Indiana Free Press - Indiana By the People, For the People

Rewards Program Empowers Local Afghan Population

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:01:48 -0800

By Capt. Jennifer Bocanegra

AFGHANISTAN - Based on the success of Operation Jaeza, Regional Command East is running a second installment of the promotion campaign, encouraging local Afghans to use community safety call-in lines to report on weapons, improvised explosive devices, and criminals in exchange for rewards.

The goal of the program is to provide security to the people of Afghanistan by cutting down the amount of IEDs on the roadways, IED facilitators, key insurgent leaders and their weapons storage areas.

"Through concerted information efforts, the local population is being asked to identify IEDs, weapons caches, and individuals involved with manufacturing and distributing IED making materials in exchange for monetary or in-kind reward payments," said Chief Warrant Officer Steve Mehl, Information Operations chief, Regional Command East.

Lt. Col. Steve Manber, director, Information Operations, RC-East, stated even though the Rewards Program is being advertised, he encourages the local population to call into the local observation command and control post when they have information.

"If you don't have a phone and you see a policeman, give him the information. You will still receive the rewards," Manber said.

Since October 2009, RC-East has paid up to $230,000 in reward money to local citizens who provided information on IEDs, weapons caches, and high value insurgent leaders.

Over the past three months, RC-East received over 560 information tips and of those tips, there were ninety-nine reports of caches and eighteen reports of key insurgent leaders.

"If you see something or someone suspicious, report it. You can do this by calling your local provincial and district operational coordination centers or report incidents to any Afghan national security forces or International security forces representative," Manber said.

Both Manber and Mehl stated that the identity of those who provide information will remain anonymous. Rewards can be paid either monetarily or through payment in kind. Monetary rewards may range from $50 U.S. dollars up to $10 thousand U.S. dollars depending on the information provided.

The 741st Explosive Ordnance Battalion currently oversees the collection and removal of IEDs and unexploded ordnance. They have teams spread out across RC-East working to reduce the amount of IEDs and UXOs, which pose a threat to the local population.

Last week, local nationals provided information that assisted with the recovery of a Manpad, which is an anti-aircraft weapon, in Parwan province and received $1,200 US dollars, stated Master Sgt. Adam Matuska, 741st EOD Bn., operations non-commissioned officer.

"We'd really like to see the local population be able to take ownership of securing their country and to be able to safely travel the road which assists commerce," Matuska said.

In 2009, over 850 local nationals were killed as a result of the 3,170 IED attacks. Both IEDs and UXOs place a serious risk to the local population and hinder their freedom of movement.

The 741st EOD Bn works daily to remove potential hazards caused by IEDs and UXOs.

According to Matsuka, insurgents want to target coalition forces and Afghan national security forces with their IED attacks; however, recent polls show more civilians have been the victims of IEDs than military personnel.

Lt. Col. Brennan Philips, 741st EOD Bn said he is concerned for the local citizens' safety. He said every time he has gone to visit the hospital on Bagram Airfield to visit his own soldiers, he sees an Afghan child who was hurt in an explosion either caused by IEDs or UXOs.

Both Philips and Matuska feel their efforts to clear the area of IEDs and UXOs can be successful if the rewards system is in place and the local population has a safe and reliable number to call and provide information.

"If they just take a stand, we can back them up," Matuska stated. "If they would just give us a tip like 'Hey we saw someone put an IED on the road' we can come out and clear it."

In the coming months, RC-East will continue to actively promote community safety lines through television, radio, and billboard advertisement. These messages are tailored to the local Afghan audience and emphasize the danger unexploded ordinance and IEDs pose to the people in the area.

"We consider the program to be a success. We have seen the local population turn in IEDs, rockets, grenades, ammunition, and lead us to key insurgent leaders," said Manber.

One Dog, One Marine, One Mission

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:59:14 -0800

By Lance Cpl. Walter Marino

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN – Worse than turbulence, their truck sways side to side and bumps up and down along a path in Afghanistan. What would be an intolerable ride for most is just something Lance Cpl. Paul N. Krist, a dog handler for 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and his dog Max have accepted as part of the job.

Max, a black three-year-old labrador, sits calmly on the floor next to his master Krist who is reading a book. Both are waiting patiently for their next opportunity to work. Suddenly, the back of the truck opens.

"Get out, we need you and the dog," says Cpl. Adam S. Rogers, combat engineer for 2nd CEB.

Springing to action, Max immediately starts sniffing the area for explosive material. As they continue down the road they discover why they were called.

A white van has been halted and surrounded by Marines discussing whether or not the bags found in its trunk are indeed HME (homemade explosives).

One of the bags is thrown on the ground that Max begins to sniff. After a few moments, it becomes evident to Krist that the bags do not contain bomb-making materials.

"Max lies down if it's HME," said Krist.

For Krist, getting to this point took training and a passion for helping others.

Originally a tank mechanic, Krist became a dog handler after learning the billet would likely lead to a deployment in Afghanistan.
My Staff Sgt. told me I'd have a high chance of deploying as a dog handler, Krist said.

"I wanted to deploy," said Krist.

After arriving to IED detectors dog course, Krist was paired with Max, who quickly became his new best friend.

"When we got there, they gave us a sheet of paper that asked us what our hobbies were and what we did on our free time. It was supposed to help us pair up with the dogs. But, our tallest guy got the biggest dog, our meanest guy got the meanest dog and I got Max," said Krist, with a laugh.

From then on the two have constantly been perfecting their IED detection skills.

Their first find came early in Krist's and Max's deployment when they were still learning their area of operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

"I didn't expect to find anything, said Krist. "Then Max laid down and I was like, 'oh dang, I'm kind of close to this.' So I backed up and gave him his toy; that's what he gets for finding an IED, then he ran away and Explosive Ordinance Disposal Marines dug it out."

Later, Krist learned they had uncovered two IED's carrying 50 and 60 pounds of HME.

Although their discovery was an incredible feat that more than likely saved lives, Krist is not out for the recognition.

"When I came over here as a dog handler I wanted to find IEDs. Not to say that I did, but to use my dog for what we were trained for," said the nineteen-year-old Krist.

With his dog and his M-4, Krist continues to hit the road time and time again, with 2nd CEB, to contribute to the fight against roadside bombs.

"I really enjoy what I do, and the guys I work with. They really care about their job and the safety of others," said Krist. "My drive comes from knowing that we're keeping people safe, and it's not long before I go home. I hope I have a chance to do something this relevant in winning the war on my next deployment, and I hope Max can come too."

US Marines Rescue Afghan National Army Vehicle From Ditch and Help Win Hearts and Minds

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:57:21 -0800

Story by Lance Cpl. Walter Marino

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – As Route Clearance Platoon 3, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion convoys its way through an Afghan road, young children cry and signal for food.

Some Marines patrolling alongside the vehicles begin passing out oatmeal cookies.

Although the mission of RCP-3 is to rid Helmand province, Afghanistan of IED's, the Marines of RCP3 understand winning the war in Afghanistan is about more than ridding the country of roadside bombs.

"Hopefully these kids grow up and remember how nicely we treated them and choose not to be a part of the Taliban when they grow up," said Lance Cpl. Paul N. Krist, a dog handler for RCP-3.

The Marines also realize that their actions not only benefit fellow Marines, but innocent Afghans as well.

The same roads RCP-3 clears for IEDs are also used by women and children.

"It makes me feel good to know that our work helps them not have to worry about IEDs," said Lance Cpl. Michael J. Scott, a combat engineer for RCP-3. "Almost every single route that we go down we see kids."

Although happy to be ridding southern Afghanistan of roadside bombs, some of the Marines wished insurgents would choose to engage in combat instead of planting IEDs.

"I think it's cowardly. They're hurting people, innocent people, their not fighting us directly," said Lance Cpl. Cyle W. Rippey, a combat engineer for RCP-3. "They're hurting their own people and trying to make it look we cause it to recruit new members. It's cowardly there's no better way to explain it. No honor behind it."

On day three of RCP's six-day mission, the unit was convoying down a route, and came across the Afghan national army, who appeared to be in dire need of some assistance.

A truck laid halfway submerged in a canal on the route ahead.

Momentarily putting a pause on their mission, RCP-3 stopped their convoy to help the Afghans.

Working together, the Marines and ANA latched cables to the vehicle, and carefully towed the truck from the canal.

Through the crowd around the vehicle, a Marines-voice could be heard.

"Winning the hearts and minds," said one Marine.

When the work was done RCP-3 was just glad to have helped, and were even understanding to the incident.

"In the winter, the rain causes routes to become slippery, and harder for the drivers to handle the vehicle," said Cpl. Adam S. Rogers, combat engineer for RCP-3. "When roads get washed out, it becomes possible for vehicles to get stuck or fall into the canal."

As the Marines continued on with their route clearance mission, they left a standing impression with the Afghan locals and ANA.

"This is a great help that the Marines did for us, and we will never forget it," said Entizar a gunnery sergeant for the Afghan national army. "We are going to try and do the same for them whenever we can. This is not just about taking the car out. We are happy with them because they are good to us."

COLTs Receive New Systems to Assist the Fight

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:33:48 -0800

By Spc. Richard Daniels Jr.

FORT POLK, La -- The Combat Observation Lasing Teams of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division utilized new equipment during their first mission at the Joint Readiness Training Center Jan. 15 at Fort Polk, La.

The mission required them to escort three pick-up trucks, or jingle trucks, carrying produce to mock villages allowing them to test their Fire Support Sensory System, Forward Observer System, and many others.

"It's good to know the capabilities of our vehicles before we deploy, and it will show us what we can and can't do with them," said Sgt. Joseph Dawson.

The Fire Support Sensory System, or FS3, is one of many systems that the COLTs use to scan the battlefield enhancing their mission capabilities.

"The newest system that we have is the FS3," said Sgt. Anthony Suchey, team chief. "It's more or less for digital communications instead of having to do everything by voice."

The FS3 is located inside their newest vehicle, the M1200 Armored Knight Vehicle. The JRTC scenario consisted of heavy enemy fire, taking many Soldiers out of the fight, but the new equipment allowed the COLTs to combine skills of many Soldiers into one machine.

"I think it's actually good training for not only myself but for my gunner and my driver as well because we've only had these vehicles for about two months," said Suchey. "It's good hands on [training] to actually get familiar with the vehicle and get comfortable on how you get setup in it," he said.

The Armored Knight offers more protection all around especially for the gunner. The FS3 in the vehicle allows Soldiers to scan the terrain without leaving the safety of its armored protection.

"It will actually give us the edge as far as capabilities go, keeping our troops safe and being able to move securely through the area," said Dawson.

As training continues, the COLTs will gain the knowledge necessary to become a force to be reckoned with on the Afghan battlefield.

"I think it's going to be a success for us having the Armored Knight Vehicle, as far as all the systems we have on it and the capabilities," said Suchey.

Ammonium Nitrate Discovered in Helmand

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:02:55 -0800

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - A joint ANA-ISAF patrol discovered 636 kilograms of ammonium nitrate after searching a building in the Nawah-ye-Barakzai District of Helmand province yesterday. The joint force detained the building owner.

The fertilizer was destroyed on site.

Ammonium nitrate based home-made explosives continue to be used in the production of IED's causing the majority of civilian and ISAF casualties in Afghanistan.

In September 2009, ISAF received permission from the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to "confiscate any supplies of ammonium nitrate fertilizers being kept or transported in Afghanistan."

Farmers are urged to use fertilizers containing urea nitrate as an alternative.

Afghan Security Forces Stabilize Kabul

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:02:11 -0800

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - Afghan national security forces effectively countered an insurgent attack in downtown Kabul today, and with ISAF support, are securing the area where several explosions and small-arms fire were reported this morning.

"Today's attack by the Taliban in Kabul is yet another example of their brutality and contempt for the Afghan people," said Gen. Stanley McChrystal, ISAF commander. "Afghan national security forces effectively dealt with the situation and should be commended. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the innocent victims of this cowardly attack."

Near the Feroshgae Afghan Shopping Center and Serena Hotel in the downtown area, ANSF and Kabul security forces fiercely engaged insurgents who were using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms, killing at least six of the insurgents. The Afghan national army and the Afghan national police report two casualties each in today's engagement.
The number of civilian casualties is unknown at this time.

The coordination demonstrated by the various security forces today highlights their improved effectiveness in protecting Afghan citizens.

The insurgent attack has also been condemned by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

"We are aware that the Taliban have claimed responsibility for this attack," said UNAMA Spokesman Aleem Siddique. "We condemn this attack unreservedly. It is of particular concern that this took place in an area with so many civilians present."

Kabul City authorities continue to work hand-in-hand with ANSF to bring this attack on Afghan civilians to an end. ISAF forces are assisting where needed.

Source: US Department of Defense

Wounded Warrior Program Returns to Iraq, Still Evolving

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:08:54 -0800

Story by Spc. Mike MacLeod

CAMP RAMADI, IRAQ – Five severely wounded veterans returned to Iraq just after the 2009 Christmas holiday as part of the third installment of an evolving program to help wounded warriors heal from traumatic combat injuries.

The group, consisting of amputees and severe burn victims, visited deployed paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division as part of Operation Proper Exit, a program designed to return the injured to the scene of their battlefield injuries to help them find psychological closure.

Richard Kell, founder of the nonprofit Troops First Foundation that runs the program, estimates the number of wounded Iraq veterans who fit its criteria – those that are mentally and physically moving forward with a recovery plan – to be between 1,000 and 1,500.

In its third rendition since June, the program has now helped 18 wounded soldiers and Marines move on with their lives, said Kell.

"Can we really make a dent? We're gonna try," he said.

The goal is to make one trip per month following the Iraqi national elections in early 2010.

While Kell does not expect to get the majority to Iraq before U.S. forces leave in 2011, he and the program's other principles, Col. David Sutherland, a former brigade commander in Diyala province, and Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, the highest ranking enlisted soldier of United States Force – Iraq, are considering ways to multiply the reach of the program.

"Lots of 'gold star' families would like to come here to find closure as well, so see where their loved ones died," said Kell. "We've considered making our alumni available to talk to those families, so that they can tell them that their sacrifices have extreme value here in Iraq."

That kind of mentorship from prior participants has already been leveraged by Operation Proper Exit by asking one wounded warrior from each trip act as a mentor for the next, a role fulfilled on the first trip by Sutherland.

"This time we brought back Sgt. 1st Class [Joshua] Olson, who is a great [noncommissioned officer]," said Kell. "I'm learning what that's all about. He looks after his fellow soldiers very well."

Having an alum return as a military mentor with following groups is the most significant structural change to the program, he said. Additionally, the program has also reduced the number of meetings and command briefs to allow wounded warriors maximum time with soldiers on the ground.

"That's the most effective use of their time," said Kell.

However, the greatest change from trip to trip is the identity that each group takes on, he said.

"The first group viewed themselves as ambassadors to keep the door open for future trips. They made sure that, when they did talk to the press, they were very honest and truthful about their experiences," he said.

"The second group wanted to report back to families of their fallen comrades that their sacrifices were not in vain, that they had significant meaning, and that they added a great deal to the quality of life here in Iraq and potential for long term security. I think they found that to be true."

"The identity for this trip so far would have to be called 'Schlitz's Trip.' Sgt. 1st Class [Mike] Schlitz is an amazing young man who has been burned on 85 percent of his body."

Doctors harvested the remaining 15 percent for skin grafts so that Schlitz has given up 100 percent of surface of his body, he said.

"His ability to reach out and want to make other people feel good is an amazing quality. This isn't to take anything from the other warriors, but I think we will all leave here changed [by him]," said Kell.

While one of Schlitz's future goals is to continue with small venue public speaking, some participants prefer to avoid the media during the Operation Proper Exit trips.

"We let the press be the warriors' own decision," said Kell.

"If five out of five of our current group chose not to have their photographs taken or talk to the media, the reality is, that's okay," he said. "We also guarantee them that, if they do agree to talk to the press and it does become a burden, we well end it."

Kell cited an incident with a reporter who attempted to interview two wounded warriors during a visit to a war memorial at Forward Operating Base Normandy. The reporter was asked to stand down.

"Ironically, that moment of separation helped him gain greater insight into what this program is all about, and it came through in the article he wrote," said Kell.

As the five wounded warriors told their stories one by one to more than 100 paratroopers at a "town hall" meeting at Camp Ramadi, Kell made one last point.

"We're not going to make the soldiers make that decision before they get here. What you see is five soldiers in here that want to tell their stories, and they're getting encouraged to tell their stories, and they're getting comfortable with telling their stories."

"I would tell you a week ago I'm not so sure they all felt they would be sitting in there doing this."

Supporting Breast Cancer Research and Keeping a Promise to a Friend

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:05:01 -0800

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Supporting a good cause and keeping a promise to a friend is all the motivation San Diego native Lt. Cmdr. Michael Bates needed to walk and run 60 miles in Afghanistan.

Shadowing the San Diego 2009 Breast Cancer 3 Day 60 Mile walk, Bates completed the distance in Afghanistan to support his friend Jennifer Schultz and breast cancer research. The walk was an opportunity for men and women to make a personal difference by fundraising, training and wholly dedicating an entire weekend to the fight against breast cancer.

"[Schultz] signed up for this but she was nervous about walking 60 miles and was wondering if she did the right thing," said Bates. "I told her if she kept it up and did her training I would do it with her but here in Afghanistan. When she left at 6:30 a.m., I left at 7:00 p.m., so we both started at the same time."

Bates, who is the current operations officer for the 30th Naval Construction Regiment, manages all ongoing military engineer construction in southern Afghanistan. After each workday, he needed to complete the distance over the same three days as his friend, running or walking 26 miles the first day, 20 miles the second and 14 miles the third.

"I didn't want to walk until four or five in the morning so I decided I've got to run some of this," said Bates. "I ended up running 13 miles and walking the rest the first night. It was pretty hard. I was worn out."

For the following two days Bates ran and walked the distances.

"The second day I [already] had blisters on my feet but I did it anyway. My heels were bleeding afterwards and I had bigger blisters," said Bates before starting to laugh. "It was hard to walk so I went to see Doc."

He was told by the regimental doctor not to run.

"I needed to finish it. So he taped up my feet and got me ready to go," said Bates. "The last night I went out and did the last 14 miles. I felt horrible, but [I also felt] fantastic that I com¬pleted something I started."

On the second day, Bates called his wife and explained to her his struggles.

"My mother passed away from breast cancer when I was 14 years old," said Bates. "[My wife] asked me if I was thinking about my mom. I hadn't until that point but after that, I did. But my main motivation was my very dear friend. I made a promise to her and I intended to keep it. Those were definitely my two motivations."

Iraqi Army Soldiers Reinforce Al Asad's First Line of Defense

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:44:45 -0800

By Cpl. Joshua Murray

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Visitors to the main gate of Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, will find a few changes as they approach the installation. When they read warning signs and twist through a serpentine blockade, it quickly becomes apparent they are approaching a traffic control point, which several days ago was nothing more than a wooden shack positioned a few feet from the road.

Soldiers from the 7th Iraqi Army Division learned construction techniques and operational procedures for a TCP, Dec. 4-14, aboard Al Asad. The new, reinforced TCP is the first line of defense on approach to the base's main entrance, which now serves as a systematic anti-terrorism tool completely controlled by IA soldiers.

"Before we got there, they had a tower, a compound for a living area and a guard shack," explained Army Sgt. Ryan Johnson, a combat engineer with Company A, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist Brigade). "They were stopping vehicles where there were no Hesco barriers, no security and no defense against a [vehicle borne improvised explosive device]. They were stopping vehicles next to the barracks and all the [IA soldiers] were right there. God forbid [an attack] might have happened and taken out everyone there and their living area."

Without the blockades and speed bumps, traffic previously approached the TCP at potentially unsafe speeds, which gave the IA soldiers only a brief moment to evaluate the oncoming vehicle and its occupants.

"We showed them how to use escalation of force techniques and in what instances they should actually use them," mentioned Spc. Michael Baker, a combat engineer with Company A. "If a VBIED approaches now, the TCP will slow the vehicle down and give Iraqi soldiers the opportunity to apply escalation of force if needed."

The reinforcement was referred to as a "train the trainer" course, in which IA soldiers will use the skills they've learned to teach other soldiers in their units.

"This checkpoint hasn't been hit, but I know others that have been, and that is why we had the idea to secure the TCP," said IA 1st Lt. Jalal Hashem. "We learned from Coalition forces how to arrange the TCP, and now we can reinforce other checkpoints to prevent terrorist activities."

After days of instruction and assembly, the men and women who live only minutes from the TCP can feel more secure thanks to Al Asad's new first line of defense and the IA soldiers who guard it.

Iraqi Police Graduate Advanced Investigator Course

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:38:44 -0800

By Cpl. Meg Murray

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Thirteen Iraqi policemen, all who are head investigators from Iraq's National Information and Investigation Agency, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Criminal Investigation Units in the Hit, Baghdadi and Haditha police districts, graduated from a four day advanced investigator course and received their diplomas at a dining facility aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Dec. 17.

In addition to basic skills, on the first day of training, the judge of the Haditha district court was present to provide instruction on courtroom procedures and evidence handling.

Soldiers from the 747th Military Police Company facilitated the course, which focused on refreshing the investigators' skills in areas such as fingerprinting, evidence collection, interview and interrogation, and photography.

"It was my honor to be the course director for the advanced investigator course and work with such a select group of investigators," said Army Lt. Col. Pat Crisler, the senior Iraqi police advisor for Al Anbar.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were IP Col. Salam Abd al-Salam Abdullah al-Ubaydi, the Baghdadi district chief of police, Col. Grant Olbrich, the Multi National Force - West Iraqi Security Forces director, and Navy Capt. Todd Kiefer, the commanding officer of Al Asad's Base Command Group.

"On behalf of the provincial police chief in Anbar, we would like to thank [U.S.] forces for their cooperation with the Iraqi police," began Salam, speaking through an interpreter, "and for opening this very important course to teach the officers and employees and to exchange the experiences between the two parties to reach the goal, which is the success of reaching the criminals and finding all the terrorists, and to submit them to justice ... to achieve justice among the law enforcement and the people."

Just before diplomas were handed out, one of the graduates stood up and asked to say a few words of thanks.

"I attended the course, and on behalf of all the other investigation officers in the course, I would like to thank all the teachers who gave us the class," said an IP Captain with the NIIA, speaking through an interpreter. "This course has provided very good information that was really helpful for us, and it gave us more experience."

Sgt. 1st Class Janet Lopez, the platoon sergeant of 3rd Platoon, 747th MP Company, witnessed the policemen's enthusiasm for the course first hand.

"They're very excited about having the training, and it's always good to refresh your [investigative] skills, because it's one of those things where if you don't use it, you lose it," Lopez explained.

The policemen were all smiles as they proudly accepted their diplomas and set out to bring justice to the province.