War News: Voices From The War Continues
~Snooper~
This series being revived here at Take Our Country Back is merely a taste of the GREAT work and GREAT news from The War. It is a pity that the Lame Stream is too cowardly to make this known. Political correctness is the cancer...
News:
General Cites Work to Improve Communications With Pakistan
By Gerry J. GilmoreGeneral Cites Security, Development, Governance Gains in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - Senior U.S. and Pakistani military officials are working hard to improve communications and collaboration between their organizations, especially with regard to operations along the 450-mile-long Afghanistan-Pakistan border, a senior U.S. officer posted in Afghanistan said today.
U.S.-Pakistani relations were roiled after Pakistan claimed that 11 of its troops were killed during a, June 10, U.S. air strike aimed at insurgents operating near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
A joint U.S., Afghan and Pakistani military investigation of the incident is ongoing, Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Schloesser, commander of Combined Joint Task Force 101 and 101st Airborne Division told Pentagon reporters during a satellite-carried news conference.
"When I met with my counterpart there in Pakistan, I expressed condolences to any loss of life, and we agree that we look forward to collaborating and communicating better," said Schloesser, who arrived in Afghanistan in April and also heads counterinsurgency operations for NATO's Regional Command East.
Schloesser has made three trips to Pakistan over the past three months, he said, to meet with senior Pakistani army leaders.
Insurgents travel back and forth along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, he said. Some insurgents, he said, also are known to maintain camps in the federally administered tribal area in Pakistan's remote northwestern region. [...]
By Gerry J. GilmoreIA, Rakkasans Conduct Patrols Near Fetoah
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - U.S., coalition and Afghan security forces are hunting down the Taliban and other insurgents operating in Afghanistan, while vital reconstruction and governance programs continue to spread across the country, a senior U.S. military officer said today.
Steady progress is being made in Afghanistan in the areas of security, development and governance, Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Schloesser, commander of Combined Joint Task Force 101 and 101st Airborne Division, told Pentagon reporters during a satellite-carried news conference.
"We're clearly not done, and I'm nowhere near yet able to say that we've reached irreversible momentum," said Schloesser, who arrived in Afghanistan in April and also heads counterinsurgency operations for NATO's Regional Command East. "But I do know that we're making good progress, and each and every day we're making a difference in the Afghan people's lives."
Noting a 40-percent increase in enemy attacks in his sector in the January-to-May timeframe compared to a year ago, Schloesser pointed out that attacks on U.S., coalition and Afghan security forces have gone up each year since 2002. The general also acknowledged that 40 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and civilians have been killed since his command took responsibility for the region in early April. [...]
By Staff Sgt. Amber EmeryCitizen Tip Leads Iraqi Army, Multi-National Division-Baghdad Forces to Seize Vehicle With 11 IRAMs, Detonate Munitions, Vehicle on Site in Hurriya
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Iraqi army soldiers conducted a cordon, search and patrol of the Fetoah area, June 18, to disrupt enemy operations and detain any insurgents in the area.
Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division were assisted by Rakkasan Soldiers from 3rd platoon, Company B, 1st Bn., 35th Armored Division (attached). The combined effort successfully gained intelligence about the area and demonstrated the capabilities of IA to the local populace.
“The people in the houses we visited today were very calm and collected and wanting to help the IA find what they were looking for,” said Cpl. Raymond W. Miller, 1st squad A, Co. B, 1-35 Armd. Div. team leader.
The IA actively participates in every phase of the planning process for these missions, said Sgt. Ryan Hamilton, 1st squad leader, Co. B, 1-35 Armd. Div.
“The number one thing (the IA) did today was they listened. They performed everything that we expected of them and really gave 110 percent,” said Hamilton, a native of Mocksville, N.C. “I think they are capable of doing these types of missions and completing these types of missions with flying colors.” [...] photos
By Multi-National Division - BaghdadHurriyah Residents Graduate From Business Training
IRAQ - 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs Office
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, acting on a tip, discovered a vehicle with 11 improvised rocket-assisted mortars rockets in the bed of the vehicle at approximately 4:40 p.m., June 24.
Iraqi and MND-B Explosive Ordinance Detachment personnel were notified of the munitions-laden vehicle; the forces arrived on to the scene and determined the best method to dispose of the ordinance was by controlled detonation.
The hazard reduction, which consisted of a series of three controlled detonations, began shortly after 11:30 p.m. The controlled detonations were conducted safely, with no injuries to local citizens or damage to private property.
“These rockets endanger people’s lives” said Col. William Hickman, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. “Extremists placed the lives of families and their homes in danger. Because of the tip provided by a concerned citizen, and the skill of the explosive ordinance disposal team, no one was injured.”
A concerned citizen called into the national tips hotline that led to the prevention of this potentially deadly attack, said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B and 4th Infantry Division.
“The ministry of interior sponsors the national tips hotline that lead Iraqi army and U.S. Soldiers to seizing this IRAM,” said Batschelet. “Coalition forces will continue to exploit intelligence provided by the concerned Iraqi citizens in cooperation with the MoI to further develop information that will lead us to those responsible for these heinous weapons.” [END]
By 2nd Brigade Combat Team 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs OfficeDay in the Life... Supply Sergeant Meets Needs of War Fighters
BAGHDAD – Fifty-five Hurriyah residents graduated from a five-day course at the Small Business Development Center in the Karadah District of Baghdad, June 17.
The five days of training focused on “How to Start or Improve a Business” and is geared toward helping local residents become constructive in their communities.
The Small Business Development Center, which opened in December 2006, began due to required financing, capacity building and training for a large proportion of the small businesses in Iraq. Since that time, more than 700 Baghdad residents have attended the course.
The graduation was a real watershed moment for a considerable number of the graduates. The training has helped to transform their thinking and improved their prospects for the future.
Qasima Habib, a mother of three, said she has a long history in the hair dressing business.
“I have been in the business of hair dressing now almost 25 years; my husband is retired, and we as a family are totally dependant on my business,” Habib said. "Since 2006, I saw a downturn in business activity and revenue decreased.
“This in large part was due to the escalating violence in Hurriyah and peoples’ reluctance to seek hair dressers. Since then, my business that was supporting me financially has become a burden because I have to bear the rent of the facility and the cost of keeping the place open and thought very much about selling the business and seeking employment else where.” [...]
By Sgt. James HunterCitizen Tip Leads Iraqi Army, Multi-National Division-Baghdad Forces to Seize Vehicle With 11 IRAMs, Detonate Munitions, Vehicle on Site in Hurriya
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
BAGHDAD – Without supplies, it would be virtually impossible for the Army to conduct its peace and war time missions.
Without supply sergeants, such as Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s Staff Sgt. Jeremy Reynolds, a native of Arlington, Texas, it would be extremely difficult for his company to accomplish its mission as well.
In few, yet simple words, Reynolds said “supporting the war fighter” is his mission.
“To me, my job is what makes or breaks how well our company (runs). Without the support from supply how well would we operate? Not very well in my eyes,” he said. “Supply is all about supporting the mission and the war fighter. I guess what I'm saying is supply is one of the most important jobs the Army has to offer.”
Reynolds, 28, said he always knew the Army was the place for him. While growing up and playing sports, especially enjoying rugby, he dreamed of the day he could don a military uniform. [...] photos
By Multi-National Division - BaghdadCitizen Tip Leads MND-B Forces to Seize Vehicle With 9 IRAMs
IRAQ - 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs Office
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, acting on a tip, discovered a vehicle with 11 improvised rocket-assisted mortars rockets in the bed of the vehicle at approximately 4:40 p.m., June 24.
Iraqi and MND-B Explosive Ordinance Detachment personnel were notified of the munitions-laden vehicle; the forces arrived on to the scene and determined the best method to dispose of the ordinance was by controlled detonation.
The hazard reduction, which consisted of a series of three controlled detonations, began shortly after 11:30 p.m. The controlled detonations were conducted safely, with no injuries to local citizens or damage to private property.
“These rockets endanger people’s lives” said Col. William Hickman, commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. “Extremists placed the lives of families and their homes in danger. Because of the tip provided by a concerned citizen, and the skill of the explosive ordinance disposal team, no one was injured.”
A concerned citizen called into the national tips hotline that led to the prevention of this potentially deadly attack, said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff, MND-B and 4th Infantry Division.
“The ministry of interior sponsors the national tips hotline that lead Iraqi army and U.S. Soldiers to seizing this IRAM,” said Batschelet. “Coalition forces will continue to exploit intelligence provided by the concerned Iraqi citizens in cooperation with the MoI to further develop information that will lead us to those responsible for these heinous weapons.” [END]
By Multi-National Division – BaghdadLargest Public Works Substation in Baghdad Opens
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a vehicle with 9 improvised rocket assisted mortars in the bed of a vehicle in the Kadamiyah District of Baghdad at approximately 4:40 p.m., June 24.
The Soldiers discovered the IRAMs based on a tip from a local Iraqi.
Iraqi and MND-B explosive ordnance disposal personnel were notified of the munitions-laden vehicle. They determined the best method to dispose of the ordnance was by controlled detonation.
A series of three controlled detonations rendered the rockets safe to approach. The controlled detonations were conducted safely, with no injuries to local Iraqis or damage to private property. Then, the IRAMs were removed from the site for disposal.
“These rockets endangered people’s lives,” said Col. William Hickman, the commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. “(Criminals) placed the lives of families and their homes in danger. Because of the tip provided by a concerned citizen and the skill of the explosive ordinance disposal team, no one was injured.”
The concerned citizen called into the National Tips Hotline.
This tip led to the prevention of a potentially deadly attack, said Col. Allen Batschelet, the chief of staff of MND-B and 4th Infantry Division.
“The Ministry of Interior sponsors the National Tips Hotline that lead Iraqi army and U.S. Soldiers to seizing these IRAMs,” said Batschelet. “Coalition forces will continue to exploit intelligence provided by the concerned Iraqi citizens in cooperation with the MoI to further develop information that will lead us to those responsible for these heinous weapons.” [END]
By Sgt Whitney HoustonMulti-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers Seize Cache in Ameriyah Following Tip
Multi-National Division - Baghdad
BAGHDAD - Iraqi security forces, civic leaders, local townsmen and coalition forces gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Ameriyah community in Mansour District of Baghdad, to acknowledge the opening of the biggest public works substation in Baghdad, June 25.
Public works substations provide essential services to local communities such as trash pick up, street cleaning and other services deemed necessary for proper community maintenance.
The opening of the Ameriyah substation marks an important milestone for residents of this area who have not had these services in more than two years.
“These basic services used to be centralized into only one station located in the Eastern Mansour district of Baghdad, creating a deficit in other parts of the city,” said Col. Louis Fazeka, of the Pennsylvania National Guard, assigned to the embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, the team that was overseeing the construction of the station. [...] photo
Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs OfficeSky Soldiers Win 101st Soldier and NCO of the Quarter Competition
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a cache in the Ameriyah neighborhood in west Baghdad during a patrol at approximately 12:30 p.m. June 26.
Acting on a tip from an Iraqi civilian, Soldiers from the 10th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, seized 122 mortar rounds, 17 rocket propelled grenades, eight rockets, three sniper rifles, a machinegun, three TNT sticks, five mortar tubes, 100 blasting caps, five tank rounds and miscellaneous detonation cord, fuses and homemade explosives.
“These items could have caused a lot of harm. Fortunately, no one was hurt.” said Maj. J. Frank Garcia,a spokesperson for MND-B. “We appreciate the assistance of concerned citizens. This tip assists our Soldiers in removing dangerous items from the streets and helps create a safer environment for the people of west Baghdad.” [END]
By Staff Sgt. Brandon Aird,Former Sailor Builds Future As Soldier
173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Two Sky Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team were announced the winners of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Soldier and Non-commissioned Officer of the Quarter competition conducted on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.
Sgt. Jeremy De Jesus, from Waterbury, Conn., and Spc. Amy Penn, from Cave City, Ark., both members of Charlie Company, 173rd Special Troops Battalion, swept the competition away, said Sgt. Maj. Lyle Womack, 173rd ABCT operations sergeants major.
Six Soldiers and five NCOs participated in the competition, according to De Jesus.
The eleven Soldiers were selected by their chain of command as being the best Soldiers to represent their unit in the competition.
“It was a little intimidating,” said Penn. “We were the only Soldiers not wearing a 101st patch.”
The Soldiers were tested on physical fitness, weapons, warrior tasks, written tests and appeared before a board of senior NCOs.
“We had to take apart an M-9 Pistol, M-4 Carbine and M-240B Machine Gun in two minutes,” said Penn. “Then we had to put them back together.”
Penn and De Jesus spent four months preparing for the competition. They studied alone, together and even came up with their own ways of retaining information. [...]
By Pvt. Christopher McKennaOverwhelming Sense of Patriotism Brings Soldier Into Army
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs Office
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — Thirteen years in the Navy taught Craig Bedard to fight fires. He transitioned to the Army to continue serving his country, and learn a new skill he hopes to practice after his time in the military comes to an end.
Staff Sergeant Bedard now works as the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) force protection non-commissioned officer-in-charge. Working with the Rakkasans, Bedard conducts assessments to make sure things are running smoothly with the systems at different bases. His work, though much different from his years as a fire fighter with the Navy, is very valuable to him.
“Dealing with surveillance systems is something I plan to continue doing outside of the military,” Bedard said. “I’m looking into becoming an aerostat technician at the U.S.-Mexico border as a FSR,” he said.
This is Bedard’s first deployment since transitioning to the Army two-and-a-half years ago. He made the transition through a program known as Blue-to-Green, which helped him continue his service uninterrupted. [...] photo
By Pvt. Christopher McKennaIA, MND-B Soldiers Seize Weapons, Munitions Throughout Baghdad
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs Office
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – “I was 16 years old when 9/11 happened, and being the hot-blooded person that I am, I joined the Army on my 17th birthday,” said Spc. Jontel Watson, a 3rd Platoon, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment combat medic. “I graduated (from high school) early and went to basic training in 2002.”
Watson, who was raised in a military family, planned to join the Army even before the events of 9/11.
“I was going to go to college and get a degree first,” he said. “After I finished college, I was planning to come in as an officer, until 9/11 happened. For me it was the final nail in the coffin toward joining, I was going to do it right away.”
Watson graduated from Basic Combat Training in Fort Benning, Ga., and received the Soldier of the Cycle award.
“I felt proud; I felt unstoppable,” he said. “I had just gone through what people told me would be the most difficult place for basic and I came out on top.” [...] photos
By the Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs Office.
BAGHDAD – Iraqi army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers working to secure Baghdad seized weapons and munitions throughout the area June 27.
Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Iraq Army Division, seized an AK-47, an MP-5, three AK-47 magazines, a set of night vision goggles, two grenades, a set of body armor and six CDs belonging to a criminal group in the Sadr City district of Baghdad at approximately 9:30 a.m. June 27.
An hour later, Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized nine 120 mm mortar rounds, seven 80 mm mortar rounds and three 60 mm mortar rounds west of Baghdad.
Later in the day, IA soldiers from the 24th Brigade, 6th IA Div., found three 60 mm mortars rounds in the West Rashid area of Baghdad at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Approximately 30 minutes later, Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, found three AK-47s, a bolt-action rifle and an aviation helicopter breach kit at approximately 3 p.m. in New Baghdad.
Later in the evening, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), found five pounds of homemade explosive material in the Mansour area of Baghdad at approximately 10:35 p.m.
At approximately 11:46 p.m., Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found two hand grenades, a smoke grenade, two rocket-propelled grenade boosters, an AK-47 assault rifle, three AK-47 magazines, and unknown amount of 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition.
“Iraqi army and MND-B Soldiers continue to scour Baghdad to rid the area of these dangerous weapons,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div. “Together, they are diligent in protecting the Iraqi people for a brighter tomorrow.” [END]
Photo Gallery:
Humanitarian Assistance Still a Top Priority for 2-320th FAR During Operation Balls DiMaggio
2-320th FAR Operation Aims to Deter IDF, Weapons Trafficking, and Caches in Vicinity of Joint Base Balad Anaconda
Soldiers Fly Off After Cache Search
Security for Soldiers
Taking Guard in Mahmudiyah (my son is in one of these!)
On the Hunt for Uniforms
Iraqi Children Receive School Supplies From Iraqi Police
USMC and USArmy Together
Videos:
Rakkasans Enjoy Country Music NightSgt. George Feature
Iraqi Forces Join Rakkasans for Air Assault Operation
Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces Detain Suspects
.
|