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by Spc. Richard Vogt
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq (March 27, 2006) -- Sometimes bad things happen in a combat zone. But when accidents happen, it is up to the Judge Advocate General team to make financial restitution.
“What we do is pay out claims for property damage, destruction, injury, or death,” said Spc. Felicia Mullins, paralegal, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Claims can be paid out of one of two funds. The Commanders Emergency Response Program fund is used for condolences.
The following article profiles a member of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, which has been covering operations throughout Northern Iraq. Keep up the great work.
By Maj. David Albano, 138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq (26 Mar. 2006) - Soldiers do what Soldiers do; they fight wars. When they do, who better to tell their stories of heroism, commitment and sacrifice than a public affairs Soldier? Reporting and photographing combat Soldiers is the “Fighting” 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment’s mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Capturing soldier’s hearts and souls in a story or picture is a skill perfected over time. One must share the pain of loss, the bond of friendship, and the sense of commitment.
Link to Full Article
By Jesse Harlan Alderman, Durango Herald
It was five minutes after midnight on April 6, 2003. In a matter of hours, allied forces would swarm Baghdad, Iraq, toppling the regime of Saddam Hussein. But Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Mestas had already arrived.
The Durango native's helmet was a virtual periscope atop the gun of an M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. He and the rest of Charley Company-115 Infantry were among the first American soldiers to reach the Iraqi capital, cutting through the city's northern ring faster than any other military unit.
This week the San Francisco Chronicle is publishing a four-part series of articles chronicling the recoveries of two 1/25 SBCT soldiers - SGT Mike Buyas and SGT Brent Bretz. The newspaper has created a homepage for the series, called War Without End, featuring supplemental information (photos, videos etc.). Parts one and two have already been published, with parts three and four following later this week. Check the link above for additional information.
UPDATE 3/28/06: Part three is now available.
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, Staff Writer
Any other year, Dave and Jan Reed would be spending the winter touring the Lower 48 in their RV, working for the National Parks Service as lighthouse tour guides or campground hosts. But this year, the Reeds are spending time in Fairbanks, tackling snow, cold and holding down the fort for their son and daughter-in-law while they are deployed to Iraq.
"It's the least we could do for these guys," Dave Reed said last week at their temporary home in the hills off Skyline Drive.
By Sgt. 1st Class Steve Petibone, 138th MPAD
In a sense of the word, the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion recycled magazines for the betterment of the planet, but more specifically, for the betterment of a small maternity and pediatric hospital in downtown Mosul.
Staff Sgt. Travis Stuart, team A leader and Staff Sgt. Brendan Willits, team B leader, 401st CA Bn, boarded Stryker combat vehicles belonging to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Here is one new photo of the 4-14 CAV in Rawah, courtesy of Army Images.
If you missed these stories previously posted on SBN, you can read them in this week's edition of USARAK's Alaska e-post:
Practice Makes Perfect for Artillery Soldiers
Hand-Made Dolls Say 'Aloha' to Iraqi Children
Link to Full Article with 2 Photos
Story, photos by Sgt. Rachel Brune
101st Sustainment Bde.
MAKHMUR DISTRICT, Iraq — From the rooftop of the Sultan Abdullah water pumping station, fields of green stretch to the base of the Makhmur foothills.
Inside the station, noise from the pumps roared over the conversation as Tahseen Omar, Makhmur district water manager, and Maj. Andy Ingalsbe, A Company, 401st Civil Affairs Battalion, discussed the scope of work needed on the district’s water stations.
Here are a number of new photos, courtesy of USARAK.
Picture Special - A Day in the Life (4-11 FA)
Reality TV (2-1 INF)
Where am I? (4-23 INF)
And Away She Goes (4-14 CAV)
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, Staff Writer
Alaska has thousands of soldiers and airmen deployed overseas, several sites integral to the National Missile Defense project and thousands of miles of training airspace. With that in mind, U.S. Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright noted Friday the significance of Alaska to the military as a whole.
"It important for us to understand the essence of what this state really brings to the table for the U.S. military," he said.
For months now, I have been anticipating not just the return of my husband, but also the arrival of our first child.
I knew our timing had to be just right for baby and husband to coincide, but I also realized that I didn't have a real choice in the matter. Matt would come home for his two weeks of rest and relaxation when the Army said so, and baby would enter the world when he thought it was time.
But that doesn't mean that I haven't been studying up on ways to make the two events coincide. ...
Link to Article
By Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, 138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq (6 Mar.2006) - Sgt. Faafetai Tufi, (left) ammo team chief, Battery C., 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery hands a bag of powder to another team member during a calibration fire exercise at Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul, Iraq
The 11th FA tested ammunition for accuracy should they be called on for combat while stationed in Iraq.
Link to Article
By Staff Sgt. Jim Goodwin
Public Affairs Chief, Regimental Combat Team-7
1st Marine Division
COMBAT OUTPOST RAWAH, Iraq - In this once insurgent-heavy region in northwestern Iraq, U.S. soldiers here have unearthed one of the largest weapons caches discovered to date by Coalition forces in Iraq.
More than 3,000 pieces of various types of munitions, ranging from mortar, artillery and tank rounds to anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, was discovered Feb. 19 by U.S. soldiers conducting a reconnaissance patrol near Al Quratiyah located along the Euphrates River about 220 miles northwest of Baghdad.
Link to Article
by Spc. Lindsay Holguin
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq (March 13, 2006) – The Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral William J. Fallon made a visit to Forward Operating Base Marez on Mar. 13 to see the progress Iraqi Army Soldiers are making during their training here, and visit with Soldiers of the 172nd SBCT.
During his time in Mosul, he went to the compound where the IA Soldiers conducted their classes and training. At the firing range, he spoke to a group of IA Soldiers and provided them with some words of encouragement. They all gathered around him as he spoke.
Link to Article
By Sgt. Patricia Tso, 101st Sustainment Brigade
MAKHMUR DISTRICT, Iraq - The armored vehicles rolled across the open fields and left behind a trail of dust as Battery B, 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Soldiers viewed their new area of responsibility during a civil affairs mission conducted on March 3.
The artilleryman provided security with Iraqi Army troops as the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion conducted the mission.
DVIDS is a military clearinghouse for print, photo and video news from Iraq & Afghanistan. While much of the print content requires registration, you can browse a wide variety of photo and video galleries without registering. For example, here is a complete list of videos found using the keyword Mosul. Take a look and see if there is one from your loved one.
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events.
Mosul is a large city with a population of over 3 million people. ... The Tigris River passes through its center, creating a natural separation for the diverse ethnic groups. ... The climate is surprisingly mild considering all the horror stories we heard about the heat. During the summer the temperature does get into the hundreds. ... Another surprise has been the amount of vegetation. Pine groves, fruit trees and other deciduous foliage provide some much needed shade from time to time. As you move away from the river the plant life diminishes into desert sand and rocks. ...
For the American soldier it really isn't that terrible, but at the same time it sucks. ... If you understand the last statement you have probably been deployed or sent somewhere away from your family and home to do a very challenging and stressful job.
TFBOB Press Release
TIKRIT, Iraq – Sixteen insurgents were detained in a raid conducted by 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Soldiers in Humera Friday after receiving a tip that directed them to a house full of insurgents and a cache of weapons.
The cache included 11 AK-47 assault rifles, 28 weapon magazines, ammunition, and IED making materiel.
All of the detainees tested positive for traces of explosive substances and were taken to the Mosul Detention Facility for further questioning.
Link to Full Article
Sgt. Stephen C. Young
Fort Wainwright
Last Wednesday, March 8 at 2 p.m., I attended a memorial service for Spc. Joshua Pearce.
He was killed in late February when his Stryker Combat Vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device outside Mosul, Iraq. The memorial service was short — about 30 minutes.
During those 30 minutes I was on a roller coaster of emotions.
Link to Full Article with Photo
This is another report of the 172nd BSB's re-supply mission to Combat Outpost Rawah, first posted on Mar. 13th.
138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq — The 172nd Brigade Support Battalion conducted a re-supply convoy for the 4th Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment, at Combat Outpost Rawah, Mar. 7.
The 172nd drove 17 hours through the desert starting at Forward Operating Base Marez and ending at COP Rawah.
Link to Article
by 138TH MOBILE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DETACHMENT
MOSUL, Iraq - In a ceremony held March 16 at the Qara Qosh compound in Mosul, 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army assumed command from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team over the battle space in Southeastern Mosul.
During the ceremony, outgoing commander, Lt Col. John G. Norris, 4th Bn., 23rd Inf. Rgt., 172nd SBCT exchanged plaques with incoming commander, Col. Nooradin, 3rd Bn., 4th Bde., 2nd IA to signify the event.
Link to Full Article
By Suzanne Roig
Army 1st. Lt. Nainoa Hoe of Honolulu hoped rag dolls made by students of a local school could bring joy to some children in war-torn Iraq.
Although he was killed by a sniper before the dolls arrived, his fellow soldiers ensured the dolls got to the right little hands.
Link to Article
by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, 138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq (Mar. 10. 2006) -- The 401st Civil Affairs Battalion followed up on several projects in Hammam Al Alil to verify the reconstruction progress currently under contract Mar.10.
The reconstruction projects will improve the quality of life for the residents of this northern town once controlled by anti-Iraqi forces.
Link to Full Article
By MIKE BARBER, P-I REPORTER
FORT LEWIS -- For two days this week, Stryker armored infantry carriers were abandoned for strollers, diaper bags replaced combat rucksacks, and military intelligence homed in on housing and schools.
An entire population of 6,000 to 7,000 people, roughly the size of Duvall or Gig Harbor, is packing up and moving permanently -- jobs, equipment, spouses, kids, cars, even pets -- to Germany this summer.
Link to Article
Written by 138th MPAD/ TF BOB
MOSUL, Iraq - Two Soldiers from the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion delivered medical magazines and reference books to the Khansa Maternity and Pediatric Hospital in Mosul March 11.
Staff Sgt. Travis Stuart, 401st CA Bn., team Sgt.,Company A and Staff Sgt. Brendan Willits, 401st CA Bn. team Sgt.,Co. B along with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team brought the books after finding out the hospital was in need of medical reference materials.
Link to Article
Written by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, 138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq (Mar. 6 2006) – Battery C, 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery performed a series of artillery calibration fires from Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul, Iraq Mar. 6.
The 11th FA conducted this mission to ensure accurate l fires for brigade operations.
Link to Article
Written by 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq (Mar 7, 2006) – The 172nd Brigade Support Battalion conducted a re-supply convoy for the 4th Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment at Combat Outpost Rawah, on Mar. 7.
The 172nd drove 17 hours through the Iraqi desert starting at Forward Operating Base Marez and ending at COP Rawah. The convoy consisted of security vehicles and approximately 20 Iraqi and Turkish dump trucks, which were delivering gravel to COP Rawah.
Link to Article
Written by Spc. Timothy Tamburello, 133rd MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq (Mar. 3, 2006) -- Taking a photograph is one way for Soldiers to bring back their memories and experiences during their time here in Iraq.
What if that Soldier could take their favorite photograph of theirs and turn it into a modern day work of art?
At Forward Operating Base Courage they can, with a little help from Mahmoud “The Painter”.
My sister began teaching in Iowa last year. When my unit, A Troop TF 2-1, first arrived and began visiting towns north of Mosul, it was clear that the children had very little of anything, both at home and at school. During these first couple of weeks and after the first couple of calls home, my sister's class began ... collecting toys they wished to give to Iraqi children.
Soon, the entire third grade of this small-town school joined in the effort. Time went by; eventually I was able to go on leave and visit the school. Sure enough, there were boxes filled with toys and school supplies sitting in the classroom. At the time it looked like a good contribution of a couple large boxes. Little did I know that when it was all said and done I would be receiving around 13 large boxes through the mail.
Link to Full Article
By Scott Marshall, CONTRA COSTA TIMES
A Walnut Creek native has been seriously wounded in Iraq, his father said today.
Army 1st Sgt. Will Harlan, 36, assigned to the Army's 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Mosul in northern Iraq, was wounded in an explosion that ejected him from a Stryker armored vehicle and seriously injured his legs, said his father William Harlan.
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events.
Here are several new photos of the 172nd SBCT conducting operations in Iraq (one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight).
Here are two photos courtesy of USARAK.
1-17 INF photo
4-11 FA photo
Link to two stories with photos
USARAK provides us with separate stories on the memorial services for Spc. Herried at Combat Outpost North, Iraq and for Spc. Pearce at FOB Marez.
Link to Full Article with Photo
Story, photo by Tracey Murray
Fort Wainwright PAO
On the morning of Nov. 19, Shilo Lara received a phone call from Lt. Col. Charles Webster, commander, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment.
“He told me that my husband was injured and in serious condition after being shot three times, in the head, jaw and arm,” she said.
Shilo said Webster told her he felt like her husband was going to pull through, even though he was in serious condition.
Sgt. 1st Class Peter Lara was the platoon sergeant for 2nd Platoon, C Company, 2-1. During the incident, Lara and three others were injured. This was also the same shooting that killed Pfc. Christopher Alcozer.
Link to Full Article with 3 Photos
Story, photos by Spc. L.C. Campbell
138th MPAD
MAWALI, Iraq — Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, conducted a medical screening for Iraqis and delivered much-needed medical supplies to a clinic.
Citizens went to the Mawali Secondary Boy’s School to receive medical attention from the local doctor with the support of coalition forces in February.
TFBOB Press Release
TIKRIT, Iraq – Fifty-five Iraqi police recruits graduated from the Iraqi Police Basic Skills course at the Hammam Al Alil Recruit Training Center March 9.
The graduation of this class marks the successful integration of Iraqi police recruits at the HAA RTC, which usually trains Iraqi Army recruits, making it the first combined Iraqi Security Forces Regional Training Center.
“The partnership of the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Army is critical to the future of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. John Norris, commanding officer, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division, who attended the event.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Ricky Salas, Jr. 22, of Roswell, N.M., died in Mosul, Iraq, on March 7, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle while conducting mounted operations. Salas was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, Friedberg, Germany.
We'd like to offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends and fellow soldiers. We will include any future articles in this entry. This will remain at the top of the page today - scroll down for recent news.
Link to Full Article
By Michelle Cuthrell
It seems nearly every time I turn on the network news or check out the newest national news Web site, I hear about another U.S. soldier who has died in Iraq, and what that soldier's death now brings the U.S. death toll to. But, unless he's a high-ranking officer or a Pat Tillman-type figure, rarely do I hear on these national reports anything specific about the recently killed soldier, his passions, or even so much as his name.
As a reporter myself, it's always disgusted me how easily some of my fellow journalists can turn the sacrifices of soldiers into simple statistics. But this week, after complaining about this phenomenon to my colleagues for months, I found myself guilty, in my own way, of the very same thing.
Link to Full Article
By Tracy Dang
t's been a year since Spec. Clint Gertson of Eagle Lake was killed while serving in Iraq, and Gayle and Susan Gertson are beginning to heal from the loss of their youngest son.
“When they first told me, I wanted to fall on the ground and die,” Gayle said. “It takes everything out of you.”
Just moments before I was about to shut down my SBCT-focused RSS aggregator for the last time, I spotted this blog posting by Kimberly Johnson. She too was leaving a news assignment with a Stryker Brigade. This is my last post for SBN. It has been an honor to round up the news for Stryker Brigade soldiers, families and friends for the past 15 months. I’ve enjoyed bringing good news to their attention and I’ve mourned with them as I posted the news of the deaths of brave soldiers. I salute Todd for creating and maintaining this wonderful web site. I trust that he and the host of other faithful volunteers who have kept the news service, bulletin board, and photo albums running will continue this valuable service. Safetypro
Link to Blog Entry
By Kimberly Johnson, USA Today
KIRKUK, Iraq –- After three weeks, seven round-trips rolling around the belly of a Stryker and umpteen hours suffering through bad army jokes over chow hall food, I have finally moved on down the road.
Link to Full Article
By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes
GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — A 20-mile troop marching trail will allow infantrymen from the 2nd Cavalry (Stryker) Regiment to march from range to range when they arrive at Vilseck this summer.
The trail is one of many training facilities being developed at Grafenwöhr Training Area as the Joint Multinational Training Command (JMTC) prepares to welcome the Strykers.
Link to Article
by Sgt 1st Class David P. Benamati, 138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq (Feb. 25) - As the U.S. Army is preparing to close Forward Operating Base Courage and turn it over to the Iraqi government, members of the U.S. Air Force’s 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron, located at FOB Marez, are preparing for the influx of forces from FOB Courage.
As part of the U.S. Army’s 555th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, the 557th ERHS is preparing sites on FOB Marez to emplace Containerized Housing Units. They are also refurbishing existing structures for incoming units to occupy as workspaces.
Link to Article
by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, 138th Mobile Public Affairs
MOSUL, Iraq (Mar. 5, 2006) -- Soldiers of 572nd Military Intelligence Company were awarded their Cavalry Golden Spurs at a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Courage, Mosul, Iraq Mar. 5.
Soldiers received golden spur certificates for serving in combat and being assigned to the 14th Cavalry Regiment.
Link to Article
by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, 138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq (Mar. 3, 2006) -- Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored Spc. Joshua Pearce at a memorial ceremony at Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq on Mar 3.
Pearce perished during combat operations when the Stryker Brigade Combat vehicle he was in was hit by an improvised explosive device on Feb. 26.
“I don’t know if I will ever get used to you being gone,” said Spc. Richard Napier, Co. B, 2nd Bn, 1st Inf. Rgt. “I’m going to miss you, I’ll never forget you.”
Link to Article
by Sgt. 1st Class David P. Benamati, 138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq - Over the last few years, the U.S. Army has taken note of the different ways Soldiers improve their combat vehicles. The Army, in conjunction with General Dynamics, developed the Combat Ballistic Shield system.
The CBS is a series of ballistic-proof metal armor plating strategically bolted to the top of the Stryker combat vehicles.
The following is a lengthy article decribing the efforts of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (1/25 SBCT) during its year in Mosul. Written by Robert Kaplan for the upcoming issue of The Atlantic magazine, this is likely the most detailed profile of the brigade's operations since Michael Yon published his dispatches. The link provided below will give you full access to the article for 3 days, after which time it will only be available to subscribers. So, follow the link and print it out. There is an accompanying interview with Robert Kaplan that is available to everyone.
Link to Full Article
by Robert D. Kaplan
The Iraqi city of Mosul is an age-old caravan crossroads whose history defies the concept of the twentieth- century nation-state the kind of nation-state the U.S. military occupation of Iraq is trying to hold together (if not create), and to keep from imploding into full- scale civil war.
Link to Blog Entry
By Kimberly Johnson, USA Today
MOSUL, Iraq -– Jeff Bouldin’s career took a step forward this week, at the knee of a bug-eyed winged mythical beast.
As the sandy-haired Army lieutenant stood at the base of the ancient statue that once guarded an entrance of the palace belonging to Assyrian king Assur Nassirpal II, his wide smile gave away just how pleased he was to be there. He knew he would be stepping away a captain.
TFBOB Press Release
MOSUL, Iraq – A graduation ceremony was held for Iraqi Soldiers of the newly formed Headquarters and Support Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division at the Al Kindi military compound in Mosul Sunday.
Soldiers from the 172nd Styker Brigade Combat Team’s 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment conducted the training, which began Feb. 14.
The company is made up of three specialized platoons. The scout platoon, the medical platoon and the maintenance platoon were individually tasked to complete their specific skills training in order to facilitate the development of the company.
(The following was sent to us by SGT Edmundson's family)
SGT Eric Edmundson arrived home Thursday evening. Eric was temporarily discharged from the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center until after surgery, which will hopefully take place in June. Eric and his family have relocated from Fairbanks, Alaska to New Bern, North Carolina. Although Eric and his family are new to the community, they have been welcomed with open arms.
Link to Full Article
By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes
GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — Facilities here impressed an advance party from the 2nd Cavalry (Stryker) Regiment, which is due to move to nearby Vilseck from Fort Lewis, Wash., this summer.
Grafenwöhr Garrison officials, who also oversee Vilseck, are hard at work preparing for the regiment — also known as the Stryker Brigade Combat Team — which includes more than 3,500 soldiers and thousands of family members.
Link to Full Article
Anchorage Daily News
As the platoon moved along this route, we noticed there was no traffic on the route like usual. That was a little spooky. It is pretty scary to ride down a road and not know what is buried or hidden that you cannot see. You are just trying to anticipate the explosion as if you know it is about to happen.
(TF BoB Press Release)
Balad, Iraq – The Striker Brigade announces the transition of responsibility from the 3rd Battalion, 29 Field Artillery Regiment to the 4rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army, 10 March at Forward Operating Base O’Ryan, near Balad, Iraq.
Link to Full Article
Edward Stoner, Vail Daily
VAIL - Dennis Walburn kept interrupting his own story. He did it on Chair 4 and at Mid-Vail. He was shifting attention to the 23 other Iraq war veteran amputees who are skiing at Vail this week - and the many more who are not.
"All these other guys' stories are the same," said Walburn, who skis with one ski and two outriggers. "This is just an example of what many guys have gone through."
So here is an example.
TFBOB Press Release
TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi and coalition Soldiers are continuing to have success discovering weapon caches before they can be used against security forces or the local populace.
Iraqi Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division discovered a large cache of tank rounds in eastern Diyala province Thursday morning. The Iraqi troops, along with a coalition explosive ordnance disposal team, seized 96 armor-piercing rounds and transported them to a nearby military base for disposal.
Link to Full Article
By TOM PHILPOTT, The News-Tribune
Today’s military members serve under the traditional 20-years-or-bust retirement plan prized by generations of retirees.
That plan isn’t going away for the current force. But a new plan might be offered as a voluntary option, promising at least some retirement benefits to many members who don’t expect to serve 20 years. [...]
Here are several new photos of the 172nd SBCT in Iraq, courtesy of USARAK (one, two, three and four).
Link to Full Article with 5 Photos
Capt. Jeffrey S. Pool
U.S. Marine Corps
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq — More than 3,000 pieces of various types of munitions were discovered Feb. 20 by 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Soldiers conducting a reconnaissance patrol near Al Quratiyah, about 350 kilometers northwest of Baghdad.
This cache is among the largest discovered to date in western Al Anbar province.
Link to Article
Story by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle and Spc. L.C. Campbell
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL - The future of a successful Iraq begins with the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police. Having them trained properly is an important step in accomplishing that goal.
The Hammam Al Alil Regional Training Center provides that first major step by helping the IA and IP gain the confidence they need to professionally handle any emergency situation.
Link to Blog Entry
By Kimberly Johnson, USA Today
MOSUL, Iraq – Lt. Col. John Norris needed his soldier’s attention.
The commander of 172nd Brigade 4th Battalion, 23rd infantry regiment and the men surrounding him in a tight circle were minutes away from climbing into their Strykers and launching an operation Norris hoped might unearth suspected insurgents. Everyone stood silent, listening as a telescopic pointer traced out their game plan along roadways on a laminated map. The only sound was tobacco spit splashing down on the egg-shaped rocks at the men’s boots.
Link to Full Article
By Edward Stoner, Vail Daily
VAIL - Scott Smiley has learned many things over again since April 10, when a suicide blast in Iraq sent shrapnel into his brain and left him blind.
He has learned to walk again. He has learned to read again. He's learned to use a computer again, and how to wash dishes.
This week, he's skiing again.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SPC Joshua M. Pearce, 21, of Guymon, OK, died in Mosul, Iraq, on Feb. 26, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Stryker military vehicle during patrol operations. SPC Pearce was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry. This posting will remain at the top of the page today. Please scroll down for more news.
Link to Blog Entry
By Kimberly Johnson, USA Today
MOSUL, Iraq -- Every evening here, men fill chairs at waiting telephones and internet terminals looking to connect.
They come into the internet cafe on their way back from the gym, still wearing their faded shorts and sweatshirts with their M-4 rifle propped up at their feet, or straight from work, with the grit of their day patrol still sticking to their face. They sit hunched over the keyboards and receivers coated in dust in a vain attempt at creating some physical barrier of privacy. Still, their voices boom.
Link to Full Article
BY SCOTT GUTIERREZ, The Olympian
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — The first soldiers to take the Army’s state-of-the-art yet much-maligned Stryker vehicles into combat say they are as confident as ever about the vehicles’ capabilities as they prepare for a second deployment.