Posted on 05/13/2006 4:15:22 PM PDT by Gucho
An Iraqi civilian poses for a photo in a shop as U.S. soldiers assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, perform a dismounted patrol in a business district in Mosul, Iraq, May 1, 2006. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. David Albano)
May 12, 2006
TIKRIT, Iraq -- One insurgent was killed and one was wounded by coalition aircraft May 11 while attempting to emplace an IED east of Hawija, in the Kirkuk Province.
During a nighttime aerial reconnaissance mission, helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, discovered two insurgents digging near a road in an effort to place an IED. The aircrews shot both insurgents.
A ground team of Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division and 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division moved into the area and confirmed that one insurgent was killed. The second was wounded and was not found at the site. The ground team also discovered two AK-47s, two hand grenades and several magazines.
The IED was made up of artillery rounds and was destroyed in a controlled blast.
By MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION - NORTH 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AIR ASSAULT) - TIKRIT, IRAQ (FOB SPEICHER)
May 12, 2006
KIRKUK, Iraq -- Soldiers and leaders celebrated the handover of Kirkuk’s maneuver space from 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, to 2nd Bn., 2nd Bde., 4th Iraqi Army Div., Nisser Bn., today.
This handover marks a big step in Iraq’s progression toward a free nation, with one of the largest Northern provinces gaining more control -- the second turnover in the area this year.
"This [unit] is ready to fight their fight," said Maj. Chris Kidd, 2/327th Military Transition Team Chief. "The day has finally arrived and we’re excited it is here."
Iraqi leaders agreed that today’s ceremony was a long-anticipated one.
"Since the fall of the old regime, we have been looking forward to this day," said Col. Malik, commander 2/2/4th IA Div. "This is the day Iraqis can lead themselves ... and leave the darkness of the old regime."
However, Kidd noted, this step was not reached quickly. Although the IA battalion is recognized as one of the top units in the Iraqi Army, careful evaluations of all leaders and soldiers were performed prior to handing over Kirkuk’s critical area -- one that is known for its diverse population, both civilian and within the military force.
"The Nisser Battalion is a golden example of how ethnically diverse groups can work together toward a common cause," said Col. David Grey, commander 1st BCT, "and when they do so, excellence results."
He also added that under Malik’s leadership, the unit has achieved one of the highest graduation rates in the IA.
Leaders agreed that coordination and training between the two units will continue, despite the handover, making for even stronger bonds between American and Iraqi forces, said Lt. Col. James Johnson, No Slack commander.
"The American Soldiers of No Slack battalion have been proud to work alongside the Iraqi soldiers of the Eagle battalion," he said. "The spirit of cooperation has allowed unprecedented partnership between our units."
He added that the two groups of Soldiers had made strides in everything from training and combat missions to unit sports competitions and No Slack would continue to support Nisser battalion as they took control of their area.
By Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer - 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
A mixed colorguard -- American and Iraqi troops -- stand before a sunlit sky during today's Transfer of Authority ceremony from 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division. The ceremony marked the handoff of much of Northern Kirkuk's maneuver space to the Iraqi Army. (U.S. Army photo illustration by Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer)
A mixed colorguard -- American and Iraqi troops -- stand before a sunlit sky during today's Transfer of Authority ceremony from 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division. The ceremony marked the handoff of much of Northern Kirkuk's maneuver space to the Iraqi Army. (U.S. Army photo illustration by Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer)
I very much enjoy your posts. Keep up the good work. Are you the poster who recently posted scenes of Italian and Romanian troops?
Do you know where I can get information on the activities and work of other coalition allies, like South Korea, Japan, El Salvador and some others?
May 12, 2006
BAQUBAH, Iraq -- They’re blue. That’s the first thought that jumps to mind. The bright blue of the three Humvees six members of the Iraqi police trained four days to learn how to properly maintain and operate justifiably earn their nickname, "Smurfvee."
"At first (the IPs) were worried about sticking out, but after we pointed out that they had the same paint scheme as everything else that they drive," said Sgt. Andrew Turner, the course instructor from 2nd Platoon, 978th Military Police Company out of Fort Bliss, Texas.
Currently, Iraqi police drive pick-up trucks with little to no armor when compared to the newly acquired vehicles. These are believed to be the first Humvees given to a police unit in Iraq.
Many Iraqi Army Humvees and other military-looking vehicles now dot the roads around Iraq, but it is the blue of the Smurfvees that is sure to attract a lot of looks. But, more importantly, these vehicles will help protect the occupants from small arms fire and shield them from the impact of an improvised explosive device.
"(With) the added armor (it) doesn’t really matter what’s on the outside because they’re going to be targeted (by the insurgents) anyway, but they’re going to be safer driving this," Turner said.
The six Iraqi policeman attended four days of training at Forward Operating Base Warhorse learning everything from basic specifications of these vehicles to driving them at night, off road and on patrol before they could call them their own.
"Initially, when they showed up they thought they were going to take them home with them that day and have them with them everyday. We told them they couldn’t take them home just yet, so they were a little bit disappointed," Turner said. "But they’re definitely excited about having them. They’ve been learning in class very well, very excited to learn. They show up everyday with smiles on their faces ready to get to it."
One such IP who was "ready to get at it" was Sgt. Omar Mohammed Khalifa, an IP mechanic. With his technical background, he said he was happy to learn what was under the hood of the armored beasts. But, to him what was more important was what the vehicle could add to the overall mission.
"We’re doing all this because we want to perform our duty to protect our country and our people," he said.
By Sgt. Zach Mott - 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
ADDITIONAL PHOTO:
While conducting an off-road test drive, an Iraqi policeman splashes up mud on the course at Forward Operating Base Warhorse. The Iraqi policeman conducted a four-day training session before taking control of three Humvees. (U.S. Army photo by SGT Zach Mott, 3rd HBCT, 4th ID Public Affairs NCO)
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Afghanistan says bin Laden is in Pakistan - paper
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Sat May 13, 12:13 PM ET Air Force Maj. Gen. Allen G. Peck, the deputy commander of all U.S. Air Force aircraft in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in this April, 13, 2006 file photo. The U.S. military is preparing for the day when air power from bases along the Persian Gulf will help ensure that friendly governments in Iraq and Afghanistan survive without American ground troops, according to Peck. 'We'll be in the region for the foreseeable future,' said Peck. 'Our intention would be to stay as long as the host nations will have us.' (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)
By Lisa Burgess - Stars and Stripes Mideast edition
Saturday, May 13, 2006
ARLINGTON, Va. — Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Thursday nominated Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Jack Stultz to get a third star and take over as the next chief of the Army Reserve.
Since January, Stultz has served as the Army Reserve’s deputy commanding general for Operations, Readiness, Training, and Mobilization at Fort McPherson, Ga.
If the Senate approves his nomination, Stultz would replace Lt. Gen. James Helmly, who will leave the post May 19 after a four-year tenure.
Before his current post, Stultz served as the commander of the 143rd Transportation Command, based in Orlando, Fla.
Stultz began his Army career as an active-duty officer. He served from 1974 to 1979, and then joined the Army Reserve while working as a civilian with Procter and Gamble in Orlando, Fla., where he worked as an operations manager for 25 years.
Stultz is a two-time veteran of the Middle East, having served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and also in Kuwait with the 143rd Transportation Command, where he was deployed between 2002 and 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
May 12, 2006
HUSAYN FAYSI, Iraq -- With the help of coalition Military Transition Teams, the Iraqi Army is improving in Soldier proficiency and discipline.
Members of the 5th Iraqi Army Division’s MiTT, which is made up of elements from the 101st Airborne Division and the Army Reserve’s 80th Division from Virginia, have been developing the Iraqi Army Soldiers to conduct many different military operations on its own.
Maj. Ala’a Hamid is the 3rd company commander of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division.
"The old Iraqi Army was built on the wrong basis," said Hamid. "The new Iraqi Army is now in the right direction."
"The new Soldier must be very healthy, he must have very good PT (physical training)."
As far as training is concerned, the new Iraqi Army is more serious about developing its new Soldiers and keeping them proficient.
"The old Iraqi Army was less focused on training, the new Iraqi Army is more focused on training," said Maj. Hasim Shamin the 1st company commander of 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division.
"It is most important that in the new Iraqi Army, its Soldiers do not belong to any militias and that they are just part of the goal of Iraqi freedom," said Hamid.
"The mission of the new Iraqi Army is not to occupy any country near Iraq; the mission of the new Iraqi Army is to make sure the security inside of Iraq is good."
The 5th Iraqi Army Division Soldiers are an example of how different religions can all work together for the freedom and unity of Iraq.
"In my company I have Sunni, I have Shia, I have Kurdish, and Turkmen, all of them support freedom in Iraq," said Shamin.
Master Sgt. Carl Waddle, the 2nd Battalion 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division’s MiTT NCOIC, oversees the training and missions that the IA take part in.
"Overall they are doing well ... operationally they are able to plan and perform operations very well," said Waddle.
The progress of the Iraqi Army in this area of Diyala Province is setting the example for others to follow for the security and safety of the people of Iraq.
Story and Photos: Staff Sgt. Mark Wojciechowski - 133rd MPAD
President's Saturday Radio Address
May 13, 2006
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week I nominated General Mike Hayden to be the next Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The work of the CIA is essential to the security of the American people. The enemies who struck our Nation on September the 11th, 2001, intend to attack us again, and to defeat them, we must have the best possible intelligence. In Mike Hayden, the men and women of the CIA will have a strong leader who will support them as they work to disrupt terrorist attacks, penetrate closed societies, and gain information that is vital to protecting our Nation.
General Hayden is supremely qualified to lead the CIA. For the last year, he's been our Nation's first Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and has played a critical role in our efforts to reform America's intelligence capabilities to meet the threats of a new century. He has more than 20 years of experience in the intelligence field. He served for six years as Director of the National Security Agency and has a track record of success in leading and transforming that large intelligence agency. He also has held senior positions at the Pentagon and the National Security Council, and he served behind the Iron Curtain in our embassy in Bulgaria during the Cold War.
Mike knows our intelligence community from the ground up. He's been both a producer and a consumer of intelligence and has overseen both human and technical intelligence activities, as well as the all-source analysis derived from those activities. Mike was unanimously confirmed by the Senate last year for his current post, and this week members of both parties have praised his nomination. I urge the Senate to confirm him promptly as the next Director of the CIA.
During General Hayden's tenure at the NSA, he helped establish and run one of our most vital intelligence efforts in the War on Terror -- the Terrorist Surveillance Program. As the 9/11 Commission and others have noted, our government failed to connect the dots in the years before the attacks of September the 11th. We now know that two of the hijackers in the United States made phone calls to al Qaeda operatives overseas, but we did not know about their plans until it was too late.
So to prevent another attack, I authorized the National Security Agency -- consistent with the Constitution and laws -- to intercept international communications in which one party has known links to al Qaeda and related terrorist groups. This terrorist surveillance program makes it more likely that killers like the 9/11 hijackers will be identified and located in time. It has helped prevent possible terrorist attacks in the United States and abroad, and it remains essential to the security of America. If there are people inside our country who are talking with al Qaeda, we want to know about it. We will not sit back and wait to be attacked again.
This week, new claims have been made about other ways we are tracking down al Qaeda to prevent attacks on America. It is important for Americans to understand that our activities strictly target al Qaeda and its known affiliates. Al Qaeda is our enemy, and we want to know their plans. The intelligence activities I have authorized are lawful and have been briefed to appropriate members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat. The privacy of all Americans is fiercely protected in all our activities. The government does not listen to domestic phone calls without court approval. We are not trolling through the personal lives of millions of innocent Americans. Our efforts are focused on links to al Qaeda terrorists and its affiliates who want to harm the American people.
Americans expect their government to do everything in its power under our laws and Constitution to protect them and their civil liberties. That is exactly what we are doing. And so far, we have been successful in preventing another attack on our soil. The men and women of the CIA are working around the clock to make our Nation more secure. I am confident that General Hayden will strengthen the CIA and integrate its vital work with our other intelligence agencies, so we can defeat the terrorists of the 21st century.
Thank you for listening.
END
BBC World News Service - LIVE - Click RealAudio - Stream
BBC World News Service - LIVE - Windows Media - Stream
Click Radio Taiwan International (English)
Click LBC 1152 AM London News Radio
Israel News Radio, 0430 UTC - English
Israel News Radio, 2000 UTC - English
Click Here Listen Live~~Israel Radio News UPDATES (on the half-hour)
3 Radio Pakistan News Bulletins (English) ~~ (Left Margin - Scroll Down to "Select")
Voice of Russia, 0300 UTC - English
Voice of Russia, 0800 UTC - English
Radio China International, 1500 UTC - English
Radio Polonia, 1700 UTC - English
Radio Australia, 0700 UTC - English
Radio Australia, 1100 UTC - English
North American Radio Stations List
Click Latest VOA Radio News Headlines (5 Min.)
Radio Japan News (English)
(1, 2 & 3 + Radio)
**TALK SHOW RADIO HOSTS**
01:00am ET - 05:00am ET - Coast to Coast AM with George Noory
12:00pm ET - 03:00pm ET - The Rush Limbaugh Show
G. Gordon Liddy Show (10:00 AM-1:00 PM ET)
G. Gordon Liddy Show (12:00 PM-3:00 PM ET)
3:00PM ET-6:00PM ET -- Sean Hannnity
Neal Boortz -- 9:00AM ET-12:00PM ET
06:00pm ET - 9:00pm ET - The Michael Savage Show
9:00am ET - 12:00pm ET - The Laura Ingraham Show
11:00pm ET - 01:00am ET - Fox News LIVE with Alan Colmes
11:45am ET - 12:00pm ET - Paul Harvey News & Commentary
Paul Harvey News Radio Archives
SUNDAY ~ 10:00pm ET - 01:00am ET - Matt Drudge-LIVE!
4:00pm ET - 5:00PM ET ~~ The Kyle Warren Show
6:00PM ET - 8:00PM ET ~~Mark Levin
10:00PM ET - 12:00AM ET~~John Batchelor
12p.m. ET - 2 p.m. ET~~Bill O'Reilly
6:00am ET - 10:00am ET~~Imus in The Morning
9am ET -12pm ET ~~ Glenn Beck Show (Audio Feed)
10:00pm ET -1:00am ET ~~ The Jim Bohannon Show
Click Rollin Down the Road ~~ 12:00am ET - 5am ET
Thr Michael Reagan Show~~ 9:00pm ET - 12:00am ET
The Mike Gallagher Show~~12:00am ET - 3:00am ET
The Hugh Hewitt Show ~ 9:00pm ET - 12:00am ET
Michael Savage Show ~ 9:00pm ET - 12:00am ET (Click Bitcaster)
Basrah, Iraq
Kabul, Afghanistan
Click Daily World Weather Video Forecast 
The current time in (UTC/GMT) is Here. 
#1 Old Radio Shows ~~ 10:00pm EST - 2:00am EST
#2 More OTR Shows ~~ (24/7) ~~ Windows Player or Real Player or Winamp
Whoa! 106° F in Southern Cal.!!
By Jim Garamone - American Forces Press Service
CAMP TAJI, Iraq, May 13, 2006 – Serving on a military transition team may be the most important job in Iraq today, with members working with Iraqi units to realize President Bush's promise: "As the Iraqis stand up. We'll stand down."
Military Transition Team 0911, the "Mohawks," is where the rubber meets the road. The team works with the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade of the Iraqi 9th Division, the "Desert Lions." The Iraqi unit is a mechanized outfit and patrols the area north of this sprawling base. The Iraqis secure the three water points that supply 70 percent of the drinking water to the capital.
The U.S. team is made up of soldiers pulled together last year. They come from a variety of branches and military occupational specialties. Some, such as brigade advisor Lt. Col. Chuck Payne and Master Sgt. John McFarland, came off retirement to take the job. Others came from the Pentagon, Fort Rucker, Ala., Hawaii, Japan and Fort Lewis, Wash. Their medic is a Utah National Guardsman.
The team works closely with the Iraqi units and mentors, coaches, teaches and circulates with them on the battlefield. Team members also constantly push their Iraqi counterparts to take on the enemy.
The enemy near here, a mix of former regime loyalists, unemployed young men and just plain criminals, is waging war with improvised explosive devices. "They are bold and getting bolder," said 1st Battalion Advisor Maj. Mike Jason. Anti-Iraqi forces have placed IEDs almost within sight of the gates of this sprawling American and Iraqi base.
The brigade went fully operational and has had its own battle space since December. "It's not that large, but it's intense," Jason said. "Insurgent activity in the area has increased."
The battalion mans a number of checkpoints, both fixed and roving, in its area each day. Even with these, the enemy still manages to emplace four or five IEDs a day, Jason said.
"The enemy is very adept at changing his methodology and evolving to what we do," Payne said.
The key is dismounted operations, Payne said. This requires a cultural change by both Americans and Iraqis. The American unit - the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division - is a heavy brigade combat team, and the Iraqi unit is mechanized. "Just like our American brothers, this Iraqi brigade is wedded to their vehicles," Payne said.
That isn't to say that change isn't happening. The Iraqis carried out a dismounted patrol on a major north-south route last week. Payne said it was a good operation, but they patrolled in 105-degree heat with full body armor. "After two kilometers on a flat, paved road, the Iraqis were spent," he said. "I wanted to go three more kilometers, but it was too much. (Heck,) just doing battlefield circulation can leave you exhausted."
But getting off the tanks or armored personnel carriers is important. "When you leave the wire in this area, your chances of encountering an IED are significant," Payne said. "We don't drive down dirt roads around here, and this gives the enemy control of the countryside. He has freedom of maneuver and initiative. Dismounted patrols are the way to take that back.
"The enemy is afraid of us. He does not want to get engaged in a direct fire confrontation, but we're not out there, now and this has to change."
Logistics is among the other problems. The MTT is working to help the Iraqis grasp the notion of logistical support. Another aspect is cultural and rooted in the former regime. Officers and NCOs were disciplined if they showed initiative in the past. "They still are afraid to act on their own unless the commander approves it," Jason said. "We're working very hard, but it's difficult."
Payne emphasized that the teams need more resources to succeed. Medical and air support are crucial. He and Jason told of an incident when an Iraqi company commander was wounded and it took two-and-a-half hours to evacuate him.
The teams do receive soldiers from the "partnered" units. The 1st Battalion, 66th Armor partners with the Iraqi 1st Mechanized Battalion, and has soldiers coaching and mentoring the Iraqis alongside the MTT. But the unit itself is small - armored battalions usually are - and 1-66 has its own battle space to manage.
The newness and nature of Iraqi service also works against success. The Iraqi soldiers serve for 21 days and then have a week's leave, when they deliver their pay to their families. "This is often the most dangerous part of their services," Jason said. "They are soldiers in the new Iraqi Army and the insurgents are out to get them. Many have been killed while on leave. We have to devise a better, safer way of getting them to and from home."
Yet even with all the strikes against it, the battalion and brigade are making progress. The unit literally built all its own vehicles from remains found in scrap yards. Its members are aggressive and want to take the fight to the enemy. They are proud of their service and their appearance in uniform confirms this. "We often take two steps forward and one step back. (Heck) sometimes it's two steps back," Payne said. "But they are taking the steps."
The team will continue to work with the battalion, the brigade, and soon, the 9th Division itself. When the team's year is up, another team will take its place. "In the meantime, we're making a difference," Jason said. "This is a job that must succeed."
Related Sites:
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
