Link to Full Article
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Nearly 300 of the 3,800 member Stryker Brigade Combat Team will leave Alaska today, headed for the Iraqi theater.
The brigade, stationed at Forts Wainwright and Richardson, will be deployed incrementally throughout August. An advance team of 70 soldiers from Fort Richardson and about 200 from Fort Wainwright will leave separately on Sunday. The advance party will arrive in Kuwait to coordinate preparation for the rest of the brigade. A rear detachment will be maintained at Fort Wainwright to handle administrative tasks.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 31, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained nine suspected terrorist and seized weapons during operations in northern Iraq Saturday night.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained seven individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in southeastern Mosul. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity while on guard in northern Mosul. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a search operation in southern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported..
Link to Full Article
The U.S. military hopes its first long-term presence near Iraq's border with Syria will help stem the flow of suicide bombers.
By John Hendren, Times Staff Writer
BAGHDAD — American troops have established the first long-term military base along a major smuggling route near the Syrian border in a new effort to block potential suicide bombers from reaching targets in Baghdad and other major Iraqi cities.
A force of 1,800 U.S. troops, responding to continuing concerns that foreign fighters are crossing the Syrian border into Iraq, recently began an operation that includes setting up the base, three miles from the crossroads town of Rawah....
This is a very long article, but well worth reading in full.
Link to Full Article
Reality meets fiction on a new show about Iraq conflict
By Kirsten Scharnberg, Tribune national correspondent. Reporter Kirsten Scharnberg was embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq and has reported extensively on the war
NEW YORK -- A much-touted television drama about the war in Iraq made its debut in living rooms across America last week. In the show's final scene, a convoy of military vehicles rolls over a roadside bomb, and a young man who had joined the Army with the hope of eventually being able to afford college writhes in pain, one leg nearly severed.
About the same time, in a very real war zone several thousand miles away, in a place where no director can yell "Cut!" or request another take when something goes wrong, an explosion shook a northern Baghdad neighborhood. According to news reports, fire and searing shrapnel ripped through Humvees and flesh, and two U.S. soldiers lay dead when the smoke and chaos had cleared....
On televisions in Seattle on Wednesday, actor-soldiers detained a dozen insurgents; on the streets of Mosul, Iraq, soldiers from the base in Ft. Lewis, Wash., detained 11 suspected terrorists. On TV screens in America, a young Army wife cheats on her deployed husband; on bases all across Iraq, troops are finding that time away from home has contributed to divorce rates among Army officers and enlisted personnel nearly doubling. On previews for this week's "Over There" episode, a panicked wife gets the dreaded call that her husband was gravely wounded in combat; in Indiana last week, the family of Spec. Adam Harting received the visit every military family prays will never come--from grim-faced Army officials informing them that their 21-year-old son had been killed in Samarra...
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 30, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 11 suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq today and Friday.
Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation northwest of Tal Afar today. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a number of weapons during a cordon and search operation in southeastern Mosul Friday. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in eastern Mosul today. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity at a checkpoint in Rawah today. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
Jed Boal Reporting
In addition to the war against Iraqi insurgents, American troops continue to help rebuild the country. The news media is often accused of not telling the story of the reconstruction, the positive stories, but a Utah man is on his way to Iraq to spread that story.
Returning troops, soldiers in Iraq, and the Department of Defense often claim negative stories and pictures are the only images you get to see from the war. They say their success stories rarely make it to air or print. Public Affairs Specialist Claude McKinney packed up his office at the 96th Regional Readiness Command at Fort Douglas; he's headed over to help out. [...]
Link to Article (Photos included)
By Army Forward Support Brigade, South West Asia News Release
CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Iraq (Army News Service, July 29, 2005) – The Army’s Stryker combat vehicles are back in fight now that the first Stryker repair facility is operating in Qatar.
The Stryker forward repair activity, run by General Dynamics Land Systems under direction of the Army Materiel Command’s Army Field Support Battalion-Qatar, presented the first two refurbished Strykers to Army inspectors recently.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 29, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 12 suspected terrorists and seized two weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained 10 individuals suspected of terrorist activity at a checkpoint in northern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Michael Yon has a new dispatch from Mosul posted on his site. This time he covers the recent ceremony that welcomed 12 members of Deuce Four as American citizens.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 29, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 10 suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq today and Thursday.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained six individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in Tal Afar Thursday. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity while patrolling in Rawah today. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in southern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 29, 2005) – Twenty Iraqi civilians were killed and another 25 were injured when a suicide bomber detonated outside an Iraqi Police station in Rabiya, near the Syrian border today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The attack site is still under investigation.
UPDATE:
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 29, 2005) – After preliminary investigations it was found that 10 Iraqi civilian were killed, another 20 were injured, and one Iraqi Army Soldier injured in the suicide bomb attack that took place in Rabiya, a town west of Tal Afar near the Syrian border, today. Initial reports had indicated a higher number of deaths and injuries. The attack and the site will continue to be investigated.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, News-Miner
Officials touted Thursday's deployment ceremony for the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team at the Fort Wainwright Army Post as the final farewell for the 3,800 soldiers who will begin leaving this weekend for a yearlong tour in Iraq.
But for some, the ceremony was a turning point after 18 months of preparation and worry. In 12 months, the brigade should begin returning to family and friends.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner
Two years may not seem like enough time to build a new-age cavalry and prepare it for war.
Thursday marked the official deployment of the 172nd Stryker Brigade. Sometime this weekend Stryker soldiers will begin flying to the war zone.
The men who run the unit believe its 3,800 members--most of whom lined up in formation at attention during the Fort Wainwright Army Post ceremony--are ready.
International press are attributing this arrest to the 1/25 SBCT.
Link to Full Article
Associated Press
MOSUL, Iraq U-S troops say they've captured an al-Qaida cell leader in northern Iraq.
Ammar Abu Bara was arrested Wednesday in Mosul, according to a U-S statement. He was picked up during a 'cordon and search' operation in a neighborhood in northern Mosul. No U-S or Iraqi soldiers were injured in the operation. [...]
Army Times has two photos from Mosul in today's gallery - you can start here and scroll forward.
There are a number of new photos of operations in Mosul at Yahoo! News.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, News-Miner
The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team will get an official send-off today from Army officials, families, friends and the public when the 3,800 soldiers assigned to the brigade gather today at the Fort Wainwright Army Post.
The ceremony marks the deployment of the brigade, comprised of 3,100 soldiers stationed at Fort Wainwright and 700 at Fort Richardson in Anchorage. Waves of troops from the brigade begin leaving for Iraq in early August. The 172nd is relieving the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division--another Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis, Wash., that has been serving in Iraq since September.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 28, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 49 suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today and Wednesday.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained 10 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in southeastern Mosul today. Iraqi Police alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained 10 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in southern Mosul today. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported.
The Army today officially announced its realignment plans, which will affect many of the Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs). Some of the information released is confusing, and conflicting, but we've provided all the links below so you can read the source documents yourselves.
According to the Pentagon, the realignment will result in 3 SBCTs stationed at Ft. Lewis, each of which will be part of the 2nd Infantry Division. The 2nd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division will be tranformed into a SBCT, and be stationed at Schofield in Hawaii. The 172nd SBCT will return to Alaska following its upcoming deployment and be reflagged as a SBCT of the 25th Infantry Division. Finally, according to Special Assistant to The Secetary of the Army, Ray Bubois, the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division:
will come back to Fort Lewis. The complexity of this is, as it comes back we will refit it, reset it. And the aggregation of the Stryker population here, in June of '06 we will move this organization lock, stock and barrel, and it will come over here [to Germany] and reflag itself as the 2nd Cav Regiment to replace the 3/1 out of 1st Infantry Division and start setting ourselves up for the final footprint in Europe.
Overall there will be 6 active duty SBCTs and 1 reserve SBCT (based in PA) for a total of 7. Please feel free to post any clarifications in the comments section.
(TFF PRess Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 27, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 12 suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today.
Provided below are a number of recent articles written by 1LT Dana Scott highlighting recent operations by the 2-8 FA, 1/25 SBCT.
Headlines:
Medical Visist in Jedellah, Local Leaders from Al Hadr Meet to Discuss Issues in their Village, Da Bombs, Sewage Treatment Plant Completion Ceremony
Link to Full Article (Opinion)
Fairbanks News-Miner
Over the years, soldiers from Fort Wainwright have done the nation's military work in Vietnam, Haiti, Bosnia, the Middle East, and, more recently, Afghanistan and Iraq. They've gone in small and large numbers, but not since the days of Vietnam have they left their home base on such scale as they will in the next few weeks.
On Thursday, Fairbanks will be able to participate in the formal sendoff.
Raffle will help troops now in Iraq
Link to Ful Article
By THERESA HOGUE, Gazette-Times
CORVALLIS — When retired Army Col. John Komp looks at a piece of wood, he sees more than just the subtle colorations and swirls in the grain. He sees smiling faces, wide eyes and hooked noses, cascades of hair and the fringe on a cowboy's chaps.
Link to Full Article (Subscription) On news stands in the 1 August print edition.
By Matthew Cox, Army Times
RAWAH, Iraq — Living is hard here at this fledgling combat outpost near the Syrian border.
The soldiers of B Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, arrived at their new home July 16 to find none of the comforts they left behind at Forward Operating Base Courage in Mosul.
No air-conditioned housing units, no showers, no flush toilets, no running water, no phones and no chow hall — just a barren but defendable stretch of desert sand on the north side of the Euphrates River.
Stryker units move to cut off insurgents entering Iraq — and find trouble on the way
Link to Full Article (Subscription) On news stands in the 1 August print edition.
By Matthew Cox, Army Times
RAWAH, Iraq — The two homemade bombs exploded to the front and rear of the three Stryker combat vehicles.
As with the dozen or so previous attacks over the past week, soldiers from B Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, were quick to report that no one had been hurt in the blasts.
But as the two rear Strykers were about to back up, another enemy attack ended that record.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 26, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 45 suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq today.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 26, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained seven suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq Monday.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained six individuals suspected of terrorist activity during two cordon and search operations in eastern Mosul. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
The following article highlights the activities of Army medical staff stationed in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By Michael Moran, MSNBC
It was 3 a.m. when Dr. Tamarin McCartin’s pager went off. Three severely injured children, the survivors of an Iraqi family ripped apart by mortar fire the prior evening, had been driven around the dangerous, post-curfew Iraqi night by their teen-aged brother for more than seven hours in search of urgent medical help. Eventually, having been turned away from several facilities and the Syrian border, the boy convinced an American unit to break Army regulations and arrange helicopter transport to the U.S. Army’s 228th Combat Support Hospital in Mosul for his dying siblings.
Link to Blog Entry
By Michael Yon
Michael Yon has posted a new entry to his blog. In his invitation to this new posting he said,"We happened to come in from a combat patrol just in time to see the final countdown for the Space Shuttle Discovery. Was great to see the Shuttle go back to space!
Interesting developments in Mosul. Have nabbed some serious terrorists in last few days. I woke up to the sound of a large IED explosion that shook the walls, and the day started from there. IEDs are a daily occurrence here. But apparently as reprisal for capturing the bad guys, there were some attacks on several of the police stations today, but the cops held their ground. Was no chance of getting overrun like the old days. A couple police were wounded but nothing too serious. We brought them more ammunition, and there was even an American General out there with us. (Good way to lose a General, but at least he can see what's going on.)
There is a definite shift in the soldiers here at Deuce Four. They talk more and more about their families and children and getting home; the return draws nearer. I plan to come home with Deuce Four before returning to Iraq.
But for now, we continue here in Mosul while the astronauts circle the earth!"
There are a few photos of 1/25 SBCT soldiers at the Army Times website. Start here and go forward through the gallery to see them all (three total).
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events there.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 25, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained seven suspected terrorists and seized a large weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq today.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 25, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 42 suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq Sunday.
Link to Full Article
By Steven Komorow, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Troops in Iraq will soon be shooting an experimental weapon that fires an invisible beam of energy instead of bullets to repel insurgents without killing civilians.
Relatives of those who died, troops who returned given flags in bittersweet ceremony (The 133rd provided engineer support for the 3/2 in Iraq last year)
Link to Full Article
By BETTY ADAMS ,Blethen Maine Newspapers
AUGUSTA -- For Dale Albert of Albion, the Freedom Salute Ceremony recognizing the members of the 133rd Engineer Battalion was bittersweet.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained one suspected terrorist and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq Saturday.
Destination Harley, which hosted The Ride Home, has created an online gallery of photos from this year's event. Take a look.
Oh his site Dave has posted the third Dispatch From Iraq written by his friend with the 1/25 SBCT in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By Gordon Trowbridge, Gordon Lubold and Rick Maze, Army Times
A Pentagon report mandated by Congress says Iraqi insurgents have failed to derail the nation’s progress toward democracy, but leaves largely unanswered the crucial question of how close Iraqi forces might be to taking over their country’s security.
Yahoo! News has a number of new photos featuring Stryker Brigade soldiers operating in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
Blethen Maine Newspapers
We hope many of you will turn out Sunday to honor more than 500 members of the 133rd Engineer Battalion who served in Iraq.
The men and women of the 133rd returned to Maine in March after spending a year helping rebuild the war-ravaged nation's schools, other essential structures, roads and bridges.
Link to Full Article
By John Hendren, Los Angeles Times
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Insurgents in Iraq probably will sustain the current rate of bloody attacks for at least six months, through the next elections, and expect the United States to give up on Iraq within five years, senior defense officials in Baghdad said yesterday.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 23, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 17 suspected terrorists and defused a mine during operations in northern Iraq today and Friday.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in northeastern Mosul Friday. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division detained one individual after they dropped a box with a mine in it near their checkpoint in Qayyarah Friday. The IA Soldiers had the mine defused. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Brigade also detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity while patrolling in Qayyarah Friday. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
KXTV, Sacramento
Family and friends of a Lodi soldier seriously wounded in Iraq are coming together Friday to help raise money for the 23-year-old's costly rehabilitation.
Army Specialist Nick Beintema with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment was one of six soldiers aboard a Stryker armored vehicle in northern Iraq last April when a roadside explosion tore through the vehicle.
Link to Full Aticle
by JC Hayward, WUSA-TV
America Supports You campaign is designed to show love and appreciation to those who put their lives on the line each day fighting on behalf of our country.
J.C. And Friends is joining this effort to support our troops in Iraq by featuring some of the men and women from the metropolitan Washington area.
We salute Corporal Matthew Hast from Hagerstown, Maryland. [...]
Provided below are a number of recent articles written by 1LT Dana Scott highlighting recent operations by the 2-8 FA, 1/25 SBCT.
Headlines:
Doctor Mohammad Brings in Hachow, TF Automatic Captures High Value Target, Successful Mission Conducted by Iraqi Army, 3/3rd IA Detains Three Suspected Terrorists, Iraqi Army BCT Graduates Over 60 Soldiers, Automatic 6 Meets with Local Shieks, Qayarrah Comes Together for Area Security Council Meeting
Provided below is a note from the brigade that includes a long list of stories highlighting the good work the brigade is doing in Iraq. Many of the articles we've featured before, but it's nice to have them all in one spot.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 22, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained nine suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq Thursday.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained four individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in eastern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
By Cheryl Boujnida
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 21, 2005) – The Army has developed a new device to thwart terrorist activities while saving service members’ lives.
The Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) Countermeasure Equipment, otherwise known as ICE, was developed by a team of engineers, scientists and Soldiers at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to defeat IEDs, which are the most prominent threat to deployed service members in Iraq.
Members of the 3-21 INF and the 94th ENG can be seen in today's edition of Frontline Photos conducting operations in and around Rawah, Iraq. Start here and page forward to view 4 photos.
Photos by James J. Lee, Military Times staff
Link to Full Article
By Staff Sgt. Reeba Critser
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 10, 2005) – In eight days, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston traveled 17,998 miles along the Pacific Rim to posts in Alaska, Japan, Guam, American Samoa and Hawaii to spread the message first-hand on where the Army’s headed and to get feedback from Soldiers and their families. [...]
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 21, 2005) – Iraqi Police traveling in civilian clothes and a civilian vehicle were attacked with small arms fire by terrorists in western Mosul today. Iraqi Police alongside Multi-National Force Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) repelled the attack killing one terrorist and detaining six others. No IP or MNF injuries were reported in the attack.
Coordinated efforts of Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom are leading to the arrest of terrorists and criminals responsible for attacks against innocent Iraqi citizens. Anyone with information on anti-Iraqi insurgent activities should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 21, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 29 suspected terrorists and seized two weapons caches in northern Iraq Wednesday.
Iraqi Police detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a weapons cache during a cordon and search operation in northern Mosul. The cache included a number of improvised explosive devices and detonators. Suspects are in custody with no IP injuries reported. The weapons were confiscated for future destruction.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a number of weapons during two separate operations in eastern Mosul. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation south of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Michael Yon has posted another story about the activities of the Deuce Four in his blog.
The 1-24 INF Family Readiness Group (FRG) is planning Homecoming events. We would like to keep all of our Deuce Four friends and family up-to-date on all the homecoming events and projects. Please e-mail us at deuce4FRG@hotmail.com. We will provide you with battalion updates and put you in contact with your company FRG for their updates as well.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Link to Full Article
From Jane Arraf, CNN
MOSUL, Iraq (CNN) -- As U.S. soldiers construct a wall around the troubled city of Tal Afar to keep out fighters and weapons, residents are fleeing in fear of an imminent military attack by American and Iraqi forces against insurgents still in the city, according to a senior military commander.
"It's not a mass exodus right now, but people have moved out of the city along kinship lines," Col. H.R. McMaster, commander of the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry, which is responsible for security in Tal Afar, told CNN.
MOSUL, Iraq (CNN) -- Four separate attacks in and around the city of Mosul killed eight people and wounded four others, including two U.S. soldiers.
Wednesday's deadliest attack came when an Iraqi police patrol moving toward western Mosul was ambushed at about 2 p.m. (6 a.m. EDT). Gunmen using machine guns killed seven officers and wounded one.[...]
The 3-21 INF's operations in Rawah, Iraq continue to be documented in today's edition of Frontline Photos. Page forward to view the first 6 photos.
Photos by James J. Lee, Military Times Staff
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 20, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 36 suspected terrorists, killed two terrorists, and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq Tuesday.
Iraqi Police detained 19 individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a weapons cache during three separate operations in and near Mosul. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported. Weapons were confiscated for future destruction.
(From the A Co. FRG)
The Alpha Company, 1-24 Infantry's Family Readiness Group (FRG) has created an email account for all Apache families and friends to contact in order to receive official updates regarding homecoming information, including upcoming fundraisers, The Single Soldier Project and various other activities. For more information, please contact apaches1_24@msn.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Army Times reporter Matthew Cox is maintaining a blog while he is in Iraq. There are only a couple entries at this point, but hopefully he'll add to it as time goes on.
Link to Full Article
By Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes
Italian police have busted an international drug ring that had been sending steroids and performance-enhancing drugs to U.S. soldiers in Iraq who, Italian investigators say, were ordering them via the Internet.
But for unknown reasons — possibly security precautions — the packages and envelopes of drugs were not reaching some of the troops, said Mario Bo, head of the criminal division for the Trieste, Italy, police department. [...]
Link to Full Article
By Matthew Cox, Army Times
RAWAH, Iraq – U.S. forces destroyed a suspected terrorist safe house with a 500-pound bomb today after shooting dead two insurgents during a brief gun battle.
This is the third day of violent clashes between insurgents and soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (SBCT), since the U.S. troops set up a camp Sunday outside this remote city in west-central Iraq near the Syrian border.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 19, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 20 suspected terrorists and seized two weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq Monday.
Iraq Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army seized a weapons cache during a search operation south of Mosul. The cache consisted of thousands of pounds of explosives. The munitions were confiscated for future destruction.
Editor's Note: Due to incorrect information in a Monday story, portions of the following story are repeated in an effort to avoid further confusion.
Staff Report
The Army said Monday that its public affairs office passed along erroneous information about the deployment ceremony for the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team that is deploying next month for Iraq.
The formal ceremony will be open to the public and officials will be anticipating a large turnout.
Earlier information had the ceremony closed to the public. "We just had the wrong information," said Maj. Kirk Gohlke with U.S. Army Alaska. "It's unfortunate."
The ceremony takes place on July 28 at 2 p.m. where Hangar 6 used to stand on Fort Wainwright.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Troops from the second Fort Lewis Stryker brigade, with their Iraqi counterparts, found an underground weapons stash in Mosul on Monday that might be the biggest since they arrived in the city 10 months ago, brigade officials said.
The find – it included thousands of mortars and artillery rounds and rocket-propelled grenades, as well as 26 shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles – was another instance of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division’s recent good fortune.
Things are going well for the Fort Lewis troops as they head into what will likely be the final two months of their yearlong deployment in Iraq.
The 3-21 INF's push into Rawah, Iraq is documented in 11 photographs in today's edition of Frontline Photos. As always, page forward through the gallery to see all the photos.
Link to Full Article
By Matthew Cox, Navy Times
RAWAH, Iraq — Insurgent forces launched two suicide car bomb attacks against U.S. soldiers Monday in the second day of fighting in this small city near the Syrian border.
The first suicide attack came at 2:45 p.m., as soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment were patrolling the streets of the city, located in southwestern Iraq just north of the Euphrates River.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 18, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom seized a large weapons cache, detained eight suspected terrorists, and killed five terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today and Sunday.
Iraqi Police with support of Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment seized a large weapons cache during a raid operation in western Mosul today. The cache consisted of over 1,000 mortar rounds, over 25 mortar firing systems, 150 rockets, 450 rocket propelled grenade rounds, 26 RPG launchers, numerous missile firing systems, shape charges, improvised explosive devices, and over 30 assorted rifles. The weapons were confiscated for future destruction.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, News-Miner
With the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team just weeks from deploying to Iraq, the troops, their families and the community are preparing for their departure in different ways.
The 3,800-member brigade will hold its official deployment ceremony at Hangar 6 on Fort Wainwright on July 28. The ceremony originally was slated to take place at the Carlson Center, but was moved to the base for logistical reasons, according to public affairs officer Linda Douglass.
Army officials also have decided to close the ceremony to the public. Douglass said even if the ceremony had remained at the Carlson, attendance still would be limited because of the estimated 4,000 family members expected to attend. [...]
A new entry in the Good News from Iraq blog.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 17, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained eight suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained three individuals after being attacked with small arms fire in northern Mosul. The individuals were believed to have initiated the attack.
Link to Full Article
By Richard A. Oppel and Jr.
QABR ABED, Iraq — These days, this town in northern Iraq is relatively safe, at least compared to other Sunni Arab-dominated areas of Iraq. For a village that held folk status among Iraqis as one of the most sinister places in the country, that is quite a change.
As the insurgency gathered strength last year, Qabr Abed served as a weapons depot and safe haven for a large number of home-grown insurgent commanders, including Mohammed Shakara, the al-Qaida leader for northern Iraq and its biggest city, Mosul.
Here's a great chance to help with the homecoming for the 1st Brigade 25th Infantry Division (1/25).
MAKE A BED FOR A SOLDIER - The Chamber of Eastern Pierce County, as part of its Community Connector program with the 1/25 Stryker Brigade, is working with the businesses in the community to support the single soldiers who are returning from deployment. We are starting a campaign called "Make A Bed For A Soldier" to collect donations of new twin-sized sheets, light weight blankets, pillows and cases, as well as Welcome Home cards. The 1/25 Stryker Brigade has approximately 2,000 single soldiers that will be coming home late this summer. Please help us in saying Thank You to them for their dedicated service and sacrifice. If you are a business that would like to be a drop off point, please call The Chamber and we will provide boxes and a sign to hang advertising that you are a participant. If you are unable to do the shopping, we can do it for you! To sponsor a soldier, please send your donation of $25 per soldier to The Chamber of Eastern Pierce County, PO Box 1298, Puyallup, 98371. Please call the office to donate using a credit card. For more information, please contact Connie Buschman at: 253-845-6755. All items and monetary donations are needed by August 31st. Campaign Sponsors: Wal-Mart Store #2403, Holiday Inn Express, Apex Moving & Storage, LLC, Candace Blancher, Korum Automotive Group. Drop locations: Western Washington Fair, Holiday Inn Express, AustinCina Architects, Valley Bank – Main Street Branch, Harborstone Credit Union, The Chamber office, Korum Automotive Group, ERA Premier Realty, The Building – Family Fun Center in Orting, Trout Lodge U-Fish, Carl W, Youngquist – DDS PS, Around The Corner Café, Jones Family Chiropractic, Valley Signs, Northstone Real Estate.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 16, 2005) – Six Iraqi Police were killed and another 10 were injured when a suicide bomber detonated at a police station in Hammam Al Alil, south of Mosul today. The injured policemen were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Terrorist attacks continue to target citizens of Iraq, Iraqi Police, and other Iraqi Security Forces working to improve the safety and security of the country.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 16, 2005) – Multi-National Force Soldiers from Task Force Freedom detained nine suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq today.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained nine individuals suspected of terrorist activity during three separate operations in Tal Afar. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
BY LAURA MCVICKER, The Olympian
FORT LEWIS -- With his wife serving in Baghdad, Master Sgt. Judd Sweitzer of Tumwater was grateful his 5-year-old daughter, Kayleigh, was there to see him receive the Combat Action Badge on Friday.
"She probably won't remember, but it's just awesome to have someone from my family here," Sweitzer said.
Sweitzer was one of 12 Fort Lewis soldiers who received the badge, awarded to soldiers actively involved in battle against the enemy. The award goes to those who perform their duties satisfactorily while engaged in attack or while being attacked, Gen. Peter Schoomaker, Army chief of staff, told the audience.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 16, 2005) – Iraqi Police and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom rescued an Iraqi child, detained 13 suspected terrorists, and seized a large weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq today and Friday.
Another incredible story from Michael Yon about the Deuce Four. I'm at a loss for words.
Link to Full Article
By Crystal Beckett
Daniel Suiter, son of Mark and Sherry Suiter of Crawfordsville, returned to Iraq Thursday to conclude his year-long deployment oversees.
Suiter, a 1995 graduate of North Montgomery High School, has served three and a half years of a four-year term in the Army.
This is a very sad story from Ft. Lewis. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
U.S. military authorities have charged a 19-year-old Fort Lewis soldier with premeditated murder in the death of his 18-year-old wife, officials said Thursday.
Spc. Brandon Bare, an infantryman who was wounded in Iraq, was being held in the Army post’s Regional Correctional Facility, a Fort Lewis news release said.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 15, 2005) – Over 250 Iraqi children and their mothers received medical screenings from Multi-National Force Soldiers from Task Force Freedom during an operation in western Mosul Thursday.
Soldiers and medics from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment along with Soldiers from the 25th BSB and 113th Engineer Battalion participated in an operation highly supported by a local mukhtar who helped bring the mothers and children together for the medical screenings. The citizens were pleased with the care provided by the medics.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 15, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 21 terror suspects and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq today and Thursday.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in western Mosul Thursday. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation south of Mosul Thursday. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported.
Some helpful tips for family members from the Ft. Wainwright PAO.
Link to Full Article with Photos
Linda Douglass
Fort Wainwright PAO
FORT WAINWRIGHT– Spouses of deployed Soldiers will be the focus of media attention in the coming weeks.
Next month’s deployment is the largest group of Soldiers stationed in Alaska sent to a combat zone since Vietnam, and it is big news for Alaska.
As most of you know Stryker Brigade News (SBN) is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers, but the cost of hosting and managing the site, in terms of time and money, can be significant for our contributors. Consequently, since many people have asked what they can do to support the effort we thought it would be helpful to put together the following list.
- Terrorist attacks kill one civilian, injure another
- One civilian killed after speeding towards Security Force patrol
Click below to read the entire text.
We recieved an email from Jane informing us that her sprint race car was damaged in a crash on July 2nd. Provided below is her update, and you can read our previous entry for the full story. They are working to get the car up and running again. If you'd like to contact Jane directly you can send an email to ladybug105us@yahoo.com.
Link to Full Article (subscription; also available in the 7/18 news stand edition)
By Matthew Cox, Army Times
MOSUL, Iraq — It’s just past 8:30 a.m. when Capt. Blake Lackey notices the three Iraqi men in a gold Toyota sedan pass his Stryker combat vehicle on the opposite side of the highway.
“Virginia this gold car!” the commander of A Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, barks into his radio headset.
Each of the three Stryker vehicles in the column makes a hard, 90-degree left turn, drives over the median and halts perpendicular to traffic in the opposite lane.
Link to Full Article (subscription; also available in the 7/18 news stand edition
By Matthew Cox, Army Times
OLM AL MAR, Iraq – Capt. Jon Christensen carries some of the most up-to-date medical technology aboard his Stryker medical vehicle. The Special Forces-qualified physician’s assistant can treat everything from broken bones to infected cuts and sores, from bacterial infections to typhoid fever.
But most of the treatments he hands out during visits to tiny hamlets in the Tigris Valley have more to do with common sense than modern medicine.
The three Stryker vehicles that made up Christensen’s July 3 “MedCAP” visit drove from Qarrayah 45 minutes across open country before reaching this remote village of about 60 Iraqis.
This was previously reported by 1LT Scott
Link to Full Article (subscription; also available in the 7/18 news stand edition)
By Matthew Cox, Army Times
QAYYARAH, Iraq — About 1,000 Iraqis marched through this small, rural town over the July 4 weekend, waving banners and flags in a show of defiance against insurgent violence.
The normally bustling market section of the town sat still as the crowd walked along, chanting, “Our soul! Our life! We give all for Iraq!” during the July 2 event, dubbed the first-ever “Peaceful March Against Terrorism.”
The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
PFC Eric P. Woods, 26, of Omaha, Neb., died on July 9 in Tal Afar,
Iraq. His HMMWV struck an improvised explosive device that caused the vehicle to overturn. PFC Woods was in the area to evacuate another soldier who had been wounded. PFC Woods was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SPC Hoby F. Bradfield Jr., 22, of The Woodlands, Texas, died July 9 in Tal Afar, Iraq while he was conducting a dismounted cordon search. SPC Bradfield was assigned to the Army's 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
- Security Forces detain 41 and seize a weapons cache in northern Iraq
- Terrorist attack kills an Iraqi Civilian
- Terrorist attack targeting civilians kills two
Please read the entire entry to see the full text of all three.
By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID
ALIBAH, Iraq – Task Force (TF) Automatic medics conducted a medical visit in Alibah, 20 kilometers west of the Tigris River, with 1/C/2-8 Field Artillery on June 27th.
By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID
QAYARRAH, Iraq – At 9:00 AM on July 2nd, over 1,000 citizens, including influential sheiks and mukhtars, and 500 Iraqi security forces (ISF) from numerous villages in Southern Nineveh Province participated in a March Against Terror.
We've provided links to a couple more recent videos below.
Task Force Freedom has published a new Freedom Post, with a number of stories regarding recent activities in northern Iraq. There are also quite a few video additions to browse.
Michael Yon has posted a new entry to his blog. Michael writes: The American soldiers in Iraq have been appalled by the attacks in London. This morning, as the identity of the attackers comes into focus, we see yet again that poverty is not the root of terrorism. Ideology is.
The war goes on here in Iraq. Recent media reports indicate that troop reductions are not far away. Only time will reveal its secrets. Interestingly, however, some Kurdish-Iraqi troops have moved into Mosul. These Iraqi soldiers use more "relaxed" rules of engagement than our soldiers. Again, only time will reveal its secrets, but sooner or later, the Iraqis must again govern themselves. Their society will be in their hands for better, or for worse.
Please visit the latest dispatch at www.michaelyon.blogspot.com.
Today's edition of Frontline Photos contains 6 new images of 3-21 INF soldiers in Mosul.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 12, 2005) – Iraqi Police and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained three suspected terrorists and killed four terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today.
Iraqi Police alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained three individuals who policemen had seen emplacing an improvised explosive device earlier in the day in western Mosul. While en route back to their station, the Iraqi Police were attacked by terrorists. The ensuing battle left four terrorists and one policeman dead, and another policeman injured. The injured officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Coordinated efforts of Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom are leading to the arrest of terrorists and criminals responsible for attacks against innocent Iraqi citizens. Anyone with information on anti-Iraqi insurgent activities should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
Cpl. Andy Choi, a soldier from 1-24 INF, 1/25 SBCT was an honored guest at a recent parade in Washington D.C.
Link to Article
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2005 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt said that the generation that survived the Depression and fought World War II had a "rendezvous with destiny."
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
What the Army calls its biggest, most complicated acquisition project ever employs more than 600 workers at Boeing facilities in Kent, with another 100 jobs due by the end of next year.
And that’s just a tenth of the total number of engineers, software developers and others across the country who are working on the Army’s Future Combat System, project officials said in a media briefing Monday.
The local jobs could grow if the Army designates Fort Lewis as home for an experimental combat brigade. Beginning in 2008, the unit would be the first to try out the array of unmanned and manned ground and aerial vehicles, computer networks and other equipment.[...]
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 12, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed five terrorists, injured another, and detained 11 suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq Monday.
Soldiers from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment engaged and killed five armed terrorists and injured another while patrolling in Tal Afar. The injured terrorist will be detained following treatment.
Iraqi Police detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during two cordon and search operations in Mosul. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity while patrolling northwest of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 12, 2005) – One Iraqi civilian was killed and another nine were injured in a terrorist attack in Tal Afar today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Local citizens reported an individual placed an object in the trunk of a vehicle and fled the area shortly before the explosion. The type of explosive is under investigation.
Terrorist attacks have continually targeted innocent civilians killing 15 and injuring 64 in the over the past two weeks in northern Iraq.
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events there. One of the links included is an analysis of recent armor added to certain Stryker variants in Iraq.
They have also updated their