The ivy leaf, volume 1, issue 21

Volume 1, Issue 21 March 25, 2011

Mobile Training Team Soldiers bring

Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior

training tailored to IA unit’s mission
Sgt. Coltin Heller The ISR gathers intelligence for the entire 4th IA Div., provid-
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment ing critical information necessary for Iraqi commanders to coor-
LongKnife

U.S. Division-North Public Affairs dinate missions.
“We teach them proper procedures to gather military intelli-
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Shots gence, to execute (intelligence) missions and prepare them to be
from multiple AK-47’s snapped in the dirt, echoing amidst the aware of threats to Iraq,” said Hernandez, who calls San Juan,
Field Engineer Regiment compound, as Iraqi jinood, assigned to Puerto Rico home.

Ironhorse
the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th The MTT visits IA units operating in Salad ad Din province,
Iraqi Army Division, conducted weapon familiarization and qual- providing 10 to 15 days of training tailored to
Devil

ification training March 19. each unit’s specific mission.
U.S. Division-North Soldiers of the Mobile Training
Team attached to 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery See ISR, pg. 3
Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th
Infantry Division, led the days’ training, running
Fit for Any Test

range safety and teaching basic rifle marksman-

Fit for Any Test
ship to the jinood, Arabic for soldiers, at the com-
pound range near Tikrit.
“We’re here to train the trainer,” said Staff
Sgt. Jimmy Hernandez, training instructor with the
MTT. “This training will make the IA better, further-
ing their skills, so they can accomplish the mission
effectively.”
Ironhorse

Devil
Staff Sgt. Jimmy Hernandez, training instructor as-
signed to a Mobile Training Team attached to 2nd
Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise
and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, assists
an Iraqi soldier of the Intelligence, Surveillance
LongKnife
and Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Iraqi
Army Division on clearing a weapon
Steadfast and Loyal

malfunction as part of unit-tailored
training at the Field Engineer
Regiment compound, near
Tikrit, March 19, 2011.
Warrior

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller
109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

The Ivy Leaf March 25, 2011

U.S. Army senior noncommissioned officers provide the troops
they lead a wealth of tactical and technical skills and expertise
honed by years of training and experience.
Sgt. 1st Class Josh Bitle, an armor crewmember and platoon
sergeant assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regi-
ment, turned out to be the right man in the right place at the right
time, using his years of experience to prepare combined security
forces for a day of organized demonstrations in Mosul, Iraq.
Training and mentoring Iraqi Army and Kurdish Regional
Guard forces manning the combined checkpoint in northern Iraq,
Bitle directed his platoon of U.S. Soldiers to advise the combined
security forces in maintaining operations at the checkpoint, said
Capt. Jeremy Zolan, commander, Company D, 2nd Bn., 7th Cav.
Regt., 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
Bitle used his years of experience as a platoon sergeant to for-
tify checkpoint operations, ensuring Iraqi and Kurdish soldiers
remained professional and diplomatic during increased traffic in
the area, said 1st Sgt. Shannon Boldman, senior enlisted leader of
Company D, 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Regt, 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div.
“This is Bitle’s second time deployed with this platoon as a pla-
toon sergeant,” said Boldman. “He’s a knowledgeable and capable
leader, and every Soldier, regardless of which army they serve,
benefits from his experience.”
Bitle’s steadfast professionalism served as an example for the
combined security forces, who remained calm, asserting a cordial
and diplomatic presence, during the day’s events, he said. U.S. Army photo
Sgt. 1st Class Josh Bitle, an armor crewmember and platoon sergeant
The NCO’s unwavering leadership and commitment to the ad-
assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and As-
vise, train and assist mission, in support of Operation New Dawn, sist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, adjusts a Kurdish soldier’s load-
earned Bitle the title of “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week. bearing vest at a combined checkpoint near Mosul, March 22, 2011.

Kirkuk CSF visit to local ‘Head Hunter’ troopers, ‘Golden Dragon’s’ train Information Dissemination
village strengthens Iraqi mortarmen get ‘fired- 12th IA Diviison Soldiers to training builds foundation
community relations up’ during training use M16 rifles for IA media officers
Page 4 Page 6 Page 7 Page 9

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 – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler
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


Continued from ISR, pg.1

Hernandez said he has seen the training exercises, added
progress by the ISR, as well as Rudacille.
other units trained by the MTT After the classroom portion
in support of Operation New of the training, the MTT moved
Dawn. the ISR jinood to the compound
“This training positively range for basic rifle marksman-
changes each aspect of how ship and range operations,
missions are conducted,” said building a foundation for self-
Hernandez. “It allows for the sustaining training.
Iraqi soldiers to better fulfill Iraqi officers and noncom-
their mission and provide secu- missioned officers fired first,
rity for themselves.” and then acted as safeties for
The MTT operates indepen- their jinood, ensuring the Iraqi
dently of Tadreeb al Shamil, or firers performed the techniques
All Inclusive Training, an on- to standards taught by U.S. Sol-
going Iraqi-directed initiative diers.
to modernize IA ground forces, Between firing iterations, U.S Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

said Maj. Jared Rudacille, MTT U.S. Soldiers provided “hip Capt. Clem Lochner, deputy team chief and Chicago-native assigned
to the Mobile Training Team of 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regi-
chief. pocket” first aid training to ment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, demon-
“The training is very adap- the Iraqis, teaching life-saving strates site adjustments on an AK-47 rifle during weapons training
tive and differs from (unit to techniques to the jinood await- for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Iraqi
unit),” said Rudacille, who ing their turn on the firing line, Army Division at the Field Engineer Regiment compound, March 19,
2011. The MTT conducted 10 days of training with the ISR, the intelli-
hails from York, Pa. “We taught said Sgt. Thomas Cook, combat gence collection unit for the 4th IA Div., providing instructions on how
(the ISR) human intelligence medic, MTT, 2nd Bn., 11th FA to properly conduct reconnaissance and gather military information
procedures, as well as tactical Regt., 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div. vital to missions conducted by the 4th IA. After the classroom portion
and close reconnaissance.” Reviewing skills taught dur- of the military intelligence training, the MTT moved the ISR soldiers to
the range for basic rifle marksmanship and range operations, building
The instruction provided by ing previous periods of class- a foundation for self-sustaining training.
the MTT reinforces individual room instruction, Cook, a na-
and collective training taught tive of Atlanta, led the medical of the training was seeing Iraqi eventually they were running
at the enduring training fa- refresher training for the jinood. NCOs take a larger part in lead- the lane, just like we would,”
cilities in northern Iraq as part “We went over basic skills ing the training, said Rudacille. he said.
of Tadreeb al Shamil, he ex- we taught them, like how to put “The officers led the train- After finishing range op-
plained. on a tourniquet, dress a sucking ing at first and the NCOs fol- erations, the MTT returned to
The Iraqi jinood assigned to chest wound, apply pressure lowed, but after the first group Contingency Operating Base
the ISR learned quickly, incor- dressings and splint fractures,” of firers, (the officers) stepped Speicher to prepare for the next
porating their own unit tactics, said Cook. back and let the NCOs have a day’s training for Iraqi soldiers
techniques and procedures into Another positive outcome greater hand in the training, and of ISR Bn., 4th IA Div. based
out of the FER compound.
Sgt. Thomas Cook, combat
medic, Mobile Training Team,
2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artil-
lery Regiment, 2nd Advise and
Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry
Division, provides concurrent
medical training to Iraqi soldiers
of the Intelligence, Surveillance
and Reconnaissance Battalion,
4th Iraqi Army Division, in be-
tween firing iterations as part
of training at the Field Engineer
Regiment compound, March 19,
2011. During the 10-day training
course provided by the MTT, the
Iraqi jinood, Arabic for soldiers,
learned medical skills in addition
to basic rifle marksmanship and
reconnaissance and intelligence
techniques.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller
3


Kirkuk CSF visit to local village strengthens
community relations, benefits Iraqi citizens
Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney the Iraqi Army and Kurdish the people of Iraq, said Sexton. N.Y., assigned to Company A,
1st AATF Public Affairs Regional Guard soldiers each The 1st AATF, working with 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt., pro-
1st Inf. Div., USD-N understand how to provide se- Kirkuk CSF, began conduct- vided medical aid to a young
curity to both Arab and Kurdish ing partnered patrols and com- child in the village who suffers
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- villagers living around Kirkuk, munity engagements, like the from recurring infections.
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – explained Sexton. community assistance engage- At the end of the visit, lo-
Soldiers of Company A, 2nd The cooperation between ment at the village of Razada, cal Iraqi leaders thanked the
Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regi- different ethnic groups and the since late Fall 2010. Kirkuk CSF and U.S. Soldiers
ment, 1st Advise and Assist different elements of the securi- The CSF visit the villages in for their assistance.
Task Force, 1st Infantry Divi- ty forces—each providing their their sector frequently to ensure “The relationship between
sion partnered with Kirkuk own unique capabilities to the the areas are safe and to help us and the people of the villag-
Combined Security Forces for a mission—is truly exemplary, the local populace. es has grown greatly, and it all
community assistance engage- he said. Beyond security and com- happened because we worked
ment March 17. Each element of the CSF has munity engagements, the CSF together to make it happen,”
The soldiers of 1st AATF soldiers from different ISF or- also provide needed medical said Sgt. 1st Class Muhammad
and the Kirkuk CSF visited ganizations in leadership posi- assistance to the local villages Salah Ahmad, 1st Regional
the village of Razada to con- tions, explained Sexton. during their visits. Guard Brigade, serving with
duct routine medical checkups, In 2nd Platoon, for example, During the visit to Razada, Kirkuk Combined Security
safety patrols, and to talk with the platoon sergeant is a mem- the Kirkuk CSF patrolled the Forces as a platoon sergeant.
local village leaders in support ber of the Kurdish 1st Regional village, discussing needed im- “If I had the choice to work
of Operation New Dawn. Guard Brigade, but the squad provements for the village with 24-hours, seven days-a-week
“The CSF is taking the lead leaders are from the Iraqi Army local leaders, while U.S. Army for a full year, I would do it,
in these missions,” said 1st Lt. and the Iraqi Police, he said. and Iraqi medics provided med- with no hesitation, to make the
Michael Sexton Jr., platoon The CSF are representative ical treatment to local villagers. cities and villages of Iraq safe,”
leader, Company A, 2nd Bn., of the relationship U.S. forces U.S. Army Spc. K.C. Pless, said Muhammad.
12th Cav. Regt. and ISF hope to foster between a combat medic from Cortland,
The Kirkuk CSF is a tri-
partite unit composed of Iraqi
Army, Iraqi Police and Kurdish
Regional Guard soldiers, assist-
ed by U.S. Soldiers of 2nd Bn.,
12th Cav. Regt., said Sexton.
In a region such as Kirkuk,
which consists of many differ-
ent ethnicities living together,
cooperation between these dif-
ferent elements of the Iraqi Se-
curity Forces is a must for mis-
sion accomplishment, he said.
Sexton, a Buffalo, N.Y. na-
tive, explained that combining
the ISF together to form a unit
encourages the tripartite forces
to put differences aside and see
that ISF need a partnership to
complete the mission.
Each element of the CSF
brings unique skills to the secu- U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
rity mission, he said. Children of Razada Primary School sing the “A,B,C’s” in English for 1st Lt. Michael Sexton Jr., platoon
The Iraqi Police have su- leader, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infan-
perior knowledge of law en- try Division, and Sgt. 1st Class Muhammad Salah Ahmad, platoon sergeant, 1st Regional Guard Brigade,
Kirkuk Combined Security Forces. Soldiers of 1st AATF partnered with the Kirkuk CSF during a community
forcement requirements, while assistance mission to the Razada village in Kirkuk, Iraq, March 17, 2011.

4


Soldiers, airmen hone forward observer
skills at Besmaya Range Complex
U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Peterson, forward
Spc. Andrew Ingram
observer, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist
Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, watches
BESMAYA RANGE COMPLEX, Iraq – a 500-pound bomb hit its mark during Joint
Tactical Air Controller training at Besmaya
U.S. Army forward observers and U.S. Air
Range, Iraq, March 17, 2011.
Force air liaison officers partnered with
joint tactical air controllers deployed to he is excited to have had the opportunity to
northern Iraq in support of U.S. Division- participate in the JTAC/JFO training dur-
North during Joint Tactical Air Controller/ ing his deployment in support of Operation
Joint Forward Observer training at Besma- New Dawn.
ya Range Complex, March 17-18. “I have had a very quiet deployment
During the two-day training exercise at which isn’t a bad thing,” he said, “but this
the range located east of Baghdad, Soldiers is a kinetic job. If we aren’t out there blow-
and airmen called in close air support sce- ing things up, we aren’t happy.”
narios to U.S. Air Force F16 fighter pilots U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO Soldiers and airmen also expressed grati-
deployed with 13th Expeditionary Fighter Employing fires using air assets is an im- tude to the Iraqi Army for allowing U.S.
Squadron, from Misawa Air Base, Japan. portant skill for forward observers to learn, forces to use the Besmaya Range Complex,
“It is outstanding that we can talk to the said Air Force Staff Sgt. Nate Corean, joint the only range in Iraq large enough to fa-
birds in the air today,” said Sgt. Michael tactical air controller, Joint Air Control cilitate the JTAC/JFO training.
Peterson, forward observer, Company A, Team, 368th Expeditionary Air Support “I am really impressed with the way
1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, as- Operations Group, assigned to 1st AATF, they ran things out here,” said Capt. Matt
signed to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Inf. Div. Bolton, air liaison officer, 368th EASOG,
1st Infantry Division. “Having the F16 pi- “JTACs are basically a liaison between attached to 1st AAFT, 1st Inf. Div. “The
lots on the radio, and then watching them the Army and Air Force, and we usually Iraqi range control is very professional, and
carry out the attacks, makes it all more re- make the call for air support; but there are they put a premium on safety.”
alistic.” not very many of us in country right now,” The Iraqi Army operates and maintains
Forward observers, artillery Soldiers said Corean. “We are making sure the FOs the Besmaya range under the tutelage of
who integrate into infantry units, relay tar- are trained up, because we need as many U.S. civilian contractors.
get locations to artillery assets, explained qualified people on the ground as possible, Bolton said he believes joint training
Peterson, who hails from Aurora, Colo. just in case somebody has to make that will strengthen relations between the Army
“Working with air assets broadens our call.” and Air Force personnel, ultimately mak-
skill set and makes us more well-rounded Corean, a native of Sundance, Wy., said ing for a stronger fighting force.
Soldiers, but even more importantly than
that, we have to keep training to stay sharp,”
he said. “We have a perishable skill, and if
we don’t stay sharp, we lose it.”
Receiving a call for fire from the Sol-
diers and airmen, the Air Force pilots car-
ried out close air support attacks on targets
approximately two kilometers from the ob-
server’s position.
U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Peterson, forward
observer, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th
Infantry Regiment, assigned to 1st Advise
and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division,
calls for fire while U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt.
Nate Corean, Joint Tactical Air Controller,
Joint Air Control Team, 368th Expeditionary
Air Support Operations Group, assigned to
1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div., observes and mentors
during Joint Tactical Air Controller and Joint
Forward Observer training at the Besmaya
Range Complex, March 18, 2011.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO
5


‘Head Hunter’ Troopers, Iraqi mortarmen get
‘fired-up’ during training at Destiny Range
Spc. Terence Ewings ron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th inforced Iraqi skills, teaching
4th AAB Public Affairs Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Iraqi soldiers how to operate
1st Cav. Div., USD-N Cavalry Division. mortar systems and accurately
“The Iraqis’ performance to- engage targets.
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- day was excellent, and we have “(My Soldiers) expected to
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – the American Soldiers to thank do a good job firing the mortars
Iraqi soldiers assigned to Mor- for that,” said Lt. Col. Aziz Ali, today, because they received
tar Support Company, 3rd Bat- commander of Mortar Support good training from the instruc-
talion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Company, assigned to 3rd Bn., tors at the Ghuzlani Warrior
Army Division, launched mul- 11th Bde., 3rd IA Div. Training Center,” said Ali, a
tiple high explosive rounds The Iraqi mortarmen trained native of Bashika, Iraq.
from 60 and 81 mm mortar sys- with U.S. Soldiers at Ghuzlani The training is one of many
tems during a live fire training Warrior Training Center as part exercises that make up Tadreeb
exercise, March 19. of an Iraqi military initiative al Shamil, a 25-day training
Iraqi soldiers demonstrated known as Tadreeb al Shamil, cycle providing individual and
speed and proficiency in oper- Arabic for All Inclusive Train- collective training to develop
ating the indirect fire support ing. and strengthen IA units’ capa- U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings
system at Destiny Range, using “Head Hunter” Soldiers of bility to secure and defend the An Iraqi soldier assigned to Mor-
techniques taught by 1st Squad- 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., re- people of Iraq from external tar Support Company, 3rd Battal-
threats. ion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army
Division, looks down the sight
During the exercise at Des-
of an 81 mm mortar system to
tiny Range, Iraqi soldiers veri- watch a smoke round detonate
fied their skills on IA 60 and 81 after it was launched from the in-
mm mortar systems in prepara- direct fire weapon system, March
tion for another live fire exer- 19, 2011. U.S. Soldiers assigned
to 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry
cise at GWTC later this month. Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist
The Head Hunter Soldiers Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division,
supervised their Iraqi counter- trained the Iraqi mortarmen at
Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center
parts, ensuring the Iraqi sol-
as part of a 25-day training cycle,
diers conducted the training Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All
exercise in a safe manner. Inclusive Training, an Iraqi initia-
Sgt. 1st Class Herman tive to provide collective training
for IA units.
George, served as the senior ad-
visor for the live fire exercise, George, a native of Temple,
working with each of the Iraqi Texas, and mortarman assigned
mortar crews operating the to Troop A, 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav.
weapons systems on the range. Regt.
With the help of an inter- “Our job is to make sure the
preter, the former drill sergeant Iraqis are tactically proficient
assisted Iraqi soldiers, who in their skills, and we’re going
were experiencing difficulties. to continue to train and better
George guided the Iraqis mak- their skills,” said George.
ing the appropriate adjustments Head Hunter troopers con-
on the mortar systems and tinue to train and mentor Iraqi
walking each fire team through soldiers of 3rd Bn.’s Mortar
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
the firing process, boosting Support Company, to enhance
Iraqi mortarmen of Mortar Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 11th Bri-
their confidence in their weap- the Iraqi unit’s ability to use the
gade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, launch high explosive rounds from ons systems and each other. indirect fire support systems,
81 mm mortar systems during a training exercise at Destiny Range, “I feel this exercise went preparing units of the IA battal-
March 19, 2011. U.S. Soldiers of 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, pretty well; we had some chal- ion for the month-long training
4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, trained the Iraqi
mortarmen on how to operate the indirect fire support system during
lenges throughout the training, rotation’s culminating live fire
a 25-day training rotation, known as Tadreeb al Shamil, for IA battal- but the Iraqis came out here and exercise, March 31.
ions at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center in northern Iraq. performed to standard,” said
6


Dropping Dimes ...
‘Golden Dragons’ train 12th IA Div. Soldiers to use M16 rifles
firer to have good observation of the target,
said Medina.
The second is aiming and aligning the
sight picture on the target, he explained.
“The third is the most important—your
breathing— making sure to shoot either at
the bottom of your breath, or the top, but it
must be the same every time;” said Medi-
na, “and the fourth being trigger squeeze—
using the tip of your finger, pull the trigger
slow and smooth.”
After rehearsing the techniques several
times, the Commando soldiers tested their
mastering of the four fundamentals by con-
ducting dime and washer drills.
Each Iraqi soldier partnered with their
U.S. counterpart, assuming a steady posi-
tion on the firing line.
U.S. Soldiers, coaching their Iraqi
U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
counterparts, placed a dime on top of each
trainee’s M16 barrel; the Iraqi soldiers, bal-
Sgt. Bernardo Medina, a native of Ocala, Fla., and infantryman assigned to Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task ancing the dime on the end of their rifles,
Force, uses his experience as a “Lefty” to show an Iraqi Army soldier serving with Comman- squeezed their triggers.
do Company, 15th Brigade, 12th IA Division, how a left-handed shooter should be positioned One by one dimes dropped, and the
when firing an M16 rifle, March 20, 2011. Lead instructor of M16 rifle familiarization training, soldiers laughed, realizing the control that
Medina and U.S. Soldiers paired with Iraqi soldiers to demonstrate the four fundamentals of
executing a proper shot group during classroom instruction at Forward Operating Base Texan, must be employed to keep the dime in
near Kirkuk, Iraq. place.
Golden Dragon coaches motivated the
Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney descriptions translated into Arabic, begin- Iraqi soldiers to maintain the four funda-
1st AATF Public Affairs ning the class with the basic characteristics mentals until their muscles became accus-
1st Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North of an M16 rifle. tomed to the motions, making it easier to
“We are starting with the very basics of keep the dime balanced, repeating the ac-
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE soldiering skills,” said Medina, an Ocala, tions until they became second nature.
WARRIOR, Iraq – U.S. Soldiers of Head- Fla. native. “The more they know their “The motivation the U.S. Soldiers gave
quarters and Headquarters Company, 1st weapon and all of the functions of it, the us made the class fun. It kept me interested
Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st Ad- more they will know what do if it malfunc- in wanting to learn,” said Pvt. Mohamed
vise and Assist Task Force, brought Iraqi tions.” Shahal Ahmed, a Samara, Iraq native, serv-
soldiers up to speed on how to use newly After learning the characteristics and ing with Commando Company, 15th Bde.,
issued M16 rifles at Iraqi Forward Operat- parts of the M16 rifle, each soldier com- 12th IA Div.
ing Base Texan, March 22. pleted a functions check to ensure the class “I want to thank all of the instructors
“Golden Dragon” Soldiers of 1st Bn., was ready to progress to learning basic rifle who made this class easy to understand,
14th Inf. Regt. used skills acquired in basic marksmanship. and exciting to learn,” said Mohamed. “I
combat training, refined through years of Using Golden Dragon Soldiers to dem- can’t wait to take these skills and teach my
experience, to mentor and train Commando onstrate, Medina broke down each funda- soldiers to be as proficient as I will be when
Company, 15th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army mental of the M16 rifle step by step for his this training is done.”
Division, building muscle memory for Iraqi counterparts. After mastering the four marksmanship
Iraqi soldiers learning to use the M16 rifle. “There are four fundamentals you all fundamentals, the Iraqi soldiers practiced
Lead instructor of the class, Sgt. Ber- must know before stepping up to the firing dry firing from various firing positions,
nardo Medina, infantryman, HHC, 1st Bn., line,” Medina told the Iraqi soldiers. preparing for an upcoming live fire exer-
14th Inf. Regt., attached to 1st AATF, 1st The first thing the shooter must do when cise to validate their marksmanship with
Inf. Div., provided the trainees a training stepping up to the firing line is to assume a the M16 rifle.
packet consisting of detailed pictures and steady firing position, one that allows the
7


‘Long Knife’ Soldiers bring the heat at
Destiny Range, keep FA skills sharp
Spc. Terence Ewings tems, Kim explained. and do our job,” said Sgt. An- completed the pre-requisite fire
4th AAB Public Affairs “We don’t get to do many live drew Harris, a native of Ger- direction and gunnery re-cer-
1st Cav. Div., USD-N fires throughout the deploy- mantown, Md., and mortar sec- tifications to verify the crews’
ment, so we just wanted to sus- tion sergeant assigned to HHC, proficiency at putting rounds
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- tain our skills and at the same 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Regt. on target.
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Ar- time show the Iraqi soldiers the Throughout the live fire ex- “We’re out here demonstrat-
med with mortars and self-pro- correct way to execute and en- ercise, the 4th AAB Soldiers ing the counter indirect-fire
pelled field artillery systems, gage targets using the mortar engaged multiple simulated tar- techniques we use to suppress
Soldiers assigned to 4th Advise system,” said Kim. gets on Destiny Range with the the enemy,” said Sgt. 1st Class
and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry “We’re training the Iraqis indirect fire weapons systems. Nikon Escobedo, platoon ser-
Division, conducted a com- on mortar systems and battle The mortarmen used the geant assigned to Battery A, 5th
bined arms live fire exercise to drills to build up their security speed of their M1064 armored Bn., 82nd FA Regt.
demonstrate the unit’s ability forces,” said Kim, a native of mortar carrier systems to quick- Both battalions spent weeks
to provide accurate and timely Marysville, Calif. ly engage a target, and the 4th training and preparing for the
fires, March 17. When Kim and fellow mor- AAB’s field artillery battalion combined arms live fire ex-
Headquarters and Headquar- tarmen stationed at Joint Se- employed its powerful self-pro- ercise, the second exercise of
ters Company, 2nd Battalion, curity Station India are not pelled howitzers to continue the this type since the 4th AAB as-
7th Cavalry Regiment, and Bat- training the 2nd Iraqi Army engagement. sumed its mission in Mosul in
tery A, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Division soldiers on different The “Red Legs” of 5th Bn., October 2010.
Artillery Regiment, both of 4th mortar systems, the U.S. Army 82nd FA Regt. fired M109A6 “These weapons we use can
AAB, 1st Cav. Div., showcased Soldiers provide mounted pa- Paladins, launching 155 mm cause a lot of collateral dam-
their indirect fire proficiency at trol assistance to units that high-explosive rounds from age if not used properly so it’s
Destiny Range on Contingency travel to and from the remote a firing point located several important we train regularly on
Operating Site Marez during installation. miles from where the M1064 these systems,” said Escobedo,
the CALFEX. “We support the brigade in armored mortar carriers en- a native of Cisco, Texas. “We
“We’re out here to demon- any way we can, and we love gaged the target area. love to fire our weapons, but we
strate the skills we’ve been that we get the opportunity to Prior to the training exer- want to make sure we do things
practicing the last couple of come out here and fire rounds cise, the field artillery troopers safe and the right way.”
weeks by putting live rounds
downrange,” said 1st Lt. David
Kim, mortar platoon leader as-
signed to HHC, 2nd Bn., 7th
Cav. Regt.
Deployed in support of Op-
eration New Dawn, Soldiers
assigned to Mortar platoon,
2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Regt. do not
usually get the opportunity
to fire the U.S. Army M1064
Self-propelled 120 mm Heavy
Mortar Carriers during their ad-
vise, train and assist mission in
northern Iraq, he said.
While there is no need to use
the systems to conduct combat
missions in northern Iraq, the
mortarmen regularly conduct
training with 2nd Iraqi Army U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
Division soldiers to increase “Black Dragons” Battalion, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st
their Iraqi partners’ proficiency Cavalry Division, fire M109A6 Paladins during a certification exercise, March 16, 2011. Soldiers of 5th Bn.,
in operating their 60 mm, 81 82nd FA Regt., validated the accuracy of their weapons systems, launching 155 mm high-explosive rounds
at Destiny Range. The firing teams renewed certification on the indirect fire support weapon system prior
mm and 120 mm mortar sys-
to the combined arms live fire exercise conducted with Iraqi Security Forces the next day.

8


Information dissemination training builds
foundation for Iraqi Army media officers
Sgt. Shawn Miller, a public affairs specialist assigned to 109th Mobile
Public Affairs Detachment, a Pennsylvania National Guard unit based
out of Fort Indiantown Gap, deployed in support of U.S. Division-
North, demonstrates photography from a different perspective during
the Information Dissemination Operations course March 17, 2011.

Soldiers serving overseas.
Public Affairs Soldiers inform internal and external audiences
through videos, digital photos and written articles highlighting
Soldiers, their unit and their mission.
“I cover stories on units from (U.S. Division-North) in the ad-
vise, train and assist mission in northern Iraq,” said Sgt. Shawn
Miller, a public affairs specialist-writer with the 109th MPAD. “I
take photos and write stories from the missions I cover.”
Miller said he utilized his years of photojournalism experience
to teach Iraqi Army media officers the basic mechanics of taking
photographs to tell the story seen through the eyes of the photog-
rapher.
“I taught them basic composition for photos, like the ‘Rule of
Thirds,’” he said. “I showed them some examples of photos for
referencing on how to take photos from different angles. My main
emphasis was to get them to change their perspective rather than
just walking around taking snapshots.”
The IA media officer shares many duties and responsibilities
similar to a U.S. Army Public Affairs officer, said Capt. Ali, media
officer of Emergency Battalion, 5th IA Div.
“I take pictures and write articles about events in my battal-
U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N ion,” Ali said. “Sometimes when we have missions going on, my
Cpl. Robert England commander instructs me to take pictures and write a report on the
2nd Advise and Assist Brigade Public Affairs mission.”
25th Infantry Division, U.S. Division-North Maj. David Repyneck, executive officer, 109th MPAD, also
lent his experience in public affairs during the IDO course.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq – In an He taught the IA media officers how to compile information
age of technology, information moves at broadband speeds with into a press release, or news article according to U.S. Army doc-
the click of a button. Information Operations sections in units trine.
across the U.S. Army must operate at the same pace using broad- Repyneck stressed the importance of including facts vital to the
cast stories, news articles and photos to keep audiences informed. comprehension of an article, basic information for any particular
Informing audiences of the U.S. Army mission builds sup- event the media officers cover.
port from local, regional and national audiences, an effort which Sgt. David Cannon, a noncommissioned officer assigned to
sparked interest in the Iraqi Army, leading staff Brig. Gen. Dia’a, 304th Military Information Support Operations Company, said
commander of 5th Iraqi Army Division, to request specialized IDO is a combination of messaging techniques that produces prod-
training from U.S. Division-North Soldiers. ucts which will enable the Iraqi government to directly inform the
Senior leaders of 5th Iraqi Army Division learned how to ac- Iraqi people.
curately gather and distribute information in a timely manner dur- Cannon, who coordinated the training, said this training will
ing the Information Dissemination Operations course March 17 certainly have lasting effects that will benefit both the Iraqi Army
at Forward Operating Base Khamees in Diyala province of Iraq. and the local Iraqi populace.
U.S. Army Soldiers of 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detach- “The ability to correctly message to the population of Iraq will
ment, a Pennsylvania National Guard unit, based out of Fort Indi- give the government a chance to address direct issues that various
antown Gap, deployed in support of U.S. Division-North, taught groups of the population have while keeping the people current
IA officers methods used by the U.S. Army to compile and distrib- with what the (Iraqi) Army is doing,” he said.
ute information to public audiences through a variety of media. Following the conclusion of the training, the IDO course in-
As American Soldiers deploy to foreign countries, specifically structors presented graduation certificates to each of the media sol-
combat zones, the need to inform increases in response to the cu- diers, signifying successful completion of the course.
riosity and concern of the Families, friends and communities of
9


U.S. Division-North Soldiers celebrate
Women’s History Month at COB Speicher
Sgt. Coltin Heller as well as stories of female Sol- Krueger said due to her ditional sense.
109th MPAD diers currently deployed to U.S unique perspective as a woman “Some mothers ask me how
USD-N Public Affairs Division-North in support of serving during her last deploy- I can leave my children,” said
Operation New Dawn. ment to Afghanistan, she was Krueger. “I tell them that I get
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- “The history of women in able to elicit information about to directly go after the people
ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq the Armed Forces began more extremists from mothers in lo- who threaten my kid’s safety.
– “Duty, Honor, Pride—these than 220 years ago with women cal Afghan communities. That’s my way of caring for
words reflect the spirit of gener- who served during the Ameri- “The mothers would talk to them.”
ations of American women who can Revolution and continues me and tell me who was threat- Many women have under-
have sought to defend the rights through the present day,” said ening her children,” she said. stood the idea of serving some-
and freedoms of others,” said Krueger. “It’s a great privilege “They would help us anyway thing greater than their selves,
Lt. Col. Mary Krueger, Sur- to be what we are.” they could.” and their service has resonated
geon, U.S. Division-North and Krueger spoke of the first In addition to historical throughout history, Krueger
4th Infantry Division, during a female Medal of Honor recipi- military heroines, Krueger also added.
special ceremony celebrating ent, Mary Walker, who served showed photos of female Sol- Lt. Col David Cushen, Equal
women at Contingency Operat- during the Civil War, tending to diers, like Staff Sgt. Vanessa Opportunity Program manager,
ing Base Speicher, March 18. sick and wounded Soldiers in Kennedy, currently serving U.S. Division-North, one of
The event, “Our History hospitals and later on the fields their country at COB Speicher, several male Soldiers in atten-
Is Our Strength,” held at the of battle, and then continued sacrificing time with Family dance, spoke after Krueger, re-
Morale, Welfare and Recre- her care of Soldiers to the detri- and friends during deployment. marking on her words and the
ation Center-North, celebrated ment of her own health during Pictures of renowned military ceremony itself.
Women’s History Month, pro- four months of imprisonment. women also lined the walls, “Thank you for the unique
viding service members with “This is the history we stand adding to the gravity of the cer- perspective you provided for us
the history of military women, upon,” said Krueger. emony. today,” said Cushen. “Women
Kennedy, a medical logistics serving in the military are part
noncommissioned officer as- of the heritage of the military as
signed to the Surgeon section, a whole, as this celebration of
U.S. Division-North and 4th Women’s History Month shows
Inf. Div., juggles her time be- us.”
tween service to the nation and Krueger ended the ceremo-
her Family. ny noting that her service and
“I know the importance of the service of all female Sol-
having priorities,” said Kenne- diers deployed in support of the
dy, a mother of three children. nation will not go unnoticed.
“There are times when I have “There will come a time for
to adjust my schedule, but time women, when the Army will
for my Family is still important look you in the face and thank
to me.” you for your service,” she said.
Krueger said she cares for “You’re doing an amazing
her own two boys but some- thing here.”
times as a Soldier not in the tra-
Lt. Col. Mary Krueger, Surgeon, U.S. Division-North and 4th Infantry
Division, hosts a Women’s History Month celebration at Contingency
Operating Base Speicher, March 18, 2011. Krueger spoke of military
heroines, past and present, who sacrificed time with their Families
in service to their country. The celebration, titled “Our History Is Our
Strength,” held at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center-North
on COB Speicher, commemorated Women’s History Month, providing
service members with the history of military women, and stories of
female Soldiers currently deployed to U.S Division-North in support
of Operation New Dawn. “The history of women in the Armed Forces
began more than 220 years ago with women who served during the
American Revolution and continues through the present day,” said
Krueger. “It’s a great privilege to be what we are.”
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
10


Chaplain’s The grass is always greener
Corner: … but beware of the tigers
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Houston several times stronger than a man, and While we are deployed, we face mul-
Chaplain have been known to severely injure or tiple temptations. There are many things
U.S. Division-North even kill their keepers. Lucky for our just beyond our reach that appeal to our
animal keeper, the chimp was more intent senses.
Like my recent story about the “Great on escaping than harming her. Somehow, in our human nature, we
Pumpkin Orgy”—this story is also true! Now, I can imagine that the chimps convince ourselves that we cannot live
As you may remember from my article spent a good part of their day looking at without that which is on the other side of
a couple of weeks ago, I shared that in the the scenery beyond the confines of their the imaginary fence. We discover an open
early 80s I had a fascinating job working cage. Directly in front of their cage there door—and we escape—only to find that
at a drive through Animal Park. In that job, was a lush hillside of trees and green there is a painful cost to crossing certain
I did not work directly with the animals, grass. Freedom was just a short hop over a lines.
but I did, however, come away with some low fence if they could just get out. As a Chaplain with multiple combat
great stories! But now the story takes a dramatic turn, deployments, I have often been called on
In one of the larger cages in the park because what the chimps could not see to perform some sort of miracle when a
we had a couple chimpanzees. They was the Siberian Tiger enclosure, sitting Soldier or spouse has crossed the exclu-
were mature animals; circus rejects that out of view behind the chimp cage, di- sive lines drawn in a marriage relation-
had become mean, disgusting and quite rectly across from the back door where the ship. There is a huge cost to be paid
dangerous. chimp made his mad dash for freedom. for unfaithfulness; and once that line is
They had nasty habits! One of them The fleeing chimp cleared the low crossed, Soldiers, spouses and Families
had been taught to smoke and would beg fence in a single bound. Ignoring the sign get chewed up in the process.
tourists until they tossed a lighted cigarette that said “Siberian Tigers,” he quickly Sadly, I find that once it reaches this
through the bars of his cage. No longer climbed the 10-foot barbed wire and chain point, there is little a chaplain can do, and
suitable for the circus, they were perma- link fence, landing in what he must have the marriage suffers—the damage is done.
nently locked up. thought was the “lush green grass of free- All of us are tempted in a thousand dif-
The keepers who fed the chimps and dom.” He was wrong. ferent ways. If you feel that you are at risk
cleaned their enclosure each day had a A male Siberian Tiger was on him of crossing a line, are tempted to climb the
system to safely move the animals from instantly, and the fight was on! The chimp wrong fence or are in danger of walking
one area to another so the workers could and the tiger fought it out in the large pool through a door that should remain closed,
enter and clean different areas of the cage. of water in the center of the tiger cage. talk to your chaplain!
There was a specific sequence of locking Chimps are strong, and this one put up Chaplains can help, and your conversa-
and unlocking steel doors to move the a good fight; however, in the end, there tion is always confidential. If you do not
chimps. was no doubt which animal would win. feel comfortable talking to your chaplain,
Then one day the unthinkable hap- The keepers shot the two tigers in the seek out someone who can help you climb
pened—someone missed a critical step in cage with tranquilizer darts, and then back over the fence before it is too late.
the sequence, and when the keeper opened darted the severely injured chimp. They Oh, by the way, the second chimp made
the back door to clean the sleeping area, carried the injured animal back to his cage, it to the tall fence, but when he heard his
she was instantly flattened by a full-grown but despite all they could do, the chimp buddy screaming and fighting with the
male chimp, who was in a dead run to died the next day. tigers, he ran back into his cage, obviously
escape! Okay, what’s the point? What does this deciding that there is no place like home!
Keep in mind that chimpanzees are have to do with deployment?

Check out YouTube to have full Can’t get enough of the
access to videos of U.S. Divi- Ivy Leaf? Go to Slide-
sion-North Soldiers, as they share and read this
advise, train and assist Iraqi and past issues of U.S.
soldiers throughout northern Iraq. See the new Division-North Soldiers deployed in support of
Operation New Dawn. If you haven't seen this
broadcast stories uploaded to the site weekly. extremly user-friendly site, check it out!
www.youtube.com/user/the4ID www.slideshare.com/the4ID

11


‘Hey Doc: ‘It’s getting hot in here. I’m
Capt. Nathan Teague
Preventive Medicine
U.S. Division-North
going to take my clothes off.’
preventable. pare yourself by adhering to dies; poor fitness; prior history
– “Hey Doc, It’s getting hot Let’s look at the some of the the following: of heat illness; being more than
in here. May I take off some of causes of heat injury. •Drink: Consider water a 40-years old; and cumulative
my clothes?” – Signed “Hot There are four variables that tactical weapon. Drink enough exposure to heat, exertion and
Tamale.” interact to cause heat injuries: water to replace your fluids lack of quality sleep places you
1) Climate—temperature loss through sweat. Don’t wait at risk for heat injuries.
Dear “Hot Tamale,” and humidity until you feel thirsty. Look Ask your medical pro-
Indeed, you may take off 2) Intensity and duration of at your urine. If it is dark or vider if you have any questions
some of your clothes, but not activity if you have not urinated, you about your susceptibility.
so fast buckaroo. Allow me to 3) Clothing and equipment need to drink more. Don’t over Early recognition and treat-
communicate some guidance 4) Individual risk factors hydrate however as daily fluid ment of heat injury symp-
first. Three of the four variables intake should not exceed 12 toms are key to saving lives.
Heat can kill—please don’t are modifiable. quarts. Dizziness, headaches, nausea
play with it. An average of Leaders should be aware of •Eat: Eat meals to replace and vomiting, feeling tired
three to four Soldiers die of the climate, and balance the salts. Do not follow low calorie or weak, muscle cramping
heat-related injuries every mission and training require- diets while operating in hot and confusion are all signs of
year. Others are forced to ments against the risks as- environments. Do not take any heat injury. Immediately seek
leave the Army because of the sociated with operating in hot dietary supplements contain- medical care for yourself or
heat-related injuries they have weather. ing ephedra, or ma-huang, at your buddy if you notice these
sustained. Clothing and equipment any time. Be very careful with symptoms.
Soon, we will be physically may be altered to fit the envi- other supplements, such as Your life and your career
exerting ourselves in extreme ronment. This is where taking creatine. are too important to ignore this
heat, under heavy loads. It is off some clothes fits in. •Consider: Current or recent very real danger, Hot Tamale.
imperative that we understand Guidance will come from illness; certain chronic medical Be careful out there, and
how to protect ourselves from your Command. conditions; certain medicines, Task Force Ironhorse keep
heat injuries since many are Individually, you can pre- such as allergy or cold reme- those questions coming!

- Se ual Assault -
Awareness Month
- Awareness is knowing.

- Action is doing

- It’s time to bring some light
to an ongoing issue.

- Saturday, April 2, 2011
1900 @ MWR-North
12

The ivy leaf, volume 1, issue 21

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The ivy leaf, volume 1, issue 21