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BAGHDAD — Soldiers representingIraq's 10 Army Divisions stood proudlyalong with high-ranking officers and digni-taries Jan. 6 to com-memorate Iraqi Armyday at the Tomb of theUnknown Soldier in theInternational Zonehere.

The event, organized by the Ministry ofDefense, was the largest affair orchestratedhere since the inception of the war, mark-ing a milestone in the progress of Iraq'ssecurity forces and symbolizing the unityof Iraq's Army.

As Iraq's Minister of Defense Saadun al-

Dulaimi stood somberly before a battalionof sharply dressed Iraqi Soldiers, a wreathwas placed at the centerpiece of the tombmarking 85 years since the beginning ofthe Iraqi Army.

Iraqi Army Soldiersare carrying on aproud tradition of mil-itary service and takepride in knowing theynow serve the people

instead of a tyrannical despot.The tomb also holds special meaning

for the Soldiers."Today's festival has a special meaning

and it is not like the previous ones," said

See ARMY, Page 4

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rick RzepkaSoldiers from all over Iraq stand in formation in Baghdad during Army Day at theTomb of the Unknown Soldier on Jan. 6.

Polish troopsdonate suppliesto students and

farmers, Page 3

Paving roads in Sadr City,

Page 7

Uncovering weapon caches,0

Iraq�snewestheroes,Page 12

Story by Spc. Rick RzepkaThis Week in Iraq, Assistant Editor

Iraqi Soldiers united

January 11, 2006Vol. 2, No. 2 www.mnf-iraq.com

"Today's festival has a specialmeaning and it is not like the previousones. Today we serve the nation.”

Saadun al-Dulaimi,Iraq’s Minister of Defense

The insurgencydid not endbecause of theinspiring vote onDec. 15. Recentsuicide bombings andlosses during combatoperations remind usagain that the fight isfar from over. We can-not let isolated eventsdistract us from theprogress that has beenmade over the last year.That is what the terror-ists want.

As a result of theoperations to restoreIraqi control to the Syrian borderover the past months, we have cutthe number of suicide attacks inIraq in half by denying the people,resources and safe havens neces-sary for sustained operations.

The enemy will do anything, toinclude killing innocent men,women and children to reach theirgoal of subjugating Iraq and mak-ing it a base of terror for the world.This is al-Qaida's stated goal andour mission is to ensure this doesnot happen. We cannot lose sightof our mission.

Foreign fighters are trying tofoment sectarian tension during avulnerable period, but will notbring Iraq to the brink of civil war.Clearly, recent attacks have beendesigned to take advantage of thisvulnerable time during the forma-tion of the government. However,we continually see that while thereare a number of attacks, only 20-25

percent result ininjury or damage.This stagnationover many monthsshows no increased

capability by theterrorists and noincreased supportfor their cause.

I think it is impor-tant for people tolook at what theinsurgents have notdone. Certainly theycan kill, and theyhave demonstratedthat. However,murder is not a win-

ning strategy. They have failed todisrupt the political process. theyhave failed to disrupt the growth ofthe Iraqi military and police, whichhas grown and become bettertrained. And they have failed tohold terrain. They still offer nopositive vision for the future ofIraq.

The future of Iraq can clearly beseen in the celebrations of IraqiArmy and Police Day in the lastweek. These celebrations serve toremind the world of the increasingconfidence the Iraqi people placein their military and police to pro-tect them, ensure democracy, free-dom, and safety for all Iraqis. Asthe new Iraqi parliament is seatedand ministries stand up, the IraqiSecurity Forces will continue to bein the forefront, ensuring democra-cy and increasingly taking the leadfrom Coalition Forces in defeatingterrorism.

Editor.................................................................Spc. David J. Claffey

Assistant Editor...........................................Spc. Richard L. Rzepka

Command Information NCOIC.........................Sgt. Jeffrey M. Lowry

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

This Week in Iraq January 11, 2006

This Week in Iraq is an authorized publication produced by Multi-National Force- Iraq. Contents are not the official views of the U.S. Government or DoD. The editorial content is theresponsibility of the Public Affairs Office of the Multi-National Force - Iraq. Questions and commentsshould be directed to the editor at [email protected].

MNF-I Commanding GeneralGen. George W. Casey Jr.

Combined Press Information Center DirectorLt. Col. Barry A. [email protected]

Command Information ChiefCapt. Bradford E. [email protected]

TAJI — More than 130 Iraqi servicemembers gradu-ated from the first pay and personnel accountabilitycourse at the Iraqi Army Service and Support Institute atTaji military base in late December.

The graduation of the servicemembers will aid in themanagement of the Iraqi Armed Forces pay system,which tracks the monthly payment of security forcesmembers, according to course organizers. The coursecurriculum, developed by the Multi-National SecurityTransition Command - Iraq personnel section, focusedon the IAF pay system and how personnel accountabil-ity directly impacts the payment of monthly salaries.

Lesson plans and lectures focused on the structureand function of the military pay system and militarypersonnel accountability policies and procedures.

The course was designed to give students who areresponsible for pay and personnel at their units the prop-er procedures to maintain accurate personnel informa-tion, thereby improving the overall payroll system.

U.S. Navy Lt. Garth Gimmestad, who devised thecurriculum for the course, has great expectations for thefirst course graduates.

“I am sure these students will positively impact theirunits with the knowledge they gained while in thisclass,” he said.

Classroom participation was high during the courseand open discussion between students and instructorson personnel issues occurred frequently during the ses-sion, according to course organizers.

“The students were very receptive to the training,”said Staff Sgt. Fatimah Knox, course instructor. “I knowthey will be able to take this information back to theirunits to perform their duties even better.”

The pay and accountability curriculum given in lateDecember has been turned over to the Iraqi andCoalition faculty at IASSI and will be incorporated intoa three-week personnel course for IAF personnel. Thesecourses are slated to begin this month.

Getting PaidIraqis bolster pay systemwith personnel graduates

By Gen. George W. CaseyMulti-National Force - Iraq

Commanding General

Story by Lt. Col. Vann MathisMulti-National Security Transition Command - Iraq

GGeenn.. CCaasseeyy’’ss CCoorrnneerr


AL BUDAYR — Three months ago, PolishSoldiers patrolling in al Budayr, 25 miles west ofAd Diwaniyah, found a school in poor condition.

The building looked like it was going to fallapart.

Work started in November to rebuild the smallschool, replacing the palm leaf roof with plaster.They built new rooms, installed new windowsand doors and installed a power generator andwater system.

Once the building was complete, the Soldiersmoved in new tables, desks and blackboards,along with air conditioners. The renovation alsoexpanded the school's 140-child capacity, with250 students now able to attend classes.

A ceremony marked the re-opening, and ush-ered in a new era of learning for al Budayr stu-

Polish troops renovate village school

Polish Soldiers present donated plows to Iraqi farmers inthe Diwaniyah Province.

Story and photo by Lt. Cmdr. Bartosz ZajdaMulti-National Division - Central South

Maj. Gen. Piotr Czerwinski, commanding general of Multi-National Division - Central South, hands toys and stuffed animals tochildren at the newly renovated al Budayr school. Polish Soldiers completed the project in about three months.

AD DIWANIYAH — A new growing season is about tobegin in the Diwaniyah Province and Polish Soldiers fromMulti-National Division - Central South are helping Iraqifarmers get a jump on it.

Agriculture plays an important role in Iraq's economy.Many Iraqis make a living cultivating the arable lands of theEuphrates and Tigris river valleys.

Polish Soldiers donated more than 150 tons of seed, farm-ing equipment and irrigation pumps to the AgricultureAssociation, which supports 3,500 families in the DiwaniyahProvince.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ashly RiceIraqi Soldiers battle each other in the pugil pit during a basictraining hand-to-hand combat course at Q-West Base.

Helping farmers till the soilStory and photo by Lt. Cmdr. Bartosz ZajdaMulti-National Division - Central South

Dulaimi. "Today we serve the nation andnot the leader," he said, speaking ofSaddam Hussein.

"It's the face of our country," said Ali, aSoldier with the special police force. "I amhappy to be serving my country. If we donot protect our country, then who will pro-tect it," he asked.

As dark clouds spanned the sky, Ali andhundreds of other Soldiers from variousunits sounded off with the Iraqi ArmedForces oath; a new mantra for the Amy.

"I swear in the name of God and on myhonor to protect the land of Iraq and itspeople from all aggression and to be loyalto the principles of the Constitution," theyroared in unison.

The cohesion of the Iraqi Army, whosepresence now is greater than ever, is appar-ent as they are taking on a larger role inkeeping the citizenry safe from terroristsand fighting under one flag.

"There are Sunni, Shi'ite and KurdishSoldiers here," said an Iraqi Soldier. "Itmakes no difference, we are one Army."

The Soldier said the strength and unity ofthe Army is better now than before and theyhave volunteered to protect all of the Iraqipeople from terrorists.

"Nobody has forced us to be in the Armylike before," he said. "We are like one hand,all of us are brothers."


from page 1ARMY

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Orlando ClaffeySoldiers scale the Tomb of the Unknown Solder near Zarwa Park in Baghdad, site ofIraq�s Army Day celebration in the capital city on Jan. 6.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Orlando ClaffeyMembers of the Iraqi Army NationalMarching Band perform during ArmyDay on Jan 6.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Orlando ClaffeyFlanked by military officials, Iraqi Ministerof Defense Saadun al-Dulaimi pays hisrespects to fallen Soldiers in the country�spast. Later, the minister spoke to hun-dreds of troops assembled for the Army.

Iraqi Soldiers stand at attention atopthe Tomb of the Unknown Soldier infront of the monument�s minaret.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rick Rzepka

AN NUMANIYAH — Just about every Soldier counts downthe days until the end of a deployment.

Maj. David Motes also counts, but for him the number goes upinstead of down each day. Motes is adding up all the days afterSept. 11 that he has been deployed. When he returns home fromhis third deployment in January, his count will be near 900.

On his current deployment, Motes helped local villagers in AnNumaniyah get access to water and build a school.

“I've seen the good side of what goes on over here and I've alsoseen the bad side of what goes on,” said Motes. “Frankly, I'd pre-fer to try to focus my efforts towards the good side. That's why I'vebeen trying to help people with these water projects and theschools,” Motes said.

Motes was in guest housing on Fort Campbell, Ky., when terror-ists attacked the World Trade Center and Pentagon, having justreturned from a year-long deployment in Korea. Within a fewmonths, Motes was deployed again in support of OperationEnduring Freedom.

He returned to Fort Campbell in Aug. 2002, took command of102nd Quartermaster Company, deploying again in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. He was home for abouta year before he was given orders to go to Iraq for another tour.

Motes is finishing his tour with the military training teamresponsible for advising and assisting the 2nd MotorizedTransportation Regiment of the Iraqi Army.

“The fact that I've been able to see the creation of the regimentfrom scratch has been a very rewarding experience,” Motes said.


Heroes of the Week900 days and counting for Soldier

Maj. David Motes is wrapping up his third deployment in fiveyears and will eclipse 900 days deployed later this month.

Returning Soldier compares Iraq�s Armies

TAJI — Ali Hadhiam has seen bothsides of Iraq’s Army, enlisted before thefall of Saddam and now with the new IraqiSecurity Forces.

Hadhiam is a transportation warrant offi-cer in the 1st Motorized TransportationRegiment in Taji. He has been in the newIraqi army for a year now. Having priormilitary experience allowed him to get therank of warrant officer in the newly estab-lished military.

“Before, it was safe to join the Army. Itis not like that any more,” said Hadhiam.However the living conditions and pay aremuch better now. These are the major dif-ferences between the old and new systems,he said.

Someone who wants to be in the newIraqi army has to be brave and has to havefaith in the system, Hadhiam said.

He said he likes the freedom of thinkingin the new army. He also enjoyed trainingwith other nations. “They gave us a differ-ent idea, a different meaning of being aSoldier,” Hadhiam explained.

The U.S. troops taught us special tactics,for example what to do in case we areambushed when we run our combat logis-tics patrols. “They also taught us when toshoot and when not to shoot,” he said.

He supports a family of 10 from his mil-itary income. His family lives in an area,where violence and shootings occur everyday. “I didn't even tell my neighbors that Iam in the military, so my family is not in somuch danger,” Hadhiam said.

As for why he is risking his life in sucha dangerous occupation, he said, “I wantedto participate in securing my country.”

Story by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Story and photo by Spc. Spencer Case207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

More than 28,000 residents of Mamoudiya have fresh, potable water with the installation of 8.6 miles ofwater pipes.


TAJI — Roughly five weeks ago, Iraqi Sgt. Zenasamiarrived at the Iraqi Army Service and Support Institute readyto learn all she could about being a military medic.

When Iraqi officials noticed her gender, she was told to goback to her unit, the 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division,based in Baghdad.

“She was the first female Soldier,” said U.S. Air ForceCapt. William Ingram, the Coalition officer-in-charge of themedical course. “They didn't know what to do with her. Butshe fought. She wouldn't go home, no matter how hard theypushed her.”

Zenasami, 28, left this week with a certificate of comple-tion in hand and a wrist watch, a gift presented by the insti-tute's commandant, Iraqi Col. Wared, in recognition of hergroundbreaking role in the course.

“It was very difficult at first. They weren't prepared for awoman to be here,” Zenasami said. “I stayed because I havealways wanted to know all about medical skills.”

Coalition advisors and members of Zenasami's unit sup-ported her desire to remain. Because the students live inopen bay barracks, living accommodations posed the biggestroadblock. Eventually, officials found an empty room in the staffarea.

In Baghdad, where she grew up, Zenasami works in her unit'smedical clinic. She already knew how to give shots and start IVs,but the course taught her how to treat people in shock and admin-ister CPR, among other skills. She and the 63 other students alsoparticipated in a mass-casualty exercise.

Now, she plans to go back to her unit and teach others what sheknows. One of her course instructors believes she'll have plenty topass on.

“She did great, she was one of the best students,” said U.S.Army Sgt. Tony Bussing, who teaches the course along with U.S.Army Sgts. Jennifer Connolly and Ivan Ansbaugh. “She came inearly, always sat in front, always asked questions. I'd take 100 stu-dents just like her any day.”

Zenasami joined the Iraqi Army nearlythree years ago. She was a college stu-dent at the time, not quite sure what shewanted to do with her life.

“I saw how enthusiastic people were toapply to join the Army, without anyoneforcing them,” she recalled. “I decidedthis was what I wanted to do. I like thehonor you get from wearing the uni-form.”

Zenasami and other Iraqi leadersbelieve it's important for more women tojoin the Army. Iraqi Lt. Col. Ibrahim, asurgeon for the 1st Army Iraqi Division,said that seeing women in military uni-forms is unusual for most men and thatsome officers have reservations aboutwomen serving in the Army.

“It's new right now,” Ibrahim said. “Inthe future it will be more common. Weneed more women, especially in themedical field. When a Soldier is injuredand he sees a nurse, he sees her as an

angel of mercy. A woman can make a Soldier feel more relaxed.”Women are filling other roles in the Iraqi Army as well. A com-

pany of female military police officers is based at a former airfieldin Baghdad. While Zenasami is the first female enlisted Soldier toattend the institute, Iraqi 1st Lt. Latifa earned recognition as thefirst woman to graduate from the officer logistics course aboutthree months ago.

Latifa, who works in logistics at the Taji Military Base's basictraining academy, was among the distinguished guests at the med-ical course Jan. 5 graduation. From one woman to another, Latifacongratulated Zenasami for her persistence. Zenasami views heraccomplishment as the beginning of what she hopes will be a longcareer as an Iraqi Army medic.

“Doing this makes me feel like I'm an important person, peoplelook forward to seeing me,” she said. “I want to help save lives.”

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Lorie JewellMulti-National Security Transition Command - Iraq, Public Affairs Office

Iraqi 1st Lt. Latifa congratu-lates Iraqi Sgt. Zenasami ather graduation from theIraqi Army Service andSupport Institute�s mediccourse.

First Iraqi female graduates medic course

Anew pumping station in Mansour has given 15,000 Iraqi families a more efficient system for the removalof waste.

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Police coordinatedwith Coalition Forces to foil two terroristattempts to use vehicle-carried improvisedexplosive devices against Iraqi citizens onJan 8.

While on patrol in western Rashid,police officers identified a suspicious vehi-cle and notified a Coalition Force patrol.

Shortly afterward, an explosive ord-

nance disposal team responded to the vehi-cle-carried improvised explosive device.The team conducted a controlled detona-tion of four 130 mm rounds and two 122mm rounds in the vehicle.

Three hours later, Iraqi Police teamed upagain with Coalition Soldiers after receiv-ing a tip from an anonymous civilian.They identified another potential car bomb

in Saydiyah and called in an explosive ord-nance team to disarm the bomb. The teamextracted three 155 mm rounds and one130 mm round.

The vehicle was later removed by theIraqi Police. The Iraqi Security Forces,along with Task Force Baghdad Soldiers,were able to stop terrorists from harminginnocent Iraqi civilians.

Iraqi police discover two car bombs in one night

More than 3.1 miles of electrical lines and a new substation will provide about 30,000 people living in Irbilwith electricity.


This week in pictures:

Newly pavedroadways inSadr CityThree streets in Sadr City are getting a facelift thanks to Lasim A Jasim, a local compa-ny hired to repair the sewer lines and repavethe roadways. More than 40 Iraqis are takingpart in the $941,000 project which will con-vert Shaeed, Dakheel and Abu Thar streetsfrom dirt roads to asphalt. Work began inOctober and should be complete by March.

Photos by Norris JonesU.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, Central District Public Affairs Office


Coalition, Iraqi Security Forces’Operations Review

This week in Iraq, Coalition Forces andIraqi Security Forces detained 277 anti-Iraqi forces, found and cleared 152 impro-vised explosive devices and 81 weaponscaches while carrying out nearly 200 com-bined operations.

In northern Iraq, Iraqi and Coalitionforces captured terrorists, seized weaponsand disrupted bombing plots thanks to thetips they have received from citizens in theregion.

While many tips come from residentsconcerned with stopping the violence neartheir homes, an equally important source ofinformation is generated through a robustrewards program.

Tips leading to weapons caches, relatedto improvised explosive devices or the cap-ture of those involved in attacks againstcivilians or security forces all qualify forthe program.

The highest reward, $25 million, isoffered for information leading to the cap-

ture of Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, whose terroristnetwork is responsiblefor hundreds of civiliandeaths.

Since the programstarted in late October,the numbers of payoutshave dramaticallyincreased. Payoutstotaled seven in October,70 in November and 123in December. More than$60,000 was paid lastmonth for informationhelping to safeguard cit-izens, property andinfrastructure.

The payout has paidoff.

A local man near Bayjireported a cache of approximately 6,000anti-aircraft artillery rounds on Jan. 4. Thecache was transported to a nearby militarybase for disposal.

Soldiers from Task Force Band ofBrothers also seized four more weaponscaches and detained 11 suspected terroristsin northern Iraq that day.

Soldiers from the 1st Brigade CombatTeam, 101st Airborne Division, conductinga patrol near Hawija, detained eight sus-pects and destroyed a large collection ofweapons and explosives on Jan. 4.

Three more suspects were taken intocustody after another 1st BCT patrol nearHawija stopped their vehicle and discov-ered 30 pistols.

A fourth cache, containing 25 artilleryrounds was discovered and taken to a basenear Kirkuk for disposal.

On Jan. 7, three men suspected of partic-ipating in IED attacks were captured and agunman was killed in three separate inci-dents.

Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 101st Airborne Division, acting on atip, staged two early morning raids nearForward Operating Base Summerall,southwest of Bayji. Two men wanted inconnection with IED attacks against Iraqi

and Coalition Forces were captured in theirhomes and are being detained.

A suspected IED triggerman wasdetained near Hawijah later in the morningafter Soldiers from the 101st's 1st BCTnoticed him acting suspiciously immedi-ately after an IED detonated on their patrol.

A gunman was shot after conducting adrive-by shooting against a 3rd BCT patrolnear Bayji. The man fired at the Soldiers asthey were stopped to secure an IED site.None of the Soldiers were injured duringthe short engagement.

In Ramadi, 30 Iraqi men were killedafter a suicide bomb exploded on Jan. 5near the Ramadi Glass and CeramicsWorks where screening for Iraqi Policewas taking place.

Despite the attack, the applicantsreturned and continued the screeningprocess.

Those candidates selected will attend 10weeks of Basic Iraqi Police Training inBaghdad before returning to patrolRamadi's streets.

In Baghdad, Iraqi Soldiers found andsecured two improvised explosive devicesduring a cordon and search on Jan. 5.

The predawn operation was planned,staffed and conducted by the 2nd Battalion,

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Shane S. KellerMarine Sgt. Christopher Ribbeck, from 2nd Bn., 1st Inf.Reg., climbs down a set of stairs in an Iraqi home afterclearing the upstairs rooms.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Moses Sr.A Soldier from Co A., 2nd Bn., 22nd Inf.Reg., gives an Iraqi boy a high five dur-ing a medical mission in Almeshahamaon Jan. 5. See OPERATIONS, next page

Story by Staff Sgt. Julie NicolovMulti-National Corps - Iraq, Public Affairs Office


Reflecting on 2005As the last hours of 2005 ticked away,

Lt. Gen. John R. Vines, the Multi-NationalCorps - Iraq Commanding General, talkedabout 2005 to servicemembers at the AlFaw Palace.

The general spoke on topicsranging from the Iraqi nationalelection in January to the con-stitutional referendum inOctober and the recent trial ofSaddam Hussein. He stressedit was servicemen and womenwho have made the war a suc-cess thus far, and it's their dutyto give an honest assessmentof the situation to citizens backhome.

“The men and women at thepoint of the spear have doneeverything we could possiblyasked of them,” he said.

As the threat to CoalitionForces evolved during thetenure of the Corps, the Coalition changedits tactics to meet emerging threats.

“Our services have made an astonishingchange to the force structure in terms ofequipment and technology to address the[improvised explosive device] threat. In2003, there were only about 240 [up-armored] vehicles worldwide. Now wehave over 18,000 in theater.”

The general also recognized the coali-tion's ability to sustain 13,000 logisticalconvoys, transporting millions of gallonsof fuel all while traveling great distancesover terrible terrain and also the abilities ofthe medical specialties operating withintheater.

“Coalition Forces as well as our Iraqicounterparts have had the best medicalcare possible. The result is that we have thelowest died-of-wounds ratio in history,”the general said.

But by fighting to do all these things,Coalition Forces paid a heavy price.

“Over 2,000 caskets have been loadedonto aircraft headed home. Many of thecasualties have been borne by ourCoalition members,” he said. “There aremany other sacrifices by family members,spouses, children and other loved ones.

Ultimately, it's not about anything otherthan young men and women who have thecourage and commitment to execute theirnation's will.”

Although attacks aren't as high as previ-ous years, the general said we still face anevery-day danger. “The number of inci-

dents is going down.However, we cannotbecome complacent.When we see 50attacks per day insteadof 70, it still means 50attacks against theCoalition, IraqiSecurity Forces orIraqi civilians.”

While CoalitionForces have borne thebrunt of the casualties,he acknowledged theever-growing sacri-fices made by the IraqiSecurity Forces.

“There has been anenormous sacrifice among the ISF,” Vinessaid. “They continue to take a greater rolein the security of Iraq, and these forces arealso taking an increasing percentage of thecasualties.”

Eighty percent of operations include theIraqi Security Forces, and they have shownthey are capable, the general said.

“It's good to have all these things hap-pening - 112 battalions in the field, bordersre-established, [Al-Qaeda in Iraq] in disar-ray and three national elections and refer-endums,” he said. “There is no absoluteguarantee it will succeed, because thatdepends on the type of government thatwill arise. It cannot be about sects or clans,but about Iraqis. Only a government for allIraqis can succeed.”

He concluded by saying, “I tell you thisbecause I believe you owe your fellow cit-izens an honest appraisal - your own opin-ion. That's mine. I am proud of you andwhat you have done for your nation.”

By Senior Airman Chris PowellMulti-National Corps - Iraq, Public Affairs Office 1st Brigade, 9th Iraqi Mechanized Division

and supported by Task Force BaghdadSoldiers.

In addition to the two IEDs, IraqiSoldiers detained six people who may havebeen involved with roadside bombs or con-nected to other terrorist activities. Iraqiunits in this sector are responsible for morethan 80 square miles in northern Baghdad.

In separate operations, Coalition Forcesin Baghdad seized two weapons cachesJan. 4, denying terrorists the opportunity tobring harm to Iraqi civilians and CoalitionForces.

While conducting a local presence patrolin south Baghdad, Soldiers discovered aweapons cache that included 34 155 mmartillery rounds, two 130 mm artilleryrounds, two 82 mm mortar rounds, three 60mm mortar rounds, three TJ7 kickout mor-tar rounds, 8,500 7.62 mm rounds, tworockets, one 30 mm mortar barrel and 100feet of detonation cord. The patrollingSoldiers notified an explosive ordnancedisposal unit, which performed the detona-tion.

Soldiers patrolling north of Baghdad dis-covered the second cache, which included22 surface-to-air missiles.

Operationsfrom previous page

MNF-I OperationsSummary: Dec. 31 to Jan. 6

Courtesy photo

Combined operations: 199IEDs found and cleared: 152

anti-Iraqi forces detained: 277foreign fighters captured

or killed: 17Weapons caches found

and cleared:81

Lt. General John R. Vinesaddressing troops withMulit-National Corps - Iraqon Dec. 31.

SALAH AH DIN PROVINCE —Soldiers in the Iraqi Army continue to playa greater role in seizing power once held byanti-Iraqi forces in an area northeast ofBaghdad.

The 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th IraqiArmy and the Rakkasans' MilitaryTransition Team from 3rd Special TroopsBattalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team ,101st Airborne Division, unearthed sev-eral weapons and munitions in a jointsearch of a farm in the city of Hawish onJan. 4.

The Soldiers were dispatched to thearea on a tip from a local resident. Onceon the scene, two individuals weredetained and made to unearth theweapons cache.

The search uncovered several artilleryrounds, land mines and rocket-propelledgrenades. U.S. Army explosive expertswere called to the scene to supervise thedestruction of the cache.

The Soldiers of the 2nd Battalionbegan their training early last year andhave been working with 101st AirborneDivision’s Rakkasans since their arrivallast fall. The Iraqi Soldiers' duties aremanning security checkpoints nearmajor cities and providing quick reac-tion forces as needed. The goal of theMiTT is to aid the Iraqis as they begin to

assume more security responsibilities. “The Iraqi Soldiers continue to show

their professionalism and have come a longway in a relatively short period of time,”said 1st Lt. Matthew Upperman, a memberof the MiTT team.


Rakkasans and Iraqis uncover weapons cache

BAGHDAD — As Iraqi Army and Coalition partners lookedon, the 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions commemorated the comple-tion of their “Transfer of Authority” during a ceremony at theMulti-National Division-Baghdad headquarters on Jan. 7.

Maj. Gen. William Webster Jr., the commanding general of 3rdInf. Div., along with Command Sgt. Maj. William Grant, official-ly cased the 3rd ID's “Marne” Division colors, after successfullycompleting the division's mission as the Multi-National Division-Baghdad from Feb. 28 through Jan. 7. The division colors will

again be uncased during a ceremo-ny after its redeployment back toFort Stewart, Ga.

Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, thecommanding general of 4th Inf.Div., along with Command Sgt.Maj. Ronald Riling, uncased the“Ironhorse” Division's colors, sig-nifying the division assuming themantle of responsibility as Multi-

National Division-Baghdad. The divisioncased its colors before deploying fromFort Hood, Texas, during a ceremony Oct.28.

Lt. Gen. John Vines, the commandinggeneral of Multi-National Corps-Iraq,served as the reviewing officer for the cer-emony

“This ceremony symbolizes the transfer of authority,” saidVines. “There's another symbolism of course - the Soldiers whoserve under those colors are conducting operations throughout theMulti-National Division-Baghdad sector,”

Baghdad is the most complex environment in the world, he said,as it steadily moves toward democracy. The two divisions haveserved brilliantly in the Iraqi theater, he added

“The 3rd Infantry Division is the first U.S. division to serve twocomplete tours in Iraq,” he said. “No unit in the United StatesArmy has been busier, more deployed or has seen as much com-bat as the 3rd Infantry Division.”

Story by Spc. William Jones133rd Mobile Affairs Detachment

3rd ID ends second tour; welcomes Ironhorse to Iraq

U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Matthew UppermanA Soldier from the Rakkasans' Military Transition Team examines a tank roundunearthed from a farmer's field near Samarra on Jan. 3.

A weapons cache is shownunearthed in a farmer’s field prior toits destruction by the Rakkasans'Military Transition Team in Samarraon Jan. 3.

BAGHDAD - Three solid wastetransfer stations have been builtin Baghdad, two in Nissan andone in Sadr City. Each site pro-vides a central location forgarbage collection.

MAHAWIL -Repairs to theelectrical distri-bution networkin Mahawilhave provided50,000 peoplewith reliablepower.

BASRAH - Two units havebeen installed at the KhorAz Zubayr power plant inBasrah, adding 250megawatts to the nationalelectric grid.

Rebuilding IraqProjects that are shaping a nation

BASRAH - Two roads have beenrepaved in Taha and Al Khas, 5.7miles combined. The project willhelp 6,000 residents travel, andprovide access to a school andwater treatment plant.

ABU SKHEER - About 10,000 peo-ple in Abu Skheer have been con-nected to fresh water with theinstallation of a 1.2 mile water dis-tribution mainline.

Rebuilding Iraq

AL MUTHANNA PROVINCE - Sixcheckpoints have been renovatedin Rumaytha, Samawah and Kidrin the Al Muthanna Province.They will help with security andcontrolling traffic flow to thetowns.


U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael R. McMaughAn Iraqi Soldier explains to a womanwhy her house is being searched dur-ing Operation Red Bull.

Iraqi Army Soldiers enter a house to search forany weapon and ammunition caches that maybe hidden in Haditha.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael R. McMaugh

An Iraqi policeman searches a field dur-ing sweeps in the Zafaraniya district ofBaghdad on Dec. 29. The sweeps areconducted to search for weapons anditems used in the making of IED's.

U.S. Army photo by Pfc. William Servinski II

Iraq’snewest heroes

Iraqis on the huntfor a stable country

Photos can be found on www.mnf-iraq.com

Dr. Abd Ali, from the Iraqi Army’s 3rdBde. Medical Company, checks a boyduring a medical mission inAlmeshahama.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Moses Sr.

Vol. 2, No. 2static.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_0651.pdfLt. Col. Barry A. Johnson...

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