NP, CF Leaders Meet To Welcome New Brigade Commander

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY, Iraq – “My brigade must fight the enemy, communicate with the people of Salman Pak, and bring back public service all at once,” Col. A’amer Khamees Hameed, commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st National Police Division, said at a meeting with leaders from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Nov. 13.

“This meeting is the first step in all three directions,” Hameed said through a translator.

The leaders met at the 1st NP brigade headquarters in Salman Pak, to welcome the new commander. Hameed took command of the unit in early November, assuming command from Brig. Gen. Hassan.

“Our purpose here is to observe the transfer of authority,” said Lt. Col. Jack Marr, from Minneapolis, commander, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. “When Col. Hameed meets with his battalion commanders, he will get an impression of the readiness of his brigade.”

Maj. Steve Delgado, from Los Angeles, the executive officer of the 1-15th Inf. Regt., said the meeting also affords the regiment the opportunity to strengthen the rapport, communication, and trust with the unit’s Iraqi counterparts.

“Every joint effort improves our communication and helps us establish common standards when working together to disrupt and destroy insurgents and to secure the populace,” Delgado said.

“The more we communicate, the more we strengthen our personal and professional relationships. The more we do that, the better our joint operations become.”

During the meeting, the group discussed future joint operations involving Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.
Hameed’s battalion commanders encouraged their new boss and offered advice on how to run the brigade.

“Rely on God,” one NP battalion commander said. “Always do the right thing and you will be fine.”

Hameed said his plan is to isolate terrorists and separate them from the citizens of Salman Pak.

“Terrorists cause a lot of problems,” he said. “They interfere with the people’s personal lives, and they are always trying to recruit.”

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga. and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V since March.

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Wednesday, November 07, 2007

1-15 Inf. Regt. Remembers Three Fallen Comrades

Story and photo by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers, leaders, and friends of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment attended a memorial service Nov. 4 for three fallen comrades at Combat Outpost Cahill.

Sgt. Daniel McCall, from Flint, Mich., Spc. Rush Jenkins, from Roanoke, Va., and Pfc. Cody Carver, from Tulsa, Okla., all with Company A, were killed Oct. 30 when an improvised explosive device detonated under the Bradley Fighting Vehicle they were in during a combat patrol outside Salman Pak.

Soldiers from the 1-15th Inf. Regt. listened as close friends and leaders spoke at the podium next to the rifles, Kevlar helmets, dog tags, and boots of McCall, Jenkins and Carver.

Sgt. Jeffrey Houghton described McCall as an outstanding noncommissioned officer who always put his Soldiers above himself.
“He was the strongest person I’ll ever know, but he was a teddy bear inside,” Houghton said. “He was a great friend.”

McCall is survived by his wife, Brittany McCall, and his mother, Petra Bennefield.
Spc. Dustin Tarwater, who was in Jenkins’ squad, described his friend as someone who made everyone around him smile.

“In a place and time where there was so much to complain and be frustrated about, he never did any of those,” Tarwater said. “No matter how big or small the task was, all you would here out of his mouth was ‘Roger that’.”

Jenkins is survived by his father, Rickey Jenkins.

Pvt. Kyle Mace from Company A, a close friend of Carver, spoke to the audience about his fallen comrade. Even though Carver was not here for long, he was happy to be a part of a team and a platoon,” Mace said. “It didn’t take him long to fit in.”

Carver is survived by his father, Darrel Lee Carver, and his mother, Pamela Lynn Carver.

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

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Monday, November 05, 2007

Crime in Mada’in Qada Drops, Matches Iraq Trend

By Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Officers in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division completed an analysis Nov. 2 of local crime statistics in the Mada’in Qada, an area southeast of Baghdad, following a recent decrease in violent crimes.

This study matches a trend across Iraq reported the same week by the Washington Post and the New York Times.

Capt. Colin Donlin, from Jonesboro, Ga., a staff officer with the 3rd HBCT, conducted the study. He analyzed crime statistics reported by the six Iraqi police stations in the Mada’in Qada. The Mada’in Qada is a portion of the Baghdad province and is home to almost 900,000 Iraqis, both Sunni and Shia.

“Our studies have shown a distinct decrease in violent crime since the introduction of the Hammer Brigade into the Mada’in Qada,” Donlin said. “We are optimistic this trend will continue with the increased capability of the Iraqi Security Forces and Concerned Local Citizens. These statistics are a great measure of effectiveness of our goal to secure the population of the qada.”

One of the most striking declines was reported homicides. Iraqi police from the qada reported eight murders in October. This marks a sharp decline from the monthly average of more than 21 murders. The study did illuminate spikes of homicides in May and September, numbering 37 and 29 respectively.

Estimating that homicides will occur at the same monthly rate for the remainder of the calendar year, the 3rd HBCT expects to see the qada’s total reported homicides for the year at approximately 245. This would be less than half of the 2006 total of 631.

Murders increased dramatically during 2006 following the bombing of the Golden Dome mosque in Samarra, yet estimated totals for 2007 are still lower than the 2005 total of 355 reported homicides.

Capt. Elizabeth Cain, from Wynnewood, Penn., commander, 59th Military Police Company, out of Fort Carson, Colo., attributes the decline to the improved performance of the Iraqi police.

“Now the Iraqi police are better trained, better equipped, and now have leadership that is knowledgeable, as well as confident,” Cain said. “This results in more IPs doing their job and doing it well.”

Cain’s company is attached to the 3rd HBCT, assisting in the development of the local police forces of the qada. Currently, more than 900 Iraqi police patrol the qada and man its six police stations.

“The police now have a better understanding of investigative techniques and how to put a case together with proper evidence collection,” Cain said. “The IPs understand how to maintain the integrity of a crime scene and build a case. More people now get convicted and go to jail, therefore dispelling a climate of lawlessness. Your average person doesn’t commit a crime if they don’t believe they’re going to get away with it.”

The study also showed a slight decrease in the number of reported kidnappings in the qada. There were 13 reported kidnappings in October, slightly below the monthly average of 13.6.

“Due to numerous factors – the surge, the development of 1,500 concerned citizens, the Sadr ceasefire and gradual improvements made by the Iraqi police – murders continue to decline here in the Mada’in,” said Maj. Dave Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio, 3rd HBCT operations officer. “Over the coming months, we’ll continue to work with the IPs and concerned citizens to try and sustain this trend.”

The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., is from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

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Sunday, October 28, 2007

Divisions Leave Insurgents With Nowhere To Hide

By Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Officer

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – It’s not every day that you realize you’ve caught half your most wanted in less than two weeks. That’s just the kind of day the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team had this week.

The man on the middle of the list had been at the forefront of attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces, until the 1st Cavalry Division’s 1st Brigade got on his track. He ran, but an AH-64 Apache helicopter brought him down, and the Cavalry brought him in Oct. 17.

The next day, it was the number two most wanted, a smuggler and kidnapper from Nahrwan.

“The capture[s are] the result of great teamwork between the brigades,” said Maj. Dave Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, operations officer. “With teamwork like this, the insurgents will have no sanctuary anywhere in Iraq.”

Number 10 was a Shia extremist linked to a rocket attack on FOB Hammer that killed one Soldier in July. He was the first one the brigade brought in, but it started the movement. Since his detention on Sept. 30, others on the list began to flee the Mada’in Qada. Coalition surge units, however, were ready for them.

“The capture of these insurgents is severely disrupting multiple extremist networks – both Sunni and Shia – in the Mada’in Qada,” said Maj. Wolfgang Biggerstaff, from Pinehurst, N.C., a 3rd HBCT staff officer.

Intelligence and operations officers from both the Multi-National Division - Baghdad and the Multi-National Division - Center share information to ensure insurgents don’t slip through the seams between battalions, brigades and divisions, according to Fivecoat.

He further explained that through good “cross-talk” with neighboring brigades, 3rd HBCT has been able to conduct several raids to kill or capture insurgents from Baghdad who have tried to hide in the Mada’in Qada.

It was on Oct. 11, Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., detained the 3rd HBCT number four. He ran to northern Baghdad, near Adhamiyah. The individual is believed to have coordinated multiple attacks on Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces.

Then came number five, the middle man on the list, was captured west of Baghdad by the Cavalry and their Apache helicopters, Oct. 17.
The next day, the Coalition detained the 3rd HBCT’s number two in eastern Baghdad. He had a history of leading extremist elements in Nahrwan, weapons smuggling and kidnapping.

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, currently attached to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, captured the brigade’s number seven on Oct. 22, in the Karada district of eastern Baghdad. The man is suspected of conducting rocket attacks against Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah.

“These detentions are another success story of the surge,” Fivecoat said. “Before the surge, insurgents would have had sanctuary in some of these areas. Now, surge units capture them instead.”

The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, is out of Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March. The 2-69th Ar. Regt. is also out of Fort Benning.

1-15 Infantry detains Six Suspected Insurgents

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment conducted an air assault southeast of Baghdad Oct. 25 resulting in six suspected insurgents detained.

Supported by AH-64 attack helicopters from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, the Company A Soldiers cleared four houses to disrupt insurgent activity in the Tigris River Valley.

The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

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Saturday, October 27, 2007

1-15 Infantry Detains Six Suspected Insurgents

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment conducted an air assault southeast of Baghdad Oct. 25 resulting in six suspected insurgents detained.

Supported by AH-64 attack helicopters from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, the Company A Soldiers cleared four houses to disrupt insurgent activity in the Tigris River Valley.

The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

3RD HBCT Gospel Choir Performs For Soldiers

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of 3rd HBCT gospel choir

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s gospel choir performed a concert for Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Sept. 25 at Combat Outpost Cleary.

Twenty-two Soldiers from several of the brigade’s battalions traveled from FOB Hammer to COP Cleary for the one-night performance. Battalions with participating performers included 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, and the 1-15 Inf. Regt. who were already awaiting their fellow choir members at the outpost.

According to Chaplain (Capt.) Michael Swartz, from Winston-Salem, N.C., 203rd BSB, the idea to have the gospel choir tour in the 3rd HBCT’s area of operation was born after the group performed at FOB Hammer for a Labor Day concert in September.

Swartz said Col. Wayne Grigsby, from Prince George’s County, Md., commander, 3rd HBCT, approached the choir after the event and awarded them each certificates of appreciation.

“After he gave us the certificates, he said he wanted us to perform at every combat outpost and patrol base in the AO,” Swartz said. “I didn’t think he was serious but Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler (commander, 203rd BSB) took it seriously and told us that was our next task.”

The concert was coordinated by Sgt. 1st Class Darrell Lewis, from Columbus, Ga., noncommissioned officer of food supply for the 203rd BSB. He said the biggest challenge was getting all the performers together for rehearsals.

Lewis said the concert went smoothly. Along with group singing, the concert also featured an all-male singing group, solo performances, and an interpretive dance routine.

Approximately 80 Soldiers attended the concert at COP Cleary. The group performed 14 songs, nine of which were traditional, and five were contemporary gospel. Both Lewis and Sgt. Antoine Williams, from Florence, S.C., an information systems specialist in the 3rd BSTB and a singer in the choir, were pleased with the outcome.

“A lot of people can’t make it to services because they have meetings or they have to work but this was an ‘outing’ and more people were able to attend,” Lewis said.

“I love contemporary gospel,” Williams said. “It makes me feel good to sing and during the concert I really wanted everyone to receive the same enthusiasm that I have to sing for the Lord.”

“People in the audience were standing up, singing and clapping,” Swartz said. “The concert was well received.”
Swartz dubbed the concert a success.

“The Soldiers really enjoyed it. One (Soldier) actually said the concert came at just the right time for him.” He said, recalling another Soldier asking how he could come on board as a choir member.

Afterwards, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Moore, from Waverly Hall, Ga., 1-15 Inf. Regt., awarded the choir members with Army Achievement Medals.
The gospel choir plans to continue touring the 3rd HBCT’s AO and Lewis said he has high hopes for upcoming concerts.

“We want to be able to boost the Soldiers’ morale and spirits everywhere we go,” he said. “Next concert, I’m trying to get the all-female group to perform. During the concert at COP Cleary most of the singers were on leave.”

The group is planning to record a compact disc with their music. The expected time of completion is Christmas 2007.
The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

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Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Soldier Re-Enlists At Concerned Local Citizen Headquarters

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Surrounded by his platoon and the Iraqis they are attempting to help, a Soldier from Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment raised his right hand and re-enlisted at the Al Khargulia Concerned Local Citizen Headquarters Oct. 20.

Sgt. Sharif Sidberry, from Philadelphia, a communications specialist in Troop A, who has been stationed in Korea and Fort Bragg, N.C., the past six years, added four more years to his service contract.

“I re-enlisted because I love the Army and enjoy what I do,” said Sidberry. “I like working with computers and being in a line unit with other Soldiers.”
Sidberry requested that his re-enlistment ceremony take place at the Concerned Local Citizens Headquarters in Al Khargulia.

“This is where I’ve put in a lot of my time,” said Sidberry. “Out here is where you get to be a Soldier. Troop A has put a lot of time getting this AO (area of operation) set up. I wanted to tell these guys (concerned citizens) that we aren’t just here for nothing. We are invested in them and this area.”

Sidberry, who helped set up the communications system between Combat Outpost Assassin and the Concerned Local Citizen headquarters, enjoys working with the concerned local citizens on a daily basis.

“We work with them everyday,” said Sidberry. “We do route recons with them. We check on their checkpoints to make sure they are doing ok. We are very friendly with each other and work well together.”

First Sergeant Meko Johnson, from Saginaw, Mich., the first sergeant for Troop A, was at the ceremony and praised his Soldier.

“He’s an outstanding Soldier,” Johnson said. “He is a combat multiplier as a communications specialist. He makes sure the communications at Patrol Base Assassin are up all the way to Baghdad. He worked hard to ensure the communications between the Concerned Local Citizens and Assassin were up and running. He did a great job.”

Capt. Troy Thomas, from Litchfield, Minn., Sidberry’s commander, said he was impressed that Sidberry requested to have his re-enlistment ceremony held at the headquarters.

“It meant a lot to him, me, the troop and the Concerned Local Citizens,” said Thomas. “For them to see how much we care about them meant a lot.”

Before the ceremony Thomas explained to the concerned citizens that when a Soldier re-enlists he is allowed to choose where he wants to re-enlist and that Sidberry requested to have the ceremony performed at their headquarters.

“Every little gesture like that makes another friend,” said Thomas. “He’s a communications specialist, but he does much more than that. Today he made a statement that we are doing great things for the people here and he feels safe here. It was great.”

After the ceremony all of the concerned citizens present lined up to congratulate Sidberry and thank him for his service.

“The people here understand that we are here to help them,” Sidberry said. “They appreciate what we are doing. I hope this is just another way to let them know that we care about what happens to them.”

The 3-1 Cav. Regt., is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

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Monday, October 22, 2007

Concerned Citizens Help Soldiers To Decrease IED threat

By Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Officer

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Improvised explosive devices posed a daily threat to U.S. Soldiers along Route Wild until one Sheik stepped forward, rallying concerned citizens to retake their community.

Lt. Col. Jack Marr, from Minneapolis, Minn., commander of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, met with Sheik Nouri in Al-Jaara Oct. 17 to show his appreciation of the Sheik’s cooperation. The two leaders discussed potential operations to further decrease violence in the area, and projects to assist the local government with essential services.

Sheik Nouri leads the Al-Jaara Concerned Citizen Program that has provided assistance to the 1-15th Inf. Regt. over the last two months to greatly reduce the roadside bomb threat along the dangerous stretch in the battalion’s area of operations, according to Maj. John Cushing, from Rochester, Mich., 1-15th Inf. Regt. operations officer.

“Route Wild, prior to Sheik Nouri’s commitment to cooperate, was the most dangerous road in our area of operations,” said Cushing. “The probability of hitting an IED was very high. We were hitting at least one a day.”

Soldiers from Company B, 1-15th Inf. Regt. have been working with Sheik Nouri’s volunteers for approximately two months and the security situation in Al-Jaara has improved drastically. Cushing explained that while the battalion recently encountered an IED, it was the first along the formerly treacherous road way in a two-month period.

“We are still building this Concerned Citizens group,” said Steven Hemmann, from Des Peres, Miss., the Company B executive officer. “Even though they are not anywhere near their full potential, they’re already disrupting insurgents and having a huge impact.”

Concerned citizen tips have led to numerous cache seizures and extremist detentions in the 3rd HBCT area of operations since their inception in July.
“Insurgents can’t come into a neighborhood, like they used to, take over a house and do whatever they want from it,” said Hemmann. “They now have to be cognizant of the fact that their neighbors will report their activities to Coalition Forces.”

Hemmann is confident that the Al-Jaara volunteers will aid his Soldiers in their efforts to decrease violence and stabilize the community.
I think when it’s all said and done, they are going to be an integral part in securing our company’s area of operations,” said Hemmann.

The 1-15 Inf. Regt., is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

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Sunday, October 21, 2007

Mortar Platoon Cares For Burn Victim, Nets Al-Qaeda

By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Unlike movie sequels Operation Shiloh II was a huge success.

Operating on tips from local citizens near the town of Al Bawi on Oct. 13 during Operation Shiloh I, the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment mortar platoon returned to the area and arrested an al-Qaeda member in Operation Shiloh II, Oct. 15.

According to Capt. Chris Pearson, from Baton Rouge, La., the mortar platoon leader, a man in the area confided in the troops on Oct. 13 and stated that his family had been threatened. After the man was identified as an al-Qaeda member, the platoon went back Oct. 15th to detain him.

However, first the platoon needed to pay a visit to someone else. During the platoon’s previous mission Oct. 13, the platoon encountered a mute, 60-year-old man with severe burns to his leg. The platoon rendered medical assistance after talking with the family, said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Lucas, from South Dayton, N.Y., the non-commissioned officer in charge of the mortar platoon.

The man’s wounds had not been treated in over three months.

“The family was afraid to go to Baghdad for assistance,” said Lucas.

The platoon cared for the elderly man’s wounds by cleaning and dressing the burns. When the platoon prepared to return for Shiloh II, Lucas made sure his medic packed special items for burn care.

“When we returned the second time, we changed his bandages and applied some burn cream to help him heal,” said Lucas. “Through an interpreter, we left instructions with the man’s wife as to when and how to change his dressings and apply more cream.”

Pearson believes taking time for the people of the community builds acceptance for the Soldiers’ presence in their town.
“If you build that trust that we’re not here to start trouble,” Pearson said, “we will start to make contacts so we can help them in the future by getting the insurgents.”

Pearson feels the Oct. 15 patrol helped, especially after the aid his platoon provided the man.

“By us coming specifically back to him shows we care about them,” he said. “It shows we are here to help, not just provide security.”
After treating the man’s burns the platoon tended to more serious business and arrested the al-Qaeda member.

Along with the arrest, the Soldiers searched 13 buildings. But their main objective in the area isn’t just looking for bad guys. Pearson said they patrol the area to meet the residents.

“We started meeting with the locals to figure out who lived where and who owned what,” said Pearson. “It’s a small town south of the COP with 20 to 30 Shia and Sunni families. Just from talking with them, we found they actually get along with each other.”

The 1-15 Inf. Regt., is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

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Saturday, October 20, 2007

Concerned Citizens Round Up Caches, Improve Security

By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Concerned citizens from the village of Al Arafia delivered a large collection of munitions, including a 200 pound bomb, to Combat Outpost Cashe Oct.16.

The most recent delivery came as no surprise to the Soldiers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment and elements of the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, stationed at Combat Outpost Cashe.

Company D helped organize the first concerned citizen program in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s area of operations. Since then, the brigade has integrated the concerned citizens into missions and used their tips to capture key insurgents.

The cache was transported via a civilian truck by the concerned citizens. The cache, consisting of munitions collected throughout Al Arafia, contained two 105 mm artillery shells, twelve 75 mm armor piercing rounds, two improvised explosive devices, one container of homemade explosive, six 50 mm and two 82 mm mortar rounds, one 200 pound bomb, and one unidentifiable artillery round.

Concerned citizen tips have led to the seizure of 10 caches, the discovery of 12 improvised explosive devices and the detention of 103 suspects, according to Maj. Rhett Griner, from Jonesboro, Ga., effects coordinator for the 3rd HBCT.

“The concerned citizens in Tuwaitha have been very proactive,” said 1st Sgt. James Woody, from Portsmouth, Va., the first sergeant of Company D, 1-15 Inf. Regt. “They are doing an outstanding job of protecting their communities. They are the standard that the concerned citizens groups in the qada are following.”

Woody pointed out that the Sunni concerned citizens live in a low-crime area alongside the Tigris River and have done an excellent job of staying vigilant and keeping insurgent elements from taking root in the community.

“On a weekly basis they are leading us to weapons caches or munitions,” said Woody. “They are really on top of it. Just last week they led us to six different IEDs and two caches.”

Now many of the citizens of the Mada’in Qada – a district east of Baghdad with roughly 1.2 million citizens - have shown their support by joining the Concerned Citizen Program. The 3rd HBCT has conducted numerous missions with group members either leading or providing tips.

There are more than 1,600 concerned citizens operating throughout the Qada, according to Griner. The 3rd HBCT is working with local leaders to create more groups and working with the Ministry of Iraq to eventually transition the volunteers into the Iraq Security Forces.

Infantry Company captures al-Qaeda cell members, clears buildings

By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs,

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Eleven people were detained and 49 buildings cleared Oct. 16 during Operation Belleau Wood II, an intensive search north of Salman Pak to capture or kill al-Qaeda and insurgents operating in the area.

“Acting on local tips, we were able to disrupt an al-Qaeda IED cell,” said 1st Lt. Clifford Cieslak, from Pasadena, Md., fire support officer for Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment.

Leaders are optimistic the capture of the cell will allow 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces to better secure the area and allow the local population to continue improving governmental functions, Cieslak explained.

Soldiers from Company A, 1-15 Inf. Regt., detained the men after they were identified as possible insurgents responsible for attacks against 3rd HBCT. Improvised explosive device materials, two AK-47 assault rifles, a shotgun and ammunition were found during the search.

203rd BSB Travels To Re-Supply FOB Hammer

Story and photos by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Logistics leaders are constantly facing the challenge of a combat logistics patrol by trying to figure out how to properly combine diverse units and get them to their destination safely and efficiently.
Since they’ve been on the ground in Iraq the leaders in the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion have planned over 400 successful CLPs based on the mission, destination and information about the area they will be traveling through.

Two hours before they are scheduled to travel to Victory Base Camp in Baghdad, Soldiers from the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment and drivers for Kellog, Brown and Root listened as the CLP leader, 1st Lt. Angela Fowler, Spring Lake, N.C., the executive officer for Company C, 203rd BSB, went over the operations order for their upcoming mission.

Fowler explained the route, the time of departure, the estimated arrival time and what each group’s objective would be at VBC in a quick concise manner. Her questions to each platoon sergeant and driver were quickly answered with the correct answers.
Fowler seemed satisfied and turned the floor over to Staff Sgt. Arthur Goodman, Norfolk, Va., the squad leader for 2nd squad of the Movement Security Platoon, 203rd BSB.

Goodman went through roll-over drills, water egress procedures, how the convoy will react to improvised explosive devices, reactions on contact, and proper escalation of force procedures for the Soldiers. Each topic was discussed thoroughly and he frequently stopped to ask questions. Goodman makes sure that everyone is on the same page at every briefing.

“We go over these before every mission,” he said. “I like to reinforce things so it is fresh in the Soldier’s minds before every mission. I want these ideas to be second nature to them so when things happen they don’t have to stop and think about it. If you reinforce ideas over and over, it becomes second nature.”
Goodman is also cognizant of who is in each convoy.

“We have civilian contractors, heavy equipment operators and Soldiers driving very heavy vehicles on these CLPs,” Goodman said. “It is important to go over roll-over drills because of the nature of these vehicles.

They need to know to tuck their chin, brace for impact, and brace themselves before releasing their seatbelts in the event of a roll-over. It doesn’t sound hard, but we had a roll-over incident about three months into our deployment. Luckily, he was fine and everything was okay. We got him out and recovered all of the sensitive items like we were supposed to. It went right by the book. I like to think it was because he listened to my brief shortly before that.”Fowler stressed the importance of the escalation of force part of the brief.

“We make sure we brief before each mission, especially the escalation of force procedures,” Fowler said. “By briefing the proper escalation of force procedures before every mission, we have cut down on our incidents.”After going over everything, Fowler reminded everyone to check their radios a final time and released them.“We are taking a new route tonight,” she said. “We want to make sure everyone knows the route, not just the drivers.”

Maj. Howard Coe, Winston-Salem, N.C., the executive officer of 203rd BSB, explained that roll-over drills, water egress procedures, how the convoy will react to IEDs, reactions on contact, and proper escalation of force procedures are stressed to every 203rd BSB Soldier before they leave FOB Hammer.
“We try to standardize the pre-brief so that everything is always put out,” he said. “All of our CLP commanders understand the importance of our pre-briefs and letting their Soldiers know the route beforehand.”

Sgt. Gerald King, Thompson Falls, Mont., the tactical commander of one of the 203rd BSB’s movement security platoons, was preparing his Soldiers for this mission 24 hours before hand.

The movement security platoon is responsible for the CLP’s security. The vehicles that make up the platoon are mobile and able to quickly respond to any threat to the convoy.

“When we get a mission, we normally have 24 hours notice,” he said. “We will QA QC (quality control checks) all of our vehicles and our communications equipment. We then coordinate a time to go out to the range and test fire all our weapons systems to make sure they are working correctly. After that, we get our link up time and prepare to roll out.”

The platoon, which is made up of cooks, water purification specialists and mechanics, make sure every member understands the safety procedures covered in the pre-brief.

“We have outstanding Soldiers in this platoon,” King said. “They work hard. They train hard. Each and every one of them can give the convoy brief at any time.”
Coe pointed out that the Soldiers in the MSP have a much different mission than anyone else in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

“They aren’t traditional combat arms guys, but they go outside the gate more than anyone on this FOB,” Coe said. “They have to be very fluid. They don’t have a set objective that they are responsible for every time they leave. It’s not like they need to capture this target or secure this objective. Their mission is driven by the needs of the brigade.”

Coe explained that Soldiers in MSP have become so comfortable with their role that they need very little supervision from the CLP leader. This, in turn, frees the CLP leaders up to concentrate on other aspects of the mission.

The convoy left FOB Hammer early in the morning and steadily made its way to Baghdad. Radio chatter was kept to a minimum as the lead vehicle scanned for IEDs.
“I make sure my guys stay observant in the vehicle,” said Cpl. Joe Esparza, Hacienda Heights, Calif., the lead vehicle commander of the movement security platoon.

After arriving safely at VBC, Fowler secured lodging for the convoy’s short stay there.
After a quick nap, each element of the convoy splits up and executes their part of the mission.
Fowler explained the convoy was responsible for getting upgrades installed on some vehicles, securing supplies and getting items to restock the Post Exchange at FOB Hammer.

The rest of the day was spent accomplishing their tasks and getting rest for the trip back to FOB Hammer.
“I let my guys rest and refocus so they will be alert on the trip back,” King said. “I want them to have their head in the game, so rest is important.”
Early the next morning, Fowler had everyone lined up and ready to return to FOB Hammer. Quickly and thoroughly, she and King went back over the safety brief before sending everyone back to their vehicles.

Following the mission, everyone in the convoy headed back to the briefing tent for an after action review. Fowler explained that AARs are an important part of the mission.“We use them to see what we are doing right and what we need to improve upon,” she said. “We use the information to plan for the next CLP and make it better.”

Several suggestions were given to improve the next mission, but overall everyone was pleased with the mission.
“Everyone did what they were supposed to and everyone came back safe,” King said. “When that happens, I count that as a successful mission.”
Coe believes that the work that the CLP commanders put into their jobs makes missions like this one successful.

“We hold a CLP leaders meeting every week,” he said. “The commander and the S3 (Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler and Capt. Emanuel Velez) meet with all of them and get them focused on what they can improve on. They share their concerns and TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures). The CLP commanders really take that information to heart and make sure they are implemented the coming week.”

The 203rd BSB, the 3rd BSTB and the1-10 FA Regt. are assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

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Thursday, September 24, 2007

Humanitarian mission weakens insurgent hold

A Soldier from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, unloads blankets to a crowd of children during a recent humanitarian mission in Al-Jahra, Iraq.

 

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Humanitarian mission weakens insurgent hold
By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of 1-15 Inf. Regt.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Fort Benning Soldiers handed out humanitarian aid packages Sept. 12 to help break the hold insurgents have had on a poor community in Salman Pak.

A local sheik, also a concerned citizen leader, has been working with Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, to combat the insurgent stranglehold. Capt. Walter Straube, Ferndale, Calif., a fire support officer for Company B, said the Sunni sheik has been very helpful and has used his connection with the people to unify their resolve.

Straube said residents have stood up a concerned citizens group to counter insurgents who have been targeting the poverty-stricken people of the region. Insurgents have been extorting the populace by forcing them to give money, possessions or food as payment in exchange for utilities such as food, water and gas.

The Soldiers handed out bags containing rice, cooking oil and other necessities. Straube said he feels confident that humanitarian missions like this one have helped. On previous missions, Co. B Soldiers have distributed the humanitarian aid bags by hand, often while walking the neighborhoods.

“We’ve distributed bags before. Usually we go around the area and give out a few bags,” Straube said. “We’ll pass them out to people on the street, or we’ll see a kid and give him a bag to take home with him.”

Straube believes by helping residents, they will be less inclined to be pushed around by the insurgents and even less likely to be persuaded or bribed to assist insurgents.

“Instead of an insurgent offering to pay $300 for someone to dig them a hole for an improvised explosive device,” he said, “by us giving them humanitarian aid bags, they’ll probably say no as they are less likely to need it.

“Simply put, it will break the bond with the insurgents. Once that bond is broken, it will enable us to help them even more.”

Along with the humanitarian aid bags, Soldiers also distributed six generators, two 10,000-gallon gas tanks, and many blankets and mattresses in preparation for the coming winter.

Humanitarian aid bags are piled for distribution at a concerned citizens meeting in al-Jahra, Iraq. Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, distributed the bags during a humanitarian mission Sept. 12.

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Thursday, September 13, 2007

Soldiers, Iraqis clear out al-Qaeda along Tigris

A Soldier from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, pulls security during Operation Tuwaitha Sunrise, an operation conducted with Iraqi National Police and concerned citizens to clear al-Qaeda from Tuwaitha, Iraq, southeast of Baghdad, on Sept. 5.

 

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soldiers, Iraqis clear out al-Qaeda along Tigris
Story by Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos by Sgt. Timothy Kingston, 55th COMCAM

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Coalition troops teamed with Iraqi policemen and concerned local citizens to rid a major road of improvised-explosive devices and al-Qaeda cell members during a two-day operation in Tuwaitha.

The purpose of the mission was to not just clear the route, but to also establish an Iraqi capability to keep the route safe for civilian and military traffic.

Capt. Brian Gilbert, of Boise, Idaho, commander of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, currently attached to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, was met by about 60 citizen volunteers at his company’s combat outpost at the outset of the operation. The volunteers from Tuwaitha then led his Soldiers south into the village of Tuwaitha as they provided additional eyes during the route clearance.

This was in stark contrast to the reception 3-1 Cav. Regt. Soldiers had previously received in Tuwaitha.

“When they (3-1 Cav. Regt.) went down there before, the citizens were very non-compliant; no waving, no smiling,” Gilbert said. “There was nobody willing to fight (terrorists) and they encountered multiple IEDs.”

After clearing the route, Soldiers worked with volunteers and policemen from the 1st National Police Brigade to establish checkpoints with blast protection. The checkpoints will be manned by National policemen and Iraqi civilian volunteers from the local concerned citizens’ group. Concerned citizen groups are made up of volunteers who commit to work with Coalition Forces to decrease violence in their neighborhoods.

By manning the checkpoints, Iraqi Security Forces and local citizens will be better able to monitor and control traffic around Tuwaitha. Leaders from 3-1 Cav. Regt. are optimistic that National police and concerned citizens will help reduce violence in Tuwaitha following the expulsion of al-Qaeda elements from the area.

As night approached during the two-day operation, local citizens provided an empty house for the Soldiers to rest in and contributed personnel for security patrols throughout the night. Soldiers were also treated to meals provided by the local populace.

The route into Tuwaitha had been a dangerous stretch of road for Sledgehammer Brigade Soldiers with a history of roadside bombs. The clearing operation resulted in the discovery and neutralization of four IEDs along the route. Soldiers and Iraqis found two anti-tank mines, one mortar round and one large homemade explosive device in plastic containers.

Traveling on the road into Tuwaitha from Jisr Diyala has been a dangerous proposition for both Soldiers and citizens. In the days following the mission, Gilbert received feedback that citizens are now able to travel to Jisr Diyala to shop for the first time in six months.

Gilbert said he believes the common threat of al-Qaeda prompted the Tuwaitha citizens’ desire to work with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Soldiers.

“Al-Qaeda is a threat to the locals and also a threat to U.S. Soldiers,” Gilbert said. “They wanted us to come down there and fight with them. So we did.”

Gilbert said 3-1 Cav. Regt. plans to clear out greater numbers of insurgents and help legitimize more concerned citizens groups.

“Now that they have cleared out AQI and established concerned citizens groups, we can provide medical operations and projects that will provide enduring employment,” Gilbert said.

Sgt. Edward Bumgardner from 2nd Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, pulls security during Operation Tuwaitha Sunrise, an operation conducted with Iraqi National Police and concerned citizens to clear al-Qaeda from Tuwaitha, Iraq, southeast of Baghdad, on Sept. 5. Bumgardner is originally from Morganton, N.C.
An Iraqi volunteer assists Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, as the Soldiers clear the main road into Tuwaitha, Iraq during Operation Tuwaitha Sunrise, an operation conducted with Iraqi National Police to clear al-Qaeda from Tuwaitha, southeast of Baghdad, on Sept. 5.
Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, clear the main road into Tuwaitha, Iraq, during Operation Tuwaitha Sunrise, an operation conducted with Iraqi National Police and concerned citizens to clear al-Qaeda from Tuwaitha, southeast of Baghdad, on Sept. 5.
Pvt. Randy Maldonado of 2nd Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, leads an Iraqi concerned citizen on a patrol through a small farm during Operation Tuwaitha Sunrise, an operation conducted with Iraqi National Police and concerned citizens to clear al-Qaeda from Tuwaitha, Iraq, on Sept. 5.
Spc. David Bougourd (left) and Pfc. Mark Purcell (right) from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, provide security for members of a local conerned citizens group as they take a water break during Operation Tuwaitha Sunrise in the village of Tuwaitha, Iraq, Sept. 5. Bougourd is originally from Norfolk, Va. And Purcell is from McDonough, Calif.

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3rd HBCT hosts medical operation at new clinic

Medical personnel from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team talk through an interpreter to screen an Iraqi woman prior to her being treated at a free health care clinic for in Salman Pak, Iraq, Sept. 11.

 

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT hosts medical operation at new clinic
By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley
3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of 1-15 Inf. Regt.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Coalition troops, working with the Salman Pak Council, provided free medical assistance to local residents at a new clinic in Salman Pak Sept. 11.

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and Iraqi National Police set up and supported the operation.

Soldiers screened and treated about 140 people, while others handed out newspapers, children’s toys and sports clothing.

A 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team medic sorts through medication for use during a free medical clinic in Salman Pak, Iraq, Sept. 11.
1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Soldiers provide security at the entrance to the free medical clinic, hosted by 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team medical personnel in Salman Pak, Iraq, Sept. 11.
An Iraqi man ushers his two sons out of a clinic room after they were screened by 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team medical personnel during a free medical clinic in Salman Pak, Iraq, Sept. 11. The 3rd HBCT also handed out humanitarian items to the children during their visit.

Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, provide security at the entrance to the free medical clinic, hosted by 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team medical personnel in Salman Pak, Iraq, Sept. 11.

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Tuesday, September 11, 2007

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Javier G. Paredes, 24, of San Antonio, died Sept. 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from a rocket propelled grenade. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

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Monday, August 27, 2007

2-69 Armor holds service for fallen leader

First Lt. Leonard Baklarz, a close friend of 1st Lt. Jonathan Edds, a platoon leader for Company D, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, who was killed in an improvised explosive device attack, holds the identification tags of his fallen friend at the memorial service held in honor of Edds Aug. 23, at Camp Rustimiyah, Iraq.

 

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2-69 Armor holds service for fallen leader
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER– Soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, honored a fallen leader Aug. 23, during a memorial service at Camp Rustimaya.

First Lt. Jonathan Edds, was injured in an improved explosive device attack Aug. 17, near Baghdad. He later died of wounds received during the attack, at the Forward Operating Base Loyalty aid station.

Edds was a Company D platoon leader. Those who knew him best described him as an outstanding Soldier, leader, husband, and friend.

“First Lt. Edds was pure leadership,” said Lt. Col. Troy Perry, commander, 2-69 Armor. “He built a team that worked together and then spent their free time together.”

“He loved his wife and would always talk about the next time he was going to see her,” said Capt. Alexis Perez, commander, Company D.

Edds best friend, 1st Lt. Leonard Baklarz, remembered him as a brother who was always up for a joke.

“We would joke on each other all the time,” Baklarz said. “I told him one day ‘I had a life before the Army, I went to college.’ Then he came back with, ‘you’re short.’”

Staff Sgt. Michael Skarhus, who served 18 months as Edds’ platoon sergeant said, Edds was always proud of his platoon.

“He used to tell me he didn’t have a job because the platoon would always make him look good,” he said.

Edds will be buried Aug. 27, at his alma mater, the United States Military Academy at West Point.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Edds.

Chaplain (Capt.) Tracy Kerr, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, speaks at a memorial service held to honor 1st Lt. Jonathan Edds, a platoon leader for Company D, 2-69 Armor, Aug. 23, at Camp Rustimiyah, Iraq.

 

Lt. Col. Troy Perry, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment commander and Capt. Alexis Perez, Commander of Company D, 2-69 Armor Regt., stand at attention during the national anthem at a memorial service held to honor 1st Lt. Jonathan Edds, a platoon leader for Company D, 2-69 Armor Regt., Aug. 23, at Camp Rustimiyah, Iraq.

Leaders of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment bow their heads in prayer at a memorial service held to honor 1st Lt. Jonathan Edds, a platoon leader for Company D, 2-69 Armor Regt., Aug. 23, at Camp Rustimiyah, Iraq.

First Lt. Leonard Baklarz, a close friend of 1st Lt. Jonathan Edds, a platoon leader for Company D, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, who was killed in an improvised explosive device attack, speaks at the memorial service held in honor of the fallen hero Aug. 23, at Camp Rustimiyah, Iraq.

An honor guard of 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, presents arms at a memorial service held to honor 1st Lt. Jonathan Edds, a platoon leader for Company D, 2-69 Armor Regt., Aug. 23, at Camp Rustimiyah, Iraq.

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1-15 Infantry finds, destroys large enemy cache

A 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, Soldier stands ready before a mission in the Salman Pak area.

 

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15 Infantry finds, destroys large enemy cache
Story by Staff Sgt. Sean Riley
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Task Force Marne troops conducted a mission to disrupt terrorist activity and succeeded by destroying a large cache of munitions and improvised explosive device-making materials Aug. 23.

“This should put a big dent in the IED cell operations,” said Capt. Richard Thompson, of West Palm Beach, Fla., commander, Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment.

The cache contained 268 bomb-making items, including four tubes of C4, a powerful, military-grade explosive. Also found in the cache were two five-gallon jugs of homemade explosive material; two mortar charges; five mortar fuses; 20 blasting caps; five pressure activators, crush-wire detonator switches; and 50 microchip transistors and 30 circuit boards.

Thompson said the discovery will adversely affect enemy operations in the Salman Pak area.

“First, it takes the products out of their hands,” Thompson said. “Second, it sends a definitive message to the enemy that we are in the area.”

The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

The contents of the weapons cache discovered by Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, during a patrol in the Salman Pak area, Aug. 23.

 

Contents of the weapons cache discovered by Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment during a patrol in the Salman Pak area, Aug. 23.

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