The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 17

Volume 1, Issue 17 February 25, 2011

Mobile Training Team takes classes on road

Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
LongKnife

Ironhorse
Devil
Fit for Any Test

Fit for Any Test
Ironhorse

Devil
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Iraqi soldiers of Commando Company, 17th Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division practice ambush techniques during a training event at Forward
Operating Base Atruz, Iraq, Feb. 17, 2011. The commandos drilled on small-unit infantry tactics as part of an 11-day course taught by U.S.
mentors from the Mobile Training Team, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. The MTT travels to various Iraqi bases to
provide the training courses for units conducting daily security operations in their respective areas of responsibility.
LongKnife

sioned officers and officers
Steadfast and Loyal

Sgt. Shawn Miller 25th Infantry Division’s Mo- to conduct small-unit tactics
109th MPAD bile Training Team brought classes for commando ele- participate in the 11-day train-
USD-N Public Affairs training to IA units conducting ments within the division, ex- ing regimen taught at their re-
security operations in northern plained instructor Capt. Clem spective bases, in addition to
FORWARD OPERATING Iraq. Lochner. conducting daily operations in
BASE ATRUZ, Iraq – As Iraqi The MTT, made up of advi- “What makes us unique the Salah ad Din province.
Warrior

Army units continue to cycle sors from 2nd Battalion, 11th from other training programs The team brings a distinct
through training centers across Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd is our ability to move from lo- advantage to the Iraqi soldiers
U.S. Division-North under the AAB, travel across 4th Iraqi cation to location,” said Loch- training from the posts by
guidance of U.S. mentors, 2nd Army Division’s area of re- ner, a native of Chicago.
Advise and Assist Brigade, sponsibility in northern Iraq Iraqi soldiers, noncommis- See MTT, pg. 3

The Ivy Leaf February 25, 2011

Narbon, a native of Enterprise, Ala., assigned to Battery A, 2nd
Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, earned recognition as “Ironhorse
Strong” Soldier of the Week when he proved himself a critical
asset during the sensitive site exploitation of a Vehicle-Borne Im-
provised Explosive Device, Feb. 6.
Narbon used skills learned during battlefield forensics and
sensitive site exploitation training to meticulously and effectively
collect and catalog evidence, explained 1st Lt. Adam Thompson,
platoon leader, Battery A, 2nd Bn., 11th FA Regt.
After a U.S. explosive ordinance disposal team cleared the site,
Narbon thoroughly combed the vehicle for exploitable evidence,
recovering Ammonium Nitrate Aluminum powder mixed with
ball bearings, several feet of detonation cord, two cell phones and
electrical tape. His collection allowed for the Combined Explo-
sive Exploitation cell to potentially link extremists to the vehicle
U.S. Army Photo through biometric evidence.
“Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the week, Sgt. Michael Narbon, a can- Narbon also stands out amongst his peers as one of the best
non crew member assigned to Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field young leaders assigned to Battery A, said Thompson.
Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Divi- Pfc. Brandon Killian, cannon crew member, Battery A, said
sion, places evidence recovered from a neurtralized improvise explo-
sive device into a collection bag, Feb. 6, 2011. Narbon places the training, welfare and education of his Soldiers
as one of his top priorities.
Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn at times “He is never too busy to help you out if you need it, and he
find themselves adapting to new roles, providing greater flexibility makes sure we have a good balance between work and fun,” he
to their units by performing tasks outside their primary military explained.
occupation specialty, to successfully accomplish the mission. Narbon’s actions resulted in the collection of vital intelligence
A cannon crewmember by trade, Sgt. Michael Narbon demon- and the potential for prevention of future IED attacks, earning the
strated the versatility of U.S. Soldiers performing assigned duties “Warrior” artilleryman the title of U.S. Division-North “Ironhorse
as a crime scene investigator in support of his battery’s mission. Strong.”

47th IA Bde.‘Rock’ strong in U.S. Army staff trains Iraqi Sapper Company Soldiers ‘Ghost’ mechanics serve as
mortar training officers clear U.S. Division-North pit crew for troopers at
roads remote outpost
Page 4 Page 5 Page 7 Page 8

THE Ivy Leaf Task Force Ironhorse
Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins
The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.
Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey
Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views
of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army
or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs
publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve Wollman
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, TF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial
content of The Ivy Leaf is prepared, edited, provided and approved
by the United States Division-North Public Affairs Office.
1st Advise and 2nd Advise and
Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions Assist Task Force Assist Brigade
from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at usdnpao@usdn4id.army. 1st Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division
mil. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected
for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or 4th Advise and
comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 318-849-0089. Assist Brigade
1st Cavalry Division

2


Continued from MTT, pg. 1
building the confidence of the
Iraqi forces conducting part-
nered security operations in
Salah ad Din.
Sgt. Danny Parsons, an in-
structor with the MTT, and a
handful of other mentors di-
vide the commando companies
into sections, with one MTT
instructor teaching a group of
approximately 20 Iraqi soldiers
through classroom and hands-
on exercises.
Lochner said the program
is designed to prepare the Iraqi
soldiers to lead the events in an
effort to create and enforce the
necessity of a sustainable train-
ing regimen.
“One of my focuses with U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
the officers is training manage- An Iraqi soldier of Commando Company, 17th Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division rushes through conceal-
ment, and to see the need for ment smoke as he conducts ambush training at Forward Operating Base Atruz, Iraq, Feb. 17, 2011. U.S.
them to conduct sustainment instructors assigned to the Mobile Training Team, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division,
bring small-unit infantry training to Iraqi soldiers operating at bases throughout U.S. Division-North during
training with their units,” he an 11-day course to create and enforce a sustainable training program.
said. “This program is to instill
confidence in the Iraqis and mando Company, 17th Brigade, their classes through an initial and providing advice or offer-
build their capacity.” 4th IA Div. moved to the field round of drills before allow- ing feedback following each
After a morning in the class- to practice proper reaction to ing commando leadership to practical exercise.
room rehearsing fundamental ambushes and indirect fire at- run their platoons through sub- “The importance of this
infantry movements and tac- tacks. sequent cycles, with U.S. Sol- training is so that we can ease
tics, students assigned to Com- MTT instructors walked diers observing their actions back and let them take control
of their country again,” said
Parsons, a native of Indianapo-
lis.
As the Iraqi squads gained
confidence with each practice
run, Parsons and other instruc-
tors threw smoke grenades and
artillery simulators to add real-
ism and noise to the event.
Assessing their situation and
the status of their teams, Iraqi
squad leaders and NCOs shout-
ed orders to their troops, direct-
ing the teams through smoke-
screens and out of the ambush
area, all under the watchful eye
of the MTT personnel.
The squad leaders and NCOs
of Commando Company have
grown during the program and
will take the training and share
U.S. Army Sgt. Danny Parsons, an instructor with the Mobile Training Team, 2nd Advise and Assist Bri- it with other units in the future,
gade, 25th Infantry Division, teaches a class on small-unit infantry tactics to Iraqi soldiers assigned to said Parsons.
Commando Company, 17th Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division during a training event at Forward Operating Parsons said U.S. forces are
Base Atruz, Iraq, Feb. 17, 2011. The Iraqi commandos attended short classes conducted by MTT instruc- building leaders, who in turn
tors before participating in practical exercises led by Commando Company officers and noncommissioned
officers. will lead future leaders.

3


47th IA Bde.‘Rock’ strong in mortar training
1st AATF prepares IA for Operation Lions Leap Forge
our help as possible,” said Nila, a nine-year
infantry mortar specialist who hails from
Manassas, Va.
Iraqi jinood are conducting the mortar
systems training in preparation for Opera-
tion Lion’s Leap, a combined joint military
operation, testing the capabilities of Iraq’s
military forces.
“We want to ensure they are fully pre-
pared for their upcoming major live-fire
exercise,” he explained.
The military training exercise will re-
quire the 12th IA Div. to integrate both
fires and maneuver assets during the live-
fire exercise.
Nila led instruction for several of the
47th IA noncommissioned officers, teach-
ing proper mortar fire procedures to the
Iraqi jinood.
The Iraqi corporal in charge of the mor-
tar firing team is prepared and ready to lead
the mortar jinood of the 47th IA Bde., be-
cause the Iraqi NCO knows the mortar sys-
tem better than his peers, said Nila.
“This training is going very well, and
U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
my soldiers are getting better and better ev-
Staff Sgt. Efren Nila, mortar section leader, who hails from Manassas, Virginia, serving with
Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, explains ery day,” said Cpl. Fahad Lafi, serving with
loading procedures for a 120mm mortar system to Cpl. Fahad Lafi and his Iraqi soldiers serv- Artillery Battery, 47th Bde., 12th IA Div.,
ing with the Artillery Battery, 47th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division. Nila explained to the Iraqi who calls Salah ad Din province’s Sharqat
jinood, Arabic for soldiers, that it is a critical safety requirement to keep their hands clear from
City home.
the front of the mortar muzzle during loading procedures. The squad leader supervises the
enforcement of safety procedures to prevent injuries to personnel or damage to equipment. Fahad was selected to assist as an in-
structor for the four-week training course
Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney maintaining and setting up equipment, mis- because of his experience with the 120mm
1st Advise and Assist Task Force fire procedures and quick reaction drills, mortar systems.
1st Infantry Division, USD-N said Staff Sgt. Efren Nila, mortar section The jinood are eager to learn, studying
leader, assigned to Company C, 1st Bn., their training manuals every night before
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE 14th Inf. Regt., 1st AATF. heading to the training site, said Fahad.
WARRIOR, Iraq – Company C, “Charlie “Our main mission in this training ex- “They are getting better and better every
Rock,” 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regi- ercise is to make sure the Iraqi soldiers day, and I know they cannot wait to use ev-
ment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force as- practice proper safety procedures and use erything they have learned in the upcoming
sisted the Artillery Battery, 47th Brigade, their equipment correctly, with as little of live-fire exercise,” said Fahad.
12th Iraqi Army Division, during a mortar
training exercise at the 47th Bde. training Iraqi jinood, Arabic for soldiers, serving with
Artillery Battery, 47th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army
site near Contingency Operating Location Division, practice deploying a 120mm mortar
Gaines Mills, Feb. 20, in Kirkuk. system near Contingency Operation Location
Charlie Rock Soldiers led practical dem- Gaines Mills, Feb. 20, 2011. The 120mm mor-
onstrations, providing technical knowledge tar systems provide heavy organic indirect
fire capability to support maneuver forces
and the mentorship of experience to Iraqi from the 47th IA Brigade. Deployed as part
jinood, Arabic for soldiers, of the 47th IA of U.S. Division-North in support of Opera-
Bde. tion New Dawn, Soldiers of Company C, 1st
The mortar training is a four-week Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise
and Assist Task Force, are training IA jinood
course consisting of computing firing data, in preparation for a combined joint military
occupying a mortar firing point, properly U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney exercise, Operation Lion’s Leap.

4


‘On Time’ staff trains Iraqi officers
Cpl. Robert England and division levels, said Maj. officers to plan for deficiencies Awad said the brigade intel-
2nd AAB Public Affairs John Ripa, officer in charge of identified by U.S. trainers and ligence section is responsible
25th Inf. Div., USD-N the MTT conducting the train- IA units during the first two 25- for collecting all intelligence
ing with assistance from the day training cycles conducted from the battalions and devel-
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- staff officers of TF 2-11. at Kirkush Military Training oping a common operating pic-
ING BASE WARHORSE, The LTP helped to prepare Base in Diyala province. ture for brigade commanders
Iraq - Leaders of the Mobile the 5th IA Div. staff to develop “The goal of this staff-on- to make an informed decision
Training Team, from Task Force plans for independent train- staff training was to address about what the enemy is doing.
2-11, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field ing and operations, creating a those weaknesses so that the During the staff training ex-
Artillery Regiment, 2nd Ad- self-sustaining force capable of IA could project throughout ercise, IA leaders learned how
vise and Assist Brigade, “War- accomplishing the mission, he the year as opposed to only to effectively compile data and
riors,” 25th Infantry Division, said. planning a week or two in ad- synchronize efforts across each
conducted the first rotation of Since assuming responsi- vance,” Ripa said. staff section to operate more ef-
a leadership training program bility for the advise and assist During the training, Warrior ficiently.
at Contingency Operating Base mission in support of Operation Brigade staff officers teamed At the division level, the
Khamees, Feb. 14. New Dawn, Soldiers of 2nd with IA leaders from different intelligence section gathers in-
The MTT led the training AAB led IA units in training staff sections of the 5th IA Div. formation from the battalions,
meeting with senior leaders in exercises, ranging from basic to identify and correct deficien- builds reports and briefs the
the 5th Iraqi Army Division to rifle marksmanship to battal- cies. general, explained Awad.
develop strategies outlining ion-level collective infantry The combined effort al- “All the IA staff already
goals for creating a long-term tactics, said Ripa. lowed each IA leader to fo- understands most of this train-
training plan for IA units. Held in conjunction with cus on individual tasks before ing. They already have a very
The purpose of the leader- the ongoing Iraqi led-training compiling collected data into strong foundation for what we
ship training program is to as- initiative, Tadreeb al Shamil, a single plan to be presented to are teaching them,” Awad said.
sist IA leaders in correcting mi- Arabic for All Inclusive Train- staff Maj. Gen. Diyah, the 5th “(The training) is going to al-
nor issues at battalion, brigade ing, the LTP assisted Iraqi staff IA Div. commander. low them to truly move forward
“Staffs have only been fo- and be able to properly plan and
cused on how to run day-to-day execute training events in the
operations,” Ripa said. “We future at a more disciplined and
hope to help them change that manageable level.”
for the better so that the Iraqis Ripa said that the LTP is a
can stand up an army with an new concept for 2nd AAB and
external focus. One of our key the 5th IA Div., and has the po-
points is to leave behind pro- tential to greatly assist IA units
grams of instruction which in becoming completely self-
they can continue to use, build sustaining from the planning
on and make their own.” stages through the execution of
Capt. Mark Awad, a military training.
intelligence officer assigned to The division staff training
the MTT, worked closely with program will eventually be-
his IA counterpart on the roles come an IA-led event, so Iraqi
of an intelligence officer, iden- officers and noncommissioned
tifying measures to effectively officers can shape their training
plan training for Iraqi military plan into what works best for
intelligence soldiers. the IA units, Ripa said.
“Our focus was simple: to “It will give the baseline
identify those tasks for the IA for the (Iraqi) Army to sustain
intelligence soldiers that fall itself over the long-term,” he
into the analysis platoon, the explained. “It’s going to show
(human intelligence) platoon them how to identify mission-
or the reconnaissance pla- essential tasks, and resource
U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Robert England, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div. toon, and add those tasks to and train the division through-
Iraqi Army leaders from 5th Iraqi Army Division develop a planning the short-term and long-range out the year so they can meet
strategy for a long-term training schedule during Leadership Training
Program, Feb. 14, 2011, at Contingency Operating Base Khamees in planning calendar,” said Awad, those tasks.”
the Diyala province. a native of Union, N.J.

5


‘Black Dragon’ troopers assist Iraqi
federal police secure checkpoints
Spc. Angel Washington
4th AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., USD-N

CONTINGENCY OPERAT-
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq –
Soldiers assigned to Battery A,
5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artil-
lery Regiment, 4th Advise and
Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Di-
vision, trained Iraqi policemen
of 3rd Federal Police Division
on checkpoint operations, Feb.
17.
The mock checkpoint, built
by 5th Bn., 82nd FA Regt., cre-
ated realistic conditions for
the Iraqi policemen to train as
U.S. Soldiers showed the po-
lice how to eliminate potential
threats to keep local residents
safe.
Policemen conducted the
last portion of the four-day
training reviewing how to
properly inspect vehicles. Iraqi
police participated in various U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
scenarios testing the knowl- With fellow policemen watching, an Iraqi policeman assigned to 3rd Federal Police Division uses an under
vehicle search mirror to inspect a vehicle during checkpoint training at Contingency Operating Site Marez,
edge acquired during the train-
Feb. 17, 2011. Trainees worked with Soldiers of 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and
ing. Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, to enhance Iraqi Security Forces’ checkpoint operations.
“The scenarios we used
were formed from significant FA Regt. During training, Iraqi po- of the techniques because they
activities in cities, and differ- “Our goal is to improve the licemen manned guard towers have been working at check-
ent issues we’ve seen,” said 3rd Federal Police’s ability and searched vehicles at the points,” said Spc. Robert Land,
2nd Lt. Trey Tidwell, platoon to conduct checkpoint opera- training site, learning tactics cannon crewmember, Battery
leader, Battery A, 5th Bn., 82nd tions,” said Tidwell, a San An- taught by U.S. Soldiers. A, 5th Bn., 82nd FA Regt.
tonio native. “We’re teaching “Everything we’re teaching “We are working with them to
them things they can re-teach to them helps create a standard enhance those techniques and
fellow policemen and that can throughout each checkpoint,” give them a broader view of the
echo for years to come.” said Pfc. Calvin Gatheright, a procedures by incorporating
An Iraqi policeman assigned
cannon crew member, Battery our methods with theirs.”
to 3rd Federal Police Division A, 5th Bn., 82nd FA Regt. Land said Iraqi police’s per-
provides security from a guard “They’re looking for (Im- formance during the four-day
tower during checkpoint training, provised Explosive Devices) training exercise demonstrates
Feb. 17, 2011. Soldiers assigned
to 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Ar-
and anything out of place,” said their ability to do their job.
tillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Gatheright, a Cleveland native. Completing their first it-
Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi- Trainees learned how to ef- eration of checkpoint training,
sion, taught policemen effective fectively search people and de- Soldiers of 4th AAB plan to
tactics and measures for operat-
ing a traffic control point during
termine when to increase secu- train more policemen during
a four-day class at Contingency rity measures at the checkpoint. their advise, train and assist
Operating Site Marez. “They already have many mission in Iraq.
Spc. Angel Washington
6


Sapper Company tect U.S. forces and Iraqi citi-
zens, said Staff Sgt. Michael
Flannigan, a combat engineer
cle is used by the engineers for
several different purposes, said
Flannigan.
Soldiers clear U.S. assigned to 34th Sapper Com-
pany.
The engineers operate the
Packbot using a remote control-
The engineers of 34th Sap- ler to investigate a threat or de-
Division-North roads per Company maintain a pro-
active mindset in their route
liver a charge to detonate con-
firmed threats, he explained.
Sgt. David Strayer cause harm or impede a convoy clearance mission and are pre- There have been no effec-
109th MPAD movement.” pared for any situation. tive IED attacks in Tikrit since
USD-N Public Affairs Patrolling the roads in con- “If we suspect there is some- the 34th Sapper Company took
voys serves more than one thing that could potentially be a responsibility for the area Nov.
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- purpose in the mission of route threat we will cordon the area 1, 2010.
ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq - clearance, said Williams. and prepare to (investigate) the “We know how important
Before conducting route clear- “Physically locating and site,” said Flannigan, who calls our mission is, not only to the
ance missions from Contin- clearing threats from the roads Cape Coral, Fla., home. “Our other U.S. forces who depend
gency Operating Base Speich- is the main objective of our mis- two main methods to interro- on clear routes throughout the
er, combat engineers of 34th sion,” said Williams. “Patrol- gate a potential threat are the area to conduct their advise,
Engineer Company (Sapper), ling the roads during the times Husky and the Packbot.” train, and assist mission, but
attached to 326th Engineer Bat- that IEDs and roadside bombs The Husky Mounted Detec- also to the Iraqis,” said Wil-
talion, 20th Engineer Brigade, are most likely to be emplaced tion System, a wheeled vehicle liams.
perform pre-combat checks also serves as a deterrent. Bad with a mechanical arm, is used Williams said the combat
and pre-combat inspections on guys are far less likely to be out by engineers to investigate sus- engineers do not like to be the
personal protective equipment there trying to set something pected IEDs or roadside threats. topic of conversation.
and armored route clearance up if they know we are on the If the engineers cannot in- “When we are not be-
vehicles, and practice rollover roads looking for them.” vestigate a suspected IED using ing talked about it means that
drills in preparation for the task Soldiers of 34th Sapper the Husky, they will employ the our mission is being accom-
at hand. Company remain vigilant and Packbot, said Flannigan. plished,” he said.
U.S. Soldiers of 34th Sapper proactive in the accomplish- The Packbot, a small re-
Company conduct route clear- ment of their mission to pro- mote-controlled tracked vehi-
ance missions, providing free-
dom of movement for all U.S.
forces, Iraqi Security Forces
and Iraqi citizens in the areas
around Tikrit and the Salah ad
Din province.
With the onset of Opera-
tion New Dawn and the official
ending of U.S. combat opera-
tions in Iraq, the mission set for
U.S. Soldiers has changed, said
Spc. Andrew Williams, a com-
bat engineer assigned to Sapper
Company.
“This company is tradition-
ally a Sapper unit,” he said.
“However, we are not really
conducting the demolitions and
combat missions usually as-
sociated with a Sapper on this
tour.”
“Our mission here is route U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N
Soldiers of 34th Engineer Company (Sapper), 326th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, perform
clearance,” said Williams, a
pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections on personal protective equipment and armored route
native of Winsted, Minn. “We clearance vehicles at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 11, 2011. The 34th Sapper Company,
gear up, conduct our inspec- based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, deployed to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New
tions, and patrol the main Dawn to conduct the route clearance mission along roads in Tikrit and the Salah ad Din province, ensuring
freedom of movement for U.S. forces, Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi citizens in the area. “Just because
routes around Tikrit looking for
the mission in Iraq has changed doesn’t mean that the enemy does not continue their efforts,” said Spc.
Improvised Explosive Devices Andrew Williams, a combat engineer from Winsted, Minn., assigned to 34th Sapper Company. “The routes
and anything else that could here have to be kept clear for many different reasons, and we are the ones that get it done.”

7


‘Ghost’ mechanics serve as pit crew
for troopers at remote outpost
Spc. Terence Ewings
4th AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., USD-N

JOINT SECURITY STATION
INDIA, Iraq – Regardless of
their military occupational spe-
cialties, all Soldiers assigned to
4th Advise and Assist Brigade,
1st Cavalry Division, play a
critical part in the advise, train
and assist mission in northern
Iraq.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to
the “Ghost” Battalion, 2nd Bat-
talion, 7th Cavalry Regiment,
work in the motor pool at Joint
Security Station India contrib-
uting to the brigade’s mission
by ensuring all vehicles within
their area of responsibility re-
main mission ready.
“The Soldiers who work in
the motor pool are a vital part
of the mission,” said Sgt. Lon-
nie Malone, a wheeled vehicle
mechanic and shop foreman U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
of the battalion motor pool, Sgt. Lonnie Malone, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
Headquarters and Headquarters 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, loosens the lugs
on the tire of an M984 Wrecker-Recovery Vehicle, using a pneumatic torque wrench, Feb. 15, 2011. Malone,
Company, 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. a native of Oklahoma City, works as the shop foreman for the battalion’s motor pool at Joint Security Sta-
Regt., 4th AAB. “Without us, tion India, overseeing and mentoring junior mechanics serving at the remote installation.
troopers here don’t have tacti-
cal vehicles that are mission capable, and they can’t conduct their ning the battalion motorpool.
mounted patrols and convoys.” “I just do my part and try to learn as much as I can from the
The troopers in the motor pool work 12 to 14-hour shifts clean- senior technicians to help out in the motor pool,” said Stephens, a
ing, repairing and servicing vehicles traveling to and from JSS In- welder from Beecher City, Ill., assigned to HHC.
dia. When Soldiers are not in the motor pool working on vehicle
In the event a vehicle becomes inoperable while conducting a maintenance or sustaining their technical skills by teaching the
mission, the mechanics and technicians are responsible for recov- Iraqis, the mechanics rotate through the dispatch office, ordering
ering the vehicle and bringing it back to the remote installation for parts and maintaining accountability of the vehicles conducting
repairs. missions.
In addition to maintaining the battalion’s transportation assets, “We’re always busy here in the motor pool,” said Sgt. Con-
Ghost mechanics work with 2nd Iraqi Army Division soldiers, chetta McGregg, automated logistics specialist, Company E, 2nd
training their counterparts on basic tactical vehicle maintenance Bn., 7th Cav. Regt.
techniques. “By doing our part we ensure that our Soldiers have mission-
“It was a culture shock to some of my guys the first couple of capable vehicles to operate, and it’s a good feeling to provide sup-
times we trained with the Iraqi mechanics,” said Malone, a native port for the guys who roll-out to protect us every day,” said Mc-
of Oklahoma City, currently serving his third deployment to Iraq. Gregg, a native of Chicago.
“But it was easy to work with them, because as mechanics we talk Despite the difference in specialties, Ghost Soldiers, maintain-
with hand gestures and tools.” ing the battalion motor pool work together as the driving force
Soldiers, like Spc. Jade Stephens, who calls Beecher City, Ill. behind transportation operations at JSS India, each contributing to
home, bring unique skills to the wheeled vehicle mechanics run- the brigade’s mission in their own unique way.

8


‘Steadfast and Loyal’ Soldier
reenlists in the skies of Iraq
Spc. Andrew Ingram first two times were very low-key,” Gabel
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs explained. “Right now I’m a staff noncom-
missioned officer in Iraq, so the coolest
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE pictures I’m going to get to send to my U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram
SPEICHER, Iraq – Twelve hundred feet Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Bailey, deputy command-
Family are of me reenlisting with the new-
ing general, maneuver, 4th Infantry Division
above the deserts and palm groves of north- est general in the 4th Inf. Div.” and U.S. Division-North, presents a Task
ern Iraq, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Bailey, deputy- By committing at least eight more years Force Ironhorse Coin to Sgt. 1st Class Nicho-
commanding general, maneuver, 4th In- of service, Gabel volunteered to continue las Gabel in recognition for his commitment
fantry Division and U.S. Division-North, to the Army after a reenlistment ceremony in
his career as an NCO in the Army.
a UH-60 Blackhawk 1,200 feet above northern
administered the Oath of Enlistment to Sgt. Gabel said he chose to dedicate the next Iraq, Feb. 19, 2011.
1st Class Nicholas Gabel, during a unique chapter of his life to the Army because he
reenlistment ceremony in a U.S. Army UH- loves being a Soldier, and military life is in his career as a Soldier and a leader, and
60 Blackhawk helicopter, Feb. 19. the best thing for himself and his Family. credited the support of his Family in his de-
Gabel, a psychological operations plan- Deployed as part of the “Ironhorse” Di- cision to stay Army.
ner assigned to Company A, Division Spe- vision staff in support of Operation New “My wife is still learning and constantly
cial Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., who Dawn, Gabel said he looks forward to be- adapting to military life, but she under-
hails from Littleton, Colo., said he chose coming a platoon sergeant, training and stands that this is my career,” he said. “She
to conduct the ceremony in the skies above mentoring Soldiers to accomplish the mis- understands the responsibilities I have as a
northern Iraq because he wanted to make sion, wherever that may be. Soldier and NCO to my Soldiers, my unit
his career reenlistment a memorable event. Gabel, currently serving his seventh de- and the country.”
A career reenlistment is a tremendous ployment, said the Army has contributed Family support is essential to a success-
commitment for a Soldier and his Family, greatly to his development as an NCO and ful military career, said Gabel, acknowl-
said Bailey. a person. edging the challenges accompanying a ca-
Gabel’s dedication to his country and “Who I am now, what I am doing as a reer Soldier, multiple deployments and, at
fellow Soldiers places him above many of Soldier, I owe to all the NCOs—good and times, the uncertainty of what comes next.
his peers, and seeing NCOs like Gabel stay bad—that I had as a young Soldier,” he “Being separated from my Family can
in the Army is truly an honor, Bailey said. said. “They all taught me something, and be really tough—for all of us, but know-
Having the honor of being the first Sol- I owe it to them to pass on the knowledge ing that I have my loved ones and their
dier Bailey reenlisted since being promoted I gained during my 12 years service to the unyielding support waiting for me at home
to brigadier general in January is the “icing Soldiers who will one day take my place.” gets me through.”
on the cake,” Gabel said. Gabel said his love of service strength- After the reenlistment ceremony, Bailey
“I have reenlisted twice before, and the ened through the years, as he progressed gave Gabel a surprise reenlistment bonus.
Upon returning to Contingency Operating
Base Speicher, Gabel and the Blackhawk
crew took to the sky again, this time to the
aerial gunnery range where Gabel strafed
targets with 7.62 rounds fired from an
M240B machine gun.
Gabel said now that he has “checked
the block” on the next step in his military
career, he looks forward to successfully
completing his mission in support of Op-
eration New Dawn with honor and pride.
Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Bailey, deputy commanding
general, maneuver, 4th Infantry Division and
U.S. Division-North, administers the Oath of
Enlistment to Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Gabel,
psychological operations planner, Company
A, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf.
Div., during a reenlistment ceremony held in
a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in
the skies over northern Iraq, Feb. 19, 2011.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO

9


Soldiers become naturalized
American citizens while in Iraq
Sgt. Shawn Miller Austin III presided over the Commanding General of U.S.
109th MPAD event, welcoming each of the Forces-Iraq Gen. Lloyd Austin III
welcomes 53 Soldiers from vari-
USD-N Public Affairs Soldiers into the ranks of their ous units deployed in support of
new nation. Operation New Dawn as Ameri-
AL FAW PALACE, Iraq – In a “It was not our democrat- can citizens during a naturaliza-
time when immigration is a po- ic institution that helped us tion ceremony at Al Faw Palace
in Baghdad, Feb 21, 2011. Fol-
litically polarizing topic across achieve greatness; it was our lowing the ceremony, officials
the U.S., American Soldiers, immigrants and our national di- offered voter registration for
who once swore an oath to de- versity that has made us great,” the Soldiers to take advantage
fend and protect the country Austin said, explaining Ameri- of their status as new American
citizens.
they chose to serve, raised their ca is a country built by immi-
right hands for an oath of a dif- grants. native of Kingston, Jamaica.
ferent nature, further validating Since 2005, USF-I and U.S. Allen said that after she
a commitment to the nation. CIS helped 3,375 U.S. military joined the military, she real-
Fifty-three Soldiers, hailing service members earn citizen- Photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller ized it was just as important for
from 32 countries across the ship while serving in Iraq, Aus- new citizens and presented her to become a citizen of the
globe, took the Oath of U.S. tin said. each of the troopers with an country she swore to serve.
Citizenship, becoming fully U.S. Customs and Immigra- American flag. Spc. Kurt Brown, an infan-
legalized American citizens tion Services officials adminis- “It’s always been a dream of tryman assigned to Company
during a U.S. Forces-Iraq Natu- tered the Oath of Citizenship to mine to join the military,” said A, “Wolfhounds” of 1st Bat-
ralization Ceremony at Al-Faw the newest American citizens, Spc. Carita Allen, Company talion, 27th Infantry Regiment,
Palace in Baghdad, Feb. 21. while Austin and his senior en- C, Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade,
Commanding General of listed advisor, Command Sgt. 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, said
U.S. Forces-Iraq Gen. Lloyd Maj. Joseph Allen, greeted the 25th Infantry Division, and a the military is the best support
group for gaining citizenship.
“It was very hard for me in
the civilian world,” Brown said
of the process. “After gaining
my citizenship, it seems I am
only limited by my determina-
tion and my faith. I’m very hap-
py, all my trials and tribulations
are paying off right now.”
While trying to gain citizen-
ship as a civilian, the process
took years of time and thou-
sands of dollars, added Brown,
a native of Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Serving his third deploy-
ment since enlisting in the U.S.
Army, Brown said that thanks
to the help of his unit, the pro-
cess to gain citizenship took
only months to complete.
While many of the Soldiers
who participated in the ceremo-
ny served in the Army for years
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO prior to receiving their citizen-
Soldiers deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn take the U.S. Oath of Citizenship to become ship, they still did not enjoy the
American citizens during a U.S. Forces-Iraq Naturalization Ceremony at Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad, Feb. 21,
2011. Following the ceremony, U.S. Customs and Immigration Services officials provided the troops, new See CITIZENS, pg. 12
American citizens, the opportunity to register to vote.

10


Chaplain’s Corner: Lectio Divina
Capt. Sean Magnuson However, it was not until behind the text. Search within gratitude for God and His Holy
Chaplain the 11th century that Guigo, a it for types and anti-types. Word. Rather than asking or
U.S. Division-North Carthusian prior, codified lec- Look for symbols and patterns interceding, spend the time just
tio divina into the pattern we that reflect other aspects of the being with God.
How do you fit the ocean know today: lectio, meditatio, spiritual life. Now is the time There are many reasons
into a canteen cup? The corpus oratio, and contemplatio. to delve into the inspiration of for and ways to read Sacred
of Catholic spirituality and In its development over the Holy Spirit. Scripture. However, the su-
pious devotions is so vast, it time, three additional steps Oratio—this is the period preme reason for reading the
seems almost impossible to evolved: statio, collatio, and of prayer. During oratio, ask Bible is in order to encounter
offer something in a general- actio. For the purpose of this God to transform you by what God.
ized way. article, we will concentrate on you read. Focus your prayer The Church offers lectio
Comprehensive Soldier the original four steps of this on how you can apply your divina specifically for that pur-
Fitness defines Spiritual Fit- spiritual practice. learning and meditation into pose, that you may meet God.
ness as strengthening a set of Lectio—you may choose changing your life. May your spiritual life develop
beliefs, principles or values many different ways to read Contemplatio—the final by your experiences with God,
that sustain a person beyond the Bible. If you are Catholic, step in the classic practice of and may you grow deeper in
Family, institutional, and you might choose the read- lectio divina is contempla- your personal faith. Please
societal sources of strength. I ings for the upcoming Sunday tion. The Catholic sense of consider the many opportuni-
offer you this brief and hope- Mass, or the Mass of the day. contemplation is to rest in the ties for spiritual growth that
fully helpful article to examine You might be in the process presence of God. This is actu- are available to you at your
a small jewel in the treasure- of reading the Bible from ally another type of prayer, but base and through your Unit
trove of Catholic spirituality as Genesis to Revelation. Perhaps this is specifically prayer of Ministry Team.
it applies to strengthening our you might choose a particular
beliefs. theme or genre of biblical
In the Catholic Church, we literature. There is prescription
have a very ancient method for what you choose to read,
of prayer called lectio divina only that you read it slowly
(lec-tsee-oh di-vee-nah). Lec- and carefully. The idea is not
tio divina is Latin for “divine to read a certain amount of
reading.” In general, it is a way Scripture at any one time, but
of prayerfully reading Sacred to read what you can digest
Scripture. We do not have an at that time. Read slowly
exact date for the beginning of and gently, and come to an
lectio divina, but we know that understanding of the words
its roots are in the very early themselves. It may be helpful
practice of the Church. to have a trustworthy commen-
St. Jerome, A.D 340-420, tary near you and a reliable
said, “Ignorance of Scripture concordance to help under-
is ignorance of Christ,” and stand the specific meaning of
St. John Chrysostom, A.D. what you read. While you read,
347-407, said, “To get the full it is important to practice the
flavor of an herb, it must be virtues of humility and docil-
pressed between the fingers, so ity. What is very important in
it is the same with the Scrip- this step of lectio divina is to
tures; the more familiar they try to grasp the literal sense
become, the more they reveal of the words you read. This
their hidden treasures and yield is the time for getting into the
their indescribable riches.” academic study of Scripture.
One of the first written ref- Meditatio—this is the time Chaplain Capt. Sean Magnuson, a Catholic priest assigned to U.S.
erences we have for a specific to meditate on what you read, Forces-Iraq, leads a sermon during a Catholic Mass at Contingency
practice of prayerfully read- perhaps even to read it again. Operating Site Marez, Feb. 6, 2011. Magnuson, from the Archdio-
ing Scripture comes from the Meditation on what you read cese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minn., deployed to U.S. Division-North
in January to provide regular Mass for Catholic parishioners at COS
book, “Rule of St. Benedict.” means to focus your thoughts Marez and Contingency Operating Base Speicher. As one of a handful
St. Benedict, A.D. 480-547, is on it, to reflect on it and ponder of Catholic Army chaplains in Iraq, Magnuson said providing Mass to
regarded as the father of west- it. In this phase, you will want the faithful at various bases throughout the country is important. “Me
ern monasticism. to look for deeper meaning coming means a lot to the faithful,” he said.

11


Hey Doc: Tonsils, schmonzils—
Capt. Kate West
Physician Assistant
U.S. Division-North
who needs them!’
“Hey Doc: What are my tonsils for and why do they make me so Tonsils are prone to develop tonsilloliths, white stones that
sick?” – Signed Tonsillectomy. form in the crypts of the tonsils from food particles, dead cells,
mucus and infections. Large tonsilloliths may cause pain or
Dear “Tonsillectomy,” discomfort.
Tonsils are lymphatic tissue located near the back of your They are not dangerous, and can usually be removed with a
throat, close to your wisdom teeth, on each side of your uvula - toothbrush or waterpik. Tonsilloliths are notorious for causing
the hangy-down thing off your soft palate. bad breath, so keep an eye on them and pop them out if they are
Tonsils produce lymphocytes, which are cells that help fight bothersome.
infection. It is normal for tonsils to get smaller during teen years A medical provider may recommend you have your tonsils re-
and young adulthood, and many adults do not have tonsils. moved if they are large enough to close off your throat, interfere
Even though tonsils help fight infection, they can also become with breathing and swallowing, or if you get several episodes of
infected by viruses or bacteria, like Streptococcus Pyogenes also Tonsillitis per year. Adults are less likely to have tonsils surgi-
known as Strep Throat. Your medical provider can diagnose Strep cally removed due to increased risk of surgery.
Throat with an easy test that takes approximately 10 minutes. So “Tonsillectomy,” don’t hesitate to contact your medical
If you have Strep Throat, be sure to take all your antibiotics, provider if you have any concerns about your tonsils.
because the bacteria can spread to other parts of your body, such Stay well Taskforce Ironhorse – keep those questions coming!
as your heart and kidneys, making you much sicker.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis
•Difficulty swallowing •Headache •Red, swollen tonsils
•Ear pain •Intense, constant sore throat lasting •Tenderness of the jaw and throat
•Fever, chills longer than 48 hours •Voice changes, loss of voice
Ways to relieve symptoms:
•Gargle with warm salt water. •Be sure to take your antibiotics if your provider prescribes
•Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetamino- them.
phen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever. •Suck on lozenges containing benzocaine to reduce pain.

Continued from CITIZENS, pg. 10

same rights as their comrades. United States of America.
After reciting the U.S. Pledge “My Family just feels whole
of Allegiance for the first time now; it feels complete,” he said.
as Americans, the new citizens There are great benefits to
took the opportunity to change being in the military, Brown
that fact. added, noting the opportunity
Following the ceremony, to become a citizen while de-
U.S. CIS officials offered Sol- ployed and being congratulated
diers the opportunity to take by senior U.S. Forces-Iraq lead-
advantage of their status as new ership during the ceremony.
American citizens and fill out a “Not too many people have
voter registration form. the opportunity to actually get
“I’m going to register to sworn in while in Iraq, fight-
vote,” Allen said excitedly of ing for the country you swore
her first task as a new citizen. an oath to when you joined the
Brown said he is excited to military,” he remarked. “Now
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO return to his home in Schofield I’m swearing an oath to the
Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Allen, senior enlisted advisor for U.S. Barracks, Hawaii, once his de- country because I am a citizen
Forces-Iraq, congratulates Pfc. Patrick Wells for becoming an Ameri- ployment is complete, joining now. I am one with the country
can citizen during a Naturalization Ceremony at Baghdad’s Al Faw Pal- his wife and five children—this now.”
ace, Feb. 21, 2011.
time as a fellow citizen of the
12

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The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 17