In Afghanistan, the locals are finally beginning to realize the difference between the good guys and the bad guys in that country. According to military officials, recently the insurgents in eastern Afghanistan are increasingly focusing their attacks away from coalition forces and on local residents. The rate of civilians killed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in eastern Afghanistan has risen 117 percent in the last year, while coalition forces deaths from IEDs have decreased by 70 percent, they said.

Army Col. Michael Howard, commander of the 25th Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), which controls the battle space of Paktika, Paktia and Khost provinces, explained that anyone who possesses the courage to speak out against the Taliban becomes a target.

“They are targeting civilians,” he said. “IEDs that go off with a command wire are not an accident. Someone pulled a trigger. They also are using force in an indiscriminate and irresponsible way,” he continued. “When they put a pressure-plate IED in the road, when there is 10 times more civilian traffic than military traffic, it puts all civilians at risk. This happens all the time.”

Nazifullah Karimi, from Khost province, said Afghans are angry, and that everyone has been affected by the attacks. At least one member of each extended family has been targeted, threatened or intimidated by the insurgents, he said.

“They don’t march in the streets, but that doesn’t mean that they are not furious,” Howard concurred. “There is such intimidation from the Taliban that they cannot vocalize how disgusted they are. The Afghans that we work with, that we become friends with, tell us there is outrage.”

Afghan and coalition forces encourage the locals to evaluate the activities of both the insurgents and their government, to arrive at an educated conclusion in order to gather the courage to unite and defend their families, communities and country.

“Look around and see,” Howard said. “Every time there is a fight between your army and the Taliban, who wins and who loses? How many schools and roads and mosques have been built by the army, and then compare that to the Taliban. Look at your government: is it progressing, is it getting bigger, is it getting stronger? Are resources flowing from it? Are they providing some basic services like health care and education? Then look at the Taliban, and see how much of that they are doing.

“You will see that one side has done a lot of good, and one has done a lot of evil,” he said. “You will see an imbalance. Look, and then decide for yourselves how many of these things came from the government and how many came from the Taliban.”

This is so true, don’t you think?

Sgt. Stryker out.

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USS John C. Stennis Participates in Northern Edge 2009

An Air Force F-22 Raptor executes a supersonic flyby over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. John C. Stennis is participating in Northern Edge 2009, a joint exercise focusing on detecting and tracking units at sea, in the air and on land. Courtesy Photo

U.S. Soldiers Assist Iraqis at Checkpoints

U.S. Soldiers with 1-150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division assist Iraqi army soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Brigade, 17th Division, conduct checkpoint operations in Yusi Fiyah Nahia, Mahmudiyah, Baghdad, Iraq on June 27. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Edwin L. Wriston

USS John C. Stennis Participates in Northern Edge 2009

Lt. Jim Imlah, from Newport, Ore., launches an F/A-18C Hornet, from the “Death Rattlers” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 323, from the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. John C. Stennis is participating in Northern Edge 2009, a joint exercise focusing on detecting and tracking units at sea, in the air and on land. Photo by Seaman Kyle Steckler

While more soldiers are being deployed to hostile areas in Afghanistan, bringing the fight to the enemy, the fruits from all the intensive training given to the Iraqi people is beginning to pay off. From the Sons of Iraq to the Iraqi National Police and beyond, a lot of brave Iraqi citizens have stepped up to do something for their country. And after being trained by US and coalition forces and experts, they’re doing a pretty good job at getting it done on their own.

They still may need a little backing and direction from US troops, but they’re doing more and more on their own. Recently in Mosul, Iraq, they began canvassing an older section of the city, taking census data. Up until recently, it was considered a safe haven for terrorists. The Iraqi people are doing something about the problem on their own, though, which is great. (And I bet you didn’t hear much about this on the news… maybe more about the so called scandal for Miss USA. Blech.)

Anyway, some great work has already been done over there and it’s showing. Work continues, though, with thousands of men and women giving their all to help bring Iraq back better than it was before. Whatever your thoughts about the war in the first place, it’s hard to argue with helping a country get back on their feet by training them and being there for them to support them. If you’re rational that is. If you disagree, leave a comment.

Sgt. Stryker out.

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Patrol in Mosul

Iraqi police officers stand guard during a cordon and search mission in the Al Siha District of Mosul, Iraq, May 14. Iraqi police ensures the security of the Iraqi population by clearing and disrupting insurgent activity and showing a presence in neighborhoods throughout the city of Mosul. Photo by Senior Airman Kamaile Chan

2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Arrives in Afghanistan

Marines with the Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan catch up on sleep May 3 during a flight to southern Afghanistan. The Marines hope to carry forward the successes of their predecessors currently serving in Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl. Aaron Rooks

Patrol in Kirkuk

A U.S. Soldier attached to 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, scans the horizon during a patrol in the Tigris River banks on May 11 in Kirkuk, Iraq. Photo by Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati

Patrol in Abu Ghraib, Iraq

U.S. Army Sgt. Heath Boyer attached to 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, discusses a patrol route with an Iraqi soldier in the neighborhood of Abu Nassir in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, on May 13. U.S. forces along with the Iraqi army work together in a combined effort to track down and arrest Iraqi insurgents operating in the Abu Ghraib province of Iraq.

Soccer Game in Baghdad, Iraq

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Samuel McAllister of 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, gives an Iraqi boy a “high five” near a soccer field in Karadah, eastern Baghdad, Iraq, on May 8. The local Iraqi public was invited to watch a youth soccer match followed by a game between joint teams of U.S. Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and Iraqi national police. Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick

U.S. Army Sgt. John Palmer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, holds a soccer ball donated in memory of U.S. Army Pfc. Nick Madaras, at a soccer field in Karadah, eastern Baghdad, Iraq, on May 8.Photo by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick

Last time I talked a little bit about pushing the Taliban back in the North of Afghanistan. There’s also a lot going on in South Afghanistan too. Service members from Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan recently put the US resolve to the test, doing their duty.

“Afghanistan can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable,” said Maj. Tom Clinton, a senior watch officer with the brigade’s command element. “Some call this country the ‘graveyard of empires.’”

Those that don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it. That’s why Afghanistan might finally be different this time.

Helmand in Southern Afghanistan is a land of extremes, according to the Helmand Provincial Handbook. It’s the largest and one of the most volatile provinces in Afghanistan.

“At one time, we would engage no more than seven to 15 enemies in firefights,” Clinton said. “Once in Garmsir, that number was at least if not more than 300.”

Pashtuns constitute the overwhelming majority in Helmand, according to the manual, making up 94 percent of the population. The Pashtun ethnic group is unique in comparison to other groups around the world. They very strictly follow the Islamic religion down to the letter of the law, to the detriment of many, many people in the area.

“The big challenge we face is that we want to help and do things right away,” said Clinton, who spent much of his deployments around local Afghan leaders. “But in order to be successful, you have to get to know the people. It took me more than one month in one case just to get one of the village elders to speak to me. We must have patience.”

These are very wise words. It’s like the bullet in one of the photos below.

Sgt. Stryker Out.

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Working Hard in Comoros

Seaman Travis C. Porter, engineering aide constructionman, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, Detachment Horn of Africa, takes measurements in a rain storm for the Hamramba School Project. NMCB-11 is deployed for the first time since being re-established in 2007 and is working on four schools in the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa area of responsibility. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Erick Holmes

Iraqi Special Forces Conduct Live Fire Training

An Iraqi special operations forces soldier fires at a target during assault rifle training on May 2 in Al-Asad, Iraq. ISOF conducted assault rifle training to site in their M-4 assault rifles and to conduct live fire tactical training exercises to hone in their skills. Photo by Eric Lippmann

Practice Makes Perfect for Charlie Company

Marines with Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, line up on the firing line during training in the Combat Marksmanship Program on the flight deck of USS Boxer, May 11. The 13th MEU and Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group are currently on a deployment in support of regional and Maritime Security Operations. Photo by Cpl. Robert C. Medina

Andrews Air Force Base Joint Service Open House Air Show

2009 Joint Service Open House Air Show takes place at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., May 15. There are a variety of military air crafts and land maneuver equipment displays in this show and the Thunderbird team has a highline performance in the show. Photos by Spc. Jean-Paul G. Li

Iraqi Lt. Col. Dhai’m of the 6th Iraqi Army Engineer Regiment and Lt. Col Joe Hargett, 890th Engineer Battalion’s Commander, offered Lt. Col. David Imhof, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion Commander, a tour of the compound after a Jan. 3 meeting. The 890th Engineer Battalion is attached to 926th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
Photo By: Sgt. Catherine Graham – 926th Engineer Brigade

Clinton and the Elections in Iraq

As the new year unfolds, attention is still focused on Iraq. Hillary Clinton, who is going to be Secretary of State, had some words about Iraq. A report has also come out confirming progress in Iraq. Finally, a division commander in Iraq warns about election meddling.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be top priorities for President-elect Barack Obama’s administration, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, Obama’s nominee to be secretary of state, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at her confirmation hearing here yesterday.

“It is my intention that we will very quickly, in consultation with the Iraqi government and other agencies within our own government, put together the teams and activities that we will be offering that will support the withdrawal of our troops, and also fulfill the agreement that we have with the government of Iraq,” Clinton said.

The lack of essential services has replaced security as the major concern in Iraq, pointing to the progress the country has been making, according to a Defense Department report released Tuesday, January 2009.

The report, “Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq,” says the security situation in the country continues to improve. The report covers the period through the end of November, and does not address the change of responsibility to the Iraqi government for security under the status-of-forces agreement that went into effect on January 1, 2009.

“This period witnessed a nationwide reduction in civilian deaths by almost 63 percent compared to the same period in 2007,” the report says. Further, no increase in violence took place during or immediately following the holy month of Ramadan – typically a time of increased attacks.

The insurgency is declining, and al-Qaida in Iraq is increasingly isolated, the report says. Many Shiia extremists are seeking amnesty and leaving Iranian-supported militant groups such as Jaysh al-Mahdi and affiliated organizations, it notes, though both Sunni and Shiia extremist groups still are capable of conducting attacks despite their weakened condition.

Most of Iraq now is under Iraqi control. The status-of-forces agreement places Iraqi forces completely in the lead and calls for all coalition combat forces to be out of Iraq by the end of 2011.

That withdrawal has already begun, with one U.S. brigade combat team having left the country during the period covered by the report. Polish troops are ending their assignment in the nation, and troops from other nations – including Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Georgia, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Tonga and Ukraine — have completed their missions in the country.

Still, security gains in some areas of the country are fragile and reversible. For example, officials said, while overall deaths dropped, assassinations increased, and Iraq’s Ninevah province and areas in Diyala remain as problems.

Iran continues to pose a “significant threat” to Iraq, the report says.

“Despite persistent promises to the contrary, Iranian behavior continues to reflect a fundamental desire to oppose the development of a fully secure and stable Iraq,” the report reads. “Countering malign influence and balancing soft Iranian influence remain priorities to stabilize Iraq and ensure the sovereignty of its people.”

The gains in security allow the coalition to concentrate on infrastructure in the nation, officials said. The Iraqi economy grew by 9 percent in 2008, according to International Monetary Fund figures.

The 2008 Iraqi budget was $72.1 billion. The government is investing in quality-of-life projects, and also is working to counter unemployment and under-employment in the nation, officials said.

On Wednesday, January 14, 2009, Army Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, commander of Multinational Division Center, said Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has pledged that Baghdad will do all it can to prevent defrauding of the Jan. 31 provincial elections by internal and external forces.

“We agree with [Maliki] that everybody should let Iraqis make their own decisions in this election,” he told reporters at a news conference in Baghdad. “What’s important to Iraq is that elections be seen as credible, and my only concern is that outside influences may interfere.”

U.S. forces around the country are preparing to support Iraqi security forces in the event of possible violence surrounding the balloting. Army Col. Burt Thompson, commander of the 25th Infantry Division’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, discussed potential election saboteurs in a Jan. 12 media briefing. “It’s pretty clear what they’d be going after,” he said. “It’s to sway the hearts and the minds — to intimidate those civilians from going and voting.”

In the news conference, Oates said Multinational Division Center troops are prepared to work with Iraqi security forces, which have taken the lead to ensure the elections occur safely and smoothly. The most likely security threat facing the electorate in his area of operations, the general said, comes from splinter groups of militia members who are disobeying a ceasefire order from the Iranian-influenced Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

The general said a small number of such groups are responsible for much of the region’s violence. He added that the fact that attacks aimed at coalition forces are decreasing while violence aimed at Iraqi forces rises indicates the groups’ intention of fomenting internal chaos.

Meanwhile, Oates said, al-Qaida’s role has become “severely degraded” in the southern part of his jurisdiction, despite the terror organization’s attempts over the past months to regenerate. But he cautioned that al-Qaida still is capable of launching “spectacular attacks.” In large part, though, members of Jaysh al-Mahdi, Sadr’s armed constituency, are complying with their leader’s order to lay down arms, he added.

Oates expressed some concern that some of Iran’s influence in Iraq takes the form of humanitarian aid. Helping Iraq’s Shiite poor and supporting hospitals works to provide “significant influence in terms of soft power” for Iraq’s neighbor to the east among Iraqis. But extremist Iranian elements might be motivated to ramp up “lethal activity” as elections near, he added.

Still, Oates predicted a safe election, and said that the challenge afterward will be ensuring a smooth transition of power.

“My hope is that those who are disappointed don’t take out their disappointment in violence,” he said.

This is Sgt. Stryker signing out.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Makaiwa Gunn from Puhi, Kauai, Hawaii, assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division shakes hands with a little Iraqi boy during a patrol in Samarra, Iraq, on Dec. 30, 2008.
Photo By: Sgt. Kani Ronningen – Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Early 09 Iraq Update: More Progress in Iraq

A new year has begun and the United States military is still doing its job around the world. Here’s a look at some of what went down in Iraq over the weekend.

January 4, 2009 Iraq Operations:

U.S. soldiers and Iraqi security forces detained two suspected terrorists yesterday at the scene of an explosion in the Masafee community of Baghdad’s Rashid district. The men are suspected of setting off two homemade bombs. No injuries were reported.

U.S. soldiers and Iraqi security forces seized a “sticky” bomb attached to a car in Baghdad’s Rashid district. The makeshift magnetic bomb was attached to the undercarriage of a vehicle belonging to a “Sons of Iraq” civilian security group leader. An Iraqi explosive ordnance disposal unit disposed of the bomb.

U.S. and Iraqi soldiers confiscated an improvised explosive device in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah district. An Iraqi EOD team detonated the device.

January 3, 2009 Iraq Operations:

A Kut special weapons and tactics team arrested two suspected criminals in Numaniyah, southeast of Baghdad. One of the suspects is believed to be responsible for attacks against coalition forces in Wasit province.

Hillah SWAT personnel arrested a man suspected of attacks against coalition and Iraqi security forces.

Ramadi SWAT personnel nabbed a suspect accused of drug dealing, weapons smuggling and counterfeiting U.S. currency in Tameem, east of Baghdad.

In Najaf, south of Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers arrested two suspected terrorists, including an alleged criminal cell leader believed to be responsible for bombing attacks on coalition convoys in the Manathera area.

In Maysan province, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers detained three suspects and seized a weapons cache that included 58 81 mm mortar rounds, three ammunition cans of 7.62 mm rounds, two AK-47 assault rifles, two shotguns, a .50-caliber sniper rifle, a 7.62 mm sniper rifle, a pistol, a can of .50-caliber rounds and kit for making a bomb specifically designed to pierce armored vehicles.

Iraqi and U.S. soldiers conducting combined operations found a weapons cache in Baghdad’s Mansour district. The cache included a 130 mm projectile, two 85 mm rockets, an 82 mm mortar, two mortar fuses, six 14.5 mm small-arms projectiles and a rocket-propelled grenade expelling charge.

In Baghdad’s Rashid district, Iraqi police and U.S. soldiers arrested four people found with bombing materials. In another operation in the area, U.S. soldiers found 30 anti-tank mines, an AK-47 assault rifle and three AK-47 magazines.

In other Iraq news, on Monday, January 5, 2009, Vice President Dick Cheney had some words about the situation in Iraq while on the CBS program “Face the Nation.”

“I think Iraq is much better off than it was before we went in in ’03 and got rid of Saddam Hussein. I think we are close to achieving most of our objectives,” he added.

Violence and death in Iraq today are sharply down, Cheney said, while Iraqis are firmly on the path to democracy after decades of cruel and despotic rule under Saddam.

“We’ve seen a significant reduction in the overall level of violence, more now than any time since we’ve been there in the spring of ’03,” Cheney said. “We’ve seen the elimination of one of the world’s worst regimes. We’ve seen the Iraqis write a constitution [and] hold three national elections.”

The United States and Iraq signed two agreements that became effective Jan. 1, Cheney said, that underscore Iraq’s status as a sovereign nation and call for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraqi soil. The strategic framework agreement establishes the foundation of a long-term bilateral relationship between the United States and Iraq, while the status-of-forces agreement stipulates how U.S. forces are affected by Iraqi laws.

“All of those things, I think, by anybody’s standard would be evidence of significant success,” Cheney said. “And I think we’re very close to achieving what it is we set out to do five years ago when we first went into Iraq.”

On New Year’s Day, the Iraqi government assumed authority for the Baghdad compound – known generically as the Green Zone — that contained the U.S. military headquarters as well as the top U.S. diplomatic office in Iraq. Senior-level U.S. military and diplomatic offices in Iraq were transferred to the new U.S. Embassy in Iraq, which also is in Baghdad.

Cheney saluted the U.S.-coalition military campaign launched in March 2003 that toppled Saddam’s regime by early April of that year. The fugitive dictator was captured by U.S. forces in December 2003 and was tried and found guilty for his crimes by an Iraqi court. He was executed on Dec. 29, 2006.

This is Sgt. Stryker signing out.

President George W. Bush sent his best wishes for the holiday season and those of first lady Laura Bush to servicemembers around the world in a message broadcast on the Pentagon Channel.

President George W. Bush shakes hands with U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kyle Stipp of Avon, Ind., after presenting him with two Purple Hearts Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, during a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where the soldier is recovering from wounds suffered in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Looking on are his wife, Megan, and father, Mitch Stipp. White House photo by Eric Draper

Here is the text of the president’s holiday message:

“Laura and I send greetings to all the men and women of the U.S. military this holiday season.

“This time of year, our thoughts turn to rejoicing and reflection, gratitude and cheer, love and peace.

“Throughout our history, love of country and the hope of peace on earth have inspired America’s armed forces, from the frozen fields of France to the jungles of Southeast Asia. Around the globe, today’s men and women in uniform are carrying on that noble tradition. You are helping bring freedom, security and peace to millions in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere, and you are helping to protect the American people here at home.

“Many of you are spending this holiday season far from home, but you are close in our thoughts and prayers.

“I am sometimes asked what I will miss most about being president. Above all, I am going to miss being your commander in chief. Every one of you volunteered to serve the United States, and in this dangerous time, I thank you for making the world freer, our country safer and all Americans proud.

“Happy holidays and may God bless you.”

The President also visited Walter Reed Hospital.

President George W. Bush paid a call to Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Monday, December 22, 2008 to visit with wounded warriors, extend holiday greetings to them and their families and check up personally on the care and support they are receiving.

“Every time I come here, I get amazed at the quality of care, the professionalism and the courage of our troops,” Bush told reporters after the visit.

“I can say with certainty that the health care that our troops get in military medical facilities is excellent,” the president said. “I am so pleased to hear from spouses and other loved ones about the care they get, as well, when they come to visit their … wounded child or wounded husband or wounded spouse.”

Noting that the visit is likely to be his last before leaving office, Bush said he took “great pleasure” in thanking those who serve at Walter Reed and other military medical facilities.

He reiterated his sentiment that he’ll miss his role as commander in chief more than any other part of the presidency. “The military is the thing I’ll miss the most, and coming here to Walter Reed is a reminder of why I’ll miss it,” he said.

“This is my duty,” he said. “The president is commander in chief, but the president is often ‘comforter in chief,’ as well. It is my duty … to try to comfort as best as I humanly can a loved one who is in anguish.”

Comfort can come in many different forms, the president said. “Comfort means hug, comfort means cry, comfort means smile, comfort means listen,” he said. “Comfort also means, in many cases, assure the parent or the spouse that any decision made about troops in combat will be made with victory in mind, not about my personal standing in the polls or partisan politics.”

Full Transcript of George W. Bush Walter Reed Statement 3:03 P.M. EST:

THE PRESIDENT: Every time I come here, I get amazed at the quality of care, the professionalism, and the courage of our troops. I can say with certainty that the health care that our troops get in military medical facilities is excellent. I am so pleased to hear from spouses and other loved ones about the care they get, as well, when they come to visit their wounded — wounded child or wounded husband or wounded spouse.

And so this will probably be my last time coming here as the Commander-in-Chief. It gave me a great pleasure to thank all those who serve here, and all those who serve throughout our military, military medical facilities. You know, I oftentimes say being the Commander-in-Chief of the military is the thing I’ll miss the most, and coming here to Walter Reed is a reminder of why I’ll miss it.

Thank you very much.

This is Sgt. Stryker signing out.

Since the beginning of warfare, dogs have been used for military purposes. They’re being put to good use in Iraq to help patrol and make sure things are safe for the soldiers and Iraqi citizens.

Army Sgt. James Harrington, a military policeman and dog handler assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad, poses with Ryky, a Belgian Malanois, while out on mission Nov. 24, 2008, in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. James Harrington

It’s not only humans that are working to make the fledgling Democracy in Iraq work. Army Sgt. James Harrington, a military policeman and dog handler attached to the 1st Special Troops Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, along with Ryky, his canine partner, patrol the streets and communities of southern Baghdad’s Rashid district to search for weapons and make soldiers a more effective force.

Harrington is assigned to the 947th Military Police Detachment, part of the 3rd Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard,” stationed out of Fort Myer, Virginia. He and his 3-year-old Belgian Malanois partner, completed more than 50 missions and uncovered more than 25 finds since arriving to Rashid, Iraq in October.

According to Harrington, Ryky has made several significant finds since beginning her mission in Baghdad, including an AK-47 assault rifle hidden in a false ceiling and four mortar rounds that led to the discovery of a large mound of hollowed-out munitions. Ryky detects odors from many types of munitions, such as ammunition, weapons, mortar rounds, artillery rounds, homemade explosives and trigger devices with residue on them.

“Ryky is a very friendly dog,” Harrington, a former Marine Corps infantryman, said. “She is not a trained attack dog, so I allow her to be sociable with soldiers. I let others pet her, because it is a big morale booster.”

Army Sgt. James Harrington, a military policeman and dog handler assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad, poses with Ryky, a Belgian Malanois, in front of a weapons cache they discovered Oct. 26, 2008, in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. James Harrington

The two met at the Specialized Service Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

“At the school, the dogs are exposed to helicopter rides, simulated gunfire and simulated mortars to see how they react,” said Harrington, a 14-year military service veteran with six deployments since 1995. “The dogs must be confident around the noises; they can’t just take off running.”

Because they are capable of detecting 19 separate odors on the battlefield and able to run off of a leash, the specialized service dogs have a distinct advantage, Harrington said.

“Having Sergeant Harrington and the [specialized-service] dog gives me the extra capability to unleash the dog into an open area,” said Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Ogle, who hails from Dayton, Ohio, and is the kennel master for the Falcon 40th Military Police Detachment from Fort Sill, Okla., attached to the 1st STB. “It is that off-leash capability that puts the handler out of danger.”

Harrington said he believes the ability to multitask while operating in sector and conducting weapon searches is an important quality dog handlers should possess.

“I have to be able to watch for my security, watch for the dog’s security, watch what she is searching, and finally lead the dog in the direction I want her to search in next,” he explained. “I always have to be two steps ahead.”

Recently, Harrington and Ryky cleared a 600-meter portion of a main thoroughfare in Baghdad for a distinguished visitor; it took them about an hour.

“It would take another dog three hours to complete that stretch of road, because they would be on a six-foot leash and the handler has to present everything to the dog,” Harrington said. Usually, the team uses a leash while out in sector due to stray dogs and small confined areas, he added, but, if needed, Ryky could be up to 200 yards away and still effectively search an area.

“It takes me out of the equation in case something was to go wrong; we lose a dog, but we don’t lose a handler,” Harrington said.

Harrington has worked with dogs for about two years. He noted the specialized-service dog program quickly is becoming more widespread across all facets of the military. The dog graduates ready to deploy right after completing the school, he explained, while other working dogs leave their school able to detect nine odors and receive additional training by their handlers in the combat theater.

“I think Ryky and I make soldiers’ jobs easier because we can search faster, the dog can smell better and she leads from the front,” Harrington said.

There are currently seven dogs in Iraq that are used to support military operations in southern Baghdad.

I don’t know about you, but this gives another meaning to the phrase “man’s best friend.”

This is Sgt. Stryker signing out.

Iraq Update

According to U.S. officials, three terrorists were killed and 14 suspects were detained as coalition forces continued to degrade al-Qaida in Iraq facilitation and leadership networks during multiple operations.

December 17th, 2008.

A wanted man assessed to be an al-Qaida military leader was captured by coalition forces in Mosul.
Also, two terrorists believed to be linked to Samarra al-Qaida in Iraq leaders were killed during an operation early December 17, 2008, near Tikrit, which is north of Baghdad. When the assault force entered a building believed to be the location of a wanted terrorist operative, two men grabbed AK-47 assault rifles and attempted to engage forces. Acting in self-defense, the assault force engaged and killed the two. In addition to the two rifles, forces found multiple grenades and AK-47 magazines in the house. Forces detained a total of two suspects during the operation.

Also on December 17, 2008:

One terrorist was killed during an operation targeting a wanted man believed to be responsible for smuggling foreign terrorists into Mosul and other places in Iraq. After the assault force detained one terrorist, the man broke his restraints and attacked a member of the assault force. Perceiving hostile intent, forces engaged and killed the man. Forces detained two additional suspects without further incident.

A wanted man who reportedly has connections to al-Qaida foreign terrorist facilitators was captured in Talbah, northeast of Mosul. Three suspects assessed to be associates of the man also were detained.

Two suspects believed to be associates of a regional al-Qaida in Iraq leader were detained near Ramadi, northwest of Baghdad.

In Baghdad, forces detained a man believed to have ties to an al-Qaida weapons facilitator and car bomb operative.

December 16, 2008 in Iraq:

Coalition forces captured a wanted man in Beiji, south of Mosul. The suspected terrorist is believed to be an al-Qaida cell leader in the city.

Near Abu Mariyah, north of Mosul, coalition forces detained a suspect believed to have connections to a suspected al-Qaida foreign terrorist facilitator.

In other operations, tips from concerned citizens led Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers to weapons caches in the Baghdad area:

A citizen turned in unexploded ordnance to U.S. soldiers north of Baghdad that included a 120 mm projectile and a hand grenade.

A citizen’s tip guided soldiers to a hand grenade and a trip flare north of Baghdad.

U.S. soldiers found a weapons cache west of Baghdad that included two OS-56 projectiles, a 122 mm projectile, a 130 mm projectile, a 155 mm projectile and a 462 projectile.

Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers found a weapons cache south of Baghdad. A citizen led U.S. soldiers to a cache consisting of 23 57 mm projectiles, an 82 mm mortar and four bottles of bulk explosive material south of the Mahmudiyah area of Baghdad. (Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

The Sirius Star at anchor off the coast of Harardhere, Somalia, as seen by a U.S. Navy aircraft flying overhead. The ship was attacked Nov. 15 more than 450 miles off the East coast of Africa, and was forced to proceed to an anchorage in Somali territorial waters
Photo By: Petty Officer 2nd Class William Stevens – U.S. Naval Forces, 5th Fleet Public Affairs

Pirates in Somalia

A resolution passed December 16, 2008 by the United Nations Security Council authorizes foreign forces to pursue pirates inside Somalia. In a unanimous vote, the 15-nation U.N. Security Council approved the U.S.-sponsored resolution. The language authorizes nations to use “all necessary measures” to stop anyone using Somali land or sea to plan or carry out piracy.

“We welcome the passing of the resolution,” Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. “We will continue to work with our allies and partners to address this troublesome problem.”

This emphasis on the need for commercial shippers to take more responsibility echoes comments Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates made last week in Manama, Bahrain. He suggested owners train boat captains on maneuvers for evading or defending against pirate attacks.

“We’ve seen news reports the other day of a cruise ship that actually — once it realized it was under attack — simply outran the pirates. The truth of the matter is most ships can do that,” he said. “But too many just stop.

“But at the end of the day, [piracy] has become a very good business,” he added. “The first thing we need is better intelligence on who’s behind it.”

Gates said some intelligence suggested that several Somali-based clans might be responsible for a substantial amount of piracy.

“If we can identify who those clans are, then we can potentially target them under the auspices of the U.N., and do so in a way that minimizes the collateral damage, that minimizes hurting innocent people in Somalia,” he said.

“I think it’s actually a combination of the measures that are taken on the water, and then, under the auspices of the U.N., seeing if we can develop the kind of information that would make possible going after some of these groups in Somalia that would seem to be the source of most of these attacks,” the secretary continued.

Following the U.N. Security Council meeting in New York City on December 16, 2008, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the talks included discussion of intelligence sharing, the need for commercial shipping to deter hostage situations and the importance of stabilizing Somalia.

She added that the United States is going to lead a Contact Group on Piracy on the Somali Coast.

“But ultimately, all members spoke to the need to deal with the root cause of the problem, which is the instability in Somalia,” she said. “There is great support, as the United States supports the Djibouti process and the hopes for peace as Somali factions begin to try and chart a course ahead.”

This is Sgt Stryker Signing out.

Staff Sgt. Monwell Chassion pressure washes a sweeper at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Dec. 5. The sweepers pick up foreign object debris on runways and taxiways and are emptied at the end of each shift. Monwell, a 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician, is deployed from Hurlburt Field, Fla. His hometown is New Orleans.
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Jason Epley – 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

Coalition forces are keeping the enemy busy this winter in Iraq.

On Sunday December 7, 2008, coalition troops apprehended an alleged key member of the Kataib Hezbollah network and two other suspects during an operation in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah district. It is believed by some that Kataib Hezbollah is a surrogate group for the Quds Force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

After getting tips from locals, coalition forces approached a residence in search of the suspected terrorist. The wanted man identified himself to forces, and was apprehended without incident along with two other suspected Kataib Hezbollah network members.

During the search of the residence, a fire accidentally started as forces entered one of the houses. Iraqi and coalition firefighters responded, extinguished the fire, and evacuated nearby residents for their safety. No one was harmed in the incident.

Other Iraq Operations Sunday December 7, 2008

Coalition and Iraqi forces in Jaykanah, about 100 miles northeast of Baghdad, captured an alleged courier believed to have ties to al-Qaida leaders in northern Iraq. Three additional suspects believed to be associates of the wanted man were detained for further questioning.

Al-Qaida communication networks also were disrupted today in Sadiyah, about 11 miles northeast of Baghdad, where forces detained a suspect believed to be associated with a Diyala area al-Qaida courier.

Two wanted men were captured near Karmah, about 25 miles west of Baghdad. Reports suggest the two suspected terrorists are linked to al-Qaida supply and facilitation networks in Iraq’s Anbar province.

Another wanted man was captured in Baghdad as coalition forces continued to pressure al-Qaida bombing networks. Reports suggest the suspected terrorist is involved in suicide-bomber and homemade-bomb attacks in the city, officials said. He surrendered himself to coalition forces during the operation. Three others determined to be his associates also were detained.

Forces detained two suspects in Mosul during an operation targeting al-Qaida foreign-terrorist and suicide-bomber networks.

In Iraq Saturday December 6, 2008

Forces detained a suspect during an operation targeting roadside-bomb facilitator in Sharqat, about 160 miles south of Mosul.

Members of the local “Sons of Iraq” citizen security group and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers recovered an AK-47 assault rifle and magazines north of Baghdad.

A tip led soldiers to a weapons cache north of Baghdad that included 57 mm mortars, 60 mm mortars and an anti-personnel mine.

Iraqi police, along with coalition soldiers, followed up on a tip from a citizen and seized a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and RPG warheads in Risalah.

U.S. soldiers detained a man suspected of transporting rockets into northwestern Baghdad’s Ameriyah district.

U.S. soldiers and Iraqi police detained a suspected criminal based on an arrest warrant issued by Iraqi authorities.

Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist in Mosul. He was believed to coordinate the movement of foreign terrorists in western Anbar province and the northern Jazeera Desert. Three other men wanted in connection with the facilitation network were discovered at the residence. All four wanted men and an additional suspect were detained without incident.

An operation in Beiji netted a suspect believed to be associated with a local al-Qaida leader. Two AK-47 assault rifles were found buried in the courtyard of the home, where the suspect was detained.

A wanted man was captured during an operation in Baghdad. Reports suggest the suspected terrorist is a leader in al-Qaida’s Baghdad network and facilitates bombing operations in the city.

Coalition forces captured a wanted man believed to have ties to terrorist leadership in the region and an additional suspect believed to be his associate. Forces also recovered three pistols and an AK-47.

A suspected terrorist believed to be associated with anti-coalition activities in Anbar province was captured in Hit. The suspected terrorist, who officials said may have links to al-Qaida, surrendered himself to the ground force without incident. A man determined to be an associate of the wanted man also was detained.

U.S. soldiers detained a suspected Iranian-backed criminal group cell leader in the Aamel community. The individual is believed to be responsible for facilitating attacks against coalition and Iraqi security forces. He also is alleged to be responsible for rocket attacks against local citizens and crimes of extortion. An additional individual was detained for questioning.

Iraqi soldiers discovered a 107 mm rocket, assault rifles and a machine gun during a routine security patrol in the Jihad community.

Friday December 5, 2008 in Iraq:

Coalition forces targeted an alleged al-Qaida in Iraq bomb facilitator in Sharqat, south of Mosul. The assault force stopped a vehicle associated with the wanted man. The driver initially complied with the assault force’s orders to stop, but then began to move again. Perceiving hostile intent, forces engaged the vehicle and stopped it. The assault force detained one of the passengers for further questioning.

Forces in Mosul captured a suspected suicide-bomber facilitator. The wanted man, who was detained with an additional suspect, was believed to be coordinating with a potential suicide bomber at the time of his capture. The suspected terrorist also is believed to be involved in al-Qaida’s foreign-terrorist facilitation networks, officials said.

Forces in Beiji detained a suspect during an operation targeting an al-Qaida leader in the city. Reports suggest the wanted man and his associates were planning an attack in the area and had been gathering a weapons cache. The assault force was led to three suspected cache sites south of Beiji, where they found 155 mm artillery rounds, ammunition rounds, bags of detonation cord, a mortar, mortar rounds and rockets. The materials were safely destroyed.

Coalition forces captured a suspected terrorist allegedly linked to al-Qaida in Iraq leadership.

During an operation in Hit, forces captured a wanted man believed to be associated with regional al-Qaida leaders. Another man was detained for further questioning.

Responding to a tip, U.S. soldiers detained a man suspected of coordinating weapons trafficking in southern Baghdad’s Abu Tshir community.

Iraqi National Police discovered a roadside bomb consisting of an 82 mm mortar round and TNT in Rashid’s Jazair community. The police contacted U.S. soldiers, who contacted a coalition explosives ordnance disposal unit to handle the bomb.

U.S. soldiers reported finding rocket-propelled grenades and mortar rounds in Abu Tshir.

Patrolling in the Aamel community of southern Baghdad, U.S. soldiers discovered a 60 mm mortar round in an abandoned building.

Iraqi National Police discovered rocket-propelled grenades with motors, rocket-propelled grenades without motors and 57 mm projectiles in the Ghartan community. U.S. soldiers verified the contents, which the police officers moved to their headquarters and turned over to an explosives disposal team for disposal.

U.S. soldiers found an assault rifle and four full magazines north of Baghdad.

A tip led U.S. soldiers to two RPG warheads in Baghdad’s Rashid district.
In western Rashid, U.S. soldiers found a 60 mm mortar round in an abandoned building.

This was compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.

This is Sgt Stryker Signing out.

Sgt. 1st Class Pedro Sotomayor (center), an armor crew member from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and platoon sergeant assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, directs a team of dismounts to search houses along a street in Hayy Jihad Nov. 11 during security patrols to assist Iraqi Security Forces operating in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. The Soldiers worked with the 1st Bn., 53rd Bde., 14th Iraqi Army Div., to provide security for Sons of Iraq payday activities Nov. 10-14. Sotomayor and the Soldiers of “Copperhead” Company maintain 24-hour security operations to support Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police forces working to enforce Baghdad’s Rule of Law in West Rashid. Photo By Staff Sgt. Brent Williams, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs

I’ve been doing this blog for a while now. I just wanted to let you know that it’s been a pleasure and an honor, and I hope to add even more great content over the weeks and months ahead. I don’t have all the answers. Heck, I’m not even sure I know all the right questions.

That said, I think I can offer you a special perspective on all things military. Ok, enough, sentimental chit chat. Let’s get down to business, starting with a look at Iraq over the weekend.

According to military officials, Coalition and Iraqi forces killed two suspected terrorists, captured 14 others and seized dozens of weapons In Iraq over the past three days.

Iraq, Friday, November 14, 2008:

Coalition troops on a targeted raid in Baghdad’s Rashid district detained a suspected Special Groups associate linked to a weapons trafficker known to operate in the Iraqi capital. The patrol moved the suspect to a combat outpost for additional questioning. The Iraqi National Police (INP) finding a 120 mm mortar round led to the arrest.

“The Iraqi Security Forces continue to find caches and capture wanted criminals proving themselves to the residents of the Rashid district that Government of Iraq security forces are the legal authority and quite capable of providing security throughout Baghdad,” said Maj. Dave Olson, spokesperson for the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. “Soldiers of the 1st ‘Raider’ Brigade are committed to assisting the ISF by teaching, coaching and mentoring them as the ISF provide a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people.”

Iraqi Army soldiers and Iraqi National Police also seized three weapons caches north of Baghdad. The stockpiles consisted of rocket motors, artillery rounds, rocket warheads, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and other military equipment.

Iraq, Saturday, November 15, 2008

According to military officials, Iraqi security forces (ISF) and the national police captured two individuals with possible ties to Al Qaeda in Iraq (AIQ) activity in Mosul. Troops also recovered three AK-47s in the al Rissala neighborhood.

Also on Saturday, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers detained someone thought to be aligned with an Iranian-backed Special Group. The person has been accused of IED attacks, murder, extortion, kidnappings, assassinations and weapons trafficking.

Coalition forces also dismantled a homemade bomb in the Rashid district, in southern Baghdad. At approximately 9:30 a.m., Soldiers from Co. C, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B, found an IED. The homemade bomb, created from three anti-aircraft rounds, was disarmed by an explosives ordnance disposal team.

Multinational Division Baghdad units also helped Iraqi national police (INP) in securing and removing secret stashes of weapons in Baghdad. The weapons found and destroyed consisted of mortar rounds, mortar tubes, bomb-making materials and homemade explosives.

Iraq, Sunday, November 16, 2008

On Sunday, coalition troops targeted a senior leader of a terrorist organization during an operation in Baghdad today. When forces arrived at the residence where he was located, they called for the occupants to surrender.

According to military officials, two individuals inside refused to comply with instructions and started to act sin a threatening manner. Perceiving hostile intent, coalition forces engaged the men, killing them both. None of the building’s other occupants were injured.

In an operation targeting al Qaida in Iraq leadership in Hit today, troops detained one suspected terrorist and three of his associates. The suspected terrorist has alleged ties to al Qaida in Iraq (AQI) leadership in the region.

During other operations on Sunday, coalition forces caught two bombing-network associates in Mosul, and suspected terrorists in As Sadiyah, Abu Ghraib and Kirkuk.

This is Sgt. Stryker Signing out.

A Soldier peers through an M-4 carbine scope while providing overwatch security in Tal Afar, Iraq, Nov. 13, 2008. The Army recently received final delivery of 473,000 carbine scopes. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob N Bailey.