Cover: An Iraqi Special Police Com-mando with the 2nd Brigade cleans the weapon he mans on the Reva ve-hicle the unit uses for their missions. The brigade recently deployed to Ramadi at the request of Coalition forces.

Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mark Woodbury

Dec. 24, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 2

Vol. 2 Issue 52 Dec. 24, 2005

MNSTC-I

Commanding General

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey

Command Sergeant Major

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ralph G. White

Public Affairs Officer

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Frederick Wellman

Deputy Public Affairs Officer U.S. Army Capt. Mark Jacobsen

Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Training

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Ryan Mosier

Operations NCO

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Tuttle

Editor U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie Jewell

Journalists

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mark Woodbury U.S. Navy PO2 John Pistone

CPATT Public Affairs Officer

Ann Bertucci

The Advisor is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Defense Department and

multinational partners.

Contents of this paper are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. government,

multinational partners or the U.S. Dept. of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq Public Affairs Office.

Direct questions and comments to:

pao@mnstci.iraq.centcom.mil

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FALLUJAH – The United States has not discussed basing American troops in Iraq and would do so only following negotiations with the new Iraqi govern-ment, according to U.S. Defense Sec-retary Donald H. Rumsfeld.

"At the moment, there are no plans for long-term bases in the country," Rumsfeld told a Marine during a ques-tion and answer session at Camp Fal-lujah during a Dec. 23 visit.

The secretary said the subject has not been discussed because until the most recent election, there was no one to speak with. He said the United States has been working with successive transitional governments in Iraq about American presence in the country. The U.S. military has transferred 17 bases to the Iraqi military in the past few months.

It will be some months before the new Iraqi government is set up and ready to enter these discussions, Rumsfeld said. The United States would base troops in the nation only if it would be mutually beneficial, he said.

The secretary spoke generically about U.S. troop-basing decisions. He said the United States only places troops in areas where they are welcome and needed. He pointed to the recent agreement with Afghanistan as an ex-

ample. The Afghan people do not be-lieve that their armed forces or police can yet handle the security challenge in the nation. Afghan leaders want a strategic partnership with the United States and this means a U.S. pres-ence in the country for some time. Rumsfeld was quick to point out that this does not mean permanent bases.

Rumsfeld said he did not know if the Iraqi people even want American forces to remain after the mission is complete. If they were to want Ameri-can forces to remain, he said, he does not envision any permanent presence. He said any U.S. force in the country would have to fit in to the overall global military footprint and contribute to U.S. aims and needs.

In the same visit, Rumsfeld told troops the United States will have two fewer brigades in Iraq in 2006, dropping from 17 to 15 brigades in the coming year to bring the number of Americans in the country under the 138,000-level baseline, officials said.

The decision reflects the proper bal-ance between Coalition and Iraqi forces, the secretary said. The Coali-tion footprint must be large enough to help maintain security and allow the Iraq forces to train up, Rumsfeld ex-plained, yet not so large as to be intru-sive or to antagonize the Iraqi people. The force also must not be so large as to take initiative from the Iraqi security forces, he said.

No current plans for long-term presence in Iraq, Rumsfeld says By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service

Dec. 24, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 3

Commandos find new stomping ground in Ramadi

RAMADI, Iraq – The 2nd Brigade of the Iraqi Special Police Commandos are taking the fight against insur-gents to Ramadi, deploying earlier this month from Baghdad at the request of Coalition forces. The Freedom Brigade – formerly known as the Wolf Brigade – got its start as a self-formed unit designed to fight and arrest terrorists in Iraq after Coalition forces arrived in 2003. Many of the commandos re-ceived their training to accomplish their self-proclaimed mission under the old Iraqi Army, accord-ing to the commandos. The commandos were later incorporated into the Min-istry of Interior – the governmental branch in charge of police – as a professional force shortly after the move to build up Iraqi Security Forces. The self-described “street smart” force then received additional and ongoing training through the Special Police Forces Academy and Coalition advisers working side-by-side with them. The Coalition forces are also as-sisting in equipping the commandos in their fight against the insurgency. “The commandos were asked to come to Ramadi simply because we realize they can accomplish a part of the mission here more efficiently than anyone else,” said U.S. Army Col. Jeffrey Buchanan, commander of the Special Police Transition Team assigned to the Special Police Com-mando Division. “The commandos can establish relation-ships with the local people and are able to get tips on where

the insurgents live and store weapons because of this.” Buchanan was among about a dozen Coalition advisors and 50 Iraqi Special Police Commandos who spent two days in Ramadi this week to check on the progress of the relocation. The commandos made the two-hour convoy after a full day’s work that resulted in the detainment of seven suspected insurgents. In the short time the com-mandos have been in Ramadi, they’ve already established contacts and seen progress in the fight against insurgents, officials said. “The commandos under-

stand the Iraqi people and because of this, the people are more prone to trust them,” said Buchanan. “It also shows the local people that Iraqis and Iraq as a whole, are interested in efficiently protecting their cities.” The Ramadi trip was also an opportunity to set up radio communication back to Baghdad and for Coalition advisors to meet with commando leadership. In a meeting with Iraqi and Coalition leaders, Iraqi Maj. Gen. Rasheed, Special Police Commando Division commander, said he is confident the commandos will accomplish their mission in Ramadi – a predominantly Sunni city – regardless of the perception of the commandos being a Shiite force. “We are an equally balanced force of Sunnis and Shiites,” Rasheed said. “However, it is not about how many comman-dos are Sunnis and how many are Shiites. It is every com-mando serving and protecting a unified Iraq.” Coalition leadership has also been impressed with the pro-fessionalism of the commandos and confident they will be an asset to the fight in Ramadi. “I have worked with forces from many Arab countries, but the commandos are the finest and most professional troops I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” Buchanan said. “They are a great addition to providing safety to this city.”

By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mark Woodbury MNSTC-I Public Affairs

Iraqi Special Police Commandos of the 2nd Brigade scramble to their unarmored Revas before heading out into the city of Ramadi (above). A commando mans a 50-caliber as he and fellow commandos head out on a mission (left). Special Police Com-mando Division Commander Iraqi Maj. Gen. Rash-eed talks to his men about their mission (below).

Photos by U.S. Senior Airman Mark Woodbury

A 2nd Brigade Special Police Com-mando makes last-minute prepara-tions inside a Reva before heading out on a mission.

TAJI, Iraq – Just a week after the first election under Iraq’s new Constitution, the inaugural class of the Iraqi Class VIII Warehouse Logistics Course graduated nine soldiers who will now take the lead in running the Iraqi Army’s medical supply chain. Class VIII is the term used for medical supplies. With certifi-cates in hand, the officers and noncommissioned officers are fully trained to run Iraqi Class VIII support operations. The 25-day course was conducted by the Multi-National Se-curity Transition Command – Iraq’s Health Affairs section and the Iraqi Surgeon General’s Office. The training covered everything from warehouse layouts and forklift operations to various health and safety issues. “In order for Iraq to be truly independent the Iraqi Army needs to know that they don’t have to rely on the Coalition forces to get their medical supplies, which is why this class and these graduates are so important,” said course instruc-tor and medical logistics NCO U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Paredes. Instructors not only trained the students in medical logistics, but they also prepared them to take over operation of the warehouse, Paredes said. “We had a very short time to accomplish this and there was a lot of information to absorb, but each student has studied hard and are now ready to operate this Class VIII ware-house,” Paredes said. Others were equally impressed with the students.

“Their commitment to excellence has been one of the most impressive attributes of these students,” said U.S. Army Maj. James Perkins, officer in charge of the Health Affairs medi-cal logistics department. Iraqi Capt. Amer of the Surgeon General’s Office worked side by side with Paredes, who led the instruction. Amer was crucial in ensuring success, Paredes said, by assisting with translations and conducting the final test students had to pass in order to graduate. “This is important because we now have ownership of our medical supplies,” said Iraqi Warrant Officer Faiz, a pharma-cist’s assistant who spent four years in the old Iraqi Army as a medical supply warehouse manager under Saddam’s rule before fleeing with his family seven years ago. Faiz is one of many Iraqis that, as he put it, “came back to help Iraq rebuild itself.” When he returned, eight months ago he enlisted in the new Iraqi Army and was one of the first selected for this pilot course. “The biggest change is that before we had to do our job for a very cruel man, now we are doing it for ourselves,” Faiz said. “It is vital for us to get these medical supplies to our fellow soldiers, our fellow Iraqis. As an Iraqi, I feel that this is a huge opportunity for us to become fully independent, and one that comes with great responsibility as well. This is now our facility and the success of our supply chain depends upon us.” The short-term goal is to open four more Class VIII ware-houses around the country over the next few months, said Perkins. In the long term, plans are for the nine graduates to teach and mentor personnel of the additional warehouses. The Coalition will keep a small number of personnel at the Taji facility as advisors and mentors, but the Iraqis will run and maintain it, he added.

Dec. 24, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 4

Iraqi Capt. Amer of the Brigadier General’s Office gives students of the Iraqi Class VIII Ware-house Logistics Course their final exam at Camp-Taji (above). Amer hands out a certificate to a student at the course graduation ceremony Dec. 21. Iraqi forces are taking over operation of the medical supply ware-house.

Iraqi forces take over medical warehouse By U.S. Navy Journalist Petty Officer 2nd Class John J. Pistone MNSTC-I Public Affairs

Students show their affection for U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Paredes, instructor for the Iraqi Class VIII Warehouse Logistics Course, with hugs and kisses after graduating from the course.

Photos by U.S. Navy Journalist Petty Officer 2nd Class John J. Pistone

TAJI, Iraq – Nearly 600 newly trained Iraqi Army leaders in the fields of support and logistics are now taking these critical skills to the front lines, and the institution that trained them is continuing to expand for the future. Students taking part in supervisor-level courses in logistics, transport, maintenance, supply, administration and medical fields were awarded their certificates Dec. 19 as part of the largest graduation yet of the Iraqi Army Service and Support Institute (IASSI) at Taji Military Training Base. “I have been in courses before, but this time it was different, because I received a lot of information,” said Iraqi Warrant

Officer Adna, a student in the maintenance supervisor’s course. “Now I know how to maintain the ve-hicles at my unit and how to su-pervise the sol-diers to do that.” “I had been in the old Army for 25 years. This is

the first time I see how they (Iraqi instructors) deal with us in a professional way,” he said through an interpreter. “The logistics field is very important for any army in the world and all the lessons from history give us proof of this importance,” said Iraqi Col. Warid, commander of the institute, through an inter-preter. The institute has trained more than 3,000 leaders since its first course started in March and more than 6,000 additional students are planned to receive training within the next six months. Iraqi instructors and staff have taken the lead in devel-

oping the institute’s courses and procedures, with continued mentorship from Coalition advisors. The goal is for all courses to be taught by Iraqis by June 2006 with operational control of the institute handed over by August. Australian Army Maj. Ted Leeson, the Coalition Military As-sistance Transition Team project manager for the institute, said the initial plan was for 330 students per month and this will now reach more than 1,100 per month by early 2006. “An absolutely fantastic team effort by all involved,” he said. The success of the programs developed and taught at the institute poses a new problem - growing pains. The current site at Taji, which was always planned as a tem-porary facility, is being outgrown as new courses, instructors and students pass through its doors. This has led the insti-tute to branch out to another campus at Taji that can train and house more students. In addition to the logistics and medical training wings, a new Multi-Services Training Wing is being added to the institute and will be equipped with Internet access and modern computer technology.

Additional courses will be taught at the new facility to help continue the mission of developing a profes-sional fighting force. Some of these include supervi-sory courses in medical logistics, health and hy-giene, finance, personnel, legal and public affairs. “I believe the greatest chal-lenge immediately facing IASSI is the plan for contin-ued expansion of training in the upcoming months,”

Dec. 24, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 5

Institute continues critical training, plans to expand

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Philip Colburn, senior MiTT advisor for Coalition forces at the Iraqi Army Services and Support Institute, returns the salute of an honor graduate during a ceremony marking the graduation of the institute’s largest class yet. Photos by U.S. Army Master Sgt. Ryan Mosier

By U.S. Army Master Sgt. Ryan Mosier MNSTC-I Public Affairs

Iraqi Army Service and Support Institute

The mission of IASSI is to provide instruction at the supervisor level in various services and support subjects for the Iraqi Army. The institute continues to look to the future. • Current courses: Logistics officer basic and intermediate, supply supervisor, maintenance supervisor, transport supervisor, basic medic, medic train the trainer, medical officers basic. • Proposed courses: Medical logistics supervisor, medical adminis-trator, cook supervisor train the trainer, health and hygiene supervisor, finance and resource management, pay and personnel, administration supervisor, legal officers basic and advanced, paralegal, operations law and public affairs.

Soldiers pass in review at the graduation of the Iraqi Army Services and Support Institute at Taji Military Training Base.

See ‘IASSI’ Page 6

Dec. 24, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 6

said U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Philip Colburn, the senior MiTT advisor for Coalition forces. “The new curricu-lum development, addition of more than 100 Iraqi staff instructors as well as new equipment and the relocation of IASSI to a site better suited to pro-vide the required facilities for expanded operations, are some of the challenges we face as part of the expansion plan.” “Coalition and Iraqi personnel at all levels are working hand-in-hand to en-sure a successful build-up of training occurs,” Colburn said.

IASSI From Page 5

Clean up begins at Iraqi Unknown Soldier Monument

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Work on cleaning up and repairing Iraq’s Unknown Soldier Monument in the International Zone by more than 20 local Iraqis is expected to be finished in time for an upcoming traditional wreath-laying ceremony. The ceremony will be part of an Iraqi Army celebration mark-ing the anniversary of its formation in 1921. The clean up and repair work on the monument began Nov. 23. The project at the Unknown Soldier Monument is a joint ven-ture between the Joint Area Support Group and the Coalition Police Assistance Training Team, both based in the Interna-tional Zone. Working together, the two groups have hired local contractors who will not only clean up the monument but also fix electrical and plumbing lines as they install bar-racks and a dining facility for the guards. Iraqi soldiers specifically assigned to guard the monument are expected to move into the barracks structure near the end of December. “It is a very nice gesture to clean the site out of respect for the new Iraq Army,” said Feisal Hazem, a project contractor. “The monument is actually in pretty good shape. It just needs cleaning up and landscaping. “This area is one of the nicest and greenest areas of Bagh-dad,” Hazem added. “This monument was also protected from the heavy looting because of the (International) Zone.” As part of the contract, most of Hazem’s hired workers are Iraqis living in the International Zone. They’ve spent the past two weeks clearing and burning the wild brush and grass around the monument grounds. “Work is good here,” said a smiling worker with both thumbs

up. “You have more work after this?”

Through an interpreter, the man said he plans to save what he makes on the monument project to move into a house outside the International Zone. The Unknown Soldier Monument clean up project is one of several initiatives promoted by the Iraqi government and the Joint Area Support Group to clean up and restore the monu-ments and buildings within the International Zone.

By U.S. Army Capt. Chris Watt Joint Area Support Group Public Affairs

Iraqi workers spray down and wash off sand and debris from the marble steps of the Unknown Soldier Monument (above) and burn wild grass and brush from the grounds sur-rounding the monument. Photos courtesy Joint Area

Support Group

TAJI, Iraq – The Iraqi Air Force’s primary training helicopters are back in business after a shortage of spare parts side-lined Squadron 12’s fleet of Bell 206 Jet Rangers for several months. The United Arab Emirates donated five Jet Rangers to the Air Force earlier this year. With no logistics system to equip the squadron with spare parts, tools or support equipment, training eventually stopped in October. Two shipments of spare parts arrived early this month, a result of a supply and equipment contract established last month by officials with the Coalition Air Force Transition Team and the J-4 Security Assistance Office of the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq. The parts enabled squadron personnel and Coalition advi-sors to put two Jet Rangers back in the air, with training re-suming Dec. 11. It’s the first time since May the squadron has had more than one helicopter capable of flying, officials said. Coalition advisors expect two Iraqi helicopter pilots to con-duct solo flights soon.

Dec. 24, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 7

The arrival of spare parts puts two Jet Rangers back in the air. (above).

Photo courtesy CAFTT

An April Iraqi Air Force Day celebration included a Jet Ranger on display.

Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Lorie

Jewell

Iraqi Air Force squadron resumes helicopter training By U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Bukowinski MNSTC-I CAFTT

TAJI, Iraq – U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney paid a sur-prise visit to Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers Dec. 18 at Taji Mili-tary Training Base during his unannounced visit to Iraq. The Vice President observed Iraqi and U.S. troops train-ing together and congratulated them for providing secu-rity for the successful elections on Dec. 15. While on base he was escorted and briefed by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, commander of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq and Iraqi Maj. Gen. Bashar Mahmoud Ayoub, commander of the 9th Iraqi Mechanized Division, who discussed the unit’s recent successes and their equipment. This was followed by a demonstration of Traffic Control Point train-ing by Iraqi soldiers and their U.S. advisors and lunch with Coalition and Iraqi troops assigned to the base.

— MNSTC-I Public Affairs

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney receives a briefing on Iraqi Security Force training (top) after meeting Iraqi Maj. Gen. Bashar (above left) and Iraqi and U.S. troops working together at Taji Military Base (above right).

Photos by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Frederick Wellman

U.S. Vice President visits Taji-based Iraqi, Coalition troops

BAGHDAD – Soldiers of the 6th Iraqi Army Division vowed to take critical steps forward to ensure democratic stability throughout their homeland, despite continued terrorist attacks against Iraqi Army forces. Originally, these Headquarters and Headquarters Company soldiers would never have thought the mere act of showing up to work would signify their bravery and resolve to counter a face-less enemy. The soldiers said they realize their abil-ity to function as a normal military headquarters company has been the key to overcoming the monumental challenges they’ve faced. “We always try to live the principles we are shown in the work that we do,” said Iraqi Army Pvt. Hayder, a company supply clerk. “We must enforce the standards.” Coming to work is something many Iraqi soldiers enjoy because the salary is decent and they are being exposed to a new way of thinking and solving problems. Hayder said most of the company’s soldiers simply love serving their country. Many others like Hayder are aware that the road to democracy has been rough, but they realize that through persever-ance the momentum to rebuild Iraq will

continue. The headquarters company currently operates much like a typical U.S. mili-tary unit. “HHC has a functioning administrative section, supply room, transportation section, security section, weapons room, a finance office and (their own) cooks,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Magwood, a Military Transition Team (MiTT) advisor. “Our mission here is to train the new Iraqi Army so that one day they can reoccupy the battlespace, thus reduc-ing the U.S. presence in their country,” Magwood said. Although the Iraqi Army unit is currently mission-capable, MiTT advisors con-tinue looking for ways to help their daily operations and improve on basic sol-diering skills. Magwood said holding formations and conducting drill and ceremony instills discipline in soldiers. He advises Iraqi troops to continue employing marching drills and reiterates the importance of personnel and equipment accountabil-ity. The struggle to stand up a capable

fighting army is making progress in the eyes of the Iraqi soldiers who put their lives on the line every day. “I want my soldiers to take charge of Iraq someday and through training we will be able to accomplish that,” said Iraqi Sgt. Manar, the division’s military police noncommissioned officer in charge. Manar has served in the Iraqi military for nearly 20 years and is a member of the growing NCO corps. He is keenly aware of the danger he faces. “I would like to bring in more soldiers to train and make them military police,” Manar said. The headquarters unit continues to move forward in operating as a normal military company, but the measure of its success is not only the number of weapons they have or the amount of driver’s training their soldiers receive. Success is also measured by the changing attitudes of Iraqi soldiers. Manar has a simple answer for why he serves in the Iraqi military, even though he fears for his life. “Because wearing the uniform gives me pride and I love my country.”

Dec. 24, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 8

Love of country drives Iraqi Army soldiers forward By U.S. Army Spc. Maria Mengrone Task Force Baghdad Public Affairs

A soldier assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 6th Iraqi Army Division receives a new uniform and a pair of desert combat boots issued to him by the company supply clerk.

Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Maria Mengrone

“Wearing the uniform gives me pride and I love my country.”

Iraqi Sgt. Maj. Manar, 6th Iraqi Army Division

Soldiers discover cache by river AR RAMADI – Troops from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division discovered a weapons cache while on a patrol along the north shore of the Euphrates River north of Ar Ramadi Dec. 22. A mortar tube and base plate as well as an outboard motor were discovered by the patrol. A further search yielded a cache of seven 60 mm mortar rounds. When an explosive ordinance team was called to destroy the cache, the team discovered an improvised explosive de-vice 200 meters from the cache. The cache and IED were safely destroyed with no injuries or damages reported.

Suspect in attacks held BALAD – Troops from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division detained an individual suspected of in-volvement in enemy force activities west of Balad Dec. 22. The suspect was detained pending further investigation by authorities.

Mortars, men held by Iraqi troops AL KHALIDIYAH – Troops from the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Bri-

gade, 1st Iraqi Intervention Force de-tained two men north of Al Khalidiyah Dec. 22. While man-ning a vehicle check point, the troops stopped the men’s vehicle and discov-ered two 82 mm mortar tubes in the back of the truck. The tubes

were seized and the suspects were detained pending further investigation by authorities.

Troops find mines, mortars KARABILAH – Iraqi Army troops from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Intervention Force discovered a weapons cache north of Karabilah Dec 22. The cache consisted of 12 anti-tank mines, two 82 mm mortar rounds and one 120 mm mortar round. The cache was destroyed in place by an explosive ordi-nance detail.

IIF destroys weapons cache KARABILAH – Members of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Intervention Force discovered a weapons cache just north of Karabilah Dec. 22. The cache consisted of two 130 mm artillery rounds, one 82 mm mortar round, three rocket-propelled grenade boost-ers, two anti-tank mines and two 120 mm mortar rounds. An explosive ordinance detail destroyed the cache in place. Iraqi citizens wounded by IED BAGHDAD – Two civilians were wounded in east Baghdad Dec. 20 when the vehicle they were traveling in was struck by a roadside bomb. Elements of the Iraqi 2nd Public Order Battalion were on the scene and secured the site. Iraqi Security Forces evacu-ated the wounded to a local hospital. An explosive ordnance disposal team investigated and determined the roadside bomb was a 125 mm artillery shell. (2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)

Forces capture 12, seize weapons GHAZALIYAH – Iraqi and Coalition forces captured 12 men and several weapons during an operation Dec. 20 to disrupt Ansar Al Sunna insurgent cell operations in Ghazaliyah. Several of the captured men are believed to be organizers and facilitators of improvised explosive device attacks. Other cell members were wanted for attacks on Iraqi Police and for counterfeiting Iraqi dinars.

Dec. 24, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 9

Iraqi Security Forces / In Brief

MSGT Mark Baker

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi 3rd Public Order Brigade discovered an improvised rocket launcher in east Baghdad Dec. 21. “Although not particularly effective against Coalition forces, rocket launch-ers have been known to cause great damage to civilian vehicles,” said U.S. Army Maj. Paul Reese, operations offi-

cer, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “This discovery shows the profession-alism of the Iraqi Security Forces and probably saved some innocent civilian’s life today,” he said. A search is ongoing to capture the owners of the improvised rocket launcher. (2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)

Public Order troops discover improvised rocket

Iraqi troops pose with an improvised rocket launcher. U.S. Army photo

BAGHDAD – A con-cerned citizen in Tissa Nissan led a group of Soldiers from 1st Bat-talion, 64th Armor to a large mortar cache Dec 16. The cache was bur-ied and consisted of seven 60-millimeter mortar rounds. The Soldiers investigated the site and discov-ered another cache in the vicinity, where they found another 19 60-millimeter mortar rounds. An explosive ordnance disposal

team was called to the site and the ammuni-tion was destroyed. (2nd Brigade Public Affairs Office)

Dec. 24, 2005 Multi-National Security Transition Command—Iraq The Advisor 10

Ammunition found, cleared AD DAWR – Troops from the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division found and cleared a cache of nearly 100 57 mm rounds Dec. 20. The site was secured for later destruction.

Cache found near control point KARABILAH – Troops from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Intervention Force discovered a cache near a vehi-cle control point they were manning north of Karabilah Dec. 21. The cache consisted of two 122 mm artillery rounds, one 100 mm artillery round, nine 57 mm rockets, two rocket-propelled grenades and one 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. An explosive ordnance team destroyed the munitions in place. The machine gun was handed over to the authorities.

Iraqi citizen helps Coalition forces BAGHDAD – A local citizen tipped Coalition forces off about a home in east Baghdad being used as a factory to make improvised rocket launchers. Soldiers raided the home Dec. 21 and discovered 15 rocket launchers in the process of being built and one com-plete 57 mm rocket ready to be fired. No one was present in the home at the time of the raid. “It is encouraging that the Iraqi citizens are continuing to choose the side of the new government over the terrorists,” said U.S. Army Col. Joseph DiSalvo, commander of Coali-tion forces in east Baghdad. “The Iraqi citizens know that providing information against the terrorists to Coalition or Iraqi Security Forces will help to improve the security situa-tion in their neighborhoods.” All equipment in the home was seized and will be used as evidence against the homeowners when they are caught. Iraqi Security Forces are continuing the search. (2nd Bri-gade Combat Team Public Affairs)

Citizens nab insurgents KIRKUK – Local residents caught and detained two men apparently digging around a weapons cache of 12 mortar rounds Dec. 17. The citizens reported the incident to local authorities. They turned the men over to Iraqi Army and Coalition forces re-sponding to the scene. The suspects are being held in a detention facility pending further investigation.

Troops clear caches in Husaybah HUSAYBAH – Iraqi Army troops from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Intervention Force found and cleared two weapons caches Dec. 17. The first cache was found northwest of Husaybah and held six 40 mm rounds, three AK-47s, a single H&K assault rifle and assorted small arms ammunition.

The second cache of 50 82 mm fuses was found in a wa-ter tank northeast of town. The ordnance was collected for later destruction.

Joint forces defeat attackers BAGHDAD – Coalition troops working with Iraqi Ministry of Interior forces from the 3rd Public Order Brigade engaged and killed four suspected terrorists in Salman Pak Dec. 14. Coalition personnel were visiting a POB headquarters building to share information when small arms fire erupted outside. “One of the POB soldiers came down from the roof of the building and told us they were receiving small arms fire from across the Tigris River, about 800 meters,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Dillard Johnson, a Coalition platoon sergeant. Johnson immediately deployed his soldiers to see if the threat was still present. The Iraqi and Coalition forces worked together to defeat the attackers. (2nd Brigade Com-bat Team Public Affairs)

Iraqi Security Forces / In Brief

Citizen tip leads to mortar cache

An explosion lights up the horizon as an explosive ordnance disposal team detonates a cache of mortar rounds.

U.S. Army photos

Explosive ordnance disposal Soldiers prepare to destroy the mortar rounds.

U.S. Army photos