[Gucho]

Surge in IED Attacks Coincides With Iraqi Political Progress

By Donna Miles - American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2005 – It's little surprise that October turned out to be one of the most violent months in Iraq, as insurgents stepped up their attacks in an unsuccessful attempt to disrupt the Oct. 15 referendum, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Pentagon reporters today.

"It's understandable that the two months that have had the highest casualties were last January and this October," Marine Gen. Peter Pace said. Both were election months during which more U.S. and coalition forces were on the ground in Iraq to help maintain security, he pointed out.

"And as we projected would happen, the insurgents were trying to divert the Iraqi people, prevent them from participating in the political process," he said.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld cited a pattern of increasing troop strength during election times, when terrorists are most likely to try to disrupt that process. However, he said, no decisions have yet been made about troop strengths during Iraq's upcoming Dec. 15 national elections.

"But it would not be a surprise to me that the commanders would want to have some sort of an overlap there," the secretary said.

Improvised explosive devices remain a big concern, Pace said. He noted that while attacks are on the increase, their actual effectiveness has dropped.

"Between the increase in armor and the changes in tactics, techniques and procedures that we've employed, the numbers of ... IED attacks that have been effective has gone down, and the numbers of casualties per effective attack has gone down," he said.

Meanwhile, the military is doing everything in its power to help protect troops against these attacks, Pace said.

"We are continuing to work through all of our technologies, tactics, techniques and procedures to provide to our soldiers and Marines on the ground the best possible personal protection - not only in the form of armor, but also in how we operate on the battlefield," he said.

Pace declined to provide specifics about how insurgents are deploying roadside bombs or how coalition forces are protecting themselves against them, "because that really would put our troops at risk," he said.

[Gucho]

Guam Guard 'Water Dawgs' Head to Iraq

The Guam National Guard detachment, which operates Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units, will be tasked to water support duties while deployed.


Friends and family members say "goodbye for now" to soldiers of the 909th Quartermaster Detachment at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 25, 2005. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cheryl Ransford)

By U.S. Army Spc. Cheryl Ransford - 17th Public Affairs Detachment

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii, Nov. 1, 2005 — Since 1982, the 909th Quartermaster Detachment has participated extensively in humanitarian support missions to provide water to people affected by typhoons, floods, earthquakes and other disasters.

Another chapter in the history of the unit was written Oct. 25 when 21 soldiers prepared to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The detachment is located at Fort Juan Muna in Dededo, Guam, home to four Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units. Each unit is capable of producing 3,000 gallons of either potable or non-potable water every hour.

"Today marks the end of 90 days of hard training and preparation," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Donald J. Goldhorn, adjutant general, Guam National Guard. "Your mission is clear... you will provide water support to an ongoing mission. Carry with you not only the distinction of your unit but also the distinction of the many other units from Guam who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Currently, 21 Guam National Guard soldiers in the detachment operate the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit and are proudly called the "water dawgs."

In a speech read by Goldhorn, Gov. Felix P. Camacho, the governor of Guam, said "Words cannot explain my gratitude for your service. You are soldiers of freedom and ambassadors of peace."

Some of the unit's most notable humanitarian support missions include Palau in 1996, where it produced 12,000 gallons of water for the residents of the main island, Koror; and September 1997, July 2002 and December 2002, when the unit was called upon to provide water support to the thousands of residents of Guam and the surrounding islands when typhoons Paka, Chatta'n and Pongsona struck the territory and the Federated States of Micronesia.

The detachment's water capabilities have been instrumental in providing essential aid to communities in moments of crisis.

While this is the unit's first deployment to a combat zone, the soldiers have maintained their morale and are ready for what lies ahead of them.

"I'm nervous but very confident in the skills of the team," said U.S. Army Spc. Jason Marquez, water purification specialist. "Also, I am looking forward to the different things that we'll have the opportunity to experience while we are over there."

With motivation high, within a tight-knit group of soldiers, the governor had one last comment to make in his speech.

"Go with courage and strength," he said. "Do what needs to be done, knowing that every day we are thinking of you and praying for you."

When the ceremony ended, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Walter P. DeJesus, 105th Troop Command, Guam National Guard, gave his final parting comment.

"The time will come when you will return and share your experiences with us," said DeJesus. "Until then, Godspeed."

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