Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-27

Dear Interested Reader,

Unmanned aerial vehicles keep watch. Contractor Conference to help Helmand economy. Forces disrupt terrorist networks.

Iraq: Joint forces conduct 1st medical-civic ops clinic. Father/son terrorists arrested. First IA Strike Soldiers graduate. MoD holds conference on national strategy. I-BIZ, teaching skills for an independent Iraq.

Joanna

__________________________

October 27, 2009

Special to American Forces Press Service

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Keep Watch in Afghanistan

By Army Spc. Derek L. Kuhn

Army Spc. Mitchell Matney launches a Raven UAV at COP Nagil in Laghman prov, Oct. 13, 2009.

LAGHMAN PROVINCE – Odin was a warrior god in Greek mythology who ancient warriors beseeched for victory and protection in battle. It was said Odin had ravens that would fly over the Earth each day. The ravens brought tidings of events from all corners of the earth.

Soldiers also are using Ravens to gather info, but though their Ravens do the same tasks as Odin’s informants, they aren’t birds. They are UAVs. The Raven is a portable UAV that provides soldiers a live video feed both day and night, and also has tracking and still-image capabilities. “If we need to get eyes on something, we’ll use the Raven,” said Staff Sgt. Tyrone Baird, the master trainer for the 4th ID’s 1st Sqdrn, 221st Cav Regt, 4th BCT. “The Raven has a couple of cameras. The first is the normal day camera, but when it gets dark, we switch to the thermal camera.” The Raven also has GPS tracking capabilities, Baird said.

“The Raven allows us to gather intel,” said Spc. Mitchell Matney, a Raven operator for the regt’s HHT. “We can track targets, gather intel and scout ahead with it.” The Raven’s small size allows soldiers to carry it into the field without weighing themselves down. The total system weighs about 40 pounds, with the UAV itself weighing only about 4 pounds. “It’s modular,” said Matney. “You can distribute the system throughout the squad, which minimizes the amount of weight each soldier has to carry.”

Baird said that the Raven ideally suited for Afghanistan’s more rugged areas, because soldiers can put it in flight to scope out an area, instead of sending soldiers up the mountains to investigate.

Matney added he has witnessed first-hand the Raven’s capability to save lives.
“The last time I was in Iraq,” Matney said, “my FOB was receiving mortar fire, and we sent the Raven out to find their position. The Raven found where they were. We sent out some guys. They ended up capturing 12 guys and stopping them from hurting anyone.”

“It is definitely fun to fly,” Matney said, “but the more important thing is knowing that I'm contributing many different ways with the Raven. I'm proud to be able to serve my country.”

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

Contractor Conference Cues Economic Stimulus

By Cpl. Aaron Rooks

Afghan contractors register with Marine Expeditionary Brigade-A (MEB) to potentially become bidders for military contracts while attending the first-ever Afghan Business Conference, Oct. 14, 2009, at Helmand Gov. Gulab Mangal's compound in Lashkar Gah. The bde, HQd at nearby Camp Leatherneck, hosted the conference to meet with local Afghans to better understand the goods and services available from the Helmand economy, and educate local entrepreneurs on how to bid for contracts with the U.S. military.

LASHKAR GAH, Helmand province - Mirwais Nassery, owner and mgr of Mirwais Nassery Construction Co, employs more than 150 Afghans in Helmand prov., but if he doesn't find his next build soon, he and his many employees will be out of a job. "Finding work for the last few years in Helmand has been tough," said 34-year-old Nassery, whose family relies on his company's profit for support. "I'm looking for future work. We can construct roads, canals, schools and other buildings. We will attempt anything."

"The vision of today is to maximize economic growth," said Army Maj. Nathan Winn, the MEB-A contracting officer, introducing the Afghan First Program. "This initiative is meant to increase opportunities for Afghan companies in Helmand," Winn said. "It will help the Afghan economy grow, employ more Afghan people and promote reconstruction." Winn said the U.S. military needs commodities, such as electrical supplies and gravel, services like delivery of water and recycling, and construction workers to build roads, buildings and bridges, both on military camps and in local communities.

Juma Khan, an engr with the Afghan Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, identified many locations throughout Helmand where construction projects are planned, as outlined by the Helmand Development Plan, which was structured by PRT-Helmand, and approved by the Afghan govt.

The PRT introduced the Peace Dividend Trust to the potential bidders following Khan's briefing. The PDT is a non-govt org with locations in Lashkar Gah, Kabul, Mazar, Jalalabad and Kandahar that assists local businesses in gaining access to military and int'l agency contracts.

"We've the ability to reach out and touch a lot of people," said Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, comm. gen., MEB-A, in conversation with Helmand Gov. Gulab Mangal. "We've lots of potential contracts we would like to start working."

Lt. Col. Zachary Bennett, development officer, 4th Civil Affairs Group, MEB-A, said the brigade plans to hold another Helmand Business Conference in the next 90 days at either Camp Leatherneck or Camp Dwyer.

Juma Khan addresses different infrastructure projects in Helmand.

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Forces Disrupt Terrorist Networks in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2009 – Afghan and ISAF killed multiple militants and detained several suspects in ops over the past 4 days, military officials reported.

A combined SECFOR in Khowst detained several suspected militants today after searching a compound in the prov’s Sabari district, north of Khowst City. Intel reports indicated militant activity there. The compound is known to be used by a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and his element, believed to be responsible for funding and supplying weapons and homemade bomb materials to other militant elements in the region.

The Haqqani network has developed an extensive system of supply routes in eastern Afghanistan used to arm, man and equip its militant elements and training camps within the country, officials said. Afghan and ISAF are working together to block these routes.

In Oct. 17 ops - A combined SECFOR killed several enemy militants and detained a few suspected militants after searching a compound in Khowst prov. known to be used by a key Taliban cmdr in charge of multiple fighters in the region. The force targeted the mountainside compound near the village of Afzal Kheyl in Sperah district after intel indicated militant activity.

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

Afghan, ISAF Kill, Detain Militants

By International Security Assistance Force

KABUL - An Afghan and ISAF killed half a dozen enemy militants and detained a few suspected militants Oct. 20 after searching 2 compounds known to be used by a Taliban cmdr and his element in Jaghatu district, Wardak prov. The suspected militants are believed responsible for guiding and directing other militant elements to conduct attacks in the area. During the search, enemy militants displayed hostile intent outside of the compounds. The joint force used precision aerial fire to kill several armed militants posing a threat to the force. The joint force killed another armed enemy militant who displayed hostile intent inside the compound. The force also discovered AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, ammo, ammo belts, and communication gear.

In another op Oct. 20, a joint force detained several suspected militants after searching compounds in Khowst prov, known to be used by a Haqqani facilitator and his element believed responsible for the supply of weapons and IEDs to other militant elements in the region. The joint force conducted the search in Sabari district without incident. One of the detained was identified as the sought-after Haqqani facilitator.

-30-

DoD Imagery

Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Giardino and 1st Lt. Jason Loucks, both with Bravo Co, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, go over their patrol route during a security patrol through the Nawa district of Helmand prov, Oct. 14, 2009. Marines conduct security patrols to decrease insurgent activity and gain the trust of local people.

(DoD photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg, Marine Corps)

-30-

DoD Imagery

Army Spc. Slagle Justin returns to FOB Lane from an air assault mission in Zabul Prov., Oct. 15, 009. Justin is a member of Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 4th Inf Regt.

(DoD photo by Spc. Tia Sokimson, Army)

-30-

Special to American Forces Press Service

U.S., Iraqi Troops Conduct Medical Mission

By Army Spc. Maurice A. Galloway

Army Sgt. 1st Class Maryfaith Payne soothes a child as his mother is seen during a medical engagement in Basra, Oct. 7, 2009.

COB BASRA – Soldiers of the Army’s 17th Fires Bde and IA Soldiers, conducted their first joint medical military-civic ops clinic at Basra Ops Center, Oct. 8, drawing about 150 people.

“The purpose of an event such as this is to provide treatment for minor illnesses, and teach these people how to better care for themselves,” said Army 1st Lt. Jennifer Leathers, ops mgr for the bde’s 1314th Civil Affairs Co. “With the right teaching and instruction, a lot of the illnesses and injuries that we saw here could have been treated at home or prevented.”

In addition to providing medical attention, the soldiers dispensed food, medicine and personal hygiene items. Iraqi soldiers provided security as the mission allowed the IA to showcase its civil-military role in helping the country’s people. The IA took the lead in security medical treatment, allowing U.S. soldiers the chance to evaluate and train their Iraqi counterparts.

The soldiers at the clinic recognized the event’s value toward providing care for the city’s residents. Iraqi Col. Altmymy, said the event’s large turnout indicated the people’s desire for coordinated health care in Basra prov., and the need to implement and sustain such ops. “Today we did something that was extremely positive and progressive for the people of Basra,” he said. “We were able to take care of the needs of 150 patients, which is no small task. With the help of our partners from the 17th Fires Bde, we’ll conduct an evaluation to see how we can improve to make our next community outreach project an even bigger success.”

“Having done similar events before, by working side by side with them, we’ve given them a template … to measure their progress by,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Maryfaith Payne, bde medical ops NCO for the bde’s HHB, a Honolulu native.

“It’s really good to see the people of Basra receiving the help and assistance that they need from the IA,” said Spc. Christina Kreite of the bde’s 206th MP Co. “We’ve been training them to handle these types of situations, and there was a time when a crowd this large would have been a bit overwhelming for the IA, but this shows just how far they’ve come.”

Army Pfc. Leah Brook, a medic and health care specialist with the MP Co, said she was honored to be a part of such a fulfilling experience, even if her role was limited to an advisory capacity. “As a medic, I find humanitarian missions to be undeniably fulfilling,” she said. “So, to be here in an observation role, as opposed to helping the people first-hand, is a little difficult, but seeing the Iraqis helping their own people lets me know that we're really making a difference.”

Army 2nd Lt. Kaveraber Reade provides care to a man suffering from minor burns.

-30-

Multi-National Corps-Iraq PAO

ISF arrest suspected father, son terrorists

TIKRIT - ISF, with U.S. forces advisors, arrested 2 suspected terrorists in the Salah ad-Din prov. under the authority of warrants, Oct. 16. The ISF arrested Diyah Nassir in his home in Bayji. Nassir's son, Farhan, was found in the home and arrested after it was determined there was also a warrant for his arrest. Diyah is suspected of funding insurgent activities for several terrorist orgs. in northern Iraq.

-30-

Multi-National Division - Baghdad

First Iraqi Army Strike Soldiers graduate

By Sgt. 1st Class Ron Burke

IA Soldiers march on the parade field at Muthana Air Base, Oct. 19, as new members of the Karkh Area Command's Strike Team.

BAGHDAD — Sixty-nine IA Soldiers were the first to successfully complete and graduate Karkh Area Command Strike Team training. IA Soldiers from 6 different units formed the new team, training together for 6 weeks under the tutelage of combat advisors from the AF; special ops; the KAC Advisory Team; and D Troop, Div Special Troops Bn, 1st Cav Div.

Training focused on movement and weapons skills, advanced small unit tactics, mounted combat patrols, intel gathering, EOD, and physical fitness training, which culminated in a combat patrol in west Rashid.

"This is the first class of the Strike Team that will eventually number over 400 Soldiers," said Capt. John Stires, the KAC Advisory Team ops officer. "The Strike Team will be responsible for all quick response ops for MND - Baghdad west of the Tigris River."

The Strike Team was formed from collaborations between Iraqi Staff Gen. Ali Hamadi, the Karkh Area cmdr and Brig. Gen. Frederick Rudesheim, the dep. comm. gen. for support with MND-B. "We're honored that you're the first members of the Strike Team," said Hamadi during the ceremony. "We'll serve Iraq, the Iraqi citizens and ensure security in Baghdad from insurgents and terrorists. We're very proud of the Karkh area units and this training class. Our thanks to CF who helped mold the Strike Team."

The Soldiers of D Troop, who trained the IA Soldiers, reflected on the last 6 weeks they spent with them before the ceremony. "These [IA] Soldiers have a lot of combat experience but no specific methods," said Sgt. Jose Munoz, a KAC instructor assigned to D Troop. "We're teaching them how to be more effective and make them better Soldiers," said Munoz.

"We've accomplished something here," said Spc. Ervin Lee, a cav scout. "They knew the principles of things like room clearing, and we fine-tuned that. Now they'll be able to teach more of their own guys."

The IA soldiers' enthusiasm and dedication did not go unnoticed. "We know you've worked hard to get here," said Rudesheim during his speech to the Soldiers standing in formation. "You're proud examples of the IA and your mission is more important than gaining trust. It's about demonstrating to the Iraqi people that you can function as an elite unit within the IA."

-30-

NATO TRAINING MISSION – IRAQ

MoD Holds Conference on Iraqi National Strategy

BAGHDAD – Under the patronage of the Iraqi Minister of Defence Oct.18 in the National Defence College Hall at the Cultural Center, the first scientific conference on the subject “Towards Iraqi National Strategy” has been held.

Staff Lt. Gen. Hussein, IA Dep. Chief of Staff for training, took part in the event, among numerous Iraqi general officers. Italian Maj. Gen. Giuseppe Spinelli, dep. comm. gen., NATO Training Mission-Iraq, and Brig. Gen. John Wootton, chief, Div. of Training Educational Doctrine Advisors, were also present. The MoD invited NTM-I because of its SECFOR training agreement with the GoI.

Staff Maj. Gen. Jassim, NDU cmdr, introduced the guest speakers, 2 Baghdad University doctoral researchers, Nasear Noori and Hazzin Al-Shumary. The 2 professors gave their lectures in which they highlighted the importance of having a national strategy for Iraq, based on a scientific approach.

This strategy, Noori said, must be instrumental in building a civil and democratic country in accordance with the int'l rules and procedures, where political partnership overcomes all divs. and dangerous rivalries. “We should forget about dictatorship,” he said. Al-Shumary, on his side, said that national integration is the key word in its many aspects and approaches: economical, political, scientific, regional. But in the end, he said, what matters is to put the people at the center of all concerns. Only by doing so, the internal critical ethnic and political divs. and controversies can be solved.

This conference was intended to be the first one in a long, democratic and rigorous debate to shape the future national strategy of Iraq.

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

I-BIZ: Teaching skills for an independent Iraq

By Spc. Shantelle Campbell

Electricians at the Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone on COB Speicher, near Tikrit, work on a colorful concoction of wires in the electrician shop, Oct 19. The I-BIZ teaches useful skills such as plumbing, heating and a/c maintenance, welding, carpentry, mechanics and electrical wiring to local Iraqis to help them prepare to provide support services for ISF as the Army begins to draw down in Iraq.

COB SPEICHER, TIKRIT - The Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone provides educational and job opportunities for Tikrit-area residents. Soldiers of 4th IBCT, 1st ID toured the center to see how the "Dragon" Bde can help move the Salah ad Din I-BIZ to the next level.

I-BIZ facilitates are located throughout Iraq, located in areas close to or inside a U.S. military base. The I-BIZ provides opportunities for Iraqi business owners to create and sustain businesses, and this in turn provides valuable skills training and creates jobs.

In preparation for the withdrawal of U.S. forces, I-BIZ facilities are designed so that once ISF take control of U.S. bases, the businesses located on them will be Iraqi owned and operated, rather than foreign businesses. The I-BIZ offers a "variety of businesses in secure areas to provide services and products to the coalition," while at the same time, "directing money into the Iraqi economy and stabilizing security through expanded employment," according to its Web site.

Sgt. Janelle Nesmith, the vocational educational rep with the 1320th Civil Affairs, attached to the Dragon Bde, said local citizens are learning valuable skills at I-BIZ. "When they finish with their training, they can go to a business course and put in for a micro-grant and open their own business outside of post," she said. "The Iraqi people can take these skills and go back home with them," said Nesmith, "because everyone needs an electrician, mechanic or plumber."

-30-

troopscoop’s posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/10-27

Comments (0)

Leave a comment...