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How many Saddam look-a-likes did he create? Where's Baghdad Bob? We'll get to the bottom of it all eventually. Grrrr to those who continue to terrorize the Iraqi people.

2-44 ADA Trains Joint Iraqi Security Company
ADA Magazine Online - Fort Bliss ^ | June 6, 2003 | Pfc. James Matise - 101st Airborne Division writer

MOSUL, Iraq -- A soldier with 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery, 101st Airborne Division, assembles an AK-47 rifle with a soldier from the Joint Iraqi Security Company, left, and a translator, center, June 5. The 2-44 ADA is training Kurdish and Iraqi forces to become the first self-sufficient Iraqi military force. Photo by Pfc. James Matise/U.S. Army.

2-44 ADA Trains Joint Iraqi Security Company
Iraq's First Military Security Force is Made Up
of Iraqis From Across the Country
by Pfc. James Matise
101st Airborne Division writer

MOSUL, Iraq (June 6, 2003) – The soldiers gathered inside the dilapidated building were certainly a diverse lot: some were so young they still did not need to shave, while others bore thick mustaches flecked with gray. All of their eyes were on the instructor in the center of the room, his head wrapped in a bandage by a soldier in bright green combat fatigues.

“Very good,” the instructor said when the soldier motioned he was finished, stood up with his gift-wrapped head and gestured for the other soldiers to give a round of applause. “Now who’s next?”

The Joint Iraqi Security Company, the first military security force in Iraq made up of Iraqis from across the country and hopefully soon to be the first self-sufficient Iraqi military force, is being trained for service by 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, a unit assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

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www.centcom.mil

June 9, 2003
Release Number: 03-06-35

EXPLOSION AT IRAQI AMMUNITION SUPPLY POINT KILLS 3, INJURES 2 (No Coalition casualties)

AD DIWANIYAH, Iraq -- An explosion at an Iraqi ammunition supply facility here killed three Iraqis and injured two others here Monday morning.

Coalition forces sustained no casualties and evacuated the injured Iraqis to medical facilities for treatment of their injuries.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was directed to the scene to perform an assessment, and establish a protective buffer zone in the event of follow-on explosions.

EOD personnel will assist in clearing the site Tuesday when it is declared safe.

An investigation of the explosion is underway.