Iraq

Wounded Warrior Diaries: Canine Handler Battles Injuries to Return to Duty

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:06:04 -0800

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Despite losing a leg in combat, Army Sgt. Chris Alvin Burrell is focusing on his rehabilitation to one day return to what he calls his "normal day of work."

"My main focus right now is to heal properly and quickly in the right timeframe, and just make sure I'm healed to where I can return to duty," said Burrell, who is assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade's 108th MP Company, Airborne Air Assault on Fort Bragg, N.C.

Prior to his injury, Burrell was an MP in Iraq. The best part of the job, he said, was working with the military dogs, which is something he hopes to return to soon.

"I love my job as a canine officer. Dogs are my life. It's something that I do great," Burrell said. "I've talked with a lot of people and I'm in the process of working my way back to Fort Bragg to get back with a dog and go back to my normal day of work."

Army Sgt. Chris Burrell is focused on his rehabilitation since losing a leg in an explosion in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood on Dec. 26, 2007. He hopes to return to his job as a canine handler. Courtesy photo
high-resolution image available.

Waking Up With a Bad Feeling \

Getting back to "normal" is something Burrell has been focusing on ever since his life changed the day after Christmas in 2007. He woke up that morning and had a bad feeling about the day, he said.

"I had a feeling that morning, I just didn't know what it was. But, at the time, you kind of just got to brush it off, because if you start worrying about things, then you just get tunnel vision," Burrell said. "Then you can't focus on the mission that's at hand, and then you jeopardize the mission.

"So, the main thing is just to stay focused, make sure you do your job, take care of your soldiers and drive on."

Burrell was in the lead vehicle of a four-vehicle convoy when it was struck less than a half mile from the forward operating base.

"It was a really bad area we were going through," he said. "We were travelling into Sadr City, which is pretty much the stronghold of the militia at the time. It was always really, really imperative that we were always on our game, aware of all our surroundings at all times."

Sometimes it took as long as 90 minutes to work their way through Sadr City, he said.

"We tried to travel through what we call mahalas, which are like back alleys," Burrell said. "A lot of times, you won't find too much of a threat in there. Sometimes you will … maybe small arms fire. We tried to stay off the main streets… because …we were having a high volume of [enemy attacks] at that time."

As the convoy approached an overpass, Burrell had an eerie sensation.

"We traveled it numerous times before, but there's just so much trash, so much debris and things that are just everywhere underneath this overpass on the side of the streets, it's just really, really hard, and I wouldn't say impossible, but it's nearly impossible to keep an eye on everything that's happening that entire time," said Burrell.

"Everything Was Black"

As the convoy proceeded at no more than five miles per hour assessing the surroundings, everything went black.

"I didn't hear an explosion. The next thing, I know, everything was black," Burrell said. "I could hear my driver, Specialist Erin Neilson, yelling to me that we needed to get out of the vehicle because it was on fire."

But Burrell couldn't move. He didn't have the strength to exit the burning vehicle.

"The whole series of these events were kind of like picture frames," he said. "Everyone started exiting my vehicle. My gunner dismounted, grabbed his weapon and pulled up a fighting stronghold position to take cover for us. My driver had exited the vehicle to assess the situation. Our vehicle was just crushed. We were hit by a triple charge; three different charges of an EFP [explosively formed penetrator]."

The triple charge had demolished the vehicle. "One of them came through, went straight through the middle of the door. We don't know how that didn't kill me," Burrell said. "One hit underneath of my seat, went through the side of the vehicle and blew up the battery box, which is what caught on fire … and just destroyed the vehicle."

Burrell added that the third charge is what took off his leg. "All of them were on my side of the vehicle, came in between the front wheel well and the doorframe where there's no armor at all," he said. ""It came in at an angle, and you could see from the pictures where it came through. It came through at an angle, it just took off my knee, and went directly straight up through the roof."

About the time everyone was exiting the vehicle, Burrell was pulled out of the back passenger door because his door wasn't usable.

"I remember being pulled out in a lot of pain," he said. "I remember looking at the vehicle and the vehicle was engulfed in flames. I don't know how anybody came out of that," he remembers thinking.

Once Burrell was removed from the burning vehicle, one of his friends, assisted in applying a tourniquet, which Burrell believes saved his life.

From Heartbreak to Lofty Goals

After Burrell was taken back to the FOB, he had asked about the three others in his vehicle. Everyone had survived the explosion. The only person injured was the interpreter.

"The interpreter, who was in the back seat, actually had a heart attack when it happened," added Burrell. "He ended up quitting on us that night. I don't blame him for that. You know, it was a rough day."

After initial treatment at the base, Burrell was later transferred to Balad where a nurse broke the news about the loss of his left leg.

"I was so distraught," he said. "I was angry, I was upset, and I was heartbroken. There [were] just so many emotions going through me at the time. It was really rough."
After treatment at Balad, Burrell was transferred to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and eventually to Walter Reed Army Medical Center here for follow-on treatment.

Burrell is still at Walter Reed, but hopes to get back to Fort Bragg before January
Burrell has set some other lofty goals. "Some goals and high marks I've set right now, of course, is just to be able to … fight the battle so that I can return to duty … in a timely manager and go back to doing what I love, which is working with dogs and being a canine handler."

He also has set high goals in his personal life by recently participating in the New York City Marathon, riding a hand-crank bicycle.

Burrell added that his overall goal is just to be able to return to his normal life and be accepted by society.

"I would just challenge each person not to use ignorance as an excuse, or not to be scared, [or] feel awkward in front of a wounded warrior, but to just comfort them and then just act like they're a normal human being," he added.

(Editor's note: This is the third in a series of Wounded Warrior Diaries. Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works in the New Media Directorate of the Defense Media Activity).

Indiana National Guard Soldiers Trade Sand for Snow

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:45:32 -0800

By Staff Sgt. Tina R. Griffin
Indiana National Guard

Evansville’s 76th Brigade Soldiers return from Iraq

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – As the snow was falling at the Indianapolis International Airport, 130 Soldiers from Battery B, 1st Battalion, 163rd Field Artillery from Evansville and Headquarters and Headquarters Company 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from Indianapolis returned late Monday night from a nine-month deployment in Iraq.

The 163rd conducted 75 combat logistics patrols in northern Iraq and escorted 2,500 supply vehicles across 5,600 miles, and Headquarters Company commanded the 76th during its deployment.

“It’s great to be home,” said Cpl. Aaron Morris, who served as a truck command during the deployment. “I just did my job to make sure that I came home safe and the people under me did.”

Loved ones and friends welcomed the Soldiers who arrived at Stout Field before midnight. The families and Soldiers were tired but overwhelmed with emotion when they were able to see each other again.

“All I could think was get the bus rolling to see my wife,” said Staff Sgt. Brandon L. Boyd.

“I will adjust to cold weather but I would put up with just about anything to be home,” stated Morris.

The Soldiers left the blowing sand of Iraq to return home to the blowing of snow in Indiana, but they welcomed it just to be home again with their loved ones.

Indiana National Guard Spc. Michael J. Pitts smile and embraces his two daughters Ryleigh, two months, and Candace, 4 on Monday, Nov. 17, 2008. “It’s good to see my two girls,” said Pitts with Battery B 1st Battalion, 163rd Field Artillery. Pitts, a Evansville native, returned Monday evening after serving nine-months in Iraq. Indiana National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tina R. Griffin, 120th Public Affairs Detachment

Indiana Guard 76th Brigade Soldiers Scheduled to Return Monday Night

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:45:58 -0800

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Indiana National Guard is pleased to announce that about 130 Soldiers with the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are scheduled to return after serving in Iraq for the past nine months.

The Soldiers consist of members from Battery B, 1st Battalion, 163rd Field Artillery and Headquarters Company, 76th IBCT and are scheduled to arrive at the Indianapolis International Airport Monday, Nov. 17 and will be bused to Stout Field 2002 S. Holt Road, Building 9 at approximately 9:30 p.m. where family and friends are expected to greet the returning Soldiers.

This is the third group of more than 3,000 Indiana Army National Guardsman scheduled to return over the next three weeks.

During deployment the 163rd Field Artillery, headquartered in Evansville, Ind., conducted more than 75 Combat Logistics Patrols in Northern Iraq, escorting more than 2,500 supply vehicles across more than 5,600 miles.

The 76th IBCT, Headquarters Company provided command and control for the members of the 76th IBCT throughout their deployment.

Source: Indiana National Guard

Explosions Kill and Injure Iraqis

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:38:45 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Coalition officials denounced the "barbaric" and "cowardly" acts of terrorists who killed more than a dozen Iraqis and injured scores of others with bombings in Iraq over the past several days. In southern Baghdad on Oct. 12, five Iraqis were killed and 12 were injured by an explosion. An explosive ordnance detachment is investigating the scene to gather more information.

Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers of Company D, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, joined Iraqi Security Forces in responding to the blast and helping secure the site.

"Soldiers from the Raider brigade are responding to assist the Iraqi people in this time of need," said Army Maj. Dave Olson, the combat team's spokesman. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those injured and killed in the attack. The transition of the Iraqi Security Forces continues to move forward as they assume the lead in the Rashid district.

"This is a heinous attack against the residents of Baghdad," Olson said . "It also shows the true nature of a cowardly and evil enemy who specifically targets the innocent."

In Mosul, also on Oct. 12, members of al Qaeda in Iraq conducted a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack against an Iraqi patrol, killing five local Iraqi citizens and injuring 10 others. Approximately 20 minutes later, another SVBIED attack injured 25 Iraqi citizens in an area not far from the first blast. The injured have been taken to a local facility for medical treatment.

"The good, honest citizens of Iraq only want peace and stability in their lives. The barbaric acts of these AQI members will continue to make the decent citizens of Iraq turn against them," said Army Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, spokeswoman for Multi-National Division-North.

In the East Rashid district of Baghdad on Oct 10, six Iraqi civilians were killed and 12 were wounded when terrorists detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.

Multi-National Division Baghdad soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team responded to the scene. A preliminary investigation from a coalition explosive ordnance team indicates that 200-300 pounds of explosives exploded in the vehicle.

"Cowardly attacks such as this show a complete disregard for the lives of Iraqi citizens," said Army Maj. Mark Cheadle, spokesman for Multinational Division Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. "Along with our Iraqi Security Force partners, we will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of the people of Iraq."

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq press releases.

Kelly: U.S. Presence Still Needed for Stability in Anbar Province

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:53:55 -0700

By Kristen Noel
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Despite transitioning Anbar province to Iraqi control last month, it's still too soon for U.S. troops to withdraw from the region, the commander of Multinational Force West said last week.

"We certainly do provide a sense of security for the locals here in Anbar, as they work things out amongst themselves in the province," U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. John Kelly said in an Oct. 10 teleconference with bloggers and online journalists.

More than 25,000 U.S. Marines remain in the province, Kelly said, with additional support from the other services bringing the total up to 27,000 U.S. troops in Anbar. They are providing overwatch to the Iraqi security forces, he said, who assumed prime responsibility for the security of the province in last month's turnover.

"We support [the Iraqis] when they need help," Kelly said, "but they've pretty much got it and are running with the ball."

The reason U.S. troops cannot withdraw outright, Kelly said, is a lingering threat from al-Qaeda. "Anbar province…used to be the most dangerous province in the country, primarily because of al-Qaeda."

The terrorist organization still exists in the province as "very loosely organized" individual cells, he said, but they're no longer considered an insurgency because they've lost the support of the local people.

"So the insurgency is dead," Kelly said, "but al-Qaeda still has – like a snake when you cut its head off – has got a little bit of bite and a little bit of venom."

Another concern, he pointed out, is al-Qaeda is still an insurgency in other parts of the country including Mosul and Baghdad.

"So, it's not quite time to withdraw," he said, "particularly since…Anbar province is part of a country that…has still got quite an insurgency on its hands being pushed back every day."

U.S. forces need to continue providing a stability presence in the province, Kelly said, to support the security forces until the underlying threats diminish and to help the civil authorities who are still learning their jobs.

"If we were to pull those props out too early," Kelly said, "that would, I think, be problematic."

Source: US Department of Defense - Kristen Noel works for the New Media branch of the Defense Media Activity.

US Commander: Insurgency Fractured in Northern Iraq

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 09:24:44 -0700

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Violent attacks in northern Iraq have dropped by 60 percent in the past year, and progress in the region has left the insurgency broken, a senior commander in the area said today.

"Our assessment is that the insurgency has become fractured, certainly still capable and lethal, and they are increasingly relying on intimidation to garner support from local populace," said Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commander of Multinational Division North. Hertling briefed Pentagon reporters via satellite from Contingency Operating Base Spiker outside of Tikrit, Iraq.

Coalition forces working alongside improved Iraqi security forces have killed or captured thousands of enemy fighters in the region, Hertling said, crippling their efforts to hang on to control of the larger cities in the region, such as Mosul.

"Iraq's forces showed new signs of independence, confidence, professionalism, and -- above all -- national commitment," Hertling said.

Changes on the political landscape also have helped security efforts, as both the provincial and central governments have begun rebuilding efforts and have worked to stimulate the economy. Government agencies are executing their budgets and working to pave roads and improve access to electricity and water, Hertling said.

That, combined with recent violence targeting civilians, has left the local people disenfranchised from the various insurgency groups fighting in the region. Just yesterday, a terrorist detonated a suicide vest in Mosul as coalition forces were trying to capture a wanted man. Three women and three children were killed.

"I think there is a feeling … that the Iraqi citizens are sick of the insurgents," Hertling said.

Recent operations in Diyala province resulted in significant security gains there, and operations in Mosul and Ninevah province continue to deliver increased security gains there, Hertling said. Also, the flow of foreign fighters from Syria into Mosul has been interrupted, he said.

Still, the fighting is not done and gains are tenuous, the commander said. His area still sees the highest number of attacks in Iraq. "There is still a desire by al-Qaida and other extremist groups to hold on to key areas," Hertling said.

Hertling said progress in the area cannot be measured in terms of wins or losses.

"It is more and more apparent to me, we measure progress in Iraq not by wins and losses, but by gains and regressions -- steps forward and steps backward," he said.

More work is needed on infrastructure, especially schools and hospitals and access to water, and unemployment is still as high as 50 percent in some areas, Hertling said.

Source: US Department of Defense

Refurbished Schools Prepare to Open in Sadr City

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 09:26:47 -0700

By Army 2nd Lt. Gordon Bostick
Special to American Forces Press Service

JAMILLA, IRAQ – Iraqi children in Baghdad's Sadr City district are preparing to start the school year in safer, refurbished facilities, thanks to the work of U.S. soldiers here.

Before Company A, Task Force 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, arrived in Sadr City's Jamilla neighborhood, the schools here were not even used for classes; militants were using the grounds as makeshift hiding places and torture cells. At the few schools that remained open, militants kidnapped children as they went to or from school and held them for ransom.

"The schools in Jamilla were places of terror, not places of learning," said Army 2nd Lt. Nicholas Boykin of the 1st Armored Division's Company A, Task Force 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, which is currently attached to the 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, in Multinational Division Baghdad.

Before repairs could begin, the neighborhood needed to be secure. As Task Force 1-6 arrived in Jamilla, soldiers immediately improved the security and began chasing the criminals and militants out. The wall built by the task force isolated Jamilla from the rest of Sadr City, scaring many of the militants out of the area and allowing the economy and civil society to flourish.

Workers rebuild a wall at Al-Wadi School in Sadr City's Jamilla neighborhood, Oct. 1, 2008. Schools in Sadr City are being rebuilt by the Iraqi government and U.S. soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Division, which is currently attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Gordon Bostick, Multinational Division Baghdad
high-resolution image available.

As soldiers prepared projects to rebuild and refurbish the schools in the area, they saw just how bad things were at the 12 schools -- ranging from kindergarten and elementary schools to all-female schools and high schools -- in Jamilla.

While some of these schools were in fairly good condition, others were heavily damaged. Almost all of them had no electrical power and no air conditioning. Desks were broken, walls were crumbling and bullet holes could be found punched through the windows and rooftops.

For the repairs to begin, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers conducted a variety of escort missions to bring personnel from the civil affairs team, Task Force Gold, and from the Iraqi Education Ministry to scout out conditions on the ground.

After a complete assessment, Task Force 1-6 initiated projects to completely overhaul the structures. Government-hired Iraqis went to work and replaced wire and electrical facilities, installed air-conditioning units, desks, dry-erase boards and new playground equipment, and repainted the inside and outside of the schools.

"The rebuilding and transformation of the schools was like night and day," Army Sgt. Mario Braxton, Company A, Task Force 1-6, said. "It really showed the neighborhood who was on their side, trying to make Jamilla a better place."

Source: US Department of Defense - Army 2nd Lt. Gordon Bostick serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's Company A, Task Force 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

Soldiers in Iraq Help Comrades Vote

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 09:40:59 -0700

By Army Sgt. David Hodge
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, IRAQ – Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers streamlined the voting process for hundreds of servicemembers and civilians here Oct. 3-5. Army Sgts. Asa Rubman and Rachel Littenberg, paralegal specialists assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, said they noticed some apathy among soldiers toward voting in the November general elections and decided to spearhead a voting drive.

"It started out with me being annoyed with the system," said Rubman, a native of Watertown, Conn. "I registered and tried to get my ballot in May and it never came, so I started putting up flyers in case other people didn't get theirs."

The flyers posted throughout the brigade headquarters building enticed other soldiers to stop by the legal office and take 10 minutes to exercise their right to vote.

Army Sgts. Asa Rubman and Rachel Littenberg, paralegal specialists assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, help servicemembers and civilians register to vote Oct. 4, 2008, at Forward Operating Base Falcon, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Hodge, Multinational Division Baghdad
high-resolution image available.

Even after posting flyers, the two decided they were not reaching out to enough soldiers and decided to take the advice of Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bobb, the brigade's senior enlisted leader, and set up a table inside the dining facility.

"People normally have a block of time set aside when they go to chow, so it is easier for them to register to vote then and just eat their grilled cheese a little faster," Rubman said.

The duo gave soldiers the opportunity to vote in the dining facility for three days, spending six hours a day there while work piled up back at the office. They also provided the necessary paperwork, envelopes and useful information regarding each state's voting regulations.

In all, the effort assisted more than 550 servicemembers and civilians throughout the three-day drive, Littenberg said.

"Everybody was really into it," said Littenberg, who hails from Huntington, N.Y. "I watched a major and a specialist have a 20-minute conversation while they were completing their ballots about who was a better choice for president."

Setting up in the dining facility was great, and it motivated many soldiers to vote, said Army Staff Sgt. Devon Pierce, an infantryman assigned to the brigade personnel security detachment.

Pierce, who is on his third deployment, said this is the first one in which he has found the time to vote.

"I was glad to see the legal office took the initiative to put up flyers and set up a table in the dining facility," said Pierce, a native of Mobile, Ala.

Source: US Department of Defense - Army Sgt. David Hodge serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.

Terrorist Detonates Suicide Vest in Mosul

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 14:18:11 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – A terrorist detonated a suicide vest Oct. 5 in Mosul as coalition forces were trying to capture a wanted man. Coaliton forces entered a building looking for the man and were shot at by enemy fighters. One man in the building detonated the vest he was wearing.

No coalition force injuries were reported. Five suspected terrorists, along with three women and three children, were killed. Forces searched the building and found a weapons cache holding various small arms weapons and explosives.

In other operations today, forces near Baghdad captured two wanted men and detained two others believed to have ties to an al-Qaida in Iraq bomb network. Forces in Hawijah, southwest of Kirkuk, caught one terrorist suspect believed to be part of a bombing network in Diyala province.

In operations yesterday in Sulayman Bak, southeast of Kirkuk, coalition forces caught seven suspected terrorists. One man was wanted for connections to terrorists operating in the area.

Another wanted man was caught Oct. 4 in Sabah, west of Kirkuk. He is believed to be a member of a terrorist group associated with al-Qaida in Iraq.

U.S. soldiers also seized 20 weapons caches in operations west of Baghdad . Soldiers recovered more than 1,700 mortar rounds, 503 mortar fuses, three rocket launchers, six rockets, various ammunition, homemade explosive materials and bombs and nine SA-7 heat-seeking, shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles.

Iraqi army soldiers found a house rigged with explosives. The soldiers seized the explosives and removed them from the area.

In other operations in Iraq Oct. 3:

-- Coalition forces killed a leader of one of al-Qaeda in Iraq's Baghdad networks thought to have masterminded some of the city's recent bombings. Mahir Ahmad Mahmud Judu' al-Zubaydi, also known as Abu Rami, is believed to be the AQI emir of the Rusafa neighborhood of Baghdad.

Rami allegedly masterminded several car bombings including one last year that killed more than 200 people. In addition to car bombings, Abu Rami was believed to be a planner and participant in several kidnappings and videotaped executions.

-- U.S. soldiers nabbed a suspected special groups leader thought to be responsible for sectarian violence in the Risalah community.

-- In Quayyarah, south of Mosul, coalition forces caught two terrorism suspects.

-- U.S. soldiers recovered a weapons cache in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad. The cache included a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, two RPG rounds, two RPG boosters, two AK-47s, a machine gun, and ammunition.

-- Iraqi national police also recovered a cache in Kadamiyah. The weapons included an Iranian- manufactured 85 mm PG-7 anti-tank heat rocket, rocket propellant, an RPG launcher and a hand grenade.

-- U.S. soldiers seized a cache in the Adhamiyah district of Baghdad. The munitions included several 60 mm high explosive mortar rounds, various sizes of rockets, an RPG, a machine gun, a sniper Rifle, an AK-47 and 300 rounds of ammunition.

-- Iraqi national police found five bags of homemade explosives, a fuse and other bomb making materials in the East Rashid district of Baghdad.

-- In the Furat community, Iraqi national policemen seized about 70 pounds of dynamite and four detonation fuses.

-- Iraqi army soldiers found four 60 mm mortar rounds, six mortar fuses, a 155 mm artillery round, and six hand grenades in the Saydiyah community.

In operations in Iraqi Oct. 2, Iraqi security forces caught six suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq in northern Iraq. One team captured two suspects in Muqdadiyah. In east Mosul, Iraqi Forces captured an alleged AQI cell leader. Also, Iraqi forces caught three suspected terrorists in Dojima.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq releases.

Increased Capacity of Iraqi Army Allows Coalition to Shift Focus

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 4 Oct 2008 12:31:50 -0700

By Navy Seaman William Selby
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - With terrorists on the run and violence down, coalition forces are now also able to concentrate on areas other than the battlefield, thanks to the improvement of the Iraqi security forces, a military official said yesterday.

Al Qaeda insurgents are "in disarray" and attacks are down 80 percent since June of last year, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, chief of staff of Multinational Corps Iraq told bloggers during a teleconference from Iraq.

"The corps and our major commands have driven violence down to four-year lows and secured the Iraqi population in the process," he said.

Though officials believe the terrorist to be on the defensive, Allyn says one thing he has learned about al Qaeda, is that they are a resilient organization.

"We are respectful of AQI as a threat, but we will continue to degrade their capability and prevent them from destabilizing the great progress being achieved by Iraqi security forces and coalition forces here," Allyn said.

Coalition forces have also interrupted the flow of foreign fighters and Iranian trained special group criminals into Iraq and continue to seize their financial sources.

With AQI in disarray and violence at a four year low, Allyn said coalition forces can focus on improving other areas of Iraq.

"Security gains and the increased capacity of the Iraqi security forces enable us to increase focus on non-kinetic operations," Allyn said.

The general outlined three key areas of importance in this arena. One is to continue to professionalizing the Iraqi security forces. Another is to continue to focus on transitioning the "Sons of Iraq" local anti-terrorist groups to become employees of the government of Iraq. employees and to continue helping Iraq in securing its border."

The transition of the Sons of Iraq has been a potential area of friction for the Iraqi government, but Allyn said in fact it has been a great success story so far.

"We're in the progress of transitioning the first 54,000 in Baghdad as we speak," Allyn said. "We believe its the first major stride toward national reconciliation, which is going to be essential as this nation continues to develop."

Although the professionalization of Iraqi security forces remains a priority, Allyn said they are already headed in the right direction.

U.S. forces are now focused on delivering a similar growth in capacity across the rest of the partners and the Iraqi security forces through training and leader development, he explained.

Due to the efforts of coalition forces, Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi government, Allyn said, the enemy's freedom of movement and their effectiveness have been reduced.

"We continue to focus on preventing Iran from supplying lethal accelerants that are intended to destabilize the government and also preventing foreign fighters from crossing the boarder from Syria," he said. "As we look down the road at deeper threats that face this country, enabling Iraq to secure its own boarders is essential to their long-term stability."

Since the surge began, Allyn said the offensive tempo has driven down Iraqi civilian deaths over 80 percent, which has given the civilians a sense of security.

"Shops are opening up, families are going about doing what normal families do," he said.

That sense of security can be attributed to four factors, the courage of our service members serving here in Iraq, the growth in increasing capability of Iraqi security force partners, the heroic contributions of the Sons of Iraq and the growing capacity of the government of Iraq to lead towards sovereignty.

Source: US Department of Defense - Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media branch of Defense Media Activity.

Military Officials: Coalition Captures Iranian-Backed Militia Suspects in Iraq

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 4 Oct 2008 13:11:18 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, October 2, 2008, coalition forces captured five suspected Iranian-backed illegal militia members during an operation in Baghdad's Rusafa neighborhood, military officials reported.

Based on intelligence information, coalition forces targeted a suspected senior leader believed to be involved in smuggling Iranian-supplied lethal aid into Iraq. He is believed to be a key facilitator in planning and conducting attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces, officials said.

Coalition forces detained the wanted man and four other suspects without incident, they said.

According to intelligence assessments, the group receives funding, training, weapons and direction from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, officials said. Through its militia proxies, the Quds Force is trying to destabilize the Iraqi government, officials said.

Also on October 2, 2008, coalition forces struck a blow to the criminal network known as Asaib Ahl al-Haq by capturing two suspects during an operation in the southern city of Amarah in Iraq's Maysan province.

Acting on intelligence information, coalition forces targeted a suspected senior weapons smuggler believed to be responsible for militant operations against Iraqi and coalition forces. Forces detained the suspect and an associate.

In other operations, coalition forces today and yesterday captured a wanted man, detained 17 additional suspects and found enemy weapons stockpiles during operations to degrade the al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network throughout the country, officials said.

-- In Kirkuk October 2, 2008, troops netted four suspects believed to be associated with a regional al-Qaida in Iraq leader.

-- Near Beiji, about 100 miles south of Mosul, coalition forces captured a wanted man believed to be a local military leader for a terrorist group associated with al-Qaida in Iraq. Two additional suspects were detained during the operation.

-- In Ash Shurah, about 25 miles south of Mosul, coalition forces detained three suspects believed to be connected to a wanted man who intelligence reports suggest is a direct conspirator with regional al-Qaida in Iraq leaders.

-- In Sulaymen Bak, about 50 miles southeast of Kirkuk, forces targeted a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq military operator believed to be involved in roadside bomb attacks.

-- Coalition forces in Fallujah, about 34 miles west of Baghdad, detained two suspects while targeting an al-Qaida in Iraq operator.

-- Iraqi and coalition forces found nine mortar rounds and 35 pounds of TNT yesterday in Baghdad's Kadhamiyah district of Baghdad.

-- A tip from a concerned citizen October 2, 2008 led coalition soldiers in Baghdad's Mansour district to a weapons stockpile that included two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, an RPG round, 11 anti-personnel rockets, five 60 mm mortar rounds, three 82 mm mortar rounds, nine grenades, a remote control device and about a half pound of C4 explosive, 150 machine-gun rounds, and a variety of small-arms rounds.

-- A local sheik's tip led coalition soldiers to the seizure of a 155 mm round and two 100 mm rounds west of Baghdad October 2, 2008.

In another recent operation, Iraqi and coalition soldiers acting on a citizen's tip captured two suspected criminals and seized a weapons cache Sept. 30 east of Lutifiyah, about 25 miles from Baghdad. The cache included a fragmentation grenade, an 82 mm mortar round, a 122 mm artillery round, a directional blast charge, an AK-47 assault rifle and 36 AK-47 rounds, and two spools of detonation cord.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.

Perkins: Iraq, US Partnership Provides Path to Future

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:19:53 -0700

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 24, 2008) – The partnership between the coalition and the Iraqi government has been enormously productive and is continuing to pay dividends, Brig. Gen. David Perkins, a coalition spokesman in Baghdad, said. Perkins and Iraqi Army Maj. Gen. Qasim Atta spoke about a range of subjects during a news conference today.

Atta, the spokesman for the Iraqi Army's Baghdad Operations Center, said that as the holy month of Ramadan closes and Iraqis begin to celebrate the Feast of Eid on Oct. 1, security forces will take extra precautions, such as not allowing vehicles to enter parks where the feasting will take place. The change is a precaution, even though violent incidents during Ramadan – usually a month when attacks spike – are down, he said.

Since the beginning of September, 2,613 dislocated families have returned to their homes in Baghdad, Atta said. "The number of returning families are increasing every day and we expect that after Eid, this number is going to double," he said through a translator.

More than 6 million students returned to schools at the beginning of the month, Atta said. "Security forces took all the procedures necessary to provide the right atmosphere for our students in all provinces," he said.

Atta warned Baghdad residents that terror groups are attempting a new tactic of placing "sticky" bombs – those made of glue or magnets – on the underside of vehicles. He urged all Iraqis to examine their cars before driving them. "These attacks try to disrupt security operations…and try to affect the morale of the people," he said. "It's a desperate way to prove they are still there."

In the first news conference since Army Gen. Ray Odierno took over as commander of Multinational Force Iraq, Perkins said Odierno will continue the partnership with the Iraqi people. The results are plain for all to see, he said. "If you even took a look at Ramadan a year ago … overall there's a 60 percent reduction in attacks," he said.

Still, al-Qaida and other terrorists continue to try to thwart progress, but the partnership between the coalition and the Iraqi government continues to show results. Anbar province – once almost written off as an insurgent province – returned to Provincial Iraqi control earlier this month. There has been no increase in attacks there since, Perkins said.

The Sons of Iraq citizen patrol program is another partnership effort that has worked for the benefit of the whole country, the generals said. Next month, the Iraqi government will take over responsibility for 54,000 members of the Sons of Iraq.

"All the Sons of Iraq in Baghdad will transfer to the government and they will move either into security forces or job training centers," Perkins said. "We partnered with the Sons of Iraq during very tough times, very volatile times, and we are now partnering with the Sons of Iraq and the government to take advantage of the security situation."

The improved security situation will allow the coalition to partner with the Iraqi government to increase governmental capacity. In the past week, national and provincial government officials met in Baghdad to address the problems affecting the southern provinces. They are examining what Iraqi government and coalition resources can be brought to bear against these problems.

Economic opportunity is another area for partnership, Perkins said. The United States invested $10 million to develop the economic base for a hotel and office space at the Baghdad International Airport. Officials hope this will provide a base for further economic development and foreign investment.

Stability is the key not only to economic development, but also the rule of law and the development of democracy, Perkins said. The Iraqis recently completed a voter registration drive in which nearly 3 million Iraqis registered to vote with almost no security incidents.

"This again furthers the democratic process and increases the confidence that the people of Iraq have that they are in control," he said.

Source: US Department of Defense

Pentagon Press Secretary Hails Passage of Iraqi Provincial Election Law

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:32:50 -0700

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - (Sept. 24, 2008) – A senior Pentagon spokesman hailed today's passage of a new Iraqi provincial election law, which opens the way to holding local elections within the next few months. The law's passage "is another hugely encouraging sign of progress in Iraq," Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters today.

"This is exactly what we have been looking for," Morrell said.

U.S. officials have said that passage of the law is integral to Iraq's reconciliation efforts and to the establishment of peace and democracy among its various, sometimes fractious, sectarian communities.

The passage of the law sets a Jan. 31, 2009, deadline for elections in 14 of Iraq's 18 provinces.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates addressed the issue yesterday during his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee. "I think every element in Iraq understands the importance of provincial elections," Gates said. "We certainly do."

Overall violence in Iraq has decreased by 80 percent in the past year. The new election law is another sign of Iraq's reconciliation and growth as a democratic nation, Morrell said.

President Bush hailed the passage of the law today in a statement released by the White House:

"Today, Iraq's parliament passed a provincial elections law enabling Iraq to hold provincial elections by January 31, 2009. Elections in Iraq can now be held under a new system that will give Iraqis more say in choosing their elected representatives.

"Nothing is more central to a functioning democracy than free and fair elections," Bush continued. "Today's action demonstrates the ability of Iraq's leaders to work together for the good of the Iraqi people and represents further progress on political reconciliation. I congratulate the members of the Iraqi Council of Representatives for coming together to pass this significant legislation."

The passage of the election law demonstrates the growth of Iraq's young democracy, Morrell said.

Through reconciliation, Morrell said, "the sooner the Iraqi security forces can grow in size and capability; the sooner we can drawdown forces in Iraq."

Source: US Department of Defense

Bush: Situation In Iraq Has Changed Substantially

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:07:25 -0700

By Scott Stearns
Voice of America

WHITE HOUSE - President Bush thanked those who have contributed to improving security in Iraq, saying many members of the multi-national force have returned to their countries after successfully completing their mission.

He said many people have helped Iraq emerge as a hopeful example for nations around the world. Mr. Bush praised the leadership of President Talabani.

"Mr. President, we've still got work to do - but there is no doubt that the situation in Iraq has changed substantially," said President Bush. "There's no doubt that mothers are able to send their child to school without fear of carnage. Oh, there are still killers amongst your - in your midst, but your government has been steadfast in bringing people to justice who are trying to undermine your democracy."

Earlier this month, President Bush announced that some 8,000 U.S. troops will leave Iraq by next February including a Marine battalion from Anbar province, an Army combat brigade and more than 3,000 aviation personnel, construction engineers, and military police.

President Talabani spoke on behalf of the Iraqi people in expressing his deepest condolences for soldiers and civilians who have lost their lives while standing up for what he said are shared values of freedom and democracy.

"Thank you, Mr. President, for your brave leadership and your decision to liberate Iraq from worst kind of dictatorship," said President Talabani. "And thanks for all friends and their countries and governments who participated from the beginning to liberate our country and to bring a new Iraq, a democratic, federated, united, independent Iraq, which will help to promote democracy in the Middle East and help peace and security in the Middle East."

President Bush says security improvements in Iraq are a result of his decision last year to send reinforcements. All five of the Army combat brigades, the Marine Expeditionary Unit and the two Marine battalions that made up that surge have returned home. With the withdrawal of the additional 8,000 troops by February 2009, there will be slightly more American forces in Iraq than before the surge began.

Source: Voice of America

Gates: Coalition Has Entered Endgame in Iraq

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:46:34 -0700

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON,DC - Amid an 80-percent drop in violence and with further withdrawals of U.S. forces in sight, the coalition in Iraq has reached the "endgame," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.

"I believe we have now entered that endgame – and our decisions today and in the months ahead will be critical to regional stability and our national security interests for years to come," he told the Senate Armed Service Committee during a hearing on Iraq and Afghanistan.

Highlighting success in Iraq are reductions in U.S. casualties and overall violence, and the handover of Anbar province this month to Iraqi authority. Anbar, the 11th of 18 provinces now under Iraqi control, once was a hotbed of the Sunni insurgency and the scene of some of the war's most contentious fighting.

In testimony the secretary submitted to lawmakers, he cited other measures of progress, including "incremental but significant" progress by the Iraqi parliament and -- with the exception of Iran -- an increased willingness on the part of Iraq's neighboring countries to engage with Baghdad and help to stabilize the country.

But Gates tempered his analysis, saying serious challenges remain, including the failure of Iraq's parliament to pass an election law, which likely will delay a planned election until December and could increase the possibility of politically motivated violence.

"Our military commanders do not yet believe our gains are necessarily enduring, and they believe that there are still many challenges and the potential for reversals in the future," he said.

The secretary characterized the situation in Iraq as fragile, but said current conditions mark vast improvements since early 2007, when Gates became Pentagon chief.

"When I entered office, the main concern was to halt and reverse the spiraling violence in order to prevent a strategic calamity for the United States and allow the Iraqis to make progress on the political, economic and security fronts," he said. "Although we all have criticisms of the Iraqi government, there can be no doubt that the situation is much different – and far better – than it was in early 2007."

The secretary credited Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the former commander in Iraq who oversaw a 33,000-troop surge and the ensuing drop in violence there, with a "brilliant performance" during his nearly 20-month tenure. Petraeus last week relinquished command of Multinational Force Iraq to Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and will take charge of U.S. Central Command in October.

Further, Gates called the relationship between Petraeus and U.S. Ambasador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker a superb model of military-civilian partnership.

"Beyond their own brilliant individual performances, the Petraeus-Crocker team … [is] one that should be studied and emulated for years to come," the secretary said.

Earlier this month, Gates accepted recommendations on the way forward in Iraq from Petraeus and from Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Army Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, acting CentCom commander, and the service chiefs.

"Although each viewed the challenges from a different perspective, weighing different factors, all once again arrived at similar recommendations," Gates said.

After receiving recommendations from the Defense Department, President Bush this month announced that some 8,000 U.S. troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by February without being replaced. This announcement comes after the drawdown of the five Army brigade combat teams, two Marine battalions and the Marine expeditionary unit that were sent to Iraq as part of the surge.

Meanwhile, withdrawal of 3,400 noncombat forces – including aviation personnel, explosive ordnance teams, combat and construction engineers, military police, and logistics support teams – began this month, will continue through the fall and will be completed in January, Gates said. In addition, a Marine battalion stationed in Anbar will return in November, and another Army brigade combat team will return by early February.

"The bottom-line point is that the drawdowns associated with the president's announcements do not wait until January or February, but in fact have begun," Gates said, calling the planned reductions an "acceptable risk today" that preserves a broad range of options for the next president. He added that the withdrawals "also provide for unforeseen circumstances in the future."

Gates said the continuing drawdowns are possible because of the success in reducing violence and building Iraqi security capacity. "Even with fewer U.S. troops in Iraq, the positive trends of the last year have held – and in some cases steadily continued in the right direction," he said.

The secretary urged that American leaders implement "cautious and flexible" strategies, and to expect to be involved in Iraq for years to come, albeit in changing and increasingly limited ways.

"As we proceed deeper into the endgame, I would urge our nation's leaders to implement strategies that, while steadily reducing our presence in Iraq, are cautious and flexible and take into account the advice of our senior commanders and military leaders," he said.

Source: US Department of Defense

384th Military Police Company Scheduled for Deployment to Iraq

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:45:29 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Indiana’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, received notification that the 384th Military Police Company, headquartered in Bloomington, Ind., is scheduled to mobilize in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in January 2009. The 170-person unit has not received a specific mission or potential duty location in the southwestern Asian country, but will head to Fort Dix, N.J., when first mobilized.

Until then, the 384th MP Company will continue training for its mobilization in Bloomington, Camp Atterbury, and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. The unit will focus on critical tasks necessary to insure the Soldiers and their leaders are ready for mission success during their deployment.

In Iraq they will teach and mentor Iraqi police officers as part of a police transition team. The company is commanded by Capt. Joseph R. Cotton; its top enlisted Soldier is 1st Sgt. Scott D. MacGregor.

"These Citizen-Soldiers and their families make great sacrifices. This upcoming deployment is another hardship they will endure. We are indebted to them for their selfless service to the nation. These Hoosier Guardsmen are a superb and indispensable part of the team," said Maj. Gen. Umbarger.

Source: Indiana National Guard

America in Pakistan

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:29:51 -0700

caglecartoon

Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Health Care for Veterans

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:19:32 -0700

By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

LOS ANGELES, CA – As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen worries a great deal about the systems in place for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans transitioning out of the military, he said during a visit with health care providers and social workers on Saturday September 20, 2008 at the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System here.

"One of the priorities for me is [the welfare of] the wounded coming out this war and the families of the fallen," Mullen said. "These people are so precious to us, and [the military] doesn't have contact with them any more after they're pushed back into society."

Once servicemembers separate from the military, they can register with the Veterans Affairs Department, which is responsible for helping them integrate back into society. VA assists veterans with health-care needs, entitled benefits and finding employment.

But what happens to those who don't register and suffer physical injuries? What happens to those who received physical treatment but were too embarrassed to seek mental help?

Some may get on with their lives without any issues. Others may suffer from depression, alcoholism or drug addiction. Many may have difficulties holding a job, and some end up in jail. Post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries have become more and more common for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The single biggest issue Mullen has noticed during visits with wounded servicemembers at polytrauma medical centers, such as Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., is that they want their lives back, he said. They're eager to get back to their units or shift back into society and just move on with their lives, he added.

Unfortunately, many servicemembers are so eager to separate from the military that they'll forego seeking psychiatric care for possible PTSD or TBI. For these reasons, there are significant issues with veterans struggling or becoming homeless due to undiagnosed, service-related disabilities, he said.

In the Los Angeles area, around 35,000 veterans have been treated through VA systems. However, only some veterans took it upon themselves to seek help. Many veterans were sought out in jails and on the streets here by VA social workers, said Bill Daniels, community care chief here.

The relationship and interface with between VA and the Defense Department is a challenge in itself, said Ron Norby, director for the VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network, which provides services to more than a million veterans across southern California and Nevada.

Norby has been working with veterans and servicemembers since serving in the Vietnam War as a Navy nurse. The current military-to-civilian transition system is pretty much the same as when he was discharged, he said. Once he finished his paperwork and left his unit, that was it, he added.

But the problem with identifying mental disorders doesn't fall on the military checking up on people after separation, he said. Rather, the screening process needs to be more extensive to catch PTSD or TBI.

Norby and his staff agree that anyone discharged from the military or who has ever been in a theater of war should have a one-on-one consultation with a physician. Many suggest that everyone returning from deployment should be screened before they get back to the United States, he said.

"The faster we can catch the symptoms, the more we can help," Norby said.

During the chairman's visit here, he met with several veterans being treated for mental disorders. He expressed his gratitude for their service and let them know that taking care of them is a priority of the Defense Department.

One former Army reservist, who asked not to be identified, has been attending group sessions and speaking to psychiatrists here for a little more than a month for PTSD from combat in Iraq in 2004, he said. He's been battling alcoholism, unemployment and depression since 2005.

"The care is great, and I'm slowly getting back on my feet," the veteran said. "I didn't think talking to a shrink or group therapy would help."

The veteran said he enjoys being part of a group again, and that it's one of the things he misses most about the military.

"Everyone comes from different situations and have different needs, but we all deal with our anger or depression or alcoholism together," he said.

According to the annual consensus produced by VA homeless centers nationwide in 2007, an estimated 154,000 veterans in the United States are homeless. About 51 percent of those veterans served in the armed forces after the Vietnam War. About 45 percent indicated substance abuse and medical problems. At least 20 percent saw combat.

Mullen said the nation owes its veterans the care they need.

"We as a country have to figure out a way to have a system that is integrated and [in which] we know where everyone is," the admiral said. "We need to make sure those who've sacrificed so much are taken care of."

Source: US Department of Defense

Coalition Forces Kill Bomb-Attack Suspect in Tikrit District

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:22:03 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - Coalition forces today killed a terrorist insurgent suspected of leading al-Qaida in Iraq bomb attacks throughout the Tigris River Valley, according to military reports. The wanted man was among seven killed in operations in the Tikrit area, military officials said.

Intelligence reports led coalition forces to a building in Dawr, a town northwest of Baghdad, where they found the suspect and others. The targeted suspect allegedly worked for the al-Qaida in Iraq leader of Diyala, who was detained by coalition forces on Sept. 2. He is believed to be the improvised explosive device mastermind in the Muqdadiyah area, where more than 25 IED incidents have caused 38 casualties since Aug. 1, officials said.

Forces surrounded the building and called for its occupants to surrender. Despite nearly an hour of multiple calls and warnings that the force would engage them, the individuals refused to come out, officials said. An armed man appeared in the doorway, and coalition forces, perceiving hostile intent, engaged him. Later, he was determined to be the suspected terrorist, officials said.

During the operation supporting aircraft engaged and killed three additional terrorism suspects. Three women also were killed, and an Iraqi child was rescued from the rubble by coalition forces and was taken to a nearby base, where he is receiving medical treatment. Coalition officials said the air strike was conducted in accordance with applicable rules.

Surveillance teams observed two other people running from the building and taking shelter in a neighboring mosque. Coalition forces called for support from Iraqi forces, who aided by entering the mosque and apprehending one suspect, officials said.

"Sadly, this incident again shows that the [al-Qaida in Iraq] terrorists repeatedly risk the lives of innocent women and children to further their evil work," Army Col. Jerry O'Hara, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, said.

Also in Iraq today:

-- In Mosul, troops captured a suspected terrorist associated with an alleged financier who is believed to facilitate the movement of foreign terrorists into Iraq to conduct attacks against civilians and security forces. One additional suspect was detained as well.

-- Near Samarra, north of Baghdad, a suspected terrorist with ties to regional al-Qaida leadership was captured, along with an additional suspect.

-- Coalition forces operating in Baghdad's Khadamiyah neighborhood captured three wanted men and one additional suspect who are believed to conspire with a longtime terrorist leader.

-- Six suspects were detained in connection with an IED attack against an Iraqi National Police patrol in northern Baghdad. A national policeman was killed in the attack earlier in the day, and two were wounded.

Also this week, Iraqi and coalition forces seized weapons caches in and around Baghdad, mostly based on citizens' tips, officials said. The munitions included an Iranian-manufactured 85 mm PG7 rocket, a Russian-manufactured 85 mm PG7 rocket, a 122 mm Russian rocket, 150 rounds of 14.5 mm ammunition, a heavy-machine-gun barrel, rocket propellant, 60 and 81 mm mortar rounds and tubes, rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, bombs designed to pierce armor-hulled vehicles, blasting caps and Molotov cocktails.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)

Iraqi Government Prepares to Take Control of ‘Sons of Iraq’ Program

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:38:15 -0700

By Army Maj. Lorraine Januzelli
Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Multinational Division Baghdad calls them "Sons of Iraq." Their countrymen call them the "Volunteers." Both are fitting namesakes for the 28,000 Baghdad residents who formed citizen militias last year, in coordination with the Iraqi security forces and Multinational Division Baghdad, to protect their communities against al-Qaida in Iraq and other violent extremists.

"They risked their lives and fought a common enemy," said Army Col. Richard Welch, reconciliation and engagements team chief for Multinational Division Baghdad, who has been involved with the Sons of Iraq program since its earliest days and has watched it grow and change.

The latest change is a direct result of the program's success. Security gains, achieved in part by Sons of Iraq contributions, have reduced the need for the program, and the Iraqi government will take control of it Oct. 1.

In concert with the increasing size and capacity of the Iraqi security forces, the coalition forces "surge," and the willingness of Baghdad citizens to provide tips on enemy weapons stockpiles and extremist activities, the Sons of Iraq have been paramount to a 90-percent reduction in violence across Baghdad since the high point in August 2007, said Army Brig. Gen. Robin Swan, deputy commander of Multinational Division Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. The key to successfully transitioning the program into Iraqi government control will be to maintain these security gains, the general said.

"The [Iraqi government] is committed to making this work and get it right the first time," Swan said. He acknowledged some angst generated during the program's transition, but also reaffirmed Multinational Division Baghdad support for the government as it takes the reins of the program.

Under the new initiative, the Iraqi government will assume the payroll for the Sons of Iraq. To ensure a seamless transfer, officials are undertaking deliberate but paced efforts, beginning with payroll registration at joint security stations throughout Baghdad.

Army Lt. Col. Monty Willoughby, commander of the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Battalion, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, attached to the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Multinational Division Baghdad, presided over registration efforts at Joint Security Station Washash in the West Mansour district. Scores of Sons of Iraq waited patiently for their turn to register, and Sons of Iraq leaders carefully registered participants five at a time.

"Sons of Iraq" citizen security group members participate in registration procedures Sept. 18, 2008, at Joint Security Station Washash in Baghdad's West Mansour district. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Lorraine Januzelli, Multinational Division Baghdad
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Registration acts as a verification process to ensure proper payroll payments after the transfer to Iraqi government control, Willoughby explained. Multinational Division Baghdad will assist the government with payroll operations as the transition goes forward, he said. The smooth operations at Washash were a positive harbinger for the future, he added.

Willoughby also noted that while the transfer will take place Oct. 1, the transition of Sons of Iraq into other duties and employment will be more phased. They still will be on patrol under the supervision of the Iraqi army. "This won't be anything new for them," he said. "The IA has always supervised them in our area."

Swan said he is optimistic that the registration process will succeed. To date, 15,000 of the 28,000 Baghdad Sons of Iraq have registered during the past five days. Registration is set to conclude Sept. 25, and all Sons of Iraq who want to register with the government will be given the opportunity, he said.

The transfer opens the door for Sons of Iraq members to apply their hard-won skills to alternate forms of employment, including military or police service. About 20 percent of them will be absorbed into the Iraqi army or the national police.

Beyond that, Iraqi government and Multinational Baghdad officials are working together to develop several paths for the transition from security operations to other training and employment, Swan said, as positions and job-training within local community service centers and power stations will be available.

(Army Maj. Lorraine Januzelli serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office.)

Defense Secretary Sees Shift in Mission as Command Changes in Iraq

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:27:35 -0700

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

CAMP SPEICHER, Iraq, – Tomorrow's Multinational Force Iraq change of command also signifies a shift in the coalition mission in the country, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said while en route to Iraq to participate in the ceremony.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, who has commanded forces here since February 2007, will turn the reins over to Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno. Petraeus will become commander of U.S. Central Command on Oct. 31.

Gates, making his eighth visit to Iraq, told reporters traveling with him that the withdrawal of the last surge brigade earlier this year signaled a mission transition for the coalition.

"We now have 11 provinces under provincial Iraqi control, … and there will probably be a couple of more by the end of the year," Gates said. So it's a transition from the focus on the surge brigades and the surge strategy to more Iraqi units in the lead, and the U.S. [units] in support and overwatch."

Though this does not signal the end of U.S. involvement in Iraq, he said, "the areas where we are seriously engaged will continue to narrow."

Petraeus has played a historic role in Iraq since taking command, Gates said, adding that the general would be the first to give credit to servicemembers who actually made the surge strategy work.

"They are the ones who put their lives on the line," Gates said. "We've lost a lot of lives, but it's really been really an extraordinary translation of a great strategy into a great success in a very difficult circumstance."

The selection of Odierno to succeed Petraeus was made to ensure continuity. As commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, Odierno implemented the surge strategy.

The new commander's challenge will be to work with the Iraqis to preserve the gains that already have been achieved while expanding upon them, even as the number of U.S. forces in Iraq continues to shrink. Some 8,000 American forces – 3,400 combat service and combat service support troops and a brigade combat team – will leave Iraq by the end of February without being replaced.

Any further reduction in U.S. troops in the country will be the responsibility of a new administration. Gates said he wants the next U.S. leaders to continue to listen to the commanders about the pacing of withdrawals, "so we don't put at risk the successes we've had."

"I think one of the major changes in the debate about Iraq is that it's primarily now about pacing of the drawdown," the secretary said. "I think there should be deference given to the commanders in the field on that score."

Officials repeatedly have said the progress made in the past 18 months still is fragile, but has achieved some momentum upon which the Iraqis must build.

"The continuation of the political reconciliation is absolutely critical to Iraq's success," Gates said. Noting that Iraq is a rich country with an educated work force and some infrastructure, Iraq has a bright future if its political leaders can work together.

Iraqi and coalition forces will have to continue to ensure al-Qaida isn't given the opportunity to re-gather its strength, and must guard against a resurgence in illegal militias, Gates said.

"There are still people who would like to see this fail, and so the important thing is going to be to keep the pressure on all of them," he said. The Iraqi government must increase its effectiveness in bringing services to its citizens, and the people must "have a vested interest in the success of this democratically elected government," he added.

Gates said another priority for the visit is to learn about efforts in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

"We have spent a lot of time and effort over the last eight months increasing ISR assets in theater," Gates said. "[There are] more plans under way, and I want to see how it's going. I want to see how it is applied on the ground, [and] take measure of all of that and see what more we might be able to do."

Source: US Department of Defense

Iraqi and Coalition Forces Find Weapons in Baghdad

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:36:21 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Coalition and Iraqi forces detained three suspected Iranian-backed "special groups criminals" and discovered weapons during recent operations throughout Baghdad, military officials said.

In operations over the weekend, local police found more than 1,700 small-arms rounds, 18 grenades, 10 AK-47 assault rifles with magazines and eight munitions vests in Baghdad's New Baghdad district. Also, a local citizen turned in a 60 mm mortar round and a rocket-propelled grenade round to U.S. troops patrolling the area, officials said.

In operations Sept. 12, a U.S.-Iraqi-joint patrol captured an alleged Iranian-backed "special groups leader" in Baghdad's Jihad community. The suspect is reportedly responsible for orchestrating a July attack on troops at Baghdad International Airport. Also, U.S. troops discovered a rocket system in Baghdad's Zubaida community based on a tip from Iraqi policemen, officials said.

In operations Sept. 11, U.S. troops and Iraqi policemen detained two alleged Iranian-backed "special groups criminals" in Baghdad's Bayaa community after responding to a drive-by shooting on a police checkpoint. Also, in Baghdad's Hadar community, U.S. troops found various small arms ammunition and two artillery rounds, officials said.

Source: US Department of Defense.

U.S. Admits Over 12,000 Iraqi Refugees

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:52:22 -0700

WASHINGTON, DC - The United States has surpassed its goal of resettling 12,000 of the most vulnerable Iraqi refugees in this fiscal year. As of Friday, September 12, 2008, 12,118 Iraqis have been admitted to the United States as refugees.

In addition, 870 Iraqis received Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) between October 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008. (The number of SIVs issued to Iraqis in the first ten days of September is not yet available.)

Moreover, U.S. Government humanitarian aid for Iraqi refugees, conflict victims and internally displaced persons has risen to more than $318 million for this fiscal year (from October 1, 2007 until today). The United States has been the largest contributor to programs assisting displaced Iraqis since 2003, funding programs for food, health, education, water and sanitation, emergency shelter and protection.

U.S. Government Funding for Humanitarian Assistance to Iraqis – FY 2008 & 2007
(in millions)

	International Orgs	NGOs	FY 08 Total	FY 07 Total
State	$207.80	$3.50	$211.30	$122.81
USAID	$66.70	$40.20	$106.90	$48.25
Totals	$274.50	$43.70	$318.20	$171.06

Iraqi President Praises Bush as Liberator of Iraq

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:35:43 -0700

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – The Iraqi people look upon President Bush as a liberator who delivered them from a brutal despot, Iraq’s chief executive told reporters at the White House Wednesday, September 10, 2008.

Bush is a hero who saved Iraq “from the worst kind of dictatorship” under Saddam Hussein, President Jalal Talabani said.

And Iraq has “no stronger defender” for its people than Talabani, Bush told reporters after meeting with the Iraqi president. Talabani has served as Iraq’s president since 2005.

“I’ve known him for a long time,” Bush said of Talabani, an Iraqi from the Kurdish region in the north. Talabani underwent heart surgery last month at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Talabani “cares deeply about the Iraqi people,” Bush said, “and he has been a strong defender of human liberty.”

Increased security brought about by the success of the surge has enabled Iraqis to rebuild their lives and the United States to withdraw some 8,000 troops by February, Bush said.

“Iraqis want there to be fewer U.S. troops; the United States wants there to be fewer U.S. troops,” Bush said. “But, both of us want to realize that vision based upon success.”

Iraq and the United States are putting the finishing touches on a strategic framework agreement, Talabani said, that will define the status of U.S. forces in Iraq after the U.N. Security Council resolution expires at the end of the year.

With violence having greatly decreased in Iraq over the past year, Talabani said, his government and the United States have achieved notable success against terrorism in Iraq.

“So, we are thankful to you and to your people, your Army,” Talabani said to Bush. “We hope that the agreement about this strategic relation will be signed soon.” Meanwhile, the Iraqi parliament is now working to finalize the draft of new election legislation, Talabani said. Iraq is heavily involved in reconstruction projects, he added, noting his government “is rebuilding the country.”

Talabani also reported that Iraq has improving relations with neighbors like Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. In fact, the United Arab Emirates recently posted its ambassador to Iraq in Baghdad. Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain also have named ambassadors to Iraq, but they haven’t taken up their posts as of yet.

The Iraqi president also expressed his hope that American and Iraqi friendship “will continue and will be strengthened.”

“We will never forget what you have done,” Talabani said to Bush.

Source: US Department of Defense

God Bless the USA

Bard — Sat, 6 Sep 2008 06:59:39 -0700