Posted on 05/23/2005 8:01:15 PM PDT by TexKat
Soldiers from the 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment conduct a search for insurgents around the western side of the Diyala River in Baquba, Iraq, on April 20, 2005. DoD photo by Spc. Gul A. Alisan, U.S. Army. (Released)
Army Spc. Michael Mize hands out food and candy to an Iraqi boy during a joint patrol and humanitarian aid mission in Al Hillah, Iraq, on May 14, 2005. Mize is attached to the 940th Military Police Company, which is deployed to Iraq from Walton, Ky. DoD photo by Sgt. Arthur Hamilton, U.S. Army. (Released)
Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Derrick Witherspoon 7th Army Reserve Command Public Affairs Office
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina – As a platoon of Soldiers from the Bosnian Armed Forces prepared for their first major mission outside of Bosnia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers supported them with some medical training that could eventually save their lives.
Soldiers from the 7th Army Reserve Command’s Medical Support Unit-Europe, headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, traveled to Sarajevo in May to provide Soldiers from the Bosnian Armed Forces with Combat Lifesaver Familiarization. The BAF Soldiers, who are part of the Federation Army and the Republic of Serbska Army, are preparing for their first joint military operation outside of Bosnia.
Capt. Robert Beljan, operations officer for the Bosnian Armed Forces Center of Professional Development, said the Soldiers will be attached to a U.S. Marine explosive ordinance disposal unit. Their mission, as part of the Coalition Forces in Iraq, will be to dispose of large amounts of captured ammunitions. Beljan said the lifesaving training the Soldiers received from the combat medics will help them aid one another incase of a medical emergency.
“I can say as an operation officer, who followed the entire medical familiarization provided by the U.S. Soldiers, that this was some of the best training that our Soldiers have had, especially when it comes to hands-on training,” said Beljan.
The four Soldiers from the MSU-E who provided the combat lifesaver familiarization – Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Taylor, Staff Sgt. Bruce Toland, Sgt. David Deans, and Spc. Daniel Perry – are part of an Army Reserve medical team that travels throughout Europe providing Soldiers Combat Lifesaver Training.
Maj. Thomas Johnson, operations officer for the MSU-E, said the unit’s mission is to augment and support U.S. Army Europe and maintain a combat ready, forward stationed Army Reserve medical unit fully capable of supporting the 7th ARCOM and European Regional Medical Command (ERMC) intra-theater medical mission. Johnson added that one of their major missions is to provide combat lifesaver training to Soldiers being deployed to a combat zone, such as Iraq.
Staff Sgt. Bruce Toland, an Army Reserve Soldier with the MSU-E, said the combat lifesaver familiarization they provided the BAF Soldiers was geared to help them deal with any medical emergency that might arise due to their handling of munitions as part of their mission in Iraq.
“We basically taught them all the necessary skills of a combat lifesaver so they may be able to save a life,” said Toland, “i.e. how to control bleeding, treat shock, splint a fracture, attend to a sucking chest wound or an abdominal wound, and how to initiate an I.V. Basically all the important techniques needed for assistance to a casualty.”
Although their names can not be released for security reasons, all of the BAF Soldiers who were spoken to echoed the same sentiments: this was not only some of the best and most useful preparation for their deployment to Iraq, but it was also a great team and moral builder.
During the combat lifesaver familiarization, Soldiers from Bosnia-Herzegovina’s two armies - the Federation and Republic of Serbska Armies - placed years of differences aside and worked together so they may be there for each other if one of them gets injured in Iraq. As the Soldiers went through the training, there were many times when trust played a major factor, especially when they had to administer an I.V. to each other, but trust won out every time.
“These are all professional Soldiers and so far in these 15 weeks of training that we've had, they have done an excellent job training together,” said Beljan. “I think both components did a great job during the combat lifesaver familiarization and that they acted as one unit and I know they will act as one unit in Iraq too.”
“These Soldiers have been involved in conflicts in the past, so they bring a wealth of knowledge to the table with them,” said Toland. “The class that we taught had four BAF Soldiers who were medics and they were instrumental in assisting us during the combat lifesaver familiarization, and I know they’re going to be major assets to their comrades while their in Iraq.”
Beljan said he is thankful for the training the MSU-E Soldiers provided and looks forward to the Soldiers coming back again to train more of the BAF Soldiers on combat lifesaving.
“This mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom is a great way for us to give back to our allies who helped us during our time of need,” said Beljan. “We look forward to being a part of other international missions that may arise in the future, and the combat lifesaver familiarization we received will play a big part in our success if any of our Soldiers get injured.”
The MSU-E Soldiers may have provided the BAF Soldiers with the familiarization they needed to save each other’s lives if the need arises, but in the process, they all so helped prepared these two armies to be an “Army of One” as they travel to support the Global War on Terrorism.
Soldiers from B Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and Iraqi Army troops gear up for a joint patrol at Camp Hope, Iraq. Spc. Ben Brody
Iraqi Army ready to take reins in Sadr City
By Spc. Ben Brody
CAMP HOPE, Iraq (Army News Service May 23, 2005) – History is being made at Camp Hope — currently home of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division — as 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division prepares to take charge of half of Sadr City in June.
Only a creaky iron gate separates the two units’ bases and 3-15 takes every opportunity to mentor the growing Iraqi unit and conduct joint operations.
“These troops will be taking over half of our sector, a large area in Sadr City,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Allen, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion mortarman. “We’re helping to fine tune their skills at this point – all of them are experienced patrolling the sector.”
Allen, of Bryan, Texas, and other leaders from HHC’s mortar platoon, conduct daily classes at the Iraqi Army Battalion compound focusing on essential Soldier skills, such as map reading and battle drills.
“The Iraqi Army Battalion guys are like sponges when we teach our classes,” Allen said. “We’ve been working closely with them for a month and a half, and in that time, they’ve improved really quickly.”
Sadr City, the northeast section of Baghdad, is the most densely populated area in Iraq, with about two million residents in an area about 10 square miles.
The sector, formerly called Saddam City, has erupted in violence several times since the liberation of Iraq in March 2003, making it critical that the IAB is up to the task, Allen said.
Inside the tactical operations center, Pfc. Travis Carney, a mortarman, acts as a battle captain, tracking every Iraqi patrol in Sadr City and keeping tabs on major incidents.
Carney and other junior Soldiers from the mortar platoon work in shifts to cover the area 24 hours a day.
“I’m here to help the IAB operate the TOC the right way, and to give them someone they can ask questions of anytime,” Carney said. “There’s a lot of violence in the city, at least two explosions or ambushes every day, but I haven’t lost a single IAB Soldier since I started. It takes hard work and patience, but they’ve come a long way.”
Tuesday 24 May 2005
AMMAN: A daughter of Iraq's ex-dictator Saddam Hussein was "outraged" by the published pictures of her jailed father dressed only in underwear, an aide said yesterday.
"She was shocked and outraged because of the pictures," which appeared in a British newspaper, the aide of Raghad Hussein said.
"She described the pictures as inhumane, and wondered why her father is not being treated as a human being and the father of three daughters," the source said.
The Sun newspaper - Britain's best-selling daily - published on Friday a front-page cover of a bare-chested Saddam standing in his underwear with the headline "Tyrant's in his pants," using the British term for underwear briefs. A further photograph of the 68-year-old former Iraqi president washing his clothes by hand in a bucket along with shots of other detainees was printed on Saturday. Billed as a world exclusive, the Sun said it got the pictures from American military sources.
Lawyers representing Saddam said they planned to sue the Sun after it published the first set of photos of the deposed Iraqi dictator, Al-Jazeera television reported.
Raghad lives in Jordan with her sister Rana and their kids since they were granted asylum in July 2003. Their youngest sister Hala and mother Sajedah live in Qatar.
Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division probe for mines during a training class at Forward Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. Photo by Sgt. Michael Carden.
I'm shocked! (not)
May 23, 2005
The Army reaffirms its heartfelt sorrow to the Tillman family and all families who have lost loved ones during this war. The Army is dedicated to keeping families informed before Soldiers deploy, when they deploy, while they are deployed and when they return, but most especially when there is a death or serious injury. In every case, the Army acts with compassion and a heartfelt commitment when informing grieving families. This often is an extraordinarily painful and sensitive duty that must be performed and the Army takes it seriously.
In the case of the death of Cpl. Patrick Tillman, the Army made mistakes in reporting the circumstances of his death to the family. For these, we apologize. We cannot undo those early mistakes.
In the 393 days since his death, the Army actively and directly informed the Tillman family – keeping them apprised of the results of three separate investigations into the matter and dedicating a personal team of more than 10 Soldiers and Army civilian employees to communicate personally with them. The members of this team range from two non-commissioned officers who notified the family, a major who continues to assist the family, a casualty affairs staff, a medical examiner, a brigadier-general commander, and a three-star general from the Army Headquarters – all of whom personally expressed our sympathies while ensuring the family was as well informed as they could be through numerous phone calls and in-person meetings with family members to answer questions with candor and completeness. This continues today.
041212-N-6932B-015 Persian Gulf (Dec. 12, 2004) - Hundreds of oil tankers each year receive their payload from Iraq’s Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT). Mobile Security Force Detachment 22 (MSD 22) is currently defending Iraq’s oil terminals as part of a joint effort between U.S. and coalition forces to provide security against terrorist attacks to Iraq’s oil platforms in the North Persian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Richard J. Brunson (RELEASED)
Maritime Security Detachment 22 Departs Iraqi Oil Terminals
Story Number: NNS050523-07 Release Date: 5/23/2005 2:56:00 PM
From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Maritime Security Detachment (MSD) 25 officially replaced Maritime Security Detachment 22 as the security force aboard Iraq’s Al Basrah (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminals (KAAOT) May 23.
U.S. forces have augmented Iraqi security forces aboard the terminals since April of 2004, when insurgents attempted an attack with explosive-laden dhows. MSD 22 replaced MSD 21 Dec. 1.
ABOT and KAAOT are Iraq’s only operational offshore terminals and are used to fill tankers from all over the world.
“The two oil terminals provide 90 percent of Iraq’s GDP,” said Royal Australian Navy Commodore Steve Gilmore, commander of the multinational Task Force 58, which provides security for the oil platforms and conducts maritime security operations in the region under Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. “It is vital that these terminals be protected to ensure the rebuilding of Iraq is successful.”
In recognition of their unwavering dedication and professionalism amid adverse conditions and the vital role the unit played within Task Force 58, Gimore awarded MSD 22 with the first Commander, Task Force 58 Commendation.
Gilmore took command of Task Force 58 April 17, marking the first time since World War II an Australian coalition commander has led a combined task group in real-world operations.
“The MSDs play an extremely important role in the mission to protect the terminals,” said Gilmore. “The MSD units provide point defense as part of a comprehensive multilayered strategy to ensure the continuing operation of the terminals.”
MSD Sailors actually live aboard the terminals, maintaining watch stations and a quick reaction force 24 hours a day. Both oil terminals are under Iraqi civilian control, and are operated and staffed by Iraq’s Southern Oil Company.
“Our basic mission is to enable tankers to come and go, to allow Iraq to generate the revenue they need to stabilize their country,” said Lt. Cmdr. Pat Fulgham, officer-in-charge of MSD 22.
But MSD 22 has done even more than that. During the Jan. 30 election, MSD 22 Sailors helped ensure every worker aboard the terminals safely boarded a tug and traveled ashore to cast their ballots.
Coalition and MultiNational Division Southeast Forces in Iraq, have a variety of assets at their disposal to detect, disrupt and destroy terrorist attempts to harm the infrastructure of Iraq. The multinational force helps set the conditions for the security and stability in Iraq to help provide the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.
“Never will I forget the help of coalition forces,” said Head of the Iraqi navy, Commodore Muhammad Jawad. “They have changed all my people’s lives, my country’s life; they brought a future to my country. I would like to thank them very, very much.”
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
Pallet pursuit nets plentiful return BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- Airman Carlos Reyes secures nets for pallets after they were recovered by Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. The Airmen collected and returned 2,417 pallets and 4,489 net sets in three months. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Mark D. Gibson)
Pallet pursuit nets plentiful return
by Capt. Mark D. Gibson 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
5/23/2005 - BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- It is “mission accomplished” for the Airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s pallet and net team. They have returned more than $3.7 million in pallets, nets and other airlift assets to the transportation system in three months.
While these assets are supposed to be returned to the airlift system within three days, many units thought it was OK to leave their cargo sitting on pallets during their entire deployment -- four months to a year.
“Once we explained to units how easy it would be to get their pallets back when it was time to redeploy, they had no problem returning them to the system right away,” said Capt. Jason Kalin, the squadron’s operations officer who was designated to head up pallet and net recovery for all of Afghanistan.
The Airmen on pallet pursuit tracked down pallets lying around the base, often to the puzzlement of those they belonged to.
“Most people were surprised we were retrieving them,” said Tech. Sgt. Milton Spivey, an air transportation craftsman with the squadron. “But they need to be put back into the system and reutilized, otherwise, you have to buy more.”
It was not only the cost, but the critical inventory shortage of pallets and nets -- as little as one week’s supply at some key aerial ports -- that prompted Air Mobility Command officials to issue a call for better pallet accountability.
Over time, the team’s efforts shifted more from pursuing to educating organizations on the process of returning the airlift assets. The squadron’s Airmen told units that contract transportation services were available to return pallets to the Army’s cargo yard, and that it only took a phone call to have them picked up.
“Things got easier when the word started getting out to people,” said Senior Airman Tyler Parenteau, an air transportation journeyman. “Instead of us hunting for pallets, people started looking for us.”
“It’s much better now that they’re coming in on their own,” Captain Kalin said. “The process is in place for the next rotation to simply take over and manage.”
A side benefit was improving the base’s appearance by removing unsightly piles of nets and pallets stuck in the mud or propped up against buildings.
“We’ve pulled pallets from the tops of bunkers, inside Conexes, and even the occasional ‘pallet porch,’” Captain Kalin said. “Basically the only empty pallets still lying around Bagram doing nothing are in minefields, so we won’t be getting to those anytime soon.”
In three months, 2,417 pallets and 4,489 net sets were collected and returned, representing more than $3.7 million in savings.
Tuesday May 24, 2005 4:16 AM
By JENNIFER LOVEN - Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai left the White House on Monday with no promise of more control over thousands of American troops in his country and with strains in his relationship with the United States on full display.
Despite a chummy side-by-side news conference with President Bush that was designed to showcase U.S. support for Afghanistan's first democratically elected leader, Karzai also got no promise of the quick repatriation of Afghan prisoners now in U.S. custody at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and elsewhere.
Both issues have caused Karzai headaches at home, where anti-American sentiment recently exploded over a news report, since retracted, that U.S. interrogators flushed a Quran down a toilet. Sixteen Afghans died in anti-American demonstrations this month.
``Of course our troops will respond to U.S. commanders,'' Bush said, even while praising the progress of Afghan forces and taking pains to say that the U.S. military consults with Karzai's government.
There are about 20,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, costing about $1 billion a month. There are also about 8,200 troops from NATO countries in Kabul and elsewhere.
Three years after the fall of the rigid Islamic rule of the Taliban, Afghanistan is a grateful U.S. ally but one obviously eager to assert greater independence. Juggling heavy troop commitments in Iraq as well as Afghanistan, the Bush administration would gladly hand the Afghans more authority if the country's military and economy could manage independently.
That time is years away, as Bush's pledge of continuing support and a joint statement laying out U.S. help for Afghan security, anti-terror and economic programs attest.
``Our mission in Afghanistan and Iraq is the same,'' Bush said at Monday's press conference in the White House East Room. ``I mean, we want these new democracies to be able to defend themselves. And so we will continue to work with the Afghans to train them and to cooperate and consult with the government.''
Karzai smiled and nodded as Bush spoke. He invited Bush to visit Afghanistan, as Vice President Dick Cheney and first lady Laura Bush have done.
``Afghanistan will continue to need a lot of support,'' Karzai said.
The joint statement issued Monday seals the two nations' long-term partnership, enabling ``Afghanistan to stand on its own feet eventually and be a good, active member of the region, contributing to peace and stability,'' Karzai said.
The statement also guarantees U.S. forces the continued use of Bagram Air Base, where reports of U.S. abuse of Afghan prisoners have infuriated both Karzai and his political opponents at home.
Karzai toned down recent criticism of the United States for ceding too little authority over U.S. troops in Afghanistan. He did not repeat a tart assessment of U.S. largesse he made Sunday, when he accused the United States of turning a cold shoulder to suffering in his country before the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
``Regrettably the world, the United States and other countries ... did not see it compatible with their national interests to address the plight of the Afghan people then,'' Karzai told Boston University graduates Sunday.
Afghanistan was occupied by the former Soviet Union and the Taliban before the U.S. invaded in late 2001 to rout suspected terrorism collaborators.
Bush, meanwhile, did not sugarcoat the U.S. position that Karzai's government must do more, and fast, to squelch Afghanistan's burgeoning opium poppy industry. Bush brought up the drug issue himself, without waiting for a reporter to ask him about it.
``There's too much poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. And I made it very clear to the president that ... we have got to work together to eradicate (the) poppy crop,'' Bush said.
Karzai has been cooperative, and a United Nations report showing a dip in poppy production is a good sign, Bush said.
``Exactly,'' Karzai chimed in, nodding.
Afghanistan is the world's main source of opium, the raw material for heroin. Drug production has soared since the fall of the Taliban government, leading to warnings the former al-Qaida haven is fast turning into a ``narco-state.''
A diplomatic cable sent May 13 from the U.S. Embassy in Kabul addressed to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said a U.S.-sponsored crackdown on the narcotics industry had not been very effective partly because Karzai ``has been unwilling to assert strong leadership,'' according to a New York Times report Sunday.
Karzai defended his government's efforts and said with foreign assistance his country could be free of poppy crops in five to six years.
While Karzai was in Washington, Afghan anti-drug forces arrested suspected drug traffickers and seized more than 10,000 pounds of opium, in an apparent show of resolve. Officials said Monday that up to 15 suspects were arrested, including a former intelligence chief.
by Keith Pannell 27th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
5/23/2005 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFPN) -- Attention to detail and great military-civilian cooperation helped local and state officials nab six illegal aliens here May 16.
Air traffic controllers received an emergency call from a civilian pilot who said he was in danger of running out of fuel. The military controllers offered the pilot a choice of landing here or at Clovis Municipal Airport, and the pilot chose to land here.
“A civilian aircraft landing unannounced at a military installation is always cause for concern,” said Special Agent Robert LoMurro, of the Office of Special Investigation here. “Everyone reacted exactly as they should.”
The plane landed safely, and security forces Airmen responded. After making sure the aircraft was secured and the passengers were all alright, security forces Airmen escorted them to the law enforcement center.
There were two adult males, two adult females and two 12 year-old twin sisters, Agent LoMurro said.
The flight plan showed the flight originated in Fullerton, Calif., and was to end in Atlanta.
Once at the law enforcement center, officials learned that only the pilot spoke some broken English. The other five people were questioned through the pilot. While that was happening, other investigators searched the aircraft several times and found nothing out of the ordinary.
However, that was not the case back at the law enforcement center. Security forces investigators said the stories they were getting did not match and called OSI. One of the first things the OSI agents noticed was the Brazilian passports the group had did not look “exactly right.”
“The passports looked sketchy, so we called both (Immigration Customs Enforcement) and the Border Patrol to come check these folks out,” Agent LoMurro said.
Through continuous questioning and the examination of the documents, the Border Patrol concluded everyone on the plane was an illegal alien.
The Border Patrol then took them into custody and brought them to the Border Patrol Detention Facility in Carlsbad, N.M., where the investigation continued.
Agent LoMurro said the pilot could face charges from the Federal Aviation Administration, if he is not deported.
“This was a textbook example of the great cooperation between Cannon personnel and outside agencies,” he said. “From the controllers offering help, to the security forces securing the aircraft and the Border Patrol and INS agents, everything was flawless.”
Audit Criticizes Iraq's Handling of Oil Sales After Transfer of Power Last Summer.
By NICK WADHAMS - Associated Press Writer
UNITED NATIONS May 23, 2005 — The board monitoring Iraq's oil revenue said Monday that Iraqi leaders mishandled about $100 million in oil money meant for development in the six months after they took power from the U.S. government.
The International Advisory and Monitoring Board said a new audit also found the now-defunct U.S. Coalition Provisional Authority used questionable accounting practices with money from the Development Fund for Iraq. It also singled out the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for refusing to provide files for contracts that were funded with Iraqi oil revenue.
The audit, conducted by accounting firm KPMG, covered the period from the June 28, 2004, transfer of sovereignty to the new interim government until Dec. 31.
While the audit makes no accusations of fraud or wrongdoing, it notes that Iraqi ministries and U.S. agencies awarded numerous noncompetitive contracts with development money. At one point, U.S. agencies bought armored vehicles with $988,000 that was supposed to be used for Iraq's development. In one case a $6.1 million contract "was advertised on a subscription only Web site and therefore not publicly tendered," the report found. "Only two bids were received for the contract."
Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Barry Venable said he hadn't seen the latest report and couldn't comment on its specifics. But he said the CPA did well in difficult circumstances in Iraq, "implementing hundreds of projects to improve the quality of life for the Iraqi people."
The audit said that during that time, Iraqis violated a U.N. Security Council resolution that was passed to make sure oil profits went to help the country recover from war. For example, the government bartered petroleum products for electricity and other oil products from Syria in transactions worth $461 million. It later deposited $97.7 million from oil sales into its own bank accounts, a direct violation.
Iraqi banks also used the fund as an intermediary to conduct wire transfers for customers, something that could have resulted in "criminals, or associates of criminals, being able to conceal the source of funds transferred and their identity."
The audit was the third to be released since the board was set up by the U.N. Security Council in 2003 to ensure the transparent operation of the fund, which receives Iraq's oil revenue and frozen assets from Saddam Hussein's ousted regime.
The fund was controlled by the United States and Britain, Iraq's occupying powers, until the June 28, 2004 transfer of sovereignty to the new interim government, when it was handed over to Iraq's new leaders.
The audit was a counterpoint to the numerous reports and investigations that have focused on U.N. and Security Council oversight of the 1996-2003 oil-for-food program.
Those reports have claimed that Saddam Hussein bilked oil-for-food of billions of dollars over the course of the program, and have led to intense criticism of the United Nations and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in particular.
U.S. officials had acknowledged in the past that sometimes contracts in Iraq were awarded without competition given the urgency of the situation.
The audit cited numerous instances where the Iraqi government and U.S. agencies kept poor or incomplete records of contracts awarded with Iraqi development money.
Iraqi ministries still maintain most of their financial records in paper notebooks, the report said. They have only "limited outdated financial software and computer equipment," though that could change by the end of the year, it said.
Copyright 2005 The Associated Press
Haditha Dam, Al Anbar, Iraq -- Scout Sniper and a team leader for Team America, 3/25 Weapons Co., 26-year-old Sgt. Nathaniel S. Rock, a Toronto, Ohio native keeps his keen eyes for suspicious activity as he provides security during a recent mission. Photo by: Cpl. Ken Melton
Team America hits streets in Iraq
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division Story Identification #: 200552333422 Story by Cpl. Ken Melton
AL ANBAR, Iraq (May 23, 2005) -- Marines with 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment have a large area of operations and sometimes they need to form new platoons to maintain military presence over the areas.
The result is a platoon called “Team America”, which has Staff NCOs and officers in squad leader positions.
The unit consists of approximately 40 Marines from a variety of combat military occupational specialties to include snipers, anti-armor men, mortar men, machinegunners and infantrymen from different sections of Weapons Company.
Haditha Dam, Al Anbar, Iraq -- Communications Chief Sgt. Jason D. Hornyak, 28 of Ashtabula, Ohio, and others members of Team America, 3/25 Weapons Co., set up perimeter security during a recent mission. Photo by: Cpl. Ken Melton
“Some of the Marines have been in the service as long as I have,” said Maj. Lawrence J. Catalano, Weapons Company commander and Buffalo, N.Y. native. “This gives us years of experience, that’s what makes this team different from other infantry units.”
The team operates on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis conducting counter-indirect fire, information operation, and civil-military operations.
“This is a direct action team with a high operational tempo,” said the 38-year-old Catalano, who is an 8th grade history teacher at Orchard Park Middle School when not serving on active duty. “We were able to put together an entire platoon and complete our first mission within 24 hours.”
Haditha Dam, Al Anbar, Iraq -- Painesville, Ohio native Pfc. Martial E. Rodriguez, a 19-year-old mortaman with Team America, 3/25 Weapons Co. blends in with the enviroment as he provides security for other Marines during a recent mission. Photo by: Cpl. Ken Melton
The team’s first mission was in support of a civil-military operation in South Dam village. The team provided security for a civil affairs officer who visited the local clinic and neighboring school.
“These guys had all their points covered with the greatest precision,” said Catalano. “They secured the area within minutes. The operation went off without a hitch and I’m proud of these guys.”
Team America’s first mission’s success is a sign of things to come within the unit.
“This is the first time we ever tried this and after today’s successful mission we can see that we will apply this planning to other platoons like this if we needed to,” said the 1985 Clarence High School Graduate.
“This team really represents America’s patriotic spirit,” said Catalano, who holds a bachelor’s degree in American History from Canisius Community College and a master’s degree in history and education from Buffalo State University. “This country was suffering before we got here and we are trying to fix that.”
May 23, 2005
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Syria has severed military and intelligence cooperation with the United States, its ambassador to Washington told The New York Times in an interview published on its Web site on Monday.
The ambassador, Imad Moustapha, told the newspaper in an interview given last Friday at the Syrian Embassy in Washington, that his country had, in the last 10 days, "severed all links" with the U.S. military and Central Intelligence Agency because of what he called unjust American allegations.
Moustapha said he believed the Bush administration had decided "to escalate the situation with Syria" despite steps the Syrians have taken against insurgents in Iraq, and despite the recent withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon, in response to international demands.
"We thought, why should we continue to cooperate?" he said.
The comments were in response to Bush administration complaints that Syria was not doing enough to halt the flow of men and money to the insurgency in Iraq.
Moustapha said his government had done all it could to respond to American complaints, including taking steps to build barriers and add to border patrols.
Relations between Syria and the United States have been strained for months, and some Bush administration officials said Syria's level of cooperation had been dwindling even before the latest move to halt cooperation.
Bush administration officials said Syria's stance has prompted intense debate at high levels in the administration about new steps that might be taken against the Syrian government, The Times reported.
The officials said options included possible military, diplomatic or economic action. But senior Pentagon and military officials cautioned Monday that if any military action was ordered, it was likely to be limited, the report said.
"There's a lot of discussion about what to do about Syria and what a problem it is," the administration official, who works for an agency involved in the debate, told The Times.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
US-led forces kill 2 suspected Taliban in new Afghan operations
By Azizullah Khan
QUETTA: At least five Afghan soldiers were killed when their vehicle went over a landmine in the Spin Boldak area of southern Afghanistan on Monday evening.
Afghan soldiers started firing in the air after the incident. Reports from Chaman city said Afghan forces were on routine patrol in the village of Sultan Zai, about 4 kilometres from the Pakistani border, when their vehicle went over a mine, which exploded and killed five soldiers. Afghan officials were not available for comment.
Separately, US-led troops killed two suspected insurgents in clashes on Monday in southern Afghanistan, as foreign and Afghan forces conducted three new operations to hunt for remnants of the ousted regime, AFP reported.
US Lt Col Jerry O’Hara said the two were killed in Deh Chopan, a troubled district in southern Zabul province after attacking US troops. “Two insurgents were killed and the others fled the area,” he added.
The operation, dubbed Nam Dong II, was launched last week focusing on south-central Afghanistan, considered a Taliban stronghold, he said. Coalition forces and Afghan troops launched two separate operations aimed at eliminating militants, the military said in a statement.
“Operations Celtic and Markham are also intended to root insurgents out of known safe-havens,” the statement said, referring to the country’s south and southeastern regions, where the militants are most active.
O’Hara said that the operations were led by Afghan forces and that the US-led coalition forces were providing assistance. He did not say how many soldiers were involved in the operation, citing security reasons.
The US military has been criticised for what many Afghans see as heavy-handed tactics, particularly in searches for militants and President Hamid Karzai, now on a visit to the US, said at the weekend he wanted more control of US operations.
Local authorities such as village councils, or shuras, were being kept abreast about the operations, the US military said. Troops on one of the operations discovered an arms cache containing hundreds of thousands of rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition, it said.
Political Inclusion the Key to Stability in Iraq
AUDIO -> http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4663315&sourceCode=RSS
All Things Considered, May 23, 2005 · Robert Siegel discusses the security situation and political landscape in Iraq with Barham Salih, minister of planning in the transitional government and one of the country's leading Kurdish politicians. Salih says that an inclusive political process will help create a more stable Iraq.
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