1. Volume 1, Issue 25 April 22, 2011
Kurdish Regional Guard
Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
train at Fire Base Manila Staff Sgt. Carlo Viqueira, squad
LongKnife
leader, Company B, 1st Battal-
ion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st
Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st
Infantry Division supervises and
mentors soldiers from 1st Kurd-
ish Regional Guard Brigade as
Ironhorse
they practice ambush drills with
silhouette targets at a range
Devil
near Fire Base Manila in Kirkuk
province, Iraq, April 14, 2011.
team and squad.”
The ambush training took
Fit for Any Test
place 11 days into a four-week
Fit for Any Test
training cycle, which includes
combat drills, classroom train-
ing on map reading and land
navigation, and basic medical
training.
“Most of what we teach
them, American Soldiers learn
in basic training,” Snyder said.
Snyder said training the
Ironhorse
Devil
KRGB soldiers presents inter-
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO esting challenges beyond just
Spc. Andrew Ingram “Okay, good job,” said Staff to Kirkuk province, Iraq as a the language difference.
USD-N Public Affairs Sgt. Carlo Viqueira. “Let’s run part of U.S. Division-North, “Their culture is a lot differ-
the next squad through it.” to mentor the Kurdish soldiers ent from ours,” he explained.
LongKnife
FIRE BASE MANILA, Iraq – The Kurdish soldiers as part of their advise, train “In my class of 28 there are
Steadfast and Loyal
A cool breeze blew through the trekked back up the hill past and assist mission at Fire Base probably 11 who cannot read
valley below as Kurdish Re- the silhouette targets represent- Manila, near the city of Cham- or write, but they respect us
gional Guard riflemen stalked ing their defeated enemy, and chamal. and are eager to learn what we
down the hill, weapons at the watched as their comrades ran “The squad and team lead- have to teach them.”
ready. through the ambush scenario. ers seem to have a good grasp The Company B Soldiers
Warrior
As they approached the ob- Viqueira and other noncom- on what they need to do,” Staff do more than train the KRGB
jective, soldiers of 1st Regional missioned officers of Com- Sgt. Timothy Snyder said of soldiers, they strive to set an
Guard Brigade began firing on pany B, 1st Battalion, 14th the ambush drills conducted example of what a competent
the unsuspecting enemy while Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise April 14. “Now we need to and professional soldier looks
advancing two by two, quickly and Assist Task Force, 1st In- get the soldiers comfortable
overrunning their adversaries. fantry Division, are deployed in their role as a part of a fire See KRG, Pg. 3

2. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
Company A. “We had to sort through an immense amount of in-
formation backlogged since at least 2010. One (Soldier) has been
tracking (the HVI) for eight months.”
This amount of tedious work did not discourage people like
Lucas, Scaife said. With an iron-clad work ethic and ambitious
passion for his job, he drove on and accomplished the mission,
working tireless hours to help his team get their man.
Scaife, a member of the signal intelligence team with Lucas,
said Lucas is very passionate about language, which translates to a
tenacious drive to complete the mission.
“He’s dedicated. He will not go home, he will complete the mis-
U.S. Army photo sion,” said 1st Sgt. Patrick Thomas, Company A, STB. “If it takes
Sgt. Andrew Lucas, a cryptologic linguist assigned to Company A, 36 hours, he’ll stay 36 hours.”
Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infan- The difficulty level was “extreme,” ranging from the national
try Division, earned recognition as the U.S. Division-North “Ironhorse level down and involving multiple agencies, said Thomas, ad-
Strong” Soldier of the Week for his efforts toward assisting U.S. and
Iraqi forces capture a high value individual earlier this year. dressing the complexity of the mission.
Lucas diligently moved his team to success, providing the co-
The U.S. Army’s analytical military occupational specialties ordination and intelligence necessary to successfully capture the
provide intelligence support to track and capture high value indi- HVI, often working straight through other shifts.
viduals. A cryptologic linguist is one such specialty providing that “He took most of the shifts throughout the day,” said Scaife.
support. Lucas is the sort of noncommissioned officer that does not re-
Sgt. Andrew Lucas, a cryptologic linguist assigned to Company quire his Soldiers to do anything he wouldn’t do himself, and he
A, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st is definitely leading the charge in the linguist section, said Scaife.
Infantry Division, played an integral role in one particularly com- Lucas’ attitude and work ethic gains him the respect of subor-
plex case. dinates, peers and superiors alike, and earns him the title of “Iron-
The particular HVI crossed borders and changed names numer- horse Strong”: Soldier of the Week.
ous times, resulting in an immense amount of information from Foremost in Lucas’ mind is professionalism and dependability,
various agencies. and he would never do anything to tarnish his professionalism or
“That was an intense amount of work,” said Spc. Lila Scaife, paint him as unreliable, said Scaife.
‘Long Knife’ Soldiers train Live fire exercise prepares ‘On Time’ Battalion trains A weekend of ‘Defiance’:
IA on urban operations at Iraqi Army soldiers for IA commanders on future Soldiers of 1st BSTB
GWTC Lion’s Leap planning celebrate mid tour
Page 3 Page 6 Page 7 Page 10
THE Ivy Leaf Task Force Ironhorse
Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins
The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.
Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey
Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views
of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army
or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs
publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve Wollman
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, TF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – 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

3. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
‘Long Knife’ Soldiers train IA
on urban operations at GWTC
Spc. Angel Washington
4th AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., U.S. Division-North
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE
MAREZ, Iraq – Soldiers assigned to 1st
Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army
Division, moved as a platoon to execute
urban operations drills learned from U.S.
troopers at the Ghuzlani Warrior Training
Center, April 16.
Three platoons of 1st Bn. worked along-
side U.S. Soldiers assigned to Troop A, 1st
Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Ad-
vise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi-
sion to rehearse combat tactics as part of
Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi Ground Forces
Command initiative designed to modernize
light infantry units through fire and maneu-
ver training. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
“This urban operations training is to get Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division prepare to clear a build-
the IA soldiers familiarized with how to set ing during urban operations training at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, April 16, 2011. U.S.
Soldiers assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Bri-
See GWTC, Pg. 5 gade, 1st Cavalry Division trained their Iraqi counterparts on combat skills focused on increas-
ing the Iraqi soldiers’ proficiency in securing their area of responsibility.
Cont’d from KRG, Pg. 1 rifleman assigned to Regional
Guard Brigade.
like, said Snyder. “When we started this
Snyder said he believes training, it was like when we
training the Kurdish soldiers started school,” Kayeem said.
and all the security forces in “When you get to school you
Iraq serves a vital role in the can’t even read or write, but by
successful completion of Op- the time you graduate you are
eration New Dawn. an expert—working with the
“I love training Soldiers, and Americans is the same.”
the mission we are doing right Kayeem said there are three
now is essential to the future of major things he hopes to gain
Iraq,” said Snyder, who spent from his training with Com-
two years as a drill sergeant be- pany B.
fore joining Company B. “If we “I want all of my fellow sol-
don’t train the Iraqi Forces to diers to show our leaders that
protect their people then noth- we are real soldiers who can
ing we have done since 2003 accomplish any mission,” he
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO will have mattered, so we take said. “I also want to learn well
Pfc. Ali, an infantryman with 1st Regional Guard Brigade, tosses a this job very seriously.” enough to train others because
dummy grenade into a mock bunker during assault drills led by U.S. Soldiers of Company B did when the Americans are gone,
Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st an outstanding job of show- we will be the teachers. But the
Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division at Fire Base Ma- ing the Kurdish troops what most important thing is that I
nila in Kirkuk province, Iraq, April 13, 2011. After mastering individual
skills, the KRGB soldiers practice drills as teams and squads to build it means to be a good soldier, want to serve my people and
unit cohesion. said Pfc. Juanyyoo Kayeem, a protect them well.”
3

4. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
Ninewa Operations Command
celebrates security progress
Capt. Philip Crabtree manding general of U.S. Di- forces and its leadership,” said
4th AAB Public Affairs vision-North and 4th Infantry Strange, a native of Leaven-
1st Cav. Div., USD-N Division. worth, Kan. “I continue to re-
There has been significant, main impressed with the NiOC
MOSUL, Iraq— Three years visible progress across Ninewa and especially the leadership of
ago, Iraqi leaders in Ninewa in recent years, Perkins added. its commander, staff Lt. Gen.
province established the Perkins served as the key- Hassan. He continues to rec-
Ninewa Operations Command, note speaker for U.S. forces at ognize the accomplishments
and since then, efforts of Iraqi the event, which included more of each of his Iraqi Security U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree
Security Forces in the region than 300 guests, featuring tribal Forces as he fosters teamwork
An Iraqi girl dances and sings
led to greater security and vis- sheikhs, the Ninewa Police Di- among them. The future of Iraq with her classmates during a
ible progress for residents in rectorate, Iraqi Army soldiers, a is a bright one.” formal program celebrating prog-
Mosul and throughout the prov- provincial government delega- Part of the progress Ninewa ress in security at the Ninewa
Operations Command, April 19,
ince. tion, and U.S. Soldiers assigned has experienced came about
2011.
To announce the great strides to the 4th Advise and Assist through a strong partnership
made since 2008, the NiOC cel- Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, between the Iraqi Army, Iraqi The training lasts approximate-
ebrated both security successes who partnered with the NiOC Police, 3rd Federal Police, and ly one month and is designed
and hope for the future, April to advise, train and assist ISF in the U.S. Army. Soldiers as- to modernize the Iraqi units,
19, by featuring a photo gal- their operations. signed to the 4th AAB, 1st Cav. making them a more capable
lery illustrating progress seen “There has been slow prog- Div., are currently partnered force for security throughout
throughout Ninewa. ress here, but progress nonethe- with 3rd IA Div. to train infan- the province.
“People have made the ul- less,” said Lt. Col. Ra’ad, com- try battalions at the Ghuzlani Perkins praised the efforts
timate sacrifice—have given mander of 2nd Battalion, 7th Warrior Training Center, part of of the ISF and offered an op-
their lives—for Ninewa,” said Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Divi- an Iraqi Ground Forces Com- timistic view of the future to
Maj. Gen. David Perkins, com- sion. “Now the main streets, mand initiative called Tadreeb Ninewa citizens attending the
buildings and neighborhoods al Shamil, Arabic for all-inclu- ceremony.
are secure.” sive training. “Once you dedicate your-
Speeches, poetry and perfor- During training cycles at selves to owning Ninewa,
mances by schoolchildren cel- GWTC, located south of Mo- there’s nothing the terrorists
ebrated the improvements seen sul, “Long Knife” Brigade Sol- can do,” Perkins said. “We
by residents in recent years. diers have trained more than know progress will continue.
Throngs of proud spectators 2,000 Iraqi soldiers in light The best days of Ninewa are
crowded the auditorium, filling infantry tactics since January. yet to come.”
all the seats and spilling into
the aisles.
“This is an outstanding
event which clearly communi-
cates the strength of the Iraqi
Security Forces and the provin-
U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree cial leadership,” said Lt. Col.
Maj. Gen. David Perkins, com- John Strange, commander of
manding general of U.S. Divi- Task Force Sword, 4th AAB,
sion-North and 4th Infantry Divi- 1st Cav. Div., a stability and
sion, speaks to hundred of Iraqi
residents in attendance at a transition team partnered with
program to mark security prog- the IA in Ninewa.
ress and a promising future for Following the formal por-
Ninewa Province. Established tion of the program, attendees
in 2008, the Ninewa Operations
Command, which oversees Iraqi toured the photo gallery, which
Army operations throughout the included more than 100 images U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
province, coordinated the event showcasing the progress made Iraqi residents from throughout Ninewa province tour a photo gallery
and also displayed more than 100 since 2008. exhibit hosted by the Ninewa Operations Command, April 19, 2011.
images depicting strides made During a formal ceremony prior to the exhibit, Iraqi and U.S. leaders
in security over the past three “The Iraqi peoples’ faith is celebrated security progress in Ninewa since 2008, when the opera-
years. well placed in their security tions center was created.
4

5. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
Spc. Arthur Moore, a cavalry scout from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division ob-
serves Iraqi soldiers clear a room during training at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, April 16, 2011. Moore, a native of San Diego, Calif., trained
Iraqi soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division on urban operations tactics as part of Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic
for all inclusive training.
Cont’d from GWTC, Pg. 3 As long as the students retain the in- position as platoon leaders from their units
formation and tactics learned at GWTC, and American trainers watched the trainees
up inner and outer cordon searches prop- they will greatly improve their army in the move closer to their objective.
erly while providing security,” said Staff future, said Christenson, a native of Spirit Building on knowledge gleaned from
Sgt. Adam Christenson, a fire support non- Lake, Iowa. previous classes and practical exercises at
commissioned officer assigned to Troop A. Prior to each platoon’s mission to as- GWTC, the Iraqi soldiers established a se-
“Since they’re mostly involved in urban sault the urban objective, platoon leaders curity cordon and eliminated the threat as
operations within the cities around them, reviewed operations orders with assistance they moved in and secured the “enemy”
this training is perfect.” from 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. Soldiers. stronghold.
Each squad learned how to provide se- “The training we’re providing is set-
curity during movement and gathered in- ting them up for success,” said Spc. Arthur
formation for the given target area. Moore, a Troop A scout from San Diego,
As part of the urban operations training, Calif., currently on his second deployment.
instructors encompassed many of the drills “They’ll be able to (better) secure their
learned in previous classes this month at country with all of the training.”
GWTC. “We need this training because when we
The Iraqi jinood, Arabic for soldiers, go back to our area of operation, we may
learned proper techniques for room and have to clear houses and provide inner and
building clearing and pulled security in an outer security,” said 1st Lt. Farhad Moham-
open field during the drills. med, a platoon leader in the 1st Bn., 9th
The jinood moved tactically through Bde., 3rd IA Div. “It is very good that my
the fields, cautious not to give away their soldiers are receiving training from U.S.
Soldiers.”
Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Bri- The 3rd IA Div. soldiers are scheduled
gade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, stack outside to conclude the Tadreeb al Shamil training
a mock house during a cordon and search course later this month with a battalion lev-
class at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center,
April 16, 2011. U.S. Soldiers assigned to
el live fire exercise at GWTC to showcase
Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, their newly learned skills before graduat-
4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry ing and returning to their respective bases
Division, trained Iraqi soldiers on urban op- across Ninewa province.
erations including room clearing procedures
and providing inner and outer security.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO
5

6. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
Live fire exercise prepares Iraqi
Army soldiers for Lion’s Leap
Public Affairs Office The final exercise at Mahgoor represents the third phase in the
4th Infantry Division, U.S. Division-North four-tiered training operation of Lion’s Leap, which incorporates
multiple IA assets to demonstrate tactical expertise and maneuver
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Leaders capabilities while maintaining communications with and receiv-
and soldiers of 12th Iraqi Army Division conducted a final live fire ing instructions from commanders.
exercise in preparation for Operation Lion’s Leap, April 19. “The 12th IA is the youngest division in the Iraqi Army,” said
Operation Lion’s Leap, a full-spectrum training demonstration Viegas. “This exercise gives them a chance to showcase how
showcasing the Iraqi military’s combat prowess, is scheduled to capable of a force they really are.”
take place at Mahgoor Training Site in Kirkuk province, Iraq, Their performance at the live fire exercise was indeed impres-
later this month. sive, he said.
The successful live fire rehearsal at Mahgoor Training Site Viegas said by conducting Operation Lion’s Leap, Iraqi mili-
integrated maneuver elements from 12th IA Div.’s Commando tary leaders hope to prove to the Iraqi people that national secu-
Battalion, Iraqi Special Operations Forces and fire support from rity forces have the knowledge and skill to maintain the security
47th Brigade’s 120mm mortars as well as Iraqi Air Force support of the country against external military threats.
from Mi-17 helicopters. The scenario for Operation Lion’s Leap requires 12th IA Div.
Training for the operation started months ago as several agen- soldiers to respond to violent extremists taking over the village of
cies within the Iraqi government brought together a plan to dem- Mahgoor.
onstrate the Iraqi Security Forces’ independence and readiness to Division leaders demonstrated their planning ability to observ-
take full responsibility for the security mission in Iraq. ers by briefing a full operations order explaining their plan to
“The 1st AATF Soldiers have done an excellent job advising, retake the village, said Staff Brig. Gen. Ayad, chief of staff for
training, and assisting the 12th IA,” said Capt. William Viegas, 12th IA Div.
maneuver planner, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st “During the train up for Lion’s Leap, the IA has demonstrated
Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division. “But this is an enduring capability,” said Viegas. “I have every confidence it
really the 12th IA’s plan and they took ownership of it right from will be conducted safely and effectively.”
the start.” Commando Bn. Troops seized a series of three objectives dur-
Leaders of 12th IA Div. created a scheme of maneuver that ing the live fire rehearsal. Mortars from 47th Brigade suppressed
coordinated ground, air and artillery assets to complete the simu- the enemy on the first two objectives before the commandos
lated hostage scenario, said Viegas, a St. Louis, Mo. native. moved in to assault.
At the final objective, commandos determined that hostages
had been taken by the enemy. At that point, the commandos
called to Iraqi Special Operations Forces to fly in and air assault
out of Mi-17 helicopters to liberate the hostages and neutralize
the enemy.
Division leaders were also required to resupply their units
with ammunition and evacuate casualties off the battlefield.
During the rehearsal, Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion,
14th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div.,
advised the Iraqi units as observer-controllers, but the U.S. role
in the final exercise will be more limited, said Staff Sgt. Derek
Ross, squad leader, Company B.
“In the past we did a lot of hands on work with the Iraqis,”
said Ross who observed the Iraqi mortar men during the exercise.
“Right now we are sitting back and they are taking charge of
everything while we just perform safety checks.”
Ross said after watching the Iraqis, he is confident the 12th IA
Div. and the ISF are ready, willing and able to take responsibility
U.S. Army photo by Capt. Chad Ashe, USD-N PAO for the mission of protecting the people of Iraq.
Iraqi Army soldiers from 12th IA Division communicate and move “We are ready, we have a plan, and it is a good one,” said Lt.
while laying down suppressive fire on an objective for the multi-lateral Col. Abdul-Khalic, a staff officer for 12th IA Div. as he observed
exercise Lion’s Leap at the Mahgoor Training Site, April 19, 2011. Dur- the action during the live fire rehearsal. “There may be chal-
ing the exercise, Iraqi Security Forces aim to display their ability to in- lenges, but as a unit, we are ready for this.”
crease defense capability and security for the sovereign state of Iraq.
6

7. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
‘On Time’ Battalion Paul, the LTP’s senior trainer, said while the IA already had its
own methods in place for training management and planning, Iraqi
trains IA commanders
and U.S. leaders cooperated to streamline the process to meet new
logistical demands of increased training at KMTB.
KMTB, a massive training environment in Diyala province, ac-
on future planning commodates battalion-sized IA units in all areas of tactical train-
ing, including a battalion live fire training exercise which takes
place at the end of each training cycle.
Sgt. David Strayer “The units that have gone through KMTB have shown noth-
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment ing but proficiency in their soldiering tasks, and a desire to work
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs harder in the areas where they needed improvement; so we knew
that the actual field training was going off without a hitch,” said
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Mobile Training Team Soldiers Paul. “What we noticed was that there would be shortages in sup-
from 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division met plies such as training rounds, uniforms, and vehicle repair parts.”
with staff officers from 19th Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division to That is when MTT leaders realized that there were two sides to
oversee the capstone event of the IA officers’ Leadership Training the coin, said Paul. Iraqi leaders excelled at tactical training, but
Program at Joint Base Balad, April 17. needed improvement in planning, management and logistics.
As the final exercise of the course, the MTT tasked Iraqi of- “In response to some of the logistical deficiencies we saw, we
ficers with independently developing a 12-month training outline set up the Leadership Training Program for field grade staff offi-
for subordinate units to rotate through the nearby Kirkush Military cers that work at the brigade or division level,” said Maj. Andrew
Training Base. Sherman, an LTP logistics trainer from HHB, 2nd Bn., 11th FA
“The whole purpose of the Leadership Training Program is to Regt.
train up the IA division and brigade level staff officers to instill “The training we provide these officers is geared toward long
in them the concepts of long-term training management,” said range training plans, how to plan for twelve months into the future,
Capt. Joe Mobbley, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd and backwards plan for training cycles and logistical needs such as
AAB, 25th Inf. Div. “We often forget how great of a training doc- ammo, food, transportation, and identifying what tasks their troops
trine that we have in the U.S. Army; we are trying to impart these need to be trained up on,” said Sherman. “This is crucial for the
concepts upon the IA staff officers so that they can take a realistic success of any army.”
look at their units to assess what training is needed, then form an As the Iraqi Army continues to train during Operation New
appropriate training plan to be able to execute.” Dawn, leaders are refocusing the army’s mission toward conven-
Since the initiative to train IA units in small unit tactics began in tional warfare and national defense, while leaving internal coun-
2007, the IA has received sustained training in areas such as weap- terinsurgency operations to Iraq’s police forces.
ons proficiency, small unit maneuvering and counter-insurgency “The IA Division is currently undergoing modernization,
operations. changing from a light infantry division to a modern, mechanized
“This isn’t us teaching them to kick in doors, conduct building infantry division,” said Mobbley. “They will be shifting their mis-
raids, or weapons training,” said Maj. Robert Paul, Headquarters sion set from the counterinsurgency and internal concerns to a mis-
and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Bn., 11th FA Regt. “They know sion set of a conventional army: protecting the people, the borders,
those things and are proficient; they have been training those and the infrastructure or Iraq; this training will greatly aid the com-
things for nearly five years. This training is for the field grade of- mand level with the planning and logistics that goes into such a
ficers—to teach them ways that they can manage and plan the lo- significant transformation.”
gistics and training for their units more effectively.”
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Staff officers from 19th Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division listen as Capt. Joe Mobbley, deputy team chief of the Leadership Training Program,
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, gives a final briefing before the IA staffers
begin the capstone exercise for their LTP training cycle in Diyala province, Iraq, April 17, 2011. After the staff officers trained in logistics, intel-
ligence, and training management, class leaders tasked the officers with forming a functional 12-month training plan that will be used to prepare
IA units for a future training rotation at the Kirkush Military Training Base.
7

8. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
‘Long Knife’ Soldier named
USD-N Soldier of the Quarter
Spc. Terence Ewings the Army in a young Soldier like pected out of the average Sol- Parkerson, platoon sergeant for
4th AAB Public Affairs Pfc. Mayora,” said Command dier,” said Griffith, a native of 3rd Platoon, Company C.
1st Cav. Div., USD-N Sgt. Maj. Henry Griffith, senior Washington, D.C. “He’s a great Parkerson helped Mayora
enlisted advisor for the 2nd Bn., example for other Soldiers to prepare for the academic con-
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- 7th Cav. Regt. “His motivation emulate.” tests by testing him and con-
ING SITE MAREZ – Pfc. and drive has gotten him there In preparation for the U.S. ducting mock boards.
Nicholas Mayora, an armor to be the division Soldier of the Division-North Soldier of the “He’s a good Soldier,” said
crewman assigned to Company Quarter.” Quarter Board and competing Parkerson, a native of Indiano-
C, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Originally from Nairobi, Ke- against his junior enlisted peers, la, Miss. “He’s very dedicated,
Regiment, 4th Advise and As- nya, Mayora assists his platoon Mayora outwitted his fellow 4th learns quickly and is able to per-
sist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi- at Patrol Base 6 by training and AAB troopers in battalion and form multiple duties here at the
sion, recently earned the honor providing security with Iraqi brigade Soldier of the Month patrol base when we need him.”
of U.S. Division-North Soldier soldiers assigned to 2nd Iraqi boards. In addition to his routine
of the Quarter. Army Division soldiers. With the help of his senior duties at Patrol Base 6, which
Mayora, a resident of Dal- U.S. Soldiers at the remote enlisted leaders from Company include pulling guard duty in
las, bested other service mem- installation advise, train and as- C, Mayora set out to exemplify a tower or at the entry control
bers from northern Iraq during a sist an Iraqi platoon responsible what it means to be a U.S. Army point, Mayora also goes on
board competition that tested the for maintaining security opera- Soldier. mounted and dismounted pa-
warrior’s military knowledge, tions for their base and nearby “Mayora is just one of those trols with Iraqi soldiers.
professionalism and U.S. Army checkpoints. Soldiers that you’re lucky to During his “down time”,
values. “Mayora is willing to go have the opportunity to work Mayora studied for the academ-
“It’s great to see the future of above and beyond what is ex- with,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dallas ic boards with the intent of suc-
cessfully representing his unit.
“It feels good to have
achieved something like this,
and at the same time learn a
lot about the U.S. Army,” said
Mayora.
In late 2009, after earning
an Associate’s Degree in Gen-
eral Science, Mayora enlisted to
serve in the U.S. Army with the
goal of becoming a leader.
Even though he has only
been in the military for 18
months, Mayora believes attain-
ing this kind of knowledge will
help him throughout his military
career.
“All of my noncommis-
sioned officers and leaders
helped me study and prepare
me for this, and this is a great
achievement that I’m proud of,”
said Mayora.
Mayora said he plans to con-
tinue his undergraduate studies
in security and intelligence, at-
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
tend Officer Candidate School
Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey, senior enlisted leader of U.S. Division-North and 4th Infantry Division, and retire as a general officer in
congratulates Pfc. Nicholas Mayora on being named U.S. Division-North Soldier of the Quarter during a
ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, March 29, 2011. the U.S. Army.
8

9. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
A UH-60 Black Hawk MEDEVAC helicopter
lands at Contingency Operating Site Cobra,
Iraq, April 16, 2011. Aviation personnel reallo-
cated two MEDEVAC helicopters to COS Co-
bra to ensure timely medical assets are avail-
able to service members at remote locations
across U.S. Division-North.
the ‘golden’ one hour required for service
members to receive care for injuries requir-
ing urgent surgical attention.
“The arrival of the MEDEVAC crews
greatly increases force protection for our
Soldiers in northeastern Diyala province,”
said Lt. Col. Joel Miller, Squadron Execu-
tive Officer for 2nd Squadron, 14th Cav-
alry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Bri-
gade, 25th Infantry Division.
“This has a significant impact for the
area; it provides medical care directly to
the service members in Diyala province
that were previously just outside the win-
U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Kyle Miller, 2nd Sqdn., 14th Cav. Regt., 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div. dow of coverage for the golden hour,”
COS Cobra receives aerial Borowski added. “Now we can quickly
retrieve these patients, place them in our
aircraft and provide in-route medical care
assets, ensures timely all the way to Joint Base Balad until they
get to the theater hospital.”
medical care for troops
Borowski, who serves as the evacuation
planner for U.S. Division-North, added
that having the helicopters located at COS
Cobra instead of JBB is a positive situation
Sgt. David Strayer The air assets realigned to Cobra came which brings the helicopters closer to Sol-
109th MPAD about as a result of the Secretary of De- diers in remote locations.
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs fense’s plan to ensure critically injured “The moving of the medical air assets to
service members can be transported to Cobra essentially cuts the amount of time
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE CO- surgical care within a one hour timeframe it takes for an air MEDEVAC to get a ca-
BRA, Iraq – The golden hour—it is known from anywhere in Iraq, said Lt. Col. Mary sualty to a facility where they can receive
to service members and military medical Krueger, U.S. Division-North Surgeon. appropriate medical care in half,” said Sgt.
personnel as the window in which care In the past, medical personnel on the 1st Class Edgardo Hernandez, the current
must be provided to a wounded individual ground at the remote locations mitigated flight operations noncommissioned officer
requiring urgent surgical attention. any possible time delays with on-site ser- in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters
To ensure that service members’ medi- vice for wounded personnel. Company, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div.
cal needs are met at remote locations across “We have medical teams, and trained The reallocation of MEDEVAC helicop-
U.S. Division-North, aviation personnel re- combat lifesavers in numerous locations ters to forward bases plays a crucial role in
allocated two UH-60 Black Hawk helicop- in Iraq, which helped increase the surviv- ensuring all U.S. Division-North Soldiers
ters to Contingency Operating Site Cobra, ability for troops with care until air assets remain under the one hour umbrella of cov-
Iraq, April 16. could arrive to transport them to follow-on erage for air transportation to the nearest
Elements of 40th Combat Aviation Bri- care,” said Krueger. medical facility, especially at this stage of
gade make up the team of air crews, med- More than 540 U.S. service members Operation New Dawn, said Borowski.
ics, and maintenance personnel reassigned currently occupy the operational environ- Borowski said even as bases transition
to ensure timely medical care for injured ment in Diyala province, where COS Co- to Iraqi control and U.S. Soldiers move
service members. bra and several CCPs are located. throughout U.S. Division-North, MEDE-
“These assets have been moved to make In the past, if a U.S. service member’s VAC crews will always be ready to provide
sure we maintain coverage of Soldiers lo- point of injury occurred in the vicinity of care.
cated at (COS) Cobra and all of the check COS Cobra, air medical evacuation assets “This move plays a pivotal role in the
points within the combined security mecha- had to be dispatched from and return to broader scope of things,” he said. “It is a
nism in Diyala province,” said Maj. Antho- Joint Base Balad, where the theater hospi- significant part of the withdrawal process
ny Borowski, Company B, Division Special tal is located. from Iraq.”
Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. This process took slightly longer than
9

10. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
A weekend of
‘Defiance’
Soldiers of 1st BSTB
celebrate mid tour
Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney “It was great to get out of the
1st AATF Public Affairs office and come out with my
1st Inf. Div., USD-N Soldiers on this beautiful day,”
said Command Sgt. Maj. Tonya
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- Walker, senior enlisted leader of Soldiers of Company C, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – “I 1st BSTB. Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division use all of their
will never leave a fallen com- Because BSTB is a support strength to pull their opponents into a pool of mud during a morale
building weekend marking the halfway point of their deployment at
rade”—it is a statement out of battalion, many Soldiers are at- Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, April 17, 2011.
the Soldiers Creed, the Warrior tached to different companies
Ethos, and a declaration Sol- or battalions, and some are sta- the red flag seemed. day morale-building event.
diers live by. tioned at completely different Combat engineers of team Teams of eight pulling each
“Defiant” Soldiers of 1st operating locations, Walker ex- “Chaos”, Company C, 1st side of the rope dug their feet
Brigade Special Troops Battal- plained. BSTB, sprinted across the fin- into the ground and gripped the
ion, 1st Advise and Assist Task “I spoke with a Soldier today ish line with their flag held high, rope, anticipating the start. A
Force, 1st Infantry Division, who said he hadn’t seen his fel- signifying the importance of flag tied to the middle dipped
from Fort Riley, Kan., demon- low BSTB Soldiers in the last never leaving a comrade behind. into the deep pit of mud and
strated their camaraderie while three months, and this weekend In addition to individual water while the teams adjusted
competing in an event-filled was great because he got to see events, all four companies of their positions.
weekend in celebration of 1st and talk with his friends and BSTB put their teamwork to When the whistle blew, in-
AATF Soldiers reaching the leaders,” said Walker. the test during ultimate football, stantaneous determination and
mid-deployment mark in sup- Soldiers started the weekend volleyball and tug-a-war. strain painted the Soldiers faces
port of Operation New Dawn off with a 13.5 mile relay, con- “My favorite event was ulti- and grunts grew louder as the
at Contingency Operating Site sisting of nine-Soldier teams mate football,” said Spc. Jeren teams pulled back and forth. The
Warrior, April 16-17. running 1.5 miles per Soldier. Fullmore, a military policeman flag shifted from left to right as
Although each company As the final team approached from Headquarters and Head- each team endured the ongoing
strived to be crowned “Defiant’s the finish, a faded red flag waved quarters Company, 1st BSTB. “I battle of determination to see
King,” bringing the companies in the distance. feel like out of all the events that which of them proved stronger.
together played an essential role The closer the team came to we have done that event used As team Chaos slid further
in the weekend’s events. the finish line, the more vivid the most teamwork, and strat- toward the pit, one member
egy, in order to win.” began yelling “Heave- Ho” to
Fullmore said the organized motivate his teammates. In uni-
morale weekend served as a son, the team began moving the
great way to get away from the rope forward saying, “Heave!”
daily stresses that he and other and then together, using all their
Soldiers deal with on a day-to- strength, pulled the rope back
day basis. yelling, “Ho!”
“It was great to see the unity The rest of the BSTB Sol-
this weekend brought for all of diers watching became inspired
the companies, and it was even by the team’s efforts, and joined
better to see how much it united them in the chant. Together,
the battalion as a whole,” said team Chaos and the supporters
Fullmore. motivating them pulled their
Team “Chaos,” Company C, 1st Brigade Special Troop Battalion, 1st As the Sunday sun lowered way to victory, leaving the op-
Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, run as a team dur- in the sky, the weekend extrava- posing team in a pool of mud,
ing the last leg of a 13.5 mile relay race during a weekend of organized ganza closed with a grueling and the engineers crowned as
fun at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, April 17, 2011. BSTB
contest of tug-o-war—a true “Defiant’s Kings.”
Soldiers used the morale building weekend to mark the half way point
of their deployment in support of Operation New Dawn. team challenge to end the two-
10

11. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
Chaplain’s Corner: most resilient relationship. Certain military
jobs are even more prone to the harsh re-
alities of life. Emergency medical folks see
Reaching out for help
more horrific things in a week than most
of us see in a lifetime. Although they are
trained professionals, they are also normal
men and women, husbands and wives, who
Chaplain (Maj.) Paul Foreman Suicide expert Dr. Thomas Joiner pro- cannot help but be impacted by what they
Division Family Life Chaplain poses a theory that there are three key mo- see and do.
tivational aspects which contribute to sui- The good news is that good leadership
In her book Night Falls Fast, psycholo- cide: a sense of being a burden to others, plays the predominant role in lowering sui-
gist Kay Redfield Jamison said, “Suicide a profound sense of loneliness, alienation cide. What are some things leaders can do?
carries in its aftermath a level of confusion and isolation, and a sense of fearlessness. Leaders can and should hold their Soldiers
and devastation that is, for the most part, All three of these motivations or precon- accountable. When you are doing your
beyond description.” ditions must be in place before someone monthly or quarterly counseling, include
Suicide raises heart-rending questions. will attempt suicide. So long as a person this question in your time with them: “How
Why did this happen? Why didn’t we see it remains fearful of death and the actions are you doing?” And then ask it again…
coming? Could we have done anything to and consequences of the activities that will “Really, how are you doing?”
prevent it? How can we go on? create death, the actual act of suicide is un- Knowing your Soldier’s spouse’s first
For the suicide victim, the end has likely. Joiner stated that if you have to have name or the names of their kids says to
come, but for those left behind, the dev- all three conditions to have a completed them that you care. Knowing your Sol-
astation has just begun. There may be one suicide, it implies that if you prevent just dier’s talents, interests, and passions shows
primary victim, but as a bomb thrown into one of the three, you can prevent a suicide you are interested in them as a person.
a crowd of people, the collateral damage from taking place. As leaders, we are good at finding where
can be massive. This is an interesting theory. But notice our Soldiers are weak, but we need to en-
“Suicide doesn’t end pain. It only lays it that two out of three of his causes relate to courage their strengths as well. Leaders
on the broken shoulders of the survivors,” relationships. should continually reverse the stigma that
said Anne-Grace-Scheinin. Let’s face it, relationships are not al- is still out there of getting help whether it
I do not claim to be an expert on the ways easy. Relationships take work. And is for finances, physical, emotion, social or
topic of suicide, but one of the reoccurring just as no one gives you a manual on how spiritual problems. Do not be afraid to re-
elements in many suicide attempts or com- to raise your new born baby, not many of us fer your Soldier to another leader who may
pletions seems to be that of relationships. had relationship skills training growing up. have more life skills than you in working
Something happens relationally that throws We do what we do and learn the hard way on a particular problem.
people off kilter. Occasionally something most of the time. Starting this Friday, we will be offering
in a person’s past gets triggered in a current Military relationships and marriages are weekly training on the topics of relation-
relationship that reveals a crack in their besieged by stressors. Soldiers must cope ships, marriage and parenting. Think of it
foundation. Sometimes unresolved traumas with extended absences, uncertainty about as a PMCS for your relationships if you
of childhood get revisited in the trauma of the future, the regular threat of death, and will. If you are interested or know someone
war. Relational resiliency gets tested in in- the emotional and relational challenges of who might be, check out the information
credibly difficult ways causing people to re-entering society after deployment. These below and come join us.
lose perspective and hope. factors take a toll on even the healthiest and
Dinner and a Video: 29 April Laugh your way to a better relationship
Relationships, Marriage and Parenting (His brain... her brain)
Friday nights at 19:05 in the 6 May The 5 love languages
North DFAC side room.
13 May The #1 key to incredible sex
Come join us every Friday while you eat. Explore the difficult
subjects of relationships, marriage and parenting. Become 20 May Straight talk on parenting
empowered to respond to your wives, husbands, children, 27 May Sacred marriage... What is it?
girlfriends and boyfriends with the love, compassion, and Why is it important?
wisdom they deserve. Think about how these subjects could
help you as we look forward to redeploying and reintegrating 3 June Making marriage last a lifetime
into family and civilian settings. 10 June Love and respect
For more information, contact the (Her need and his need)
Division Family Life Chaplain
Chaplain (Maj.) Paul Foreman 17 June How to marry well
(SVOIP) 676-0297 (DSN) 845-6658 (Choosing a mate to marry)
11

12. The Ivy Leaf April 22, 2011
‘The Man I Want to Be’
Country star Chris Young is inspired by Soldiers
Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney thing you do for us and our U.S. Division-North tactical
1st AATF Public Affairs country.” product development attach-
1st Inf. Div., USD-N Whistles and cheers filled ment, attached to 1st Advise
the night sky, when Young and Assist Task Force. “It was
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- kicked off the show with one of awesome to get away from the
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – A his number one hit songs, “Be daily stress we endure out here.
crowd filled with Soldiers, Air- Gettin’ You Home (The Black When I closed my eyes and let
men, and civilians stood and Dress Song).” myself get lost in the music, for
applauded as country music The country star said he was just a moment I felt like I was
star Chris Young and his band excited to return to Iraq to play home.”
took the stage at Contingency for the service members de- The concert brought back
Operating Site Warrior, Kirkuk, ployed in support of Operation vivid memories of carefree fun
Iraq, April 18. New Dawn. and laughter with his friends
As the crowd’s cheers fell “I came here in 2009, and and family back home, noted
quiet, Young scanned the audi- I’ve been waiting to get the Anderson, a Roseville, Calif.
ence from left to right, grabbed chance to come back and play Native.
U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney
the microphone and said, “We for the heroes of our nation,” Young finished up the per-
love you and we love every- said Chris. “Coming here and formance with another hit song, Country star Chris Young laughs
while performing his hit song
playing for all of you is my way “The Man I Want to be,” dedi- “Voices” for U.S. Division-North
“I came here in of giving back and saying thank cating it to all service members, service members deployed in
you for everything that you do.” explaining to the crowd that he
2009, and I’ve been As the concert rolled on, au- wished he could be as strong as
support of Operation New Dawn
at Contingency Operating Site
waiting to get the dience members moved from the men and women serving in
Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq April 18,
2011.
chance to come back their seats to the front of the Iraq and Afghanistan.
stage, singing in unison with the As the concert came to a “Words can’t explain how
and play for the he- lyrics of his hit single, “Voices” close, Young set aside the mi- happy I am to be here, and how
roes of our nation.” while swaying to the beat. crophone to speak to the audi- much I appreciate all of the
“The concert was great!” ence standing in front of him on things you do. Again, I want to
– Chris Young said Spc. Walt Anderson, 304th a more personal level. say thanks for everything.”
Hey Doc:What can I do about my bad breath?
Maj. Kendall Mower ask them. If they agree with your suspicion, lieve it or not, your tongue is also a major
Officer in Charge there are a few things you can consider location where bacteria live. Many of the
Speicher Dental Clinic changing. bacteria that live on the tongue can pro-
When you eat foods that contain strong duce some very nasty smells. Try brushing
“Hey Doc: Why is it when I speak to odors such as garlic, fish or onions, the your tongue as well as your teeth—or use
people, they back away from me? Can you odor can stay behind even after you fin- a tongue scraper. Your friends will thank
help?” – Signed “Sgt. Hal I. Tosis” ish your meal. Mints, gum and mouthwash you.
can all help conceal the odors, but you may People also wonder why they get “morn-
Dear “Sgt. Tosis,” want to give up the pickled herring before ing breath.” During the night, your mouth
Although there may be many reasons your next big date. becomes very dry, less active, and the bac-
people are backing away from you, one Poor oral hygiene is another major con- teria are exposed to less oxygen when you
of the most common reasons is halitosis, tributor. The mouth has over 300 different sleep. This allows them an optimal envi-
also known as bad breath. Bad breath can types of bacteria and other organisms that ronment to “do their thing.”
be caused by the foods we eat, poor oral live there. Many of those produce smells Sgt. Hal, I hope this little bit of knowl-
hygiene, smoking, obesity, or alcohol con- that are very unpleasant. When you don’t edge helps you get closer to your friends.
sumption. brush or floss your teeth regularly, you are Keep your breath fresh, Task Force Iron-
If you are concerned about bad breath, encouraging them to stick around and pro- horse! And keep those questions coming.
find a trusted friend or significant other and duce their nasty smelling by-products. Be-
12