The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 14

Volume 1, Issue 14 February 4, 2011

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CONTINGENCY OPERAT-ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regi-ment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Divi-sion, provided support to Iraq’s Salah ad Din Riot Dispersal Unit during Operation Able Magnum IV in areas south-east of Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Jan. 29.

“Woflhound” Soldiers of 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., accompa-nied the Iraqi Police unit in an advise and assist role, support-ing the RDU during a cordon and search mission targeting warranted violent extremists in the vicinity of Al Zahoor and Khadasia neighborhoods in Tikrit.

“Our goal is to support the Salah ad Din RDU in intel-ligence fusion and targeting processes that will lead to war-rant-based arrests during coun-ter-terrorism operations,” said Capt. Matt Hills, commander, Company A. “The operation was an Iraqi-led initiative.”

Iraqi Police from Salah ad Din RDU worked extensively during the past several weeks to generate their own intelli-gence for the mission, refining

Wolfhounds combine efforts with ISF to thwart violent extremist networksSgt. David Strayer109th MPADUSD-N Public Affairs

Cpl. Christopher Hallford, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Bri-gade, 25th Infantry Division, uses a Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment Biometric tool to take retina scans of a suspect after Operation Able Magnum IV, Jan. 29, 2011. The operation was a joint mission with Company A coordinating its efforts with the Salah ah Din Riot Dispersal Unit searching for warranted extremists in the areas southeast of Contingency Operating Base Speicher. The RDU gener-ated the intelligence, formulated a plan, and conducted the execution of the mission with U.S. forces acting in a supporting role.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

See EXTREMISTS, pg. 3

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The Ivy Leaf February 4, 2011

THE Ivy LeafThe Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial content of The Ivy Leaf is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the United States Division-North Public Affairs Office.

Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at [email protected]. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 318-849-0089.

Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. PerkinsCommand Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey

TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve WollmanTF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze

The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler

2nd Advise and Assist Brigade

25th Infantry Division

1st Advise and Assist Task Force

1st Infantry Division

4th Advise and Assist Brigade

1st Cavalry Division

Task Force Ironhorse

Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs

Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 9

First Iraqi Army unit graduates from GWTC

U.S. Soldiers, Kirkuk Police partner for justice

Graduation marks milestone for Iraqi training

MPs conclude deployment with award ceremony

Pfc. Kevin Gardner, cavalry scout, Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regi-ment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and Spc. Don Radke, combat medic, Company C, 1st Special

Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st In-fantry Division, distinguished themselves amongst their peers as the “Ironhorse Strong” Sol-diers of the Week for actions taken in defense of their fellow Soldiers while deployed in sup-port of Operation New Dawn.

Gardner, a native of Poland, Main, effectively defended members of his unit during an

attack on U.S. Forces at the Al Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center Jan. 15.

“He displayed to his fellow troopers the intense loyalty he has for them, and for all

of us on this team,” said Capt. Thomas Her-man, commander, Troop A, 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div.

“His selfless actions came without thinking—a reaction built from long hours training. It is truly an honor to have him as a member of my team.”

Radke, a native of Tucson, Ariz., saved the life of a comrade experiencing a seizure Jan. 18.

“Spc. Radke is a hero; he saved the life of a fellow Soldier,” said Sgt. First class Deadrian McKelvey, platoon sergeant, Company C, 1st STB, 1st AAFT, 1st Inf. Div. “He is trained, confident, and compe-tent. What more could a leader ask for?”

U.S. Army PhotoU.S. Army Photo

Pfc. Kevin Gardner, a cavalry scout from Poland, Maine, assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, pulls security during a training class at the Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Feb. 3, 2011.

Spc. Don Radke, right, a combat medic from Tucson, Ariz., assigned to Company C, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, takes a blood pressure reading for Spc. Napoleon Cruz, combat engineer, Company C, 1st STB, at Con-tingency Operating Site Warrior, Feb. 2, 2011.

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the focus of operations based on suspected locations, gener-ating a priority suspect list, and creating a plan to execute Able Magnum IV with U.S. forces present in a supporting capac-ity.

One of several municipal agencies dedicated to law en-forcement in the Salah ad Din province, the RDU partnered with Wolfhound Soldiers of Company A in August of 2010.

Hills, a native of Lisle, Ill., said he has seen improvements in every aspect of how the RDU operates, including organiza-tion and communications be-tween other law enforcement agencies.

It is essential these agen-cies share information and coordinate their efforts when conducting counter-terrorism operations and managing the threat from violent extremist

networks, Hills added.The Wolfhounds are work-

ing toward getting the RDU to the point where information is shared between agencies, and coordination is a joint effort, Hills said.

Due-process is a concept that the Wolfhounds have placed much emphasis on during their advise and assist partnership with the RDU, he added.

“Enforcing Rule of Law and Police Primacy is one of the biggest things we have tried to instill in the ISF,” said Hills. “We want them to uphold the legal standard, making arrests based on evidence collection and issued warrants.”

“Our agencies must be ac-countable for collecting evi-dence, sharing information, and making arrests based on issued warrants rather than just mak-ing arrests,” said Maj. Asem

Jasem, commander of Salah ad Din RDU.

Able Magnum IV is proof that the RDU can execute ev-ery stage of the operation with minimal U.S. forces involve-ment, said Jasem.

For the first time in the RDU’s partnership with U.S. forces, the Iraqi Police took re-sponsibility for every aspect of the operation, he said.

From gathering intelligence, to the planning and execution of the operation, the RDU led the mission, essentially briefing the Wolfhounds of Company A on their intentions and then ex-ecuting.

“The operation was an over-whelming success,” said Hills. “From planning to (apprehend-ing the suspect), the RDU had it under control …”

The Iraqi Police detained one of five warranted suspects

identified for Operation Able Magnum IV.

Wolfhound Soldiers used biometric tools to archive the suspect’s fingerprints and iris scans, while the RDU con-firmed the identity of the sus-pect and took him into custody.

“The end state is that the ISF in the province will be able to provide security … and man-age the threats that come from violent extremist networks,” said Hills. “We are working to get them to where our advise and assist support is no longer needed; they are very close to that point.”

Wolfhound Soldiers of Company A continue to work with the RDU and other ISF to ensure a more stable Salah ad Din province as part of their ad-vise and assist mission in sup-port of Operation New Dawn.

Capt. Matt Hills, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, reviews the Salah ah Din Riot Dispersal Unit’s plan with RDU Commander Maj. Asem Jasem, before conducting Operation Able Magnum IV in areas southeast of Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Jan. 29, 2011. Soldiers of Company A monitored the progress of the RDU from the gathering of intelligence, planning and the execution stage of the operation. “We acted entirely in a supporting role,” said Hills. “The RDU generated their own intelligence, made their own plans based on that ‘intel,’ and executed the mission. It was impressive to see them act in such a ‘left-seat’ capacity.” The Wolfhound Soldiers of 1st Bn. 27th Inf. Regt. will continue to work with the Salah ah Din RDU until they no longer require U.S. forces to advise, train, and assist.

Continued from EXTREMISTS, pg. 1

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

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GHUZLANI WARRIOR TRAINING CENTER, Iraq – Iraqi Army soldiers of 1st Bat-talion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, became the first alumni of the recently opened Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, graduating from a four-week training program, Jan. 27.

First Battalion soldiers trained on a wide range of tasks from individual and squad-level tactics to company-level battle drills as part of Tadreeb al Shamil, a new training initia-tive to modernize Iraqi forces’ warfighting capabilities for na-tional defense operations.

“In the Iraqi Army, we say, ‘The sweat of training will re-duce blood on the battlefield,’” said Iraqi staff Lt. Gen. Hussain Jasim Dohi, deputy chief of staff for training, Iraqi Ground Forces Command. “We can-not increase the capability and readiness for any army without training.”

The battalion will now have the opportunity to incorporate skills learned at GWTC into the Iraqi Army unit’s day-to-day operations, said Hussain.

U.S. Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regi-ment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, implemented and supervised the training regimen.

U.S. advisors taught con-cepts to Iraqi unit leadership using a train-the-trainer ap-proach, with the Iraqi officers then conducting their own training for soldiers within their battalion.

During the four weeks of training, Iraqi soldiers con-ducted individual and collec-tive training, progressing from small unit tactics to battalion-

level military operations, as part of an ongoing effort to modernize warfighting capa-bilities of Iraqi Army divisions.

“They did a lot better start-ing out than we anticipated,” said Maj. Jason Kniffen, opera-tions officer, 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., who led the final evalu-ation for the battalion. “They were able to take the skills we

taught them during the first part of the training and carry that forward through the remainder of the training.”

Kniffen said Iraqi trainers will replace Soldiers of 4th AAB at the GWTC, as U.S. forces transition from teach-ing Iraqi Army units to serving in an advisory capacity during Tadreeb al Shamil.

Having the ability to train an entire battalion in one setting permits the Iraqi Army staff of-ficers to see the training exercise as a whole and guide senior of-ficers on exercises beyond indi-vidual tasks, Kniffen explained.

The 5th, 7th and 10th IA Divisions are also conducting similar training during 2011, as Iraqi Ground Forces Com-mand continues to modernize its army, added Hussain.

According to Hussain, the Iraqi Army is planning to rotate 48 battalions through Ghuzlani and similar training centers spread across the country by the end of the year.

Hussain noted other com-manders and unit leaders will benefit from 1st Battalion’s it-eration at Ghuzlani, which will improve subsequent rotations for Iraqi units at the training center.

“We are looking forward to rebuilding the Iraqi armed forces to a national, indepen-dent and professional Army,” he said.

First Iraqi Army unit graduates from GWTCSgt. Shawn Miller109th MPADUSD-N Public Affairs

Iraqi Army soldiers of 1st Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, stand in formation during a graduation ceremony at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center near Mosul, Jan. 27, 2011. The battalion’s gradu-ation ceremony represented the completion of the inaugural rotation of training at the GWTC. One of four locations in Iraq committed to train IA battalions on collective unit operations as part of Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All-Inclusive Training, the GWTC opened in January as an enduring training facility for Iraqi Army units to develop their warfighting capability to secure the sovereign nation of Iraq.

Iraqi Army staff Lt. Gen. Hussain Jasim Dohi, Iraqi Ground Forces Command Deputy Chief of Staff for Training, congratulates soldiers of 1st Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, following the unit’s graduation ceremony at the Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Jan. 27, 2011.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

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CONTINGENCY OPERAT-ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st In-fantry Division partnered with Iraqi Police to detain violent extremists and strengthen se-curity in Kirkuk City, Iraq, Jan. 24-26.

The Kirkuk Emergency Services Unit led Operation Out for Justice, searching lo-cal residences and interviewing citizens about possible criminal and extremist activity in the area.

“Thunderhorse” Battalion Soldiers supported the Iraqi Police providing additional security and equipment while the Iraqis interviewed citizens, looking for information about suspicious activity in the area.

During the first day of the operation, Iraqi Police conduct-ed a cordon and knock opera-

tion, detaining five suspects for questioning.

“This is our plan for the se-curity of Kirkuk,” said Kirkuk Chief of Police Maj. Gen. Ja-mal Tahr Bakr. “When people see the police come, it raises their morale, because they know we are here to protect them. Also, the extremists do not know when we are coming, so it keeps them off-balance.”

Lt. Col. Joe Holland, com-mander, 2nd Bn., 12th Cavalry Regt., said he and his Soldiers are proud to work with the Iraqi Police during these types of missions, because these types of operations prove the capabil-ity of the Iraqi Security Forces.

“The IPs in Kirkuk are a very professional organiza-tion,” said Holland. “They are ready to do this on their own. We are continuing to give them some enabling help, but they are doing a great job out here.”

U.S. and Iraqi forces re-ceived information indicat-ing the suspect was living in

Kirkuk, said Capt. Matthew Makaryk, commander, Compa-ny B, 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt.

Soldiers of Company B and Kirkuk Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit searched the suspect’s neigh-borhood, presenting warrants to search homes and question residents.

“We’ve done a lot of mis-sions like this with the (ESU),” said Makaryk. “They handle things a little bit differently than we do, but they know what they are doing.”

The IP ESU led the search, entering each of the homes, bringing its occupants outside for questioning by Thunder-horse Soldiers.

The Company B Soldiers fingerprinted, photographed and questioned each male oc-cupant about the whereabouts of the suspect.

Although U.S. and Iraqi forces did not locate the suspect during the first day’s mission, a man believed to be his brother

was detained for questioning, said Makaryk.

Cpl. Bryce Luginbill, a team leader assigned to Company B, said he believes the Kirkuk ESU has become a highly pro-fessional and well-rounded quick reaction force, able to re-spond to emergencies through-out the city with speed and competency.

“I was here in Iraq in 2008 to 2009, and we worked with the same ESU guys then,” said the Columbus Grove, Ohio native. “They are much more com-petent now; they have a better understanding of how secu-rity operations are supposed to work.”

The 12th Division of the Iraqi Army also participated in Operation Out For Justice, lo-cating a large weapons cache, consisting of 34 155 mm artil-lery rounds and other bomb-making material, during a cache search in the outer districts of Kirkuk province.

U.S. Soldiers, Kirkuk Police partner for justiceSpc. Andrew IngramUSD-N Public Affairs

Kirkuk Provincial Director of Police Maj. Gen. Jamal accompanies Kirkuk Police Emergency Services Unit during a cordon and knock operation through a neighborhood in Kirkuk City, Jan. 25, 2011. U.S. Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, assisted Kirkuk ESU during the operation. The ESU cordoned areas of the city, going from house to house to speak with the occupants, distribute humanitarian assistance packages and search for warranted individuals. The three-day operation, conducted with assistance of “Thunderhorse” Soldiers of 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt., resulted in the detention of several suspects.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO

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KIRKUSH MILITARY TRAINING BASE, Iraq – Flags rippled in the breeze as Iraqi soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 21st Bri-gade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, marched with rifles on shoulders conducting a pass and review during a graduation ceremony at Kirkush Military Training Base, Jan. 28.

The graduation marked the first time an Iraqi Army battalion graduated from KMTB, an enduring training facility cre-ated to prepare Iraqi Army units to sustain their ground forces and prepare Iraqi sol-diers for their mission to defend the people of Iraq.

Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, command-ing general of 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, and Col. Malcolm Frost, commander, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, attended the event, observing the future of Iraq’s army.

“The security of a nation rests on the shoulders of its soldiers and its army, and the capability of an army depends upon its training,” Perkins said before the graduat-ing class and distinguished guests in atten-dance. “This training that we are complet-

ing here today has not only improved the capacity of the soldiers in the unit, but it is in fact the basis of the security of the nation of Iraq.”

Perkins congratulated the Iraqi soldiers for completing the tough training cycle, and commended the Soldiers of 1st Bat-talion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div., for their professional per-formance, partnering and working with the Iraqi Army, while representing the people of the United States.

“Soldiers of our Army are not only are greatest protectors, but they are our great-est ambassadors,” he said.

The Iraqi soldiers of 3rd Bn., 21st Bde., 5th IA Div., set a new standard in their training efforts, performing well-above U.S. expectations, said 1st Lt. Scott Guo,

platoon leader and IA advisor assigned to Company A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div.

Part of the advise and assist role taken by U.S. forces operating in support of Op-eration New Dawn, U.S. Soldiers assigned to Company A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., led a train-the-trainer program, teaching Iraqi officers and noncommissioned officers to train their soldiers.

“This is essential to Iraqi units,” ex-plained Guo, speaking of the self-sustain-ing element of training.

Pfc. Abbas Yaas Khundar, mortarman, 3rd Bn., 21st Bde., 5th IA Div., said he and fellow soldiers honed their skills during the training at KMTB.

“The training was very good,” said Khundar. “We learned many new tech-niques that will help us. We will take them back to the company and use them there.”

Responsible for mentoring the Iraqi soldiers throughout the Tadreeb al Shamil training, “Warrior” Soldiers of 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div. held a special ceremony prior to the graduation to recognize Iraqi soldiers for their outstanding performance during the training cycle.

“This is our way of saying thank you for all the hard work they put in the past 25-days,” said Guo.

Graduation marks milestone for Iraqi trainingSgt. Coltin Heller109th MPADU.S. Division-North Public Affairs

Iraqi soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, proudly display unit colors marching pass their commanders during a graduation ceremony at Kirkush Military Training Base, Jan. 28, 2011. Iraqi units rotated through a 25-day training cycle, part of Tadreeb al Shamil; Arabic for All Inclusive Training, at KMTB. During the training cycle, Iraqi soldiers learned modern military tactics, techniques and procedures from U.S Division-North Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general of 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Divi-sion-North, returns a salute rendered to him by an Iraqi platoon leader of 3rd Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, during a graduation ceremony at Kirkush Military Training Base, Jan. 28, 2011. The graduation marked the first time a battalion completed collective unit training at KMTB. “The secu-rity of a nation rests on the shoulders of its soldiers and its army, and the capability of an army depends upon its training,” said Per-kins to Iraqi soldiers and unit commanders. “This training that we are completing here to-day has not only improved the capacity of the soldiers in the unit, but it is in fact the basis of the security of the nation of Iraq.”

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller

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Tadreeb al Shamil, translated from Arabic, means “All Inclusive Train-ing.” U.S. Division-North Soldiers stationed at Al Ghuzlani Warrior Train-ing Center and Kirkuk Military Training Base lead the diverse training for Iraqi Army battalions during 25-day cycles. Tadreeb al Shamil is an Iraqi-directed training program to modernize Iraqi Army units’ capabilities. IA soldiers are learning individual and collective military operations, ranging from squad movement techniques to mortar fire training, modeling their tactics, techniques and procedures after U.S. forces. U.S. Soldiers teach the classes using the “crawl, walk, run” and “train the trainer” models, in-structing IA officers and noncommissioned officers on the skills necessary to sustain individual and collective training at the unit level.

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Iraqi Police assigned to the Kirkuk Government Building honed emergency medical skills, strengthened their understanding of communications equipment and trained on the maintenance of various weapons during training with U.S. Soldiers and State De-partment civil-ians Jan. 24-25.

The Iraqi Police trained with the AK-47 and M1014 shotgun; and learned how to operate two-way radios, said Staff Sgt. Co-rey Edkins, military policeman, 512th Mil-itary Police Company, 92nd Military Police Battalion, attached to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division.

The IPs also practiced basic lifesaving skills with medics of Company B, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div.

“We are trying to get all of the KGB

Police trained up in the next few weeks,” Edkins said. “These guys are responsible for the security of a lot of political leaders in Kirkuk, so it is important for them to be well-trained.”

Spc. Billy Arana, a combat medic as-signed to the 512th MP Company, said he has seen a drastic improvement in the Iraqi Police’s competency during his 11 months in Iraq.

“The Iraqis are very receptive to this training,” said Arana, who hails from San Francisco. “For them, it is very exciting to learn from Americans, and they are learn-ing skills they can pass on to future police officers and soldiers when they join.”

“Now that they are really standing up as a sovereign nation, they seem to under-stand the role they are playing,” said Ara-na. “They are professionals now.”

The training program provided the IP officers an opportunity to refresh many of their skills, said Legal Lt. Col. Goran Abdulmajed Gily, chief of security for the Kirkuk Government Building.

“I am very thankful to the American forces for helping us with training, from Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 until now,” Gily said. “We are better than we were last year. Last year, we were better than the year before that; day by day, we are training and getting better.”

Lt. Col. Ardrelle Evans, Team Chief of the Provincial Police Transition Team for Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah provinces, said the training is part of U.S. forces’ larger mission to prepare Iraqi forces to stand on their own.

“I’m excited about the Iraqis, their ex-citement and individual proficiency,” said Evans, who designed the program. “I’m excited about the opportunity for them to solve their own unique problems with an Iraqi solution, and I believe with a little more technical assistance they will be well on their way.”

Kirkuk Police sharpen weapon and medical skills

An Iraqi police officer, assigned to the Kirkuk Government Building, performs a function check on an M1014 shotgun during weap-ons training Jan. 25, 2011. U.S. Soldiers of the Provincial Police Transition Team, 512th Military Police Company, 92nd Military Police Battalion, attached to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, provided training and assistance to Iraqi Police whose primary function is to protect the government building where most of Kirkuk Province’s civ-ic leadership works.

Joseph Mohammad, an Iraqi police officer as-signed to the Kirkuk Government Building, places a bandage on his comrade Jamal Atip, covering a notional stomach wound during first aid training with Soldiers from Company B, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Ad-vise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Divi-sion, at the Kirkuk Government Building, Jan. 25, 2011. In addition to medical training the Iraqi Police also conducted weapons training and practiced two-way radio communication techniques.

Spc. Andrew IngramU.S. Division-North Public Affairs

“We are better than we were last year. Last year, we were better than the year before that; day by day, we are training and getting better.”

– Lt. Col. Goran Abdulmajed Gily

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram

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CONTINGENCY OPERAT-ING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – The company of men and women stood at attention—Soldiers lined up in crisp, straight rows and columns—each exhibiting a supreme level of discipline; even their eyes were still.

Col. Malcolm Frost, brigade commander of 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, presented end of tour awards to 512th Military Police Company at the Salie Gym Jan. 23 at Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Diyala prov-ince, Iraq.

The presentation of awards ceremoniously concluded the 512th MP Company, “Titans’,” deployment to Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

During the first six months of the deployment, the MPs worked closely with their Iraqi Police counterparts in the Di-yala, Salah ad Din and Kirkuk provinces.

U.S. forces and Iraqi police conducted partnered security patrols and escort missions be-tween March and September, said 1st Lt. Joshua Donecker, executive officer, 512th MP Company.

Donecker said the military police focused their main ef-forts to teaching Iraqi Police crime scene investigation tech-niques, and partnered with Iraqi Police in checkpoint opera-tions, riot control procedures and female IP training.

The transition from security operations of OIF transitioned seamlessly to the “advise and assist” mission of OND, be-cause the MP company was already training and mentor-ing Iraqi Police, said Donecker,

who hails from Baltimore. Though the types of mis-

sions remained the same, the contrast arose in the level of in-volvement the MPs had in joint missions with the IPs.

Donecker said the military police company assumed more of an advisory role, provid-ing support when needed and allowing the Iraqis to take re-sponsibility for the mission planning and execution.

“We just expanded on what they already knew,” said Spc. Jacob Shields, an Iron Moun-tain, Mich. native, and a com-munications specialist assigned to 512th MP Company. “We also taught them things to look for regarding potential suspects in crimes, and how to prove it in court.

It should help them in solv-

ing crimes when we’re gone, and in recruiting and training new IPs as they continue to grow their Iraqi Police force,” he said.

Donecker said the MPs con-ducted various redeployment preparations to ensure the pro-cess is as smooth as possible for the Soldiers, their Families and the incoming unit.

“We conducted the Post-Deployment Health Reassess-ment, and have also had sev-eral reintegration briefs from the legal representative and the chaplain,” he said. “We began this process about a month ago to ensure a smooth transition.”

Despite the initial chal-lenges of dealing with complex provinces, Donecker said he is pleased with the results of working with the Iraqi Police.

“In the beginning, it was tough being in a new environ-ment with unique challenges, but once the operational tempo was established, the 512th MP Company adapted extremely well under hazardous condi-tions with outstanding results,” Donecker said.

The 272nd Military Po-lice Company, based out of Mannheim, Germany, is slated to replace the 512th MP Com-pany, returning to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., in February.

“We are all very excited and ready to start the reinte-gration process with our Fami-lies, knowing we are leaving our missions to the 272nd MP Company with a great under-standing of the operational en-vironment,” he said.

MPs conclude deployment with award ceremonyCpl. Robert England2nd AAB Public Affairs25th Inf. Div., USD-N

Spc. Mario Bravo, right, a military policeman assigned to 512th Military Police Company, attached to 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, salutes Col. Malcolm Frost, brigade commander of 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div., during an award ceremony at the Salie Gym on Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Diyala province, Iraq, Jan. 23, 2011. The 512th MP Company conducted missions with their Iraqi Police counterparts in the Diyala, Salah ad Din and Kirkuk provinces during the final months of Operation Iraqi Freedom through Operation New Dawn. The 272nd Military Police Company, based out of Mannheim, Ger-many, will replace the 512th MP Company, which will return to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., in February.

U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – When there are only two high schools in the county of a small town coastal area, everyone, who knows everyone else, knows that the most talked about event each week takes place Friday night under the lights.

Two 4th Infantry Division staff officers are well-versed with small town football rivalries and playing on the gridiron on an Autumn Friday night.

Lt. Col. Al Kearse, a field artillery of-ficer currently serving as the Electronic Warfare officer of 4th Inf. Div. and U.S. Division-North, grew up in the small town of Inverness, Fla., attending and playing football for the Citrus High School Hurri-canes in Citrus County.

“There were only two high schools in Citrus County,” said Kearse. “There was Citrus High School, where I attended, and Chrystal River—our long time football ri-vals.”

Lt. Col. Frank Wynne, an armor offi-cer who currently serves as the Red Team Chief Counter-Planning officer for the 4th Inf. Div., also grew up in Citrus County, Fla., and attended Chrystal River High School the same years Kearse attended Cit-rus High School.

“The two schools were eighteen miles apart,” said Wynne. “Students from the two schools would rarely cross paths unless it was summertime, or you happened to work in the watermelon fields.”

The two staff officers discovered their paths had crossed before during a Thanks-giving meal at U.S. Division-North Com-prehensive Soldier Fitness Center, where they discussed military careers, sports and their children’s athletic activities.

“We were talking about the quality of the school systems back home near Fort Carson,” said Wynne. “One topic led to an-other; we each asked where the other was from, and discovered that we had crossed paths before.”

“That’s when we really started to peel the onion back, and talk about what years we were in school and when we played football. It was a classic case of small-world syndrome,” said Wynne.

Kearse and Wynne both played varsity football for three years at their respective schools. Each year they faced off on the gridiron, playing for rivalry bragging rights and the ability to walk away from the sea-son with satisfaction.

“Our schools always played each other the last game of the season,” said Wynne, who played offensive line for Chrystal River. “It didn’t matter what happened throughout the rest of the season. We could have been winless and they could have been undefeated─at the end of the season, the school that won the Citrus-Chrystal River rivalry game was the school that had the best season.”

The two competitors would go on to fol-low similar career paths; Wynne joining the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Saint Leo College in Florida, and Kearse attend-ing the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Both Kearse and Wynne were commis-sioned in the U.S. Army as second lieuten-ants in 1987. They each served in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq during the first Gulf War; and more recent deployed to U.S. Di-vision-North in support of Operation New Dawn.

With more than 46 years combined ser-vice, both look forward to a new chapter in their lives, raising their children in Colo-rado Springs, Colo.

“We have both discussed the idea of re-tirement after this tour,” said Kearse. “As the war in Iraq is coming to a close, so are

our careers in the military.”“The first time we would have played

against each other on the football field would have been 29 years ago,” said Ke-arse. “We probably hit each other numer-ous times on the field, but never really met until we got to Fort Carson in 2009 and started working together in preparation for this deployment.”

Now deployed to Iraq in support of Op-eration New Dawn, the two staff officers once again find themselves on the gridiron and under the Friday night lights where ev-eryone is paying attention.

“Frank and I are now on the same team, working together on the 4th Inf. Div. staff to help stabilize a fledgling democratic government still facing security threats,” said Kearse.

Both Kearse and Wynne agreed whole-heartedly that this deployment in support of Operation New Dawn is a tremendous opportunity to watch as political, sectarian, and religious rivals within the Iraqi govern-ment come together to form a democratic system of governance—essentially watch-ing history unfold as it happens.

As high school students, the two officers squared off as rivals on the football field only to become friends and co-workers 29 years later. Now, Kearse and Wynne are working together to provide Iraqi Security Forces with the training and assistance they will need to sustain a secure future for the people of Iraq.

Friday Night Lights: old rivalries, new partnerships

Unbeknownst to Lt. Col. Frank Wynne and Lt. Col. Al Kearse, officers assigned to 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, both Soldiers grew up on opposite sides of the track, high school rivals on the football gridiron. Twenty-nine years later, Kearse and Wynne are working together to provide Iraqi Security Forces training and assistance for the future of Iraq.

Sgt. David Strayer109th MPADU.S. Division-North Public Affairs

U.S. Army photo

11


Chaplain’s Corner:

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – In last week’s edition of The Ivy Leaf, Chaplain Maj. Ken Hurst took on the difficult task of trying to define “Spirituality.”

In a nutshell, he defined spirituality as, “a person’s connection, or ability to connect with, something greater than themselves.” Of course, not everyone will accept that definition, but in our diverse culture, it is about as close as we can get.

This week we take on the idea of Spiri-tual Fitness. What is it? And how do I be-come Spiritually Fit? Again, we have to look at this from a broad perspective, but I think we can find some practical ideas that almost all Soldiers can use to enhance their Spiritual Fitness.

I define Spiritual Fitness as strengthen-ing the connection between a person, and that which they consider greater than them-selves.

A good way to help us understand the principles of Spiritual Fitness is to look at the principles behind physical fitness.

We do a lot of things for PT, everything from spin class to combatives. Still, the heart of Army physical fitness remains the “Big Three:” Push Ups, Sit Ups and the Run.

Each exercise focuses on a different area: abdominals, upper body and cardio. If we do the big three consistently and reg-ularly, each of us should be physically fit Soldiers.

Spiritual Fitness also has a “Big Three:” Connection, Community, and Communion. Exercise these three areas and you, yes YOU, can be on your way toward Spiritual Fitness.

Let me define each of the Spiritual Fit-ness Big Three, and explain the exercise technique connected to each one.

Connection: This area focuses on the mind. Connection leads an individual to increase their understanding of whatever, or whoever it is that they consider greater than themselves. Individuals exercise this area by learning and by study─by simple

things like reading books connected to their spirituality.

Do you enhance your connection by some sort of daily spiritual focus? Like PT, consistent and regular is the key. All major religious groups have scriptures, or sacred writings that are available for study. If a person’s spirituality is defined outside the bounds of religion, there will still be books to study, and things to learn.

Community: This area focuses on a person’s relationship with others who share similar understandings of spirituality. In-dividuals exercise this area by spending time celebrating, fellowshipping, worship-ping, or studying with others who share similar beliefs. Most faith groups, and other non-religious groups that seek spiri-tual connections, celebrate special seasons, commemorate events, and join together as communities for many reasons. Any time individuals join together with others of like mind, their spiritual fitness is enhanced. And just like PT, regular and consistent is the key.

Communion: This area emphasizes the heart. When we consistently connect with something greater than ourselves, we can be changed in profound ways. We exercise the very heart of our spirituality when we allow ourselves some quiet time to pray, meditate, or reflect on the spiritual connec-tions in our lives.

For me, it all looks something like this:Connecting: I seek to be Spiritually Fit

by studying my Bible and reading theology books.

Community: I find strength when I go to Chapel on Sundays, and experience com-munity and fellowship when I hang out with the worship praise team on Tuesday and Saturday nights.

Communion: I am changed and made spiritually healthy when I spend time alone with God in prayer every day.

What YOU do to be Spiritually Fit, may look very different from what I do!

We live in a great country that allows us to make our own choices in this area. The Army has recognized the value of Spiritual Fitness, but unlike PT, the Army has not, and will not devise a Spiritual Fitness Test. It is all up to you.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey HoustonChaplainU.S. Division-North

Remaining Spiritually Fit

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – The crowd rose to their feet and gave country star Craig Morgan a warm welcome as he entered the gymna-sium Jan. 31 at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the man upstairs for giving me the opportunity to come here and share my music with all of you, and bring a little bit of ‘home’ to Iraq,” said Craig Morgan, who hails from Nashville, Tenn.

Morgan kicked off the show with the hymn “Amazing Grace,” drawing on the audience to sing along, and then led into one of his first top ten hits, “That’s what I love about Sundays,” an appropriate tribute to the day he performed at COS Warrior.

Country Star Craig Morgan brings COS Warrior togetherPfc. Alyxandra McChesney1st AATF Public Affairs1st Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North

Country music star Craig Morgan visited Contingency Operating Site Warrior and per-formed some of his hit songs for the Soldiers of the 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., Jan. 30, 2011. His final song, “Almost Home,” struck a particular chord with his audience, who sang along with the entire last verse.

See MORGAN, pg. 12

U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney

12


“Hey Doc: I heard acetaminophen is dangerous and will de-stroy my liver. What am I supposed to take if I have a headache, fever, or sore muscles?” – signed “Love My Liver”

Dear “Love My Liver,”We admire your liver, too, and want you to stay in great

health. So, listen up.Acetaminophen is the generic name of a drug found in many

common brand-name over-the-counter products, such as Tylenol, as well as prescription products such as Vicodin and Percocet.

Acetaminophen’s effectiveness in relieving pain and fever is widely known. At the correct dose, it is quite safe. Taking more than recommended, however, can cause liver damage, ranging from abnormalities in liver function blood tests to acute liver failure and even death.

It is very important to carefully follow your healthcare pro-vider’s directions. You may not notice the signs and symptoms of liver damage right away because they take time to appear. Or, you may mistake early symptoms of liver damage—for example, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting—for something else, like the flu. Liver damage can develop into liver failure or death over several days.

Get educated─after all, it’s YOUR body! Learn more about acetaminophen safety by visiting the Food and Drug Administra-tion Web site:

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm239747.htm.

See your healthcare provider, or the Taskforce Ironhorse Phar-macy Consultant for a handout. Keep your livers strong Taskforce Ironhorse, and keep those questions coming!

‘My head’s killin’ me, but what about my liver?’

Hey Doc:Lt. Col. Mark KruegerPharmacy ConsultantUSD-N Surgeon

Preventive measures you can take:• Take opioid/acetaminophen combination products only as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Do not take more of an acetaminophen-containing medicine than directed; even a small amount more can cause liver dam-age.

• Carefully read all labels for prescription and over the counter medicines, and ask if your prescription pain medicine contains acetaminophen. Prescription medicine labels that contain acet-aminophen may say “APAP.”

• Never take more than one medicine that contains acetamin-ophen. Check the active ingredients of all your medicines to make sure you are taking no more than one medicine contain-ing acetaminophen at a time.

• Do not drink alcohol when taking acetaminophen.

• Stop your medicine and seek medical help immediately if you think you have taken more acetaminophen than directed.

• Do not take more acetaminophen than the maximum daily dose of 4,000 milligrams (4 grams).

• Finally, don’t take acetaminophen for more days than directed.

Although Craig Morgan became famous for his country music, he is also a U.S. Army veteran who served 11 years before he started his entertainment career.

“I was in the Army for a very long time, and there is a whole lot of it I miss,” said Craig, who served with the 82nd Airborne Division and 75th Ranger Regiment.

Staff Sgt. Brent Vestering, a Wichita, Kan. native, serving as the noncommis-sioned officer in charge of 1st Advise and Assist Task Force Legal office, said he likes Craig Morgan for his music and be-cause of the efforts he makes to reach out to Soldiers.

“Craig is cut from the same cloth; he grew up through the ranks just like all of us standing here. He did his time and served his country, yet here he is today still giving

back to the Soldiers,” said Vestering.The visit was Morgan’s ninth tour bring-

ing his country music to Iraq. Morgan said he felt it is important for

the people back home to know what is go-ing on in Iraq and understand the positive things U.S. forces have done in Iraq.

By playing his music for the troops and having stories about his performances in Iraq sent home, Morgan said he feels he can help spread that message.

Vestering said he had the opportunity to talk to Craig and his band before the con-cert.

“They understand the war in Iraq is winding down, and they said even though we’re no longer in the spot light of the me-dia, and not considered to be in combat op-erations on a day to day basis, they want

to show us that the people back home are thinking of us and that we are not forgot-ten,” said Vestering.

Morgan played “Almost Home” as one of his last songs of the night, asking the crowd to sing the last verse for him.

Holding out the microphone to the audi-ence, the gym filled with Soldiers, Airmen, civilians and contractors becoming one in unison singing, “I just climbed out of a cottonwood tree; I was running from some honey bees; Drip dyrin’ in the summer breeze; After jumpin’ into Calico creek; I was walkin’ down an old dirt road; Past a field of hay that had just been mowed; Man, I wish you just left me alone; ‘Cause I was almost home.’”

Continued from MORGAN, pg. 11

The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 14

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Transcript of The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 14