It’s that time again – elections in Afghanistan. This is one of the more important elections in that area in a while. Although, when you think about it, most things happening in that part of the world end up affecting us here in the states eventually. It’s weird to think about that sometimes. Anyway, the elections are going to be interesting, I think. As would be expected, ISAF is gearing up to protect and respect during elections in Afghanistan.

Following the call from the government of Afghanistan for a Day of Peace, the International Security Assistance Force will suspend offensive operations during the election. In support of the Afghan national security forces who lead the security efforts during the electoral process, only those operations that are deemed necessary to protect the population will be conducted on that day.

“Our efforts alongside our Afghan security partners will focus on protecting the people of Afghanistan from the insurgents so that the population can freely exercise their right to choose their next president and their provincial representatives,” said Brigadier General Eric Tremblay, ISAF spokesperson.

ISAF remains fully committed to the international community’s engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability to create the conditions for progress, reconstruction and development to take place for the benefit of all Afghans.

Now, all this said, I’m betting that the Taliban and the other bad guys don’t play by the rules on this day. I expect more terror and chaos from them, unfortunately. But you know, the coalition is going to be ready. The Afghan people are going to be ready. The years of tyranny are over for the people of Afghanistan. The US Military is there and the troops know what to do and the leaders know what to do. The enemy doesn’t know what to do, but they will. Trust me.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Firefighting Training Exercise

A hose team sprays water on a burning mobile trainer during a firefighting training exercise at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

USS Bataan Action

Sailors aboard multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan and embarked Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit scrub the ships flight deck as part of regularly scheduled cleaning. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is supporting Maritime Security Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 22nd MEU is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. Photo by Seaman Apprentice Erin Lea Boyce

Inspection Checkpoint

U.S. Army Soldiers from A Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment man a vehicle inspection checkpoint near Forward Operating Base Joyce, Konar province, Afghanistan, Aug. 11. The inspections are conducted in an effort to increase security ahead of the upcoming Afghan presidential election, Aug. 20. Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith

Air Cavalry Continues Supports to Iraqi Training

Rushing out of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, Iraqi soldiers hit the ground and take up security positions during a training exercise Aug. 18, Baghdad, Iraq. The Black Hawks and training were provided by Company B, 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, to help build the IA skills during air assault missions. Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski

While it seems Iran and Afghanistan are getting most of the media attention these days, let’s not forget the huge deployment still situated in Iraq. Things are going better, but there are still bumps in the road ahead. There are more and more positive signs coming out of the country. For example, the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division cased its colors in a ceremony on August 11, 2009 at Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul in preparation for their redeployment to Fort Carson, Colo.

The ceremony marked the end of a year-long deployment in which the Soldiers of 1st Bn., 67th Armor Regt. served under 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Soldiers throughout the battalion shared their enthusiasm in returning home to Fort Carson and their families with an outburst of applause as they watched the unit’s colors disappear into a protective fabric case.

“The ceremony today marked the end of our successful one-year deployment here in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Casey, the battalion’s commanding officer and a native of San Jose, Calif.

Soldiers with 1st Bn., 67th Armor Regt. are expected to be home within the month. I expect we’ll be seeing more of these stories. That or more troops being sent to Afghanistan to replicate the Iraq success there. It’s only a matter of time. The bad guys are on the run and have nowhere to hide. They were rooted out (for the most part) in Iraq and now Afghanistan (and Pakistan or Iran if they want) are going to be next on the list. It’s time to do things right and we finally are – with two presidents continuing the work being done over there.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Judges Conference in Iraq

Gen. Abud Qanbar Hasim Khayun al-Maliki, commander, Baghdad Operations Center, participates in a Judges Training Conference for judges from the Central Criminal Court, Iraq, at Camp Victory, near Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 4. The conference is for judges to become more familiar with how coalition forces handle and process forensic evidence, and how that evidence can be incorporated into their courtrooms. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Edwin L. Wriston

A judge from the Central Criminal Court, Iraq, enjoys chai during a Judges Training Conference, at Camp Victory, near Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 4. The conference is for judges to become more familiar with how coalition forces handle and process forensic evidence, and how that evidence can be incorporated into their courtrooms. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Edwin L. Wriston

Iraqi Police Training Post

Iraqi police officers of the Yaychi police station wait for their cue during the Yaychi Police Station Validation Ceremony, in Yaychi, Iraq, July 29. The ceremony commemorates the fact that members of the Yaychi police station have completed their training and are ready to patrol the streets of Yaychi. Photo by Richard Morgan

Iraqi soldiers look at a destroyed bridge near the village of Shubaykah, in the province of Kirkuk, Iraq, July 22. The bridge was destroyed by insurgents with the use of an improvised explosive device. Photo by Richard Morgan