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     Black Watch Battle Group redeployment    Troops from the Black Watch Battle Group began redeploying to a new area of operations within Multi-National Force (West) on 27 October 2004. As well as armoured infantry from the 1st Battalion The Black Watch, the battle group includes an armoured reconnaissance capability provided by B Squadron, Queen's Dragoon Guards, elements of 40 Commando Royal Marines, and supporting specialists from across the Army, including the Royal Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, and Royal Military Police. The road move was supported by vehicle transporters from the US Army's 2123rd Transport Company.The...

U.S. Envoy Praises Japan's Support for Terror War By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2004 -- The top U.S. envoy for arms control called Japan's support for the war on terror, including its decision to extend logistical support for the coalition in Afghanistan and its hosting of a counter- proliferation exercise, a testament to the strong bilateral security alliance between the United States and Japan. John R. Bolton, undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, praised Japan's "courageous step to send troops to Iraq to help rebuild a society shattered by decades of Saddam's...

Global Posture Part and Parcel of Transformation By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2004 -- The global posture of American troops is part and parcel of the transformation of the U.S. military, said the Joint Staff's deputy director for strategy and policy. Navy Rear Adm. Richard Hunt said a global readjustment of American forces is overdue and, with other changes, will increase U.S. military capabilities with fewer forces. The global posture changes will allow the president to reposition forces more quickly, and this could allow the forces to deter problems before they escalate to conflict or...

Airmen Train With NATO Allies By Capt. Nicholas J. Sabula, USAF Special to American Forces Press Service POCEK, Slovenia, Oct. 8, 2004 -- Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, joined forces with troops from one of NATO's newest member nations Oct. 4-7 to improve the way they rescue downed pilots. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Davis, left, goes over the use of a global positioning system with Slovenian Lt. Roskar Zelko, middle, and Maj. Ales Stimec during combat-search-and-rescue training in Pocek, Slovenia, Oct. 5. Davis is a survival, escape, resistance and evasion instructor assigned to Aviano Air Base,...

Wolfowitz Praises Poland's Emergence as NATO Leader By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press Service WARSAW, Poland, Oct. 5, 2004 – Though it's among NATO's newest members, Poland already has emerged as one of the alliance's leading nations, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said here today. In remarks at Warsaw University, Wolfowitz said Poland has "quickly moved from being a new member of NATO to being an important NATO leader, a tribute to the courage and commitment that we Americans have long admired about our Polish friends." The Polish people have fought bravely for freedom – their own and that...

International Support Gaining in Iraq, Rice Says By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2004 -- The key to winning the war in Iraq is to support the Iraqis as they take on responsibility for their own future, and the international community is increasingly doing just that, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice said today. Rice told George Stephanopoulos on ABC's "This Week" talk show this morning that the international community is stepping up to the plate to be a part of "an opportunity to build a different kind of Iraq as a lynchpin for a much different...

  Park Repubic of Korea Assumes Operational Authority from Multi-National Brigade Northwest Mosul, Iraq – More than 2,500 Republic of Korea (ROK), Zaytun Division Soldiers assumed safety, stability and civil/military operations in the northeastern province of Irbil on October 1. Authority was transferred from Soldiers of Multi-National Brigade Northwest (MNB-NW) in Mosul to the ROK during an official ceremony held on the ROK compound in Irbil. “The arrival of Soldiers from the Republic of Korea into this great nation demonstrates the strong partnership between Iraq, Korea and the Coalition Forces,” said Maj. Gen. Andrew Farquhar, Deputy Commanding General of...

 Public Affairs Sep. 20, 2004 Immediate Response ’04 kicks off in Poland Americans, Polish Soldiers train side-by-side, exercise gets underway with airborne assaultStory and photos by Sgt. Adrian Schulte, SETAF Public Affairs Opposition Forces from 1/4 Infantry, Lancer Platoon, practice in the Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) site outside Sulecin, Poland during Immediate Response ’04. These troops will be used against the 173d Airborne Brigade and 6th Polish Airborne Brigade paratroopers who will jump into Poland Monday. The Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) site outside Sulecin, Poland provides a realistic training environment. These Opposing Force Soldiers will engage the 173d...

NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND7115 South Boundary BoulevardMacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 September 17, 2004Release Number: 04-09-54 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND PARTICIPATES IN EXERCISE REGIONAL COOPERATION 04 TAMPA, Florida – Regional Cooperation 04 (RC 04), a Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff sponsored, U.S. Central Command executed, regional exercise for the south and central Asian states (SCAS), was held at the Warrior Preparation Center, Einseidlerhof, Germany, 8-18 Sept. Delegates, senior military officers, embassy and state department personnel from USCENTCOM, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan,...

NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND7115 South Boundary BoulevardMacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 September 16, 2004Release Number: 04-09-52 IRAQI SECURITY, MNF-I FORCES UNCOVER ILLEGAL WEAPONS CAMP BABYLON, Iraq – Iraqi National Guard, Iraqi Police and Multi-National forces from the Multi-National Division Central South area of Karbala, conducted a search for illegal weapons and ammunition Sept.16 in the town of Nahr Wand. Polish, Bulgarian and Iraqi National Guard soldiers launched the search to help prevent anti-Iraqi force attacks in the area and to secure stability for Iraqi people in the Karbala Province. As a...

DCG of MNC-I Visits Cooke for Macedonian Independence Sept. 13, 2004 By Sgt. Merrion LaSonde, 122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment TAJI, Iraq—The Republic of Macedonia celebrated its 13th year of Independence on Sept. 8. To commemorate the occasion, Italian Maj. Gen Armando Novelli, deputy commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, visited the Macedonian Soldiers stationed at Camp Cooke in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “I was invited by Capt. [Dragan] Stevoski, the Macedonian Senior National Representative, to the Anniversary of the Macedonian Independence Day, which occurred on 8 September 1991,” said Novelli. “As the MNC-I [DCG] for the Coalition, it is...

   Aussie serves with Stryker Brigade as a sniperBy Sgt. Fred Minnick Tall Afar, Iraq – In 2001, Spc. John Shore, 20, went to his hometown army recruiting station in Sydney, Australia, and requested a position in an Australian army combat arms unit. The recruiter told Shore that only combat support slots were available, but Shore didn’t want to serve as an administrative specialist or a cook. He desired a life jam-packed with adventure and danger. He knew he wanted to be an infantry soldier. Although he grew up in Australia, Shore had always held a dual citizenship because...

NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND7115 South Boundary BoulevardMacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 August 18, 2004Release Number: 04-08-53 GENERAL LAUDS EFFORTS OF BRAVE IRAQI LEADERS BAGHDAD - Like a rising tide, brave Iraqi leaders are emerging to strengthen their citizens as they rebuild their country and counter the shrill cries of negativism from Muqtada al-Sadr, his militia and other insurgent groups. This assessment is from a senior military leader who as a young man lived in Iraq during the mid '70s when his father served here as the British ambassador just before Saddam's...

NATO Makes Key Decisions on Iraq, Afghanistan By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service ISTANBUL, Turkey, June 28, 2004 — "It's been a very good day" was Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld's response today as NATO leaders here agreed to support the Iraqi government's request for help in training its security and police forces. The agreement came just as the Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqis in Baghdad two days earlier than scheduled. Rumsfeld issued his upbeat response as the 26 heads of state and government participating in the NATO Istanbul Summit here declared "full support" for the...

Occupation Ends; Iraqis Take Charge of Country's Fate By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 28, 2004 – Sovereignty in Iraq passed from the Coalition Provisional Authority to the interim Iraqi government this morning, two days ahead of schedule. In a 10-minute ceremony inside the heavily fortified "Green Zone" where coalition headquarters is located in Baghdad, CPA administrator Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III read a letter he had signed which dissolved the CPA. "As recognized in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1546, the Coalition Provisional Authority will cease to exist on June 28, at which point the occupation...

Rice Expects Europe, NATO to Support Iraq By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 27, 2004 – Europe and NATO are ready to help the new Iraqi government, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice said today in Ankara, Turkey. Rice, in Turkey to attend the NATO Istanbul Summit, told Brit Hume on "Fox News Sunday" that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546, passed at U.S. urging on June 8, has been helpful. "We have been getting a very favorable reaction from European nations, all saying that with the U.N. Security Council resolution, it's time for everybody to pull...

Rumsfeld Thanks Moldova For Support in Terror War By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service CHISINAU, Moldova, June 26, 2004 — Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today became the highest-level U.S. official to visit Moldova, thanking members of this former Soviet state for their support for Operation Iraqi Freedom and encouraging continued participation in the Partnership for Peace program. Rumsfeld made a brief stop here today en route to the NATO Istanbul Summit to praise Moldova, the poorest nation in Europe, and to thank President Vladimir Voronin and the Moldovan people for their role in maintaining stability in the region....

  Marines prepare Mongolians for Iraqi peacekeeping dutiesSubmitted by: MCB Camp ButlerStory Identification #: 2004691011Story by Pfc. T. J. Kaemmerer FIVE HILLS, Mongolia -- A small cadre of Marine military policemen participating in Khaan Quest ’04 here May 20 taught Mongolian service members of the 150th Peacekeeping Battalion how to use nonlethal submission techniques during a bilateral interoperability exercise between 58 Okinawa-based U.S. Marines and the Mongolian Armed Forces. Exercise Khaan Quest is in its second year and focuses on developing U.S. Marine-Mongolian Armed Forces leadership skills and peacekeeping interoperability, as well as fostering goodwill to establish a foundation...

               Soldiers Use New Explosive Detection Equipment BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition forces are using a new hand-carried device called Vapor Tracer 2 that detects and identifies vapors and particles produced by numerous forms of explosives and narcotics. Vapor Tracer 2 uses an atmospheric sampling technique that is extremely sensitive and fast. Its average detection time is four to 10 seconds per sample. The Vapor Tracer 2 is being used at all of the checkpoints around the green zone to help make them more secure. Soldiers from Troop F, 9th Cavalry Regiment, used the Vapor...

American, Korean engineers ‘cement’ friendship by Master Sgt. Jeff Szczechowski455th Expeditionary Operations Group Pubic Affairs 5/28/2004 - BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) -- Two old friends got together on the flightline here recently, and the result is an expanded strategic airlift ramp that will significantly enhance current operations. It will also serve as a key enabler for a major airfield military construction, refurbishment and replacement project that will begin soon. The 455th Expeditionary Operations Group’s civil engineer flight Airmen and the South Korean army’s 100th Korean Engineer Corps soldiers worked on a project that increased parking space for wide-body aircraft and provided them...

Bush Thanks Denmark for Troops, Pledges Iraq's Sovereignty By Gene HarperAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 28, 2004 – President Bush thanked Denmark for its troop support to Operation Iraqi Freedom during Danish Prime Minister Anders Rasmussen's visit to the White House today. "The moms and dads of those troops need to know they're performing brilliantly," Bush said. "They're good, strong soldiers who bring great credit to your country." Rasmussen confirmed Denmark's commitment in Iraq. "We will stay and finish our job," he said. "Our common goal is to assist the Iraqi people in building a new, modern and...

  Italian Troops Continue Humanitarian Aid Projects AN NASIRIYAH, Iraq - Despite attacks by anti-Coalition insurgents, Italian soldiers in Iraq continue humanitarian aid projects throughout the Dhi Gar province. A recently-completed project restructured the electrical network at the An Nasiriyah railway station, granting more dependable power to local railways. A newly-begun project aims to drain swamps, pave dirt roads and bring clean drinking water to Iraqi homes in the province. In addition, thanks to $15,000 raised by an Italian humanitarian association, Italian soldiers are now ready to renovate a nurse's school in An Nasiriyah. Release Italians Provide Water Purification System,...

<p>Warsaw , Apr. 22 (UPI) -- Poland's Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski said Thursday Polish forces would remain in Iraq at least until free elections can be held next year.</p> <p>Poland, a staunch ally of the United States, heads a multi-national force of some 9,500 troops, including around 2,500 of its own soldiers.</p>

  Singapore Reaffirms Commitment to War on Terror By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 21, 2004 — Singapore's deputy prime minister reaffirmed his county's commitment to the war on terror and vowed to continue working closely with the United States "to uproot this menace to modern society" after a meeting today at the Pentagon. "Singapore supports the war on terror led by the U.S.," Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan said after meeting with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. "The war on terror is taking place on many dimensions and many views and in many countries," Tan said....

  U.S., British Leaders Say They Won't Abandon Iraq By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 16, 2004 – The top U.S. and British leaders today pledged their nations' continued support for a free and democratic Iraq despite all obstacles. President George Bush, accompanied by British Prime Minister Tony Blair at a White House press conference, told reporters he and Blair are resolved to stand fast with Iraqis and will not "abandon them in their hour of need." "The prime minister and I have made our choice," Bush declared. "Iraq will be free. Iraq will be independent....

MULTINATIONAL DIVISIONCentral-SouthPublic Information Office Camp Babylon, Iraq 16 APRIL 200409:00 HRSPRESS RELEASEQuadisiyah ProvinceAt approx. 03.00 Hrs LT the Spanish patrol discovered a mortar firing position. Terrorists tried to escape from the spot and opened fire. Patrol responded. The terrorist’ car was damaged, one wounded person was detained.At 01.20 Hrs LT the Coalition Forces base in Ad Diwaniyah was attacked by mortar fire. No one was injured, no damages reported.An Najaf ProvinceYesterday at 22.00 Hrs LT Coalition Forces base in An Najaf was attacked by mortar fire. No one was injured, no damages reported.Babil ProvinceAt 01.15 the police station in...

<p>WASHINGTON — President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair will show a united front on Iraq on Friday as the coalition continues to face violent resistance from some Iraqi factions.</p> <p>The two world leaders will hold a joint news conference at 10:30 a.m. EDT in the White House and are hope to boost public support for the mission in Iraq amid rising casualty numbers there.</p>

Myers Visits Italian Coalition Members in Iraq By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service TALLIL, Iraq, April 14, 2004 – A visit with foreign members of the coalition force in Iraq was the first stop for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff here today. Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers visited with Italian members of the Multinational Division Southeast. Italian Brig. Gen. Gian Marco Chiarini, the commander of the 132nd "Ariete" Brigade briefed the American officer and his staff. The brigade, which is a mix of regular army and police, patrols the area in and around Nasiriyah. There...

  Homeward-Bound Medics BidFarewell to Egyptian, Korean Partners By U.S. Army Spc. Kelly Hunt4th Public Affairs Detachment BAGRAM, Afghanistan, April 2, 2004 — Medical Task Force-44 soldiers said good-bye to their coalition partners-in-medicine during a celebration at the Egyptian Forces compound Mar. 23.The gathering gave soldiers the opportunity to end their 10-month tour in Afghanistan with friends and offered the Egyptian and Korean medical troops the chance to meet the incoming American soldiers who are replacing Task Force-44 troops.Task Force-44 is being replaced by the Army Reserve’s 325th Field Hospital out of Independance, Mo. “This is a good thing...

Soldiers of the Republic of Korea Army joined by U.S. Army representatives and Afghan interpreters spread seeds in the “Garden of Peace” as part of the ceremony commenorating 90,000 patients treated at the Korean Hospital. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Johnny A. Thompson Korean Army Medics Mark Milestone With 90,000 Afghan Patients Treated By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Johnny A. Thompson / 4th Public Affairs Detachment BAGRAM, Afghanistan, March 26, 2004 — Coalition Forces here are adamant in their efforts to help Afghanistan become a healthy and vigorous nation, and that resolve helped the Republic of Korea Army’s...

NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND7115 South Boundary BoulevardMacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 March 18, 2004Release Number: 04-03-41 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS FROM OIF: THE FIRST YEARTAMPA, Fla. – Operation Iraqi Freedom Coalition Forces have successfully liberated 25 million Iraqis from the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. These highlights provide information regarding the accomplishments of the Coalition throughout the past year. The OIF Coalition is comprised of 34 countries, including 11 NATO countries, and they have provided over 22,000 troops to support the efforts in Iraq. There are two multi-national divisions in...

<p>President Bush yesterday said terrorists will "never shake the will of the United States," and the prime minister of the Netherlands said his country stands "shoulder to shoulder" with the United States to fight global terrorism.</p> <p>In the wake of Spain's planned withdrawal of troops in Iraq after a suspected al Qaeda attack in Madrid last week, Mr. Bush used the Dutch leader's visit as an opportunity to rally the rest of his global allies in the war on terrorism.</p>

JASDF flies first humanitarian mission into Iraq TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq -- Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Halpin kicks a pallet lock into place to secure humanitarian supplies being unloaded from a Japanese C-130. Airmen from the United States and Japan unloaded more than 5,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies here March 3. Sergeant Halpin is the base's aerial port flight superintendent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Bob Oldham) Download HiRes by Maj. Dave HonchulU.S. Central Command Air Forces-Forward Public Affairs 3/4/2004 - AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar (AFPN) -- The Japan air self-defense force flew its first humanitarian mission into Iraq as...

Feb 25, 11:23 AM ESTQueen Gives Awards to U.K. Iraq Veterans By SUE LEEMANAssociated Press WriterLONDON (AP) -- A 19-year-old soldier who rescued a colleague from U.S. "friendly fire" in Iraq received the George Cross on Wednesday, the youngest person honored with Britain's second-highest award for gallantry."I'm overwhelmed. I don't know what was more nerve-racking, receiving this medal or when we were under fire," Trooper Christopher Finney said after receiving his award from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.Finney had been a member of British army's Blues and Royals regiment for less than a year when he rescued a...

  International Partners Members of the Spanish Civilian and Military Cooperation Team prepare to present two wheelchairs to Iraqi civilians at Camp Andaluz in An Najaf, Iraq, earlier this month. The Spanish team, part of the Multi-National Division Central South, has hired local Iraqis to assemble more than 200 donated wheelchairs. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John M. Foster  llllllllllllll Iraqi Civil Defense Corps soldiers practice restraining techniques while receiving training from soldiers with the Cuscatian Battalion of the El Salvador Army, in An Najaf, Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John M. Fosterllllllllllllll  ...

Feb 21, 8:41 AM ESTJapanese Troops Leave for Middle East TOKYO (AP) -- About 150 troops left northern Japan for Kuwait on Saturday to join Japanese forces already engaged in a humanitarian mission to help rebuild Iraq.The departing troops were the largest ground contingent yet mobilized for a controversial operation that will involve 1,000 Japanese military personnel, including air and naval forces.Also Saturday, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in Japan for a five-day visit that will include meetings with Japanese leaders on the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq.Annan will hold talks with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi,...

Feb 8, 10:43 AM ESTRumsfeld Praises Croatian Govt. BackingBy ROBERT BURNSAP Military Writer Rumsfeld says gathering intelligence in uncooperative countries is a difficult task. (Audio) ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) -- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld praised the leaders of Croatia's new government Sunday and encouraged their pursuit of defense reforms designed to make the Balkan nation eligible for NATO membership.In a three-hour visit, Rumsfeld also thanked President Stipe Mesic and other government officials for supporting the U.S.-led fight against terrorism. Croatia has a small contingent of military police in Afghanistan but it has not yet asked the Parliament to approve troops...

Feb 8, 8:47 AM ESTJapan Troops Cross Into Iraq From KuwaitBy DIANA ELIASAssociated Press Writer KUWAIT CITY (AP) -- A contingent of Japanese troops crossed Sunday into Iraq from Kuwait as part of the country's first deployment to a combat zone since 1945.The troops, most of them engineers, are part of a deployment slated to total about 800 troops in a humanitarian mission in southern Iraq. Another 200 are to remain in Kuwait.The troops who crossed the border Sunday traveled in a 25-vehicle convoy from the U.S. Camp Virginia in the Kuwaiti.The convoy included armored vehicles, trucks, personnel carriers, and...

Feb 2, 10:25 PM ESTAustralia Doesn't Plan Weapons InquirySYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Australia has no need for a special inquiry into its intelligence on Iraq because it is sure Saddam Hussein had illicit weapons, Defense Minister Robert Hill said Tuesday.Australia received its intelligence from Britain and the United States, whose leaders both plan to name special panels to investigate the intelligence they used for going to war in Iraq.But Hill said he had confidence in the intelligence Australia received and there was no doubt Saddam had weapons of mass destruction."There were weapons. That is not in dispute," Hill told...

Japanese forces arrive to help by Senior Airman James C. Dillard386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs 1/30/2004 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Three Japanese air self-defense force C-130Hs arrived here Jan. 30, bringing to fruition an initial deployment plan Japanese forces thought would never happen. This is the first time since World War II Japanese troops have deployed supporting humanitarian activities in a hostile area. The JASDF joins the coalition as they begin deploying troops to Southwest Asia supporting humanitarian projects such as rebuilding schools, offering medical assistance and aiding in mending Iraq's infrastructure. The approval for the deployment of the JASDF came...

  Iraqi Job Fair Iraqis who arrived early at a job fair held by the British Army's 1st Battalion, 1st Light Infantry Brigade at  the stadium in Al Amarah, Iraq, express happiness at being toward the front of the growing line. More than 11,000 Iraqis began arriving at 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 26, 2004 to register for 2,500 manual labor jobs. The British soldiers pulled riot patrol  to keep the Iraqis from trampling one another during the long wait in line. Royal Air Force photo by Cpl. Gary Wort   ~~~~~~~~   Crowds gather for a job fair sponsored by the British Army's 1st Battalion, 1st Light...

  New MND-CS Commanding General Holds First Press Conference CAMP BABYLON, Iraq - On Jan. 25 the first press conference of the new Commanding General of the Multinational Division-Central South (MND-CS), Major General Mieczyslaw Bienek, took place at the Headquarters of MND-CS in Camp Babylon, Iraq. MG Bienek was accompanied by the following: Political Advisor Ambassador Ryszard Krystosik, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Col. Javier Cabeza, Deputy Commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT), Col. Asarta, Chief of Staff of 1st BCT, Col. Knap and Military Assistant, Col. Krecikij. The Commanding General's goal for this conference was to introduce...

  Slovak Leaders Visit Troops in Afghanistan By Spc. Kelly Hunt, USASpecial to American Forces Press ServiceBAGRAM, Afghanistan, Jan. 26, 2004 – Slovakian troops here received the best wishes of their countrymen Jan. 23, as the country's prime minister and defense minister visited to offer them encouragement in their mission for freedom. Prime Minister Mikuláš Dzurinda of Slovakia shakes the hand of Slovak 2nd Lt. Fejercak Lubumir, operational officer, as Defense Minister Juraj Líška is saluted by Slovak Lt. Col. Truska Jan during the leaders' Jan. 23 visit to their country's troops at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. Photo by...

Army Home Page / Press Centre / Press Releases  Serial number 1131  Released on Thursday 22nd January 2004 WELSH ROYAL ENGINEER VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS RETURN FROM THE GULFFACILTY NOTE WELSH ROYAL ENGINEER VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS RETURN FROM THE GULF Volunteer soldiers serving with the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) are scheduled to return home to Wales this weekend. Some 124 soldiers from across the regiment were mobilised in May 2003 in support of OPERATION TELIC duty in Iraq. The volunteers deployed as a composite sub unit under the title of 100 Field Squadron Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia), which is the title of the squadron based...