LCpl. Leepoleon Jackson, 21, an administration clerk in the Administration and Manpower Section, 2nd Marine Div (Fwd), said he hung out with the wrong crowd in high school, and his mother enrolled him in a program for at-risk youth. Jackson liked the military lifestyle so much, he signed up for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, when he returned to high school. and later joined the Marine Corps.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province – LCpl. Jackson is working toward a promising future, thanks to the lessons his mother tried to teach him as a child, and his experiences in the Marine Corps.  Jackson grew up in a single-parent home with a mother who would not tolerate negative influences in his life.

“When I was 16 or 17, my mom put me in this military program for at-risk youth,” said Jackson. “It's basically like a 5-month ‘boot camp.’ I really liked the discipline the instructors had. I was a big fan of the uniforms and the whole military persona. I took a lot from the experience.” 

The program, called the Commonwealth Challenge, was created to intervene in the lives of at-risk youth, by providing the values, skills, education, and self-discipline needed to produce responsible, productive citizens, and to do so in a highly disciplined atmosphere, according to the program’s website.

Jackson knew after his time in the Commonwealth Challenge and JROTC that he was going to join the military. “I’m all about challenges,” said Jackson. “Out of all the other branches, I felt the Marine Corps would be the most challenging, so I thought it would be the best for me.”

Jackson worked at the Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) on Camp Lejeune, N.C.  For Jackson, the same day-in-day-out routine was very repetitive, and he wanted a new challenge. He saw an opportunity to mix up his day-to-day routine and jumped on it, volunteering to deploy with 2nd Marine Div (Fwd) for a 12–month tour to Afghanistan.

Jackson's main responsibilities include ensuring the tracking and accountability of all personnel in 2nd Marine Div (Fwd), which heads TF Leatherneck, the ground combat element of Regional Command (SW). “LCpl. Jackson is crucial to ensuring the 10,000 plus personnel of TF Leatherneck are properly accounted for on a daily basis,” said Sgt. Adriana Soliz Ponce, NCO-in-charge of the ops and manpower section. “He has personally produced more than 60 personnel reports that were submitted for presentation to the chief of staff and comm. gen.”

Soliz Ponce, a Mass. native, added, "the reports Jackson produces provide all other sections with critical info needed to accomplish daily tasks, by being able to easily locate any Marine within the division for personnel casualty reports, Red Cross messages, emergency leave, and combat and administrative replacements.

“Compared to what I was doing in Camp Lejeune, I like my job a lot. It’s different; I’m always up for new things,” said Jackson. “Too much of one thing is never a good thing. I’m always up for learning something new. I learn something new every day.”

He said that he plans to take back his experiences he has had in Afghanistan, when he goes back to the IPAC, and teach others all that he has learned. “Being over here and seeing a different way of viewing things, meeting different people; it has really opened my eyes to different things, and I think it's going to carry over,” said Jackson. 

Jackson added that he's going to try to motivate others who may feel like they are in a rut as he once felt. He reverts back to a lesson his mother taught him as a young man. “It's not as bad as you think it is; everything is what you make it,” said Jackson.

Jackson, who was formerly planning to get out of the Marine Corps, now plans to re-enlist and has submitted a package for the Marine Security Guard (MSG) program, in which he could be selected to guard U.S. embassies around the world, now that his deployment is nearing an end. Jackson said the reason he wants join the MSG program, is so he can see another side of the Marine Corps, and take advantage of the opportunity to travel and live in foreign countries.

“He has matured a lot, and because he constantly seeks self improvement, his work ethic, attention to detail, and proficiency surpasses that of his peers,” said Soliz Ponce. “Since day one, he has always put forth his best effort, given 100% of himself in every assigned task, and it has reflected in his work.”

The maturity Jackson has gained on his deployment has him looking back on all those things his mother said to him growing up. He now understands the wisdom she was trying to pass on to him throughout his life. “I take a lot from her, and I thank her for everything she did.  My mom used to always tell me whatever I do in life, make sure I'm happy about what I’m doing,” said Jackson. “If it wasn’t for all the things she did, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I'm happy with who I am.”

LCpl. Leepoleon Jackson checks some paperwork for accuracy.  Jackson said that this deployment has changed his outlook and renewed his enthusiasm about the Marine Corps, and life in general.

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Local Police Hero Stands Tall -- With One Leg

Story by Capt. Jonathan Simmons, PRT Kapisa

Members of the Afghan Local Police (ALP) patrol a local bazaar. The local policemen conducted the patrol to engage local citizens, and address issues of security and governance. (Photo by Spc. Jeff Collet)

KAPISA PROVINCE – What would it take to make you stop fighting robbers, murderers and kidnappers in your hometown?  Well, for one ALP chief in a small village in Afghanistan’s smallest prov., even 9 bullet wounds, and the loss of a leg was not enough to make him quit. Qand Agha, 28, chief of the the ALP unit for the Landakhel village, continues to defend his village against Taliban domination, even after the loss of his left leg in a combat op partnered with CF near his village, last Dec. 

Agha described, with passion and tears, the fierce battle where he lost his leg. “We were scouting an area to establish a checkpoint, when we were attacked by the Taliban,” Agha said. “I lost 2 guys, but made it to the checkpoint location with CF.” He described the combat movement, and said that he climbed into a “stronghold” on the mountain’s lap with CF. Then it happened …
“I heard a blast,” Agha recounted. “After the blast my left arm was broken and my leg was about a meter away from my body. When I heard the blast I thought I was dead.” Agha retold the events in explicit detail, as if they had happened yesterday, describing the condition of other casualties, and the complex medical evacuation effort that ensued. As the smoke was clearing, their laid Agha, 2 of his men, and at least 1 coalition casualty.

“Some of the soldiers thought we were dead and they left,” said Agha. “But a brave special forces guy put his mouth on my mouth, and put on a tourniquet. He didn't leave me.” 

Pressed but not crushed, Agha had not seen his last battle on this infamous day. After 2-1/2 months in a medical facility on Bagram Air Base, the young leader returned to the village where he was born, and continued to lead the fight against Taliban oppression.

Before he became the leader of the Landakhel ALP, Agha was a motorcycle mechanic in a bazaar near his village. He decided to stand against the Taliban, after they killed his cousin, and after a long and harsh regimen of oppression in his village. “The Taliban had much influence in my village,” Agha remembered from his pre-ALP days. “They were harming kids and families. They were using houses as strongholds, and anyone who would stand against them would be killed, … so I decided to participate with the govt and go against them. This is why I decided to pick up a gun against them.”

The local Taliban didn’t welcome this 1st ALP unit in the prov. (at the time called Road Maintenance Team) with open arms. They attacked this new force mercilessly. When traditional attacks failed, the Taliban resorted to kidnapping ALP family members and info warfare, but Agha and his band of Landakhel brothers were not dissuaded from defending their homes and neighbors.

According to sources in the area last year, the local populace has “embraced the concept of a village without insurgents.” Agha’s men call him “our brother.” They know his voice, and they follow him. They described their team with the Pashto phrase “Sar-Tom-Bah,” which is commonly used to mean stubborn. “We're using this name, because in a fire fight we're afraid of no one, and we're never backing down,” Agha said with pride. 

This term may just be appropriate for this police force, considering that the Landakhel village is located in the highly contested key terrain district of Tagab in Southern Kapisa. The ALP there continues to repel Taliban attacks, and help to keep the nearby portion of the prov’s only north-to-south corridor relatively safe and open for business. 

When asked why he continues to fight the Taliban after all he’s been through, Agha replied simply “I have to fight to survive.”

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‘America’s Battalion’ arrives at Camp Dwyer

Story and photos by Cpl. Reece Lodder

Marines and sailors with HSC, 3rd Bn, 3rd Marine Regt, sit aboard an AF C-17 transport aircraft on the flight line, before departing for Camp Dwyer, Oct. 30. After departing from Hawaii from Oct. 27 through Nov. 1, “America’s Battalion” arrived in southern Helmand prov., to begin their 7-month deployment. In the coming weeks 3/3 will take control of ops in Garmsir District, relieving fellow Hawaii-based 1st Bn, 3rd Marine Regt. The “Lava Dogs” of 1/3 are nearing the end of their deployment, which began in April. 

CAMP DWYER — Over 7 months of training, the Marines and sailors of 3rd Bn, 3rd Marine Regt, have become hardened for war. They’ve prepared for the enemy from their home base in Hawaii, and endured endless hours baking in the sun of the California desert. 

Staff Sgt. Joe Salinas, an ops watch chief with 3/3, said the Marines and sailors will have a challenging task in Garmsir. They’ll partner with the ANSF to maintain the progress made by 1/3, to secure the district and legitimize its govt in the eyes of the people. “Our deployment to Garmsir is as important as the 1st, because we could be the last Marines here,” said Salinas, a 40-year-old native of Texas. “We have a lot to accomplish to make sure the Afghans are ready to take over when we leave.

Partnering with the ANA and Police, “America’s Battalion” will assist the local Afghan leadership in providing security for reconstruction projects, aimed at developing critical infrastructure in the district.  Lt. Col. Matthew Palma, 3/3 comm. officer, sees these development projects as essential to the Afghan govt taking root in southern Helmand. 

“We’ve invested 10 years in this war,” said Palma, a native of R.I. “We’re on the verge of success, and turning back now would only throw away the work we’ve done, and the sacrifices of the Marines that have gone before us. The Afghans are emerging from 30 years of sustained conflict. They see the light at the end of the tunnel, and they want change, too.”

The deployment is new territory for many of the Marines and sailors of 3/3, including Seaman Dave Mundy, a corpsman with Kilo Co. While a professional milestone, it will also be Mundy’s 1st deployment apart from his wife of 7 months. He said the separation will be difficult, especially following his wife’s recent move to Hawaii. “I brought my wife away from her family for the 1st time,” said Mundy, a native of Ill. “Now we’re going to miss spending all the holidays together.”

In Afghanistan, the corpsman will shoulder a lot of responsibility. At 27, he has more life experience than nearly all his peers, and his maturity will be an asset in the performance of his duties.  He’s charged with caring for 18 Marines, infantrymen faced with the threats of enemy fighters and IEDs.

Though confident in his abilities as a corpsman, Mundy said that he hopes he never has to use his training in combat. 
“Even if I don’t have to use my training, I’m doing a job that matters ... and my wife knows I am, too,” Mundy said. “Being away from her is going to be really hard, but it makes me feel better knowing I’ll be there when my guys need me.”

"The Marines and sailors of 3/3 will labor in Afghanistan for 7 months, but the impact of their efforts will forever be a part of Afghan and Marine Corps history," Palma said. “This generation of Marines is re-writing America’s history books,” Palma said. “Twenty years from now, our kids will read about our endeavors, much like we did of our fathers in Vietnam, and our grandfathers in World War II.”

LCpl. Ryan Kelly, a rifleman with Jump Plt, waits to have his weapon cleared out after calibrating it during a battle sight zero exercise, Nov. 3.  Kelly, 21, is from Mass.

Cpl. Sebastian Chenault, an anti-tank missileman, and Pvt. Beau Babcock, a mortarman with Jump Plt, use bamboo sticks called “sickle sticks” to locate the wires of mock IEDs, during counter-IED training, Nov. 3.  Chenault, 27, is from Ill, and Babcock, 20, is from Texas. 

LCpl. Barney Oldfield, a rifleman with Jump Plt, uses a bottle cap to mark the location of a mock IED, during metal detector training, Nov. 3. Oldfield, 23, is from Colo. 

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DVIDS

ISAF Joint Command Operational Update, Nov. 7, 2011

ISAF Joint Command

North

BADAKSHAN PROVINCE — A combined Afghan and coalition SecFor conducted an op in search of a Haqqani facilitator in Argo district, yesterday. The facilitator coordinates suicide attacks with other insurgent leaders in the area.
During the op, a local national male failed to comply with repeated verbal warnings, and displayed hostile intent toward the SecFor, resulting in his death. The SecFor confiscated a shotgun and intel linking the local national to the Haqqani network. Two suspected insurgents were detained during the op.

South

HELMAND PROVINCE -- In Musa Qal’ah district, a combined Afghan and coalition SecFor detained multiple suspected insurgents, during an op in search of a Taliban facilitator. The facilitator provides financial, material, and logistical support to insurgents throughout northern Helmand, Farah and Nimroz provs. Multiple weapons, to include 2 AK-47 assault rifles, a shotgun, 2 ammo pouches, and bomb making materials were confiscated.

KANDAHAR PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and coalition SecFor detained a Taliban leader, during an op in Zharay district. The leader is responsible for IED emplacement, and supporting insurgents in the district. Bomb making materials were seized.

East

NANGARHAR PROVINCE -- In Behsud district, a combined Afghan and coalition SecFor detained a Taliban facilitator and 2 additional suspected insurgents. The facilitator provided logistical support, weapons and equipment to insurgents in the area. The SecFor engaged an individual armed with an AK-47 assault rifle, killing him. Another insurgent was wounded after firing at the SecFor. 

PAKTIYA PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and CF detained an insurgent leader and several additional insurgents, during a security op in Zurmat district, Nov. 5. The leader was responsible for planning IED attacks, and recruiting insurgents to conduct suicide attacks against Afghan and CF. According to reports, the leader and his subordinates were detained without incident.

----- In Lajah - Ahmad Khel district, a combined Afghan and coalition SecFor detained multiple suspected insurgents, during an op in search of a Taliban leader. The leader coordinates direct and indirect fire attacks against Afghan and CF in the area. Also, the leader provides weapons, ammo, IEDs and IED material to insurgents in the region.

WARDAK PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and coalition SecFor detained a Taliban leader and multiple suspected insurgents, during an op in Nerkh district. The leader directed attacks against Afghan and CF in the Nerkh and Maidan Shahr districts, as well as coordinating weapons and financial support for insurgents in the area. The SecFor seized an RPG launcher with multiple RPGs, 5 AK-47 assault rifles, several ammo pouches, fragmentation grenades, and bomb making materials.

KHOST PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and coalition SecFor detained a Haqqani network facilitator and 2 suspected insurgents, during an op in Khost district. The facilitator planned and conducted attacks against Afghan and CF, as well as conducted kidnappings in the district. An AK-47 assault rifle and ammo pouch were seized.

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New Radar Paints Iraq's Air Defense Picture

Story and photo by Pvt. Andrew Slovensky

Terry Hoke, an instructor with Lockheed Martin, gives a presentation to IqAF officers on COB Adder, Nov. 1.  Iraqi personnel were given classes in communications networks, ground transmission, and radar theory.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA – As U.S. forces redeploy from Iraq, areas of responsibility are being transferred to the Iraqi SecFor. COB Adder will become Imam Ali Air Base, an IqAF installation dedicated to securing the skies over the southern provs.

The IqAF wing taking command of the installation will have a new tool to make that mission possible:  a state-of-the-art radar facility. The $55 million facility was constructed by a joint effort of contractors with Lockheed Martin and the USACE, and sold by the U.S. to Iraq in a foreign military sales case.

“The objective of the system is to provide them a single point location where they can monitor the entire airspace over their country,” said Scott Hosking, technical director with Lockheed Martin. “This system will integrate the air traffic control radars that are scattered throughout the country, as well as the long range radars we're putting in as a part of this effort.”

"The project started in late 2009, and is the culmination of efforts by U.S. forces, civilian contractors, and the IqAF," said Hosking, who trained IqAF personnel on the use of radar technology. "The project entered its final stage this Sept., when Iraqis began their training to operate the system," he added.

“Now that the radar is up and running, they're able to use the computers to do their aerodefense mission,” said Tech. Sgt. Denise Wright, “Because of the communications capability that is set up, Baghdad is also able to receive transmissions of what they're seeing here.”

“They'll have their own network, as we're familiar with the terminology of Defense Switch Network (DSN), they have the IDN, Iraqi Defense Network,” said Wright. "The Iraqis needed training and preparation to take on the task of using the radar and the defense network," said Wright. 

“Since early Sept., we've been conducting training on this system to the Iraqis,” said Hosking. “A little bit more hands on, and a little bit more one-on-one type interaction has brought them a long ways, and I think they'll be very proficient, and should be able to step right into the role.”

"Participation of U.S. service members made the project possible," said Hosking. “They’ve been providing an awful lot of support logistically, and getting through the hurdles of operating on a coalition base like this,” he said. “They've opened the doors we needed opened.”

“The language barrier; that was our biggest hurdle,” said Master Sgt. Marcus Williams, ITAM supply advisor. "With help from interpreters and English-speaking IqAF officers, the joint force was able to handle that challenge," said Williams, who interacted with the Iraqis on a daily basis, and acted as the liaison for civilian contractors and U.S. troops.

“At the beginning it was rough, but we were able to overcome the difficulties, and once all their training is completed, there's no doubt in my mind that they can take over the sector ops center, and do an effective job,” said Williams.

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NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province – Afghan elders, local residents from the towns of Gawragi and Negari, and Marines with 1st Bn, met recently to discuss issues of security, education, and health within the district. Lines of leather-bound shoes and sandals met ornately made carpets, as the men shuffled under a canopy of vines and leaves, eager to sit and speak their minds. The district governor, Haji Manaf, opened the shura speaking of progress.

“There's a big difference from 10 years ago ‘till now; it’s a lot better,” said Manaf. “A lot of progress has been made. Since the Marine forces have been in Nawa, the security has gotten better and better. We've seen progress in building schools and clinics, and in security, and we're happy the progress has been made.” 

A solid foundation of security has opened the door for improvements all over the district. Nawa has an ANA Bn. led by an experienced cmdr., Lt. Col. Ahmad, to oversee security. AUP walk the streets regularly, providing a feeling of safety for Nawa’s residents. “AUP training is going very well – they can get the job done, and they can easily identify an enemy in the area,” said Manaf. “They work well together with the other SecFor, and they are dedicated to bring peace and prosperity to Nawa.”

With security in place, the GoA, aided by CF, has begun making improvements throughout the district.  A new health clinic in Haynak, Nawa district, is underway, as well as the construction of a road from Nawa to the city of Lash Kar Gah, opening lines of commerce in the area.

“Nawa is on the cusp of transition,” explained Wash. native Lt. Col. Tyler Zagurski, the bn. cmdr. for 1/9. “We expect soon to hear that Nawa will change to Afghanistan control, and that's because of the progress that has been made in governance, security and development. The Afghan army is well trained and getting better every day. The ALP is getting training, and getting better every day. We'll continue to work with civil affairs to complete the projects that are so important to Nawa, like schools and clinics. I agree with the officials, the experts and the wise men you’ve heard from, that this is the key to change and peace within Afghanistan.” 

As the Marines begin to take a step back, GoA is quickly filling the gap and increasing its capability to provide services, and meet the needs of Afghan citizens. Similarly, villagers are learning to trust in their govt officials and the support GoA can provide. “We're looking toward a bright future, and I’m sure we'll get there with the help of the CF and the Marine forces,” said Manaf. “We're always looking for better security and more progress.”  

Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) stand outside of a shura, or meeting, for residents of nearby towns. Marines with 1st Bn, 9th Marine Regt, have been working closely with the AUP in anticipation of transferring security of the area over to the GoA in the future.

Local residents of the towns of Gawragi and Negari gather at a shura, or meeting, to discuss progress in the district. Several farmers and elders asked questions about current projects in the area.

PATROL BASE MEHRAJ, Helmand province – AUP and Marines from 3rd Plt, have been conducting partnered patrols in Musa Qal’eh district, in recent weeks to show a strong presence in the platoon’s area of responsibility. Part of the Marines’ mission is to mentor ANSF, including the AUP, to ensure they can operate independently in the future.

“Afghan forces are going to need to know not only the inner workings of how to maintain govt, but how to maintain local security,” said Calif. native 1st Lt. Charlie Cordova, the comm. officer of 3rd Plt. “The security that Marines provide is obvious and direct, but without a presence of govt, the local residents can’t believe in their govt, and that’s what the AUP provide – a sense of stability in the govt itself, not just security.”

Marines are currently working with AUP and other ANSF elements throughout Helmand prov., and have been successful teaching their Afghan counterparts the necessary skills to be proficient patrolmen and soldiers. “The police, … they’re having mentors with them; their cmdrs. are having mentors with them,” said Naimatullah Sameen, the Governor of Musa Qal’eh district. “If they have mistakes or something happens, the Marines are trying to help them with their problems. In Musa Qal’eh district, the Marines have helped a lot.”

Together, the AUP and Marines have engaged local residents of the area, gaining intel about a variety of topics, such as asking about the local insurgency, addressing any concerns of the Afghans, trying to recruit for the AUP, and discouraging poppy growth in the area, which funds insurgent activities.

“I always take the senior AUP patrolman and keep him right with me so we can both interact with the people,” said Texas native Sgt. Joshua Pearce, 29, a squad leader with 3rd Plt. “We ask them if they’ve seen any insurgents recently, if they’ve been threatened, so we can get a broader spectrum of their situation. We can track who’s been threatened, so we can plan for future ops.”

“If we just go on all-Marine patrols, local residents think we’re the ones dictating the rules, and it’s hard to explain, for example, that they’re not allowed to grow poppy, and then explain that it’s not my rule, it’s their govt’s rule,” said Pearce. “It shows them that we’re working hand-in-hand with their govt.”

“The AUP, being from this area, are able to identify any outsiders,” said Cordova, a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in history. “They're able to detect dialect, dress, and actions. The local residents are able to speak to them more freely because they know them. They’re able to gain info that, ultimately, we can’t attain without them. The coalition has narrowed its focus in the hope of encouraging Afghans to return to the bazaar near the patrol base, which had been abandoned," according to Cordova.

“From what I’ve been seeing, most of the AUP are really happy to be working with us,” said Tenn native, Cpl. Kasey McDaniel, 23, an asst. patrol leader. “It’s hard for us to communicate, because of the language barrier, but they show us they want to communicate, and that means they want to be around us."

The future looks bright for the AUP and Marine partnership. Cordova believes the partnership is already paying dividends, as the coalition is gaining the trust of the area’s residents, slowly, because of the AUP’s presence. “More people have taken to coming and speaking with us, as opposed to being standoffish,” said Cordova. 

Calif. native LCpl. Joseph Ramirez, a rifleman, crosses an irrigation ditch with some help from an AUP patrolman. 

Sgt. Joshua Pearce checks his squad’s location with a map during a patrol. 

Marines and police patrolmen patrol through a field.

Arizona native Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Mouer, 22, a corpsman, provides security while halted on a patrol. 

BAGHDAD - As U.S. forces prepare to leave Iraq, there's a lot of talk among service members about deployments past. Many soldiers have spent years of their life in Iraq, and have seen the changes here firsthand. Spc. Yaareb Hassan, a petroleum supply specialist with the 123rd BSB, 4th AAB, 1st AR Div, may be on his 1st deployment, but he's no stranger to Iraq. 

Hassan was born in Iraq, and for the 1st 28 years of his life, Iraq was not a place that he deployed to; it was home. He spent several years working with U.S. forces, before coming to America and joining the U.S. Army. After graduating from Baghdad University in 2003, Hassan worked as an interpreter for U.S. Forces in Iraq. Following this job, he joined the IA as a communications officer.

With new equipment coming in from American forces, his ability to read English was beneficial. The technical manuals for new equipment received by the IA from the U.S. were written in English.  Hassan used his ability to read and comprehend English, to train other Iraqi soldiers on the use of communications equipment.

After he finished his 3-year term in the IA, Hassan went back to work with U.S. forces as an interpreter. This position helped him receive a U.S. visa in August 2009.  When asked about his decision to move to the U.S., he stated that at the time, Iraq was not a safe place, and he wanted a good place to raise his children safely.

With the help of a fellow interpreter living in Utah, Hassan moved his wife and 2 children to the U.S. His friend was able to help him out until he got on his feet. “He helped me for a couple of months; then I picked it up from there,” he said.
Hassan was initially worried about whether or not he would be able to find a job, once he got to the U.S.  With reports on the news about high unemployment, he thought it would be several months before he could find a job. 

“The first thing on my mind back then was to get a job, but the situation was not as bad as I thought it would be,” he said.  Hassan found that he had no problem finding work, and that he was able to find a job in just a few weeks after arriving. “I got a job as a driver, then as a medical interpreter, then as a refugee case mgr., for Catholic Community Services. I worked in that job for a year, then decided to join the Army.”

Although Hassan has years of experience as a translator for the U.S. military, he didn't want to be an interpreter when he enlisted in the Army. “My recruiter asked me to join the Army as a linguist,” he said. “I said, ‘Nope, I already did that for 6 years.’ I know how to do it, and I’m not going to go to school for it.’’

Hassan joined the Army to earn his citizenship and help plan for his future life in America. He plans on using his G.I Bill to pay for his wife to go to college. Soon after joining, Hassan found himself back in Iraq - this time wearing the uniform of an American solider. “When I left Baghdad, I wondered when I would see this place again, and 2 years later, here I am,” he said.

Hassan is conducting convoy ops to resupply bases all over Iraq. Although the army trained him to be a petroleum supply specialist, he's working as in interpreter assisting a convoy escort team.  During convoy missions, the 123rd BSB often receives assistance from the Iraqi Federal Police (IFP), and Hassan assists his convoy cmdr., by translating during the coordination process.

The work he's doing now often takes him by many of the places that he worked at as an interpreter, and sometimes even close to his old home, where his mother and brother still live. “It’s hard being that close,” he said, “but I don’t want someone to harm them, because they're my relatives. I don’t want to put them in that situation.” 

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NAWA DISTRICT, Helmand province – Afghan elders, local residents from the towns of Gawragi and Negari, and Marines with 1st Bn, met recently to discuss issues of security, education, and health within the district. Lines of leather-bound shoes and sandals met ornately made carpets, as the men shuffled under a canopy of vines and leaves, eager to sit and speak their minds. The district governor, Haji Manaf, opened the shura speaking of progress.

“There's a big difference from 10 years ago ‘till now; it’s a lot better,” said Manaf. “A lot of progress has been made. Since the Marine forces have been in Nawa, the security has gotten better and better. We've seen progress in building schools and clinics, and in security, and we're happy the progress has been made.” 

A solid foundation of security has opened the door for improvements all over the district. Nawa has an ANA Bn. led by an experienced cmdr., Lt. Col. Ahmad, to oversee security. AUP walk the streets regularly, providing a feeling of safety for Nawa’s residents. “AUP training is going very well – they can get the job done, and they can easily identify an enemy in the area,” said Manaf. “They work well together with the other SecFor, and they are dedicated to bring peace and prosperity to Nawa.”gress.”  

Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) stand outside of a shura, or meeting, for residents of nearby towns. Marines with 1st Bn, 9th Marine Regt, have been working closely with the AUP in anticipation of transferring security of the area over to the GoA in the future.

PATROL BASE MEHRAJ, Helmand province – AUP and Marines from 3rd Plt, have been conducting partnered patrols in Musa Qal’eh district, in recent weeks to show a strong presence in the platoon’s area of responsibility. Part of the Marines’ mission is to mentor ANSF, including the AUP, to ensure they can operate independently in the future.

“Afghan forces are going to need to know not only the inner workings of how to maintain govt, but how to maintain local security,” said Calif. native 1st Lt. Charlie Cordova, the comm. officer of 3rd Plt. “The security that Marines provide is obvious and direct, but without a presence of govt, the local residents can’t believe in their govt, and that’s what the AUP provide – a sense of stability in the govt itself, not just security.”

 Marines are currently working with AUP and other ANSF elements throughout Helmand prov., and have been successful teaching their Afghan counterparts the necessary skills to be proficient patrolmen and soldiers. “The police, … they’re having mentors with them; their cmdrs. are having mentors with them,” said Naimatullah Sameen, the Governor of Musa Qal’eh district. “If they have mistakes or something happens, the Marines are trying to help them with their problems. In Musa Qal’eh district, the Marines have helped a lot.”

Together, the AUP and Marines have engaged local residents of the area, gaining intel about a variety of topics, such as asking about the local insurgency, addressing any concerns of the Afghans, trying to recruit for the AUP, and discouraging poppy growth in the area, which funds insurgent activities.
“I always take the senior AUP patrolman and keep him right with me so we can both interact with the people,” said Texas native Sgt. Joshua Pearce, 29, a squad leader with 3rd Plt. “We ask them if they’ve seen any insurgents recently, if they’ve been threatened, so we can get a broader spectrum of their situation. We can track who’s been threatened, so we can plan for future ops.”

“If we just go on all-Marine patrols, local residents think we’re the ones dictating the rules, and it’s hard to explain, for example, that they’re not allowed to grow poppy, and then explain that it’s not my rule, it’s their govt’s rule,” said

 Pearce. “It shows them that we’re working hand-in-hand with their govt.”

“The AUP, being from this area, are able to identify any outsiders,” said Cordova, a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in history. “They're able to detect dialect, dress, and actions. The local residents are able to speak to them more freely because they know them. They’re able to gain info that, ultimately, we can’t attain without them. The coalition has narrowed its focus in the hope of encouraging Afghans to return to the bazaar near the patrol base, which had been abandoned," according to Cordova.

“From what I’ve been seeing, most of the AUP are really happy to be working with us,” said Tenn native, Cpl. Kasey McDaniel, 23, an asst. patrol leader. “It’s hard for us to communicate, because of the language barrier, but they show us they want to communicate, and that means they want to be around us."
 The future looks bright for the AUP and Marine partnership. Cordova believes the partnership is already paying dividends, as the coalition is gaining the trust of the area’s residents, slowly, because of the AUP’s presence. “More people have taken to coming and speaking with us, as opposed to being standoffish,” said Cordova. 

BAGHDAD - As U.S. forces prepare to leave Iraq, there's a lot of talk among service members about deployments past. Many soldiers have spent years of their life in Iraq, and have seen the changes here firsthand. Spc. Yaareb Hassan, a petroleum supply specialist with the 123rd BSB, 4th AAB, 1st AR Div, may be on his 1st deployment, but he's no stranger to Iraq. 

Capt. Michael Gagnon, 29, addresses his troops at PB Alcatraz, at the conclusion of a successful mission, Oct. 21. Gagnon commands a team of roughly 20 men dubbed, "TF Nomad." Over the next several weeks, the TF, a subset of Marine Wing Support Sqdn 371, will construct or improve helicopter landing zones along the Helmand River valley. 

PATROL BASE ALCATRAZ - Gagnon said “knowing how to employ personnel and equipment” is critical to the success of his current mission, and he’s learned a few tricks from the region over the years. “I was here in 2009 when we were putting the first bns. in country,” Gagnon said. “I’ve seen footholds spread from warzones, to active and bustling peaceful economies with wheat distribution centers. The local police, and the ANA get better every day. Civil Affairs has rebuilt roads and expanded economies. It’s remarkable how much things have developed in a short amount of time.”

Capt. Michael Gagnon teaches Afghan children how to fist bump.

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand Province — When 1st Bn, 3rd Marine Regt arrived, the ANA acted as augments to the infantry squads of the bn. There were only a few un-partnered positions, and the ANA was spread throughout the district in groups of 3 or 4 soldiers. 

Now, nearing the 4-year mark of their presence in Garmsir, the ANA is functioning as a unit. Where there were fire teams before, there are now squads. With mentoring and advice from 1/3, the ANA has consolidated its forces into elements that can operate independently.

“What we can call a success is that we've started to take Garmsir in a different direction,” said Capt. Joshua Cavan, asst. ops officer for 1st Bn, and native of N.Y. “On the hyperbolic curve, prior bns. were on the upside of the curve. The peak was when 2nd Bn, 1st Marine Regt. was here and cleared Safar and Durzay.” 

“We're now on the back slope of that curve,” added Cavan. “We’re not ready to pull out by any means, but we’re now in the build phase. We’re building up the ANSF, and closing some of the positions. We've gone from having more than 50 positions, with Marines, to having a little more than 30. The ANSF have gone from 18 positions to more than 25.”

More than 8 Marine PBs have been transferred to the ANA.  Soldiers conduct their own patrols, and Marines at partnered positions act as advisors and mentors. Although there hasn’t been a change in the number of soldiers, the number of autonomous ANA elements has increased. 

“I would say that 85% of the patrolling effort we have is ANA lead,” said 1st Lt. Brandon Salter, plt. cmdr. of Combined Anti Armor Team 1, Weapons Co, 1/3. “It doesn’t take the Marines to drive them anymore. They're out there taking the initiative themselves and conducting ops.”

“I feel that if I turned my positions over to the ANA, they're not going to just sit there and allow the enemy to move around freely,” added Salter, a native of Ga. “They're going to get out there and be aggressive with their patrolling. Just because we're pulling back into more of an over-watch atmosphere, it doesn’t mean we aren’t there. We're still mentoring them; we’re still going out there, and we still do joint patrols.”

Over the course of 1/3’s deployment the ANA has participated in every op, having taken the lead in 4 of them. Every squad has gone through a validation course, which brings the squad together at a Marine position, and evaluates proficiency in patrolling, offense and defense movements. 

Afghan forces are becoming self-reliant, requiring little Marine logistical support. Further training continues with monthly classes conducted by 1/3’s ETT. “Before, it was just 2 or 3 ANA soldiers at a PB, and we, the Marines, would take care of them,” said Cavan. “Now that they've their own positions, they have to supply themselves.” 

“They can take care of the basic needs of their soldiers as far as food, water and fuel,” added Cavan. “In terms of a fully functioning supply and maintenance system, it’s coming along. They've made some strides, but they're not to the point where they can do it on there own. With continued mentorship they'll get there.” 

With the help of Marines from 1/3, the ANA have progressed toward taking authority of security in Garmsir. As Marine forces consolidate in preparation for the planned transition of security responsibility to Afghan forces, the ANA soldiers of Garmsir look to fill the role. 

Being able to work alongside a foreign force, no matter the location, is an opportunity in of itself. The relationship is dynamic, often times working through a language and cultural barrier, that can make daily tasks difficult. For the Marines of Combined Anti Armor Team (CAAT)-1, the experience of working with ANA soldiers is unique. 

Sgt. Angel Franco has patrolled almost every day with his ANA counterparts. “At first it was difficult conducting joint patrols,” said Franco, a section leader with CAAT-1, and native of Ariz. “They don’t patrol the same as we do, but now it’s much better. They respond to our advice, and if we've a problem, we sit down and fix it by talking to each other.”

This sentiment is echoed by the other Marines of CAAT-1, who see their experience of training and mentoring Afghan soldiers as one they won’t soon forget. “When I call back home, I tell my family that this is a once in a lifetime experience,” said Salter. “Being able to train and lead Marines, and at the same time work alongside a foreign force and watch them grow, build and take pride … to see them start raising Afghan flags, and start taking pride in their country, it’s great. It’s rewarding to get to be a part of that.”

An ANA soldier interacts with a local child during a security patrol.

An ANA soldier shakes hands with a local child. 

An ANA soldier calls in a position report. 

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Marines Maintain Security 24/7 at PB Mehraj

Story and photos by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde

Neb. native LCpl. Nathan Peterson, a rifleman with Fox Co, 2nd Bn, 4th Marine Regt, stands post to maintain security. The Marines on post are the first line of defense for the base and constantly scan their sectors of fire, carefully watching for any potential threats nearby.

PATROL BASE MEHRAJ, Helmand province –  “I’m at the entry control point post, so anybody coming too quick toward it, I’ve got to make sure that I slow them down, tell them to stop,” said Calif. native, LCpl. Javier Deleon. “I check everybody before they get too close.”

The Marines thoroughly scan the landscape during their shifts, on the lookout for potential threats, scrutinizing every detail within their view. They radio the Combat Ops Center (COC) on base if something catches their attention, which uses a camera perched atop an antenna to get a closer look.

“You get on post and watch your sectors of fire for anything out of the ordinary,” said Deleon, a dog handler with Fox Co. “For instance, if somebody all of a sudden is running somewhere, you’d call that in; guys walking around with yellow jugs – I know a lot of them use them for water, but you don’t always know, so you scope them out; guys with shovels – there are always a lot of guys with shovels, but you want to make sure they’re not dangerous.”

Kinetic attacks directed at the base are not an everyday occurrence, but the threat always remains. It can be easy to lose focus, especially considering the Marines work many hours in austere conditions, and are often tired. They must, nevertheless, stay attentive, so they're ready to respond appropriately to any potential threats to the base.

“I usually just sing songs in my head and keep looking at different stuff,” said Mich. native, LCpl. Clayton Todd, a rifleman with Fox Co. “You can’t stare at the same thing, otherwise you’ll just daydream and space out; you’ve got to always keep looking around different areas.”

Standing post for hours on end may be mundane most days, but also has an upside:  it has given the Marines a unique vantage point to watch people who live in the immediate vicinity of the PB, an education on Afghan culture one can’t receive from watching a television program, or listening to a university lecture.

“You learn how people live. You just watch them throughout the day, what their routine is – what they do in the morning, what they do in the afternoon, and what they do at night,” said Deleon, who is experiencing his 1st combat deployment.
“They drink from the well, so they don’t have a water system like we do. I’m not sure if everyone has electricity, but they have power lines and when they went down, they tried to fix them right away. Most of them walk barefoot – I’ve seen that. I’ve never seen anyone walk around barefoot in America, especially on ground like this – rocks and all kinds of stuff everywhere.”

Chaplain (Maj.) David Waweru, originally of Kenya, now serving as the brigade chaplain for the 504th Battlefield Surveillance Bde, Fort Hood, Texas, takes a moment to pray during a religious ceremony at FOB Spin Boldak. 

FOB SPIN BOLDAK – “I was born and raised in Kenya, in a small village about 20 miles west of the capital city of Nairobi,” said Waweru. “I went to primary school in the village, and later went to high school in Nairobi.” Waweru, now a resident of Texas, said that after graduating high school, he began working for local church orgs.

“The job that really stands out to me, is when I worked for Campus Crusade for Christ,” Waweru said. “This job stands out to me, because that's when I had a lot of time with American missionaries, and I believe that's where my interest in coming to the U.S. began.”

Waweru said he worked there for 2.5 years, working with local church workers teaching them how to plan church services and build churches.  It was during his time with Campus Crusade, where Waweru said he felt the call to become an ordained minister for his church, the Anglican Church in Kenya.  He then left to begin school at the Bishop Kariuki Bible College in Kabete, Kenya, to train for ordained ministry.

While he was attending the college, Waweru said he met his wife, Christine, who was born in the U.S., but raised in both the U.S. and Kenya. David and Christine had been attending the college for the same reason, to become ordained ministers.

He said they began getting to know each other, and eventually started dating. However, their time together didn’t last as long as they would have liked. “One year later, Christine was offered a scholarship for a school in the U.S.,” he said, “so, she took it and returned home to the U.S., to continue her education toward her bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry.”

Waweru, still in Kenya attending the Bishop Kariuki Bible College, continued his education, and kept in touch with Christine through letters and phone calls every once in a while. Waweru completed his degree at the Bible college, and transferred to St. Paul’s University in Limuru, Kenya, to obtain a bachelor’s in divinity. All through this time, David and Christine kept their relationship strong, even though they were on opposite sides of the world.

“I think this time apart helped us build trust,” Waweru said, “and I feel this was good training that helped me in becoming a chaplain in the years to come.” He also said he believes, even though he had no way of knowing at the time, that this time apart was preparing him for his 3 combat deployments with the U.S. Army.

Christine returned to Kenya during David’s second year at St. Paul’s, and they decided they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. On Dec. 3, 1988, David and Christine made their vows to each other, and became husband and wife. “We got ordained at the same time,” he said, “and began ministry together at the Anglican Church of Kenya.”

After a few years, the Waweru family picked up and came to the U.S. together, and David continued to further his education at Princeton University, N.J., to obtain a master’s degree in theology. “While I was at Princeton, I met a U.S. Army chaplain who was studying the same program. He and I became good friends during our time together, and throughout that friendship,” Waweru said, “I guess he was recruiting me into the chaplain’s corps.”

Upon graduation, Waweru said he faced 2 choices, to continue his ministries in the church, or to become a chaplain in the U.S. Army. “I decided to try a new venture,” he said, “so I decided to become a U.S. Army chaplain.” Waweru received his commission as a 1st Lt., on July 4, 1994, and is is now a major on his 3rd combat deployment, and his 1st to Afghanistan.

His mission is to keep the soldiers of the brigade strong, and help them through their times of trouble. “It's never easy,” he said. “It's always hard to be away from family. With this being my 3rd deployment, I have been better able to prepare myself, and help others through my experiences.”

“I offer encouragement and insight based on my experiences,” he said. “I encourage soldiers to work on their relationships, while they're away from their families, and I encourage them to be spiritually fit.  I enjoy my ministry in the Army,” he said, “I love soldiers; I love talking to soldiers, interacting with soldiers. I love being part of a bigger family than myself. We'll suffer being away from our Families together, and we'll pull through it together.”

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ISAF Joint Command Operational Update, Nov. 1, 2011

Fort Hood Soldiers Packing Up at COB Adder and Going Home

Story and photos by Spc. Anthony Zane

Soldiers from Alpha Co, 3rd BSTB, 1st Cav Div from Fort Hood, Texas, pack up their belongings after a customs inspection on COB Adder, Oct. 28.

COB ADDER – "Today, we’re laying out all of our bags that are all packed and ready to send home," said Pfc. Devin Alderman, signal intel analyst, 3rd BSTB, from Fla.  Alderman arrived on COB Adder after he finished his advanced individual training.

After a required customs inspection of their belongings, soldiers from the 3BSTB lined up side-by-side passing each bag along the line to pack the cargo container more efficiently. As the packing continued, one soldier made last minute adjustments to his guitar before packing it away. "Loosening the strings on the guitar helps protect it from damage while it's stored away," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Adrian Cabrera, intel fusion chief, from Calif.

Although packing up equipment and personal gear is a lot of work, it's a welcoming chore for these soldiers, because it means that they'll soon be home. “It’s been a long deployment,” said Cabrera. “This is my 4th deployment, so it feels really good to be going home.”

Soldiers pass duffel bags full of personal belongings to each other, to pack them into a cargo container. 

Duffel bags and assault packs are stacked in a pile as soldiers load equipment into a cargo container. 

A group of soldiers work to close a very full duffel bag. 

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Adrian Cabrera loosens the strings on his guitar before packing it up to ship home.

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