Saturday, October 18, 2008

Combat Camera: US Troops Clear Owja Desert, Iraq

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A U.S. Army soldier posts guard for security while on patrol and clearing the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. The soldiers are assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 327th Infantry Division, 101st Airborne Division. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

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U.S. Army Spc. Jason Hardman searches a home while his unit patrols and clears the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

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U.S. Army soldiers walk through orchids while on patrol and clearing the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

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A local farmer carries fruit to give to U.S. Army soldiers as they clear the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

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U.S. Army 1st Lt. Drew Hanson speaks to a local farmer about his crops while on patrol and clearing the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Hall, takes a minute to pet a puppy while on patrol in the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

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U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Hall stops for a snack with a local Iraqi man while clearing the Owja Desert of Iraq, Oct. 10, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Micky M. Bazaldua.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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Gates: Troops Well-Protected Under US-Iraq Agreement

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2008 -- Servicemembers should not be concerned about the status of forces agreement between the United States and Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said yesterday.

The secretary told Pentagon reporters that the agreement – now circulating as a draft in Washington and Baghdad – has adequate protections for American servicemembers.

Gates said former Multinational Force Iraq commander Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, current commander Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker have been deeply involved in the negotiations. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, approve of the agreement.

The agreement will allow American forces to continue to operate in Iraq and train the Iraqi security forces once the United Nations Security Council mandate expires on Dec. 31.

“Admiral Mullen, General Petraeus, General Odierno and I are all satisfied that our men and women in uniform serving in Iraq are well-protected” by the agreement, Gates said.

Gates is consulting with Senate and House armed services committee leaders about the agreement, which does not require congressional approval to become effective.

“The four leaders I talked to from the armed services committees were generally positive, but clearly are looking forward to seeing the exact text,” Gates said.

White House officials discussed the text of the agreement with congressional staffers this morning.

The Iraqis want to assume control of their own security, and the draft agreement includes goals for withdrawal of American troops, if security conditions permit.

(Report by Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service.)

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OEF Update; Oct. 18, 2008: Incident in Nad Ali District, Helmand Province

Dispatches from the Front

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 18, 2008 -- International Security and Assistance Force - Afghanistan is conducting a detailed investigation into the airstrike in Helmand Province Oct. 16, 2008 that was reported in the media to have resulted in the deaths of local civilians.

The ISAF investigation is complicated by the fact that shortly after the airstrike, two indiscriminate enemy force missile attacks appear to have been launched into the residential centre of Lashkar Gah that reportedly caused civilian casualties. ISAF also heard reports of other non-ISAF related incidents around Lashkar Gah which may have caused casualties. All of these unrelated incidents are complicating the ongoing ISAF investigations into the alleged civilian casualties. Therefore, ISAF has yet to conclude its investigation into what exactly has happened, the casualties caused and by whom.

ISAF always works to protect the people of Afghanistan by conducting its operations in a manner that minimises risk to the civilian population. ISAF is saddened to hear of these reported casualties and will work tirelessly with the Afghan authorities to identify the cause and any lessons that can be learned to provide better security to the people of Afghanistan.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Deparment news release.)

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US 24th MEU Returns From the Forgotten Battlefield; Completes Afghanistan Combat Tour

Focus on Defense

Focus on Defense:

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 18, 2008 -- It’s over for 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Marines. No more mid-day patrols in 150 degree heat or endless gusts of powder-like sand. No more sleeping on humvee hoods or in some Afghan villager’s bombed out compound. Marines began returning home following an eight-month deployment to southern Afghanistan today.

Their deployment illustrated how adaptable a Marine Air Ground Task Force is in the Global War on Terrorism.

“As a MEU, our missions are always unique and you can never predict what the next year will hold. Deploying to Afghanistan was another example of how versatile this unit is. One year we evacuated Americans from the Beirut Embassy in the largest such evacuation of non-combatants, and the next we spent eight months in southern Afghanistan fighting the Taliban," said Lt. Col. Kent Hayes, executive officer, 24th MEU.

After much self-sacrifice many Marines returned longing for life’s simple pleasures. Such was on the mind of Gunnery Sgt. Angel Cruz, who just wanted to be back home, “sleeping in my own bed, next to my wife and being in my house playing with my daughter and the dogs.”

Cruz, the 24th MEU’s information assurance officer, and a handful of other Marines who came back before of the rest of the unit and were unexpectedly greeted by USO volunteers while walking through the airport.

“I was taken back by all of it. It was the last thing I thought would happen at 11 p.m. in Baltimore. Those families of other service members waiting to greet us was a beautiful display of support for us,” he explained, still noticeably honored by the patriotic display.

As Marines continue arriving, there are constant reminders of their still-fragile success in Helmand province. The 24th MEU commander, Col. Peter Petronzio, has begun explaining the exploits of his Marines as a text-book case-study in Marine counterinsurgent operations.

“The tenants of a successful counterinsurgency are clear, hold and build. You can’t just clear. If you don’t hold, the insurgents come back and if you don’t build then you really aren’t making the place any better. You need to make the place better so the people can see the value of choosing government rule vice accepting insurgent intimidation,” said Petronzio, part of the 24th MEU’s brain trust that will stay behind in Afghanistan to help incoming Marine units transition to the unique challenges of the area.

As he discusses the counterinsurgent strategy, it seems to be at the very least a subconscious explanation to one of the most famous phrases from their deployment. The planned first fight with the Taliban was to be an aerial raid, rivaling any previous heliborne insertion dating back to Vietnam. The Marines of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment packed lightly for their mission, counting on returning to base in seven to 10 days for another assignment in the volatile South, instead they stayed.

Taliban fighters flowed into the area resupplying and reinforcing those already well-equipped and aiming in on the Marines.

“We were told that there were insurgents in the area just south of the British southernmost forward operating base (Delhi) and that they would fight us for a few days should we try to move through the area. As we moved to secure the route the insurgents did fight us, but not for a few days. They fought us daily for more than a month,” said the 24th MEU commander.

The increased resistance caused a reexamination of plans. If the 24th MEU moved on after clearing their way through Garmsir, the Taliban would obviously attempt to take back their precious gateway into Afghanistan.

The Marines stayed and transitioned from quick reaction raiders to counter insurgent specialists, and over the next few months focused the full-spectrum of the 24th MEU in the Garmsir city-district. Taliban fighters battled Marines for 35 days in more than 170 engagements. The death knell for the Taliban came May 28 when the Marines of Charlie and Weapons Company, both of BLT 1/6, captured Fort Jugroom, a former British strongpoint turned Taliban headquarters. Meanwhile Alpha Co. reclaimed the once Taliban-controlled Amir Agar Bazaar.

In keeping with counterinsurgency doctrine, Marines held their ground. Just a few days after the Battle for Jugroom, the Marines of Alpha Co., met with village elders in a shura, the first such gathering of local elders in three years. During their shura and in subsequent meetings with locals, the Marines invited people to return without fear of the Taliban. For many, it was the first time they could safely bring their family home since the Taliban forced them out years ago. Petronzio felt the Marines needed to stay in the area to reinforce the sense of security to a population that hadn’t seen international troops since the Soviet occupation decades earlier.

“Another factor was the concern about giving the insurgents a false victory by enabling them to claim they had run us off if we vacated the area a soon as we pushed further south. Also, as we secured the routes through the district center, Afghan citizens who had been displaced by the insurgents began to return to their homes. It would not have boded well for them had we left just as they were returning to an area they thought we had secured and they thought we would remain in to sustain the security,” said Petronzio.

The 24th MEU began the last block of the three-stage counterinsurgent doctrine on June 23 when the Alpha Battery sent Marines from their six-cannon gun line to Forward Operating Base Delhi. There they opened a civil military operations center where Marines doled out cash payments for battle damage. By the time Marines closed the center they had met 1,082 locals and paid them a total of $785,000.

Throughout the city Afghan National Forces began joining Marines on daily patrols and security exercises and shortly after British forces were walking side-by-side with their American allies. They hunted for improvised explosive devices and other weapons caches, finding 86 unexploded ordnances and 26 weapons stockpiles. On Sept. 8 the Marines official handed control of the city-district back to the British, the country previously tasked by NATO for securing Garmsir and the rest of Helmand Province.

The Marines spent the better part of September and October cleaning and packing all of their gear in preparation for the trip home from one of the largest Afghanistan bases. Frustratingly tiny sand particles had to be washed from each vehicle, weapon system and piece of equipment before the Marines could board planes and head home. The trip itself was an exercise in endurance for the traveling Marines as they spent days split between flights and layovers at airports along the way.

“The flight was long but exciting,” Cruz said of the nearly 20-hour flight home.

The Marines landed and loaded busses for the final leg of their journey home. They exited the busses to the screams and cries of their much-missed loved ones. Their arrival home moves their actions in Afghanistan from front-page news into historic context.

“Al-Anbar has come to signify the Marines success in Iraq, and I believe Helmand Province and Garmsir will show the world what impact the Marines can have in Afghanistan,” said Hayes.

“I’m proud of what these Marines have accomplished. They lived in some of the most undesirable locations and conditions imaginable in Garmsir. Seeing the warm welcome they received from their friends and family was a well-deserved end to a demanding deployment.”

(Report by Sgt. Randall A. Clinton, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.)

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US Navy Christens Guided Missile Destroyer Wayne E. Meyer

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Pictured in this undated file photo is the starboard hull of USS WAYNE E. MEYER (DDG 108). The ship is a Flight IIA variant of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer incorporating a helicopter hangar facility into the original design. The ship can carry two SH-60B/R Light Airborne Multipurpose System MK III helicopters. Guided-missile destroyers operate independently and in conjunction with carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious groups and replenishment groups. (U.S. Navy photo.)

Focus on Defense:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2008 -- The Navy will christen the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Wayne E. Meyer, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine. Designated DDG 108, the new destroyer honors the retired Navy rear admiral who led the development of Aegis, the first fully integrated combat system built to defend against air, surface and subsurface threats.

In 1963, Secretary of the Navy Fred Korth chose Meyer to lead a special task force for surface guided missiles. Meyer's efforts laid the groundwork for a successful prototype Aegis system in 1974. Meyer then served as the Aegis program manager from 1975 to 1983.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Anna Mae Meyer will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her husband. In accordance with Navy tradition, she will break a bottle of champagne across the ship's bow and christen the ship.

Wayne E. Meyer is the 58th of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and carries the 100th Aegis Combat System built. The ship will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Wayne E. Meyer will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with "A Cooperative Strategy of 21st Century Seapower," the new maritime strategy that postures the sea services to apply maritime power to protect U.S. vital interests in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.

Cmdr. Nick A. Sarap Jr., born in Richmond, Va., and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, is the prospective commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton destroyer is being built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics company. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

Related: USS WAYNE E. MEYER (DDG 108) Web Site

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CTF 158 Changes Hands

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In this Oct. 4 file photo, USS Thach (FFG 43) conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Gulf. Thach is part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 158, which is specifically responsible for ensuring the security of Iraq's Khawr Al Amaya (KAAOT) and Al Basra oil terminals in support of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1790. CTF 158 operates jointly with Iraqi Navy sailors and marines, trained by members of the Navy Transition Team based in nearby Umm Qasr. Over three quarters of Iraq's GDP is generated from the oil that flows through these terminals. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Lenny M. Francioni.)

Dispatches from the Front:

NORTH ARABIAN GULF, Oct. 18, 2008 -- Royal Australian Navy Commodore Bruce Kafer relieved Rear Adm. Kendall Card as Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 158 during a ceremony held at the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT), October 17.

The ceremony concluded the U.S. Navy’s successful three-month command of CTF 158, which typically rotates between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Well done to all of our Coalition partners: our friends from the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and Iraq,” said Card. “Through our combined work and presence here in the North Arabian Gulf, we have been successful in meeting the primary mission of defense of the oil platforms, along with producing considerable enhancements in the infrastructure and vastly moving forward the transition of the mission to the Iraq navy and marines.”

The primary mission of CTF-158 is to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) around KAAOT and the Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) in support of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1790 in the North Arabian Gulf.

The U.N. Security Council resolution charges the multinational force with the responsibility and authority to maintain security and stability in Iraq territorial waters and supports the Iraq government's request for security support.

Kafer says the job will be tough, but his team can handle the task.

“I appreciate that this mission is a significant challenge,” said Kafer. “However, I am fortunate and privileged to lead a capable and experienced team, so I am confident that we will meet all challenges directly and professionally.”

CTF 158 operates jointly with Iraqi navy sailors and marines, trained by members of the Navy Transition Team based in nearby Umm Qasr.

MSO help set the conditions for security, which promotes stability and prosperity in the North Arabian Gulf. These operations protect Iraq's sea-based infrastructure, which provides the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination. MSO complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

(Report from a Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs news release.)

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Enemy Battles Decrease for US Marines in Afghanistan

Bloggers' Roundtable

Bloggers' Roundtable:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2008 -- As the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment continues to enhance security in Afghanistan, Marines there are experiencing decreased enemy engagements, the battalion’s commander said Thursday.

“We’ve killed or captured a lot of the [Taliban’s] leadership,” U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Richard Hall, commander of Task Force 2D Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, told bloggers during a teleconference.

Other possible reasons Hall cited for fewer engagements include the recent Muslim holiday of Ramadan, the beginning of winter in Afghanistan and the enhanced efforts of the Afghan National Police.

“We’ve now trained over 800 Afghan National Police and have placed them in various districts,” he said.

Most people think that training and mentoring are not critical parts of counterinsurgency operations, when in fact, they are a subset, Hall said.

“The first thing is the force comes in here and establishes themselves and initiates the security piece, then what we had to do is we had to concurrently do the training and mentoring” of the police, he said.

In addition to training, the Marines have initiated several other long- and short-term projects under strategies they call “focused district development” and “in-district reform.”

The Marines have enhanced the Afghan economy, opened mosques, built schools, and are hoping to build a road, although that may not happen soon, Hall said.

“We’re hoping to build a road here, probably not on our watch, but certainly on our replacements’ watch,” Hall said. The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines will be replaced by the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment in the near future.

Hall said that while he is constantly seeing improvement in his districts, there are still several challenges, specifically in recruiting for the Afghan police.

“We really need to recruit from districts in which we are going to replace those [police],” Hall added. “They get a good education, they come back, and there’s an immediate change in the district when they go out there. All our guys that mentor them when they’re back out in their districts have noted the significant improvements that are made.”

As the Marine units prepare to rotate, a top priority is ensuring that the Afghan recruitment is done right.

“I think we got it right now,” said Hall. “The next evolutions [in reform and development of districts] are going to be much more successful, and so it will be the way of the future in emplacing these [police] in the districts, which becomes a foundation for governance at the district level.”

To set the stage for the incoming Marine unit, Hall said his Marines would prepare training on lessons learned.

“We want to give them the proper introduction to the history, teach them the techniques and procedures that will keep them alive,” Hall said. “And we owe that to our brothers.”

In order to be successful, the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines have to continue to do what the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines have done - focus on the Afghan people, Hall said.

“We have focused on the enduring effort, those things that will last, those operations which create a foundation for the future, like building schools, educating people, building roads, providing jobs, and aiding commerce,” he said.

(Report by Navy Seaman William Selby, New Media branch of the Defense Media Activity)

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US Airpower Summary; Oct. 18, 2008: A-10 Thunderbolts Engage Anti-Afghan Forces

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An A-10 Thunderbolt II, like this one, flies combat mission over Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. A-10s provide close-air support and employ a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general purpose bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert Wieland.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 18, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and rockets onto anti-Afghan forces near Kabul. The mission was reported successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Sangin, a coalition aircraft dropped a guided bomb unit-12 onto anti-Afghan forces engaging coalition forces with small arms and heavy weapons fire. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

An A-10 fired cannon rounds at anti-Afghan forces engaging friendly forces with indirect fire near Sheykhabad. The mission was confirmed successful by the JTAC.

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force in the vicinity of Shurakian and Sangin to deter enemy activities. The JTACs reported the missions were successful.

A-10s conducted shows of force to deter insurgent activities near Kabul. The missions were declared successful by the JTACs.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets performed a show of force in the vicinity of Kajaki Dam to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 40 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 481 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,465 passengers were transported. The airlift included approximately 64,500 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Oct. 16, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 224 receiving aircraft.

(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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Friday, October 17, 2008

OIF Summary; Oct. 17, 2008: Troops in Iraq Nab Suspects, Seize Weapons

Dispatches from the Front

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2008 -- Coalition forces in Iraq today captured two wanted men and one additional suspect during operations targeting terrorist networks in Baghdad and Kirkuk, military officials reported.

Troops operating in Kirkuk captured a man wanted for alleged ties to al-Qaida in Iraq networks in the Sulayman Bak area. Additionally, he is believed to be associated with bomb operations in the region, officials said.

In Baghdad, forces captured another wanted man who intelligence reports suggest is a facilitator for a terrorist group associated with al-Qaida in Iraq, as well as an additional suspect, officials said.

In other operations, Iraqi police yesterday shot a suicide car bomber at a checkpoint outside of a police station near Balad. Police engaged the vehicle, based on a previous description of it, causing the driver to swerve into a concrete barrier. The car exploded on impact, wounding four police officers.

On Oct. 15, soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team captured a man in eastern Baghdad who is suspected of being associated with foreign terrorist groups in Iraq.

In other operations this week, coalition and Iraqi forces seized multiple weapons caches in and around Baghdad. The U.S. soldiers are with the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 14th Infantry Regiment, and the 10th Mountain Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, 66th Armor Regiment.

Their seizures included a rocket-propelled grenade and launcher, a 155 mm round, 20 AK=47 assault rifles, multiple grenades and ammunition and explosives. Coalition and Iraqi security forces have seized more than 2,100 weapons and munitions caches in the area, officials said.

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

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'Hell in a Helmet' Relieve 'The Walking Dead' Marines; Begin 7 Month Deployment in Ramadi, Iraq

Focus on Defense

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Thad R. Trapp (left), the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, passes Sgt. Maj. Jose L. Santiago, the sergeant major of 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, a plaque during a relief-in-place ceremony in Ramadi, Iraq, Oct. 9. 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, relieved 1st Bn., 9th Marines, RCT-1, of their responsibilities in the Ramadi area during the ceremony. Lt. Col. Saleh Mahde Saliah al Alali, the Iraqi District Chief of Police for Ramadi gave the plaque to Lt. Col. Brett Bourne, commanding officer, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, and his battalion as a token of appreciation for their partnership. The exchange from one battalion to another was meant to signify the transfer of that partnership. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy.)

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Lt. Col Brett A. Bourne, commanding officer, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and Lt. Col. Thad R. Trapp, commanding officer, 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, sit with two local sheikhs at the battalions’ relief-in-place ceremony in Ramadi, Iraq, Oct. 9. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy.)

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Marines of 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1 and 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, RCT-1, stand in formation with their Iraqi police counterparts during the battalions’ relief-in-place ceremony in Ramadi, Iraq, Oct. 9. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy.)

Focus on Defense

Focus on Defense:

RAMADI, Iraq, Oct. 17, 2008 -- With the mayor of Ramadi on-hand, along with several of Ramadi, Iraq’s, tribal and civic leaders, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, relieved 1st Bn., 9th Marines, RCT-1, of their responsibilities in the Ramadi-area during a ceremony Oct. 9.

The ceremony was held at an Iraqi police station in front of Ramadi’s most important leaders as a display of commitment towards continuing a relationship that Marines and Sailors of ‘The Walking Dead’ battalion worked continuously to establish throughout their deployment.

“It’s important to symbolize the Marines’ relationship with the Iraqis,” said Lt. Col. Thad R. Trapp, commanding officer, 2nd Bn., 9th Marines.

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Brett Bourne, commanding officer, 1st Bn., 9th Marines, passed on to Trapp a plaque given to his battalion by Lt. Col. Saleh Mahde Saliah al Alali, the Iraqi District Chief of Police for Ramadi.

Saleh gave the plaque to Bourne and his battalion as a token of appreciation for their partnership, and the exchange was meant to signify the transfer of that partnership.

Trapp said that the exchange helped affirm the importance of the relationship between the Iraqis and Marines.

‘Hell in a Helmet’, a common pseudonym for 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, is on its first deployment to Iraq as a unit, but Trapp said he is certain his Marines can handle the task with confidence and efficiency.

“This is this battalion’s first deployment to Iraq, but many of my Marines have been here before,” said Trapp. “I know my Marines are well trained on what they need to do and are ready to get the job done.”

During their turn-over process, Marines from the out-going battalion trained the in-coming Marines on what they learned during their deployment.

“They are all very experienced in their jobs and are giving us good insight,” said Cpl. Glen A. Brannen, a squad leader with Company G, 2nd Bn., 9th Marines. “They’re painting a good picture for us on what to expect based on what they’ve seen over the last seven months.”

Trapp said 1st Bn., 9th Marines, conducted one of the best battalion turn-over’s he has ever seen, noting that from the most junior Marine to the commanding officer levels it was 100 percent professional.

With their deployment just beginning, 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, is now focused on achieving their objectives, and Trapp said their performance is not just important for the security of Iraq.

“We’re going to partner with the Iraqi Security Forces and assist them in their development towards self sufficiency and help them improve the security of Ramadi,” Trapp said. “Ultimately, our job is not only important for the security of the Iraqi people, but also the security of those in the United States as well,” he said.

(Story by Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy, Regimental Combat Team 1.)

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US Airpower Summary; Oct. 17, 2008: Tankers Continue to Fuel the Fight

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A KC-135 Stratotanker sits on the flightline at a base in Southwest Asia. Air Force and coalition tankers flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel Oct.15. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Clifford.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 17, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and rockets onto enemy fighters who were attacking coalition forces with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades near Kabul. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Lashkar Gah, coalition aircraft dropped a guided bomb unit-12 onto enemy fighters firing upon friendly forces with small arms fire. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets fired cannon rounds and dropped a GBU-12 and GBU-38s onto a compound containing enemies of Afghanistan. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

A-10s performed shows of force to deter enemy activities near Kabul. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities near Kabul. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

Coalition aircraft performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. The mission was reported successful by a JTAC.

Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

Navy F/A-18C Hornets performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Sangin. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

In total, 72 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fourteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 27 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 115 airlift sorties were flown, 683 tons of cargo delivered and 2,564 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,210 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Oct. 15, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 246 receiving aircraft.

(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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US Army Discusses Cancellation of Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Program

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The Department of Defense notified the Congress and the contractor, Bell Helicopter, that it will not certify the U.S. Army Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) program for continuation. As a result the Army Acquisition Executive Office for Aviation is directing that the program's contract be terminated completely for the convenience of the government. (Courtesy photo.)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Oct 17, 2008 -- On Oct. 16 the Department of Defense notified the Congress and the contractor, Bell Helicopter, that it will not certify the U.S. Army Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) program for continuation. As a result the Army Acquisition Executive Office for Aviation is directing that the program's contract be terminated completely for the convenience of the government.

The ARH contract was awarded for an expected development cost of $359 million and a procurement average unit cost of $8.56 million. Currently, DoD estimates that development will cost $942 million and the procurement average unit cost will be $14.48 million. Delivery of ARH to the Army was originally scheduled to take place by 2009, but the current projection is for 2013.

"The cost and schedule that were the focus of the decision to award the contract to Bell Helicopter are no longer valid," Secretary of the Army Pete Geren said. "We have a duty to the Army and the taxpayer to move ahead with an alternative course of action to meet this critical capability for our Soldiers at the best price and as soon as possible."

Lt. Gen. James D. Thurman, Army director of operations, stated "the war-fighting capability for a manned, armed, reconnaissance helicopter is crucial to supporting our ground combat commanders and remains a critical requirement for the Army. This decision does not, in any way, diminish the imperative for this capability. Our operational tempo, attrition, and losses of six aircraft per year underscore the need to fill this requirement as quickly as possible.

"To this end, we will rapidly pursue a re-validation of the particular characteristics needed for this capability so that we can restart the process of acquiring a manned, armed reconnaissance helicopter," said Lt Gen Thurman. "Concurrently, we will invest significant efforts into our existing Kiowa Warrior fleet that ensures our air crews and commanders continue to have the best capability possible to perform the mission," he said.

(From a U.S. Army press release.)

Related: Pentagon Cancels Army Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Program

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Gates, Congress Work on Iraq Status of Forces Agreement

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2008 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is consulting with congressional leaders on the U.S.-Iraq status of forces agreement that will allow American troops to remain in Iraq after Dec. 31.

The United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing the U.S. military presence in Iraq runs out on that date, and U.S. and Iraqi officials must reach an agreement for American troops to continue operations and continue to train the Iraqi security forces, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said during a news conference yesterday.

U.S. State Department negotiators have been working with their Iraqi counterparts for months to hammer out an agreement. Morrell said the negotiations have yielded a draft that both sides can live with, but the agreement is subject to the normal political process in both nations. In Iraq, the draft already has been to the Executive Council and is moving through the Political Committee on National Security. The draft also must go to the Council of Ministers and then the Council of Representatives.

The legislation is like scores of other agreements the United States has with countries around the world and does not require Senate ratification to become effective, Morrell said. Such agreements provide the legal authority for Americans to continue to operate in a country and does not tie any future commander in chief’s hands, he said.

Still “the secretary is in the process of consulting closely with members of Congress, those who have jurisdiction over this building,” Morrell said. “And, in fact, he has begun making a number of phone calls today to committee leaders and is intent on fulfilling his pledge to them to consult with them on this document before it is finalized.”

Morrell would not discuss specifics on the agreement, but he did say the Iraqis desire to assume greater responsibility for their national security.

“We are supportive of that,” he said. “It is a tribute to the progress that's been made by our forces, since the surge, that conditions on the ground are such that it is stable enough, it is secure enough, that Iraqi forces have taken more of a lead in their operations.”

The Iraqis are growing in strength, capabilities and confidence, Morrell said. They are at the point where they can see a time when fewer Americans will be needed to keep stability and security in Iraq.

The agreement, Morrell said, includes “aspirational timelines” for U.S. force reductions.

“We've talked about goals,” Morrell said. “Any withdrawal dates that are in this – and there are dates in this document – are entirely conditions-based. These are not ad hoc, willy-nilly, arbitrary timelines. These are goals that … we have agreed to that will only be followed if the conditions on the ground provide for it. But that is something the Iraqis strongly want. They are a sovereign nation, and we are fully supportive of those desires.”

Morrell said the two sides are close to a final document, but he would not forecast a date.

(Story by Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service.)

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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Pentagon Cancels Army Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Program

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Pictured here is a version of the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH).

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2008 -- Today, the Department of Defense notified the Congress and the contractor, Bell Helicopter, that it will not certify the U.S. Army Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) program for continuation.

John Young, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, in consultation with senior Defense and Army officials, has determined that the fundamental cost and schedule basis underlying award of the ARH contract is no longer valid.

The ARH contract was awarded for an expected development cost of $359 million and a procurement average unit cost of $8.56 million. Currently, DoD estimates that development will cost $942 million and the procurement average unit cost will be $14.48 million. Delivery of ARH to the Army was originally scheduled to take place by 2009, but the current projection is for 2013.

"Rather than continue this program," Young said, "I have decided that the best course of action is to provide the Army with an opportunity to define a coherent, disciplined Kiowa Warrior helicopter replacement program, and to obtain more rigorous contract terms for its development."

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren stated, "The cost and schedule that were the focus of the decision to award the contract to Bell Helicopter are no longer valid. We have a duty to the Army and the taxpayer to move ahead with an alternative course of action to meet this critical capability for our Soldiers at the best price and as soon as possible."

(Story from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

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