1. Volume 1, Issue 28 may 13, 2011
1st AATF Soldiers aid in weapons recovery
Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
LongKnife
Ironhorse
Devil
Fit for Any Test
Fit for Any Test
Ironhorse
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N Devil
An Iraqi Policeman of the Kirkuk Emergency Services Unit Raid Platoon, assisted by Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st
Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, scans a Kirkuk resident into the Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment after
LongKnife
finding suspicious items in the resident’s home, May 4, 2011. The HIIDE is a biometric identification system that allows the user to accurately
Steadfast and Loyal
verify a person’s identity after being enrolled in a database.
Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux Regiment, attached to 1st Ad- enemy movement, disrupt pos- Staff Sgt. Garin Knutson, an
1st AATF Public Affairs vise and Assist Task Force, 1st sible indirect fire locations, infantryman and tactical site
1st Inf. Div., USD-N Infantry Division, conducted collect intelligence and appre- exploitation coordinator with
an early morning raid on a hend suspected violent extrem- Company B, detailed the many
Warrior
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- home used in the construction ists to better secure Kirkuk and elements that make Operation
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq of rocket rails during Opera- Contingency Operating Site Lion Claw successful.
– The Kirkuk Emergency Ser- tion Lion Claw, May 4. Warrior. “The ESU has taken lead
vices Unit Raid Platoon, as- Operation Lion Claw is In the crew compartment on this mission,” said Knut-
sisted by Soldiers of Company an ongoing series of Iraqi-led of a dimly lit Mine Resistant
B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry missions designed to restrict Ambush Protected vehicle, See WEAPONS, Pg. 3

2. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
him recognition as “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week.
During the training, O’Dowd, a native of Omaha, Neb., in-
structed partnered security forces soldiers on tactical skills such as
map reading, land navigation, mission preparation, patrolling, and
basic and advanced rifle marksmanship.
“O’Dowd is just great guy to work with,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel
Northington, platoon sergeant assigned to 2nd Plt., Troop B. “His
willingness to drive on and accomplish the mission sets him apart
from my other Soldiers.”
Cavalry scouts of Troop B live with and work beside their Iraqi
counterparts daily at the security area in Ninewa province.
U.S. Army photo
Northington said O’Dowd also takes initiative to coordinate ad-
ditional combat training and mentor Iraqi soldiers who may have
Spc. Charles O’Dowd, a cavalry scout assigned to Troop B, 1st Squad-
ron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry challenges understanding the techniques during training sessions
Division, pulls security during a mission in Ninewa province. O’Dowd, at the checkpoint.
a native of Omaha, Neb., serves as an instructor with partnered Iraqi Training Iraqi troops on scout skills is a good experience,
Army and Kurdish Security Forces soldiers at Combined Checkpoint
O’Dowd said.
11, near Zumar, Iraq. O’Dowd’s professionalism during training opera-
tions earned him the title of “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week. “This deployment we are training the Iraqis to protect their peo-
ple and improve their security,” said O’Dowd, currently serving on
Cavalry scouts assigned to Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry his second deployment with the 4th AAB. “It allows me to better
Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, my leadership by teaching the Iraqi soldiers.”
utilize a wealth of combat and reconnaissance experience to teach O’Dowd said he already had some experience conducting part-
Iraqi Security Forces across U.S. Division-North in support of Op- nered operations with Iraqi soldiers following a 2008 deployment
eration New Dawn. to southern Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Charles O’Dowd, a cavalry scout assigned to Troop B, ex- “He does an outstanding job working with the Iraqis,” said
emplified professionalism during mission essential capability op- Northington, a native of Dallas, Texas. “Only a few junior enlisted
erations conducted with Iraqi Army and Kurdish Security Forces Soldiers possess the knowledge and leadership skills O’Dowd has.
at Combined Checkpoint 11 near Zumar, Iraq, April 27, earning He’s just a good Soldier.”
IA soldiers train on ‘Warrior’ brigade soldiers medevac crew braves harsh ‘On time’ battalion assists
mechanized vehicles advise iraqi army on conditions to assist fellow in development of IA’s first
logistics operations soldier field artillery corps
Page 4 Page 7 Page 9 Page 10
THE Ivy Leaf Task Force Ironhorse
Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins
The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.
Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey
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 Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs
publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve Wollman
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, TF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Sgt. 1st Class Brent M. Williams
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Sgt. Coltin Heller
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.
1st Advise and 2nd Advise and
Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions Assist Task Force Assist Brigade
from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at usdnpao@usdn4id.army. 1st Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division
mil. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected
for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or 4th Advise and
comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 318-849-0089. Assist Brigade
1st Cavalry Division
2

3. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
Cont’d from WEAPONS, Pg. 1
sor, Capt. Matthew Makaryk,
commander, Company B, 2nd
Bn., 12th Cav. Regt., consid-
ered the mission a success.
Makaryk reflected on the
success of Operation Lion
Claw, which took place the day
after the death of Osama bin
Laden.
“Following the events that
have happened in the world,
for them to go on mission and
find something like this vin-
dicates our efforts here,” said
Makaryk, a Plainfield, Wis., na-
tive. “To go on mission and find
some ‘no-kidding’ items on an
objective, they are excited and
look forward to the next one.”
Company B Soldiers have
seen noticeable growth in their
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
Iraqi military counterparts, he
Staff Sgt. Garin Knutson, an infantryman from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Ad-
said.
vise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, and a native of Hesperia, Calif., begins an initial inspec-
tion of evidence found at an objective during Operation Lion Claw in Kirkuk, Iraq, May 4, 2011. “They are all from Kirkuk;
they all want Kirkuk to be suc-
son, a Hesperia, Calif. native. step mission brief, the ESU, rails, how to assemble and fire cessful,” said Makaryk of the
“They’re the ones actually en- IP and U.S. Soldiers quickly rocket propelled grenades, and ESU.
tering the objectives. We have mounted their vehicles and how to use improvised ex- “I take the advise, train and
provided some intelligence to moved to the objective under plosive devices. The soldier assist mission very seriously,”
help them along the way, but the cover of darkness. brought the videos to the main he said. “The ESU has contin-
they’re basically the ones do- The mission turned out to be room and placed them next to ued to advance since we have
ing the raid. We’re just pulling a success because of weapons the evidence found by other been here, but the only way to
outer security for them.” and evidence found at the ob- team members, which included know if they are truly success-
Lion Claw required com- jective, said Chief Warrant Of- cell phones and SIM cards. ful is to see what Kirkuk looks
bined efforts and coordination ficer Shakhawan Fateh, ground The ESU will catch the sus- like in 10 years. If they contin-
between the ESU, who per- commander of the ESU Raid pect, said Shakhawan with an ue to build on the efforts we’ve
formed the actual raids, U.S. Platoon. ear-to-ear grin, staring at the made and the time that we’ve
forces who provided intelli- Shakhawan said the ESU did mounting heap of evidence. spent, then we will know if we
gence and outer security, and not capture the main suspect, Shakhawan’s mission advi- have been successful.”
Iraqi Police who escorted the but the individual had appar-
convoy to the objective. ently used the house as a cache
“The ESU is local Iraqi Se- for weapons, ammunition and
curity Forces in the area com- rocket-making material.
posed of Kurds, Turkomen and While searching the house,
Arabs partnered together,” ex- one of the ESU soldiers found
plained Knutson. “They are re- instructional DVDs demon-
sponsible for securing the area strating how to build rocket
in and around Kirkuk City.”
An Iraqi citizen scans his thumb-
The Kirkuk ESU Raid Pla-
print into the Handheld Inter-
toon has trained with several agency Identity Detection Equip-
U.S. Army units since the onset ment after the Kirkuk Emergency
of Operation New Dawn. Services Unit and Soldiers from
2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regi-
“This is the bread and butter
ment, 1st Advise and Assist Bri-
of dynamic entry teams,” said gade, 1st Cavalry Division found
Knutson. “These guys are not suspicious items in the resi-
to be taken lightly.” dent’s home in Kirkuk, Iraq, May
4, 2011.
After conducting a step by
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
3

4. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
IA soldiers train on mechanized vehicles
Sgt. David Strayer The M113 is one of the most widely tion,” said Sgt. William Swift, an instructor
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment used infantry vehicles in military history. for M113 driver and maintenance training
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs Introduced in 1962, it was the primary ar- with Company B, Brigade Support Battal-
mored vehicle used by American forces ion, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div.
KIRKUSH MILITARY TRAINING during the Vietnam War. “Since this is a train-the-trainer course,
BASE, Iraq – Iraqi Army soldiers selected M2 and M3 Bradley fighting vehicles we have left all the logistics for the course
from four brigades of 5th IA Division con- replaced the M113 as a front-line combat to the IA, so they are troubleshooting all
ducted operator training on the M113 Ar- vehicle in the U.S. Army, but the M113 is of their own problems and arranging for
mored Personnel Carrier vehicle with as- still used by U.S. Soldiers in support roles fuel, food, and parts if something were to
sistance from U.S. Soldiers of 2nd Advise in many of its variations, such as mortar happen to a vehicle,” said Swift. “They are
and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, carriers and armored ambulances. essentially facilitating their own training.”
April 27. “This training course, like many of the Iraqi military leaders chose the 5th IA
During the M113 training cycle, at training courses here at KMTB, has a pur- Division to become one of the first divi-
Kirkush Military Training Base, Iraq, U.S. pose outside simple instruction,” said Mu- sions to be mechanized. All of the training
Soldiers train the IA on becoming master wwakkil. “This 10-day course is actually and advising with IA units at KMTB has
drivers and vehicle maintenance special- meant to be a train-the-trainer course. We been to prepare soldiers for the new mis-
ists, teaching basic operating procedures want these guys to be able to take the train- sion they will take on once U.S. forces
and vehicle maneuvering skills, as well as ing that we provide to them and be able to transition out of Iraq later this year, Muw-
troubleshooting vehicle malfunctions. retrain soldiers in their own units later.” wakkil explained.
“The M113 course lasts ten days, so While the 10-day M113 APC driver and “This is all about getting them ready to
there is a good amount of information to fit maintenance course is aimed at successful- take on the conventional mission set of a
into that time period,” said Maj. Rasheed ly producing Iraqi Army soldiers who can nation’s army—things like border defense
Muwwakkil, a logistics advisor to the Iraqi be called subject matter experts on operat- and protecting the people,” he added.
Security Forces. “All of the IA attending ing and conducting user-level maintenance, “That’s why this division has been selected
the course are extremely motivated to that is not the course’s only purpose, said to become modernized and mechanized.”
learn and take an active part in the Muwwakkil. “All of the training here at KMTB is
class, especially when it comes to “This is the fourth M113 course we have slowly coming together; the end product
anything hands-on and get- done, and it seems this way across the will be a modernized, well-trained division
ting a familiarity with the board, but the IA soldiers that come that is prepared to defend its nation,” Mu-
vehicle.” through really are getting better wwakkil said. “Things like the M113 APC
and better with each passing rota- training is just one step closer to that end
goal.”
A vehicle crew of Iraqi Army soldiers
negotiates an apex obstacle in an
M113 Armored Personnel Car-
rier at the driver instruction
obstacle course at Kirkush
Military Training Base,
Iraq, April 27, 2011. The
M113 APC training is
a 10-day course that
provides IA soldiers
instruction on vehicle
operations, operator
level maintenance,
and troubleshooting
problems. At the end
of the course, sev-
eral IA soldiers will be
selected to remain at
KMTB as instructors
to train with other Iraqi
Army units.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
4

5. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
Mortar training provides IA more firepower
An Iraqi Army mortar crew con-
ducts an assembly drill at full, or
“combat,” speed at Kirkush Mili-
tary Training Base, Diyala prov-
ince, Iraq, May 7, 2011.
on the target. These guys don’t
accept failure; they learn on the
fly and pick things up really
quickly.”
Infantry and mortar train-
ing classes during Tadreeb al
Shamil focus on developing
and modernizing IA battalions’
capability to train as cohesive
units and take on the mission
set of a conventional standing
army—protection of the na-
tion’s people, borders and in-
frastructure.
“In the past, the majority of
the Iraqi Army, including the
5th Division, were rifleman,”
said Carter. “The training that
they are getting here, like the
120mm mortars and … field
artillery training, is all part of
their modernization.”
“We are trying to get these
guys into the combined arms
fight,” Carter continued. “For
the last several years these guys
have functioned as a coun-
ter-insurgency army, but any
high-intensity conflict requires
a modern army and modern
training. That is what they are
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO getting here.”
Sgt. David Strayer mortar systems during the cur- enemy with more firepower.” While much of the mor-
109th MPAD rent training cycle at KMTB While IA soldiers who tar training will be devoted
USD-N Public Affairs to provide 5th IA Division sol- go through training cycles at to classroom instruction and
diers with broader experience KMTB are already trained on hands-on exercises with the
KIRKUSH MILITARY using the larger mortar systems. basic infantry skills, most have new 120mm system, U.S.
TRAINING BASE, Iraq – Fol- “This is the first training little to no experience with mor- forces still plan to devote equal
-lowing four months of suc- cycle that we have included tar systems prior to the course, amounts of time for training
cessful training with 60mm and training on the larger 120mm said Staff Sgt. Sylas Carter, a blocks on the 60mm and 81mm
81mm mortar systems, instruc- mortar system,” said 1st Lt. Da- mortar section leader and non- mortar systems that have been
tors at Kirkush Military Train- vid Real, Fire Support Officer, commissioned officer in charge trained in the past.
ing Base are preparing to add Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st of mortar instruction, Company “The 120mm is a brigade
more firepower for Iraqi sol- Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., 2nd level asset; the 81 and 60mm
diers during Tadreeb al Shamil, and Assist Brigade, 25th Infan- AAB. are battalion and company level
the Iraqi Army’s all inclusive try Division. “(The students) “When they come to us on a assets, respectively,” said Cart-
training program. are looking forward to receiv- rotation, they really don’t know er. “This ensures that each level
U.S. instructors from 2nd ing the training. Not only will anything about mortars, not of command has their own in-
Advise and Assist Brigade, it enhance their indirect fire even how to set the things up,” direct fire assets, especially if
25th Infantry Division plan to capability, but it will help them Carter said. “We go from zero things like howitzers are tied
phase in training on 120mm be able to take the fight to the knowledge to a guaranteed hit
See MORTAR, Pg. 6
5

6. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
Cameras strengthen force protection
at combined security checkpoints
1st Lt. Kyle Miller Spc. Michael Hubbard, Troop A, 2nd Squad-
2nd Sqdn., 14th Cav. Regt. ron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and
Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, con-
2nd AAB Public Affairs structs mounting brackets to support the
25th Inf. Div., USD-N emplacement of the Rapid Deployment Inte-
grated Surveillance System at Contingency
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE CO- Operating Site Cobra, Diyala province, Iraq,
BRA, Iraq – From trip wire flares to seis- April 16, 2011.
mic and acoustic sensors, U.S. Army scout
platoons use a range of high-tech equip- tive and former Army cavalry scout from
ment and low-tech guile to compensate for Radcliffe, Ky., coordinated with unit pla-
smaller organization size and enhance sur- toon leaders to construct and emplace cam-
vivability on the ground during operations. era mounts from available materials.
Scouts at the Diyala combined check- Filling sand bags and building wooden
points recently emplaced several Rapid structures for the past ten months, Sol-
Deployment Integrated Surveillance Sys- diers from Troop A, “Ace High,” are no
tems cameras which are normally reserved strangers to the important yet tedious work
for much larger bases. involved in force protection. As some Sol-
“The RDISS provides the checkpoints diers worked extra security shifts, others
with an additional set of eyes and enhances picked up saws and drills to help the FSRs
the force protection of our Soldiers operat- emplace the RDISS.
ing there,” said Lt. Col. Joel Miller, execu- Bowling said the RDISS camera system
tive officer, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry is simple to use, comparing its interface
Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, with those of modern video games.
25th Infantry Division. Sitting in front of two flat-screen moni- U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Kyle Miller
The RDISS consists of durable outdoor tors, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Lemay, a Troop the advanced force protection assets at his
cameras that are similar to commercially A scout from Ojai, Calif., navigated the outpost.
available versions often employed in malls controls. A twist of the joystick zoomed “At this point, our platoon checkpoint
and businesses. the camera in while a few mouse clicks has just as many force protection assets as
Equipping the checkpoints with RDISS brought up the “Burn CD” feature. a (larger base) in Iraq,” Switzer said. “You
helps protect Soldiers and their Iraqi coun- “It complements our other force protec- name it, we’ve got it; and we’re putting it
terparts by increasing their overall situ- tion improvements,” said Lemay. “If some- to good use.”
ational awareness, Miller said. one is outside our new gate, an operator can “The squadron command is completely
Like any fielded technology, setup be- check the system and realize, it’s one of us dedicated to improving the force protec-
came more complicated in an austere and let him in.” tion and security of each one of the check-
checkpoint environment. First Lt. Noah Switzer, a platoon leader points,” Miller said. “Nothing is more im-
Jeff Bowling, a field support representa- from Summerville, Tenn., commented on portant than the safety of our Soldiers.”
Cont’d from MORTAR, Pg. 5
up with a higher priority tar- While fundamental skills re- stone event designed to coor-
get, there are still (indirect fire) main the same from system to dinate full-spectrum operations
assets available to them and it system, tactical employment of between Iraqi Security Forces
brings more guns to the fight.” the different size mortars varies agencies.
in difficulty, Carter said. “Not only will the capstone
Three Iraqi Army soldiers watch Each system has its own role event showcase the skills, tech-
as Spc. Christopher Klenclo, in combat, he said, and famil- nical, and tactical proficiencies
a mortar team instructor from
Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st iarizing the Iraqi soldiers with that these guys have picked up
Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise these roles makes the IA a well- over the last five training rota-
and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry rounded, modern army. tions here, it will show their
Division, demonstrates the prop- The end of May, and the fifth capacity to function as an or-
er procedures for setting up an
81mm mortar system at Kirkush training cycle at KMTB, will ganized, professional national
Military Training Base, Diyala mark the onset of Operation security force,” said Real.
province, Iraq, May 7, 2011. Iron Lion—a provincial cap-
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer
6

7. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
‘Warrior’ Brigade Soldiers advise Iraqi
Army on logistics operations at KMTB
parts serves the practical pur-
pose of the course, he added.
Iraqi soldiers conducting
the vehicle maintenance course
learn all levels of operator-
level maintenance, including
preventive maintenance checks
and services, and recognizing
and cataloging vehicle defaults.
“After a PMCS by the man-
ual, which includes listing any
vehicle defaults, we have the
second and third-level mainte-
nance guys come in and verify
the faults,” said Muwwakkil.
“That’s when we start to be
able to get into the logistics
piece of the equation.”
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO The Iraqi Army currently
Iraqi Army soldiers of 5th Iraqi Army Division conduct preventive maintenance checks and services on a uses a manual system of sub-
humvee as part of a vehicle maintenance training course at Kirkush Military Training Base, Diyala province, mitting paper forms and getting
Iraq, May 9, 2011. The 5th IA Div. soldiers bring their humvees to the Tadreeb al Shamil rotation and learn
stamped approval for replace-
how to properly conduct PMCS, catalog vehicle defaults and request replacement parts.
ment parts requisition and dis-
Sgt. David Strayer ing cycles. sow, 2nd AAB Master Gunner tribution.
109th MPAD “The main reason that we and member of the Kirkush U.S. forces are assisting the
USD-N Public Affairs started the Tadreeb al Shamil Transition Team, said the driv- IA to transition to an online,
sustainment training, like the ers and maintenance class is a automated system that is more
KIRKUSH MILITARY vehicle maintenance course, recent addition to the Tadreeb accessible and efficient.
TRAINING BASE, Iraq – Sol- was essentially to troubleshoot al Shamil course at KMTB. “In the past, a request form
diers of 2nd Advise and Assist the Iraqi Army logistics sys- All the Iraqi soldiers who for something like replacement
Brigade, 25th Infantry Divi- tem when it comes to getting conduct vehicle operator train- humvee parts could sit on a
sion assisted 5th Iraqi Army things like replacement parts,” ing will also learn basic mainte- desk for a month awaiting an
Division and Iraqi Ministry of said Maj. Rasheed Muwwak- nance skills to diversify skills, approval stamp,” said Muw-
Defense members in the im- kil, Iraqi Security Forces logis- Wussow said. wakkil. “The automated system
provement of logistics systems tics advisor, Headquarters and Iraqi Security Forces began allows the parts request to be
at Kirkush Military Training Headquarters Company, 2nd widespread use of the humvee input on a computer and trans-
Base, in the Diyala province of AAB, 25th Inf. Div. after working alongside U.S. ferred to the approval authori-
Iraq, May 7. Muwwakkil said instructors forces during Operation Iraqi ties at the MOD with a thumb-
U.S. forces started a vehicle chose the High Mobility Multi- Freedom and Operation New drive. It simplifies the process.”
training initiative with Iraqi purpose Wheeled Vehicle be- Dawn. Muwwakkil added that from
soldiers in February as a way to cause of the relative abundance “Now we require every unit rotation to rotation there has
test logistical skills with practi- of vehicles within Iraqi units, that comes to KMTB for a been a drastic improvement in
cal exercises during Tadreeb al and immediate benefits mainte- training rotation to bring all of each new group’s ability to pro-
Shamil, an Iraqi Army initia- nance training could have. their humvees with them,” said vide their own logistical sup-
tive focused on collective unit The training serves to evalu- Muwwakkil. “It doesn’t mat- port to IA soldiers.
training and modernizing Iraq’s ate Iraqi logistical systems for ter whether they are running or Logistical expertise gleaned
ground forces. requesting and receiving re- not; whether they have to push from training at KMTB will
During Tadreeb al Shamil, placement vehicle parts, and or pull them to the training cen- be put to the test later this year
Arabic for All Inclusive Train- educates the IA soldiers on ter, we require that they bring during Operation Iron Lion,
ing, instructors provide training improving maintenance on ve- them all.” a provincial capstone event
on infantry and critical support hicle fleets. Bringing vehicles that actu- showcasing the ISF’s capabili-
skills during month-long train- Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Wus- ally need maintenance and new ties.
7

8. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
101st Brigade Support Battalion leads in safety
Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux Spc. Daniel Juliao, a water treatment special-
1st AATF Public Affairs ist assigned to 101st Brigade Support Bat-
talion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st
1st Inf. Div., USD-N Infantry Division, gauges fuel levels atop his
vehicle while wearing his protective equip-
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE ment to ensure safety prior to a mission at
WARRIOR, Iraq – Soldiers of 101st Bri- Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq,
gade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and As- May 7, 2011. Soldiers of 101st BSB received
the Safety Excellence award for continuously
sist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division from
maintaining safety while deployed to U.S.
Fort Riley, Kan., were awarded the Safety Division-North in support of Operation New
Excellence streamer during a presentation Dawn.
ceremony at Contingency Operating Site U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO
Warrior, May 7. training, along with the Army Readiness Mr. Rusty Gaither, who has done a fantas-
The 101st BSB is currently the only bat- Assessment Program, to remain current tic job.”
talion in U.S. Division-North and the first within the program’s annual requirements. Safety officers work full time with bri-
battalion in 1st Inf. Div. to win the streamer “Receiving this recognition is incredible gades to ensure commanders remain cur-
since the award’s establishment in June and an honor for all of us,” said Command rent on programs like ARAP and guarantee
2009, said Mr. Rusty Gaither, safety and Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Adams, 101st BSB’s se- units meet safety standards.
occupational health manager, 1st AATF. nior enlisted advisor, and a native of Du- “The Guardians award represents more
“This is a big honor for the battalion mas, Texas. “I believe that setting the ex- than just meeting the eligibility require-
to receive this recognition,” said Lt. Col. ample and enforcing strict discipline and ments to receive it,” said Gaither, a Porum,
Brandon Grubbs, 101st BSB commander. standards by all leaders made the differ- Okla. native. “It is proof that their entire
“The credit goes fully to the Soldiers and ence.” unit leadership has engaged their Soldiers
leaders who have remained focused on Grubbs said upon taking command and and stressed and enforced the importance
safety and have spent long hours conduct- learning about the ARAP, he knew it would of safety standards. The streamer is also
ing online Composite Risk Management require a strong effort by his unit to achieve evidence that a safety culture exists in that
training as well as assessing risks for every the honor. unit. It is proof of personal ‘buy-in’ of the
mission.” “There are so many different programs Army Safety Program by every single Sol-
“Guardians” Battalion Soldiers earned out there, but this one gave me a good pic- dier in that unit.”
the award after recently completing 12 con- ture as to what our strengths and weakness- Guardians Soldiers continued demon-
secutive months without experiencing a se- es were,” said Grubbs, a native of Bakers- strating good safety practices and adhered
rious Soldier or unit incident. Additionally, field, Calif. “I would be remiss if I didn’t to battalion safety standards after the cer-
every Soldier in the unit completed CRM give thanks to our brigade safety officer, emony ended and Soldiers returned to their
duties.
Spc. Daniel Juliao, a water treatment
specialist from Katy, Texas, assigned to
Company A, 101st BSB, proceeded to one
of the unit’s many motor pools in order to
prepare his vehicle for a mission.
Before entering the staging area, Juliao
donned his safety gear: a helmet, gloves,
reflective belt and eye protection.
“We all have been practicing using
proper protective procedures,” said Ju-
liao. “Safety means everyone comes home.
We’re all in a rush to go home, and if that
means slowing down would make sure ev-
eryone leaves safely, then we will do that.”
Col. Michael Pappal, commander of 1st Ad-
vise and Assist Task Force,1st Infantry Divi-
sion, attaches the Safety Excellence streamer
to the 101st Brigade Support Battalion gui-
don during the battalion’s award ceremony
at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq,
May 7, 2011. The 101st BSB is the only battal-
ion in U.S. Division-North and the first battal-
ion in 1st Inf. Div. history to receive the Safety
Streamer.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
8

9. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
Medevac crew braves harsh conditions
of dust storm to assist fellow Soldier
1st Lt. Kyle Miller
2nd Sqdn, 14th Cav. Regt.
2nd AAB Public Affairs
25th Inf. Div., USD-N
CONTINGENCY OPERAT-
ING SITE COBRA, Iraq –
Despite fierce 50-knot winds
and blowing dust, an HH-60M
Medevac helicopter crew
circled Contingency Operat-
ing Site Cobra, focused on the
importance of their mission—
evacuating an injured Soldier
to medical care.
After a Soldier from 2nd
Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regi-
ment, 2nd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
suffered serious injuries, April
4, medics at the COS Cobra
Aid Station quickly realized
the dust storm raging outside
would turn a routine medevac
mission into an extraordinary
flight.
As with any other day, air U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Kyle Miller, 2nd Sqdn., 14th Cav. Regt., 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div.
ambulance crews from Com- An HH-60M medevac helicopter lifts off as the crew evacuates an injured Soldier from Contingency Oper-
ating Site Cobra, Iraq, April 4, 2011. The medevac crew faced low visibility and blowing dust as they flew
pany C, 3rd Battalion, 126th through a storm to evacuate the Soldier.
Aviation Regiment waited for
calls. helicopter technician while the into action. After safely transporting the
“The initial call was just like other chief, Sgt. Ron Irwin, is a “It was dusty,” Fuller said patient to the JBB hospital, the
running (civilian emergency toolmaker for General Electric with a wry laugh. crew members said they were
medical services); you’re al- aircraft engines. “If it had been any worse proud to brave the storm to help
ways on call waiting for the The pilot in command, that day, we wouldn’t have a fellow Soldier.
phone to go off saying someone Chief Warrant Officer 4 Carl- been legally allowed to take The injured Soldier subse-
needs help somewhere,” said ton Fuller, from Barre, Vt., is off,” said Wilson. quently returned to the U.S. and
Staff Sgt. Richard Maye, a crew a civil engineer. Co-pilot Chief Less than 15 minutes after is currently recovering.
medic from Moriah, N.Y. Warrant Officer 4 Philip Small, the call, the crew lifted off into “It’s a common feeling in
The medevac crew serves in who hails from Burlington, Vt., the brown skies over northern the Medevac community,” ex-
the Vermont National Guard, works as a full-time guards- Iraq and battled the winds as plained Wilson. “It’s nice to
and many work in civilian ca- man. they headed for COS Cobra. do the mission that you train
reers related to rotary wing air- Fuller’s crew and other “We were all happy to be on for; you look forward to do-
craft. members of Medevac Platoon, the ground, but at that point we ing them, but at the same time
“I’m an oddity in the guard,” Company C are currently sta- were concentrating on getting it means someone else is hurt.
Maye joked. “During the (drill) tioned at remote COS Cobra the patient on board,” said Wil- When you actually do the mis-
weekend and deployment I’m after moving from Joint Base son after the landing. sion, it’s fulfilling.”
a medic, but during the week Balad, April 15, to help provide Once the patient was load- Maye said even when the
I’m a federal technician. I turn rapid assistance in the event of ed, Fuller and Small lifted the weather goes bad, medevac
wrenches on the birds.” an emergency. helicopter into the storm once crews still fulfill their duties.
One of the two crew chiefs, When medics at COS Cobra again. “We did our job. When peo-
Staff Sgt. Clinton Wilson of called in the medevac request, “It got a little exciting until ple are hurt, we go get them,”
Fairhaven, Mass., is a federal the team immediately jumped we leveled off,” said Wilson. he said.
9

10. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
‘On Time’ Battalion assists in development
of Iraqi Army’s first Field Artillery Corps
Sgt. David Strayer “This is their training; these are their lery Corps grow,” said Thompson.
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment guns,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Hellen, an Thompson said the students are moti-
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs instructor from Headquarters and Head- vated and willing to learn the new skills.
quarters Battery, 2nd Bn., 11th FA Regt. U.S. and Iraqi instructors at KMTB cur-
KIRKUSH MILITARY TRAINING “It’s up to them and they seem ready to take rently provide infantry units going through
BASE, Iraq – Iraqi Army soldiers assigned that responsibility.” Tadreeb al Shamil rotations extensive
to 5th IA Division’s newly formed 105th Throughout the crew drills, Iraqi sol- training on mortar systems such as 60mm,
Field Artillery Regiment practiced crew diers practiced the fundamentals of em- 81mm, and 120mm mortars.
drills on their M198 155mm howitzers at placing, loading, aiming and firing the Prior to the current training cycle at
Kirkush Military Training Base, Diyala howitzers as they prepare for a live fire ex- KMTB, Iraqi soldiers had little to no field
province, Iraq, May 9. ercise later this month. artillery training or assets.
U.S. Soldiers from “On Time,” 2nd Bat- First Lt. Adam Thompson, a senior “There are several of these guys that
talion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd M198 weapon system instructor, said the have had experience with mortars,” said
Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infan- goal of the program goes beyond simply Hellen. “It gives them a grasp on some of
try Division instructed the Iraqi soldiers training Iraqi soldiers on new equipment. the principles of indirect fire; but field artil-
during a dedicated field artillery training “The end state of all this is to see a fully lery is a whole new ballgame for most of
course at KMTB as the gun crews become functional, self-sustaining field artillery them.”
the foundation of the growing IA Field Ar- team that can return to their units and begin “They understand how important this
tillery Corps. training others and help their Field Artil-
See ARTILLERY, pg. 12
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
An M198 155mm howitzer crew from 105th Field Artillery Regiment, 5th Iraqi Army Division practice proper firing procedures during a dry fire
exercise at Kirkush Military Training Base, Diyala province, Iraq, May 9, 2011. U.S. advisors from 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd
Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division started a dedicated field artillery class for IA soldiers at KMTB in April.
10

11. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
Chaplain’s Corner:
A prayer for Mothers
Chaplain (Maj.) Paul Foreman Some are watching their mothers get and important task of being a mother.
Division Life Family Chaplain older, weaker and frailer. Others have We think of those mothers here in Iraq
U.S. Division-North recently lost a mother and are walking who find themselves trying to balance the
through the grief process. And some are demands of being deployed and trying to
Father in Heaven, possibly grieving because, perhaps, they pour love into their children back at home.
We just concluded another Mother’s never knew their biological mother. We May you give them the encouragement
Day. Obviously words and expressions pray that you would comfort them. that they are doing good work for your
on one day are hardly sufficient, but we We think of those who have empty glory.
are very much aware of the blessings you arms that long to be filled and wombs that I pray for my personal heroes—single
have given, with mothers who have given have never carried. You know the longings mothers who are raising children all alone
us birth, loved us, served us, and shaped of their heart and we entrust those long- and living at the very edge of the energy
and molded us into the people we are ings to you. and encouragement, often without anyone
today. Some come with huge holes in their to come alongside and be that support.
Others thank mothers not in the physi- hearts because of the loss of a precious Give them the strength they need each day.
cal sense, but know what it was like to little one or little ones through the pain of Give strength as well to mothers who
have older women who came alongside us miscarriage. have adopted children and know all the
and nurtured us emotionally and spiritu- Others might be burdened for moth- blessings and challenges that adoption can
ally. ers that right now are far from us either bring.
As a husband, son and a father, I thank physically or estranged from us emotion- Finally Lord, we pray for the joy of
you for those women who have cared not ally, making Mother’s Day too painful to motherhood. We pray you would give each
only for me but for those I care so signifi- even think about because of what this day of them a little sparkle of the celebra-
cantly about. represents in their lives. tion that comes from knowing they have
We come to you with many different We pray for all those mothers who right brought another life into the world and
feelings in our heart and life even right now face the task of parenting, whether they’ve tended, cared and given the love
now, and we entrust those feelings to you. they have children in the home or children that is so desperately needed by every liv-
For some of us it’s gratitude. With others, who are now out of the home, but still ing creature. Lord thank you for Moms.
its grief, and still others, possibly regret. have a mother’s heart. For your glory and our good. Amen.
I think of those for whom this past We pray for your grace, wisdom and
Mother’s Day was a hard day. for your power in this incredibly difficult
U.S. Division-North
Social Media Sites
www.facebook.com/4thID www.twitter/4thInfDiv
www.Slideshare.net/the4id youtube.com/The4ID www.flickr.com.photos/the4id
On the U.S. Division-North social media sites, you can find stories, photos and videos of U.S.
Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn.
11

12. The Ivy Leaf May 13, 2011
Hey Doc: When medications become dangerous
troubling. Medications may be prescription medicine to an- So what can you do if you
Lt. Col. Mark Krueger used incorrectly either deliber- other person breaks federal law, have been prescribed a medica-
Pharmacy Consultant ately or accidently. and penalties are very severe. tion?
USD-N Surgeon Section The Partnership for a Drug- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Medicines, when used in the
Free America defines prescrip- Administration reports that six right way, can be absolutely es-
Hey Doc: I read that a Holly- tion medicine abuse as using million Americans abuse pre- sential to good recovery and/or
wood star recently died from a medication to create an altered scription medicines—more quality of life; but it’s impor-
prescription drug overdose. I’m mental state or to get high. than the number of people who tant to pay close attention to
now afraid to take my medica- People who abuse prescrip- abuse cocaine, hallucinogens, your health care providers’ and
tion because I don’t want to get tion medications often think ecstasy, inhalants and heroin pharmacists’ instructions.
hooked. those drugs are safer than combined. Changing how often and
-Signed “Just Say No” “street” drugs since they are The bottom line of all these how much medication to take
regulated by the U.S. Food and statistics and facts is that the can lead to overdosing.
Dear “No,” Drug Administration and pre- abuse of prescription drugs can Share any concerns about
Many Americans take pre- scribed by a health care pro- be a problem, and it is correct being hooked on any medica-
scription drugs for the treat- vider. for you to be cautious. tions with your health care pro-
ment of common medical con- However, doctor prescribed Because people’s bodies are vider.
ditions, including behavioral medicines are only safe for the different, the same medicine As long as you carefully fol-
health problems. As a society, people for whom they are pre- which works well for one per- low directions, true addiction is
we have worked hard to re- scribed and when taken in the son’s pain may be very danger- rare. Remember that if you or
move the stigma of seeking right dose. ous, or even deadly, for some- your battle buddy are at risk,
treatment. According to a 2008 gov- one else. be sure to seek urgent medical
However, when drugs are ernment survey on substance Mixing medications with help.
misused or not used for their abuse, more than 70 percent other substances like alcohol Ask questions and be in-
intended purpose, they become of prescription drugs that are can be an extremely dangerous volved, after all it’s your body.
dangerous and sometimes abused are originally intended cocktail. Nationally, emergency Take care of your self and
deadly. for friends or the family of the room visits for prescription and others, “Just Say No,” and
As in the rest of America, abuser. Only four percent were nonprescription drug abuse Taskforce Ironhorse, keep those
reports of medication misuse bought from a drug dealer. have more than doubled in the questions coming!
and abuse in the military are Transferring a controlled past five years.
Cont. from ARTILLERY, PG. 10
training cycle is not only to them, but to the pay off when the crews demonstrate their
rest of the Iraqi Army, essentially, and they skills, said Thompson, noting the upcom-
are really taking it seriously,” Hellen said. ing Operation Iron Lion.
Instructors hope to groom the first class Operation Iron Lion is a provincial cap-
of artillery graduates into proficient teach- stone exercise intended to showcase the
ers capable of extending the artillery cours- ISF’s capability to conduct independent
es to fellow soldiers once the students re- operations, scheduled for later this year.
turn to their respective bases, Hellen added. “These guys are going to display how
Class leaders broke down the Iraqi unit much of an asset they are to their army,”
into gun crews, and throughout the course said Thompson. “This particular group will
of the training rotation, team members have the knowledge and the pride to be
from each crew separated into roles as gun able to say they were the first ones trained
crew members, fire direction operators or by the U.S., the first ones on these guns,
forward observers. and the ones that stood up the Iraqi Army’s
“These guys actually have a huge re- Field Artillery Corps.”
sponsibility; they are the backbone, the
foundation for what will eventually be- Iraqi field artillery crew members from 105th
come the Iraqi Army’s Field Artillery Field Artillery Regiment, 5th Iraqi Army Divi-
sion, establish a firing position for their M198
Corps,” said Hellen. “We really want to get 155mm howitzer at Kirkush Military Training
them proficient enough to take this back to Base, Diyala province, Iraq, May 9, 2011. Dur-
their unit and be able to start training more ing the course of the field artillery training
soldiers and become force multipliers.” cycle, instructors provided training on proper
techniques to serve as a gun crew member,
All of the preparation and training will fire direction operator or forward observer.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD
12