The Iron Sights is produced in the interest of the Soldiers of the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. The Iron Sights is an Army-funded magazine authorized under provision of AR 360-1.

Contents of the Iron Sights are not necessarily the views of, nor endorsed by the U.S.

Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content of the Iron Sights is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 3rd Advise and Assist Public Affairs Office.

The Iron Sights welcomes articles, commentary, and photos from readers. The Iron Sights reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the publication.

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Col. James E. Rainey Commander

Command Sgt. Maj. Miles S. WilsonCommand Sergeant Major

Maj. Alan S. BrownPublic Affairs Officer

Print StaffSpc. Chastity R. Boykin..................Staff WriterPfc. Khori D. Johnson.....................Staff WriterPvt. DeAngelo M. Wells..................Staff Writer

Public Affairs Office

www.facebook.com.com\3bct4id

Photo by Pfc. Khori D. JohnsonStaff Sgt. David Thomas, chaplain’s assistant, HHT, 3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., takes in the sunrise on Camp Adder.

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Greetings again from southern Iraq,

Another month has passed, and with it we are into November and nearing Veterans Day. With that in mind, I wanted to say a few words about our Soldiers and the sacrifices that they make for our country, both now and in the past.

Currently, less than one percent of our nation serves in the military, and less than six percent have ever served. It makes me proud every day to serve with the men and women who have raised their hand and sworn to support and defend. Their selfless service is inspirational and just being in their presence is an extremely humbling experience. As you enjoy the long weekend, please take a moment to think about the Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines who serve our great country, past and present.

In October, the rear detachment for 3rd AAB changed command, with Lt. Col. Jay Bullock taking over and Maj. Joe Bethel coming forward to join the brigade in Iraq. I would like to extend my thanks to Maj. Bethel for his superb work during the first half of the deployment and let the Families

back at Fort Carson know that they are getting a true professional in Lt. Col. Bullock to continue the excellent support.

In the upcoming weeks, we will be releasing details about our homecoming and reintegration plan. It seems early to talk about such

things, but our first big groups of returning Soldiers will be home in less than five months, and our planning is well underway. We will be

doing some things different than in the past to ensure we are providing the maximum possible care and assistance to our Soldiers and Families.

I encourage you to attend scheduled Family Readiness Group events and meetings to ensure you are as informed as possible and have a chance to

provide us with input, concerns, and suggestions.

Finally, on a more somber note, I would ask everyone to keep the family of Spc. Dylan Reid in your thoughts and prayers. Spc. Reid passed away this month from a non-combat related illness. He was a valued member of our team and will be deeply missed.

As always, thank you for your continued support of your Soldier and our nation.

Iron Strong!

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Family, friends and Soldiers of the Iron Brigade,

‘Trick or treat!’ is the phrase of the day this time of year. Although we won’t have any kids trick or treating around here, we all will be very happy to see Halloween come and go. The treat is another month behind us, but the trick is still about four and half yet to go.

The month of October was another month of great actions by Iron Strong Soldiers. Our Soldiers continue to log thousands of miles, driving without a single accident. When asked to turn in one piece of equipment, we make it ten. No matter what the task or mission, Iron Soldiers accomplish each one better than it has ever been done.

Retention is no different. On October 9, 209 Iron Strong Soldiers in five locations across two countries

reenlisted to stay Army. With the help of Maj. Gen. Brooks, Brig. Gen. Dragon, and Brig. Gen. Gibbs, all five locations conducted the oath at exactly 1:00 p.m. The reenlistees took advantage of numerous options, like cash bonuses, staying at Fort Carson, and new duty stations. But the real thing they all got – the coveted black, Under Armor “Stay Iron Strong” hat. Check out the story and great pictures in this edition.

Congratulations to the Pacesetters, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, for completing their fiscal year retention mission in 23 days! They are the first battalion in the 4th Infantry Division to finish the mission. A huge reason for this success goes to Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Dever. His leadership, compassion for Soldiers and dedication to duty are unmatched. The Pacesetters have set the bar high, but I’m sure all the battalions will achieve their missions very soon.

The days are getting cooler, and the sun is setting earlier and earlier every day. The high temperature now only has two numbers instead of three. As the sun rises in November, we have much to be thankful for. Veteran’s Day is always a special day for us serving here in Iraq. I’d like to say, “Thank You” to all veterans for their sacrifice and service to our great nation. The big holiday is Thanksgiving. We, here, will certainly miss our friends and family very much, but I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we are very thankful for your thoughts, prayers and love.

Happy Veteran’s Day!!Happy Thanksgiving!!Iron Strong!!

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by Spc. Jerry Ellis1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div

For many years the U.S. Army has been a melting pot of Soldiers from different cultures, races and religions, all joining the Army for reasons as different as their diverse backgrounds.

For Pfc. Chelsea Draper, Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, joining the military meant following in the footsteps of her grandfather.

A member of the Navajo tribe located in Chinle, Ariz., Teddy Draper Sr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps over 60 years ago, utilizing the Navajo language, or Diné Ke’Ji, to transmit coded messages as a code talker.

Native Americans served in the U.S. Military as code talkers in the Marines from World War I to Vietnam. Used to transmit coded messages over radio and telephone, the languages they spoke were unwritten and undecipherable by the enemy.

Draper grew up very close to her grandfather, hearing of his service as a code talker during World War II. Draper Sr. retired as a Sergeant Major. He received a Purple Heart, the Congressional Gold Medal and his own personal Congressional

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Silver Medal, among numerous other honors.

Draper, a Chinle, Ariz., native said her grandfather is the reason she even thought about joining the Army.

“Even at a young age, I could see the pride my grandfather took in having served his country, and I also understood the sacrifices he made,” Draper said.

Draper has traveled a long way from the beautiful red-rocked mesas of Arizona to the golden sands of Iraq. Growing up on the reservation, she was raised within the native culture of her grandfather.

“I speak and write in our native Navajo language, in addition to English, following in a tradition our clan has kept alive as part of its heritage, along with its religion,

beliefs, legends and values,” Draper said.

When she was considering carrying on the tradition of military service, Draper’s grandfather didn’t coax her at all. But when she told him she had decided to join, she could see how proud he was of her.

“He gave me his full support, calling me ‘my Soldier,’” she said.

“I miss her and I worry about her,” Draper Sr. said. “But America needs its defenders, and I support Chelsea.”

From the peaceful wind chimes of Chinle, Ariz., to the swirling heat of Maysan, Iraq, the connection between grandfather and granddaughter remains a strong and vital force in Draper’s life.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class PlowmanPfc. Chelsea Draper, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. prepares to drive her military vehicle to its guard point to protect Camp Garry Owen in Maysan.

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by Staff Sgt. Christopher Jelle3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office

Denying the enemy opportunities to place explosives is the focus and mission for the Soldiers of Company E, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The roads and routes of Iraq are frequently patrolled by Soldiers and their high-tech equipment to help ensure the safety of U.S. and Iraqi security forces.

‘Beast’ Platoon, Company E, performs a route clearance mission several times a week with vehicles

outfitted with cameras, probing arms, remotely operated weapons and high-powered spotlights. Five of the vehicles are variants of the proven Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, while the smaller, but still heavily-armored, Husky resembles an MRAP fused with a tractor.

“[Route Clearance] has changed dramatically since my last two deployments,” said Sgt. 1st Class Byron Flakes, platoon sergeant, Beast platoon, Company E, attached to 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment. “Now we actually have the means to

interrogate IEDs with the Buffalo, the Husky and the TALON robot.”

The Husky is a one-person vehicle that travels out front and acts as the first method of detection for potential ambush points. Using special technology, the Husky allows Soldiers to “see” the surrounding area at a safe distance. The information provided helps the Soldiers find objects recently placed on the side or the median of the road and distinguish possible threats.

The arm attached to the Husky can be used to investigate small and suspicious objects but heavier

Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher JellePfc. Seth Jones, a combat engineer, Company E, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., tests the functions of the TALON robot before a route clearance mission along main supply route Tampa. The robot is used to safely probe for and interrogate suspected explosive devices.

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debris calls for a little more muscle.

The Buffalo’s remote manipulator arm is used to sweep, push, and lift debris out of the way to either investigate a threat or move it to a safer location to prevent its use as cover for a possible improvised explosive device. The arm also has a spur, resembling a bird’s talon, which can root around to look for wires or attached devices buried in the dirt and sand.

Pfc. Nicholas Bolchalk, the main operator for the manipulator arm, says he enjoys operating the arm because it’s like using a giant robotic Lego set.

“It’s actually kind of neat. And then to know that you’re actually helping Soldiers and preventing IEDs from going off – well, there’s a lot of pride in this job,” he said.

It isn’t always practical or possible for one of the interrogation vehicles to inspect a potential threat. That is where

Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher JelleThe remote manipulator arm, operated by Pfc. Nicholas Bolchak, combat engineer, Company E, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.,flips over a plastic pallet and probes a piece of training debris during a functions check before being used for a mission later that evening.

smaller remote devices like the TALON robot come in.

With its small and lightweight design, under 100 pounds, the tracked robot can move off-road and around immovable obstacles. Using four cameras, the Soldier operating the device can get a close-up view of the target. The TALON also has a movable arm that can sweep, pick-up, or drag an object to a safer location without exposing the Soldiers to further risk.

“It’s kind of like playing a video game,” said Sgt. Robert Antoff, the main TALON operator. “You get to use a joystick, and you sit there and watch the screen. It’s a lot of fun to use.”

So while the unit’s main objective is to limit the enemy from emplacing IEDs, it also is fully capable of disabling

IEDs that are already emplaced.Sgt. Kevin Sosa, combat

engineer, said he enjoys actually finding and clearing the hazards, because it’s one less IED to worry about.

“It’s always a good day when you don’t find anything, but it’s a better day when you do,” said Sosa.

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by Capt. Andrew Huth3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

On the evening of Sept. 11, members of Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, took some time to meet and get to know their neighbors.

In this case, the neighbors were members of Bedouin tribes that live close to Camp Adder, a sprawling hub of military activity located in southern Iraq, near the city of An Nasiriyah.

The Pacesetter Battalion operates out of this base, and frequently traverses areas occupied by Bedouins. Because of this, Capt. Ryan Mendenhall, of Efrum, Utah, headquarters battery commander

Photo courtesy of Capt. Andrew HuthSgt. Jamal Davis, of Tuskegee, Ala., and Sgt. Jonathan Arvay, of La Porte, Ind., provide security while their patrol talks to a Bedouin tribe.

at the time, thought it would be a good idea to develop relationships with some of the tribes.

“Back home, most people try to get to know the other people in their community. That way everyone can live together without any issues. Essentially, we’re trying to do the same thing here,” said Mendenhall.

After conducting a safety brief, where they covered everything from what routes to take to what to do in the event of a fire, the convoy, led by Sgt. 1st Class Ovidio Mejia, of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, set out towards the sandy expanse where the Bedouins live. The lumbering vehicles known as

MRAPs had to take it slow over the uneven terrain, but before long, the patrol spotted several tents set up in the desert and stopped about 100 meters away from them.

Once the Soldiers got out of their vehicles, some of the Bedouin elders approached them, offering the traditional greeting of a kiss on the cheek. The elders then invited the Soldiers into one of the tents to sit and talk. Inside the tent, the Bedouins brought out chai tea, and discussions erupted on subjects ranging from the Eid festival, marking the end of Ramadan, to democracy and the role of United States forces in Iraq.

Several hours later, and after

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Photo courtesy of Capt. Andrew Huth[Top] Capt. Andrew Huth, Capt. Ryan Mendenhall, and Sgt. 1st Class Ovidio Mejia talk with several elders of a Bedouin tribe with the help of an interpreter, Alex. [Bottom] A Bedouin woman and girl look on as Soldiers meet with the elders of the tribe.

many spirited discussions, the Soldiers said their good-byes and left, but not before promising to return again later to continue building the relationship with the Bedouin tribes.

Afterwards, the unit’s executive officer, Capt. Donald Mills, of Rome, N.Y., reflected on the trip saying, “I think we accomplished a lot, even though we just sat and talked and enjoyed their hospitality. Now, they know us and we know them, so they’re more likely to tell us when something is wrong, or if they notice something out of the ordinary. That can be all the difference between us being successful in our mission or not.”

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Photo by Maj. Anthony ParkerIraqi soldiers and police sit in a map and communication skills class led by the Department of Border Enforcement at Camp Basra, Iraq on Oct. 12. Task Force Blackjack, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., provided support for the event.

In coordination with the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Customs Police, and with the advisory support of Task Force Blackjack, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and Security Transition Team Janus, the Fourth Region Department of Border Enforcement conducted a staff and leader focused map and communication exercise Oct. 5.

Dubbed “Iron Fist,” this was the first DBE-orchestrated, joint security forces effort during Operation New Dawn and the first-ever exercise of its kind conducted in Basra Province.

The exercise served to train DBE leaders to more effectively

command and control subordinate units, while improving cooperation and communication between DBE, Iraqi army, and Iraqi police in order to counter any threats to Iraq’s sovereignty and security.

“The security and sovereignty of Iraq is totally dependent on the ability of the individual ISF organizations to control their area of operations and, more importantly, their ability to work together toward a common goal,” said STT Chief, Col. Steven Scioneaux, of New Orleans, La. “Events such as this exercise stress the importance of cooperation as well as improve the ability of the ISF to do their job right, thus providing security for the Iraqi people.”

The exercise was executed

without combat forces and consisted of a training scenario based on a fictional set of insurgent smuggling operations.

“Our primary role was to help the DBE achieve its desired end state and training results by offering our advice, experience, and assistance,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Engen, the TF Blackjack commander.

“Along with the Team Janus advisors, we reviewed and provided feedback to the exercise directive, and offered suggestions from our own command and control exercise experience,” said Engen. “The DBE leaders and staff were very receptive and appreciative of our collaboration.”

Iron Fist participants from both Iraqi security forces and U.S. forces

by Sgt. David Dasilma4th Sqdn., 10th Cav., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

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Photos by Maj. Anthony Parker[Top] A birdseye view from the gunner’s hatch in a helicopter during aerial reconnasaince missions held near Camp Basra Sept. 30. [Bottom] U.S. Forces sit with 4th Region Department of Border Enforcement Commander, Staff Brig. Gen. Dhafar, during the briefing.

capitalized on the opportunity to strengthen their readiness and gain planning experience.

During the day-long exercise, the DBE reacted to different situational training scenarios designed to improve speed of response, mission effectiveness, interoperability and unity of effort.

This type of integrated and combined training helps to ensure the right mix of forces and equipment at the right place and

time and builds a cadre of inter-agency leaders working together for a safer country with self-sustaining security forces.

It also served to identify any communication and coordination issues between the IA, IP, and DBE, which allows the U.S. advisory forces to focus training the ISF on any deficiencies.

“I’m appreciative of the staff and U.S. forces’ efforts,” said Staff Brig. Gen. Dhafar, commander

4th Region DBE. “ I am looking forward to the DBE working up to the next level of capability and coordination. I encourage you to share your opinions with the DBE staff as a means to improve.”

“The key outcome of this exercise is improved communication and coordination between the ISF as well as the establishment of confidence in the abilities of the 4th Region DBE,” said Scioneaux.

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by Maj. Alan S. Brown3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office

At the halfway point of their current deployment, 209 Soldiers from 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, simultaneously raised their right hands and reaffirmed the enlistment oath Saturday, Oct. 9 during a mass reenlistment ceremony at five locations across southern Iraq and Kuwait.

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general, United States Division-South; Brig. Gen. Randal Dragon, deputy commanding general--support, USD-S; and Brig. Gen. Ricky Gibbs, deputy commanding general--maneuver,

USD-S, each administered the oath of enlistment to “Iron” Brigade Soldiers at Camps Basra, Adder and Garry Owen, respectively.

Soldiers came together from 12 different bases across southern

Iraq and Kuwait to take part in the concurrent ceremonies. Eighty-one Soldiers took the oath Camp Basra, 64 at Camp Adder, and 61 at Camp Garry Owen. In addition, one Soldier took the oath at Camp

Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo M. WellsSoldiers from Task Force Eagle, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., stand in formation waiting to raising their right hands to reaffirm the enlistment oath Saturday Oct. 9.

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Cropper, and two reenlisted in Kuwait.

“You have expressed an extension to your commitment to your service to our nation and not everyone does that in our nation. Really one percent of our fellow citizens. One percent,” said Brooks. “That’s how small of a group you’re in when you say ‘yes I will support and defend. Yes, I’ll do it again.’”

Brooks credited the Soldiers’ chain of command, saying that Soldiers will only want to stay in the Army if they have strong leadership and feel they are part of a great organization.

The number 209 is noteworthy, as it represents nearly half of the anticipated reenlistment goal for the upcoming fiscal year. To put this into context, during FY 2010 the Iron Brigade’s reenlistment goal was 472 for the entire year. That goal is anticipated to stay about the same this year.

To have 209 Soldiers reenlist this early in the fiscal year is a tremendous accomplishment for the brigade, said Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Zielsdorf, of Conroe, Texas, brigade reenlistment noncommissioned officer. He also noted that the 209 Soldiers volunteered for a cumulative total of 961 years of service.

“It shows how effective and hard the battalion career counselors work to get their Soldiers’ needs, wants, and desires met; not just for the Soldiers, but for their families as well,” said Zielsdorf

Command Sgt. Maj. Miles Wilson, 3rd AAB, said that the high number of reenlistments is a direct reflection of the outstanding quality and dedication of this generation’s Soldiers.

“The average soldier reenlisting

Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo M. WellsBrig. Gen. Ricky Gibbs, deputy commanding general—maneuver, United States Division—South, congratulates Soldiers from Task Force Eagle, 1st Bn. 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div, after administering the reenlistment oath to the formation of 61 Soldiers, Saturday Oct. 9.

Photo by Maj. Alan S. BrownBrig. Gen. Randal Dragon, deputy commanding general--support, United States Division--South, administers the oath of enlistment to 64 Soldiers from 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 64th BSB, and 3rd STB., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., at Camp Adder.

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Photos by Pfc. Khori Johnson[Top] Lt. Col. Christopher Engen, commander, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Crosby, battalion sergeant major, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., stand proudly with a group of their Soldiers after the mass reenlistment ceremony at Camp Basra. [Bottom] Lt. Col. Christopher Engen speaks with Spc. Stewart Gusti, of Estes Park, Colo., 4th Sqdn, 10th Cav. Reg., about how to enroll at the United States Military Academy at West Point after a mass reenlistment ceremony at Camp Basra.

today is on his third deployment. They are combat veterans three times over, and they still want to serve their country and remain in an organization that provides for them and for their families,” he said.

For Sgt. Reginel Tagalicod, of Waipahu, Hawaii, a petroleum supply specialist, assigned to Company B, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd AAB, this ceremony

marks his fourth reenlistment over an 11-year career. He said his motivation to stay Army is attributed to the Soldiers he serves with every day.

“It’s the brotherhood,” he said. “It’s the people to my left and to my right that keep me going.”

Spc. Jonathan McMullen, of Lindale, Texas, cannon crew member, assigned to the personal security detail at Headquarters

and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd AAB, took the reenlistment oath for the first time and said he plans to stay in until he can complete his college degree.

“Since the fourth grade, I’ve always wanted to join the military,” said McMullen. “I never had a doubt about reenlisting.”

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Photo by Pfc. Khori JohnsonMaj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general, United States Division—South, administers the reenlistment oath to 81 Soldiers from 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., and 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., and 64th BSB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

Photos by Chastity R. BoykinBrig. Gen. Randal Dragon, deputy commanding general—support, (left center) United States Division—South, and Command Sgt. Maj. Miles Wilson, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., (right center) stand among 64 newly reenlisted Soldiers from 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 64th BSB, and 3rd STB., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

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Silhouette:

Desert Twilight

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The 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, is revisiting its old stomping grounds, the gunnery range, near Camp Buehring, Kuwait to enable Soldiers to train and stay proficient on two of their main weapons systems.

The gunnery range enables the brigade to maintain its combat capability, while conducting the advise and assist mission in southern Iraq, a role that does not allow the brigade’s Soldiers to work or train with their large weapons systems.

During the gunnery rotation, which began in September and will continue until December, Soldiers from all six battalions will cycle through the week-long iterations, which alternate between Bradley and M-1 Tank gunnery. Each gunnery rotation begins with re-familiarization, followed by the two-day gunnery.

“Our main objective was, to first, get the new crews familiarized with the Bradley gun system,” said Sgt. 1st Class James Glenn, of Redding, Calif., range officer in charge,

by Pfc. Khori D. Johnson3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

Each three-man Bradley crew, or four-man Tank crew, tests its skills in a series of offensive and defensive engagement scenarios a minimum of three times without ammunition before progressing to the live-fire exercises.

The range cadre encourages Soldiers to conduct the training meticulously and efficiently to

gain as much practices as possible.“Some Soldiers have had

the opportunity to be part of a mechanized unit, so they’ve been around the Bradley for a good part of their career. But we also have some Soldiers who are coming from units, like the 82nd Airborne or the 101st, who have always been on the ground and have never been able to be a part of the Bradley system,” he said.

In addition to Soldiers

Photo by Pfc. Khori JohnsonStaff Sgt. Cesar Alemon, of Los Angeles, Calif., Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. ground-guides Pfc. Dane Will, Salt Lake City, Utah, HHC, 3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. on the way to upload their Bradley onto a truck for transport to the range for gunnery training at Camp Beuhring, Kuwait.

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Photo by Pfc. Khori JohnsonA Bradley fires a burst of ammunition down-range during the 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., gunnery training in Camp Beuhring, Kuwait.

transferring from non-mechanized units, there were some Soldiers that hadn’t received any Bradley or Tank training since they left advanced individual training.

“This is my first time driving a Bradley since getting to the unit,” said Pfc. John Biven, of Kansas City, Mo., driver and scout, Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. “I learned a lot about driving a Bradley that I wasn’t taught in A.I.T. It was good training.”

For many of the more experienced Soldiers, this training provides an important refresher.

“With the missions that we had going on for the past seven or so years, we have guys that don’t get to spend that much time on the Bradley,” said Glenn. “So those Soldiers are just shaking off the rust.”

Some of the experienced NCOs not only “shook off the rust” but learned some new skills as well.

“This was more of a refresher for me, but I also got a chance to work with the new computer systems in the Bradleys,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas Leyva, of Piscataway, N.J., Bradley commander and scout, Troop A, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. “The new system is more

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complex. For instance, while my gunner is engaging a target on his screen, I can be looking at a different target on my screen.”

So far the rotations have gone smoothly due to the range detail’s emphasis on safety. “A big thing for us out here is weapons orientation,” said Glenn, meaning weapons were always pointed in the proper direction. “Also, we make sure everyone is wearing the proper head gear, and when on top of the vehicles, we make sure that our Soldiers are using three points of contact.”

During each iteration, the range detail must also ensure that every training task can be completed to standard within the allotted time. This is no small feat in a foreign training area with a mixed group of Soldiers from all six battalions. Still, the master gunners who run the range have cracked the code.

“We’ve kind of fell into a good rhythm with running the range,” said Glenn. “Every person on the range detail has specific things that are their responsibility. That way, we get our ammunition drawn by a certain time, we get our vehicles fueled by a certain time, we have chow at a certain time, and we have everything on a set schedule.”

Photo by Pfc. Khori JohnsonSgt. 1st Class James Glenn, of Redding, Calif., range officer in charge, HHC, 3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., assists Spc. Wannie Olvera, of Austin, Texas, Troop D, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., in properly clearing of the ammunition feeder in a Bradley after Olvera’s crew finished its night run of the gunnery training at Camp Beuhring.

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Photo courtesy of 2nd Lt. Mark Ver BurgMaj. Joseph Miozzi, Army Corps of Engineers, Sandy Zelen, and Master Sgt. Sheila Stewart take and record measurements from the north Rumaylah Bridge while Spc. Cody Vaughn, of Louisville, Ky., provides local security.

The Soldiers of 3rd Platoon, Company E, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, recently worked with a specialized engineer reconnaissance team to assure the safety of a key bridge in Basra Province.

The north Rumaylah oil field, which is located in Basra Province, produces a significant share of the country’s oil, Iraq’s economic staple. Rumaylah’s vast area, which is spotted with oil refineries and webbed with pipeline, is cut off in the north by a swamp. This presents a challenge for trucks transporting heavy machinery and industrial supplies which are necessary for ongoing oil production.

Access points onto the field from the south are plentiful, but only one bridge connects the oil field’s northern border to the rest of Iraq. Recently the integrity of this bridge has been called into question.

When United States Division – South determined that the Rumaylah bridge required attention, they looked to Camp Basra’s only engineer company.

“Exile” Company is an engineer unit of combat engineers and infantryman capable of civil engineer tasks like the bridge reconnaissance, but its primary mission on this tour is to provide route clearance for routes around the city of Basra.

“One challenge of back-to-back

by 2nd Lt. Mark Ver Burg1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

deployments is staying trained on our engineer-centric tasks,” said Capt. Evan Munson, of Glendale, Ariz., engineer, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg. “This mission was a chance for our platoon to stretch its legs on the ground and accomplish a core engineer skill with other engineers.”

United States Division--South provided 3rd Platoon, Exile with four civil engineering experts to survey the bridge on the northern border of the Rumaylah oil field.

Once at the site, 3rd Platoon secured both sides of the bridge to allow the bridge classification team to work safely. Within minutes the Iraqi security forces personnel who work near the bridge offered their assistance, controlling traffic

and supplementing 3rd Platoon’s security measures.

Sgt. Douglas Vaughan of Colorado Springs, Colo., who led the security element for the mission, said, “I miss getting to be on the ground and interacting with people like this.”

The engineer recon team took a number of measurements and pictures from the top and underside of the bridge to determine the bridge’s capacity to withstand heavy vehicles. They also looked for damage to structural elements of the bridge.

Pending the results of this reconnaissance mission, the bridge may see some repairs which will enable safer and easier access to the oil fields from the north.

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by 1st Lt. Matthew C. Landon1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

Soldiers assigned to the quick reaction force Company A, 1st Battalion 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, train with members of the Amarah Iraqi Police in an effort to shorten their response time to any threatening situations in the Maysan Province. This partnership also provides additional security for any actions against Camp Garry Owen.

The police stationed on Camp Garry Owen have received multiple days of training from the various platoons of “Assault” Company. The training included tasks such as how to employ machine guns, how to secure areas, and how to conduct sensitive site exploitation.

Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Matthew C. LandonMembers of the 38th BDE, 10th Div. IA, along with 1st Lt. Conor Trulsson, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., and Col. Ronald Rose, 10th Div. IA Transition Team, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., pose for a group photo after winning the soccer tournament.

The police are learning to conduct the same defensive actions as the Iraqi army.

“We love the training that the U.S. forces give us,” said a noncommissioned officer from the Maysan police. “It makes us better police and helps us to accomplish things.”

With the emergence of Operation New Dawn, Iraqi Police have become a bigger part of the security mission in Maysan province. The Army’s partnership with the Maysan IP provides training that will allow Iraqi Police to take full control of the province and support the city of Amarah once the Army completes its mission. At that time, the IP will have the mission of providing security and protection for Maysan province.

“We really are accomplishing things with the IP quick reaction force being here on Camp Garry Owen,” said 1st Lt. Conor Trulsson, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. “With our training and their positive energy, I think we are making Maysan province a better place.”

To further bolster the newly formed partnership, members of Assault Company recently hosted a Maysan-wide U. S. forces and Iraqi Security Forces soccer tournament Sept. 25 at Camp Sparrowhawk.

ISF teams from all over the province were invited to play in an eight-team, single-elimination tournament. These teams included members from each company of 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., as well

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Photos courtesy of 1st Lt. Matthew C. Landon[Top] A Maysan Federal Police officer takes a shot during the championship game shootout versus the 38th BDE IA goalie. The police made the shot tying the score at 3-3. [Bottom] 1st Lt. Matthew Landon, fire support officer, Company A, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.and the Maysan Iraqi Police quick reaction force.

as Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement, Iraqi Police, Iraqi army, and Federal Police.

From the moment the tournament started, U.S. teams realized they didn’t have a chance versus the Iraq security forces that practice soccer almost every day. This was evident as each of the Fighting Eagles’ teams was eliminated in the first round.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to have fun and play against U.S. forces, as well as other Iraq Security forces,” said a 10th Division Iraqi Army Soldier, despite losing earlier in the tournament.

In the second round, two of the ISF teams were eliminated, leaving only the 38th Brigade Iraqi Army and the Maysan Federal Police for the championship.

The match between the 38th BDE IA and the Maysan Federal Police was intense. At the end of regulation the score was 0-0, causing the championship game to go into a shoot out.

Each team selected their five best players. After the first six shots were taken, the shootout was tied at three goals apiece. The next shot came from the Federal Police and was blocked by the goalie from 38th IA. The 38th IA then made the following two shots with the Federal Police missing their last.

The 38th BDE IA won the tournament with a final score of 5-3 in the shootout. The champions stormed the field, dancing and celebrating with members of the crowd.

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by 1st Lt. Adam Appleberry1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

The Soldiers of Team Steel, Company C, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, recently began training the Iraqi Police at the Provincial Joint Coordination Center in Basra in order to help develop the Rule of Law in Iraq.

The PJCC is the headquarters for all Basra law enforcement. The PJCC houses headquarters

for the Basra Provincial Directorate of Police, the crime lab, the Department of Federal Investigation and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team. Included within the complex is a U.S. patrol base, permanently housing both military and state-department law enforcement specialists.

Team Steel is co-located with the Iraqi Police at the PJCC and has developed a relationship with these policemen over the past several months.

Photo by 1st Lt. Adam AppleberrySpc. Marc Lloyd, of Chicago, stands alongside his Iraqi partners at the Provincial Joint Coordination Center’s Joint Operating Center.

“The Iraqi Police who work at the PJCC and the facility itself have both improved drastically since we arrived this past spring,” said Spc. Marc Lloyd, of Chicago, member of the company intelligence support team. “We have developed a great relationship with our Iraqi counterparts, and this relationship is starting to show results within Basra.”

Now that Team Steel has successfully partnered with the law enforcement personnel, they

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Photo by 1st Lt. Adam Appleberry1st Lt. Ian Norwalk, of Albuquerque, N. M., and his platoon conduct a joint patrol in the City of Basra. The platoon often conducts patrols with members of Basra’s 10th Emergency Response Bn.

will spend the next few months training the Iraqi Police to become a more competent force.

“The joint missions that have been conducted with the Iraqi Police were successful, but there is always room for improvement,” said 1st Lt. Ian Norwalk, platoon leader, Company C, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., of Albuquerque, N.M.

Norwalk’s platoon has been able to work with the Basra SWAT team on several occasions. The joint patrols have allowed Norwalk and his platoon to show their Iraqi partners various techniques that

will allow them to keep increasing capability.

“Construction of the PJCC was challenging, but the effort has been rewarding. Every time we see a suspect arrested for terrorism by Iraqis, tried in a court of law by Iraqis, and put in prison by Iraqis, it is a validation of our work,” said Capt. Kristofer J. Thompson of Colorado Springs, Colo., commander, Company C, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg. “The Police in Basra province are becoming the type of law enforcement professionals that the Iraqi People deserve.”

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by Spc. Chastity R. Boykin3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office

The Ziggurat, and the surrounding remains of the ancient city of Ur, are a symbol of the great history of Iraq. The ruins, tombs, and home of the prophet Abraham, who lived here before journeying toward what is now called the Holy Land, provide a glimpse of human civilization over 4000 years ago.

Archeologically, the site is extremely important for what has already been discovered, but maybe more important because it is believed that only 20 percent of the complex has been excavated. It is likely the hills just to the north

Photo by Spc. Chastity R. BoykinThe Ziggurat of Ur sometimes called the “Great Ziggurat of Ur” is a Neo-Sumerian ziggurat which is located in the city of Ur near Nasiriyah in the present-day Dhi Qar Province.

Photo by Spc. Chastity R. BoykinDhiaf Mahsen, Ziggurat curator and tour guide, and a native of Tallil, Iraq, explains the history and culture of the Ziggurat, a 2,100 B.C. historical site.

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of Camp Adder contain many more priceless artifacts from ancient history.

“To think of the amount of effort required to build the temple over 4,000 years ago and the sense of community and spirituality required to organize a project of this magnitude is overwhelming,” said Maj. Brian North, executive officer, 3rd STB, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.

Soldiers assigned at the 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. headquarters can literally walk outside to view the Ziggurat approximately two kilometers away.

The impressive size and architecture of the structure is truly something the people of Dhi Qar are proud of, and those ties to the past are very important, he said.

“You can clearly get a sense of the pride Iraqis have in their history walking through the ruins,” North said.

Examples of cuneiform, one of the earliest forms of writing, can still be seen on bricks in the ancient ruins of the city of Ur. One of section of ruins within Ur contains one of the earliest surviving archways in the world.

The Ziggurat is the most recognizable structure in the city of Ur and loosely resembles an ancient pyramid with the top half missing.

“The Ziggurat is made of a three-layered solid mass of mud and brick, completely solid with no chambers, which was a shrine to the moon god Nanna. The lower layer is from the original construction by Ur Nammu, while the two upper layers were restored

during the Neo-Babylonian era,” said Mike Francis Dhaif Muhsen, Ziggurat curator and tour guide, and a native of Tallil, Iraq.

It is one of three well-preserved structures of the Neo-Sumerian city of Ur, alongside the Royal Mausolea and the Palace of Ur-Nammu, he said.

Occasional attempts by insurgents to fire rockets at Camp Adder pose a great risk to the Ziggurat. From a physical perspective, these buildings are 4,000 or more years old, and the explosions from these rockets could cause irreparable harm.

Even when rockets land in what appears to be empty land, they could very well destroy items thousands of years old buried under the sand, said North.

Economically, the continued

threat of violence could significantly deter the biggest potential source of income for this area – tourism. The Ziggurat is one of the best preserved archeological sites in Iraq, drawing both professional archeologists and thousands of tourists.

“Treasures found on the grounds are currently in a British museum and it helps for two reasons: they are protected and it shows our history and culture to those that come from all over the world to visit the museum,” said Muhsen.

Already this year, many international groups have scheduled tours with the site manager, but those groups could go elsewhere if the area is not considered safe, costing the local economy hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue.

Photo by Spc. Chastity R. BoykinThe Ziggurat’s souvenir shop sits nearby. At the stand, visitors can purchase items such as rugs, handbags, jewerly, and hookahs.

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by Capt. Mark Nettles1st Bn., 68th Armor. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

Many things have changed in Iraq since the first American forces crossed the border into Iraq more than seven years ago. Those changes are especially evident in the Distribution Platoon of Company F, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Camp Basra.

For many within the platoon, this is their third or fourth deployment. Collectively they have driven tens of thousands of miles through some very hostile environments to deliver food, water, ammo, repair parts and equipment to the Soldiers of the brigade. Some have been driving the mean streets of

Photos by Capt. Mark Nettles[Left] Spc. Charles Stokes guides Spc. Steven Baughman as he positions a pallet of cement blocks for transport to Iraqi Army at Camp Wessam. [Right] Spc. Scott J. Harris, an American Canyon, Calif. native, and Spc. Christopher Cloud, a Farmington, N.M. native, wheeled vehicle mechanics, in Maintenance Platoon, Forerunner Company, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., prepare a M1230 Caiman MRAP for transport.

Iraq since the very beginning.In 2003, there were no such

things as counter IED systems, electronic warfare systems, armor kits or even a radio in every vehicle.

“No bells or whistles,” said 1st Lt. Mark Klenk, then a freshly graduated private first class with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

Then in his first tour, Klenk drove the streets of Fallujah in a heavy expanded mobility tactical truck fueler. “There wasn’t anything up-armored. We had sandbags on the floor and pieces of steel attached to the doors,” he said.

When Klenk, a native of North Hills, Pa., returned to Iraq in the spring of 2010, it was not the

same Iraq he left behind seven years before. His distribution platoon was given M1230 Caiman mine resistant ambush protected vehicles that could withstand massive explosions and weighed in excess of 40,000 pounds.

“That thing is huge, but you feel a lot safer in it,” said Klenk.

That safety has changed the way supplies are delivered in Iraq. Since April 2010, the distribution platoon of the “Forerunner” Company has conducted more than 100 combat logistic convoys, covering more than 2,300 miles within Basra Province. The platoon delivers much needed supplies to more than 500 Soldiers at four joint security stations.

“During my first tour, we got hit the most; two or three times

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Photos by Capt. Mark NettlesSoldiers with Company F, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., direct the loading of an M1151 HMMWV onto a commercial semi-trailer at Camp Delta, Camp Basra for transport to Camp Minden. Since deploying in March 2010, the Company F Distribution Platoon has hauled more than 80 vehicles across Basra Province.

a week,” said Spc. James Yount, of San Antonio, Texas, motor transport operator, Forerunner Company.

Things are safer in Iraq today. The distribution platoon has delivered more than 80 vehicles on flatbed trailers and 1,700 tons of water, food, repair parts and equipment to various bases in southern Iraq. The convoys travel at slower speeds and every vehicle is equipped with a functioning electronic warfare system and air conditioning.

“It was great to get air conditioning,” said Sgt. Preston

Williams, of Oklahoma City, Okla., water treatment specialist, as he recalls past deployments with little or no functioning air conditioning in the vehicles.

In the early days of the war, convoys seldom stopped and relied on speed to stay safe.

“We were ordered by our lieutenant not to stop the convoy for anything,” said Sgt. Kyle Watanabe, of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, motor transport operator, Forerunner Company.

Things have changed dramatically for convoys traveling through Iraq. The rules of the

road have also changed. Under the current Iraqi status of forces agreement, all U.S. force convoys must be courteous and share the road with the Iraqi citizens. When traveling through towns or cities, U.S. convoys are required to be escorted by the Iraqi police or army.

On the battlefield change is inevitable, but this time the changes are positive for the Forerunner Distribution Platoon as it looks forward to wrapping up what will hopefully be its last deployment to Iraq.

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