Wolfhounds, GoI Bring Water Back
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1-27 INF, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Just over a year ago, residents in the East Anbar province had potable drinking water, but terrorists destroyed the main source of potable water in an attack on a nearby school.
“The CWTU (Compact Water Treatment Unit) was originally built by the Army Corps of Engineers,” said Capt. Brian Sweigart, a San Antonio native, and embedded Local Reconstruction Team leader for 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad. “The day it opened-up in June 2007, terrorists blew-up the school next to it, which caused severe damage (to the CWTU).”
The $2 million-project was disabled, cutting off water supply to more than 10,000 residents. Residents were left without the most essential human need.
Wolfhounds Continue Their Search for Weapons
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Cache search operations in the Taji Qada is an ongoing effort. This area, northwest of Baghdad, is dotted with occasional houses, farms, growing businesses, and vast amounts of barren land travelled by goat herders and the occasional terrorist.
It is those terrorists who bury caches that the Soldiers of Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are working diligently to protect the local citizens against.
Operation Hammer Bonzai XI, conducted on July 22, focused on the tedious task of systematically clearing and either recovering or destroying weapons caches buried in the Taji Qada countryside using metal detectors and shovels.
Defeating IEDs
By the 56th SBCT, 28th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
No longer will the clash of striking swords be heard on the battlefield. No longer will plumes of white gun smoke rise from a volley of bayonets, making the line of troops barely visible. Gone are the days of the massive linear battlefields that forged our country’s history.
And while it is true the new non-linear battlefield is not as cluttered, that doesn’t make it any less deadly.
Enter the world of the improvised explosive device – today’s biggest tactical threat to U.S. troops in the Global War on Terror, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of service members.
But since any good offense requires a great defense, more than 50 members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team recently participated in an intense, three-day IED defeat training course at Fort Indiantown Gap, aimed at turning the tide against this new tactical weapon.
Wolfhound Joined Army for Excitement
By Sgt. Brad Willeford, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pfc. Tommy Smith, a Rome, Ga., native, joined the U.S. Army in 2006. He said he joined the Infantry looking for excitement and adventure, because that is “where all the fun is at.”
Smith is deployed with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and is having the adventure he always looked for.
Before joining the Army, Smith worked construction and in his spare time practiced his martial arts which he learned from his father. In high school Smith played football and spent his weekends working on his truck and hanging out with friends. But that sense of adventure was not there, that is when he decided to see what the Army had to offer.
Operation Omens of Prosperity
The Long War Journal also has a good primer on the new offensive in Diyala called Operation Omens of Prosperity. Excerpt:
The long awaited offensive to secure Diyala province has begun. Iraqi Army and police forces, backed by the US Army, officially started Operation Omens of Prosperity today. [...]The bulk of the offensive is likely to take place in the rural northern regions of the province, where al Qaeda still maintains strongholds. US and Iraqi special operations forces have been hunting al Qaeda in the Hamrin Mountains, which span Diyala, Salahadin, and Tamin provinces. This area is a major fallback position for al Qaeda in Iraq and allied insurgent groups.
Mosul Update
The Iraqi city of Mosul is where many of the Stryker Brigades operated during their first deployments. You don't hear much about the city in the news, but The Long War Journal has a lengthy update on the current situation there that many long-time visitors might find interesting. Excerpt:
MOSUL, IRAQ: The Battle for Mosul over the past several years has worked as a microcosm for the larger Iraqi conflict, with Coalition and Iraqi forces successfully imposing their will only after al Qaeda and other insurgent groups held large parts of the city and region for long periods. Control over the city of 1.9 million people and the surrounding Ninewa province has been lost to Coalition and government forces twice since 2003. A successful security operation in May brought attacks to their lowest recorded levels since the conflict began. [...]“The fight in the North is still on-going. It’s a balanced fight, pursuing insurgent on the one hand and doing reconstruction and supporting Iraqi government activities,” said Major General Mark Hertling, commander of Multinational Division North and the US 1st Armored Division in an interview on July 22. “When you talk about the growth of security, you have to mention that the government is getting stronger.”
Diyala Offensive
Although this article from the Associated Press doesn't mention the brigade specifically, I have to imagine that the 2nd SCR is involved in some capacity with this operation. Excerpt:
BAGHDAD - U.S. and Iraqi forces launched a new operation Tuesday aimed at clearing al-Qaida in Iraq from the volatile Diyala province, considered the last major insurgent safe haven near the capital.New checkpoints went up across the province — one of the hardest areas to control since the U.S.-led war began in March 2003 — and authorities banned unofficial traffic as troops searched for insurgents around the provincial capital of Baqouba, according to witnesses. Many residents said they were afraid to leave their houses.
The U.S.-backed Iraqi military is hoping to build on recent security gains from similar offensives against Sunni insurgents in the northern city of Mosul and Shiite militiamen in Baghdad and the southern cities of Basra and Amarah.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraq Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered weapons caches as they continued operations to increase security in Baghdad July 25.
Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division found a 155 mm mortar round and two 120 mm rounds north of Baghdad at approximately 1:10 p.m.
Later, Soldiers with the 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., found five rocket propelled grenade rounds, a RPG launcher and a 155 mm mortar round north of Baghdad at approximately 1:50 p.m..
The same Soldiers also found a separate cache in the same area containing six 85 mm mortars, four 60 mm mortars, a 122 mm projectile, three fuses, an RPG launcher, six AK-47 magazines, more than 25 loose 7.62 mm rounds and various bomb-making materials.
At approximately 5: 30 p.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division found three rocket launch tubes in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad.
Soldier Blog Shut Down
According to the Washington Post the Army just shut down a blog written by a CPT with the 2-14 CAV, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a military spokesman, said in an e-mail that Kaboom was "deemed by the commander to be counter to good order and discipline of his unit." He added that the blog had not been registered with the military, an assertion Dennis Gallagher disputes.Lt. G wrote in his last dispatch that all postings, except for the one about the promotion talk, had been vetted by a supervisor. On June 27, he wrote one last entry, titled "A Tactical Pause":
"I'm a soldier first, and orders are orders. So it is.
5/2 SBCT Soldiers Learn Arabic
The Seattle Times has an overview of a new program by the 5/2 SBCT to teach its soldiers Arabic. Excerpt:
Kelmanskiy and 125 other soldiers assigned to Fort Lewis' newest Stryker Brigade Combat Team are part of a new program to teach soldiers rudimentary Arabic. The idea is that once deployed to Iraq, they'll be able to communicate with local Iraqis to help their units better distinguish between allies and enemies."It's a tough language," said Lt. Col. Jonathan Neumann, the battalion commander for the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. "I can introduce myself [in Arabic] and give a couple greetings, but after that, I'm pretty much out of steam."
Two groups of soldiers already have graduated from the class that teaches Modern Standard Arabic. Another group will graduate Friday. Graduates typically have the verbal and written skills of a fourth- or fifth-grade Arab child.
1/25 SBCT at NTC
Over the weekend there were two articles published about the 1/25 SBCT training at Ft. Irwin.
Brigade heads south for desert dress rehearsal - KTUU (Includes video)
FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- They've trained for months in frigid Fairbanks winters and now Alaska's Stryker Brigade is battling the desert heat.It's all in the name of war rehearsal for the 125th as they prepare to deploy.
The environment here is as desolate as it is unforgiving -- where the heat is both felt and seen.
Strykers simulate attacks on terrorist camps - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — In the past few years, a saying has developed among the soldiers at the National Training Center in California.“If you can do a month at NTC, you can do a year in Iraq.”
The missions at NTC are more difficult, the insurgent attacks come with more regularity and the enemy is better trained. These facts were especially apparent Thursday afternoon as units from Fort Wainwright’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry prepared for a training assault on two terrorist training camps.
MND-B Soldiers uncover multiple caches in Baghdad area
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers uncovered multiple weapons caches July 24 while working to secure the Baghdad area.
At approximately 9 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division seized two AK-47s, four AK-47 magazines and 246 7.62 mm rounds in the East Rashid area of Baghdad.
Later, at approximately 11:30 a.m., acting on a tip from a local citizen, Soldiers with the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., found an improvised explosive device-making workshop. The cache included personal mobile radios, base stations, batteries, power sources, garage door openers, circuit boards, programmers, a cable, LCD screens, assorted tools, wire, plastic bags, a global positioning system device, assorted electrical components, miscellaneous documents, identification cards and propaganda tapes.
Sons of Iraq turned a cache into Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, consisting of three 57 mm rockets and a 106 mm recoilless rifle round in the Abu Grhiab area of Baghdad at approximately 1:45 p.m.
Iraqis bridge gap between ruin, renewal
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad engineers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, journeyed to the Grand Canal Bridge in Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad July 22, to monitor repair progress.
The bridge, which spans a portion of the Grand Canal, is one of the key crossings along the main highway west of the Tigris River. It was damaged by two attacks last year.
The first attack happened May 11, 2007, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated in the middle of the southbound lane, leaving a massive hole in the lane. The second attack occurred Aug. 14, 2007. Another VBIED was detonated in the northbound lane, sending a large span of the bridge plummeting into the water below.
Dogs of War
The Daily News-Miner has another article from the NTC. Excerpt:
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — By now, most people in Fairbanks have heard that the more than 4,000 men and women who make up Fort Wainwright’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division will go to Iraq for a 12-month tour of duty this fall.But what most people might not know about is the 16 dogs that will accompany the Strykers to Iraq to sniff out bombs and track targets.
Sgt. Nathaniel Epps, of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, was among those selected to work with one of the dogs.
Ghost Rider Company finds cache in cemetery
Multi-National Division – North PAO
DIYALA, Iraq – Soldiers from Ghost Rider Company, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, found three weapons cashes in Al Ujami July 20, one disguised as a grave site in a children’s cemetery and two more in the Palm Groves.
The caches consisted of AK-47 rifles, belts of automatic machine gun ammunition, 12.7 mm rounds, more than 100 7.62 rounds, anti-aircraft guns, an 82 mm mortar system, various mortar system parts and more than 200 anti-aircraft rounds.
“These cache finds will disrupt the terrorist networks in Diyala Province and will prevent the terrorists from conducting indiscriminate attacks against innocent civilians,” said Maj. Jon Pendell, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment spokesperson. “This demonstrates that the terrorists will violate the dignity of, and will not respect, innocent Iraqi families by using a burial site of innocent children to hide weapons.”
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police and Iraqi Army soldiers working to secure the area in Baghdad seized weapons caches July 21-22.
Acting on a tip, police with the 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division and Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division seized 13 improvised explosive devices with blasting caps attached and 300 PKC machine gun rounds at approximately 10 p.m. July 21, in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad.
At approximately 11 a.m. July 22, Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division seized a cache northwest of Baghdad. The munitions included 50 25 mm rounds; two rocket propelled grenades; 2,000 7.76 rounds; 150 14.5 mm rounds and three pounds of unknown powder.
“In conjunction with our Iraqi brothers-in-arms, we will not relinquish the offensive, nor momentum achieved through our blood, sweat and tears,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for MND-B and the 4th Infantry division. “Our commitment to both the Iraqi and American people is to remain steadfast and loyal in our fight against criminal elements.”
Operations in Diyala
The Long War Journal has a lengthy update on the situation in Diyala Province, where the Iraq Army is planning a major offensive against insurgents. The 2nd SCR operates in that area. Excerpt:
Iraqi security forces are massing more than 30,000 soldiers and police for an upcoming operation against al Qaeda and the Mahdi Army in the eastern province of Diyala, according to police and military officials. [...]The US currently has a brigade based in Diyala. The 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment is operating in northeastern Diyala and has been conducting operations against al Qaeda strongholds along the Iranian border.
Wolfhounds, GoI Work to Rebuild Education
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The schoolhouse is run down.
Water leaks through numerous cracks in the roof and air conditioners do not operate, effectively causing temperatures inside the building to climb to unbearable lengths.
The walls covered with mold, no doors to the classrooms, broken windows, and cracks in the walls large enough to see the surrounding farmlands.
Despite all this, approximately 600 students at the Al Abbas primary school, located in northwest Baghdad’s remote New Taji Nahia, continued to study and garner their education despite these difficult conditions.
1/25 SBCT at NTC
Chris Freiberg of the Daily News-Miner has another article from the National Training Center. Excerpt:
Like the rest of Fort Wainwright’s 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team of which it is a part, the 1/24th is finishing up a month of training at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., before heading to Iraq this fall for a 12-month deployment.The 1/24th has had it especially tough since training kicked into high gear, however.
The unit went on three consecutive patrols Sunday, and when it returned to camp outside the police station in the fabricated town of Medina Wasil, it went through the streets of the village for a fourth patrol.
By noon Monday, most soldiers had been awake for 24 consecutive hours — or more.
296th BSB Artwork
Mike Gilbert at FOB Tacoma has details regarding the sale of prints of a new painting commissioned by the 296th BSB, 3/2 SBCT to commemorate its recent deployment.
56th Dedicates New Facility
The 1-112th INF, 56th SBCT recently dedicated a new facility to house the unit. Provided below are two articles covering the ceremony.
- National Guard officially dedicates $19.5M center - Meadville Tribune
- Center saluted - GoErie.com
Smiley Wins ESPY
CPT Scott Smiley won an ESPY as Best Outdoor Athlete at last weekend's awards show. His hometown paper, the Tri-City Herald, has a nice write up. Excerpt
Army Capt. Scott Smiley was named the best outdoor athlete Sunday in ESPN’s 2008 ESPY awards after climbing Mount Rainier despite being blinded by a suicide blast in Mosul, Iraq, in 2005.Smiley, who wrestled and played football at Pasco High, didn’t start mountain climbing until after he was injured. But when he was stationed at Fort Lewis with the 25th Infantry Division, he used to stare at Mount Rainier in the distance and think about climbing it one day, according to the Army News Service.
1/25 at NTC
Chris Freiberg with the Daily News-Miner has two new articles from the National Training Center where the 1/25 SBCT is training right now.
Strykers are latest in long line of soldiers to visit remote training center
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — It’s a long and lonely drive to Fort Irwin and the National Training Center. A simple green sign off I-15 in Southern California between Los Angeles and Las Vegas points the way to the base, but there’s no indication of the 30-mile trip to come or of the premiere training facility that lies at the end of the road.At the off-ramp there are a few houses and at the end of the road there is a truck driving school.
In between is only desert and sky as far as the eye can see.
Fort Wainwright Strykers arrive at National Training Center
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — First Lt. Caitlin Ebbets has spent nearly as much time at the National Training Center as at Fort Wainwright.The Colorado native asked to be transferred to Fort Wainwright after her previous assignment — in Korea — ended. She moved to Fairbanks in hopes of trying cross-country skiing, but she barely had time to get to know her new home in the Arctic before she and the 4,000 other men and women of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team were shipped to the California desert for training.
“It was hot the first week, but it’s amazing how fast you get used to it,” she said.
New Leader Supports SOI Program
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – During the past few weeks there have been several transitions and changes, not only with coalition forces, but the Iraqi forces as well.
There are rumors circulating the Soldiers from 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division are moving into the Tarmiyah area. This rumor is not true, however the 37th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, who currently operate in Tarmiyah are being replaced by the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division.
Leaders of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad met with leaders from both IA units as well as Iraqi police and Sons of Iraq (Abna al Iraq) at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, July 14.
MND-B Soldiers detain key suspected criminal in Taji
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained a highly sought after suspected criminal in Taji, northwest of Baghdad, July 18.
Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, detained the suspected Special Groups criminal, accused of supporting the insurgency in Iraq by supplying intelligence reports with the means to target U.S. installations with rockets.
“We will continue to hunt down these suspected criminals and bring them to justice,” said Maj. Al Hing, spokesperson for 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. “Our Soldiers will continue to target those criminals who pose a threat to Iraqi security and disrupt their networks.”
MND-B Soldiers seize munitions in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police, and Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continued seizing weapons caches in Baghdad July 19.
Soldiers with the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraq Army Division seized 56 AK-47’s, two SKS rifles and two pistols in the West Rashid district of Baghdad at approximately 8:45 a.m.
Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, in a combined patrol with police from the 5th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division, found a cache containing 10 AK-47’s in an abandoned house in West Rashid at approximately 9 a.m.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., Soldiers with 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division found a cache northwest of Baghdad consisting of four 57 mm rockets, an RPG launcher and two 155 mm mortar rounds.
Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraq Army Division found a cache in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad at approximately 12:00 a.m.. The munitions included three rocket propelled grenade launchers, five rocket boosters, two homemade improvised explosive device tubes and four RPG rounds.
A concerned citizen turned munitions in to 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. Soldiers north of Baghdad at approximately 3:30 p.m., July 18. The munitions included a 122 mm artillery round, a 105 mm artillery round and three 57 mm projectile rounds.
SSG Jeremy D. Vrooman
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Vrooman, 28, of Sioux Falls, S.D., died Jul 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while his unit was conducting combat operations in Kn'an, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers.
Related:
South Dakota soldier died from wounds from improvised explosive - Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Sioux Falls soldier killed in Iraq - Sioux Falls Argus Leader
South Dakota soldier killed in Iraq - The Associated Press
MND-B Soldiers seize multiple caches in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in Baghdad July 15.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division found seven 155 mm artillery rounds, 26 120 mm mortars, two PG-7 machine guns, a PG-9 machine gun, a 57 mm rocket, a 2.75 inch rocket warhead, a five-gallon can of UBE explosive material, 22 100 mm mortars and 26 82 mm mortars north of Baghdad.
Later, Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division found ten mortar fuses at approximately 10 p.m., in the West Rashid area of Baghdad.
Soldiers from the 18th Military Police Brigade found five one pound blocks of C-4 explosive material at approximately 2 p.m., in the Kadamiyah area of Baghdad.
“Since May 20, in full partnership with Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Soldiers in Baghdad have seized more than 450 weapons and munitions caches,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div. “Dubbed Operation Ironhorse Tempest, we have seized 275 explosively-formed penetrators, 336 improvised explosive devices, 245 rockets, 478 artillery rounds, 2,159 mortar rounds, 972 rocket propelled grenades and 5,320 rifles – a very significant achievement and good news for both the Iraqi and American people.”
Warrior News - July 2008
Warrior News is a monthly publication distributed by the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division public affairs office. It features photos, articles and other items of interest to the 2/25 SBCT community.
Provided below is a link to the most recent edition. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to open the document, but it is available for free if you need it.
- Warrior News - July 2008 Edition (PDF)
Operations in Diyala
The Long War Journal has an update on the situation in Diyala province, which is now under operational command of the 2nd Stryker CR. Excerpt:
The attack in Baqubah targeted recruits just as the Iraqi government is finalizing its plans to launch a fresh offensive in Diyala province. The final orders to launch the operation are waiting for the approval of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki, the operations chief for Iraq's Interior Ministry told Voices of Iraq last weekend.The operation is expected to be launched in the next week. Iraqi troops were reported to be massing near Baqubah on July 11.
Iraqi and US forces have conducted several operations in Diyala province since the surge was announced. Last summer and fall, operations focused on clearing Baqubah, the Diyala River Valley north of Baqubah, and surrounding districts of al Qaeda and Mahdi Army influence.
In January 2008, an operation was launched in the Miqdadiyah region, where al Qaeda was building a safe haven.
Wounded Warrior Gets ESPY Nod
BY Elizabeth M. Lorge, Army News Service
WASHINGTON (July 14, 2008) - Capt. Scott Smiley brings new meaning to the section of the Warrior Ethos that reads "I will never quit."
Blinded by a suicide blast in Mosul, Iraq, in April 2005, he hasn't let his injuries stop him from remaining in the Army, pursuing a master's in business administration at Duke University in North Carolina or climbing Mount Rainier in Washington state in July 2007.
The 14,410-foot climb, which only half of about 10,000 annual climbers actually complete, according to the "Seattle Post-Intelligencer," earned Smiley a nomination as "Best Outdoor Athlete," for the 2008 ESPY awards.
Additional Promotions
Mike Gilbert at FOB Tacoma notes that two more former Stryker Brigade colonels were recently promoted to brigadier general.
IA Soldiers Provide for the Future of Iraq
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Taking care of children orphaned by war seems an insurmountable task. The Government of Iraq reported in Dec. 2007, approximately five million children are now orphans as a result of the war.
To help orphaned children in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi army division combined efforts with 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” Multi-National Division – Baghdad and developed a program called Children of God (Anbag Alah).
The Children of God began as an initiative to collect money and necessary amenities for orphans and widows with children.
The inspiration behind this program is 10-year-old Ahmed.
GoI, MND-B Soldiers Discuss Water Treatment Plant Repairs
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and water engineers visited three insolvent compact water treatment units in Al Raood, Dhabtiya, and Um Najim, small cities in the rural areas northwest of Baghdad, July 8, to locate problems and determine how to fix them.
Since 2004 nearly 400 water treatment facilities have been built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the intent of providing residents clean water.
Sustaining newly built or rehabilitated Iraqi water and sewage facilities is just as imperative as providing them, and regrettably many of the small rural water projects lacked the provisions and the knowledge to preserve the units.
Capt. Brian Sweigart, native of San Antonio, and commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division and Dr. Natik Joudi, a bi-cultural advisor who has a doctorate in water engineering, have developed an arrangement with Iraqi government officials to get these units back up and running.
FAST Ensures Comfortable Daily Life
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – While most Soldiers on Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, are rubbing the remnants of sleep from their eyes, one group of Soldiers is up in the early morning light, preparing to rollout on a convoy.
They each perform their pre-combat checks and inspections to ensure they haven’t forgotten anything, and proceed to gather around in a circle for a group prayer.
The moment the prayer ends, the Soldiers put one hand into the middle of the circle and shout their company motto in unison, “Let it rain!”
That is exactly what the Soldiers from the Forward Area Support Team, Company A “Comanche,” 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, do; let it rain supplies.
MND-B Soldiers, IA Soldiers Build Friendships Through Soccer
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers Iraqi army soldiers joined together at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, July 10, for a friendly soccer game, followed by a dinner.
Soldiers from the Ammunition Transfer Holding Point, Company A, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division and Iraqi army soldiers from the Logistics Battalion, 35th Brigade, 9th IA Division participated in the days activities.
As the MND-B Soldiers warmed up with practice shots and stretches, the IA soldiers arrived at the field looking as though they had just come from competing in the World Cup.
“They’re not going to win, but at least they’re getting better,” Mohand Taleb, an IA soldier from Log Bn., 35th Bde., said about the MND-B Soldiers as he watched the game begin from the sidelines.
Concerned Citizens Turn in Munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD — Local nationals turned in munitions and weapons to Multi-National Division Soldiers north of Baghdad July 14.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a pound of unknown bulk explosive material, two fuses and four rocket-propelled grenades north of Baghdad.
At approximately 7:45 p.m., a concerned citizen turned in two sniper rifles, a SA-7 rocket, eight bags of explosive material, a fuse and miscellaneous electronics to Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, north of Baghdad.
IA, MND-B Soldiers, local citizen take weapons off streets
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army soldiers, Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers and a local citizen uncovered weapons caches in Baghdad July 15.
Iraqi Army soldiers with the 3rd Brigade, 1st IA Division, discovered a weapons cache in the Sadr City district of Baghdad at approximately 6:30 a.m.
The cache consisted of two rocket propelled grenade-7 launchers, two AK-47’s, five RPG-7 anti-tank rockets, two RPG-7 anti-personnel rockets, five AK-47 magazines, two grenades, two load bearing vests, a radio with charger, eight light machine gun round drums, explosive initiation wire and 14 explosive initiation devices.
A local citizen found a cache while digging in his garden and turned the items in to the local Iraqi Police station in the Mansour district of Baghdad at approximately 11 a.m. The items included a 60 mm round and 4 fuses.
At approximately the same time, Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a 106 mm round, a 122 mm projectile, two 82 mm mortars and 500 feet of detonation cord. The cache was turned into the local Iraqi Police station west of Baghdad.
Ham Gets Fourth Star
Mike Gilbert at FOB Tacoma alerts us that Lt. Gen. Carter Ham, who commanded Task Force Olympia in Northern Iraq when the 3/2 SBCT was on its first deployment, was just nominated for his fourth star. If confirmed he will lead US Army forces in Europe.
NP, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches as they continued operations to increase security in Baghdad July 10.
Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a weapons cache consisting of six 100 mm mortars, over 100 82 mm mortars, nine 120 mm mortars, a German mortar, multiple 100 mm rockets, five 57 mm rockets, two 85 mm RPG-7s, two mines, nine 60 mm mortars, a few 85 mm RPGs, a 57 mm projectile, two 40 mm grenades, a 40 mm star cluster, 88 20 mm projectiles and a recoilless rifle system north of Baghdad at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Later in the day, Soldiers with the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., found three 55 mm rockets, an AK-47, a training manual on how to make an IED and various bomb making materials in the West Rashid area of Baghdad at approximately 5:40 p.m.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., Soldiers from the same battalion 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., found an RPG launcher, an RPG booster and a pair of binoculars in West Rashid.
Lastly, Soldiers from1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., found a cache of explosives at approximately a quarter after midnight on July 11 in the East Rashid area of Baghdad. The cache consisted of two 155 mm rounds, multiple 60 mm mortar rounds, a 57 mm mortar, an RPG round, a mortar tube, a box of detonators and two pounds of homemade explosives.
“U.S Soldiers are greatly encouraged by the capability and dedication of our Iraqi counterparts,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div. “Along with the Iraqi people we will depilate terrorist and criminals who have plagued this city.”
Daily News-Miner Blog
Daily News-Miner reporter Chris Freiberg has launched a new blog, 1st Stryke, dedicated to covering the 1/25 SBCT during its training and upcoming deployment. Might be a good one to bookmark.
SPC William L. McMillan III
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. William L. McMillan III, 22, of Lexington, Ky., died July 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
All of us here would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones he leaves behind.
Drought in Iraq
An officer with the 2nd SCR comments in the following article about the current drought affecting crop production and drinking water in Iraq. Excerpt:
Health risks and adequate drinking water are other worries.A recent survey by the International Organization for Migration found some of Iraq's estimated 2.8 million internal refugees, including in Diyala and Baghdad, already have trouble finding affordable food and clean water — a situation that could now worsen.
"You'll see a lot of dry canals, a lot of barren fields. You might see some increased health effects," said 1st Lt. Paul Horton, an assistant civil military operations officer for the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in Diyala, who praised local government efforts.
Stryker Soldier Injured
The Times has an article updating the condition of a Stryker soldier, Sgt. Robert Barthel, who was wounded recently in Iraq. It's unclear whether this was the same incident that claimed the life of Spc. William McMillan. Excerpt:
PORTAGE | Robert Barthel stayed close to the telephone Thursday morning awaiting word of his son's condition.The news wasn't good.
His son, U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Barthel, was severely wounded Tuesday morning when the Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle in which he was riding was struck by an improvised explosive device while he was on combat patrol near the joint security site in Nasser Wa Salem, Iraq.
ID Theft Warning
KING-5 News has a report regarding the theft of an Army laptop containing sensitive information regarding 4/2 SBCT soldiers. Mike Gilbert with The News Tribune has additional details on his blog FOB Tacoma.
Update 07/11/08:
Army records on stolen laptop - The News Tribune
Update 07/13/08:
Laptop update - FOB Tacoma
Army laptop recovered, teen arrested - The News Tribune
1/25 SBCT Trains at NTC
The Daily News-Miner has a nice article outlining the 1/25 SBCT's activities as it prepared to deploy this fall. Excerpt:
Alaska’s Arctic warriors are preparing for battle in the desert.Most of the roughly 4,000 men and women that make up the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team are now at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin in Southern California prepping vehicles and equipment for several weeks of intensive training.
Located in the Mojave Desert, NTC is the site of temperatures that often exceed 115 degrees.
“It’s good preparation for Iraq when it comes right down to it,” said Maj. Chris Hyde, the public affairs officer for the 1-25th.
Tip leads MND-B Soldiers to weapons cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – A tip from an Iraqi citizen led Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to seize a weapons cache in Baghdad July 9.
At approximately 4 p.m., Soldiers with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, received a tip and discovered two Katyusha rockets and 30 60 mm mortar rounds in the Kadamiyah area of Baghdad. The Soldiers continued their search and found 28 60 mm Iranian mortar rounds, two 107 mm Iranian rockets and two Chinese rocket fuses.
In a separate incident, Soldiers serving with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found 14 82 mm mortar rounds, two 81 mm mortar rounds, and 200 14.6 mm DSHK ammo north of Baghdad at approximately 4 p.m.
“As our partnership grows, the Iraqi community continues to gain confidence in Coalition forces,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “Their trust led to the recovery of this cache, making the Baghdad streets safer and removing the potentially deadly munitions.”
CF find weapons caches in cemetery south of Baqubah
Multi-National Division – North PAO
TIKRIT, Iraq – Coalition force Soldiers found two weapons caches in a Christian cemetery south of Baqubah, Iraq, July 7.
The caches, together, consisted of two rocket launchers, rockets, seven rifle grenades, three AK-47’s with magazines and multiple other devices used to make improvised explosive devices.
“This cache find demonstrates that we continue to add pressure on criminals who conduct indiscriminate attacks and eliminate their illegal weapons and disruptive accelerants as they attempt to run and hide,” said Maj. Jon Pendell, a spokesperson with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
Sec Def Visits Ft. Lewis, Strykers
Mike Gilbert has a nice write-up in The News Tribune about Secretary of Defense Robert Gate's recent stop at Ft. Lewis. Excerpt:
Making his first public visit to Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base, Defense Secretary Robert Gates met with Army Rangers and military spouses over two days.He lunched with airmen, checked out the Strykers and got his picture taken with newborn babies and their moms at Madigan Army Medical Center. [...]
It was the first local visit by a defense secretary since Donald Rumsfeld came to Fort Lewis in April 2002.
Related:
Gates at Fort Lewis - FOB Tacoma
Gates Visits Troops in Washington State - AFPS/NW Guardian
Photos: Gates Visits Fort Lewis, Washington - US Department of Defense
Webster Articles
Nathan Webster continues his high-volume reporting with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT in Tarmiyah. He has two new articles.
Former New Carlisle soldier sees change for the good - Springfield News-Sun
TARMIYAH, Iraq — Now serving his second tour in Iraq, Army Staff Sgt. Phillip St. Pierre's combat experience began almost at the beginning of his seven-year Army career, during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan in 2002.The former New Carlisle man plans to make the Army a career, despite the hard life that requires. Serving here with Alpha Company, 1st/14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, he sees progress in Iraq.
"We're doing a lot of good things. I'm safe, I'm motivated and doing well," and, he says, the relative quiet of this deployment is a welcome change. As he wryly puts it, "I've been mortared, shot at, RPG'd, everything you can think of. I'll go anywhere they ask me, but I'm not asking to go."
Rising hopes in Tarmiyah tempered by recent violent past - The Long War Journal
TARMIYAH, IRAQ: Not much lingers of this youth center’s former role in the city of Tarmiyah. An entrance to the building, now bracketed by T-wall barriers and a weapon’s clearing barrel, shows an old mural of children at play.Refurbished and rededicated in August 2006, the youth center was a source of Army civil affairs pride before grim setbacks six months later.
Now, in 2008, the center has become a Joint Security Station (JSS), manned by US soldiers with Iraqi Army and police operating from a new police station next door. A company of US infantrymen use this place as their residence and headquarters.
Hopes are rising here, but now they’re based on painful experience.
Construction for Better Living
By Spc. Ryan Elliott, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq - The electric buzz of construction equipment and clouds of dust have become common fixtures around Forward Operating Base Warhorse located in Diyala, Iraq, as the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Regimental Engineering Corps, undertakes multiple construction projects to better troop’s living conditions.
“When we arrived at FOB Warhorse there was a lot of work to be done,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Victor Martinez, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
With an ambitious goal set, the Regimental Engineering Corps set out to build upon the existing foundation of security and conditions around the FOB.
Webster Profiles Stryker Soldier
Nathan Webster has another article about the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT, this one in the Springfield News-Sun. Excerpt:
Of all the troops in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, St. Pierre is the only soldier wearing a combat patch of the 101st Airborne Division, the unit chronicled in the book, which he earned for service in the March 2003 invasion.It was an awful long time ago, and one of five deployments by the 30-year-old squad leader: Two to Afghanistan, one to the Philippines, and counting this one, two to Iraq. All in just seven years of active duty.
Stationed in this Sunni city about 40 miles north of Baghdad, St. Pierre watches over a squad of about a dozen men, and while the 101st used helicopters, for this deployment, his unit operates from Stryker infantry vehicles — eight-wheeled, heavily-armored troop carriers. Infantry tactics and the war have evolved.
Operation Cougar Storm
By Spc. Ryan Elliott, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
BAQUBAH - With beads of sweat rolling down their neck Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, labored away alongside members of the Iraqi army and Sons of Iraq sweeping suspected Al-Qaida forces out of two separate villages south of Baqubah during Operation Cougar Storm, June 23.
The operation was designed to deny Al-Qaida forces a place to stage Improvised Explosive Device attacks along key routes that coalition forces and Iraqi civilians use, as well as establish an Iraqi army presence in the area, said 1st Lt. Fernando Pelayo, a platoon leader with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
The 2nd Squadron Soldiers along with Iraqi forces were successful in their mission of secured Mullaid and Naquib, two small Iraqi towns just south of Baqubah.
Webster in Worcester Telegram
Nathan Webster, currently embedded with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT, has another report. This one was published in the Worcester Telegram. Excerpt:
TARMIYAH, Iraq— The object looked suspicious and out of place — cylindrical and strange, and an odd thing to be wrapped in a white sandbag off a dirt road in the farmland north of this Sunni city, 25 miles north of Baghdad.Army Pfc. Edward Beaupre, 24, of North Brookfield, Mass., looked hard at it, concern and questions evident from his facial expression . Of the three people out ahead of the main squad, he was the only one who paid it any mind.
“Hey, Sergeant,” he called out to his team leader, Sgt. Chad Ward, 28, from Virginia Beach. “I’m not sure what this is, but it’s like it’s got something round in it. Doesn’t look right.”
MND-B Soldiers seize cache in Taji
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a munitions cache in Taji July 4.
At approximately 11 a.m.,Soldiers serving with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found two chlorine filled tanks, two 80mm mortar rounds, seven blasting caps, a 130 mm mortar round, a F-1 grenade, two one-liter bottles of unknown explosives, 320 7.62 mm rounds, a 70 mm projectile grenade, a 7-inch rocket warhead, two 120 mm high-explosive projectiles and various bomb-making materials in the Taji area north of Baghdad.
Nathan Webster Dispatch
Webster published another dispatch at The Long War Journal. He is currently embedded with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
TARMIYAH, IRAQ: A “keystone moment” in the recent turnaround to a relative calm in Tarmiyah was the February release of local tribal leader Sheikh Sa’ed Jassim, held for 11 months in US detention.US Army Captain Christopher Loftis helped make the decision to free Jassim, but only after Jassim’s son persuaded Loftis that his father would improve the relationship between Americans and Iraqis in this area 25 miles north of Baghdad.
Letting Jassim go home was a risk. It appears to have paid off.
MND-B Soldiers seize caches throughout Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad July 2.
Soldiers serving with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found two rocket-propelled grenades, an RPK machine gun, two containers of propellant, 1,500 7.62 mm rounds and command wires west of Baghdad at approximately noon.
Approximately three hours later, Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), seized a weapons cache of 11 anti-tank mines, a 152 mm artillery round, three 107 mm rockets and eight 60 mm mortar rounds in the Kadamiyah area of Baghdad.
Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found two 122 mm Chinese-made rockets in the West Rashid area of Baghdad at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Operation Gratitude and Chrysler Present Jeep to Soldier
(The following is a press release provided by Operation Gratitude. Be sure to follow the link to the photo gallery)
In front of 4,000 soldiers of the 4th Stryker Brigade in Ft. Lewis, Washington, Army Corporal (Cpl.) Michael "Shaun" Gallagher took possession of the vehicle promised to him in the Operation Gratitude care package he received last January: An all-new, custom-painted 2008 Jeep® Liberty. The vehicle was provided to him by Chrysler LLC in partnership with Operation Gratitude, and includes a custom-painted mural that honors the fallen warriors from Gallagher's unit.
The presentation was the culmination of Operation Gratitude's 300,000th care package celebration, which started on December 15, 2007 with the assembly of the 300,000th package at Operation Gratitude's facility in Van Nuys, CA, continued with the January, 2008 personal delivery by Operation Gratitude representatives of that package to (then) Spc. Gallagher in Iraq, and was concluded on July 1 with the emotional presentation of the vehicle just prior to the redeployment ceremony marking the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division brigade's return from their Iraq deployment.
Stryker Soldier Featured in Documentary
Mike Gilbert at FOB Tacoma received word that CPT Patrick Horan will be featured in a new documentary called "Wounded Warriors" on the Military Channel. Head over for the details.
Nathan Webster Dispatch
Webster has published a new dispatch at The Long War Journal. He is currently embedded with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
Sons of Iraq groups in Tarmiyah are succeeding “because they’re starting to assert themselves,” according to US Army Capt. Christopher Loftis, commander of Alpha Company, 1st battalion/14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.Loftis’ unit has manned a Joint Security Station here in Tarmiyah since December, and they’ve seen how its complicated politics works.
Now, because of tips from the Sons of Iraq members, many weapons caches have been discovered and reported throughout the region. In some cases Sons of Iraq members, many of whom are former insurgents, probably revealed their own caches to gain credibility or reward money, US soldiers say, but weapons off the market are a small victory all the same.
Healthcare Providers in Taji Get Hands-on Training
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Three Soldiers from the 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, paid a necessary visit to the doctors, nurses and physicians at the Taji Health Clinic, June 30.
Due to the devastating consequences of war, healthcare in Iraq has suffered severely over the past seven years.
Coalition forces have joined with the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development to help put an end to the poor health conditions by providing health clinics with much needed repairs, supplies, education and up-to-date equipment.
IA Medics Sustain Healthy Fighting Force
By Sgt. Michael Moody, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A Soldier of passing importance once remarked that “an army marches on its stomach.” While the primacy of the gastronomical can be debated, the underlying idea, that it takes more than bullet-slingers to fight a war, is unassailable.
This necessity for logistics and support has not gone unnoticed by senior Army officials, both coalition forces and Iraqi. There is a concerted effort to work with the Iraqi army to increase its ability to be self-reliant. The soldiers, or Jundi’s as they’re called, of the 3rd Battalion, 37th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, are working toward that self-reliance by going through medical training.
"The emphasis needs to be on the Iraqi army, on what they do,” said Capt. Dustin Cathcart, a native of Indianapolis, and commander, Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
Adhamiyah Re-opens Pool After Refurbishing, 3-year Wait
By Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd BCT, 4th ID PAO
BAGHDAD – Backyard swimming pools are such a staple of most American towns that few even think to wonder about what life would be like without one nearby.
For most people in Iraq, a dip in the local watering hole is either impossible or involves tempting fate in the ancient Tigris or Euphrates rivers.
“This is the only swimming pool in Adhamiyah district. All of the children go to the river, and that’s very dangerous for them,” said Muhtad Hasan, a member of the Support Council of Adhamiyah who works with youth and education.
The project to refurbish the pool and recreation complex began in March under the direction of the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. That unit recently completed its 15-month tour in Iraq and was replaced by the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, which oversaw the project’s final days.
New School Symbolizes Beacon of Change
By Cpl. Dustin Weidman, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD – Buildings are important part any culture, whether it is an office building, restaurant or a coffee shop. However, one of the most important buildings to any society is a building that will be used to give children a good education.
Leaders, local residents of the Karmah Nahia, northwest of Baghdad, gathered with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, at the future site of the Mossab Bin Omer school for a groundbreaking ceremony, June 24.
IP Training Helps Build Trust in the Community
By Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Getting the Iraqi police on their feet and operating as the main effort of law enforcement in the country has been a priority of the U.S. Army.
Since the force began to rebuild after the U.S. led invasion in 2003, they have been the center of controversy, often accused of rogue tactics, corruption and working for powerful political forces instead of the people. Citizens deeply distrusted those commissioned to protect them.
The daunting task of rebuilding a force and putting a trusting face on the policemen fell on the shoulders of American forces.
4/2 SBCT Homecoming Stories
Provided below are links to a number of stories regarding yesterday's official homecoming ceremony for the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (SBCT).
- A homecoming of heroes as Fort Lewis welcomes Styker soldiers - The News Tribune
- Soldiers awarded Silver, Bronze stars - The News Tribune
- Custom-painted Jeep honors lost soldiers - The Olympian
- Welcome home Dragoon Raiders - FOB Tacoma
- More on the Strykers' return ceremony at Fort Lewis - FOB Tacoma
- It’s official: 4-2 Inf. Div. is home - Northwest Guardian
- Stryker brigade celebrates homecoming - The Olympian
Land Warrior System
Paul McLeary of Defense Tech International has an after action report regarding the Land Warrior system the 4-9 INF, 4/2 SBCT took into combat. Excerpt:
In February 2007—despite a cumulative $500 million price tag—the program had its funding cut, despite the fact that the 4/9 has been training with the gear and was about to start its deployment. The 4/9 deployed with the equipment anyway, and more than a year later, it looks like Land Warrior might have been saved from the dustbin of history.According to Mark Showah, General Dynamics’ director of the Integrated Systems Group, the feedback that the company has received from soldiers has been largely positive, and the company is currently working to secure a contract to supply 1,000 Land Warrior systems to the Strykers of the 5/2, which is slated to deploy to Iraq some time early next year. This is a sharp increase from the 440 units that went to war with the 4/9.
So what changed?
Related:
We posted a video (embedded below) a while back featuring LTC Bill Prior talking about the battalion's use of the system in combat.
Nathan Webster Dispatch
Webster has published another embedded dispatch with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
TARMIYAH, IRAQ: Iraqi children play afternoon soccer in the dusty field almost directly below the rooftop positions of Checkpoint 121, a sign of how far the city of Tarmiyah has come.In 2007, when al Qaeda controlled this area 25 miles north of Baghdad, this same field was used for executions by beheading as shariah law was enforced. Painted-over graffiti on an unused water tower once threatened Coalition forces and the Iraqis who helped them.
American soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, actually enjoy their rotations at this checkpoint in downtown Tarmiyah. Unlike the six days of straight-out missions and duties when they’re back at the Joint Security Station just a half-mile away, here they have time to sit back and relax, sort of.
NW Guardian Articles
The Northwest Guardian has two new articles regarding the 5/2 SBCT and the Stryker concept.
Soldiers train on new Strykers
New Stryker vehicles arrived at 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment in May, fueling morale and firing thrusters on an already rocketing training schedule.Soldiers and leaders of the Buffalo Battalion spent the first weeks of June at Yakima Training Center, getting to know their new vehicles, pivoting instantly to employ them in day and night combat operations. In the course of one busy YTC deployment, the battalion conducted operator-and-new-equipment training on its Strykers, then transitioned immediately into platoon-level evaluated exercises.
The compressed time lines served to do more than acquaint 1-17 Inf. Soldiers with their combat vehicles, according to A Company Commander, Capt. Eric Schwartz. As it turns out, “familiarization” applies to Soldiers and their leaders also. Small unit leaders got the opportunity to demonstrate their infantry skills with the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Jonathan Neumann, supervising and acting as lead observer/controller during the blank- and live-fire exercises.
Feedback to aid in future Stryker
In its continuing mission to keep today’s Stryker brigade combat teams equipped with the latest and greatest upgrades, the Training and Doctrine Command capabilities manager, SBCT, and program manager, Stryker showcased its new innovations, June 18 at the 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment motor pool.Not only did the TCM SBCT want to give Soldiers a glimpse into future Stryker add-ons, They were looking for input, too. TCM SBCT Senior Program Analyst for Futures and Current Operations, Sean Hunter, said they were there to get feedback from Soldiers familiar with the vehicle.
“What we did today was we took the user feedback from the Soldier and I’m going back as a user rep working with the program manager to continue to work and develop or move forward with what we showed up with here today,” Hunter said. “We go back and take their comments and feedback and we try to put out what the Soldier wants. Some things we can affect now and some things we can affect later.”
