The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 17

Volume 1, Issue 17 February 25, 2011

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Iraqi soldiers of Commando Company, 17th Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division practice ambush techniques during a training event at Forward Operating Base Atruz, Iraq, Feb. 17, 2011. The commandos drilled on small-unit infantry tactics as part of an 11-day course taught by U.S. mentors from the Mobile Training Team, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. The MTT travels to various Iraqi bases to provide the training courses for units conducting daily security operations in their respective areas of responsibility.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

BASE ATRUZ, Iraq – As Iraqi Army units continue to cycle through training centers across U.S. Division-North under the guidance of U.S. mentors, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade,

25th Infantry Division’s Mo-bile Training Team brought training to IA units conducting security operations in northern Iraq.

The MTT, made up of advi-sors from 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd AAB, travel across 4th Iraqi Army Division’s area of re-sponsibility in northern Iraq

to conduct small-unit tactics classes for commando ele-ments within the division, ex-plained instructor Capt. Clem Lochner.

“What makes us unique from other training programs is our ability to move from lo-cation to location,” said Loch-ner, a native of Chicago.

Iraqi soldiers, noncommis-

sioned officers and officers participate in the 11-day train-ing regimen taught at their re-spective bases, in addition to conducting daily operations in the Salah ad Din province.

The team brings a distinct advantage to the Iraqi soldiers training from the posts by

Sgt. Shawn Miller109th MPADUSD-N Public Affairs

See MTT, pg. 3

Mobile Training Team takes classes on road

FORWARD OPERATING

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The Ivy Leaf February 25, 2011

Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn at times find themselves adapting to new roles, providing greater flexibility to their units by performing tasks outside their primary military occupation specialty, to successfully accomplish the mission.

A cannon crewmember by trade, Sgt. Michael Narbon demon-strated the versatility of U.S. Soldiers performing assigned duties as a crime scene investigator in support of his battery’s mission.

Narbon, a native of Enterprise, Ala., assigned to Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, earned recognition as “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week when he proved himself a critical asset during the sensitive site exploitation of a Vehicle-Borne Im-provised Explosive Device, Feb. 6.

Narbon used skills learned during battlefield forensics and sensitive site exploitation training to meticulously and effectively collect and catalog evidence, explained 1st Lt. Adam Thompson, platoon leader, Battery A, 2nd Bn., 11th FA Regt.

After a U.S. explosive ordinance disposal team cleared the site, Narbon thoroughly combed the vehicle for exploitable evidence, recovering Ammonium Nitrate Aluminum powder mixed with ball bearings, several feet of detonation cord, two cell phones and electrical tape. His collection allowed for the Combined Explo-sive Exploitation cell to potentially link extremists to the vehicle through biometric evidence.

Narbon also stands out amongst his peers as one of the best young leaders assigned to Battery A, said Thompson.

Pfc. Brandon Killian, cannon crew member, Battery A, said Narbon places the training, welfare and education of his Soldiers as one of his top priorities.

“He is never too busy to help you out if you need it, and he makes sure we have a good balance between work and fun,” he explained.

Narbon’s actions resulted in the collection of vital intelligence and the potential for prevention of future IED attacks, earning the “Warrior” artilleryman the title of U.S. Division-North “Ironhorse Strong.”

THE Ivy LeafThe Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial content of The Ivy Leaf is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the United States Division-North Public Affairs Office.

Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at [email protected]. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 318-849-0089.

Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. PerkinsCommand Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey

TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve WollmanTF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze

The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler

2nd Advise and Assist Brigade

25th Infantry Division

1st Advise and Assist Task Force

1st Infantry Division

4th Advise and Assist Brigade

1st Cavalry Division

Task Force Ironhorse

Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs

Page 4 Page 5 Page 7 Page 8

47th IA Bde.‘Rock’ strong in mortar training

U.S. Army staff trains Iraqi officers

Sapper Company Soldiers clear U.S. Division-North

roads

‘Ghost’ mechanics serve as pit crew for troopers at

remote outpost

U.S. Army Photo“Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the week, Sgt. Michael Narbon, a can-non crew member assigned to Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Divi-sion, places evidence recovered from a neurtralized improvise explo-sive device into a collection bag, Feb. 6, 2011.

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building the confidence of the Iraqi forces conducting part-nered security operations in Salah ad Din.

Sgt. Danny Parsons, an in-structor with the MTT, and a handful of other mentors di-vide the commando companies into sections, with one MTT instructor teaching a group of approximately 20 Iraqi soldiers through classroom and hands-on exercises.

Lochner said the program is designed to prepare the Iraqi soldiers to lead the events in an effort to create and enforce the necessity of a sustainable train-ing regimen.

“One of my focuses with the officers is training manage-ment, and to see the need for them to conduct sustainment training with their units,” he said. “This program is to instill confidence in the Iraqis and build their capacity.”

After a morning in the class-room rehearsing fundamental infantry movements and tac-tics, students assigned to Com-

mando Company, 17th Brigade, 4th IA Div. moved to the field to practice proper reaction to ambushes and indirect fire at-tacks.

MTT instructors walked

their classes through an initial round of drills before allow-ing commando leadership to run their platoons through sub-sequent cycles, with U.S. Sol-diers observing their actions

and providing advice or offer-ing feedback following each practical exercise.

“The importance of this training is so that we can ease back and let them take control of their country again,” said Parsons, a native of Indianapo-lis.

As the Iraqi squads gained confidence with each practice run, Parsons and other instruc-tors threw smoke grenades and artillery simulators to add real-ism and noise to the event.

Assessing their situation and the status of their teams, Iraqi squad leaders and NCOs shout-ed orders to their troops, direct-ing the teams through smoke-screens and out of the ambush area, all under the watchful eye of the MTT personnel.

The squad leaders and NCOs of Commando Company have grown during the program and will take the training and share it with other units in the future, said Parsons.

Parsons said U.S. forces are building leaders, who in turn will lead future leaders.

Continued from MTT, pg. 1

U.S. Army Sgt. Danny Parsons, an instructor with the Mobile Training Team, 2nd Advise and Assist Bri-gade, 25th Infantry Division, teaches a class on small-unit infantry tactics to Iraqi soldiers assigned to Commando Company, 17th Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division during a training event at Forward Operating Base Atruz, Iraq, Feb. 17, 2011. The Iraqi commandos attended short classes conducted by MTT instruc-tors before participating in practical exercises led by Commando Company officers and noncommissioned officers.

An Iraqi soldier of Commando Company, 17th Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division rushes through conceal-ment smoke as he conducts ambush training at Forward Operating Base Atruz, Iraq, Feb. 17, 2011. U.S. instructors assigned to the Mobile Training Team, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, bring small-unit infantry training to Iraqi soldiers operating at bases throughout U.S. Division-North during an 11-day course to create and enforce a sustainable training program.



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CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Company C, “Charlie Rock,” 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regi-ment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force as-sisted the Artillery Battery, 47th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division, during a mortar training exercise at the 47th Bde. training site near Contingency Operating Location Gaines Mills, Feb. 20, in Kirkuk.

Charlie Rock Soldiers led practical dem-onstrations, providing technical knowledge and the mentorship of experience to Iraqi jinood, Arabic for soldiers, of the 47th IA Bde.

The mortar training is a four-week course consisting of computing firing data, occupying a mortar firing point, properly

maintaining and setting up equipment, mis-fire procedures and quick reaction drills, said Staff Sgt. Efren Nila, mortar section leader, assigned to Company C, 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., 1st AATF.

“Our main mission in this training ex-ercise is to make sure the Iraqi soldiers practice proper safety procedures and use their equipment correctly, with as little of

our help as possible,” said Nila, a nine-year infantry mortar specialist who hails from Manassas, Va.

Iraqi jinood are conducting the mortar systems training in preparation for Opera-tion Lion’s Leap, a combined joint military operation, testing the capabilities of Iraq’s military forces.

“We want to ensure they are fully pre-pared for their upcoming major live-fire exercise,” he explained.

The military training exercise will re-quire the 12th IA Div. to integrate both fires and maneuver assets during the live-fire exercise.

Nila led instruction for several of the 47th IA noncommissioned officers, teach-ing proper mortar fire procedures to the Iraqi jinood.

The Iraqi corporal in charge of the mor-tar firing team is prepared and ready to lead the mortar jinood of the 47th IA Bde., be-cause the Iraqi NCO knows the mortar sys-tem better than his peers, said Nila.

“This training is going very well, and my soldiers are getting better and better ev-ery day,” said Cpl. Fahad Lafi, serving with Artillery Battery, 47th Bde., 12th IA Div., who calls Salah ad Din province’s Sharqat City home.

Fahad was selected to assist as an in-structor for the four-week training course because of his experience with the 120mm mortar systems.

The jinood are eager to learn, studying their training manuals every night before heading to the training site, said Fahad.

“They are getting better and better every day, and I know they cannot wait to use ev-erything they have learned in the upcoming live-fire exercise,” said Fahad.

47th IA Bde.‘Rock’ strong in mortar training

Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney1st Advise and Assist Task Force1st Infantry Division, USD-N

Staff Sgt. Efren Nila, mortar section leader, who hails from Manassas, Virginia, serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, explains loading procedures for a 120mm mortar system to Cpl. Fahad Lafi and his Iraqi soldiers serv-ing with the Artillery Battery, 47th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division. Nila explained to the Iraqi jinood, Arabic for soldiers, that it is a critical safety requirement to keep their hands clear from the front of the mortar muzzle during loading procedures. The squad leader supervises the enforcement of safety procedures to prevent injuries to personnel or damage to equipment.

Iraqi jinood, Arabic for soldiers, serving with Artillery Battery, 47th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division, practice deploying a 120mm mortar system near Contingency Operation Location Gaines Mills, Feb. 20, 2011. The 120mm mor-tar systems provide heavy organic indirect fire capability to support maneuver forces from the 47th IA Brigade. Deployed as part of U.S. Division-North in support of Opera-tion New Dawn, Soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, are training IA jinood in preparation for a combined joint military exercise, Operation Lion’s Leap.

U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N

U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney

1st AATF prepares IA for Operation Lions Leap Forge

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Training Team, from Task Force 2-11, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Ad-vise and Assist Brigade, “War-riors,” 25th Infantry Division, conducted the first rotation of a leadership training program at Contingency Operating Base Khamees, Feb. 14.

The MTT led the training meeting with senior leaders in the 5th Iraqi Army Division to develop strategies outlining goals for creating a long-term training plan for IA units.

The purpose of the leader-ship training program is to as-sist IA leaders in correcting mi-nor issues at battalion, brigade

and division levels, said Maj. John Ripa, officer in charge of the MTT conducting the train-ing with assistance from the staff officers of TF 2-11.

The LTP helped to prepare the 5th IA Div. staff to develop plans for independent train-ing and operations, creating a self-sustaining force capable of accomplishing the mission, he said.

Since assuming responsi-bility for the advise and assist mission in support of Operation New Dawn, Soldiers of 2nd AAB led IA units in training exercises, ranging from basic rifle marksmanship to battal-ion-level collective infantry tactics, said Ripa.

Held in conjunction with the ongoing Iraqi led-training initiative, Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Train-ing, the LTP assisted Iraqi staff

officers to plan for deficiencies identified by U.S. trainers and IA units during the first two 25-day training cycles conducted at Kirkush Military Training Base in Diyala province.

“The goal of this staff-on-staff training was to address those weaknesses so that the IA could project throughout the year as opposed to only planning a week or two in ad-vance,” Ripa said.

During the training, Warrior Brigade staff officers teamed with IA leaders from different staff sections of the 5th IA Div. to identify and correct deficien-cies.

The combined effort al-lowed each IA leader to fo-cus on individual tasks before compiling collected data into a single plan to be presented to staff Maj. Gen. Diyah, the 5th IA Div. commander.

“Staffs have only been fo-cused on how to run day-to-day operations,” Ripa said. “We hope to help them change that for the better so that the Iraqis can stand up an army with an external focus. One of our key points is to leave behind pro-grams of instruction which they can continue to use, build on and make their own.”

Capt. Mark Awad, a military intelligence officer assigned to the MTT, worked closely with his IA counterpart on the roles of an intelligence officer, iden-tifying measures to effectively plan training for Iraqi military intelligence soldiers.

“Our focus was simple: to identify those tasks for the IA intelligence soldiers that fall into the analysis platoon, the (human intelligence) platoon or the reconnaissance pla-toon, and add those tasks to the short-term and long-range planning calendar,” said Awad, a native of Union, N.J.

Awad said the brigade intel-ligence section is responsible for collecting all intelligence from the battalions and devel-oping a common operating pic-ture for brigade commanders to make an informed decision about what the enemy is doing.

During the staff training ex-ercise, IA leaders learned how to effectively compile data and synchronize efforts across each staff section to operate more ef-ficiently.

At the division level, the intelligence section gathers in-formation from the battalions, builds reports and briefs the general, explained Awad.

“All the IA staff already understands most of this train-ing. They already have a very strong foundation for what we are teaching them,” Awad said. “(The training) is going to al-low them to truly move forward and be able to properly plan and execute training events in the future at a more disciplined and manageable level.”

Ripa said that the LTP is a new concept for 2nd AAB and the 5th IA Div., and has the po-tential to greatly assist IA units in becoming completely self-sustaining from the planning stages through the execution of training.

The division staff training program will eventually be-come an IA-led event, so Iraqi officers and noncommissioned officers can shape their training plan into what works best for the IA units, Ripa said.

“It will give the baseline for the (Iraqi) Army to sustain itself over the long-term,” he explained. “It’s going to show them how to identify mission-essential tasks, and resource and train the division through-out the year so they can meet those tasks.”

‘On Time’ staff trains Iraqi officersCpl. Robert England2nd AAB Public Affairs25th Inf. Div., USD-N

Iraqi Army leaders from 5th Iraqi Army Division develop a planning strategy for a long-term training schedule during Leadership Training Program, Feb. 14, 2011, at Contingency Operating Base Khamees in the Diyala province.

CONTINGENCY OPERAT-ING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq - Leaders of the Mobile

U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div.

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Soldiers assigned to Battery A, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artil-lery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Di-vision, trained Iraqi policemen of 3rd Federal Police Division on checkpoint operations, Feb. 17.

The mock checkpoint, built by 5th Bn., 82nd FA Regt., cre-ated realistic conditions for the Iraqi policemen to train as U.S. Soldiers showed the po-lice how to eliminate potential threats to keep local residents safe.

Policemen conducted the last portion of the four-day training reviewing how to properly inspect vehicles. Iraqi police participated in various scenarios testing the knowl-edge acquired during the train-ing.

“The scenarios we used were formed from significant activities in cities, and differ-ent issues we’ve seen,” said 2nd Lt. Trey Tidwell, platoon leader, Battery A, 5th Bn., 82nd

FA Regt.“Our goal is to improve the

3rd Federal Police’s ability to conduct checkpoint opera-tions,” said Tidwell, a San An-tonio native. “We’re teaching them things they can re-teach to fellow policemen and that can echo for years to come.”

During training, Iraqi po-licemen manned guard towers and searched vehicles at the training site, learning tactics taught by U.S. Soldiers.

“Everything we’re teaching them helps create a standard throughout each checkpoint,” said Pfc. Calvin Gatheright, a cannon crew member, Battery A, 5th Bn., 82nd FA Regt.

“They’re looking for (Im-provised Explosive Devices) and anything out of place,” said Gatheright, a Cleveland native.

Trainees learned how to ef-fectively search people and de-termine when to increase secu-rity measures at the checkpoint.

“They already have many

of the techniques because they have been working at check-points,” said Spc. Robert Land, cannon crewmember, Battery A, 5th Bn., 82nd FA Regt. “We are working with them to enhance those techniques and give them a broader view of the procedures by incorporating our methods with theirs.”

Land said Iraqi police’s per-formance during the four-day training exercise demonstrates their ability to do their job.

Completing their first it-eration of checkpoint training, Soldiers of 4th AAB plan to train more policemen during their advise, train and assist mission in Iraq.

‘Black Dragon’ troopers assist Iraqi federal police secure checkpointsSpc. Angel Washington4th AAB Public Affairs1st Cav. Div., USD-N

With fellow policemen watching, an Iraqi policeman assigned to 3rd Federal Police Division uses an under vehicle search mirror to inspect a vehicle during checkpoint training at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Feb. 17, 2011. Trainees worked with Soldiers of 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, to enhance Iraqi Security Forces’ checkpoint operations.

An Iraqi policeman assigned to 3rd Federal Police Division provides security from a guard tower during checkpoint training, Feb. 17, 2011. Soldiers assigned to 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Ar-tillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi-sion, taught policemen effective tactics and measures for operat-ing a traffic control point during a four-day class at Contingency Operating Site Marez.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N

Spc. Angel Washington

CONTINGENCY OPERAT-ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq –

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Before conducting route clear-ance missions from Contin-gency Operating Base Speich-er, combat engineers of 34th Engineer Company (Sapper), attached to 326th Engineer Bat-talion, 20th Engineer Brigade, perform pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections on personal protective equipment and armored route clearance vehicles, and practice rollover drills in preparation for the task at hand.

U.S. Soldiers of 34th Sapper Company conduct route clear-ance missions, providing free-dom of movement for all U.S. forces, Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi citizens in the areas around Tikrit and the Salah ad Din province.

With the onset of Opera-tion New Dawn and the official ending of U.S. combat opera-tions in Iraq, the mission set for U.S. Soldiers has changed, said Spc. Andrew Williams, a com-bat engineer assigned to Sapper Company.

“This company is tradition-ally a Sapper unit,” he said. “However, we are not really conducting the demolitions and combat missions usually as-sociated with a Sapper on this tour.”

“Our mission here is route clearance,” said Williams, a native of Winsted, Minn. “We gear up, conduct our inspec-tions, and patrol the main routes around Tikrit looking for Improvised Explosive Devices and anything else that could

cause harm or impede a convoy movement.”

Patrolling the roads in con-voys serves more than one purpose in the mission of route clearance, said Williams.

“Physically locating and clearing threats from the roads is the main objective of our mis-sion,” said Williams. “Patrol-ling the roads during the times that IEDs and roadside bombs are most likely to be emplaced also serves as a deterrent. Bad guys are far less likely to be out there trying to set something up if they know we are on the roads looking for them.”

Soldiers of 34th Sapper Company remain vigilant and proactive in the accomplish-ment of their mission to pro-

tect U.S. forces and Iraqi citi-zens, said Staff Sgt. Michael Flannigan, a combat engineer assigned to 34th Sapper Com-pany.

The engineers of 34th Sap-per Company maintain a pro-active mindset in their route clearance mission and are pre-pared for any situation.

“If we suspect there is some-thing that could potentially be a threat we will cordon the area and prepare to (investigate) the site,” said Flannigan, who calls Cape Coral, Fla., home. “Our two main methods to interro-gate a potential threat are the Husky and the Packbot.”

The Husky Mounted Detec-tion System, a wheeled vehicle with a mechanical arm, is used by engineers to investigate sus-pected IEDs or roadside threats.

If the engineers cannot in-vestigate a suspected IED using the Husky, they will employ the Packbot, said Flannigan.

The Packbot, a small re-mote-controlled tracked vehi-

cle is used by the engineers for several different purposes, said Flannigan.

The engineers operate the Packbot using a remote control-ler to investigate a threat or de-liver a charge to detonate con-firmed threats, he explained.

There have been no effec-tive IED attacks in Tikrit since the 34th Sapper Company took responsibility for the area Nov. 1, 2010.

“We know how important our mission is, not only to the other U.S. forces who depend on clear routes throughout the area to conduct their advise, train, and assist mission, but also to the Iraqis,” said Wil-liams.

Williams said the combat engineers do not like to be the topic of conversation.

“When we are not be-ing talked about it means that our mission is being accom-plished,” he said.

Sapper Company Soldiers clear U.S. Division-North roadsSgt. David Strayer109th MPADUSD-N Public Affairs

Soldiers of 34th Engineer Company (Sapper), 326th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, perform pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections on personal protective equipment and armored route clearance vehicles at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 11, 2011. The 34th Sapper Company, based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, deployed to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn to conduct the route clearance mission along roads in Tikrit and the Salah ad Din province, ensuring freedom of movement for U.S. forces, Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi citizens in the area. “Just because the mission in Iraq has changed doesn’t mean that the enemy does not continue their efforts,” said Spc. Andrew Williams, a combat engineer from Winsted, Minn., assigned to 34th Sapper Company. “The routes here have to be kept clear for many different reasons, and we are the ones that get it done.”

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N

CONTINGENCY OPERAT-ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq -

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JOINT SECURITY STATION INDIA, Iraq – Regardless of their military occupational spe-cialties, all Soldiers assigned to 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, play a critical part in the advise, train and assist mission in northern Iraq.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the “Ghost” Battalion, 2nd Bat-talion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, work in the motor pool at Joint Security Station India contrib-uting to the brigade’s mission by ensuring all vehicles within their area of responsibility re-main mission ready.

“The Soldiers who work in the motor pool are a vital part of the mission,” said Sgt. Lon-nie Malone, a wheeled vehicle mechanic and shop foreman of the battalion motor pool, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Regt., 4th AAB. “Without us, troopers here don’t have tacti-cal vehicles that are mission capable, and they can’t conduct their mounted patrols and convoys.”

The troopers in the motor pool work 12 to 14-hour shifts clean-ing, repairing and servicing vehicles traveling to and from JSS In-dia.

In the event a vehicle becomes inoperable while conducting a mission, the mechanics and technicians are responsible for recov-ering the vehicle and bringing it back to the remote installation for repairs.

In addition to maintaining the battalion’s transportation assets, Ghost mechanics work with 2nd Iraqi Army Division soldiers, training their counterparts on basic tactical vehicle maintenance techniques.

“It was a culture shock to some of my guys the first couple of times we trained with the Iraqi mechanics,” said Malone, a native of Oklahoma City, currently serving his third deployment to Iraq. “But it was easy to work with them, because as mechanics we talk with hand gestures and tools.”

Soldiers, like Spc. Jade Stephens, who calls Beecher City, Ill. home, bring unique skills to the wheeled vehicle mechanics run-

ning the battalion motorpool. “I just do my part and try to learn as much as I can from the

senior technicians to help out in the motor pool,” said Stephens, a welder from Beecher City, Ill., assigned to HHC.

When Soldiers are not in the motor pool working on vehicle maintenance or sustaining their technical skills by teaching the Iraqis, the mechanics rotate through the dispatch office, ordering parts and maintaining accountability of the vehicles conducting missions.

“We’re always busy here in the motor pool,” said Sgt. Con-chetta McGregg, automated logistics specialist, Company E, 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Regt.

“By doing our part we ensure that our Soldiers have mission-capable vehicles to operate, and it’s a good feeling to provide sup-port for the guys who roll-out to protect us every day,” said Mc-Gregg, a native of Chicago.

Despite the difference in specialties, Ghost Soldiers, maintain-ing the battalion motor pool work together as the driving force behind transportation operations at JSS India, each contributing to the brigade’s mission in their own unique way.

‘Ghost’ mechanics serve as pit crew for troopers at remote outpostSpc. Terence Ewings4th AAB Public Affairs1st Cav. Div., USD-N

Sgt. Lonnie Malone, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, loosens the lugs on the tire of an M984 Wrecker-Recovery Vehicle, using a pneumatic torque wrench, Feb. 15, 2011. Malone, a native of Oklahoma City, works as the shop foreman for the battalion’s motor pool at Joint Security Sta-tion India, overseeing and mentoring junior mechanics serving at the remote installation.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Twelve hundred feet above the deserts and palm groves of north-ern Iraq, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Bailey, deputy-commanding general, maneuver, 4th In-fantry Division and U.S. Division-North, administered the Oath of Enlistment to Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Gabel, during a unique reenlistment ceremony in a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Feb. 19.

Gabel, a psychological operations plan-ner assigned to Company A, Division Spe-cial Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., who hails from Littleton, Colo., said he chose to conduct the ceremony in the skies above northern Iraq because he wanted to make his career reenlistment a memorable event.

A career reenlistment is a tremendous commitment for a Soldier and his Family, said Bailey.

Gabel’s dedication to his country and fellow Soldiers places him above many of his peers, and seeing NCOs like Gabel stay in the Army is truly an honor, Bailey said.

Having the honor of being the first Sol-dier Bailey reenlisted since being promoted to brigadier general in January is the “icing on the cake,” Gabel said.

“I have reenlisted twice before, and the

first two times were very low-key,” Gabel explained. “Right now I’m a staff noncom-missioned officer in Iraq, so the coolest pictures I’m going to get to send to my Family are of me reenlisting with the new-est general in the 4th Inf. Div.”

By committing at least eight more years of service, Gabel volunteered to continue his career as an NCO in the Army.

Gabel said he chose to dedicate the next chapter of his life to the Army because he loves being a Soldier, and military life is the best thing for himself and his Family.

Deployed as part of the “Ironhorse” Di-vision staff in support of Operation New Dawn, Gabel said he looks forward to be-coming a platoon sergeant, training and mentoring Soldiers to accomplish the mis-sion, wherever that may be.

Gabel, currently serving his seventh de-ployment, said the Army has contributed greatly to his development as an NCO and a person.

“Who I am now, what I am doing as a Soldier, I owe to all the NCOs—good and bad—that I had as a young Soldier,” he said. “They all taught me something, and I owe it to them to pass on the knowledge I gained during my 12 years service to the Soldiers who will one day take my place.”

Gabel said his love of service strength-ened through the years, as he progressed

in his career as a Soldier and a leader, and credited the support of his Family in his de-cision to stay Army.

“My wife is still learning and constantly adapting to military life, but she under-stands that this is my career,” he said. “She understands the responsibilities I have as a Soldier and NCO to my Soldiers, my unit and the country.”

Family support is essential to a success-ful military career, said Gabel, acknowl-edging the challenges accompanying a ca-reer Soldier, multiple deployments and, at times, the uncertainty of what comes next.

“Being separated from my Family can be really tough—for all of us, but know-ing that I have my loved ones and their unyielding support waiting for me at home gets me through.”

After the reenlistment ceremony, Bailey gave Gabel a surprise reenlistment bonus. Upon returning to Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Gabel and the Blackhawk crew took to the sky again, this time to the aerial gunnery range where Gabel strafed targets with 7.62 rounds fired from an M240B machine gun.

Gabel said now that he has “checked the block” on the next step in his military career, he looks forward to successfully completing his mission in support of Op-eration New Dawn with honor and pride.

‘Steadfast and Loyal’ Soldier reenlists in the skies of IraqSpc. Andrew IngramU.S. Division-North Public Affairs

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Bailey, deputy commanding general, maneuver, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, administers the Oath of Enlistment to Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Gabel, psychological operations planner, Company A, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., during a reenlistment ceremony held in a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in the skies over northern Iraq, Feb. 19, 2011.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Bailey, deputy command-ing general, maneuver, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, presents a Task Force Ironhorse Coin to Sgt. 1st Class Nicho-las Gabel in recognition for his commitment to the Army after a reenlistment ceremony in a UH-60 Blackhawk 1,200 feet above northern Iraq, Feb. 19, 2011.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram

10


AL FAW PALACE, Iraq – In a time when immigration is a po-litically polarizing topic across the U.S., American Soldiers, who once swore an oath to de-fend and protect the country they chose to serve, raised their right hands for an oath of a dif-ferent nature, further validating a commitment to the nation.

Fifty-three Soldiers, hailing from 32 countries across the globe, took the Oath of U.S. Citizenship, becoming fully legalized American citizens during a U.S. Forces-Iraq Natu-ralization Ceremony at Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad, Feb. 21.

Commanding General of U.S. Forces-Iraq Gen. Lloyd

Austin III presided over the event, welcoming each of the Soldiers into the ranks of their new nation.

“It was not our democrat-ic institution that helped us achieve greatness; it was our immigrants and our national di-versity that has made us great,” Austin said, explaining Ameri-ca is a country built by immi-grants.

Since 2005, USF-I and U.S. CIS helped 3,375 U.S. military service members earn citizen-ship while serving in Iraq, Aus-tin said.

U.S. Customs and Immigra-tion Services officials adminis-tered the Oath of Citizenship to the newest American citizens, while Austin and his senior en-listed advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Allen, greeted the

new citizens and presented each of the troopers with an American flag.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to join the military,” said Spc. Carita Allen, Company C, Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, and a

native of Kingston, Jamaica. Allen said that after she

joined the military, she real-ized it was just as important for her to become a citizen of the country she swore to serve.

Spc. Kurt Brown, an infan-tryman assigned to Company A, “Wolfhounds” of 1st Bat-talion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, said the military is the best support group for gaining citizenship.

“It was very hard for me in the civilian world,” Brown said of the process. “After gaining my citizenship, it seems I am only limited by my determina-tion and my faith. I’m very hap-py, all my trials and tribulations are paying off right now.”

While trying to gain citizen-ship as a civilian, the process took years of time and thou-sands of dollars, added Brown, a native of Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Serving his third deploy-ment since enlisting in the U.S. Army, Brown said that thanks to the help of his unit, the pro-cess to gain citizenship took only months to complete.

While many of the Soldiers who participated in the ceremo-ny served in the Army for years prior to receiving their citizen-ship, they still did not enjoy the

Soldiers become naturalized American citizens while in IraqSgt. Shawn Miller109th MPADUSD-N Public Affairs

Soldiers deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn take the U.S. Oath of Citizenship to become American citizens during a U.S. Forces-Iraq Naturalization Ceremony at Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad, Feb. 21, 2011. Following the ceremony, U.S. Customs and Immigration Services officials provided the troops, new American citizens, the opportunity to register to vote.

See CITIZENS, pg. 12

Commanding General of U.S. Forces-Iraq Gen. Lloyd Austin III welcomes 53 Soldiers from vari-ous units deployed in support of Operation New Dawn as Ameri-can citizens during a naturaliza-tion ceremony at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, Feb 21, 2011. Fol-lowing the ceremony, officials offered voter registration for the Soldiers to take advantage of their status as new American citizens.


Photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller

11


How do you fit the ocean into a canteen cup? The corpus of Catholic spirituality and pious devotions is so vast, it seems almost impossible to offer something in a general-ized way.

Comprehensive Soldier Fitness defines Spiritual Fit-ness as strengthening a set of beliefs, principles or values that sustain a person beyond Family, institutional, and societal sources of strength. I offer you this brief and hope-fully helpful article to examine a small jewel in the treasure-trove of Catholic spirituality as it applies to strengthening our beliefs.

In the Catholic Church, we have a very ancient method of prayer called lectio divina (lec-tsee-oh di-vee-nah). Lec-tio divina is Latin for “divine reading.” In general, it is a way of prayerfully reading Sacred Scripture. We do not have an exact date for the beginning of lectio divina, but we know that its roots are in the very early practice of the Church.

St. Jerome, A.D 340-420, said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ,” and St. John Chrysostom, A.D. 347-407, said, “To get the full flavor of an herb, it must be pressed between the fingers, so it is the same with the Scrip-tures; the more familiar they become, the more they reveal their hidden treasures and yield their indescribable riches.”

One of the first written ref-erences we have for a specific practice of prayerfully read-ing Scripture comes from the book, “Rule of St. Benedict.” St. Benedict, A.D. 480-547, is regarded as the father of west-ern monasticism.

However, it was not until the 11th century that Guigo, a Carthusian prior, codified lec-tio divina into the pattern we know today: lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio.

In its development over time, three additional steps evolved: statio, collatio, and actio. For the purpose of this article, we will concentrate on the original four steps of this spiritual practice.

Lectio—you may choose many different ways to read the Bible. If you are Catholic, you might choose the read-ings for the upcoming Sunday Mass, or the Mass of the day. You might be in the process of reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Perhaps you might choose a particular theme or genre of biblical literature. There is prescription for what you choose to read, only that you read it slowly and carefully. The idea is not to read a certain amount of Scripture at any one time, but to read what you can digest at that time. Read slowly and gently, and come to an understanding of the words themselves. It may be helpful to have a trustworthy commen-tary near you and a reliable concordance to help under-stand the specific meaning of what you read. While you read, it is important to practice the virtues of humility and docil-ity. What is very important in this step of lectio divina is to try to grasp the literal sense of the words you read. This is the time for getting into the academic study of Scripture.

Meditatio—this is the time to meditate on what you read, perhaps even to read it again. Meditation on what you read means to focus your thoughts on it, to reflect on it and ponder it. In this phase, you will want to look for deeper meaning

behind the text. Search within it for types and anti-types. Look for symbols and patterns that reflect other aspects of the spiritual life. Now is the time to delve into the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Oratio—this is the period of prayer. During oratio, ask God to transform you by what you read. Focus your prayer on how you can apply your learning and meditation into changing your life.

Contemplatio—the final step in the classic practice of lectio divina is contempla-tion. The Catholic sense of contemplation is to rest in the presence of God. This is actu-ally another type of prayer, but this is specifically prayer of

gratitude for God and His Holy Word. Rather than asking or interceding, spend the time just being with God.

There are many reasons for and ways to read Sacred Scripture. However, the su-preme reason for reading the Bible is in order to encounter God.

The Church offers lectio divina specifically for that pur-pose, that you may meet God. May your spiritual life develop by your experiences with God, and may you grow deeper in your personal faith. Please consider the many opportuni-ties for spiritual growth that are available to you at your base and through your Unit Ministry Team.

Chaplain’s Corner:Capt. Sean MagnusonChaplainU.S. Division-North

Lectio Divina

Chaplain Capt. Sean Magnuson, a Catholic priest assigned to U.S. Forces-Iraq, leads a sermon during a Catholic Mass at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Feb. 6, 2011. Magnuson, from the Archdio-cese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minn., deployed to U.S. Division-North in January to provide regular Mass for Catholic parishioners at COS Marez and Contingency Operating Base Speicher. As one of a handful of Catholic Army chaplains in Iraq, Magnuson said providing Mass to the faithful at various bases throughout the country is important. “Me coming means a lot to the faithful,” he said.


12


“Hey Doc: What are my tonsils for and why do they make me so sick?” – Signed Tonsillectomy.

Dear “Tonsillectomy,”Tonsils are lymphatic tissue located near the back of your

throat, close to your wisdom teeth, on each side of your uvula - the hangy-down thing off your soft palate.

Tonsils produce lymphocytes, which are cells that help fight infection. It is normal for tonsils to get smaller during teen years and young adulthood, and many adults do not have tonsils.

Even though tonsils help fight infection, they can also become infected by viruses or bacteria, like Streptococcus Pyogenes also known as Strep Throat. Your medical provider can diagnose Strep Throat with an easy test that takes approximately 10 minutes. If you have Strep Throat, be sure to take all your antibiotics, because the bacteria can spread to other parts of your body, such as your heart and kidneys, making you much sicker.

Tonsils are prone to develop tonsilloliths, white stones that form in the crypts of the tonsils from food particles, dead cells, mucus and infections. Large tonsilloliths may cause pain or discomfort.

They are not dangerous, and can usually be removed with a toothbrush or waterpik. Tonsilloliths are notorious for causing bad breath, so keep an eye on them and pop them out if they are bothersome.

A medical provider may recommend you have your tonsils re-moved if they are large enough to close off your throat, interfere with breathing and swallowing, or if you get several episodes of Tonsillitis per year. Adults are less likely to have tonsils surgi-cally removed due to increased risk of surgery.

So “Tonsillectomy,” don’t hesitate to contact your medical provider if you have any concerns about your tonsils.

Stay well Taskforce Ironhorse – keep those questions coming!

Hey Doc: Tonsils, schmonzils—who needs them!’Capt. Kate West

Physician AssistantU.S. Division-North

•Difficulty swallowing •Ear pain •Fever, chills

•Headache •Intense, constant sore throat lasting longer than 48 hours

•Red, swollen tonsils•Tenderness of the jaw and throat •Voice changes, loss of voice

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

•Gargle with warm salt water.•Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetamino-phen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever.

•Be sure to take your antibiotics if your provider prescribes them.•Suck on lozenges containing benzocaine to reduce pain.

Ways to relieve symptoms:

same rights as their comrades. After reciting the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as Americans, the new citizens took the opportunity to change that fact.

Following the ceremony, U.S. CIS officials offered Sol-diers the opportunity to take advantage of their status as new American citizens and fill out a voter registration form.

“I’m going to register to vote,” Allen said excitedly of her first task as a new citizen.

Brown said he is excited to return to his home in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, once his de-ployment is complete, joining his wife and five children—this time as a fellow citizen of the

United States of America.“My Family just feels whole

now; it feels complete,” he said. There are great benefits to

being in the military, Brown added, noting the opportunity to become a citizen while de-ployed and being congratulated by senior U.S. Forces-Iraq lead-ership during the ceremony.

“Not too many people have the opportunity to actually get sworn in while in Iraq, fight-ing for the country you swore an oath to when you joined the military,” he remarked. “Now I’m swearing an oath to the country because I am a citizen now. I am one with the country now.”

Continued from CITIZENS, pg. 10

Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Allen, senior enlisted advisor for U.S. Forces-Iraq, congratulates Pfc. Patrick Wells for becoming an Ameri-can citizen during a Naturalization Ceremony at Baghdad’s Al Faw Pal-ace, Feb. 21, 2011.


The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 17

Documents

Transcript of The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 17