Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Iraqi National Police Partner With 1-10 FA Regt

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Iraqi national police are partnering with U.S. Soldiers for eight days in Nahrwan.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment will work closely with the national police during their partnership in the coming week and onwards, according to Command Sgt. Maj. James Benedict, from Chesterton, Ind., 1-10th FA Regt.

Currently, the 1-10th FA Regt. has assumed responsibility for Nahrwan, a town east of Baghdad. Benedict said the 1/3/1 NP has been called in to assist in operations for the next eight days.

“The goal is to put an Iraqi face on operations,” he said. “If the Iraqi police in Nahrwan need assistance, they call the national police. We will provide support as well, and will work with the Iraqi Security Forces to make Nahrwan a more safe and secure place for Iraqi citizens to live.”

Leaders from the 1-10th FA Regt. met with leaders from the 1/3/1 NP from Jisr Diyala at a dinner held Oct. 27 at the dining facility on FOB Hammer, to discuss operations, resources in the area, and to coordinate for the upcoming week.

“We are moving in the right direction,” Benedict said. “Side by side with the Iraqi Security Forces we can work towards the common goal of combating the insurgency.”

The artillerymen of the 1-10th FA Regt. had previously been serving as guards at the Bucca Detention Center as part of Taskforce 134. They were reassigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and assumed control of Nahrwan Oct. 15.

1-10 FA Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

3rd HBCT Soldiers Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division held a Hispanic Heritage month dinner Oct. 26 in the FOB Hammer dining facility.

“Hispanic-Americans have made a difference in today’s world,” said Sgt. 1st Class Laura Reyes, from Miami, Okla., noncommissioned officer in charge of human resources for the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. “We are ambitious and willing to do what we can to progress.”

Reyes, who coordinated the event, said the dinner is in recognition of heroes. Hispanic-American Soldiers are deployed in Iraq, serving their country and making a difference.

“Hispanic-Americans: making a positive impact on American society,” was the theme of the hour-long celebration.

“We have to work hard to get what we expect,” said Spc. Waleska Rivera-Berrios, from Puerto Rico, Headquarters Company, 3rd BSTB. “Leaving our countries is when everything started. Even though we started from the bottom, we never give up.”

The dinner consisted of traditional Hispanic cuisine such as rice with chicken, steak fajitas, shrimp cocktail, paella, Spanish rice, Mexican cornbread, Spanish king ranch soup, Mexican salad, and sweet rice.

“The food, the music, the decorations; they all brought me back to family gatherings at home,” said Spc. David Dimuro, from Brooklyn, N.Y., Headquarters Company, 3rd BSTB. “The food reminded me of my mom’s cooking.”

The entertainment and decorations were festive and colorful. The Mexican and Puerto Rican flags as well as flags of other Hispanic nations, piñatas, and streamers added to the atmosphere. Soldiers were treated to performances of salsa dancing and Spanish karaoke.

“It was so nice to have a lot of Hispanics together and do something as a group,” Dimuro said. “The decorations were great. Hispanic get-togethers are always colorful, lively, and festive.”

According to Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., from Prince George’s County, Md., commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, the Hispanic heritage is built upon fundamental values and is inspiring to him.  Grigsby’s wife of 23 years, Cynthia, is Panamanian.

“The Hispanic culture is focused on family, community, big hearts and lively spirit,” Grigsby said.

Maj. Luis Rivera, from Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, executive officer, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, guest speaker at the celebration, spoke to the Hispanic-Americans and guests who attended the event.

“As Hispanics, we should strive to better ourselves each day, help one another, and be the best example to our children,” he said. “It is a dual honor not only to be Hispanic but to be an American. I know that Hispanics of this great brigade, like me, are proud of the things we have accomplished, but more importantly look forward to what we will accomplish as Hispanic-Americans in the future.”

The 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Citizens’ Tip Saves American Lives

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos by Sgt. Timothy Kingston, 55th Combat Camera

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Information provided by Concerned Local Citizens helped Soldiers from Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment and Company A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment seize four rockets aimed at Patrol Base Assassin Oct. 27.

The Concerned Local Citizens in the 3rd HBCT’s area of operation continue to be an asset in information-gathering for the brigade. This latest example of cooperation potentially saved American lives by diverting an attack aimed at one of the 3rd HBCT’s combat outposts.

“The concerned citizen program in the Mada’in Qada continues to provide information to security forces as well as provide security to the local population,” said Maj. David Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio, the operations officer for the 3rd HBCT. “Tips like this are a sign that the Iraqi people are tired of insurgents operating in their neighborhoods.”

Soldiers from the 789th Ordnance Company, Fort Benning, Ga., currently attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, disarmed the rockets and brought them back to Forward Operating Base Hammer for proper investigation and disposal.

The 1-10th FA Regt. and 3-1st Cav. Regt. are assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Divisions Leave Insurgents With Nowhere To Hide

By Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Officer

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – It’s not every day that you realize you’ve caught half your most wanted in less than two weeks.  That’s just the kind of day the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team had this week.

The man on the middle of the list had been at the forefront of attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces, until the 1st Cavalry Division’s 1st Brigade got on his track.  He ran, but an AH-64 Apache helicopter brought him down, and the Cavalry brought him in Oct. 17.

The next day, it was the number two most wanted, a smuggler and kidnapper from Nahrwan. 

“The capture[s are] the result of great teamwork between the brigades,” said Maj. Dave Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, operations officer. “With teamwork like this, the insurgents will have no sanctuary anywhere in Iraq.”

Number 10 was a Shia extremist linked to a rocket attack on FOB Hammer that killed one Soldier in July.  He was the first one the brigade brought in, but it started the movement. Since his detention on Sept. 30, others on the list began to flee the Mada’in Qada. Coalition surge units, however, were ready for them.

“The capture of these insurgents is severely disrupting multiple extremist networks – both Sunni and Shia – in the Mada’in Qada,” said Maj. Wolfgang Biggerstaff, from Pinehurst, N.C., a 3rd HBCT staff officer.

Intelligence and operations officers from both the Multi-National Division - Baghdad and the Multi-National Division - Center share information to ensure insurgents don’t slip through the seams between battalions, brigades and divisions, according to Fivecoat. 

He further explained that through good “cross-talk” with neighboring brigades, 3rd HBCT has been able to conduct several raids to kill or capture insurgents from Baghdad who have tried to hide in the Mada’in Qada. 

It was on Oct. 11, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., detained the 3rd HBCT number four. He ran to northern Baghdad, near Adhamiyah. The individual is believed to have coordinated multiple attacks on Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces.

Then came number five, the middle man on the list, was captured west of Baghdad by the Cavalry and their Apache helicopters, Oct. 17. 
The next day, the Coalition detained the 3rd HBCT’s number two in eastern Baghdad.  He had a history of leading extremist elements in Nahrwan, weapons smuggling and kidnapping. 

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, currently attached to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, captured the brigade’s number seven on Oct. 22, in the Karada district of eastern Baghdad. The man is suspected of conducting rocket attacks against Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah.

“These detentions are another success story of the surge,” Fivecoat said.  “Before the surge, insurgents would have had sanctuary in some of these areas.  Now, surge units capture them instead.”

The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, is out of Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March. The 2-69th Ar. Regt. is also out of Fort Benning.

1-15 Infantry detains Six Suspected Insurgents

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment conducted an air assault southeast of Baghdad Oct. 25 resulting in six suspected insurgents detained.

Supported by AH-64 attack helicopters from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, the Company A Soldiers cleared four houses to disrupt insurgent activity in the Tigris River Valley.

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

Saturday, October 27, 2007

1-15 Infantry Detains Six Suspected Insurgents

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment conducted an air assault southeast of Baghdad Oct. 25 resulting in six suspected insurgents detained.

Supported by AH-64 attack helicopters from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, the Company A Soldiers cleared four houses to disrupt insurgent activity in the Tigris River Valley.

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

3RD HBCT Gospel Choir Performs For Soldiers

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of 3rd HBCT gospel choir

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s gospel choir performed a concert for Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Sept. 25 at Combat Outpost Cleary.

Twenty-two Soldiers from several of the brigade’s battalions traveled from FOB Hammer to COP Cleary for the one-night performance. Battalions with participating performers included 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, and the 1-15 Inf. Regt. who were already awaiting their fellow choir members at the outpost.

According to Chaplain (Capt.) Michael Swartz, from Winston-Salem, N.C., 203rd BSB, the idea to have the gospel choir tour in the 3rd HBCT’s area of operation was born after the group performed at FOB Hammer for a Labor Day concert in September.

Swartz said Col. Wayne Grigsby, from Prince George’s County, Md., commander, 3rd HBCT, approached the choir after the event and awarded them each certificates of appreciation.

“After he gave us the certificates, he said he wanted us to perform at every combat outpost and patrol base in the AO,” Swartz said. “I didn’t think he was serious but Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler (commander, 203rd BSB) took it seriously and told us that was our next task.”

The concert was coordinated by Sgt. 1st Class Darrell Lewis, from Columbus, Ga., noncommissioned officer of food supply for the 203rd BSB. He said the biggest challenge was getting all the performers together for rehearsals.

Lewis said the concert went smoothly. Along with group singing, the concert also featured an all-male singing group, solo performances, and an interpretive dance routine.

Approximately 80 Soldiers attended the concert at COP Cleary. The group performed 14 songs, nine of which were traditional, and five were contemporary gospel. Both Lewis and Sgt. Antoine Williams, from Florence, S.C., an information systems specialist in the 3rd BSTB and a singer in the choir, were pleased with the outcome.

“A lot of people can’t make it to services because they have meetings or they have to work but this was an ‘outing’ and more people were able to attend,” Lewis said.

“I love contemporary gospel,” Williams said. “It makes me feel good to sing and during the concert I really wanted everyone to receive the same enthusiasm that I have to sing for the Lord.”

“People in the audience were standing up, singing and clapping,” Swartz said. “The concert was well received.”
Swartz dubbed the concert a success.

“The Soldiers really enjoyed it. One (Soldier) actually said the concert came at just the right time for him.” He said, recalling another Soldier asking how he could come on board as a choir member.

Afterwards, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Moore, from Waverly Hall, Ga., 1-15 Inf. Regt., awarded the choir members with Army Achievement Medals.
The gospel choir plans to continue touring the 3rd HBCT’s AO and Lewis said he has high hopes for upcoming concerts.

“We want to be able to boost the Soldiers’ morale and spirits everywhere we go,” he said. “Next concert, I’m trying to get the all-female group to perform. During the concert at COP Cleary most of the singers were on leave.”

The group is planning to record a compact disc with their music. The expected time of completion is Christmas 2007.
The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Soldier Re-Enlists At Concerned Local Citizen Headquarters

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Surrounded by his platoon and the Iraqis they are attempting to help, a Soldier from Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment raised his right hand and re-enlisted at the Al Khargulia Concerned Local Citizen Headquarters Oct. 20.

Sgt. Sharif Sidberry, from Philadelphia, a communications specialist in Troop A, who has been stationed in Korea and Fort Bragg, N.C., the past six years, added four more years to his service contract.

“I re-enlisted because I love the Army and enjoy what I do,” said Sidberry. “I like working with computers and being in a line unit with other Soldiers.”
Sidberry requested that his re-enlistment ceremony take place at the Concerned Local Citizens Headquarters in Al Khargulia.

“This is where I’ve put in a lot of my time,” said Sidberry. “Out here is where you get to be a Soldier. Troop A has put a lot of time getting this AO (area of operation) set up. I wanted to tell these guys (concerned citizens) that we aren’t just here for nothing. We are invested in them and this area.”

Sidberry, who helped set up the communications system between Combat Outpost Assassin and the Concerned Local Citizen headquarters, enjoys working with the concerned local citizens on a daily basis.

“We work with them everyday,” said Sidberry. “We do route recons with them. We check on their checkpoints to make sure they are doing ok. We are very friendly with each other and work well together.”

First Sergeant Meko Johnson, from Saginaw, Mich., the first sergeant for Troop A, was at the ceremony and praised his Soldier.

“He’s an outstanding Soldier,” Johnson said. “He is a combat multiplier as a communications specialist. He makes sure the communications at Patrol Base Assassin are up all the way to Baghdad. He worked hard to ensure the communications between the Concerned Local Citizens and Assassin were up and running. He did a great job.”

Capt. Troy Thomas, from Litchfield, Minn., Sidberry’s commander, said he was impressed that Sidberry requested to have his re-enlistment ceremony held at the headquarters.

“It meant a lot to him, me, the troop and the Concerned Local Citizens,” said Thomas. “For them to see how much we care about them meant a lot.”

Before the ceremony Thomas explained to the concerned citizens that when a Soldier re-enlists he is allowed to choose where he wants to re-enlist and that Sidberry requested to have the ceremony performed at their headquarters.

“Every little gesture like that makes another friend,” said Thomas. “He’s a communications specialist, but he does much more than that. Today he made a statement that we are doing great things for the people here and he feels safe here. It was great.”

After the ceremony all of the concerned citizens present lined up to congratulate Sidberry and thank him for his service.

“The people here understand that we are here to help them,” Sidberry said. “They appreciate what we are doing. I hope this is just another way to let them know that we care about what happens to them.”

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

Monday, October 22, 2007

Concerned Citizens Help Soldiers To Decrease IED threat

By Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Officer

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Improvised explosive devices posed a daily threat to U.S. Soldiers along Route Wild until one Sheik stepped forward, rallying concerned citizens to retake their community. 

Lt. Col. Jack Marr, from Minneapolis, Minn., commander of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, met with Sheik Nouri in Al-Jaara Oct. 17 to show his appreciation of the Sheik’s cooperation. The two leaders discussed potential operations to further decrease violence in the area, and projects to assist the local government with essential services.

Sheik Nouri leads the Al-Jaara Concerned Citizen Program that has provided assistance to the 1-15th Inf. Regt. over the last two months to greatly reduce the roadside bomb threat along the dangerous stretch in the battalion’s area of operations, according to Maj. John Cushing, from Rochester, Mich., 1-15th Inf. Regt. operations officer.

“Route Wild, prior to Sheik Nouri’s commitment to cooperate, was the most dangerous road in our area of operations,” said Cushing.  “The probability of hitting an IED was very high.  We were hitting at least one a day.”

Soldiers from Company B, 1-15th Inf. Regt. have been working with Sheik Nouri’s volunteers for approximately two months and the security situation in Al-Jaara has improved drastically.  Cushing explained that while the battalion recently encountered an IED, it was the first along the formerly treacherous road way in a two-month period.

“We are still building this Concerned Citizens group,” said Steven Hemmann, from Des Peres, Miss., the Company B executive officer.  “Even though they are not anywhere near their full potential, they’re already disrupting insurgents and having a huge impact.”

Concerned citizen tips have led to numerous cache seizures and extremist detentions in the 3rd HBCT area of operations since their inception in July.
“Insurgents can’t come into a neighborhood, like they used to, take over a house and do whatever they want from it,” said Hemmann.  “They now have to be cognizant of the fact that their neighbors will report their activities to Coalition Forces.”

Hemmann is confident that the Al-Jaara volunteers will aid his Soldiers in their efforts to decrease violence and stabilize the community.
I think when it’s all said and done, they are going to be an integral part in securing our company’s area of operations,” said Hemmann.

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

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Mortar Platoon Cares For Burn Victim, Nets Al-Qaeda

By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Unlike movie sequels Operation Shiloh II was a huge success.

Operating on tips from local citizens near the town of Al Bawi on Oct. 13 during Operation Shiloh I, the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment mortar platoon returned to the area and arrested an al-Qaeda member in Operation Shiloh II, Oct. 15.

According to Capt. Chris Pearson, from Baton Rouge, La., the mortar platoon leader, a man in the area confided in the troops on Oct. 13 and stated that his family had been threatened. After the man was identified as an al-Qaeda member, the platoon went back Oct. 15th to detain him.

However, first the platoon needed to pay a visit to someone else.  During the platoon’s previous mission Oct. 13, the platoon encountered a mute, 60-year-old man with severe burns to his leg. The platoon rendered medical assistance after talking with the family, said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Lucas, from South Dayton, N.Y., the non-commissioned officer in charge of the mortar platoon.

The man’s wounds had not been treated in over three months.

“The family was afraid to go to Baghdad for assistance,” said Lucas.

The platoon cared for the elderly man’s wounds by cleaning and dressing the burns. When the platoon prepared to return for Shiloh II, Lucas made sure his medic packed special items for burn care.

“When we returned the second time, we changed his bandages and applied some burn cream to help him heal,” said Lucas. “Through an interpreter, we left instructions with the man’s wife as to when and how to change his dressings and apply more cream.”

Pearson believes taking time for the people of the community builds acceptance for the Soldiers’ presence in their town.
“If you build that trust that we’re not here to start trouble,” Pearson said, “we will start to make contacts so we can help them in the future by getting the insurgents.”

Pearson feels the Oct. 15 patrol helped, especially after the aid his platoon provided the man.

“By us coming specifically back to him shows we care about them,” he said. “It shows we are here to help, not just provide security.”
After treating the man’s burns the platoon tended to more serious business and arrested the al-Qaeda member.

Along with the arrest, the Soldiers searched 13 buildings. But their main objective in the area isn’t just looking for bad guys. Pearson said they patrol the area to meet the residents.

“We started meeting with the locals to figure out who lived where and who owned what,” said Pearson. “It’s a small town south of the COP with 20 to 30 Shia and Sunni families. Just from talking with them, we found they actually get along with each other.”

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

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Concerned Citizens Round Up Caches, Improve Security

By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Concerned citizens from the village of Al Arafia delivered a large collection of munitions, including a 200 pound bomb, to Combat Outpost Cashe Oct.16.

The most recent delivery came as no surprise to the Soldiers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment and elements of the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, stationed at Combat Outpost Cashe.

Company D helped organize the first concerned citizen program in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s area of operations. Since then, the brigade has integrated the concerned citizens into missions and used their tips to capture key insurgents.

The cache was transported via a civilian truck by the concerned citizens. The cache, consisting of munitions collected throughout Al Arafia, contained two 105 mm artillery shells, twelve 75 mm armor piercing rounds, two improvised explosive devices, one container of homemade explosive, six 50 mm and two 82 mm mortar rounds, one 200 pound bomb, and one unidentifiable artillery round.

Concerned citizen tips have led to the seizure of 10 caches, the discovery of 12 improvised explosive devices and the detention of 103 suspects, according to Maj. Rhett Griner, from Jonesboro, Ga., effects coordinator for the 3rd HBCT.

“The concerned citizens in Tuwaitha have been very proactive,” said 1st Sgt. James Woody, from Portsmouth, Va., the first sergeant of Company D, 1-15 Inf. Regt. “They are doing an outstanding job of protecting their communities. They are the standard that the concerned citizens groups in the qada are following.”

Woody pointed out that the Sunni concerned citizens live in a low-crime area alongside the Tigris River and have done an excellent job of staying vigilant and keeping insurgent elements from taking root in the community.

“On a weekly basis they are leading us to weapons caches or munitions,” said Woody. “They are really on top of it. Just last week they led us to six different IEDs and two caches.”

Now many of the citizens of the Mada’in Qada – a district east of Baghdad with roughly 1.2 million citizens - have shown their support by joining the Concerned Citizen Program. The 3rd HBCT has conducted numerous missions with group members either leading or providing tips.

There are more than 1,600 concerned citizens operating throughout the Qada, according to Griner. The 3rd HBCT is working with local leaders to create more groups and working with the Ministry of Iraq to eventually transition the volunteers into the Iraq Security Forces.

Infantry Company captures al-Qaeda cell members, clears buildings

By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs,

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Eleven people were detained and 49 buildings cleared Oct. 16 during Operation Belleau Wood II, an intensive search north of Salman Pak to capture or kill al-Qaeda and insurgents operating in the area.

“Acting on local tips, we were able to disrupt an al-Qaeda IED cell,” said 1st Lt. Clifford Cieslak, from Pasadena, Md., fire support officer for Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment.

Leaders are optimistic the capture of the cell will allow 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces to better secure the area and allow the local population to continue improving governmental functions, Cieslak explained.

Soldiers from Company A, 1-15 Inf. Regt., detained the men after they were identified as possible insurgents responsible for attacks against 3rd HBCT. Improvised explosive device materials, two AK-47 assault rifles, a shotgun and ammunition were found during the search.

203rd BSB Travels To Re-Supply FOB Hammer

203rd BSB travels to re-supply FOB Hammer

Story and photos by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Logistics leaders are constantly facing the challenge of a combat logistics patrol by trying to figure out how to properly combine diverse units and get them to their destination safely and efficiently.
Since they’ve been on the ground in Iraq the leaders in the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion have planned over 400 successful CLPs based on the mission, destination and information about the area they will be traveling through.

Two hours before they are scheduled to travel to Victory Base Camp in Baghdad, Soldiers from the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment and drivers for Kellog, Brown and Root listened as the CLP leader, 1st Lt. Angela Fowler, Spring Lake, N.C., the executive officer for Company C, 203rd BSB, went over the operations order for their upcoming mission.

Fowler explained the route, the time of departure, the estimated arrival time and what each group’s objective would be at VBC in a quick concise manner. Her questions to each platoon sergeant and driver were quickly answered with the correct answers.
Fowler seemed satisfied and turned the floor over to Staff Sgt. Arthur Goodman, Norfolk, Va., the squad leader for 2nd squad of the Movement Security Platoon, 203rd BSB.

Goodman went through roll-over drills, water egress procedures, how the convoy will react to improvised explosive devices, reactions on contact, and proper escalation of force procedures for the Soldiers. Each topic was discussed thoroughly and he frequently stopped to ask questions. Goodman makes sure that everyone is on the same page at every briefing.

“We go over these before every mission,” he said. “I like to reinforce things so it is fresh in the Soldier’s minds before every mission. I want these ideas to be second nature to them so when things happen they don’t have to stop and think about it. If you reinforce ideas over and over, it becomes second nature.”
Goodman is also cognizant of who is in each convoy.

“We have civilian contractors, heavy equipment operators and Soldiers driving very heavy vehicles on these CLPs,” Goodman said.  “It is important to go over roll-over drills because of the nature of these vehicles.

They need to know to tuck their chin, brace for impact, and brace themselves before releasing their seatbelts in the event of a roll-over. It doesn’t sound hard, but we had a roll-over incident about three months into our deployment. Luckily, he was fine and everything was okay. We got him out and recovered all of the sensitive items like we were supposed to. It went right by the book. I like to think it was because he listened to my brief shortly before that.”Fowler stressed the importance of the escalation of force part of the brief.

“We make sure we brief before each mission, especially the escalation of force procedures,” Fowler said. “By briefing the proper escalation of force procedures before every mission, we have cut down on our incidents.”After going over everything, Fowler reminded everyone to check their radios a final time and released them.“We are taking a new route tonight,” she said. “We want to make sure everyone knows the route, not just the drivers.”

Maj. Howard Coe, Winston-Salem, N.C., the executive officer of 203rd BSB, explained that roll-over drills, water egress procedures, how the convoy will react to IEDs, reactions on contact, and proper escalation of force procedures are stressed to every 203rd BSB Soldier before they leave FOB Hammer.
“We try to standardize the pre-brief so that everything is always put out,” he said. “All of our CLP commanders understand the importance of our pre-briefs and letting their Soldiers know the route beforehand.”

Sgt. Gerald King, Thompson Falls, Mont., the tactical commander of one of the 203rd BSB’s movement security platoons, was preparing his Soldiers for this mission 24 hours before hand.

The movement security platoon is responsible for the CLP’s security. The vehicles that make up the platoon are mobile and able to quickly respond to any threat to the convoy.

“When we get a mission, we normally have 24 hours notice,” he said. “We will QA QC (quality control checks) all of our vehicles and our communications equipment. We then coordinate a time to go out to the range and test fire all our weapons systems to make sure they are working correctly. After that, we get our link up time and prepare to roll out.”

The platoon, which is made up of cooks, water purification specialists and mechanics, make sure every member understands the safety procedures covered in the pre-brief.

“We have outstanding Soldiers in this platoon,” King said. “They work hard. They train hard. Each and every one of them can give the convoy brief at any time.”
Coe pointed out that the Soldiers in the MSP have a much different mission than anyone else in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

“They aren’t traditional combat arms guys, but they go outside the gate more than anyone on this FOB,” Coe said. “They have to be very fluid. They don’t have a set objective that they are responsible for every time they leave. It’s not like they need to capture this target or secure this objective. Their mission is driven by the needs of the brigade.”

Coe explained that Soldiers in MSP have become so comfortable with their role that they need very little supervision from the CLP leader. This, in turn, frees the CLP leaders up to concentrate on other aspects of the mission.

The convoy left FOB Hammer early in the morning and steadily made its way to Baghdad. Radio chatter was kept to a minimum as the lead vehicle scanned for IEDs.
“I make sure my guys stay observant in the vehicle,” said Cpl. Joe Esparza, Hacienda Heights, Calif., the lead vehicle commander of the movement security platoon.

After arriving safely at VBC, Fowler secured lodging for the convoy’s short stay there.
After a quick nap, each element of the convoy splits up and executes their part of the mission.
Fowler explained the convoy was responsible for getting upgrades installed on some vehicles, securing supplies and getting items to restock the Post Exchange at FOB Hammer.

The rest of the day was spent accomplishing their tasks and getting rest for the trip back to FOB Hammer.
“I let my guys rest and refocus so they will be alert on the trip back,” King said. “I want them to have their head in the game, so rest is important.”
Early the next morning, Fowler had everyone lined up and ready to return to FOB Hammer. Quickly and thoroughly, she and King went back over the safety brief before sending everyone back to their vehicles.

Following the mission, everyone in the convoy headed back to the briefing tent for an after action review. Fowler explained that AARs are an important part of the mission.“We use them to see what we are doing right and what we need to improve upon,” she said. “We use the information to plan for the next CLP and make it better.”

Several suggestions were given to improve the next mission, but overall everyone was pleased with the mission.
“Everyone did what they were supposed to and everyone came back safe,” King said. “When that happens, I count that as a successful mission.”
Coe believes that the work that the CLP commanders put into their jobs makes missions like this one successful.

“We hold a CLP leaders meeting every week,” he said. “The commander and the S3 (Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler and Capt. Emanuel Velez) meet with all of them and get them focused on what they can improve on. They share their concerns and TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures). The CLP commanders really take that information to heart and make sure they are implemented the coming week.”

The 203rd BSB, the 3rd BSTB and the1-10 FA Regt. are assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

20071017-01_3HBCT_01 (203 CLP) – Staff Sgt. Arthur Goodman, Norfolk, Va., the squad leader for 2nd squad of the Movement Security Platoon, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, gives a pre-brief to Soldiers as they prepare to leave Forward Operating Base Hammer on a combat logistics patrol mission Oct. 15. Goodman went through roll-over drills, water egress procedures, how the convoy will react to improvised explosive devices, patrol reactions on contact, and proper escalation of force procedures to ensure that the Soldiers act correctly in any situation.

For queries, contact the Multi-National Division – Center Public Affairs at or by phone at Commercial 912-767-3373 during the day and 912-767-4966 from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

For MND-C news, go to http://www.taskforcemarne.com.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Joint Mission Introduces Unit To New Area Of Operation

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – In preparation to hand over responsibility for a portion of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s area of operations, Soldiers from Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, and Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, conducted a joint cordon and search at the Al-Ma’amil Brick Factory, east of Nahrwan, Oct. 12.

The 3-1 Cav. Regt., whose primary mission is disrupting the flow of weapons and insurgents into Baghdad from the east, transferred responsibility for a large swath of land just south of the Diyala-Baghdad provincial border to one of its sister battalions, the 1-10 FA. The change took effect Oct. 15.

Prior to 1-10 FA’s assumption of authority, the 3-1 Cav. Regiment’s leaders shared knowledge and insight gained from missions in the northern portion of the Mada’in Qada. The Mada’in Qada is the governmental seat for the area east of the Diyala River and encompasses an area roughly the size of Rhode Island with approximately 1.2 million residents.

During the mission Oct. 12, Troop B, 3-1 Cav. Regt., assisted by Battery A, 1-10 FA, cleared 23 buildings and gained knowledge necessary to successfully conduct their new mission. “The mission was very successful,” said Command Sgt. Maj. James Benedict, from Chesterton, Ind., the command sergeant major of 1-10 FA. “All of our Soldiers handled themselves very professionally and were very friendly.” Benedict felt this mission was significant for his battalion.

“This mission was definitely a confidence builder,” Benedict said. “You go out with an attitude of ‘What’s next?’ Everyone I saw was vigilant and communicating with one another. We really look forward to going into Nahrwan, Sabah Nissan and places like that, to help build communities and be a part of the team building process.”

As excited as Benedict is about helping these areas, he is still mindful of the danger his troops face whenever they leave the FOB. He explained how his Soldiers need to maintain what he calls “warrior spirit”, meaning his Soldiers will remain vigilant, professional, disciplined, and ready.
“Whenever we go out, we will be ready,” Benedict said. “I tell all my Soldiers to maintain their discipline and treat the citizens we come across the way they would like to be treated. If we do that, I think we will be fine.”

Though no weapons caches or insurgents were found during the mission, Benedict believes the mission bolstered confidence in his Soldiers and they are ready to patrol the area. The 1-10 FA. and the 3-1 Cav. Regt. are assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., from Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Tips Lead To Arrests In Salman Park

Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – After receiving tips, Coalition Forces detained three people in Salman Pak Oct. 11 during Operation Belleau Wood, a raid to find insurgents linked to al-Qaeda cells operating in Iraq.

Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, detained the men after they were identified as al-Qaeda members responsible for improvised explosive device placement along a road frequently used by the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The Soldiers also cleared 13 houses during their search.

Maj. John Cushing, the 1-15th Inf. Regt. Operations officer from Rochester, Mich., believes the recent organization of Concerned Local Citizens in the Salman Pak area has helped residents feel safer, and therefore more likely to come forward to identify insurgents and their activities.

“Local Iraqi sheiks, in very dangerous areas, are coming forward and are willing to provide critical information concerning extremist activities in our area of operations,” Cushing said. “Local sheiks and Coalition Forces are working together and doing what it takes to improve security in insurgent-infested neighborhoods.”

“Belleau Wood was great for Hardrock (Company A) and 1-15,” Cushing continued. “As a result of this operation, three extremists were detained which further disrupted an IED cell along a major route that Coalition Forces travel each day.”

The 1-15 Inf. 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.