The Advis r

The Advis r

Iraqi Police patrol the waterwaysMississippi trained River Patrol forces keep waterway safe, pass on training to fellow police>> Page 12

Sept. 1, 2007

>> INSIDE

>> SPECIAL INTEREST: SCRAP METAL

Other features

Expended munitions and other excess scrap metal fill several square miles of Taji military base. The government of Iraq is currently working a solution to this problem through a nationwide recycling effort that will clean up the streets while also making them a safer place.

Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christie Putz

>> FROM THE COVER

The Advisor is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Defense Department and

multinational partners.

Contents of this paper are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. government or

multinational partners of the U.S. Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication

is the responsibility of the Multi-National Security Transition Command — Iraq Public

Affairs Office.

The faces of Iraqi soldiers and police have been altered to protect their identities.

Direct questions and comments to:[email protected]

MNSTC-I PAOAPO AE 09348

DSN: 318-852-1332

>> Volume 4 >> Issue 29

Commanding GeneralU.S. Army Lt. Gen. James M. Dubik

Command Sergeant MajorU.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj.

Tommy A. Williams

Public Affairs OfficerU.S. Army Lt. Col. Daniel T. Williams

Deputy Public Affairs OfficerU.S. Army Lt. Col. Veronica Brown

Public Affairs NCOICU.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Charlene Sipperly

EditorU.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christie Putz

JournalistsU.S. Navy Mass Communications Specialist

1st Class (SW) Anthony J. KochU.S. Navy Mass Communications Specialist

2nd Class Erica R. Gardner

An Iraqi River Patrol officer provides security along the Tigris River using tactics learned in Missis-sippi while train-ing with U.S. Navy small boat experts.

The Advis rA semimonthly publication of the Multi-National

Security Transition Command – Iraq

Photo by U.S. NavyMC2 Erica R. Gardner

>> Page 14

Iraqi Air Force flying solo

10 The Iraqi Air Force completed their first solo mission of keeping citizens and, more im-portantly, insurgents away from power lines.

Iraqi snipers aim for excellence

6 Iraqi Army cadre from Besmaya Range Complex teach Iraqi students the skills nec-essary to be snipers in combat.

Iraqi Army continues

transformation

9 KMTB is currently transitioning preven-tive maintenance operations to Iraqi Army engineers as part of their effort to become independent of Coalition forces.

Bush stresses importance of

Iraq fight

3 Iraq has made great progress on a national level but needs to work strategically to achieve the future wants and desires of the country.

Iraqi people gain confidence in

Iraqi, U.S. forces

4 Coalition and Iraqi forces are now operat-ing in areas once dominated by extremists because of the continuing support and trust of the Iraqi people.

The Advisor • Sept. 1, 2007 �

>> LEADERSHIP

are saying

>> U.S. ARMY COL. TRACY O. SMITH, Multi-National Forces – Iraq Economics Development chief

what keyleaders

See BUSH, Page 5

“What we are seeing is a significant amount of pressure on the al-Qaida network. There is no question that they will seek to relocate themselves…”

>> U.S. ARMY BRIg. gEN. KEvIN BERgNER, Multi-National Forces – Iraq Strategic Effects chief of staff

“I’ve got some great Iraqi Army units in my battlespace and we’re working transitions there, but there’s still such a detailed, complicated fight going on that it’s not time – between now and

Christmas – to move Coalition forces out.”

>> U.S. ARMY MAj. gEN. RICK LYNCH, Multi-National Division – Center commander

WASHINgTON – Defeating extremists in the Middle East is essential to America’s security, and the most important way to counter these extremists is to win the fight in Iraq, President Bush said Aug. 28.

“The challenge in Iraq comes down to this: Either the forces of extremism succeed, or the forces of freedom succeed. Either our enemies advance their interests in Iraq, or we advance our interests,” Bush said at the 89th Annual American Legion National Convention in Reno, Nev.

The violent ideology that inspires extremists in the Middle East has two main strains, Bush said: Sunni extremism and Shia extremism. These two strains are vying for control of Iraq, he said.

America has enduring interests in the Middle East, such as creating a region of secure democratic states participating in the war on terror, drying up the stream of recruits for al-Qaida, encouraging the government of Iran to be accountable to its people, and advancing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, Bush said.

“We seek justice and dignity and human rights for all the people of the Middle East,” Bush said. “Achieving this future requires hard work and strategic patience over many years.”

Iraq is the central front in the war on terror, and it is where Sunni and Shia extremists are staging sensational attacks in an attempt to bring down the young democracy, Bush said. Sunni extremists are led by al-Qaida and frequently target innocent Iraqis with violent attacks, many carried out by foreign fighters. Shia extremists are backed by Iran and are training Iraqis to carry out attacks on Coalition forces, the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people, Bush said.

The new U.S. strategy in Iraq is showing results in better security, with sectarian violence sharply decreasing in Baghdad and al-Qaida being displaced from former strongholds in Baghdad and in Anbar and Diyala provinces, he said.

The strategy is also producing encouraging results at the local level in Iraq, Bush said. In Anbar province, which was once thought to be lost to insurgents, local Sunnis have turned against al-Qaida and joined with U.S. forces to drive terrorists out of their cities, he noted. Virtually every city and town in the province now has a mayor and municipal council, he said, and local officials are forming ties with the central government in Baghdad.

Other provinces also are showing signs of progress, Bush said. In Diyala province, the city of Ba’Qubah reopened six banks, and in Ninewah province, local officials have established a commission to investigate corruption.

“Iraqis are increasingly reaching accommodations with each other, with the Coalition and with the government in Baghdad,” Bush said. “This reconciliation is coming from the bottom up. It’s having an impact in the fight against the enemy, and it’s building a solid foundation for a democratic Iraq.”

Bush acknowledged that Iraq has much more progress to make on the national level, but said he was encouraged by the agreement reached Aug. 26 by the top leaders in Iraq’s government. The leaders agreed on several draft pieces of legislation, such as a law on de-Ba’athification reform and legislation on provincial powers, which are among the

Bush stresses importance of Iraq’s fight for security By U.S. Army Sgt. Sara WoodAmerican Forces Press Service

“We continue to help the people of Iraq establish a level of security and stability that they can sustain on their own. The surge in operations has increased the pressure on the extremists.”

� The Advisor • Sept. 1, 2007

>> LEADERSHIP

Iraqi forces demonstrate new capabilitiesBy Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINgTON – Iraqi forces are stepping forward to shoulder the security burden in the country.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner, Multi-National Force – Iraq Strategic Effects deputy chief of staff, made this assertion in a conference call with military analysts Aug. 29.

In Karbala Aug. 28, hundreds of thousands of Shia pilgrims celebrating the birth of Muhammad al-Mahdi, a ninth-century imam revered by the sect, were placed in danger from two militias vying for power.

The Mahdi Army and the Badr Organization faced off, disrupting the celebrations. “Iraqi security forces responded rapidly to maintain control of the city,” Bergner said.

Iraqi Security Forces did not call on reinforcements from the Coalition to handle the outbreak of “green-on-green” violence. “It is a testament to the Iraqi training that

they felt they did not need our assistance,” a Pentagon spokesman said.

Iraqi forces also are flexing their wings in other areas of the country, Bergner said. They are continuing to clamp down on al-Qaida in Iraq. Iraqi and Coalition forces killed terrorist leader Abu Ibrahim in Tarmiyah.

Ibrahim was known as the amir of the city and had murdered and intimidated the population, even killing a 9-year-old girl. The Iraqi people of the region gave Iraqi forces the tip that led them to Ibrahim, Bergner said.

Killing Ibrahim took a major piece out of the car-bomb network in Baghdad, he said.

Operation Phantom Strike, the Multi-National Corps – Iraq operation to capitalize on surge forces in Baghdad, continues. The operation has been successful in denying extremists use of places in the tri-border region of Diyala, Salah ad Din and Anbar provinces, and south of Baghdad as safe havens or operating bases, Bergner said.

Coalition and Iraqi forces are operating in these regions, and the payoff is the trust of the Iraqi people. “Now that they are operating there, they have established a base of information and a network … that’s enabled by the people of the neighborhoods,” he said.

This results in more actionable intelligence, he said. Combined forces are operating in places they seldom went in the past and, after 60 days of operations, they are gaining the trust of the people. “The Iraqi people have grown to have confidence

Iraqi Army and U.S. Army Special Forces march toward designated helicopter sta-tions as they prepare to conduct a combat operation to detain suspected members of an insurgent force during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kalsu, Iraq, Aug. 17.

Two Iraqi soldiers move a bale of Iraqi dinars from a delivery truck to a stor-age facility in Ba’Qubah, Iraq, Aug. 22. This is the first time the Iraqi Army has completed a money delivery without the help of Coalition forces.

Photo by U.S. Army Pvt. Kirby Rider

in them and (are) providing helpful information,” Bergner said.

“At the same time, those citizens are willing to organize themselves into groups to work with Coalition and Iraqi forces,” he said, adding that this builds momentum for Coalition and Iraqi forces in these regions.

In Karkh, Iraqi and Coalition forces dismantled another al-Qaida cell, one of the worst in the region for shipping suicide car bombers into Baghdad.

“You are seeing the sheikhs in these

Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Perez

“To hear the kind of operations they are conducting and the effects they are achieving is another indicator of the progress the (Multi-National) Corps is achieving.”

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kevin BergnerMulti-National Force – Iraq

Strategic Effects deputy chief of staff

See SECURITY, Page 5


>> LEADERSHIP >> LEADERSHIP

benchmarks identified by Congress. “These measures still have to be passed

by the Iraqi parliament, but the agreement shows that Iraq’s leaders can put aside their differences, they can sit down together, and they can work out tough issues central to the fate of their country,” Bush said.

At the international level, the new strategy in Iraq also is showing results, Bush said. International developments include:

• The United Nations and Iraq, with support from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and other nations, have finalized an International Compact for Iraq that will bring new economic assistance and debt relief in exchange for aggressive economic reform.

• The Iraqis have convened a neighbors conference, which is bringing together countries in the region to help Iraq through security, economic and diplomatic cooperation.

• The United Nations Security Council has decided to expand its mission in Iraq and is seeking to help with local elections and reconciliation. The UN will soon name a new high-ranking envoy to Iraq to coordinate the expanded effort.

• Saudi Arabia is looking to open a new embassy in Baghdad.

“The international community increasingly understands the importance of a free Iraq. They understand a free Iraq is important for world peace. And that is why we’ll continue to rally the world for this noble and necessary cause,” Bush said.

Bush noted that some critics say the lack of political progress on the national level in Iraq proves the surge has failed. However, improving security is the vital precursor to making gains in other areas, like the government and economy, and local political progress will come before national progress, he said.

Bush also emphasized that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other leaders are dealing with complex and emotional issues that can be likened to the struggle for civil rights in the U.S. They are trying to resolve these issues in a challenging security environment, after decades of tyranny and oppression, he said.

“Iraq’s leaders aren’t perfect, but they were elected by their people,” Bush said. “They want what we want: a free Iraq that fights terrorists instead of harboring them. Leaders in Washington need to look for ways to help our Iraqi allies succeed, not excuses for abandoning them.”

From BUSH, Page 3

Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Perez

Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. Army Special Forces conduct combat opera-tions in Tal’ Afar, Iraq, Aug. 22., in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Noggle

different areas starting to coalesce in not too dissimilar a way as you saw in Anbar,” Bergner said. He quickly pointed out that there is no “one-size-fits-all approach” in Baghdad, but momentum is pointing toward cooperation.

In Mosul, 2nd Iraqi Division soldiers also are demonstrating their increased capabilities. “Just this past Sunday, they had four different contacts,” Bergner said.

In the first, soldiers stopped two separate

car-bomb attacks. In the second, an Iraqi army patrol stopped a motorcycle carrying a suicide bomber who died when he triggered his bomb prematurely. In the third incident, an Iraqi patrol disrupted an ambush and found two additional car bombs. Finally, Iraqi soldiers killed four gunmen in two vehicles.

“To hear the kind of operations they are conducting and the effects they are achieving is another indicator of the progress the (Multi-National) Corps is achieving,” he said.

An Iraqi soldier stands secu-

rity as his unit conducts a

combat opera-tion to detain

suspected ter-rorist leaders

of an insur-gent force, as

welll as the insurgent force

itself, dur-ing Operation Iraqi Freedom in Sayafiyah, Iraq, Aug. 17.

From SECURITY, Page 4


BESMAYA, Iraq – Iraqi Army cadre are now teaching the Sniper Training School at Besmaya Range Complex

after attending the school themselves earlier this year. The opportunity for Iraqi

soldiers to teach fellow soldiers advances the transition of knowledge from the Coalition forces, empowering Iraqi training confidence.

Having a well trained sniper requires attention to detail, military bearing and

expert shooting skills. The students attending the sniper training are recommended by their drill instructor and verified by Coalition forces. Training is six weeks of constant shooting and scenario role playing.

Students are processed into the sniper school, provided living quarters and issued weapons. The weapons are registered to the soldiers using biometrics – a digital fingerprint tracing the weapons to the soldiers. The process was prompted by the Iraqi government to transition from the previously used paper hand receipts to a more accurate method of accountability.

The Besmaya shooting range is one of the largest ranges in the

country. The opportunity to attend the training sets the soldiers apart from others due to the hands-on training received, which is important for good marksmanship.

According to an instructor who works with Military Professional Resources Inc., Coalition-taught courses show promise in the Iraqi Army’s ability to retain training information. The instructor also stated the Iraqi Army has the opportunity to become role models with fellow soldiers by teaching the schools they attend. With Iraqi Army cadre instructing the sniper school, the message conveyed to Iraqi soldiers is that the training is useful and effective.

To prepare students for actual combat, Iraqi Army Capt. Whellit, 8th Battalion 1st Division commander, conducts role-play scenarios and live-fire drills, giving the sniper a taste of possible fights with insurgents. Age-old problems encountered by professional marksmen, including weapon issues, ballistics and tactics, are also covered at the school.

Many of the Iraqi cadre had previous training under the old regime where they learned minimum skills required to operate effectively under ideal conditions with the weapons they had access to. Their completion of the new sniper training rounded out this knowledge, making them prime candidates for the instructor positions.

“I shot well at first,” said Iraqi Army Lt. Saed, who asked that his real name not be used. “I shot better once it was determined I needed

>> IRAQI ARMY

An Iraqi first lieutenant coaches an Iraqi soldier on rifle marksmanship on a range at Camp Dunlop, Iraq, while a U.S. Marine sergeant supervises. The sergeant “trained the trainer,” who now instructs his own soldiers on techniques of firing the AK-47.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Schwind

See SNIPERS, Page 7

BAgHDADBESMAYA

By U.S. Navy MC2 Erica R. GardnerMNSTC-I Public Affairs

Besmaya snipers apply training to train others

The Advisor • Sept. 1, 2007 7

>> IRAQI ARMY

Following classroom instruction, sol-diers of the 2nd Battalion, Iraqi Army practice reacting to sniper fire.

Photo courtesty of 1st BCT PAO 101st Abn. Div.

From SNIPERS, Page 6

A group of Iraqi officers inspects an Iraqi convoy near Ba’Qubah recently, one of several unilateral operations undertaken by the Iraqi Army. Diyala’s security forces will now fall under the Diyala Opera-tions Command in Ba’Qubah, which will receive orders from Iraq’s governmental security forces, instead of Coalition forces.

An Iraqi Army convoy arrives at a Ba’Qubah-area flour mill in expectation of a grain convoy, which was also escorted by the Iraqi military. Iraqi army units such as these will now be under the direct control of the Diyala Operations Command.

Photos by U.S. Army Pvt. Kirby Rider

DIYALA OPERATIONS COMMAND RECEIvES vALIDATION

glasses.” Because Saed had issues with poor vision, all students are given eye exams to help ensure there are no hindrances to sharp-shooting skills.

Sniper training is not just landing a well aimed shot. The sniper must have the ability to successfully engage targets at increased distances, as well as be proficient in marksmanship fundamentals and advanced marksmanship skills, both of which are taught by the Iraqi cadre.

Saed knows a sniper’s rifle is the cornerstone of any successful mission. In some of the training scenarios, the rifle is all he has to complete his mission. But besides the rifle, a sniper must use special equipment to reduce the possibility of detection.

The use of camouflage is one of the basic weapons of war. It can mean the difference between a successful or unsuccessful mission. To the sniper and his team, it can mean the difference between life and death.

To make the training more realistic, MPRI tries to duplicate villages and towns as accurately as possible to show students what they may encounter. The training scenarios include crowds, vehicles, buildings, Mosques and piles of trash.

A sniper mission always requires the team

to occupy some type of position. The positions can range from a hasty position, which a team may use for a few hours, to a more permanent position, which the team could occupy for a few days.

Whellit has used training scenarios that have lasted more than six hours. This is a preface to live sniper engagements that may arise. He agrees with the saying “train like you fight”. Proper training can only make the Iraqis a better sniper.

When MPRI was training the trainers, complex situations were used as scenarios. It was not hard for Iraqis to convey the importance of working together. Part of the problem was the language barrier between the trainers and students, as well as students understanding the importance of communication among themselves. More often though, it was when sniper teams did not have an in-depth understanding of their equipment or methods that problems occurred.

Another MPRI instructor stated that they watched the teams train and noticed how hard it was for some of them to gel, due to their being “thrown together”. Training longer as a team would improve the cohesiveness of the unit, resulting in a better training experience.

Achieving understanding, versus basic knowledge, is the key to a winning sniper team, said U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Robert

Dickerson, Besmaya Range Complex range control noncommissioned officer in charge. This understanding equates to confidence – the most important factor in performance.

Not every good sniper can make a good instructor. It is important to choose the best snipers and the best communicators to enhance the sniper training program. The use of audio and visual training aids assist in the learning prior to hands-on training at the ranges.

“I am thankful for the help from the Coalition forces,” said Whellit. “I have learned a lot of tactics to train other Iraqis to make us a better army.”


>> IRAQI ARMY

EXPANDINg TRAININg BASESAL KASIK, Iraq — A new division training center opened in Al Kasik, Iraq, in August as part of a training base expansion plan for the Iraqi Army. Roughly 1,300 Iraqi Army recruits are currently attending the center’s Ba-sic Combat Training and are scheduled to graduate mid-September. Future plans include the addition of several follow-on schools to the Al Kasik facility, including the Corporals, Squad Leaders and Platoon Sergeants Courses, as well as several military occupational specialty courses.

Photos by U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Andrew McCaughey


>> IRAQI ARMY

Photo by U.S. Navy MC2 Erica R. Gardner


Danish Brig. Gen. Werner P. Khale, Coalition Military Assistance Transition Team deputy commanding general, and Iraqi Army Gen. Sabah, Kirkush Military Training Base commander, discuss process improvement strategies for the future of KMTB via an interpreter.

KIRKUSH, Iraq – Kirkush Military Training Base is in the process of transitioning logistic duties to the

Iraqi military, preparing them for future tasks in supporting the 4th and 5th Iraqi

Army Divisions as well as the 1st and 2nd Iraqi Training Battalions.

Several infrastructure development projects have already started with help from Iraqi engineers. U.S. Air Force 1st

Lt. Patrick Kucera, KMTB Regional Support Unit engineer advisor, created a long-term design to help get the Iraqi engineers started in planning projects.

“Once we get the Iraqi engineers comfortable in planning, they can then assist contractors in actual projects,” said Kucera.

On any given day, the power may go out on KMTB, forcing the use of generators until the power can be restored. Getting Iraqi personnel into the habit of performing routine maintenance to keep the power up and running continuously has been one of the biggest challenges of KMTB.

Difficulty in obtaining supplies hinders the maintenance efforts, but overall, progress is being made with the Iraqi military being able to take care of themselves.

“They are beginning to learn how to keep proper maintenance records and are providing their own supplies to perform the maintenance,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Karl Kornchuck, RSU officer-in-charge.

The most recent success has been training the Iraqis on how to document maintenance and using the documentation to identify problems before they become serious.

Mohammad, an Iraqi soldier who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Coalition forces while learning about their facilities.

Iraqi engineers are also learning quality assurance procedures and are now able to supervise the workers who perform equipment maintenance.

Training opportunities exist to assist the Iraqi engineers in learning more about proper maintenance of equipment on KMTB. All backup generators throughout KMTB will be tracked by Coalition forces to allow Iraqi engineers the opportunity to diagnose problems and provide the supplies and parts necessary to repair the machinery.

Future plans for Iraqi engineers include connecting KMTB to the Iraqi national power grid, which will provide primary power to the base and allow the current power plant to function as a back up. A facility for the electrical engineers to work and perform repairs is also in the planning phases.

Other construction projects include the Iraqi medical facility and the Ministry of Health adding surgical capabilities to KMTB. According to U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Moises Velasco, RSU medical advisor, two transportable surgical units were moved to KMTB recently, ready for set-up with a dedicated power supply.

“The effective and compassionate care and treatment shown to the

sick and injured soldiers is a testament to the training and individual dedication of each of the three Iraqi Army doctors on this base,” said Velasco.

Iraqi Army Gen. Sabah, KMTB commander, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of joint construction efforts by Iraqi and Coalition forces.

“I want this base to be the best base in the area and I wish for every Iraqi soldier to come to this base for training,” he said.

The addition of the medical facility provides an opportunity for the Iraqi medical staff to provide surgical care for KMTB and surrounding areas. Sabah said he agrees that the construction of a medical facility is a positive step for the Iraqi military in their journey to be self sustaining.

Velasco explained that the addition of the medical construction will allow regional surgical cases to be treated at KMTB rather than being evacuated to another facility.

“With the set up of this facility we can expect a sharp decrease in the request for medical support from Coalition forces,” said Velasco. “Instead, we can shift our resources to other much needed areas. We will not abandon them, but rather stand back and let them lead the way while we watch attentively.”

KMTB phase II: Turning over control

BAgHDAD

KIRKUSH

10 The Advisor • Sept. 1, 2007

>> IRAQI AIR FORCE

TAjI, Iraq — The Iraqi Air Force recently flew its first mission without the assistance of

its American partners Aug. 25.Iraqi pilots flew a mission to survey

and monitor the power lines in Iraq in a mission appropriately called “Operation Power Line,” said Brig. Gen. Sati, IqAF

Taji Wing commander, who asked to be identified by only his last name.

“We did our duties today for the very first time and it was a 100-percent Iraqi mission,” he said.

The mission came about because insurgents have been causing unrest throughout Iraq by cutting power lines, thus cutting off electrical power to the Iraqi people, said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Cy Bartlett, 770th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron and Taji’s Coalition Air Force Transition Team commander.

“There’s (a proposed) Iraqi law about people keeping their distance from power lines since there are so many dropped,” said Bartlett.

The IqAF are taking action on this problem by surveying for downed lines and also watching for anyone violating the stand off distance, he said.

“The mission is to go outside and patrol the Iraqi power lines and to get the word out that the Iraqi Air Force is flying,” said Bartlett.

Sati feels that there are two reasons why the IqAF have had this recent success.

“As I informed my close, dear friend (Col. Dan Shanahan, commander of the 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div.), there are two reasons behind that,” said Sati.

“Number one, is because (of) the ability of our Iraqi pilots to understand and digest the information and because of their (aviation background),” the Iraqi general said proudly.

“The second reason is because the continuous day and night help from our American brothers who did everything we asked them for,” he said. “They didn’t deny us any efforts to accomplish what we wanted.”

Sati described the moment they completed their first sole mission.“The whole base is very happy today – extremely happy. We feel

like a graduate who just graduated and got his diploma,” he said.The progress is obvious when one looks at the numbers, said

Bartlett.“To put it in context, last year this wing flew a total of 300 hours.

Most of those hours were on a couple of these (Bell 206) Jet Rangers,” he said.

“Last month, they flew 200 hours just in the (Bell UH-1H) Huey II alone. So far they’ve got about 700 hours on the aircraft,” Bartlett said of their progress since early March.

Along with keeping a watchful eye over the power lines, the IqAF have also moved soldiers, dignitaries and visitors across Iraq.

“They are also moving passengers. They’ve moved about 500 passengers so far this year,” said Bartlett.

Sati and other officers of his command commemorated their victory with their American partners with a static display of their aircraft and then a dinner later that night.

U.S. pilots crawled in and out of the IqAF helicopters with an Iraqi aviator close by to answer any questions as well as talk about their common bond of flying.

Afterward, the mix of Iraqi and U.S. aviators went to the U.S. side of the forward operating base and had a time of fellowship while dining and then smoked a few cigars.

Aviators from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and the Coalition Air Force Transition Team joined members of the Iraqi Air Force in one of their hangars to get an up close look at the Iraqi helicopters during a static display Aug. 25 at Camp Taji, Iraq. Earlier that same day, the IqAF completed its first aerial mission with no assistance from their U.S. partners.

Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Nathan Hoskins

BAgHDADTAjI

Iraqi Air Force conducts first mission without support from U.S. forcesBy U.S. Army Spc. Nathan Hoskins1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs


>> IRAQI POLICE

BAgHDAD — Iraqi policemen from Baghdad’s Kharada District train during the first Primary Leadership Develop-ment Course for Iraqi police on Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah in eastern Baghdad Aug. 20. The training al-lows the Iraqi Police to learn from experienced American law enforcement professionals and emphasizes several skills necessary for a competent force, ranging from en-tering buildings to effective communication.

Photos by U.S. Army Spc. Leith Edgar

TRAINED TO PROTECT


BAgHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi Police from the Baghdad River Patrol recently returned from 50 days of training with the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School in

Gulfport, Miss. The lessons learned will live on as these Iraqi Police students train fellow police in Baghdad, ensuring security on the Tigris River.

“The school taught us how to drive boats while fighting on the river, read

maps and use a global positioning system,” said Iraqi Army 1st Lt. Muhammed, Baghdad River Patrol assistant operations officer. “The technology makes the job easier.”

The Baghdad Station will be the first river boat training facility in Iraq and in eight weeks, Muhammed will have the opportunity to train his fellow countrymen.

The opportunity to enhance his teaching abilities and become a better leader is exciting for him. “We are officers,” said Muhammed. “It is our responsibility to groom those under us.”

The experience of driving swiftly on the river with minimal challenges is the ultimate goal of the Coalition trainers and Iraqi commander of Baghdad River Patrol. This skill is necessary to safely patrol the Tigris and protect against insurgents and other criminals who may use the waterways as a means for escape from the Iraqi Police.

“I want all recruits and experienced River Patrol officers to learn the skills of American Riverine officers,” said Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Allah, Baghdad River Patrol commander.

The primary school for riverine operations was relocated from Panama to Gulfport on the Mississippi river and NAVSCIATTS was reestablished there in late 1999. Using the Mississippi River provides a level ‘ground’ for training novice boaters as the waters are calm enough to learn valuable skills while maintaining a sense of reality.

The skill sets learned in Mississippi augment those already learned on the job in Iraq. Basic boat handling and maneuvering, and driving a boat off the trailer are important skills to possess, according to Barry Dunn, Senior American Coalition Trainer.

During the early part of the Vietnam War, the U.S. Navy discovered that there was a serious lack of fighting ability close to shorelines or within the twisting and shallow rivers that crossed the Vietnam countryside. A quickly-formed program was implemented to assist vessels and units that were capable of operating in the shore of lake, sea or ocean environments.

According to Dunn, NAVSCIATTS is the best training site for Baghdad River Patrol because it allows the training to focus on basic physical fitness, water safety skills, small boat crewmember skills, and special warfare boat skills and tactics without actual threats hindering the learning.

>> IRAQI POLICE


BAgHDAD

Baghdad River Patrol test waters in Mississippi

A boat crew from Baghdad River Patrol cruises down the Tigris River searching for suspicious behavior along the shorelines. The boat crew is enhancing their boating skills by using maneuvers learned while in Mississippi.

An Iraqi River Patrol policeman scans the shorelines dur-ing a routine security patrol down the Tigris River.

Photos by U.S. Navy MC1(SW) Anthony J. Koch

An Iraqi River Patrol policeman prepares to start his shift patroling the Tigris River. River Patrol policemen recently returned from 50 days of training in the United States. See RIvER, Page 13


>> IRAQI POLICE

Students train on rigid hull inflatable boats with an armored-funnel, crew served weapons and bulletproof area for the driver. Boat crews consist of four-man teams, each with a specific task to ensure the operation is executed with minimal interruption.

When asked how Muhammed intends to train the Baghdad River Patrol, he explained that the training guide from NAVSCIATTS will assist in conveying the importance of attention to detail when on the water.

Riding along the Tigris River is not an easy feat. The Baghdad River Patrol has to be ready for challenges, big or small, both in the water and on land. Additionally, large sand dunes with vegetation and trash in the water tend to wind around propellers, causing the engine to flood.

“We are trying to teach them how to repair their own vessels and make sure they have the proper tools necessary to make on the spot maintenance,” said U.S. Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Boat Operator Geoffrey Hurnyak, River Boat Academy senior enlisted advisor. “This training is going to save lives.”

The boats currently in use by Baghdad River Patrol are SAFE boats - Secure Around Flotation Equiped craft with patented foam collars, the inflatable portion of the RHIB, for support. The craft is 25 feet long with twin 200 horse-powered engines. The specifications allow the craft to move swiftly in the water up to 45 knots.

The standard SAFE Boats’ Collar system has been proven to stop small arms fire from penetrating the side plate of the hull. With the addition of ballistic material either behind the collar or laminated in the collar it can stop up to a 7.62 mm round, which is used in AK-47s, M240 B, and some sniper rifles.

“The ability for a vessel to withstand small arms fire is important to me so my team can feel confident in their fighting without worrying about being hit,” said Muhammed.

Muhammed has about six weeks to prepare his lesson plans and gather training scenarios appropriate for the Tigris River. He will train 16 men how to drive a boat, become familiar with technology advances and repair of the vessel.

The 16 man class will be broken up into 4 boat teams. The small class setting is preferred by students and instructors because more hands-on assistance is available, ensuring competent learning.

“I love my country and I am thankful for the training I have received,” said Muhammed. “We are all brothers here and must work together.”

Iraqi police conduct training opera-tions advised by U.S. Army Special Forces in Tal’ Afar, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Aug. 23.

Photos by U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Noggle

From RIVER, Page 12

PRACTICINg URBAN WARFARE


>> SPECIAL INTEREST

What have you done for the Iraqi Security

Forces that you’re most proud of?

MAN ON THE STREET

TONY QUAN,Civilian Police Assistance Transition Team

“I teach English as a second language to the Iraqi engineers working with us. It strength-ens the bond professionally and personally. I enjoy teach-ing and meeting people of differ-ent cultures.

U.S. NAVY SK1(AW) BENjAMIN HERNANDEZ

Coalition Military Assistance Transition TeamISF Support Cell

“I help facilitate meetings among the various tribes in Iraq to ensure each group is represented and has a voice in the transition of power from the Coalition forces.”

U.S. AIR FORCE MASTER SgT. DAvID BENN,

Coalition Military Assistance Transition Team

BAgHDAD, Iraq – More than 100 Iraqi government officials met Aug. 23 to discuss the importance and profitability of recycling scrap materials loitering around the country. Proper disposal of materials can lead to a boosting economy and a cleaner and safer future for Iraq.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven Anderson, Multi-National Force – Iraq Resources and Sustainment deputy chief of staff, explained the importance of implementing a scrap recycling program and provided suggestions of how to recognize potential export worth.

“This is a great opportunity for the government of Iraq to demonstrate its ability to take care of its people,” said Anderson.

The U.S. government recycling program is a billion dollar industry. More than 150 million tons of scrap materials are recycled annually to include:

• 111 million tires• 81.4 million tons of iron and steel• 53.5 million tons of paper• 3.5 million tons of glass• 1 million tons of plastic (bottles)

Iraqi government officials are willing to implement a recycling program, as it will provide jobs while also cleaning up the countryside. “A clean countryside will

Iraq’s scrap materials – Turning trash into treasureBy U.S. Navy MC1(SW) Anthony J. KochMNSTC-I Pubic Affairs

Expended mu-nitions are just one example of the types of excess scrap metal lying around Iraq. The govern-ment of Iraq is looking to clean up these areas to boost the economy and help clean up the country.

Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christie Putz

improve the morale for Iraqis and help deter insurgents because of the lack of trash in our neighborhoods,” said Dr. Muafaq Al-Rubaie, Iraqi National Security Advisor.

Collecting scrap materials in Iraq will eliminate the opportunity for insurgents to create make-shift weapons to be used against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

The creation of a nationwide recycling campaign must be supported by all Iraqi government officials in order to be successful.

Working together with the Coalition forces, there have been more than 400 cleaning projects throughout Iraq. With a recycling program in place, it will improve the economic conditions in Iraq and stimulate the economy without a large investment.

Spin-off industries, such as junkyards and transportation services to move the recyclables, can be created once a national-level recycling and metals industry is in place. The large amount of scrap metals strewn along the countryside can be collected and sold to leading export countries.

“We are ready to learn how to make Iraq beautiful and improve our self image,” said Al-Rubaie. “Improved environmental conditions only help the quality of life for current and future generations.”

Currently seven locations around Iraq are being considered for designated scrap material staging areas until actual recycling plants and facilities are open.

“This is wonderful for the people of Iraq,” said Ahmed, an attendee of the conference, who asked not to be identified by full name or title. “We deserve to walk and our children deserve to play without fear of being hurt by garbage lying around our homes.”

“I purchase dining facility equipment and barracks furni-ture for the Iraqi military bases. The items purchased help raise the qual-ity of life and promote con-sistent health

standards as more options to sanitize work stations are made available.”


>> ISF IN BRIEF

Photo by Dennis Shaw, MNSTC-I CPATT

Students graduated from the Executive Leadership & Develop-ment course held in Habbaniyah Aug. 21. The course provides students the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to function as security force executives in a democratic society.

DEvELOPINg LEADERS

Iraqi, U.S. special forces detain suspected al-Qaida Amir, terrorist

BAgHDAD — Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained a suspected al-Qaida Amir and a terrorist cell member during an intelligence-driven operation Aug. 30 in Baghdad.

Reports indicate the Amir has directed and conducted kidnappings and murders of local nationals. The Sunni extremist is believed to have participated in indirect fire attacks against local citizens.

The suspects are currently being detained for questioning for their involvement in the injury and death of Iraqi citizens and other criminal activity.

– Multi-National Corps – Iraq Public Affairs

33 insurgents killed, waterway open DIYALA — Iraqi and Coalition forces conducted an air assault

into the town of Gobia to restore essential services to Khalis Aug. 27.The pre-dawn assault, involving several hundred Iraqi and

Coalition forces, defeated numerous small-arms attacks throughout the day resulting in a combined 13 insurgents killed.

Coalition attack helicopters and close air support assisted the ground forces, killing 20 more.

The objective of the mission was to open the spillway, which regulates water flow to the town of Khalis, restoring the essential service of water. The action by the IA and CF termed “Operation Church” also netted three caches containing 150 lbs of homemade explosives, two 130mm rounds, a ZU-23 with 2,000 rounds, an RPG with eight rounds, a PKC and seven AK-47s.

Three detainees were captured at one of the cache sites and water is currently flowing unimpeded to Khalis.


Iraqi Police receive tip of car bombs KIRKUK — Iraqi Police received tips from a local citizen

which thwarted insurgent efforts to detonate two car bombs targeting security forces and innocent citizens in Kirkuk, Aug. 26.

Iraqi Police from the Meghdad police station responded to an IED detonation on the ESU patrol, when an officer identified a suspicious vehicle parked in the vicinity.

The olice called additional ESU forces and expanded their cordon to include the suspect vehicle. The vehicle detonated prior to the arrival of an Iraqi explosive ordnance team, but caused no casualties or damage.

Police were later alerted by a citizen’s phone call through the Provincial Joint Coordination Center of a second car bomb north of the first incident. Both police and an Iraqi explosive ordnance team responded and confirmed the VBIED. The Iraqi team conducted a controlled detonation of the vehicle resulting in no casualties and minor damage to a nearby store.

– Multi-National Division – North Public Affairs

Iraqi, U.S. forces detain 2 key al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists

BAgHDAD — Iraqi Security and Iraqi Army forces, with U.S. Special Forces acting as advisors, detained two key al-Qaida in Iraq leaders and seven other suspected terrorists in two separate operations

Aug. 24 in Baghdad and the Za’ab Triangle. During an intelligence-driven operation in Baghdad, Iraqi Security

Forces detained an Amir and an intelligence officer of al-Qaida in Iraq from the Abu Gharaib area. The Amir is suspected of leading cell members who launch attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces with IEDs.

Reports indicate the suspected intelligence officer collects names of Iraqi Security Forces personnel and targets them for assassination by other cell members. He also conducts surveillance of Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces in the area.

In the second operation, Iraqi Army forces conducted a successful air assault raid and detained seven suspected members of an al-Qaida in Iraq cell operating in the village of Jarnaf Gharbi in northwest Iraq. These individuals are believed to be responsible for attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces along the Tigris River Valley and the Za’ab Triangle.


Assault detains suspected insurgent disguised as pregnant woman

AL-OWESAT — Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. forces detained several men during an air assault mission along the Euphrates River Aug. 20.

“Crimson Shogun” was an operation targeting al-Qaida-allied terrorist networks in the Owesat and Fetoah areas along the river and brought together more than 100 U.S. Soldiers, 50 Iraqi soldiers and two local residents who volunteered to help identify terrorists.

Thirteen men were detained for further questioning, one of whom was on the battalion’s list of persons of interest. His brother was also detained and was found by the soldiers disguised as a pregnant woman in an attempt to avoid capture.

– Multi-National Division – Center Public Affairs

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