1. Volume 1, Issue 16 February 18, 2011
A challenge fit for a
Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
‘DEVIL’
LongKnife
Ironhorse
Devil
Fit for Any Test
Fit for Any Test
Ironhorse
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div.
Devil
Cpl. Joe Gregg, spots Cpl. Robert McGhee, both infantrymen of 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment,
during the Push-Up Event of the Diablo Company Squad Challenge at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Feb. 11, 2011. In this event, the
Soldiers had two minutes to correctly execute a minimum of 50 push-ups in order to contribute to their squad’s total combined score. In
order for the push-up to count, the Soldier had to touch the fist of the spotter with their chest, then lock their elbows out while maintaining
good form.
LongKnife
Spc. Kandi Huggins lenge at Contingency Oper- native, and first sergeant of and an infantry tactics quiz.
Steadfast and Loyal
1st AATF Public Affairs ating Site Warrior, in Iraq’s Company D, 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Between each event, Sol-
1st Inf. Div., USD-N Kirkuk province, Feb. 11. Regt., the competition is a fit- diers conducted a forced foot
The second contest held by ness challenge designed to test march carrying a 50-pound
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- the company since deploying the muscular strength, cardio- rucksack. The squads marched
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – in support of Operation New respiratory endurance and tac- approximately eight miles
from start to finish during the
Warrior
“Diablos” of Company D, 1st Dawn, the Diablo Company tical knowledge of Soldiers
Battalion, 14th Infantry Regi- Squad Challenge tested the conducting the advise, train challenge, which contributed
ment, attached to 1st Advise physical and technical abilities and assist mission. to their overall finishing time
and Assist Task Force, 1st of Soldiers of Company D. A multi-task event, the and score.
Infantry Division, from Fort According to 1st Sgt. Phil- squad challenge featured push-
Riley, Kan., held a squad chal- son Tavernir, a Queens, N.Y. ups, sit-ups, stress shooting See DEVIL, pg. 3

2. The Ivy Leaf February 18, 2011
mining three of the tourists would not make it to the hospital with-
out immediate medical treatment.
The combat medic from Osu, Ghana, applied tourniquets and
field bandages to injured civilians, ensuring the wounded were
stable enough to travel before being transported to the nearest hos-
pital for further treatment.
“We are all proud of Spc. Adjei,” said Sgt. 1st Class Santiago
Larriva, platoon sergeant, Troop A, 2nd Sqdn., 14th Cav. Regt.
“His work ethic is unreal; he is the hardest working medic I’ve
encountered in 14 years in the Army.”
Adjei continually strives to learn more, studying scout tactics
with his platoon, in addition to maintaining and building upon his
U.S. Army Photo medical skills and proficiency, said Staff Sgt. Ryan Hill, combat
Spc. Edmund Adjei, a combat medic assigned to Troop A, 2nd Squad- medic, Troop A, 2nd Sqdn., 14th Cav. Regt., 2nd AAB, 2nd Inf.
ron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th In- Div.
fantry Division, teaches Iraqi soldiers how to bandage a head wound Adjei provides medical care for members of his platoon, and
at a security checkpoint in northern Iraq, Feb. 8, 2011. Adjei, origi-
nally from Osu, Ghana, earned recognition as the “Ironhorse Strong” first aid training for ISF operating at combined security check-
Soldier of the Week for his medical evaluation and treatment of three points in northern Iraq.
wounded Iranian tourists following an attack near his checkpoint, Jan. “He went out of his way to treat those patients,” said Hill. “What
19, 2011. it comes down to is he is skilled enough and proficient enough to
save lives, and that is what he did.”
Spc. Edmund Adjei, a combat medic assigned to Troop A, 2nd Adjei deployed with Soldiers of 2nd “Warrior” AAB, 25th Inf.
Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Bri- Div. in June 2010 as part of U.S. Division-North, undertaking the
gade, 25th Infantry Division, earned recognition as the “Ironhorse mission to advise, train and assist Iraqi Security Forces in support
Strong” Soldier of the Week for his decisive medical evaluation of Operation New Dawn.
and treatment of wounded Iranian tourists following an Impro- Adjei’s dedication to training and genuine care for people re-
vised Explosive Device attack near a joint checkpoint in northern sulted in decisive action, saving the lives of three people and earn-
Iraq, Jan. 19. ing the “Warrior” medic the honor of Ironhorse Strong Soldier of
Adjei quickly assessed and triaged the injured civilians, deter- the Week.
Iraqi battalions test IA develop urban fighting Building trust between IA GWTC tailors training to fit
logistical proficiency at skills at KMTB and community Iraqi combat roles
GWTC
Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7
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 February 18, 2011
Continued from DEVIL, pg. 1 seconds that were allotted for other past any limitations they
the challenge.” may have thought they had.”
“We had a few stumbles on “We performed as a team,
the M240, but it wasn’t any- and we finished as a team,” said
thing my guys didn’t have the Spc. William Martin, a Porum,
confidence to push through and Okla. native, and infantryman,
continue on with the mission at 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Com-
hand.” pany D.
After they cleared the Vess and Soldiers of 2nd
first event, Diablos Soldiers Squad will each receive an
marched to the Sit-Up Event, Army Achievement Medal for
and then to the range for stress besting the competition during
shooting before finishing with the challenge, said Tavernir.
an infantry tactics quiz. The squad who placed sec-
Vess said he loved the quiz ond will receive a certificate
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div. portion of the challenge, testing of achievement, Tavernir said,
Staff Sgt. Derek Vess, left, 2nd Squad leader, 2nd Platoon, Company D,
1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Advise and As-
their military knowledge and and third place will receive a
sist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, leads his squad from the Weap- experience as an infantryman. “Devil” Brigade Coin from the
ons Assembly Site to the Sit-Up Event during the “Diablos” Company “It not only built all-around brigade command sergeant ma-
Squad Challenge at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Feb. 11, 2011. confidence, but prepared (the jor, Command Sgt. Maj. John
As part of the challenge, Soldiers conducted a forced foot march from
each of the event sites with a 50-pound ruck sack.
Soldiers) to step out of their Jones.
comfort zone, while taking Tavernir said Company D
“It was designed to be a fun the company headquarters. Sol- them back to the basics of them leadership geared the awards
competition that builds team diers had two minutes to cor- knowing what they are doing,” for the specialists and privates
spirit,” said Tavernir. “The rectly execute a minimum of Vess said. in the squads.
physical portions of the chal- 50 push-ups in order to contrib- After the challenge, the Dia- “It’s a small incentive to
lenge engaged their fitness lev- ute to their squad’s combined blos Soldiers rested and con- help the Soldiers who need
el and conditioning, while the score. ducted maintenance on their points for the promotion board
exam tested their knowledge of Completing the push-ups, gear, while the company lead- as well as distinguish them
the basic skills and tasks they the Soldiers conducted a foot ership tallied the scores from from their peers, especially
should know.” march, moving approximately the different squads. whenever we redeploy, and oth-
“As an Infantryman, it’s half-a-mile to the first technical The scores revealed that ers can see how many ribbons
our job to close the distance challenge, the Weapons Assem- Vess and his Soldiers of 2nd they’ve earned while out here,”
between … the enemy and de- bly Site. Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company said the first sergeant.
stroy them. If we can’t do that, During the weapons as- D, won the challenge. Tavernir also said Diablo
then we can’t fight; and that’s sembly, Company D Soldiers “It was good to win,” said Company is planning for an-
why this challenge was more assembled either an M4 rifle, Vess. “We went into it feeling other challenge, and hopes they
engaging than the first one, and M249 squad automatic weapon good. My squad was motivated will be able to host the third
encompassed all the basics of or the M240B machine gun in to accomplish the goals we set, team-building event before re-
our duties and responsibilities less than 90 seconds. Each Sol- and drove themselves and each deploying later this year.
as infantrymen.” dier had to perform a success-
Conducting the advise and ful functions check after reas-
assist mission in U.S. Division- sembling the weapon.
North, while working with their Staff Sgt. Derek Vess, a
Iraqi Security Forces counter- Greenville, S.C. native, and in-
parts, Tavernir said the Soldiers fantry squad leader, Company
of Diablos Company are not D, 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., said
conducting a traditional infan- he thought his squad of Sol-
try mission. diers would face their biggest
Nonetheless, the need to challenge at the Weapon As-
maintain proficiency in infantry sembly Site.
skills remains critical, he said, “We went over the events
especially since U.S. Soldiers prior to the challenge,” said
must set the example as they Vess. “I had my guys practice
train the Iraqi Army to prop- assembling the various weap- U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div.
erly conduct infantry tasks on a ons systems in 60 seconds, be- Spc. Nathaniel Dahleim, infantryman, 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Com-
pany D, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Advise
daily basis. cause if they could accomplish and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, reassembles an M249
The challenge began with it in that time frame, I knew squad automatic weapon during the Diablo Company Squad Chal-
the Push-Up Event held behind they could do it within the 90 lenge at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Feb. 11, 2011.
3

4. The Ivy Leaf February 18, 2011
Iraqi battalions test logistical proficiency at GWTC
Sgt. Shawn Miller
109th Mobile Public Affairs Det.
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs
GHUZLANI WARRIOR TRAINING
CENTER, Iraq – The smell of fresh baking
bread drifted from the command cell area
of the Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center
as a small group of Iraqi soldiers mixed
batches of dough and prepared the daily
meals for comrades of 2nd Battalion, 11th
Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division. Iraqi
cooks rushed back and forth between their
small kitchen and their generator-powered
bakeries, preparing the large pots of food
independent of U.S. assistance.
As part of the collective training con-
cept of Tadreeb al Shamil, or All-Inclusive
Training, Iraqi battalions attending the
GWTC learn the combat skills necessary to
win on the battlefield and the logistical sup-
port critical to keeping the units in the fight. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Support Company, 2nd Bn., 11th Bde., Iraqi soldiers assigned to Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Divi-
provides food, maintenance, supplies, in- sion, review intelligence information during a class at the Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center,
Feb. 10, 2011. Support Company soldiers train on logistics, intelligence and supply missions
telligence and medical attention to more during the battalion’s 25-day training cycle as well as feeding and providing quarters for fel-
than 500 Iraqi jinood, Arabic for soldiers. low Iraqi soldiers participating in Tadreeb al Shamil at GWTC. Iraqi battalions attending GWTC
“Without logistics, you’re not going to learn the combat skills necessary to win on the battlefield and the logistical support critical
get much done,” said Sgt. Michael Wallin, to keeping the units in the fight as part of the military training initiative, Tadreeb al Shamil, or
All-Inclusive Training. IA battalions are rotating through GWTC during 2011 to conduct collec-
cavalry scout and maintenance instructor tive training as part of an Iraqi-led training program to improve IA units’ ability to defend and
assigned to Troop A Combat Ready Team, protect the country.
1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment.
Part of “Long Knife,” 4th Advise and A large part of educating the Support cally worked through washing and fixing
Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, de- Company jinood is stressing the impor- their trucks.
ployed to Contingency Operating Site tance of developing proper logistical plans “As the (Iraqi) battalion commander is
Marez outside Mosul, Wallin and U.S. Sol- in order to ensure mission completion, not- observing his combat training, he is also
diers of 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., serve as ed Wallin. watching his support elements in their
mentors and instructors at the adjacently Wallin, a resident of Houston, led Iraqi training and seeing how well they can do,”
located GWTC. truck crews through the process of pre- said 1st Lt. Jeremiah Yaden, an operations
ventive maintenance, checks and services officer assigned to Headquarters Troop, 1st
for their vehicles, and the procedures for Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt.
requesting new parts to keep the vehicles All the support entities combined make
mission ready. the combat units stronger, Yaden said, and
Wallin said the maintenance techniques provides Iraqi jinood confidence that their
learned during the classes will enable Iraqi battalion can and will provide for the IA
jinood to maintain the battalion’s ability to units in the field.
train and complete tactical missions in their If a unit cannot provide food, vehicle
own operating environments. parts and supplies, the Iraqi jinood will not
As U.S. forces continue the advise, train be able to function effectively during com-
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller and assist mission in support of Operation bat, he remarked.
A cook with Support Company, 2nd Battalion, New Dawn, the instructors at GWTC are While Iraqi infantry companies conduct
11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, pre- allowing Iraqi unit leadership to assume the 25-day training cycle at GWTC, U.S.
pares food at the Ghuzlani Warrior Training
more of an active role in their own training, forces continue to train and mentor Iraqi ji-
Center, Feb. 10, 2011. The cooks bake fresh
bread and deliver meals daily to more than particularly with the Support Company. nood of Support Company, testing the Iraqi
500 fellow Iraqi soldiers of the battalion un- At the vehicle maintenance area, Wal- unit’s capabilities in providing quality mis-
dergoing a 25-day training rotation in support lin and a handful of U.S. Soldiers offered sion support to Iraqi forces during Tadreeb
of Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi-led training ini-
guidance as the Iraqi mechanics methodi- al Shamil.
tiative to modernize Iraqi Army capabilities.
4

5. The Ivy Leaf February 18, 2011
squad leader, Company A. “If
your buddy goes down, you
lose effective fire and security
in that sector.”
Once each squad success-
fully cleared the structure, U.S.
trainers added variables, cre-
ating scenarios ranging from
wounded teammates to enemies
and hostages, to demonstrate
how confusing a room clear-
ing operation can become if not
conducted properly.
“Room clearing is a high-
intensity event,” said Butz to
Iraqi soldiers. “You need to be
prepared for any situation.”
Using techniques learned
from U.S. forces, Iraqi cadre
at KMTB watched over 5th
IA Div. jinood as they trained,
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
providing instruction during
After stacking on a “wall,” members of an Iraqi platoon assigned to 2nd Battalion, 21st Regiment, 5th Iraqi
Army Division, enter and clear a room during a “glass house” exercise, an imaginary room with outlined each phase of the exercise and
walls simulating an actual building structure, at Kirkush Military Training Base, Feb. 8, 2011. assisting Soldiers of Company
Iraqi Army develops urban
A in creating scenarios for the
squads.
Limbocker, who calls
Eksridge, Kan., home, said he
fighting skills at KMTB
sees Iraqi leadership and their
units improving continuously
as they work each day with
U.S. forces.
Sgt. Coltin Heller ing, said Spc. Scott Butz, an who hails from Merztown, Pa., “They are always looking
109th MPAD infantryman assigned to Com- to his Iraqi counterparts. “It all for ways to improve the train-
USD-N Public Affairs pany A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. starts with the stack.” ing, so their units get the most
“Gimlet” Soldiers of Com- The lesson began with how out of it,” he added.
KIRKUSH MILITARY pany A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., to properly stack outside an en- Under U.S partnered men-
TRAINING BASE, Iraq – Pla- 2nd AAB, are training Iraqi ji- trance to a room. Iraqi jinood torship, IA soldiers continue
toons assigned to 2nd Battalion, nood, providing modern unit first practiced in a “glass house,” training at KMTB, further en-
21st Regiment, 5th Iraqi Army tactics and logistical procedures, a terrain map replicating an out- hancing their external security
Division, learned to safely en- while guiding Iraqi officers and lined building with no walls, so and war fighting capabilities,
ter buildings and clear rooms noncommissioned officers to every IA soldier could observe a process that began with each
under the direction of U.S. take a leading role in training. how each member of the team Iraqi soldier.
Division-North Soldiers from This is the second iteration entered the room. “We train the individual
Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st of battalion-level training at U.S. Soldiers made on-the- first, making sure they know
Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise KMTB, providing Iraqi Army spot corrections, training each the training, before we move
and Assist Brigade, 25th Infan- units with skills needed to Iraqi fire team to move in co- to collective unit training,” said
try Division, during Tadreeb maintain troop readiness and hesion and work together as a Limbocker. “There has been
al Shamil at Kirkush Military external security capabilities as team. progress, and it can be seen all
Training Base, Feb. 8. part of the IA initiative Tadreeb After team drills, Company A the time.”
Enhancing IA soldiers’ abil- al Shamil. Soldiers stepped up the training, Iraqi jinood of 2nd Bn., 21st
ity to seek and effectively en- Supervised by Company A placing Iraqi squads in a mock Bde., deployed for KMTB in
gage targets in urban environ- Soldiers, the Iraqi jinood, Ara- house, teaching the jinood how late January to train on modern
ments, room clearing drills are bic for soldiers, trained on how fire teams bound through build- military tactics, as part of an
one of several training exercis- to clear a room using operation- ings, clearing each room while ongoing initiative to train IA
es 5th IA Div. units conduct as al three-man teams, learning to providing security. units to become proficient at
part of a 25-day training rota- properly and safely enter and “Security is more impor- individual and collective tasks.
tion called Tadreeb al Shamil, exit a building, he said. tant that speed,” said Staff Sgt.
Arabic for All Inclusive Train- “This is critical,” said Butz Andrew Limbocker, infantry
5

6. The Ivy Leaf February 18, 2011
Building trust between
IA and community
5th IA soldiers conduct awareness
patrol in Diyala province
Cpl. Robert England U.S. and IA forces partnered Williams, who hails from
2nd AAB Public Affairs during the security operation to Augusta, Ga. said Iraqi sol-
25th Inf. Div., USD-N disrupt violent extremist opera- diers of 1st Battalion, 19th Bri- Photo by Cpl. Robert England
tions in the area and show lo- gade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Spc. Danial Amos, infantryman,
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- cal Iraqi citizens that the Iraqi worked closely with HHC, 1st Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Battalion, 21st In-
ING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq Army remains committed to Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., in planning fantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and
– Soldiers from Headquarters maintaining security. the mission. Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Di-
and Headquarters Company, “Partnered operations are Augmenting security pro- vision, stands watch during a
1st Battalion, 21st Infantry important to highlight to the lo- vided by the IA during the pa- partnered security patrol, Feb.
6, 2011, in Jazani al Chol, Diyala
Regiment, “Gimlets,” 2nd Ad- cal populace that (U.S. forces) trol, the Gimlets also coordi- province, Iraq.
vise and Assist Brigade, 25th are here to assist the ISF in se- nated two UH-60 Blackhawk
Infantry Division, conducted a curing local communities and helicopters for a tactical air in- citizens, IA soldiers displayed
partnered security patrol with Iraq,” said Capt. Benjamin Wil- sertion, adding pressure to vio- determination to remove ex-
Iraqi Army counterparts in the liams, commander, Headquar- lent extremists seeking refuge tremist threats from the area.
city of Jazani al Chol, Diyala ters and Headquarters Compa- within Jazani al Chol. During the patrol, the part-
province, Iraq, Feb. 6. ny, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. Working with Jazani al Chol nered forces interacted with
local Iraqi citizens in the com-
munity, distributing flyers de-
picting the faces of extremists
suspected of hiding in the city.
The interaction raised
awareness of possible extremist
activity in the area and estab-
lished a level of trust between
the citizens and the IA.
“The Army works for the
country,” said Pvt. Hasan, an
IA soldier with 1st Bn., 19th
Bde., 5th IA Div. “People trust
us to protect them.”
In addition to fostering
trust between the IA and the
local community, the mission
showed the people of Jazani al
Chol that U.S. forces plan to
continue their advise and assist
mission with their IA counter-
parts.
By building rapport and
strengthening the trust between
U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N the soldiers and the community,
Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Bonilla, left, platoon sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battal- the IA increased its chances for
ion, 21st Infantry Regiment, “Gimlets,” 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, works with
success in removing violent ex-
an Iraqi Army jundi, Arabic for soldier, questioning a local citizen about security conditions in Jazani al
Chol, Diyala province, Iraq, Feb. 6, 2011, during a partnered security patrol. The patrol provided Iraqi Army tremists from Jazani Al Chol.
soldiers the opportunity to interact with citizens in the community, building rapport and instilling trust that
the IA remains committed to the safety of the Iraqi people.
6

7. The Ivy Leaf February 18, 2011
GWTC tailors training to
fit Iraqi combat roles
Sgt. Shawn Miller seen distinct growth and progression in the
109th Mobile Public Affairs Det. Iraqi troops who successfully completed
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs his classes.
“They’re motivated to be out here,” he
GHUZLANI WARRIOR TRAINING noted. “They like what they’re doing; they U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller
CENTER, Iraq – As Iraqi Army battalions like learning, and they want to get better.” Iraqi soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 11th Bri-
continue to train at the Ghuzlani Warrior The Iraqi NCOs within the units are gade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division conduct a walk-
Training Center near Mosul, U.S. instruc- stepping into leadership roles and taking through of room clearing techniques during a
tors adapt classes to best aid the current charge of their squads and platoons more training class at the Ghuzlani Warrior Training
Center, Feb. 6, 2011. U.S. “Long Knife” Sol-
unit’s future operational needs. effectively than before, Gillam added. diers assigned to 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry
U.S. mentors from 1st Squadron, 9th Watching the Iraqi soldiers within the Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st
Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist battalion execute the drills, Saaod said he Cavalry Division supervised the course in
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, adjusted has seen the unit’s skills advance through order to prepare the Iraqi troops for military
operations independent of U.S. involvement
class schedules, focusing on room clearing the continued mentorship by his U.S. coun- following Operation New Dawn.
and techniques for military urban opera- terparts.
tions for Iraqi soldiers assigned to 2nd Bat- “My soldiers see a new way of train- and able to take control and protect the
talion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Divi- ing,” he said, noting the knowledge gained people of Iraq from external threats.
sion, Feb. 6. from the collective training. “It’s a new ex- As succeeding iterations of IA battalions
“This group spends a lot more time in perience.” rotate through GWTC during Tadreeb al
the city of Mosul, so urban operations is Saaod mentioned the hands-on aspect Shamil, the U.S. role will diminish, Gillam
something they are going to need more of,” of the training, as well as simulations and said, with Iraqi cadre assuming more of the
said Staff Sgt. Don Gillam, an instructor training aides, which helped to build moti- training responsibility for the Iraqi units.
from Troop C, 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. vation among his soldiers. Throughout 2011, 3rd IA Div. will ro-
Gillam and fellow U.S. trainers ran Iraqi On his second deployment to Iraq, Gil- tate its battalions through the 25-day train-
squads through a step-by-step process of lam said the Iraqi Army units have made ing cycles at Ghuzlani as the IA transitions
how to properly approach a building and significant progress and are more willing to autonomous military training operations.
how to effectively and methodically clear
each room safely.
Iraqi soldiers began the drills with
“glass houses,” outlines of rooms marked
off on the ground, before moving to walled
rooms and hard-sites, or buildings as their
skills progressed.
“The training is very good for my sol-
diers,” said Sgt. Maj. Saaod Mustafa, se-
nior Iraqi noncommissioned officer at the
event. “If they pay attention to this class
and practice on it, it will make them better
in their jobs.”
Mustafa said that the room clearance
training is particularly useful to his men,
whose operational responsibilities include
cordon and search missions in the urban
environment of Mosul.
The Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center
is very important to the Iraqi Army because
it teaches Iraqi soldiers, while building a
foundation to train and sustain the force af-
ter U.S. forces leave, said Gillam, a native U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Don Gillam, a Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center instructor assigned to
of Portland, Ore.
1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, ob-
Gillam, who spent two years as a drill serves Iraqi soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, practicing room
sergeant at Fort Jackson, S.C., said he has clearing techniques, Feb. 6, 2011.
7

8. The Ivy Leaf February 18, 2011
Senior ‘Ghost’ medic trains ISF on life-saving tools
Spc. Terence Ewings is the senior medic on for the patrol base Garthwaite and the other U.S. troops
4th AAB Public Affairs in northern Iraq and provides Level-One demonstrated how to correctly apply the
1st Cav. Div., U.S. Division-North Patient Care for the Soldiers assigned to tourniquets and bandages, and let the ISF
Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry practice their freshly learned techniques on
JOINT SECURITY STATION INDIA, Iraq Regiment, operating from the patrol base. the Americans.
– Outfitted with a first aid bag filled with “We are out in a remote base, and we After the medical class ended, Cpl. Aead
combat application tourniquets, combat don’t have some of the luxuries a large for- Uanehs, a native of Dohk, Iraq, and an Iraqi
gauze and dressings, the combat medic, an ward operating base or joint security sta- Army driver assigned to 5th Brigade, 2nd
instructor for the Tactical Field Care class tion would have, such as a large medical Iraqi Army Division, thanked Gray and the
stepped to the front of the room, preparing facility, but we do have the ability to teach other U.S. troops for providing the combat
to teach Iraqi Security Forces how to save each and every Soldier here how to care for lifesaver training.
a life. one another until more professional medi- “Unlike my friends and ISF soldiers
Staff Sgt. Willie Gray, a senior combat cal help arrives,” said Gray. here I have received a military medical
medic assigned to Company C, 27th Bri- During the first aid class, the 2nd Bn., class (before), but this is the best CLS class
gade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and 7th Cav. Regt., Soldiers assisted their Iraqi I’ve ever had,” said Uanehs, an eight year
Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, led a counterparts by demonstrating how to use combat veteran who works with the U.S.
combat lifesaver class for ISF at a patrol the tactical field care items like the combat Soldiers stationed at the patrol base. “I’m
base in northern Iraq, Feb. 8. application tourniquet. looking forward to using these skills to
“It makes me feel good to teach the ISF “I believe the Iraqis learned a lot from teach my soldiers and neighbors at home.”
CLS,” said Gray, a native of Greenville, the medical class Staff Sgt. Gray was in- With a smile on his face and medical kit
S.C. “I joined the U.S. Army to be able structing,” said Pfc. William Garthwaite, a in hand, Gray walked away from the class
to teach and help others, and it feels great native of Clinton, Conn., and armor crew- he instructed knowing the training and
knowing that I’ve provided them with skills member assigned to Company B. “This knowledge the U.S. Soldiers passed on to
that could possibly save a life one day.” class was good for me too, because I got to the ISF made a difference, as his unit con-
Gray, currently on his third tour to Iraq, assist the ISF and refresh my own combat tinues its efforts to advise, train and assist
and fourth deployment with the Army, medical skills by teaching them.” the ISF in Ninewa Province.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
Staff Sgt. Willie Gray, a combat medic assigned to Company C, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi-
sion, draws Iraqi Security Forces attention to a visual aid during a combat lifesaver class at a patrol base in northern Iraq, Feb. 8, 2011. Gray, a
native of Greenville, S.C., trained the Iraqis on tactical field care skills and provided medical tools for the ISF to become proficient on the first
aid tasks.
8

9. The Ivy Leaf February 18, 2011
An Iraqi Air Force airman search-
es a vehicle during force pro-
tection training at Contingency
Operating Site Warrior, Feb. 10,
2011. The exercise, overseen
by military police and Access
Control Platoon, Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 1st
Special Troops Battalion, 1st Ad-
vise and Assist Task Force, 1st
Infantry Division, trained Iraqi
Air Force airmen to provide base
defense. The Iraqi airmen trained
on how to conduct personnel
and vehicle searches, escalation
of force measures, traffic stops
and rules of engagement.
the practical exercises.
HHC cadre also evaluated
how the Iraqi Air Force airmen
worked together to ensure the
safety of the checkpoint, their
comrades and people living at
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N COS Warrior.
U.S. forces partner with Iraqi Air Force “It was an honor to train our
Iraq Security Force partners
during force protection training for this mission,” Morgan said.
“We’re going to continue to
work with them to ensure that
Spc. Kandi Huggins come onto COS Warrior in or- ticed manning gates and search- COS Warrior remains safe and
1st AATF Public Affairs der to encourage their interac- ing individuals and vehicles. secure.”
1st Inf. Div., USD-N tion with each other, with little Ensuring the airmen under- The Iraqi students and U.S.
U.S. involvement. Second, it stood the proper procedures for cadre celebrated the completion
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- prepares them to be able to op- searching vehicles, cadre from of the training with a gradua-
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – erate the gates whenever we be- HHC, 1st STB evaluated the tion ceremony at the COS War-
Military police and members gin the base closure process.” Iraqi Air Force airmen during rior dining facility, Feb. 12.
of the Access Control Platoon, In the classroom, the Iraqi
Headquarters and Headquar- airmen studied the fundamen-
ters Company, 1st Brigade tals of site security and used
Special Troops Battalion, 1st a terrain model to replicate an
Advise and Assist Task Force, entry control point.
1st Infantry Division from Fort First Lt. Andre Marshall,
Riley, Kan., conducted force platoon leader of the Access
protection training with Iraqi Control Platoon, HHC, 1st
airmen from the Iraqi Air Force BSTB, said using the model
at Contingency Operating Site helped to familiarize the Iraqi
Warrior, Feb. 7-12. airmen with the different sec-
Force protection training is tions of a gate and the tasks as-
an essential task for preparing sociated with maintaining force
Iraqi Security Forces to take protection at that particular
responsibility for providing se- gate.
curity on the base, said Capt. “There are different levels of
Vance Morgan, commander, both physical and mental secu-
Headquarters and Headquarters U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div.
rity,” said Marshall, an Albu-
Capt. Vance Morgan, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st BSTB, 1st AATF, querque, N.M. native. “We’re Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task
1st Inf. Div. here to ensure those (who are Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., presents Iraqi Air
“This training has two pur- responsible) to protect our base Force airmen with certificates commemorating their completion of
poses,” said Morgan, a Chesa- force protection training at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Feb.
have the proper training.”
12, 2011. “The number of people who perform security is small com-
peake, Va. native. “First, it puts After classroom instruction pared to the percentage of people who live here,” Morgan said. “You
an Iraqi face at the gate where and a walk through of the ter- all will be responsible for the life of thousands, and it was our honor
the Iraqi military will be able to rain model, the students prac- to train you to accomplish that mission.”
9

10. The Ivy Leaf February 18, 2011
‘An ounce of prevention
is worth a pound of cure’
‘Long Knife’ Soldier helps maintain
brigade’s fighting strength
Spc. Angel Washington
4th Advise and Assist Brigade Public Affairs
1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Spc. Nyan
Prater takes extra pride ensuring his fellow Soldiers stay healthy,
keeping his comrades mission ready as they advise, train and assist
their Iraqi counterparts.
Joining the Army two years ago, Prater, a preventive medicine
specialist assigned to Company C, 27th Brigade Support Battalion,
4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, is deployed U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div.
in support of Operation New Dawn as part of U.S. Division-North. Spc. Nyan Prater, right, a preventive medicine specialist assigned to
The native of San Diego works closely with his officer counter- Company C, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, teaches soldiers assigned to 3rd Iraqi
part to assess and eliminate potential health threats. His work also
Army Division, the proper techniques to minimize carriers of airborne
benefits U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi Security Forces and Department of diseases, as 1st Lt. Dixon Irizarry, left, the brigade’s environmental
Defense employees. science officer, observes preventive medicine training at Contingency
“I really love my job,” said Prater. “Taking the necessary steps Operating Site Marez, Feb 3, 2011. Prater, a native of San Diego, trav-
els to the brigade’s different areas of responsibility to prevent and
to prevent issues before they happen, keeps them more manage-
control the spread of disease and also teaches his Iraqi counterparts
able if they do happen …” individual and community health.
Since arriving in Iraq in September 2010, Prater has partici-
pated in more than 50 patrols to various checkpoints and joint se- Irizarry, a native of Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico.
curity stations in the brigade’s area of responsibility to prevent and Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of three unfilled posi-
control the spread of disease. tions in his company, to include two junior enlisted Soldiers and a
“Spc. Prater is an excellent Soldier,” said 1st Lt. Dixon Irizarry, noncommissioned officer, Prater successfully completes all of the
the brigade’s environmental science officer assigned to Company tasks given to him, said Irizarry.
C, 27th BSB, 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. Experiencing many nights with limited sleep, Prater continues
“He is like a sponge. He is always willing to learn some- to do his job with great motivation knowing that his work is vital
thing different and works hard to be the best that he can be,” said to the health of those around him.
“He truly makes a difference in maintaining our fighting
strength,” said Capt. Arthur Knight, commander, Company C,
27th BSB, 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. “He finds the issue and resolves
it—he knows what he’s doing.”
“He has helped to correct many of the issues that can cause ill-
nesses,” said Knight, a native of New York. “I have a lot of respect
for what he does.”
Prater also works with Iraqi Army soldiers, teaching funda-
mentals of preventive medicine and helping to improve the Iraqis’
quality of living.
“If we do a good job, we can save someone’s life,” Prater said.
“If we can impart a little knowledge to our Iraqi counterparts as to
what we do and how to do it, it will improve their quality of life
and prevent diseases.”
Prater said he joined the Army with his wife as a stepping stone
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div.
to something greater.
Spc. Nyan Prater, a preventive medicine specialist assigned to Com- “My ultimate goal is to go to law school,” said Prater, who is
pany C, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Bri- currently working towards his doctorate in Public Health. “Being
gade, 1st Cavalry Division, and a native of San Diego, prepares to test in the Army helps me to propel myself in the field that I’m working
a water sample at the battalion’s troop medical clinic on Contingency in, and at the same time, gain more experience.”
Operating Site Marez, Feb. 12, 2011. Prater has been on more than
50 patrols in the last four month to ensure Soldiers and Iraqi Secu- Upon completing his doctorate, Prater said he plans to become
rity Forces stays healthy while deployed in support of Operation New a commissioned officer and continue his military career.
Dawn.
10

11. The Ivy Leaf February 18, 2011
Smash Mouth Rocks COS Warrior
Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney Duluth, Minn.
1st AATF Public Affairs “That kind of release isn’t
1st Inf. Div., USD-N something very common
here,” said Hewitt, referring to
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- the way the troops moved with
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq the music.
– “Who’s ready to rock?” said Hewitt said the concert
Steve Harwell, lead singer of reminded her of singing along
rock band, Smash Mouth, as he with high school friends to
took the stage at Contingency some of the band’s greatest
Operating Site Warrior, Kirkuk hits.
Feb. 14. “The concert made me
“We want to thank you for forget that I was in Iraq,” said
everything you do,” said Har- Hewitt, a native of Lonsdale,
well, a San Jose, Calif. native. Minn.
“This one is for all of you!” “I was able to enjoy the
The band then played a moments of great music, fond U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO
song from their greatest hits, memories of the past and make Command Sgt. Maj. John Jones, senior enlisted leader of 1st Advise
“Everyday Super Hero,” as the new memories with my friends and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Reilly, Kan.,
awards Steve Harwell, lead singer of the rock band, Smash Mouth, a
audience roared, whistled and here—definitely a memorable “Devil” Brigade Coin following a special Valentine’s Day performance
cheered and the band jumped Valentine’s Day,” Hewitt said. at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Feb 14, 2011.
and banged their heads with Senior Airman Jennylyn
the music. Hisola, who hails from An- tion New Dawn. some great people here.”
“The best part about the chorage, Alaska, serving with Before the show, Soldiers “This was a humbling and
concert was watching everyone U.S. Air Force 341st Global of 1st Advise and Assist Task inspiring experience to be
enjoy themselves as much as I Strike Command, Malmstrom Force, 1st Infantry Division, amongst guys and gals fighting
did, rocking to the music and Air Force Base, Mont., said the from Fort Reilly, Kan., provid- for us and our country,” said
singing along,” said U.S. Air performance was a special treat ed members of Smash Mouth Randy Cooke, drummer for
Force Tech. Sgt. April Hewitt, on Valentine’s Day, especially an opportunity to experience Smash Mouth, and a native of
who serves as a plans and in- considering the rock band left a Soldier‘s life during their Los Angeles. “I’m honored to
tegration coordinator with the their families and loved ones second tour stop in Iraq. have had the opportunity to
Minnesota National Guard’s to be with the service members “We had an awesome time play for our country’s heroes.”
148th Fighter Wing out of deployed in support of Opera- today,” said Harwell. “We met
U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
Rock band, Smash Mouth, rattles the gym floor at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, performing their hit song “All Star,” Feb. 14, 2011. The
West Coast band brought Soldiers home with energetic performances of their 90‘s Rock music. Their first tour for service members deployed
to Iraq, Smash Mouth said they enjoy bringing their music to the troops and would love to come back in the future.
11

12. The Ivy Leaf February 18, 2011
Chaplain’s Corner: A mess worth making
Maj. Ken Hurst ship, on the other hand, can be very in the relationship, we are freed up
Deputy Chaplain destructive. Strategies that seek to control to not be judgmental and critical.
U.S. Division-North and dominate another person create a one- 4) Accepting responsibility. Take
sided relationship that can suffocate the equal responsibility for the relation-
You may have witnessed the scene: other party. Deceit, lack of forgiveness, ship and practice forgiveness.
impatience and self-centeredness produces
A 14-month old child, sitting in a mess far more serious than a child’s Relationships are a mess worth making.
a high chair eating spaghetti and mealtime. In this deployed environment, the mess
tomato sauce for dinner. Within a We all own messy relationships some- can be more difficult and the attempts to
few minutes, some of the spaghetti where in our life’s story. Many may not clean it up can be frustrating. Please let us
is eaten; some is well-massaged into be our fault, but we still have to deal with help you. Find your unit chaplain or chap-
the hair; most smeared around the them. lain assistant and start the dialogue about
face and then dumped onto the floor. Why are relationships “a mess worth how you can grow to be a more effective
It is a real mess. making?” Human relationships are an relationship builder.
absolutely unique phenomena, and people
We raised two children, a son and a are of great value. When we look at the
daughter. Both went through the “messy” animal world, we observe that animals
stage of wearing whatever food product react to each other out of instinct. They
they were working on. It always resulted operate out of a small set of behaviors
in food landing on the floor with a crash designed to ensure their survival. People,
and an upset child wondering why their on the other hand, not only hunt and
meal had unexpectedly ended. However, gather, but can do this incredible behavior
the mess was always worth making—both called “shopping.” It is preferably done in
for us as a parent feeding them, and for pairs—just ask my wife—or sometimes a
our child who was hungry. A messy meal- small herd—when you have to bring the
time was followed up by a much-needed kids.
scrub time in order to recover from the Human relationships are extremely
mess. valuable because we are made in God’s
A friend and former colleague, Dr. Paul image and He has made us all different.
Tripp, has co-authored a valuable book John Gray, author of “Men, Women and
with an amazing title, “Relationships: A Relationships,” has identified four quali-
Mess Worth Making.” This title, and the ties that are critical to building healthy
book itself, present two essential truths. relationships:
All relationships are messy and the mess is In observance of African
worth making. 1) Purposeful Communication. American History Month:
Like my 14 month-old son eating Communicate with the intent to
spaghetti, relationships can be extremely understand and be understood. It is “Living Up to
messy. Chaplain Maj. Paul Foreman interesting … purposeful communi-
Your Potential”
reminded us in last week’s “Ivy Leaf” that cation is a labor intensive activity. It
“idealized notions of intimate relation- takes time and a lot of words to get
ships are unrealistic.” They are never neat there.
and tidy but have predicable times when 2) Right Understanding. Under-
they come apart at the seams and can even standing, appreciating and respect-
be hurtful. Keep in mind that this truth ap- ing our differences. Maj. Gen. David
plies to the full spectrum of relationships. G. Perkins, commanding general of
Whether it be with best friends grow- 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Divi-
ing up, our parents as they pass through sion-North, has long been teaching
changing stages of life, our siblings, our us to move beyond data, information
spouse, our children and even with our and knowledge. The goal is always
co-workers sitting in Iraq, relationships to “understand.” He frequently says
can be a mess. Tripp writes, “All of our that the biggest challenge is getting
relationships are less than perfect. They to the level of properly understand-
require work if they are going to thrive.” ing the problem set. This also ap-
Spaghetti in the hair is a rather inno- plies to relationship building.
cent mess that causes us to chuckle at the 3) Giving up judgments. As we
thought. Aggressive anger in a relation- grow to understand the other person
12