The ivy leaf, volume 1, issue 29

Volume 1, Issue 29 may 20, 2011

U.S. forces transfer COL McHenry to IA

Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
LongKnife

Ironhorse
Devil
Fit for Any Test

Fit for Any Test
Ironhorse

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO
Devil
“Golden Dragons” Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division ren-
der honors as the American flag is lowered for the last time at Contingency Operating Location McHenry during a Base Transfer ceremony
LongKnife

in Kirkuk province, Iraq, May 15, 2011. After conducting operations at the base since 2003, U.S. forces transferred responsibility of COL
McHenry to the Iraqi government.
Steadfast and Loyal

Spc. Andrew Ingram Operating Location McHenry mission in Kirkuk province, transitions in Kirkuk,” said Ul-
USD-N Public Affairs to the Iraqi government during said Lt. Col. Andrew Ulrich, rich. “Although we are leaving
a ceremony in Kirkuk prov- commander of 1st Bn., 14th our footprint here, we will con-
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- ince, Iraq, May 15. Inf. Regt., part of 1st Advise tinue to advise, train and assist.
Warrior

ING LOCATION MCHENRY, The return of COL McHen- and Assist Task Force, 1st In- I have full confidence that the
Iraq – U.S. Soldiers assigned ry, or Mo’Oscar Bagarrah, as fantry Division. Army and the partnered secu-
to 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry it’s known to the Iraqi people, “The transition of rity forces gathered here today
Regiment officially transferred represents a big step toward Mo’Oscar Bagarrah is one of are ready for this transition.”
responsibility of Contingency the completion of U.S. forces’ the first and most important
See MCHENRY, Pg. 3

The Ivy Leaf May 20, 2011

soldiers’ skills at multiple combined check points near Kirkuk.
“He taught (Iraqi Security Forces) self defense skills,” said Sgt.
1st Class Carl Barton, a platoon leader with 2nd Bn., 12th Cav.
Regt. “He taught them how to disarm hostiles as well as how to
defend against being disarmed.”
Phillips, a native of Cheyenne, Wyo., took the lead during close
quarters combat training, teaching Iraqi soldiers how to defend
themselves, conduct personnel and vehicle searches, and how to
use minimum force necessary to control the situation.
“He’s a sponge, soaking up anything he learns and readily gives
it to others,” said Barton, who hails from Rock Springs, Wyo.
U.S. Army photo
“He’s motivated to train and assist in any way he can, and is the
Pfc. Shawn Phillips, an infantryman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th first to volunteer to train the ISF at combined checkpoints.”
Cavalry Regiment, attached to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st
Infantry Division, prepares for a mission at Contingency Operating Phillips also used his experience to teach ESU how to use vari-
Site Warrior, Iraq, May 17, 2011. Phillips, selected by his leaders as ous weapon systems, demonstrating how to break down the weap-
“Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week, led his unit in the advancing ons as well proper as fire techniques.
of combat skills of Iraqi Service Emergency Units at checkpoints near “As my gunner, (Phillips) went over all the weapons systems
Kirkuk, teaching ERU soldiers close quarter combat techniques and
proper usage of multiple weapon systems. and other infantry battle drills that we use ourselves,” said Staff
Sgt. Rahamane Cisse, squad leader, 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt.
Many U.S. Soldiers draw from experiences outside their mili- In addition to performing his duties in an outstanding manner,
tary lives adding to an ever-expanding wealth of knowledge to be- Phillips also stands above his peers as the only junior enlisted Sol-
come effective assets for their unit and one day effective leaders dier to achieve a perfect score of 300 on the Army Physical Fitness
of Soldiers. Test, said Cisse, a native of the Ivory Coast, West Africa.
Pfc. Shawn Phillips, an infantryman assigned to 2nd Battalion, “He’s one of the younger guys in the platoon, but right away
12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 1st Advise and Assist Task when he got here he set himself above his peers and has been a
Force, 1st Infantry Division, earned the title of “Ironhorse Strong” role model,” said Cisse. “Having a high (Physical Training) score
Soldier of the Week for using his training in martial arts and Mod- is just another way he does that.”
ern Army Combatives to advance Iraqi Emergency Service Unit

‘Headhunter’ Squadron Diyala Provincial Police ‘Thunderhorse’ Soldiers Social Media - What you need
trains IA on cordon and practice crime scene earn their spurs to know
search techniques preservation
Page 4 Page 6 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 CI Chief – 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


Cont’d from McHenry, Pg. 1 Staff Brig. Gen Mohsin, com-
mander of 46th Brigade, 12th Iraqi
Ulrich officially transferred Army Division, officially takes
responsibility of Contingency
the base and its remaining Operating Location McHenry
facilities to Staff Brig. Gen. from Lt. Col. Andrew Ulrich, com-
Mohsin, commander of 46th mander of 1st Battalion, 14th In-
Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Di- fantry Regiment, 1st Advise and
Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry
vision, who represented the Division, during a Base Transfer
Government of Iraq during the ceremony in Kirkuk province,
ceremony. Iraq, May 15, 2011. The 46th Bri-
While stationed at COL gade plans to continue use of
the facilities at COL McHenry for
McHenry, Soldiers of 1st Bn., operations after the transition of
14th Inf. Regt., “Golden Drag- U.S. forces out of Iraq.
ons,” the last U.S. unit to occu-
py the base, worked diligently Iraqi Security Forces’ ability to
with their Iraqi counterparts to continue taking full responsi-
ensure the safety of the people bility for the safety and protec-
of Iraq, said Ulrich. tion of its people.
“We built a lasting and “The closure of this camp
meaningful personal relation- does not signify that we will be
ship that assured me that we pulling away from our advise,
could call on the Iraqi Secu- train and assist mission with the
rity Forces at any time and U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO Iraqi Police, the Iraqi Army and
they would respond without Freedom. assist role with Iraqi Security the Regional Guard Brigade,”
hesitation,” Ulrich said. “Hope- By Spring 2006, Forward Forces counterparts. said Pappal. “Those relation-
fully, we instilled the same trust Operating Base McHenry had Along with Iraqi Army and ships with our partners in arms
in our partners and they now grown to a 500-Soldier base Iraqi Police units, 1st Bn., 14th will continue and remain strong
know they have a lasting friend with attached services and con- Inf. Regt. Soldiers have seen a into the future.”
in the American Soldier and the tractors. drastic decline in violence and Ulrich thanked his Iraqi
American people.” In 2010, the Golden Dragons an increase in public safety, counterparts for their hard
Until its transfer, COL brought the newly designated medical health and economic work, sacrifices and dedica-
McHenry served as one of the COL McHenry into Operation growth, said Ulrich. tion to Iraq and its people while
oldest U.S. operating locations New Dawn as U.S. forces’ mis- “Eleven months ago our bat- training and working with the
in Iraq, established during the sion shifted from combat op- talion moved into Mo’Oscar Golden Dragons.
first year of Operation Iraqi erations to an advise, train and Bagarrah with the mission to “It is with great pride that
advise, train and assist the Iraqi we end our time at Mo’Oscar
Security Forces in providing Bagarrah on a high note, sur-
security for their people,” said rounded by all our security
Ulrich. “We were not surprised partners who have the peoples’
to find that they needed very best interest in mind,” said
little assistance and were very Ulrich during the ceremony.
competent.” “Though you, the Iraqi Security
Col. Michael Pappal, com- Forces, have suffered losses
mander of 1st Advise and Assist at the hands of the insurgents,
Task Force, said the transfer of your men’s bravery and sacri-
COL McHenry represents the fice will not be forgotten.”

Lt. Col. Andrew Ulrich, commander of 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, ad-
dresses his Soldiers, U.S. and Iraqi military leaders, and Iraqi govern-
ment officials and community leaders during the Contingency Operat-
ing Location McHenry Base Transfer ceremony in Kirkuk province,
Iraq, May 15, 2011. Iraqi forces of 46th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Divi-
sion, plan to continue to use the base, known to them as Mo’Oscar
Bagarrah, for operations after the transition of U.S. forces out of Iraq.
“Eleven months ago our battalion moved into Mo’Oscar Bagarrah with
the mission to advise, train and assist the Iraqi Security Forces in pro-
viding security for their people,” said Ulrich. “We were not surprised
to find that they needed very little assistance and were very compe-
tent. It is with great pride that we end our time at Mo’Oscar Bagarrah
on a high note, surrounded by all our security partners who have the
peoples’ best interest in mind.”

3


‘Head Hunter’ Squadron trains Iraqi Army
on cordon and search techniques at GWTC
Spc. Terence Ewings Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Company, 2nd Bat-
4th AAB Public Affairs talion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division
move tactically across a field toward a house
1st Cav. Div., USD-N to conduct a cordon and search exercise
during urban operations training at Ghuzlani
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE Warrior Training Center, May 12, 2011. U.S.
MAREZ, Iraq – With weapons raised at Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 9th Cav-
the ready, eyes scanning the surrounding alry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade,
1st Cavalry Division oversaw their IA partners
area for threats, Iraqi Army soldiers ma- during the urban operations training.
neuvered toward a building at the Ghuzlani
Warrior Training Center. “This training is good for us, because
Iraqi Amy soldiers of 3rd Company, 2nd it allows us to ready ourselves for future
Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd IA Division security operations,” said 1st Lt. Gamal U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO

cordoned the area and stormed through the Hussein, commander of 3rd Company, 2nd sion and escorted enemy suspects into cus-
training site during the urban operations Bn. “The American officers and (noncom- tody, Head Hunter Soldiers conducted a
exercise, May 12. missioned officers) work hard to make sure mission critique highlighting tactics to sus-
While IA soldiers fired blank ammuni- we benefit from the training.” tain and improve for the next practice run.
tion against opposing forces, U.S. Soldiers Hussein commanded half of his soldiers “It’s important for them to know how
from the “Head Hunter,” 1st Squadron, to surround the target in a security cor- to safely move into a building or room and
9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and As- don, swiftly leading the remaining squads detain an enemy with minimal casualties,”
sist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division watched through an attack on the suspected strong- said Maj. Jason Carter, an instructor as-
intently, taking note of the Iraqi soldiers’ holds. signed to Head Hunter Squadron.
progress. After 3rd Company completed the mis- U.S. Soldiers at GWTC work to mod-
ernize the Iraqi battalion as part of Tadreeb
al Shamil, an Iraqi military training pro-
gram to provide individual and collective
infantry training for Iraq’s ground forces.
Starting at the individual, squad and pla-
toon levels, the IA soldiers build on their
tactical knowledge and skills, progress-
ing to company and battalion-level exer-
cises during the 25-day training cycles of
Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive
Training.
Since GWTC opened for training in
January, 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. troopers
led five IA battalions through the training
center in support of Operation New Dawn.
“These guys have been great,” said
Carter, a native of Panama City, Fla. “They
are the most disciplined and organized unit
I’ve seen at this training center.”
After the completion of the three-day ur-
ban operations platoon training, IA soldiers
are slated to begin training and maneuver-
ing on company-level urban operations at
the training center.
“The IA soldiers are getting better with
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N each training day,” said Spc. Tim Caudle, a
Soldiers assigned to 3rd Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division prepare Head Hunter combat medic from Portland,
to enter and clear a room housing possible hostile suspects during a cordon and search exer- Ore. “These are challenging exercises out
cise at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, May 12, 2011. U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron,
here, but they are determined to be success-
9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, advise, train and
assist their IA partners in enhanced combat tactics during the month-long training rotation as ful and complete the mission.”
part of Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training.

4


Combined Security Forces train at KTC

Iraqi soldiers, Iraqi Police officers and Kurdish Regional Guard Brigade soldiers stand in formation before instructors combine the groups into
integrated platoons to train as members of the Combined Security Forces “Golden Lions” at the Kirkuk Training Center, May 18, 2011.

Spc. Andrew Ingram its newest members to provide and chief CSF trainer at KTC. Focusing on the Rule of
USD-N Public Affairs security for citizens throughout Omar said veteran Golden Law first reminds Golden Li-
Kirkuk province, said 1st Lt. Lion noncommissioned officers ons members exactly what they
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- Daniel Campbell, platoon lead- and officers will take the pri- swore to protect and taught
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq er, Company A, 2nd Bn., 12th mary role during the instruction soldiers and police officers the
– Iraqi Army soldiers, Iraqi Cav. Regt. of the new troops, only request- proper manner in which to ex-
Police officers and Kurdish Re- The CSF started in 2010 ing U.S. Soldiers to help with ecute duties, said Fasil.
gional Guard Brigade members and provides an important role practical exercises and provide “It is important for these
commenced joint training at in the security of Kirkuk, said additional assistance as needed. men to know how to take prop-
Kirkuk Training Center to be- Campbell. “I am really excited about er actions,” said Fasil. “They
come candidates for the Com- One of the great things about the training and the CSF ex- are in charge of the security in
bined Security Forces, known the CSF is that recruits are panding,” said Omar. “I’m sure Kirkuk, and they must be above
as “Golden Lions,” May 17-18. mentored by U.S. forces and this will be a big step for the suspicion for the people to trust
Iraqi instructors selected ap- actually trained by Iraqi lead- CSF and for all of Iraq’s forc- them.”
plicants from each of the Iraqi ers, said Campbell, a native of es.” Having worked with the
Security Forces agencies, inte- Houston. Omar said the new CSF CSF for 11 months, Campbell
grating soldiers and policemen During their first official company personnel are sched- said he believes the Golden Li-
into platoons as U.S. Soldiers day of training, the Iraqi forces uled to study combat drills and ons stand united for a promis-
of Company A, 2nd Battalion, broke into their new platoons, military tactics throughout the ing future in Iraq.
12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st each selecting recruits from the month-long training cycle. “The CSF can and will do
Advise and Assist Task Force, three different ISF elements. After recruits spent the first any mission or task that is en-
1st Infantry Division provided By integrating the IA, IP day familiarizing themselves trusted to them,” said Camp-
guidance and oversight. and Regional Guard soldiers with new trainees, the newly in- bell. “They have conducted hu-
As the Golden Lions in- at the platoon level early in the tegrated Golden Lions gathered manitarian aid drops, but they
crease proficiency during the training, instructors can begin in the KTC conference room have also conducted cordon
next few months, it is impor- teaching trainees how to work under the guidance of Capt. Fa- and searches. They are a ‘jack-
tant for Iraqi CSF veterans to together as a team, explained sil Gaze Mohmod, legal officer of-all-trades’ unit and they get
take the lead in the training of 2nd Lt. Omar, a platoon leader and law instructor at KTC. the job done.”

5


Diyala Provincial Police practice crime
scene preservation, breaking crime networks
Sgt. David Strayer
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE
WARHORSE, Iraq – “Warrior” Brigade
Soldiers with the Diyala Province Police
Transition Team attended a crime scene in-
vestigation exercise conducted by the Iraqi
provincial police’s Emergency Response
Force and Crime Scene Management Team
at Baquba, Iraq, May 15.
Iraqi Police members used the course as
an opportunity to exhibit their ability to re-
spond to an emergency, use first responders
to secure and cordon the scene, and allow
CSM Team members into the area to pre-
serve the crime scene and collect evidence.
“The ERF training exercise exempli-
fies things that the Diyala police have been
training for over the past year,” said Lt.
Col. John Shattuck, chief of the PTT, 2nd U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Members of the Diyala Provincial Police Force Crime Scene Management Team mark, docu-
Division. “The ERF has come a long way ment and collect evidence at a simulated murder scene during a training exercise in Baquba,
with their tactical proficiency as well as un- Iraq, May 15, 2011. CSM Team members enter crime scenes already secured by first respond-
derstanding their role in the police force.” ers, such as the Emergency Response Force, and immediately begin preserving the integrity
of the crime scene to collect and process evidence, a crucial step in the process of identifying
ERF members acted as first responders detaining and prosecuting suspects.
during the murder scenario. After entering
and securing the area, the ERF questioned working side by side to achieve a common can detain them.”
witnesses and called in the CSM Team to objective. During Operation New Dawn, U.S.
take over the investigation. Once the CSM Team arrived on scene, forces remained present in an advisory
Chief of Police Training in Diyala prov- the ERF team leader ensured a positive role, assisting when requested, while Iraqi
ince, Lt. Col. Ali, said he enjoyed seeing handoff of authority on the crime scene, policemen took the lead on operations and
different agencies of the provincial police providing the CSM officer in charge with built up their forces.
all of the collected information. Shattuck and his team advised provincial
The CSM officer ensures preservation police forces on advanced law enforcement
of the crime scene as well as evidence col- skills and identified areas for the IP leaders
lection and processing to enable arrest war- to improve their efficiency and skills to get
rants and ultimately prosecutions. more in depth with crime solving.
“Preservation of evidence is crucial; Iraqi Police units then trained their of-
perhaps the most crucial part of the legal ficers to go beyond fundamentals of crime
process,” said Ali. “It allows us to make scene investigation, to take a deeper look
identifications and find suspects so that we into patterns and crack organized extremist
networks, said Shattuck.
First Lt. Ali Khalid, officer in charge of a Crime
Scene Management Team, takes a statement “One year ago, the IPs in the prov-
from a witness at the scene of a simulated ince were very good at solving individual
murder during a training exercise in Baquba, crimes, such as murder cases; however, if
Iraq, May 15, 2011. As OIC of the CSM Team, the crime was backed by a complex net-
Khalid ensures integrity of the crime scene,
oversees evidence collection and process- work of organized crime or an insurgency,
ing, and takes statements from witnesses. that was a bit beyond their level of exper-
After conducting collections at the scene, the tise,” said Shattuck. “They are much more
CSM Team uses the information to build an
investigation that will eventually lead to arrest
warrants and prosecutions. See POLICE, Pg. 7
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD

6


Cont’d from POLICE, pg. 6

Sgt. Bilal, a team leader with the Diyala Prov-
ince Emergency Response Force, briefs 1st
Lt. Ali Khalid, officer in charge of the Crime
Scene Management Team, on information
gathered at a simulated crime scene after se-
curing the area during a training exercise in
Baquba, Iraq, May 15, 2011. After the ERF ini-
tially entered the scene and secured the area,
the CSM Team assumed control of the inves-
tigation to collect and process evidence, take
witness statements and preserve the integ-
rity of the crime scene.

ment of individual policemen over the past
year,” said Shattuck.
Iraqi Police forces run a completely
self-funded and self-directed training cen-
ter for operations and development cours-
es, Shattuck said.
Nearly 500 Iraqi policemen now cycle
through the institution each month, fo-
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO cusing individual certification training on
capable now; they are able to map and cians to preserve the scene and collect the a wide variety of police courses ranging
identify networks, put the evidence to- evidence that will lead to prosecutions. from initial scene processing to prosecu-
gether so that they can issue warrants and “The IP had 63 crime scene techni- tion and detainee rights.
eventually prosecute.” cians with the criminal evidence director- The progress made has been tremen-
Shattuck said the PTT’s goals at the ate when we first arrived,” said Shattuck. dous, said Ali, but there are still crimi-
start of partnered operations were to iden- “Since we have been here, they have got- nals out there and they are getting harder
tify the police force’s developmental needs ten more equipment fielded, and they are to catch. It is up to police to stay one step
and then begin to synchronize efforts of tied in with the forensics crime labs down ahead of criminals, get the job done and
different agencies within the Iraqi Police to in Baghdad. Teams like the Crime Scene bring them down.
help develop those areas to reach mission Management Team are now out there pre- “For the Iraqi Police, the line between
essential capability. serving, collecting and processing evi- counterinsurgency and solving crimes is
Members of the PTT worked with Iraqi dence for court.” blurred,” said Shattuck. “These guys are by
leaders of the various police agencies with- Provincial police also focused on insti- far the best suited to counter an insurgency,
in Diyala province, focusing on three de- tutional training and development for offi- where the terrorist networks have receded
velopmental areas: criminal investigation, cers, said Shattuck. into the criminal population. They are the
evidence procedure and institutional train- “The Iraqi Police agencies have been best trained to not only detect networks,
ing development. able to make great gains with their ability but also to prosecute once they have cap-
“With criminal investigation, we want- to institutionalize training and the develop- tured an individual.”
ed to work together with the IP leaders to
focus on improving their ability to inves-
tigate and prosecute a criminal network,”
said Shattuck. “This has been the area of
greatest gain, really. It’s something that
will be more and more evident over time.
The IP ability to map and investigate crimi-
nal and insurgent networks has done a lot
to stabilize the cities in the province.”
The Crime Scene Management Team’s
main objective is to follow up first re-
sponders at a crime scene and act as techni-
An Iraqi policeman with the Diyala Province
Emergency Response Force moves tactically
providing over watch on a crime scene dur-
ing a training exercise in Baquba, Iraq, May
15, 2011. ERF act as first responders, secur-
ing the scene of a crime, after which a Crime
Scene Management Team takes over the in-
vestigation to collect and process evidence,
leading to the apprehension of suspects.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

7


U.S., Iraqi Security Forces evaluate combat
readiness during Operation Iron Lion
Spc. Kandi Huggins diers left their compound at event,” said Capt. James Mar- an IED simulator disabled the
1st AATF Public Affairs COL K1 on a convoy to Kirkuk shall, assistant logistics advisor second truck in the convoy.
1st Inf. Div., USD-N to pick up cargo and return for the 12th IA Stability Transi- Soldiers jumped from their
to their base. Company com- tion Team, 101st BSB. “At this trucks and rushed through the
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- manders evaluated the perfor- point, we’re seeing how well smoke to check for casualties
ING LOCATION K1, Iraq – mance of their units as soldiers they planned and resourced—it and recover the damaged ve-
Soldiers of 12th Iraqi Army Di- faced simulated small arms fire wasn’t about how they execut- hicle.
vision demonstrated the ability and Improvised Explosive De- ed.” Fellow soldiers safely evac-
to conduct missions indepen- vices along the route. Marshall said as Iraqi lead- uated casualties to a waiting ve-
dent of U.S. forces’ involve- American leaders delegated ers plan and conduct more in- hicle before securing the dam-
ment during a situational train- platoon and company-level as- dependent training, soldiers aged truck and towing it out of
ing exercise at Contingency sessments to Iraqi command- will become more efficient and the ambush zone, ending the
Operating Location K1, near ers, focusing objective evalua- confident in their abilities. exercise.
Kirkuk, Iraq, May 16. tion on how Iraqi commanders Colored smoke filled the air Iraqi soldiers showcased
Iraqi Security Forces per- coordinated and planned the as opposing forces launched the their capabilities during the
sonnel planned and coordinated event. ambush on the convoy. Drivers exercise, which simultane-
the event as part of Operation “It was about how well they attempted to rush through the ously tested units on convoy
Iron Lion, an ongoing capstone put on a full-scale training ambush into an open lane when operations, maintenance and
exercise demonstrating cooper- recovery operations, and first
ation between ISF agencies, al- aid, said Maj. Edward Hud-
lowing U.S. forces to step back dleston, an operations officer
and assess progress. from Springfield, Ill., assigned
ISF commanders proved to 101st BSB.
their readiness to conduct train- “This was an example of the
ing without direct U.S. involve- Iraqis demonstrating that their
ment during the exercise, the security forces are prepared
culmination of six-weeks of and ready to conduct operations
preparation by Iraqi troops, without the U.S. involvement
said Capt. Sheung Li, com- on any level,” Huddleston said.
mander of Company C, 101st Marshall said as the ISF con-
Brigade Support Battalion, 1st tinues to conduct such training
Advise and Assist Task Force, operations, U.S. forces will be
1st Infantry Division. able to take even more of a step
Iraqi soldiers from each of back from supervisory roles
the division’s brigades attended and watch as Iraqi leaders func-
two-week courses on mainte- tion completely autonomously.
nance, transportation and first “The biggest key for (Iraqi
aid before being tested on the officers) now is rehearsing dif-
material during the final exer- ferent scenarios in order for
cise. them to see the different holes
“We’re here to see how the in their plans and come up
12th IA soldiers retained the with ideas to improve and ad-
previous training we’ve given just their training,” said Mar-
them as they react to different shall, a Spokane, Wash., native.
scenarios,” said Li, a native of “Sometimes you will fall, but
Brooklyn, N.Y. “We want to it’s how you pick yourself up,
see how they carry on training and as they continue to do more
without being told what to do U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
hands-on training and begin
A soldier from 12th Iraqi Army Division begins recovery operations realizing the importance of it,
and how to do it, and also how
on a vehicle hit by a simulated Improvised Explosive Device during
well their advisors observe and a situational training exercise at Contingency Operating Location K1, they will build more confidence
evaluate their soldiers’ efforts.” May 16, 2011. Iraqi leaders planned and conducted the scenario with- and provide their soldiers with
During the scenario, IA sol- out direct assistance from U.S. forces to showcase overall capabilities more training.”
during a full-scale training exercise.

8


‘Thunderhorse’ Soldiers earn their spurs
Sgt. Alex Phillips, an armor crew Those 18 Soldiers separated
member from Headquarters and into three teams of six to con-
Headquarters Company, 2nd
Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regi- tinue the challenge.
ment, 1st Advise and Assist Task May said teams integrated
Force, 1st Infantry Division, con- Soldiers from each company
ducts reflexive rifle fire at a sta- within the battalion, ensuring
tion during a Spur Ride at Con-
tingency Operating Site Warrior, the shave tails would have to
Iraq, May 14, 2011. learn to work with their new
team as they continued the Spur
and mental tests to demonstrate Ride.
tactical and technical skills and During the next 10 hours,
exhibit knowledge of Cavalry remaining Soldiers traveled by
traditions. foot to sites throughout COS
The Order of the Spur is Warrior to test skills at six sta-
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO open to all Soldiers serving tions.
Spc. Andrew Ingram teurs who had not yet earned with a Cavalry unit, regardless Soldiers working as a part of
USD-N Public Affairs their spurs. Troopers could only of military occupational spe- a team, instead of just trying to
wear spurs once they proved cialty. win something for themselves,
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- themselves capable of proper Shave tails of 2nd. Bn., 12th is one of the benefits of the
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq performance with a horse and Cav. Regt., attached to 1st Ad- Spur Ride, said Sgt. Anthony
– “Thunderhorse” Soldiers of saber. vise and Assist Task Force, 1st Ceppaglia, senior mechanic,
2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry “We carry forth the tradition Infantry Division, began the Company F, who hails from
Regiment, deployed to U.S. of the Spur Ride to maintain competition at 5 a.m. with a Fresno, Calif.
Division-North in support of the history of the Cavalry,” said six-mile foot march to test their “I’m having a lot of fun
Operation New Dawn, partici- May, who hails from Monu- endurance. out here,” said Ceppaglia after
pated in a long-standing Caval- ment Beach, Mass. “We don’t After the march, which the completing three of the six sta-
ry tradition at Contingency Op- have colts and carbines and shave tails were required to tions. “I’ve got my teammates
erating Site Warrior in Kirkuk horses anymore. We have our complete within 90 minutes, here and they are keeping me
province, May 14. warrior tasks that we have to be they conducted a layout of their motivated. I am keeping them
During the Spur Ride, 74 proficient in; we have our own gear, took a written test on the motivated, and we are going to
participants, or “shave tails,” mounts, which are our tanks or history of the 1st Cavalry Di- finish this thing together.”
sought to prove themselves our humvees. Those Soldiers vision, and recited “Fiddler’s By the 6 p.m. finish, Sol-
worthy of their spurs—an honor who have proved their profi- Green,” the official poem of the diers covered an estimated
reserved for those within Cav- ciency in these tasks prove their Cavalry. 12 miles and completed tasks
alry units who have mastered worthiness as Cavalry troopers Shave tails who could not ranging from first aid to troop
their craft as warriors—during to be spur holders.” complete any assigned task im- movements and reflexive rifle
a day-long test of mettle, said To be inducted into the Or- mediately became disqualified, firing drills.
Command Sgt. Maj. William der of the Spur, Soldiers must and by 8 a.m., only 18 Thunder- After 13 hours of constant
May, senior enlisted leader of complete a series of physical horse troopers remained. action, the 17 remaining shave
2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt., and tails mounted wooden horses,
senior spur holder for the event. and senior battalion spur hold-
The name “shave tail” de- ers placed spurs on Soldiers’
rives from the Cavalry tradition boots, inducting them into the
of shaving the tails of horses Order of the Spur.
to mark new troopers as ama- “This is awesome,” said
Spc. Shahram Darr, an infan-
Sgt. Steven Bryant, a native of tryman serving with Company
Dallas, and Spc. Tim Hauben- D who hails from Los Angeles.
shild, a native of Waukesha,
Wis., both infantrymen serving “Once you have been through
with Company D, 2nd Battalion, the whole Spur Ride—10 to 12
12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Ad- hours of hard-core training and
vise and Assist Task Force, 1st challenges—it feels great to
Infantry Division, cross the finish
line after a six-mile foot march to know you finished and accom-
kick off the Battalion Spur Ride plished the challenge.”
at Contingency Operating Site
Warrior, Iraq, May 14, 2011. See SPURS, Pg. 11
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram

9


Social Media – What you need to know
Staff Sgt. Shawn Miller fore throwing them in the trash, so it doesn’t make sense to keep
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment that information permanently posted on a worldwide message
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs board—no matter your security settings.
If unsure of what information to post, ask yourself what the
How many of you have sat down at your workstation to see an wrong people could do with such information, and if posting those
image of a wounded Soldier with the words, “Someone Blogged!” details could pose a safety risk to you, your Family or your unit.
scroll across your screen saver, only to see a television advertise- The second key point to remember is that in or out of uniform,
ment promoting military social media a moment later? in public or online, you represent the U.S. military. Always re-
While your random blog post may not doom everyone, finding member to be professional.
a balance between security and posting information online is criti- The whole point of social media is to build connections between
cal in the world of modern global technology. people. However, use discretion when interacting with superiors
Social media access is a fairly new resource in the military and subordinates. An online relationship should not function any
world, and you may be left wondering how to use it properly. So differently from your normal working relationship.
what do you need to know to properly stay within the military’s The Uniform Code of Military Justice still applies to your on-
guidelines for social media use? line identity, so remember to be professional at all times. If you
As technology innovation rapidly increased during recent would feel uncomfortable saying something in front of peers or
years, millions of new users joined online social media sites, such leaders in person, refrain from saying it online. Once you say
as Facebook, Flickr and Twitter, moving beyond the realm of col- something online, it goes out instantly and cannot be taken back.
lege students and into business, media and the military. It is inappropriate to use your rank, title or job responsibility to
As with any military resource, there are rules and regulations to promote yourself online for personal or financial gain or to make
follow. The Office of the Chief of Public Affairs released the U.S. political discourse.
Army Social Media Handbook in 2010, with the newest update Your Facebook wall is not a soap box. Even if you think that
released January 2011.
The handbook outlines operational security as the leading con- See MEDIA, Pg. 12
cern when making posts to your Web sites and when disclosing
information to Family members and friends.
While you and your battle buddies may be perfectly aware of
OPSEC and how to safely communicate without endangering your
mission, remind Family members and friends to be safe as well.
As some units across U.S. Division-North prepare to redeploy,
many Soldiers will want to keep their Families informed of sched-
ules. The key to good OPSEC in such situations is to remain vague
on critical details.
Social media is great at delivering information around the globe
in an instant, but remember that your Facebook wall or Twitter
feed is open to more people than just your “Friends.” News reports
recently showed that the Taliban have Twitter, Facebook and other
blog accounts, and they are looking for Soldiers to slip up and
disclose sensitive information.
Be vigilant as you upload information. Photographs uploaded
from mobile phones or devices may contain geotagging technol-
ogy which can give away your location without you even being
aware of it.
Finding a balance between keeping loved ones informed and
keeping the mission and fellow Soldiers safe is crucial not only for
social media posts, but Family posts as well.
Instead of saying, “I am flying to Kuwait July 30, and I will be
flying home Aug. 10,” use a more generalized description such as,
“I will be returning later this summer.” Have your Family follow
similar guidelines when posting similar information.
Be careful about other non-operational details as well. Posting
your unit’s mailing address online may seem like a good idea to let
people know where to send care packages, but save that informa-
tion for private correspondence.
You are required to tear address labels off boxes and letters be-

10


Chaplain’s Impress your teenager
Corner: movement. It was a great view and cap-
tured both sight and sound of how well the
mense beauty, power and overwhelming
majesty. A person does not stand next
band was doing. to this glorious field of mountains and
Chaplain (Maj.) Kenneth Hurst proclaim his or her superiority; we are all
Let’s talk about teenagers. Have you
Deputy Chaplain dwarfed by their grandeur and yearn for
ever noticed that your adolescents love to
U.S. Division-North more of the same.
be dazzled by shiny things around them?
Ok, I’ll confess—my wife and I are re- Of course the most popular and powerful Dr. Ted Tripp, author of “Shepherding
covering “Band Parents.” For those of you “dazzler” is their cell phone. Sorry, when a Child’s Heart,” said, “We are made to
unfamiliar with “Band Parents,” this is a my kids were teens, cell phones were too stand back and gape, to wonder and be
particular addiction that takes over your big and expensive. Now our teens live overwhelmed by the glory and goodness
life when you have one or more teenagers in the grip of constant distraction from and greatness of God. We’re uniquely
in the local high school marching band. tweets, texts, games, pictures, and some- designed to respond to this awesome glory
It is characterized by such extreme times even a phone call. with worship, adoration, reverence and
behaviors as driving teens to ritualistic This is an incredible challenge to their being awestruck with God’s glory.”
daily outdoor practices that begin in the awareness of other things around them, To be effective parents, we need to
“dog-days” of August and continue until including their parents and siblings. help our kids lift their heads from their
just before Thanksgiving. This little item holds them prisoner as cell phones and see the majesty of God’s
All other forms of Family entertain- it becomes a barometer of all their peer handiwork.
ment cease as we feed the beast of rehears- relationships and popularity. Our adolescents search for significance,
als, football games, band competitions, For many teens, life is defined by how pleasure, excitement, meaning and satis-
band uniform changes, and of course, many texts they send and how many texts faction. Only one thing is really so big that
more rehearsals. they receive. Our challenge, as parents, is it answers the grandeur question, and that
As the announcer for the marching engaging a relationship with our teenager is the living God revealed in the Scripture.
band, it was my duty—and pleasure—to that allows them to look up from their We need to be dwarfed by a glorious God
stand up in the press box at football games shiny devices and gain a grander view of who is really larger than all of life’s prob-
and competitions to announce the band’s life—a more expansive perspective. lems, and in whom, we find infinite refuge.
entrance onto the field. Teenagers need majesty and grandeur. Once again I invite you to tell me about
From my perspective in the press box, Those of us blessed to be stationed at Fort your teenagers. It is hard work but perse-
I could see the whole field and espe- Carson understand the visual impact of the verance pays off. Think about giving your
cially the overall success of the band in grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. teens a vision of a dazzling God.
actually forming shapes and patterns in It is more than just beauty. It is im-

Cont’d from SPURS, PG. 10

Darr said he almost decided sible.”
not to compete due to an injury “To do that, you have to pos-
he sustained earlier in the week, sess these skills as an individu-
but decided to push through the al and as a team member,” said
pain to support his teammates. May. “I’m proud of these Sol-
May said he hopes the suc- diers. They showed their true
cess of the new spur holders Cavalry Red and White today.”
will motivate their comrades to
strive for excellence. First Lt. Tyrie Carroll, left, platoon
leader, Headquarters and Head-
“To do this in a combat en- quarters Company, 2nd Battal-
vironment means just a little bit ion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st
more than doing it back at Fort Advise and Assist Task Force,
Hood,” said May. “These Sol- 1st Infantry Division, and Spc.
Josh Maze, an infantryman serv-
diers finished this challenge in ing with Company B, 2nd Bn.,
the environment in which they 12th Cav. Regt., assemble an M2
are executing their craft, and .50-caliber machine gun as part
our craft as combat Soldiers is of a battalion-level competition
known as a Spur Ride at Con-
to close with the enemy and tingency Operating Site Warrior,
destroy them as quickly as pos- Iraq, May 14, 2011.

11


Hey Doc: Should I be worried USD-N
Maj. George Deguzman
Env. Sci. and Eng. Officer
Surgeon, USD-N
about Malaria? Social MeDia SiteS

commonly known as DEET, insect repel-
“Hey Doc, one of my buddies has mos- lant to exposed skin. It is not necessary to
quito bites on both arms. Should he be wor- apply heavy amounts of DEET.
ried about malaria?” You can always apply another layer if
Signed “Sgt. Moss K. Toe” the initial coat does not seem to repel the
mosquitoes. If possible, remain indoors in
Dear “Sgt. Toe,” an air-conditioned area during dusk and
Here is the bottom line up front—have dawn, which are peak biting times.
no worries. While it is true that mosquitoes If you have an indoor mosquito prob-
can transmit diseases, the risk of contract- lem, seal the mosquitoes out by installing
ing malaria in Iraq is very low, so your or repairing window and door screens. As
buddy is safe. a last resort, spray Containerized Housing
Avoiding mosquito bites is still wise. Units or tents with anti-insect products.
There are several other mosquito-borne The weather in Iraq this year has been
diseases which can be dangerous but gener- unusually wet, making it more challeng-
ally not life threatening to healthy people. ing to prevent mosquitoes. The goal is the Click on the logos shown
Since the risk is fairly low, I would worry elimination of mosquito breeding sources above to go to a U.S.
more about the annoying itchy and some- such as standing water, tall grasses and Division-North social media
times painful bites. weeds.
To protect yourself from being bitten, Examples of past and present high risk
page and experience how
consistently use personal protective mea- areas found in U.S. Division-North are U.S. Soldiers deployed in
sures to reduce your exposure. When out- puddles formed by plumbing leaks under support of Operation New
doors, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and toilet units, rain water accumulation in an Dawn advise and assist
a hat whenever possible. Always wear your abandoned swimming pool, and a man- the Iraqi Forces during
issued flame retardant Army Combat Uni- made brine water swamp from a Reverse
form, which is treated with permethrin, an Osmosis Water Purification Unit outflow.
Tadreeb al Shamil as well
insect repellent. Old tires and empty cans with rain water as conducting parterned
Avoid wearing Army Physical Fitness are also ideal for mosquito breeding. If you patrols with their Iraqi
Uniform shorts and short sleeve shirts out- see an unnecessary accumulation of water, counterparts, adding to the
side unless necessary; though you do have remove the standing water source. internal and external secu-
to balance protecting yourself from bites Watch those mosquitoes, Sgt. Toe, and
by wearing temperature-appropriate attire Task Force Ironhorse keep those questions
rity of Iraq.
during the summer. coming!
Apply N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, Click on the links below to
Cont’d from MEDIA, PG. 10
visit all the USD-N social
media pages
you are not speaking on behalf of your unit When using any of the sites, always remem-
or branch of service, perception may say ber to practice OPSEC and professionalism www.facebook.com/4thID
otherwise. to stay within the guidelines set forth by the
One other item the handbook mentions U.S. Army Social Media Handbook. www.flickr.com.photos/
is use of non-attributed copyrighted or
the4id
trademarked material on your social me- If you have any questions, con-
dia Web sites. Remember this point when tact your unit public affairs repre-
you are posting your unit’s “Hooah” video www.youtube.com/The4ID
sentative or Public Affairs Office,
playing AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.” Even or visit the handbook link below:
if you are not making a profit from the www.slideshare.com.net/
video, such posts violate the U.S. Army’s the4id
Army Social Media Handbook
social media guidelines for trademark or
www.slideshare.net/USArmySo-
copyright infringement. www.twitter.com/4thInfDiv
Online social media is a growing as- cialMedia/army-social-media-hand-
set with an expanding role in the military. book-2011

12

The ivy leaf, volume 1, issue 29

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