured and killed several insurgents in the Salman Pak area during a pair of missions Sept. 12 and 13.

On Sept. 12, Company A and the scout platoon from 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, conducted a night air assault near Salman Pak.

Soldiers assaulted north of Salman Pak via UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to surprise known insurgents in the 1-15 Inf. Regt. area of operations.

After the air insertion, scouts detained two suspected insurgents as Company A secured its target area, detaining another insurgent and finding two AK-47 assault rifles and one shotgun. In all, three insurgents were detained and six buildings were cleared during the operation.

A day later, on Sept. 13, Soldiers responded to reports of small-arms fire directed against the Joint Security Station in Salman Pak. Soldiers from 1-15 Inf. Regt. coordinated with AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to engage insurgents.

The helicopters opened fire on three insurgents after they were detected near a building on the outskirts of the town. Two were killed during the exchange. The third insurgent, wounded in the attack, moved into the building after meeting with four other armed men.

The helicopters fired at the building after insurgents fired a rocket-propelled grenade at them, killing two more and wounding another. Company A, 1-15th Inf. Regt. The remaining two men escaped. Soldiers moved to the site and evacuated the wounded man.

The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Monday, September 17, 2007

3-1 Cavalry Soldiers welcome new troop commander

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3-1 Cavalry Soldiers welcome new troop commander
Story and photos by Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, welcomed a new troop commander while saying farewell to another during a change of command ceremony Sept. 15 at Patrol Base Cashe.

Capt. Jimmy Hathaway, of Columbus, Ga., spent one year as Headquarters Troop commander before relinquishing his command to Capt. David Smith, of Grand Rapids, Mich.

“For the past 12 months, this troop has been led by a commander who believes in action,” said Lt. Col. John Kolasheski, of Louden, Tenn., commander, 3-1 Cav. Regt. “He is a true leader who affected many in our organization, our Soldiers and Iraqi families.”

Hathaway always led from the front, Kolasheski said. He gave one example of Hathaway heading a lengthy mission to get much needed medical aid to an Iraqi boy he came to know well. The mission was a success.

Hathaway, an infantry officer, came to Headquarters Troop after commanding Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, for 18 months.

“Capt. Hathaway led a very challenging organization,” Kolasheski said. “This is a tough day for me because of the friendship we have. It’s been an honor to command with you. Good luck as you move out.”

Hathaway will be assigned to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s staff as assistant operations officer.

Although Hathaway will be greatly missed, Kolasheski thinks highly of Smith and is confident he will be able to fill the outgoing commander’s shoes.

“I have no doubt Capt. Smith will take the reins and move out smartly,” he said.

Smith is no stranger to 3rd HBCT, having served as battalion maintenance officer for 1st Battalion, 30th Inf. Regt. when it was assigned to the brigade.

During 3rd HBCT’s deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III, Smith was assigned as the Military Transition Team Leader for 2nd Battalion, 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade at FOB Normandy, where the 1-30 Inf. Regt. was stationed.

After redeploying to the U.S. Smith assumed command of Company B, 1-30 Inf. Regt., and after the unit was re-designated as the 3-1 Cav. Regt., Smith remained commander of Troop B.

Hathaway is confident of the incoming commander’s ability to command Headquarters Troop and wished Smith good luck during his final moments in command.

“You are the perfect person for the job,” Hathaway said to Smith. “You are commanding a great group of Soldiers and you will enjoy every minute of it.”

“Thank you for handing over a great troop,” Smith said. “I will work hard to build on your success.”

The 3-1 Cav. Regt. is assigned to 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

2-69 Armor remembers two fallen Soldiers

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2-69 Armor remembers two fallen Soldiers
Story and photos by Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers, leaders, and friends of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, attended a memorial service Thursday, for two of their fallen comrades at the Forward Operating Base Rustimiyah chapel.

Spc. Keith Nurnberg, of Illinois, and Spc. Javier Paredes, of Texas, both from Company D, were killed Sept. 5 when a rocket-propelled grenade hit their vehicle during a combat patrol.

“While they are no longer standing in our formation, they will always be a part of the Panther (2-69 Armor Regt.) team and the Panther family,” said Lt. Col. Troy Perry, commander, 2-69 Armor Regt.

The chapel was packed with Soldiers during the remembrance. Those who were unable to fit in the chapel could only listen as close friends and leaders spoke at the podium next to the upright rifle, helmet, dog tags, and boots of Nurnberg and Paredes.

Cpl. Vincent Bone, who was Nurnberg’s close friend, spoke to the audience about his relationship with his fallen buddy.

“One thing we had in common was our accents,” Bone said. “When we both became excited, nobody could understand a word we were saying.”

Bone also ensured Nurnberg’s wife, who was not present at the service, that Company D will always be there for her and her family.

“Tanya, Keith lived for you,” he said. “You were his heartbeat here in Iraq.”

Nurnberg is survived by his wife, and parents, Allen and Barbara Nurnberg.

Paredes, a medic, and his brother, Pedro, were raised by his aunt, Maria Acevedo.

“Paredes was an orphan,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Tracy Kerr, 2-69 Armor’s religious leader, “but everyday in this battalion he found himself surrounded by more male influences and father figures than he could ever imagine.”

Cpl. Matthew McIvor, a medic who served with Paredes, remembered his fallen comrade as a hard worker who wanted the best for his unit.

“If you needed to move a mountain, Paredes was the man to get the shovel,” he said. “He had hoped to finish this tour never having to treat one of his own Soldiers.”

Although Paredes and Nurnberg were two very different Soldiers, Capt. Alexis Perez, Co. D commander, said they were both devoted 2-69 Armor Regt. Soldiers.

“They were two Soldiers from two different places,” he said, “but they were both bound by one rule – loyalty to their team.”

The 2-69 Armor Regt. is assigned to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team from Fort Benning, Ga., and is currently attached to 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

Army Chief of Chaplains preaches to 3rd HBCT religious leaders

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Army Chief of Chaplains preaches to 3rd HBCT religious leaders
Story and photos by Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Army Chief of Chaplains Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Douglas Carver visited chaplains and chaplain assistants of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Sept. 15 during a trip to FOB Hammer.

Before sitting down with religious leaders to discuss mentorship and Soldier welfare, Carver took a tour of the brigade headquarters. During the tour he asked Soldiers the question he deems the most important.

“’How are you doing?’ is the most important question Soldiers can ask each other,” Carver said. “Not just ‘How are you doing?’ but ‘How are you really doing?’ and really listen to their answer.”

After the tour Carver met with chaplains and chaplain assistants of 3rd HBCT and the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron residing at FOB Hammer.

“Soldiers need us,” he said. “They need us for encouragement, comfort, relieving their fears and encouraging their hope.”

Carver said when Soldiers return to the U.S. from their current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom they are going to need guidance from their religious leaders to return to normalcy from a stressful 15 months.

After emphasizing the need for chaplains and chaplain assistants in armed forces units, he warned the religious leaders of compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is caused by the stresses of providing constant sympathy and empathy to Soldiers on a steady basis. Carver encouraged religious leaders to take time for themselves.

“Find time to rest. Rest is your time to replenish, to sit back and listen to God,” he said. “If you are not resting, you are not hearing God. If you are not hearing God, what are you telling your Soldiers?”

Carver awarded coins to three deserving 3rd HBCT religious leaders.  Awardees were:

• Chaplain (Capt.) Anthony Randall, Arvada, Colo., chaplain, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment.
• Pfc. James Bullock, Wadsworth, Ill., chaplain assistant, 3-1 Cav. Regt.
• Pfc. Courtney Stephens, Jacksonville, Fla., chaplain assistant, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion.

“When this tour is over,” Carver said, “you are going to know something about your personal faith.”

The 3rd HBCT is assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

Soldiers, Aviators engage insurgents in Salman Pak

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soldiers, Aviators engage insurgents in Salman Pak
By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Coalition troops captured and killed several insurgents in the Salman Pak area during a pair of missions Sept. 12 and 13.

On Sept. 12, Company A and the scout platoon from 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, conducted a night air assault near Salman Pak.

Soldiers assaulted north of Salman Pak via UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to surprise known insurgents in the 1-15 Inf. Regt. area of operations.

After the air insertion, scouts detained two suspected insurgents as Company A secured its target area, detaining another insurgent and finding two AK-47 assault rifles and one shotgun. In all, three insurgents were detained and six buildings were cleared during the operation.

A day later, on Sept. 13, Soldiers responded to reports of small-arms fire directed against the Joint Security Station in Salman Pak. Soldiers from 1-15 Inf. Regt. coordinated with AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to engage insurgents.

The helicopters opened fire on three armed men after they were detected near a building on the outskirts of the town. Two were killed during the exchange. The third man, wounded in the attack, moved into the building after meeting with four other armed men.

The helicopters fired at the building after insurgents fired a rocket-propelled grenade at them, killing two more and wounding another. Company A, 1-15th Inf. Regt. The remaining two men escaped. Soldiers moved to the site and evacuated the wounded man.

The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Congressional delegates visit combat outpost

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional delegates visit combat outpost
By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Members of the U.S. House of Representatives visited 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment to tour a portion of the battalion’s area of operations Sept. 14.

The congressmen arrived at Combat Outpost Cahill to meet with members of 3rd Infantry Division and 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team before moving to the Joint Security Station in Salman Pak. The Salman Pak JSS houses Iraqi national police, Iraqi police, and U.S. military personnel from 3rd HBCT.

“It was a great opportunity to display how Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces are working together at the (JSS) to enhance the security for the good people of the Mada’in Qada,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Kuhn, deputy commanding officer, 3rd HBCT. “The congressmen could see firsthand how the officers, noncommissioned officers, and Soldiers from both sides are working together to solve security problems and enhance the citizens’ quality of life.”

The delegates, Rep. Steve King, of Iowa; Rep. Joe Wilson, of South Carolina; Rep. Devin Nunes, of California; Rep. Tom Latham, of Iowa; Rep. Patrick Tiberi, of Ohio; Rep. Peter Hoestra, of Michigan; and Rep. John Boehner, of Ohio, toured the outpost and the JSS during their visit.

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Soldiers, Iraqis clear out al-Qaeda along Tigris

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soldiers, Iraqis clear out al-Qaeda along Tigris
Story by Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos by Sgt. Timothy Kingston, 55th COMCAM

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Coalition troops teamed with Iraqi policemen and concerned local citizens to rid a major road of improvised-explosive devices and al-Qaeda cell members during a two-day operation in Tuwaitha.

The purpose of the mission was to not just clear the route, but to also establish an Iraqi capability to keep the route safe for civilian and military traffic.

Capt. Brian Gilbert, of Boise, Idaho, commander of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, currently attached to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, was met by about 60 citizen volunteers at his company’s combat outpost at the outset of the operation. The volunteers from Tuwaitha then led his Soldiers south into the village of Tuwaitha as they provided additional eyes during the route clearance.

This was in stark contrast to the reception 3-1 Cav. Regt. Soldiers had previously received in Tuwaitha.

“When they (3-1 Cav. Regt.) went down there before, the citizens were very non-compliant; no waving, no smiling,” Gilbert said. “There was nobody willing to fight (terrorists) and they encountered multiple IEDs.”

After clearing the route, Soldiers worked with volunteers and policemen from the 1st National Police Brigade to establish checkpoints with blast protection. The checkpoints will be manned by National policemen and Iraqi civilian volunteers from the local concerned citizens’ group. Concerned citizen groups are made up of volunteers who commit to work with Coalition Forces to decrease violence in their neighborhoods.

By manning the checkpoints, Iraqi Security Forces and local citizens will be better able to monitor and control traffic around Tuwaitha. Leaders from 3-1 Cav. Regt. are optimistic that National police and concerned citizens will help reduce violence in Tuwaitha following the expulsion of al-Qaeda elements from the area.

As night approached during the two-day operation, local citizens provided an empty house for the Soldiers to rest in and contributed personnel for security patrols throughout the night. Soldiers were also treated to meals provided by the local populace.

The route into Tuwaitha had been a dangerous stretch of road for Sledgehammer Brigade Soldiers with a history of roadside bombs. The clearing operation resulted in the discovery and neutralization of four IEDs along the route. Soldiers and Iraqis found two anti-tank mines, one mortar round and one large homemade explosive device in plastic containers.

Traveling on the road into Tuwaitha from Jisr Diyala has been a dangerous proposition for both Soldiers and citizens. In the days following the mission, Gilbert received feedback that citizens are now able to travel to Jisr Diyala to shop for the first time in six months.

Gilbert said he believes the common threat of al-Qaeda prompted the Tuwaitha citizens’ desire to work with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Soldiers.

“Al-Qaeda is a threat to the locals and also a threat to U.S. Soldiers,” Gilbert said.  “They wanted us to come down there and fight with them. So we did.”

Gilbert said 3-1 Cav. Regt. plans to clear out greater numbers of insurgents and help legitimize more concerned citizens groups.

“Now that they have cleared out AQI and established concerned citizens groups, we can provide medical operations and projects that will provide enduring employment,” Gilbert said.