Unmanned Reaper Drops First Precision-Guided Bomb in Afghanistan

A fully armed MQ-9 Reaper taxis down an Afghanistan runway Nov. 4, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA; Nov. 8, 2007 -- The MQ-9A Reaper demonstrated it’s unique precision strike capability as a hunter-killer attack platform by dropping its first precision-guided bomb Nov. 7.

“The beauty of the MQ-9 Reaper is that we’re able to synchronize and integrate unmanned aerial attack platforms over the skies of Afghanistan, allowing us to persistently and consistently track the enemy and ensure that we place the appropriate ordnance on target when required, and maintain that persistent presence after weapons release,” said Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander.

The Reaper, the Air Force’s unmanned aerial attack vehicle, was operating over the Sangin region of Afghanistan on the hunt for enemy activity when the crew received a request for assistance from a joint terminal attack controller on the ground. Friendly forces were taking fire from enemy combatants. The JTAC provided targeting data to the pilot and sensor operator, who fly the aircraft remotely from Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The pilot released two GBU-12 500-pound laser-guided bombs, destroying the target and eliminating the enemy fighters.

The ability to carry bombs, in addition to AGM-114K Hellfire missiles, is just one of the features that set the Reaper apart from its smaller brother the MQ-1 Predator.

“The MQ-9 gives us an incredible addition to the arsenal,” said General North. “It’s larger, carries an increased payload and is able to fly longer, higher and faster. It’s an incredible addition to our attack capability in the CENTAF force lay-down.”

The Reaper has flown 49 combat sorties since it first began operating in Afghanistan Sept. 25. It completed its first combat strike Oct. 27 when it fired a Hellfire missile over Deh Rawod, Afghanistan, neutralizing enemy combatants.

(Story by Staff Sgt. Trevor Tiernan, U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs.)

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USMC 232nd Birthday Salute

The Commandant's Birthday Message
Download high resolution
Video: Marines Celebrate Corps Birthday in Iraq
Scenes include Marines participating in a ceremony, cutting and eating a birthday cake and an officer speaking to the gathered Marines. Nov. 10, 2007
General Conway's Marine Corps Birthday Message

General Lejeune's Marine Corps Birthday Message

USMC History Division

USMC History Quiz

On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that "two battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with the fleet. This established the Continental Marines and marked the birth of the United States Marine Corps.

Serving on land and at sea, early Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid on foreign soil in the Bahamas in March 1776, under the command of the Corps’ first commandant, Capt. Samuel Nicholas.

The 1783 Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War and as the last of the Navy’s ships were sold, the Continental Navy and Marines disbanded.

Following the formal re-establishment of the Marine Corps on July 11, 1798, Marines fought in conflicts with France, landed in Santo Domingo and conducted operations against the Barbary pirates along the "Shores of Tripoli."

From GlobalSecurity.org: History of USMC

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Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Several Taliban Fighters

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2007 (AFPS) -- Afghan national security forces and coalition forces engaged and killed several Taliban fighters near the Nahr Surkh district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province yesterday.

The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol near the district when a significant number of insurgents engaged friendly elements with machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. The combined force immediately engaged the Taliban fighters with small-arms fire and close-air support, killing many of the insurgents.

"The Taliban is desperate for a success, but at every turn (Afghan national security forces) and coalition forces have successfully stopped them," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman.

In other news, Afghan and coalition forces have refuted Taliban claims of control of the Tarin Kowt-Kandahar road, a major road used for transporting commerce between Kandahar and Oruzgan provinces.

The Taliban claimed Nov. 6 that they had taken control of the road. In response, Afghan and coalition forces quickly launched a mission to secure the road. Once the combined force arrived, they discovered traffic was flowing and that the Taliban's claims were false. Afghan forces are providing security for the route and remain in control of this ground line of communication.

"In the absence of any military success, the Taliban routinely rely on false reports in a vain attempt to deceive the Afghan people," Belcher said.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)

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Troops Target Foreign Terrorists in Iraq, Net 19 Suspects

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2007 (AFPS) -- Coalition forces wounded one suspected terrorist and detained 19 others today during operations to disrupt foreign terrorist networks in central Iraq.

• Southeast of Fallujah, coalition forces targeted an associate of an al Qaeda network responsible for insurgent activities in the region, including car-bomb and improvised-explosive-device attacks. As coalition forces arrived at the target building, they were engaged by two armed men. The ground force engaged and wounded one of the men. The second surrendered.

• Coalition forces conducted three coordinated operations south of Samarra targeting associates of an al Qaeda senior leader involved in anti-coalition attacks and foreign-terrorist facilitation. During two of the operations, forces requested supporting aircraft, which destroyed two buildings reported to be used by foreign-terrorist facilitators. The ground force saw secondary explosions from one of the buildings, indicating explosives were inside. The buildings were destroyed to prevent further use by terrorists.

• Also in Samarra, as coalition forces secured a target area, they found a small weapons cache, including several machine guns, suicide vests and multiple assault vests with ammunition. The ground force detained seven suspects. To prevent further use by terrorists, forces destroyed two buildings and two vehicles known to be associated with foreign terrorists.

• Intelligence reports led coalition forces east of Samarra, where they targeted locations believed to be safe havens for foreign terrorists. The ground force detained seven suspects on site.

• During operations in Baghdad, coalition troops targeted a suspected terrorist believed to be involved with car bombs and a facilitator and trainer of suicide bombers. As forces secured the target area, they detained three suspects without incident.

“Foreign terrorists are trying to derail progress in Iraq,” said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “The people of Iraq are helping Iraqi and coalition forces hunt down these terrorists, making Iraq safer for everyone.”

In operations over the past several days:

• Coalition forces killed two terrorists yesterday during an operation south of Samarra targeting an individual believed to be an al Qaeda leader of the terrorist network operating in the Salahuddin province. Reports indicate the targeted individual is heavily involved in the production and facilitation of IED and car-bombing attacks, kidnappings, and small-arms and direct-fire attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces. The individual also is believed to lead a group of foreign terrorists, whom he allegedly uses to conduct car-bombing campaigns.

• Soldiers from the 8th Iraqi Army Division advised by U.S. Special Forces soldiers captured a suspected extremist in an operation in Diwaniyah yesterday. The targeted extremist is believed to be involved in illegal activities and have knowledge of several weapons and munitions caches that support explosively formed penetrator and indirect-fire attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces.

• In the Arab Jabour area Nov. 7, Iraqi citizens brought soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team an IED made up of four 57 mm mortars. Soldiers of the 30th Infantry Regiment found a 107 mm rocket while conducting operations in support of Operation Centurion V, a battalion-sized operation designed to help erode enemy resources throughout Arab Jabour.

• Soldiers from 2nd Iraqi Army Division, in partnership with coalition soldiers from 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, discovered 200 pounds of homemade explosives and detained nine suspected enemy fighters south of Mosul, near Qayarrah, Nov. 6.

• Coalition helicopters from 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment, assisted in killing four enemy fighters and destroying three enemy vehicles in eastern Mosul on Nov. 6 after the individuals were observed transferring weapons and demonstrating hostile intent. Multiple secondary explosions were seen from the vehicles, confirming their cargo of illegal weapons and ammunition.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Commander Sees Real Progress in Iraq Town

Maj. Gen. Rich Lynch, 3rd Infantry Division commander, (center) walks the streets of Hawr Rajab, Iraq, with Col. Terry Ferrell (far right), commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Sheik Ali (to Lynch's left) and Sheik Mahir (to Lynch's right), Nov. 7, 2007. Photo by Sgt. Jason Stadel, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs.

Dispatches from the Front:

HAWR RAJAB, Iraq; Nov. 9, 2007 -- Four months ago, a U.S. or Iraqi soldier walking the streets of Hawr Rajab would have likely sparked a battle. The city was dominated by al-Qaida, the streets were lined with improvised explosive devices.

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, MND-C commanding general, walked the streets of Hawr Rajab Nov. 7, witnessing firsthand the dramatic improvement in the city’s security.

With the Concerned Local Citizens fighting back and aiding U.S. Soldiers, the threat of al-Qaida has dropped considerably. An Iraqi army mechanized company was added to help secure the community.

Iraqis setting aside sectarian differences has also helped secure the area. Sunnis and Shias are working together to fight a greater enemy - al-Qaida. The change hasn’t gone unnoticed by U.S. forces.

“We’re unique here,” said Capt. Chad Klacius, commander, Troop A, 1st Battalion, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to the 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. “The Sunni concerned citizens and Shia IA are working together: this is something that has helped us to secure the city.”

Klacius spearheaded the CLC program about four months ago when he began working closely with a local leader named Sheik Ali, who is now the leader of the Hawr Rajab CLCs. The group has grown to 445 members.

Ali, a Sunni, told Lynch that working with U.S. Soldiers and the IA has helped his people return to their homes after being driven out by al-Qaida. He said the concerned citizens would continue their relationship with the IA and Coalition Forces to keep al-Qaida out of Hawr Rajab.

“The relationship with you and the IA is very important,” Lynch told Ali. “Whatever you need to help improve the living conditions, we’ll try and give it to you.”

The outlook for Hawr Rajab is optimistic.

“The security is better than it ever has been since I took command 14 months ago,” Klacius said.

(Story by Sgt. Jason Stadel, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.)

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Combat Camera: Checkpoint at Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq

U.S. Army Specialist Brandon Krout, from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, observes as two Iraqi national policemen stop a vehicle, during a joint tactical control checkpoint outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center.

An Iraqi national policemen along with U.S. Army Specialist Brandon Krout from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, search the trunk of a car, during a joint tactical control checkpoint outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center.

An Iraqi national policemen jokes around with a driver while conducting a joint tactical control checkpoint with U.S. Army Soldiers from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center.

U.S. Army Specialist Brandon Krout from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, provides security as an Iraqi national policemen searches the trunk of a vehicle, during a joint tactical control checkpoint outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center.

U.S. Army Specialist Brandon Krout from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, waits to stop and search a vehicle during a joint tactical control checkpoint conducted with Iraqi national policemen, outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center.

U.S. Army Specialist Brandon Krout from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, provides security as an Iraqi national policemen steps up to search the back of a dump truck, during a joint tactical control checkpoint outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center.

An Iraqi national policemen stands with U.S. Army Specialist Brandon Krout from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, as a vehicle pulls away, during a joint tactical control checkpoint, outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center.

An Iraqi national policemen straps on his vest as he begins his shift, while conducting a joint tactical control checkpoint with U.S. Army soldiers from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center.

An Iraqi national policemen talks with a driver while conducting joint tactical control checkpoint with U.S. Army soldiers from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center.

A young Iraqi boy waves to U.S. Army Private First Class Gregg Taber, from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, while stopped at a snap joint tactical control checkpoint outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center.

A young Iraqi boy shakes hands with U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brian Griggs from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, while stopped at a snap joint tactical control checkpoint outside of Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Sgt. Timothy Kingston, Joint Combat Camera Center. (Edits 11/10/07)

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Combat Camera: Headhunters Keep Watchful Eye on Western Ninevah, Iraq

Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment currently assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division prepare to land Nov. 5, outside the village of Sheik Abraheim, Iraq. The blackhawks were there to pick up cavalry scouts from A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div., who were conducting an operation in the village. Photographer: Pfc. Bradley Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

Sgt. 1st Class Ed Allen, left, platoon sergeant and Staff Sgt. Mason Livingston, squad leader, both are cavalry scouts with A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, check their location and await orders for their next movement Nov. 5, in Sheik Abraheim, Iraq. The Soldiers in A Troop have persistently taken the fight to terrorist in western Ninevah province since they took over operational control of the area in August. Photographer: Pfc. Bradley Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

Cavalry scouts from A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division are clouded with green smoke as they await to be picked up by two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters Nov. 5, in Sheik Abraheim, Iraq. The headhunter Soldiers have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for over a year now. Photographer: Pfc. Bradley Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

Dispatches from the Front:

SHIEK ABRAHEIM, Iraq; Nov. 8, 2007 -- Cavalry scouts climb aboard the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during the early morning dark in preparation for their mission of the day from Forward Operating Base Sykes in northern Iraq Nov. 7.

While the transportation may be different for the Soldiers in A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, the mission is one they know all too well, for it is the job of a cavalry scout.

“Our job was to setup a blocking position on the ridgeline north east of Sheik Abraheim,” said Pfc. Michael McKinnon. “Our position allowed us to provide overwatch for the raid element in the village.”

While setting up a blocking position might not always be the most action packed duty, these Soldiers know how essential it is to mission success.

“Our blocking position was important because it cut off an escape route for the enemy,” said Spc. Brian Lowery. “Based on previous operations in the village, we know that the enemy likes to use the wadi system to escape out of the village and through the desert.”

From their position on the ridgeline the headhunter Soldiers were able to relay movement in the target location to their fellow scouts in the village in search of the enemy.

“The operation went smoothly because everyone knew what to do,” said Staff Sgt. Isaac Acosta. “We had great planning and I am highly confident in all of our guys’ ability to respond to any situation.”

The only thing Acosta was upset with was, “We just didn’t catch anything.”

While it can be frustrating for Soldiers to come up empty handed at the end of a mission, the reason behind the scouts’ lack of a detainee is positive.

According to Lt. Col. Keitron Todd, squadron commander, the headhunters list of high-value targets has gone from 50 people three months ago to a current list of eight people.

The drop in the number of insurgents can be attributed to the cavalry scouts operation tempo.

“We have been pushing hard and finding a lot,” said McKinnon. “With our pressure here, if we aren’t catching the insurgents, then we are pushing them out to Mosul where they are getting picked up by Iraqi Security Forces.”

As the green smoke signals the helicopter pilots it’s time to head back to the FOB, the scouts know that they are not only one day closer to going home, but also one day closer to ridding western Ninevah province from the enemies of a safe and peaceful Iraq, no matter how few there may be left.

(Story by Spc. Bradley J. Clark, 4th BCT, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.)

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Officials Identify Taliban Leaders Captured in Afghanistan

Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2/508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Afghan national police, and Afghan national army soldiers search a village in Waghez, Afghanistan, for Taliban members and weapons caches on September 20, 2007. Photographer: Staff Sgt. Marcus Quarterman, Joint Combat Camera Center.

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2007 (AFPS) -- Coalition forces today announced the positive identification of two Taliban members who were detained during an operation in late October to disrupt suicide-bomber operations in Afghanistan's Wardak province.

Jawed, also known as Latif Allah, and Mohammadullah were detained by coalition forces in the Nerkh district during an operation in which two other militants were killed in a firefight. Several weapons, including more than 500 feet of detonation cord and several mortar rounds, also were discovered during the operation and destroyed to prevent use by militant forces.

During detention, Jawed admitted to being a Taliban explosive handler and providing a land mine to an unnamed Taliban commander. Both Jawed and Mohammadullah's fingerprints were discovered on a cache of improvised-explosive-device materials, which included several fuses, electrical cords and detonation cords.

According to intelligence reports, both detainees are associates of a known Taliban commander responsible for training suicide bombers, as well as having foreign fighter facilitator ties.

"The Taliban's suicide improvised-explosive-device cells and their facilitators are responsible for numerous deaths of innocent Afghan men, women and children," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "Coalition forces will continue to aggressively pursue (suicide bomber) cells and their purveyors to ensure the safety and security of the people of Afghanistan."

In operations yesterday, several militants were killed and 10 were detained during a combined Afghan and coalition operation in Zabul province to disrupt Taliban weapons and explosive material facilitators in the area.

During the mission, several militants posed a threat to the forces conducting a search of compounds in the Qalat district. Conventional munitions were used against the militants, killing two of them. A third militant, hiding in an orchard just outside the compound area, was found and detained by the combined force.

After hostilities ceased, Afghan and coalition forces continued their search of several compounds in the district. During the search, the combined force detained 10 other suspected militants indicated as having possible connections to Taliban forces.

During another operation yesterday to disrupt Taliban operations in Uruzgan province, Afghan and coalition forces killed several militants and detained seven others.

The combined force conducted a search in the Jawara district, where intelligence sources indicated Taliban and improvised-explosive-device cells linked to several previous attacks on Afghan and coalition forces were operating. While conducting a search of several compounds in the district, the combined force killed several armed militants. Continuing their search of the compounds, they found and detained seven suspected militants with possible connections to bombing facilitators.

Several military-style items, including ammunition vests and a set of military-grade night-vision goggles, were found with the suspected militants. Afghan and coalition forces also recovered several weapons and associated ammunition that was later destroyed.

"Afghan and coalition forces are systematically dismantling militant (improvised explosive device) cells so their indiscriminate weapons cannot be used against Afghan and coalition forces or the innocent people of Afghanistan," Belcher said.

In operations Nov. 5, Afghan National Army soldiers disrupted the emplacement of an improvised explosive device near a coalition base in Helmand province. Afghan soldiers engaged several insurgents placing an IED near a major road. The insurgents quickly fled the area. Afghan and coalition forces secured the site and recovered portions of the IED left behind.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)

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Combat Camera: Conducting Patrols in Baghdad

U.S. Army 1st lt. from Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Division conducts a patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, Adhamiya district, on Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Cpl. Jeffrey Sandstrum, Joint Combat Camera Center.

A U.S. Army soldier from Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Division conducts a patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, Adhamiya district, on Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Cpl. Jeffrey Sandstrum, Joint Combat Camera Center.

A U.S. Army soldiers from Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Division stare at a crater caused by deep buried improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq, Adhamiya district, on Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Cpl. Jeffrey Sandstrum, Joint Combat Camera Center.

A U.S. Army soldiers from Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Division stare at a crater caused by deep buried improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq, Adhamiya district, on Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Cpl. Jeffrey Sandstrum, Joint Combat Camera Center.

A U.S. Army soldier from Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Division conducts a patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, Adhamiya district, on Oct. 26, 2007. Photographer: Cpl. Jeffrey Sandstrum, Joint Combat Camera Center.

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Forces Capture Suspected Terrorists in Iraq

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2007 (AFPS) -- Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist and detained four other suspects today during operations in central and northern Iraq.

During operations in Mosul, coalition forces captured a wanted individual reported to be a judge in a terrorist illegal court system in the city. The suspect is believed to be involved in ordering and approving abductions and executions, as well as facilitating the transfer of money and weapons to local terrorist leaders. Coalition forces secured the target area without incident. The wanted individual identified himself to the ground force, and he was detained.

Farther south in Baqouba, coalition forces detained four suspects during an operation targeting an alleged terrorist leader in Diyala province. Information gained from previous operations indicates the targeted individual has ties to a terrorist media cell and other senior leaders operating in the province.

"We continue to dismantle the terrorist networks that threaten the security of Iraq," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. "The people of Iraq have chosen their future; Iraqi and coalition forces will ensure al Qaeda in Iraq stays out of their way."

In operations earlier this week:

• Soldiers assigned to 5th Iraqi Army Division manning a traffic control point north of Ghalibiyah prevented a suicide attack by killing a suspected al Qaeda terrorist driving a vehicle packed with explosives Nov. 6. The vehicle was speeding toward the traffic control point and, after failing to slow down, was targeted and destroyed. A large secondary explosion was observed after the vehicle was engaged, indicating explosives were in the vehicle. "I commend the Iraqi soldiers for stopping the suicide bomber," said Army Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Task Force Iron and the senior coalition commander in Diyala province. "Their quick action prevented an attack that could have cost them their lives and the lives of their fellow soldiers and citizens."

• Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, engaged an insurgent force following a suspected al Qaeda indirect-fire attack Nov. 6 at Combat Outpost Cahill, near Salman Pak, resulting in the death of at least one insurgent. Soldiers reported that two 60 mm mortar rounds landed on the outpost, and two to three rounds hit near the outpost shortly thereafter. The troops engaged a small enemy element with machine guns and sniper rifles during the initial contact. Two more mortar rounds hit outside of the post, and the unit retaliated with AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and Air Force A-10 fighters. The four Apache helicopters and two A-10s expended ammunition on enemy positions. Bradley fighting vehicles and mortar crews supported this final engagement, as well.

• Coalition forces captured a wanted criminal and detained five others during operations in the village of Sindiyah, northwest of Khalis, on Nov. 5. The operation was targeting a "special groups" leader reported to be involved in the procurement of weapons and the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices used in attacks against coalition forces. Intelligence reports led the assault force to the target building. Upon entry, one suspected criminal was detained. Additional reports led forces to a follow-on location, where they captured the wanted individual and detained four other suspects without incident. "There has been much progress in the fight for a secure and stable Iraq, but there is still work to accomplish," Danielson said.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Black Hawk Crash in Italy Kills Five U.S. Servicemembers

UH-60 Black Hawk
News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2007 (AFPS) -- Five U.S. servicemembers died today after a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in northern Italy.

Eleven U.S. servicemembers were aboard the helicopter, which was attached to 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, according to a news release from the Heidelberg, Germany, headquarters of U.S. Army, Europe. The battalion is based in Mannheim, Germany.

The USAREUR release did not provide information on the service affiliation of those aboard the helicopter, the condition of the survivors or the nature of the ill-fated mission.

Names of the dead are being withheld until families are notified, and officials will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

(From an American Forces Press Service press release.)

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Father Follows Son to War

Chief Warrant Officer Fred Hodges (left), 325th Combat Surgical Hospital, poses with his son Spc. Christopher Hodges, Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, during a visit, Nov. 6. Fred followed his son to Iraq in order to be deployed at the same time as his son. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Mills, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade.

Dispatches from the Front:

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq; Nov. 8, 2007 -- When Fred Hodges’ son, Spc. Christopher Hodges, deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fred did what many fathers aren’t able to do. He followed his son to the war zone.

Being a chief warrant officer in the Army Reserve helped Fred make that happen.

“Once I knew he was [deploying] I actually crossed over to another unit to come over here, so we could be here at the same time,” Fred said.

While his son Christopher is based at Camp Striker in Baghdad as an aviation operations specialist, Fred, a medical maintenance warrant officer with the 325th Combat Surgical Hospital, hops between Contingency Operating Base Speicher and Al Asad Airfield. He deployed to Iraq in August, while Christopher has been deployed since May.

Fred was able to visit Christopher for the first time during the first week of November as he trained medics on Camp Cropper, adjacent to Camp Striker.

What was to be a three or four day visit was extended, while Fred waits for a flight back to COB Speicher. The delay in his father’s return hasn’t hurt at all, Christopher said.

“It’s a morale booster,” Christopher said. “It was the perfect time, being here for six months and then he came over here. It’s like a piece of home because I don’t go on leave for another six months.”

Home for the Hodges is Augusta, Ga., a mere 2.5 hour drive from Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, where Christopher’s unit is based. Being able to visit in Iraq is a sort of transplant of that arrangement, both Hodges said.

Fred joined the Army 24 years ago, completing a career in the active Army before moving on to the Reserves. He says that he had some hand in Christopher’s choice to join the Army.

“I kind of pushed him toward it a little bit,” Fred said.

Christopher, for his part, disagrees with that statement.

“It was a big push,” he said. “But, you know, it was a good decision. Pops is always right -- some of the time.”

At the time he joined the Army, Christopher was going to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the medical field but it didn’t work out.

This trend of following each other has its limits though, according to Christopher. Once he reaches the end of his enlistment he’s going to go on to taste civilian life. Fred said that he wasn’t going to be able to push his son into re-enlisting.

“But that’s what a lot of Soldiers say: ‘I’m going to get out,’ then they re-enlist and keep re-enlisting until they retire,” Fred said.

In the meantime the two Hodges will try to see each other as much as they can during their deployment to Iraq.

“We’ve been talking about getting together for the holidays,” Fred said.

(Story by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Mills, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade.)

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