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Iraqi Army Preserves Security of Ninewah Province

NINEWAH PROVINCE, Iraq – On September 8, Lieutenant Colonel Ra’ad Naif Haroosh, 2/3rd Iraqi Army (IA) Battalion Commander, and his personal security detachment traveled to Baghad for the MNSTC-I Commander, Lieutenant General Petraeus’, change of command ceremony. While in the nation’s capital, he captured a battalion high value individual, demonstrating an unusual degree of alertness and ingenuity.

Mid-afternoon, Ra’ad’s soldiers observed a man who resembled a high value individual Essa Abas Khalif, active in Task Force (TF) Automatic’s area of responsibility as well as in Mosul, in an Asi Hiah district copy store. Ra’ad approached the man and asked him to identify himself. The man replied with a false name, but Ra’ad seized the original document that the man had been photocopying.

The paper revealed the individual’s real name and he then confessed to being Essa Abas Khalif. Essa is wanted for financing terrorist activities and conducting a rocket attack against Q-West Base Complex in 2003. Upon arrival at Q-West Base Complex yesterday, Essa identified himself in a picture shown to him by the battalion intelligence officer.

TF Automatic recently received intelligence that Essa resurfaced in the Qayarra area. TF Automatic conducted an Automatic and Lancer operation in August with 1/3rd IA Battalion, but was unable to detain the suspected terrorist.

The 3rd (IA) Brigade has proven its ability to maintain a secure Tigris River Valley time and time again.

The three IA battalions – led by Brigadier General Ali Atala Malow, Ra’ad, and Lieutenant Colonel Hogar Salahaddin Abdul – have conducted operations leading to the capture or neutralization of numerous high value individuals, the discovery of a vehicle-borne IED factory and countless AIF weapons caches.

The IA’s 28 permanent traffic control points along main supply route Tampa, alternate supply route Atlanta and other routes heavily used by Coalition forces have reduced the incidence of IED attacks down to virtually zero.

Partnered with Coalition forces, the IA has provided a safe environment for the successful outcome of the January 2005 elections.

Ali, 1/3rd IA Battalion Commander, has assisted with hosting seven successful Ninewah Province Regional Security Council meetings, whose attendance has grown to over 500 local government, tribal, and religious leaders.

The IA battalions had conducted joint operations with coalition forces long before the establishment of the 3rd IA Brigade headquarters on Q-West Base Complex, setting the conditions for the brigade to make an immediate and lasting impact in the Ninewah Province.

MNF-NW DCG Meets with Local Leaders from the Tigris River Valley

QAYARRAH, Iraq – “The religious, tribal and local leaders of Qayarrah set the standard in demonstrating unity and friendship between Iraqi citizens and Coalition forces,” said Brigadier General Kevin Bergner, Multi-National Division – Iraq – Northwest (MND-I-NW) Deputy Commanding General, at yesterday’s confab in Qayarrah.

After receiving a transfer of authority brief from Task Force (TF) Automatic and TF Thunder on Q-West Base Complex, Bergner traveled to the residence of Brigadier General Ali Atala Malowh, 2/3rd Iraqi Army (IA) Battalion Commander, for lunch.

In concurrence with MNF-I and TF Freedom Commanders, General George Casey and Brigadier General David Rodriguez, Bergner noted that the sheiks, mukhtars and imams of Qayarrah have set the example for all other Iraqi leaders by working with Coalition forces and Iraqi Security forces to build a safer, more prosperous Iraq.

Bergner also spoke to local religious leaders about the upcoming Ramadan. The imams vowed to encourage their fellowship to observe and celebrate Ramadan in a peaceful manner.

One of the leading sheiks of the area, Sheik Abdul Razaq from Al Hawd, raised some issues concerning his village. Too many large logistics convoys on the roads, not enough water flowing into the village and a recent death of sheik in Mosul yesterday were a few of his concerns.

TF Automatic Commander Lieutenant Colonel Bradley Becker expressed the same frustrations traveling behind the convoys. He assured that the number of Coalition vehicles would minimize in coming months as the IA establishes a self-sustaining force. Water will be provided to the villages as frequently as possible. Becker emphasized there are 27 projects ready to start as soon as TF Thunder completes their requirements to draw money, which is September 8.

Becker expressed the need for Iraqis to assist in building their economy. He explained to the leaders about USAID, in which enterprising individuals can have up to $20,000 matched to start up a business.

The funeral for the sheik killed in Mosul will be held for the next three days. Becker and TF Automatic will pay a visit to the family of the deceased.

On behalf of the town of Qayarrah and surrounding villages, Ali presented parting gifts to Bergner and Becker. The gifts signify the unity and friendship developed over the past year. While Iraqi Army and Tigris River Valley leaders expressed sorrow at the impending departure of TF Automatic, they were eager to support TF Thunder and its mission of helping Iraqis build hope and democracy.

Local Leaders from Al Hadr Meet to Discuss Issues in their Village

HATRA HOTEL, Iraq – The weekly Al Hadr City Council meeting took place on September 5 at the Hatra Hotel. Local Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Task Force (TF) Automatic leaders covered several issues during the meeting, including election sites, electricity and civil affairs projects.

The meeting lasted just over an hour. Over 20 local sheiks, mukhtars and civic leaders attended as well as Iraqi military and police personnel.

Lt. Col. Ra’ad Naif Haroosh, 2/3rd Iraqi Army (IA) Battalion Commander, opened the meeting, welcoming everyone who had come. Ra’ad then directed the audience’s attention to Captain Matt Yost, C/2-8 Field Artillery Commander.

Yost outlined the many shared successes that 2/3rd Iraqi Army (IA) and TF Automatic have had, working with the local leaders over the past several weeks. After discussing some on going projects in the Al Hadr district, Yost then opened the floor to questions.

The first few questions pertained to improving the electricity supply in Al Hadr. The remaining issues were on on going civil affair projects.

Al Hadr citizens have been concentrating on finding 20 artesian wells and completing the village’s water tank. School repairs and a new computer center are also some of the local leaders’ main concerns

Yost and his battery continue to work with the IA, the local police stations and key leaders of Al Hadr, Tal Abtah and surrounding villages to improve the region’s security, economy and living conditions.

Medical Clinic Treats 30 Iraqis

ALIBAH, Iraq – Task Force (TF) Automatic and TF Thunder medics conducted a medical screening visit in Alibah, a village located 20 kilometers southeast of Q-West Base Complex, with A/2-8 Field Artillery on September 6.

The visit lasted over two hours and over 30 men, women and children were treated.

“We brought eight medics to treat the local Iraqis,” said senior medic Staff Sergeant Chuck Lahnam. “Three were from TF Automatic and five were from TF Thunder,” continued Lahnam.

The medics treated most of the patients for upper respiratory problems. The staff provided medicine and inhalers to the young boys and their families. TF Automatic and TF Thunder soldiers also provided stuffed animals and candy to the kids.

“This was the first medical visit we conducted with the incoming task force. Hopefully, the medical staff replacing us will conduct such visits as frequently as we were able to this past year,” said Lahnam.

TF Automatic has conducted medical screening visits to local villages about four to five times a month. These visits not only provide necessary medical attention to local Iraqis, but they also strengthen the bond between Coalition forces and local Iraqis.

NCO Academy Completes Room Clearing Phase

Q-WEST BASE COMPLEX, Iraq – On September 4, the Task Force (TF) Automatic Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) Academy completed the room clearing phase of the academy, which is led by TF Automatic Command Sergeant Major Martinez and Master Sergeant House on Q-West Base Complex (QBC).

“Forty-four soldiers from 3rd Iraqi Army (IA) Brigade began the course on August 20,” said NCO Academy instructor Staff Sergeant Pratcher. “The room clearing phase of the course is two days long.”

Following morning prayer and physical training, the soldiers studied tape drills on room clearing in a classroom setting. TF Automatic instructor, Staff Sergeant Alvarez and IA instructor Sergeant First Class Hamed talked through the tactics, techniques and procedures demonstrated in the videotapes.

The soldiers broke for lunch before beginning Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training. TF instructor Sergeant Phillips and IA instructor Sergeant First Class Alaa led phase one, titled Shoot House.

TF instructor Sergeant Ortega and IA instructor Sergeant First Class Neshwan led phase two, titled Target House.

“The soldiers performed very well today,” said Pratcher. “We completed the training and finished the day with weapons cleaning and maintenance.”

Tomorrow, the soldiers will begin classroom sessions on Roles of the Military and Government in a Democratic Society, as well as WARNO/OPORD and Troop Leading Procedures.

Training begins at 0800 hours and ends no earlier than 1600 hours seven days a week for sergeants and staff sergeants at the NCO Academy. Recent training events include the obstacle course and first aid. MOUT training was the major event of the NCO Academy. The soldiers will graduate from the course on September 12.

Civil Affairs Team Continues CMOC Opportunities for Iraqis

Q-WEST BASE COMPLEX, Iraq – “…97, 98, 99…” the day begins at 0830 hours with the paying agent of the team, Sergeant Daniel Otero, counting and recounting the ½ million dollars about to be paid to Iraqi project contractors later that morning.

By 0900 hours, Task Force (TF) Automatic’s four-man civil affairs (CA) team, including Otero, Sergeant First Class Ray Coggins and interpreters Tawfeek and Mohammad, drive their two HMMWVs through the gate of the Civil Military Operations Center (CMOC). Already, there are more than 30 Iraqi citizens waiting at the door for the team to open the CMOC for business.

The team has been operating the CMOC for TF Automatic, opening its doors every Monday and Thursday for the past year. Earlier this summer, the team, led by Major Robert Reiner, handed its civil affairs duties over to the new team team, led by Major Andy Ingalsbe.

While Coggins and Otero man the CMOC for the day, another team member Staff Sergeant Fabrice Dussud and Reiner are filling other demanding civil affairs duties. The team members are either in their office on Q-West Base Complex (QBC) or accompanying TF Automatic units on missions off QBC that require their civil affairs expertise.

Setting up the CMOC for a full day of dealing with customers requires the same routine almost every time. Tawfeek gets the generator going, so the team has electricity for the lights, refrigerator and fans. In the group of Iraqis is the “Chai Guy.” For a $5 tip on some days, and nothing but thanks on most days, the Chai Guy provides continuous servings of chai tea for the team throughout the morning. Americans may not be inclined to drink boiling hot tea in 120-degree weather, but for Iraqis, chai is a staple.

The CMOC provides local Iraqis with the opportunity to improve their economy. Locals come to the CMOC to submit project proposals for their villages, enter bids on approved projects, hire contractors to assist with the funded projects and draw funding from Coalition forces to pay for the ongoing projects’ labor and material costs. The typical project array includes: road improvement, water supply, electricity, and building or renovation of schools, medical clinics and police stations.

One thing the CMOC is not intended for is a place to hire help. “If anyone is here looking for a job, you must leave,” announced Coggins. In order to encourage locals to use the services provided by local municipalities, CA team members tell such interlopers to go see their local leaders.

Vastly outnumbered and 50 meters outside QBC’s front gate, one would assume security might be a constant concern. However, these Iraqis represent a growing population that wants to make Iraq a better place. These men have high hopes that their villages will receive project assistance and find work for their young men. Furthermore, Iraqi Army soldiers from 1/3rd Battalion man a traffic control point 2 miles from the front gate.

Although the men pose minimal threat, their words cannot always be trusted. Other than coming to the CMOC for projects, locals come to request their brothers, fathers and uncles be released from the QBC detention facility. No matter how many sworn statements such visitors are willing to write, claiming the innocence of their relatives, detainees will stay confined if Coalition forces have reasonable proof of guilt. “I like seeing people leave the CMOC happy, but that can’t happen all the time,” said Otero.

Another case of a local Iraqi attempting to take advantage of Coalition forces involved a woman shot in the leg. The woman’s husband came to the CMOC and claimed that Coalition forces were responsible for the gunshot wound. Monetary compensation would be paid to the family if Coalition forces were liable. However, after TF Automatic medics tended to the injured woman, it was apparent she was shot by an AK-47.

“People come to the CMOC for all kinds of requests,” said Dussud. “The main reason is because the CMOC is off QBC and accessible to the locals.”

One of the first individuals to come into the CMOC requested that electricity be supplied to his village. “For two years we have had no transformers and no circuit breakers, only wires and poles,” said the local.

The minister of electricity is pretty good about making himself available to the CA team at the CMOC. “There must be a minimum number of houses in a village for the Iraqi government to provide electricity,” he explained to the team as well as the local Iraqi. “Four houses, and the government will provide electricity, but the people of the village must pay. Twenty houses, and the government will pay for it. Priority will go to the least expensive project.”

The CMOC and TF Automatic’s CA team provide Iraqi locals the opportunity to become increasingly self-reliant. The CMOC is also a medium through which the TF gauges the needs of those that live in Ninewah Province.

The CMOC and CA team will continue to play an important role as Iraqis rebuild their country and their future. From offering potential projects for their villages, submitting bids on the projects, hiring contractors to build the projects and drawing funding from Coalition forces to pay for the project’s labor and materials, the CMOC is there for the Iraqis.

Qayarrah Begins Construction of Medical Clinic

QAYARRAH, Iraq – On September 1 Task Force (TF) Automatic and representatives of the civilian construction firm IAP joined local leaders of Qayarrah and 1/3rd Iraqi Army (IA) Battalion Commander Brigadier General Ali Atala Mallowh yesterday for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Qayarrah Freindship Medical Clinic.

Each year IAP donates a school or medical clinic to a village from a worldwide pool. Last June, PetroLand, a Turkish sub contractor of IAP, accompanied TF Automatic to assess needs of the villages in Ninewah Province. PetroLand successfully lobbied for Qayarrah to receive this year’s donated project.

IAP representative Danny Terrell, upon revisiting the site of the new medical clinic, said, “The most beneficial aspect of this project is we hire local skilled and manual laborers, local engineers, architects and carpenters, as well as local suppliers.”

Once complete, the medical clinic will stand at 6,400 square feet, one of the largest in the region. More importantly, the clinic will provide valuable medical services to hundreds of local citizens who would otherwise seek help from a distant care provider.