1. Volume 1, Issue 12 January 21, 2011
‘Gator’ Soldiers train Iraqi counterparts at KMTB
Steadfast and Loyal
KIRKUSH MILITARY TRAINING BASE, Iraq – With the onset
Warrior
Sgt. Coltin Heller
109th MPAD of Operation New Dawn, U.S. Division-North Soldiers transi-
USD-N Public Affairs tioned from combat operations to an advise and assist role, as-
suming the mission to hone the capabilities of Iraqi Army Sol-
diers and provide skills to create a self-sustaining force.
Soldiers assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd
LongKnife
Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, are working closely with
Iraqi Army soldiers through January at the Kirkush Military Training Base.
“The purpose of KMTB is to strengthen the 5th Iraqi Army Divi-
sion,” said Staff Sgt. Cedric McKethan, platoon sergeant assigned to
Company A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. “We are shaping this training
Ironhorse
base into our version of Fort Benning, as this will be an infantry
training school.”
Devil
Participating in a 25-day training cycle, 3rd Battal-
ion, 21st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division is training as
part of Tadreeb Al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive
Training, an Iraqi initiative directing IA battalions
to train their units to conduct individual and
Fit for Any Test
Fit for Any Test
collective training, developing multiple in-
fantry techniques and battle drills.
Before sunrise, Iraqi soldiers
See KMTB, pg. 4
Ironhorse
Devil
LongKnife
Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Soldiers assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, observe Iraqi
soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, conducting platoon movement exercises near Kirkush Military Training Base,
Jan. 18, 2011. Beginning at team level, the Iraqi forces are training to improve soldier and leadership skills as part of Tadreeb Al Shamil,
Arabic for All Inclusive Training, an Iraqi-directed initiative to train Iraqi battalions to function as a whole, becoming a self-sustaining force
at the individual and unit level.

2. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
Sgt. Nicholas Hellen, a cannon crewmember assigned to Bat-
tery A, earned recognition as “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the
Week for his professionalism instructing Iraqi soldiers of 1st Bat-
talion, 17th Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division to correctly conduct
unit training.
In preparation for his assignment, Hellen conducted research
on the topic, searching online for different approaches to teaching
the class.
The NCO, from Ironwood, Mich., also reviewed after action
reports from other units and incorporated lessons learned into his
U.S. Army Photo training plan.
Sgt. Nicholas Hellen, a cannon crewmember assigned to Battery A, Once Hellen completed planning, he began training the IA sol-
2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, planned and conducted thorough
diers, employing a hands-on approach to prepare the Iraqi units to
training with his Iraqi counterparts to foster good relationships and conduct personnel and vehicle searches, and more important, con-
a professional approach to the advise, train and assist mission. His tinue the domino effect of a well-executed train-the-trainer style
attention to detail and comprehensive approach to the “train-the-train- class.
er” mission earned him recognition as the “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier
of the Week.
“He’s a very good NCO,” said 1st Sgt. Marvin Walters, Bat-
tery A, 2nd Bn., 11th FA Regt., 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div. “He has
U.S. Forces cannot afford to simply check a block in their ongo- a reserved demeanor and a professional attitude; we use him a lot
ing mission to advise, train and assist Iraqi Security Forces. to train.”
When an Iraqi Army battalion commander requested that his Walters said Hellen knows how to motivate Soldiers and teach-
troops be trained to sustain their tactical and technical competency, es in a way that keeps the students involved to make sure everyone
battery commander, Capt. Brian Deiffenbach, looked across his is paying attention and absorbing the information.
ranks to find a good candidate for the task at hand. Hellen puts in the time and effort to make sure the class is as
Based upon the recommendation of senior noncommissioned informative and effective as possible, he said.
officers assigned to Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery A direct reflection of his attention to detail and professionalism,
Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Hellen set his Iraqi partners on a path to success, said Walters.
Deiffenbach said he selected an NCO with a reputation for taking Hellen’s commitment to the mission and his exemplary attitude
training to the next level. made him this week’s “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier.
Iraqi, U.S. forces search for IA soldiers participate in ‘Wolfhound’ Battalion NCO Corps ushers in newly
extremists in Mosul Tadreeb Al Shamil, conduct provides 350 students with promoted sergeants with
live-fire exercise at KMTB an essential-service: Hope time-honored tradition
Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 Page 9
THE Ivy Leaf Task Force Ironhorse
Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins
The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.
Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey
Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views
of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army
or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs
publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve Wollman
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, TF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial
content of The Ivy Leaf is prepared, edited, provided and approved
by the United States Division-North Public Affairs Office.
1st Advise and 2nd Advise and
Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions Assist Task Force Assist Brigade
from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at usdnpao@usdn4id.army. 1st Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division
mil. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected
for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or 4th Advise and
comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 318-849-0089. Assist Brigade
1st Cavalry Division
2

3. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
Numbers don’t lie, one is too many
Paul Burns Accidents involving Army motor and the incident out of embarrassment, or fear
Safety Director combat vehicles are almost always the of punishment from their command. The
U.S. Division-North most costly, from both a monetary and hu- other, Soldiers and units simply do not un-
man standpoint. Most vehicle-related acci- derstand which circumstances require an
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE dents are caused by excessive speed, lack accident investigation and report, or they
SPEICHER, Iraq – Risk management is a of driver-experience and the inability to are unaware of the process.
methodology of assessment. Applying risk effectively maintain control of the vehicle. If an accident resulting in an injury oc-
management to everyday tasks and mis- Upon compiling data based on accidents curs, and the injury cannot be properly
sions allows us to control the probability of reported to this point in U.S. Division- handled within the “confines” of your med-
accidents or the impact of negative events. North, we found certain age and rank de- icine chest, it should be reported, investi-
Our goal is to eliminate or mitigate, mographics with disproportionately high gated and documented. Additionally, if a
when possible, all hazards and as such all numbers of accidents. piece of equipment is damaged, the cost
accidents. Eliminating all hazards from any The 21 to 33-year-old age group ac- of repairs may warrant investigation and
given course of action is not always pos- counts for nearly 82 percent of all accidents documentation.
sible; however, it is possible to take mea- reported; this is a very wide range. The fact is, we are going to have some
sures to mitigate all risks. We analyzed all accidents in U.S. Divi- accidents; the goal is to prevent them from
There are two types of resources that sion-North in relation to pay grade, and the taking place, and at the very least, mitigate
we are concerned with when we talk about results are as equally disproportionate as the risks to reduce the severity or cost of
accident prevention: human resources and the age demographic. More than 70 percent an accident.
material resources. of all accidents incurred were between the No one wants their actions to reflect
Human resources are the troops, civil- military pay grades of E-3 and E-6. poorly upon themselves or their unit, which
ians and contractors that we have on the Another area of focus is specific loca- is understandable; however, when you fail
ground. The human resource is the most tions and work environments. Of the many to report accidents, no matter how embar-
valuable resource; it is valued by us, our locations where accidents occurred, the rassing or insignificant, you are actually
leaders, Families back home, and the majority, 41 percent, occurred in mainte- doing a disservice to your unit and your
American people, who through the course nance facilities—both established facilities fellow Soldiers.
of the last nine years have invested much and unit parking areas where operator-level Accidents are not always the fault of
into our success. maintenance takes place. the Soldier. There are instances where bet-
Material resources are equipment, This is due in part to Soldiers’ improper ter training, improved equipment and in-
weapon systems, vehicles and the money use, or total lack of use of personal protec- creased awareness are the solution to help
invested into our gear. The American peo- tive equipment. Failing to take known pre- the Soldiers improve their ability to do
ple have provided us with excellent equip- cautions, such as using two people to re- their job and accomplish the mission.
ment with which to do our jobs. move armored body panels from vehicles, A great example is the large number of
It is imperative that we do not let these or failing to maintain situational awareness vehicle rollovers resulting in injury early in
resources go to waste due to preventable when working around areas that could po- Operation Enduring Freedom and Opera-
events. Both human and material resources tentially become pinch points, increases the tion Iraqi Freedom. Those accidents were
are extremely difficult and costly to re- risk of injury when an accident occurs. reported correctly and as a result, there has
place; losing either in any capacity due to These are things that are easily mitigat- been an Army-wide effort to use rollover
a preventable loss is an avoidable burden ed through increased awareness and com- trainers, rollover prevention training and
on our troops, the American people and our mand enforcement of accident prevention many other initiatives to prevent these ac-
nation. efforts in the workplace, whether it is the cidents from happening.
The loss of resources, human or materi- motor pool, the office or at a checkpoint. Our resources, especially the human,
al, is what we must eliminate, or at the very Not reporting accidents hinders our abil- are much too valuable to be squandered
least, strive to take measures to mitigate. ity to prevent the same accident from hap- and lost in accidents that could have been
There have been 43 recordable acci- pening again. An estimated 90 percent of prevented through pre-combat checks, edu-
dents in U.S. Division-North since the 4th all accidents are never reported. cation and situational awareness.
Infantry Division assumed command of the When accidents are not reported there is The important lesson to take away from
region. The vast majority, 70 percent of the no documentation of the incident so no data the research, the results, the awareness and
accidents recorded in U.S. Division-North, can be analyzed for trends; as a result, no the instruction is that in order for accident
fall into the injuries category. action is implemented to prevent or miti- prevention methods to be effective, every-
Personal injuries can be sports-related, gate similar accidents from occurring. one must do their part. Doing your part
a result of improper use of equipment or We believe that such an overwhelming means being aware of the standard, making
failure to maintain alertness and situational majority of accidents are not being report- your troops aware and perfecting that stan-
awareness. Injuries to human resources are ed for two reasons. First, when an accident dard. Reporting accidents should be a stan-
the most costly to mission accomplishment. results in an injury, Soldiers do not report dard operating procedure, not an option.
3

4. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
Continued from KMTB, pg. 1
conduct physical training with weapons maintenance classes, training and the reasons behind The 5th Iraqi Army Divi-
guidance from “Gator” Sol- familiarizing Iraqi soldiers with it, and before long they were sion, involved in “The Battle
diers of Company A, 1st Bn., the M16 rifle, said Sgt. Rob- moving efficiently.” of the Palm Grove,” in Aug.
21st Inf. Regt. Physical training ert Dunleavy, KMTB instruc- Originally stationed at For- 2010, determined the need for
varies each day, focusing on tor and team leader assigned ward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraqi squads and platoons to
improving muscle strength and to Company A. “Most of them 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., 2nd be proficient when operating
running endurance. have never used an M16 before, AAB Soldiers moved to KMTB in wooded environments, said
“We instill the importance of only the AK-47.” to better facilitate training of Dunleavy.
physical training to them,” said Under the tutelage of U.S. Iraqi forces, he added. At the request of IA leaders,
McKethan, who hails from Fay- Division-North Soldiers, the “It’s just like teaching our 2nd AAB Soldiers led a platoon
etteville, S.C. “It’s essential for Iraqis learn to become profi- Soldiers, even with the lan- exercise with 3rd IA Div., Jan.
a military force to have a good cient at maneuvering squad and guage barrier, which we over- 18, to train the soldiers how to
physical training program.” company-sized elements, con- come,” said Dunleavy. “We maneuver around enemy forces
After PT, Iraqi soldiers eat ducting patrols through urban have leadership skills that we concealed in undergrowth.
a quick breakfast and head out and open terrain and clearing pass on to them.” “We are teaching them to
for the day’s training, consist- buildings. During training exercises, operate in a palm grove type
ing of individual and squad- “At first they didn’t have a such as squad and company environment,” said Dunleavy.
level tasks. solid grasp on how to maneu- live-fires, instructors inform “They build the terrain models
U.S Soldiers teach train- ver,” said Dunleavy, a Sum- the Iraqi officers what needs to and form the plan they want to
ing lessons covering basic mersville, S.C., native. “How- happen, then observe the Iraqis execute. If it’s good, we let the
rifle marksmanship skills and ever, they understood the conducting the training, he said. platoon leaders take charge,
and only step in to make on the
spot corrections.”
“It’s very much a ‘train-the-
trainer’ course,” he added.
In addition to field craft,
Iraqi units also learned logisti-
cal operations, supplying and
supporting their own operations
furthering their self-reliance.
“It’s easy to give them sup-
plies, but they need to have
those enablers in place to be
self-sustaining,” said McK-
ethan.
As U.S. forces provide Iraqi
Army units the tools necessary
to provide a secure and stable
country, McKethan said he be-
lieves the training will not be in
vain.
“It’s great to see the strides
the Iraqis are making with the
training, and that the efforts of
the Soldiers is going to a good
cause,” said McKethan.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Staff Sgt. Mark Rimi, squad leader assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, conducts an after action review with Iraqi soldiers as-
signed to 3rd Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, after an iteration of platoon maneuvering
exercises near Kirkush Military Training Base, Jan. 18, 2011. The Iraqi-led training, part of a 25-day cycle
at KMTB, provided Iraqi soldiers skills needed to execute squad-level tactics in a wooded environment.
Company A Soldiers are working with ISF conducting individual and collective infantry tactics training as
part of Tadreeb Al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training. Tadreeb Al Shamil is an Iraqi-led directive for
Iraqi Army units to train on tactics and techniques at the squad, platoon, company and battalion-levels.
4

5. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
Iraqi, U.S. forces search for extremists in Mosul
Sgt. Shawn Miller
109th MPAD
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs
MOSUL, Iraq – Soldiers from the Stabil-
ity Transition Team of Task Force Spear,
4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry
Division, partnered with troops of 6th Bri-
gade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division to search for
indicators of extremist activity in western
Mosul, Jan. 19.
Partnered together, the combined force
pursued leads and information provided by
residents near the al-Harmat neighborhood
of the city.
Iraqi soldiers took the lead for the op-
eration, establishing a security cordon and
knocking on doors with U.S. forces serving
in an advisory role.
U.S. Army Maj. Jason Carter, execu-
tive officer of Task Force Spear, said the
decreasing role of U.S. forces in such op-
erations is a testament to the Iraqi soldiers’ U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
increasing ability to act alone. U.S. Army Maj. Jason Carter, executive officer of Task Force Spear, 4th Advise and Assist Bri-
“Today was a great example of them gade, 1st Cavalry Division, examines possible bomb-making material with Iraqi Staff Col. Ali
demonstrating their capability to conduct Yousif, 6th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, during a partnered cordon and search mission in
these operations autonomously,” said Cart- western Mosul, Jan. 19, 2011. The IA soldiers led the search mission with assistance from the
U.S. Stability Transition Team of Task Force Spear following tips from local residents about
er, a native of Panama City, Fla. “It reduced possible insurgent activity.
the amount of safe havens that the enemy
may think they have in western Mosul.” During the patrol, Soldiers of Task Force Spear, 4th AAB ob-
With U.S. forces change of responsibilities in support of Opera- served their ISF counterparts as part of ongoing efforts to bolster
tion New Dawn, security operations in northern Iraq transitioned security for the people of Ninewa province.
to Iraqi Security Forces. “We continue to assist them with everything we have,” said 1st
Sgt. Jose Rosario, senior enlisted leader, Task Force Spear, and na-
tive of San Juan, Puerto Rico. “We’re looking forward to the next
few months to continue to enhance their capabilities.”
Acting on information collected from local residents, the Iraqi
Army and U.S. Soldiers searched several abandoned buildings
suspected of being insurgent hideouts.
In a display of security presence, senior Iraqi leaders greeted
local Iraqis and provided contact information in the event the citi-
zens witnessed any unusual activity in their neighborhood.
“It shows that they care,” said Carter. “Not only does it force
the enemy out, but it also encourages the populace and lets them
know that the Iraqi Security Forces are here for them.”
The information paid off as several Iraqi soldiers discovered
coils of wire and possible bomb-making materials, as well as a
crawl space in an abandoned house at the edge of the city.
Soldiers of Task Force Spear and 4th AAB remain responsible
for building ISF capabilities as much as possible, as aggressively
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO as possible, said Carter.
Federal Police from 6th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, search and The 6th Bde., 3rd IA Div. soldiers demonstrated that they are
clear an abandoned house in the al-Harmat neighborhood of western fully adept at carrying out missions in their own areas with mini-
Mosul, Jan. 19, 2011. The IA partnered with a U.S. Stability Transi-
tion Team from Task Force Spear, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st mal assistance from U.S. Forces.
Cavalry Division, to search the area for possible clues to insurgent
activity following tips from local residents.
5

6. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
Iraqi Army soldiers participate in Tadreeb Al
Shamil, conduct live-fire exercise at KMTB
portance with each aspect of the training.”
In addition to fire and movement tech-
niques, the 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., “Ga-
tor,” Soldiers stressed the leadership of
noncommissioned officers, facilitating the
IA soldiers’ understanding of the role and
command of an NCO within the squad.
“We showed the NCOs how to take
charge and plan a mission,” said 1st Lt.
Philip Kautz, a native of Melbeta, Neb.,
and platoon leader assigned to Company
A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. “After we did
that, we stepped back and let them run the
training.”
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO U.S. Soldiers operated in an advise and
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Cademartori, a native of Hanover, Mass., and squad leader assigned to assist capacity, monitoring range safety
Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry and letting the Iraqi NCOs conduct the ac-
Division, instructs Iraqi Soldiers with 1st Company, 4th Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army tual training.
Division, to lock and clear their weapons after reaching the limit of advance during a squad
live-fire exercise at Kirkush Military Training Base, Jan. 16, 2011.
“This training is very good for the sol-
diers,” said 2nd Lt. Mahmoud, platoon
Sgt. Coltin Heller U.S. Division-North Soldiers taught leader, 4th Company, 4th Bn., 21st Bde.
109th MPAD Iraqi units squad movement techniques, “Thanks to our friends, the U.S. Soldiers,
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs how to perform direct and suppressive fire we are all learning valuable skills.”
and how squad elements maneuver under The exercise provided Iraqi soldiers
KIRKUSH MILITARY TRAINING fire. crucial skills, improving their capabilities
BASE, Iraq – The rain fell steadily as “It’s all put together out here,” said Sgt. overall, said Mahmoud.
squads of Iraqi soldiers from 1st Company, Travis Herman, an instructor and team Kautz, who works closely with Iraqi
4th Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army leader assigned to Company A. units at KMTB, said the Iraqi soldiers of
Division, conducted a training exercise at “The training starts with dry runs for 4th Bn., 5th IA Div., impressed him com-
Kirkush Military Training Base, Jan 16. familiarization, and then moves on to live- pared to other units that have come through
The live-fire exercise took place after fire,” said Herman. the training site.
two weeks of training during a 25-day rota- Squads from the company began each “They had more of an individual mind-
tion of Tadreeb Al Shamil, Arabic for All exercise in wedge formation, their feet set at first,” said Kautz. “This training fos-
Inclusive Training, at KMTB, where Iraqi squelching in the mud as the unit moved tered esprit de corps and a team concept.”
soldiers developed multiple infantry squad- forward. Simulated enemy machine gun Kautz, who also speaks Arabic, facilitat-
level techniques and battle drills. fire signaled the Iraqi squads to react to ed communication between U.S and Iraqi
“This was a culmination event using contact. Without hesitation the Iraqi sol- troops, as did Mahmoud with his knowl-
squad movement and squad react to con- diers found cover and concealment, or edge of English.
tact techniques,” said Sgt. 1st Class Frank- dropped prone in the muck. “It helps to understand the language,”
lyn Rosario, platoon sergeant, Company A, Under direction of the squad leader, said Mahmoud. “(Kautz) can tell me what
1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment., 2nd the lead team provided suppressive fire as needs to happen and I can tell the soldiers.”
Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry a supporting team flanked the objective. “Understanding each other makes the
Division. “We oversee squad training and Once both teams established their posi- training go more smoothly,” Mahmoud
train the Iraqi leadership to be more in- tions, they bounded through the objective added.
volved.” neutralizing the opposition forces. Despite the rain, driving wind and at
Soldiers of Company A instructed Iraqi In addition to movement and fire tech- times ankle deep mud, Iraqi soldiers main-
soldiers on several basic individual and niques, Iraqi soldiers learned to effectively tained discipline and a positive attitude.
collective infantry skills and tasks prior to communicate as teams and squads. The “Morale was higher than expected,”
the squad live-fire exercise. units coordinated their actions using ver- said Rosario, with his boots caked in mud.
“We are teaching them formations and bal commands, hand and arms signals and “This is good training as (the Iraqis) must
techniques we use, then how to adapt it throwing brightly colored flags. be prepared to operate and adapt in any
to their own (techniques, tactics and pro- “Communication between units is vital condition.”
cedures),” said Rosario, who hails from at all levels,” said Rosario. “Nothing gets
Providence, R.I. done without talking. We stressed its im-
6

7. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
49th IA Brigade soldiers master the AK-47
‘Diablos’ conduct weapons circuit training at COS Warrior
Pvt. Alyxandra McChesney from Fort Riley, Kan., part- Iraqi Commandos paired Each commando assumed
1st AATF Public Affairs nered with IA soldiers conduct- with U.S. Soldiers who provid- an unsupported prone position,
1st Inf. Div., USD-N ing several repetitions of the ed assistance through each sta- while a U.S. Soldier carefully
exercises to prepare for the cir- tion ensuring their Iraqi coun- balanced a dime or washer at
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- cuit training. terparts properly executed the the end of the barrel of the rifle.
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq “These drills are to build ba- required tasks. The students then employed
– Moving from station to sta- sic soldiering skills,” said Sgt. The first station of the circuit the fundamentals of marksman-
tion, disassembling and reas- Daniel Twomey, squad leader, consisted of clearing an AK- ship—proper sight alignment,
sembling weapons, perform- Company D. 47, a task necessary for proper controlled breathing, and slow
ing weapon function checks, Twomey, a Festus Mo., na- weapon safety. Learning to smooth trigger squeeze—to
and conducting basic dime and tive, served as the lead instruc- properly clear the weapon, the keep the dime or washer bal-
washer drills, Iraqi soldiers tor for the exercises. IA soldiers also learned how to anced on the barrel.
from the Commando Com- “Weapons training is a react to possible weapon mal- IA soldiers complete sev-
pany, 49th Brigade, 12th Iraqi building block of becoming functions. eral consecutive iterations of
Army Division, mastered basic a soldier, if they don’t know U.S. Soldiers also taught the squeezing the trigger with the
marksmanship skills, Jan. 13, their weapon then it’s useless commandos the proper way to dime or washer remaining bal-
at Contingency Operating Site in combat,” said Twomey, who check an AK-47 for proper op- anced on the rifle, before mov-
Warrior near Kirkuk. served as the lead instructor for eration—a process known as a ing to the next station.
Soldiers of Company D, the exercises. function check. At the third station, IA sol-
“Diablos,” 1st Battalion, 14th The “Diablos” set up three The second station consisted diers disassembled and reas-
Infantry Regiment, attached different training stations of basic dime and washer drills, sembled the AK-47, learning to
to 1st Advise and Assist Task where each IA soldier trained focusing on the basic funda- properly maintain their weapon,
Force, 1st Infantry Division, and tested their skills. mentals of rifle marksmanship. conducting cleaning and main-
tenance to ensure the weapon
works best when needed.
“This training was very
helpful. The U.S. Soldiers
taught me everything I need to
know about the AK-47,” said
Raheef Majd Jrah, a commando
serving with the 49th IA.
Jrah said he feels confident
that he will be able to operate
the weapon during a fire fight
with the enemy due to the train-
ing he received.
“This training was a suc-
cess and I hope the IA takes
these basic AK-47 rifle skills,
masters them, and uses them in
their daily duties as Iraqi Army
soldiers,” said Twomey.
U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
Raheef Majd Jrah, a commando serving with Commando Company, 49th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division,
practices a “dime and washer drill” learning basic rifle marksmanship with the AK-47 rifle during training
near Kirkuk, Iraq Jan. 13, 2011. Jrah completed the drill successfully three times in succession, correctly
employing the techniques of fundamental marksmanship. Led and instructed by U.S. Soldiers of Company
D, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, Jrah said
after the day of training he felt confident in his ability to use the rifle during combat.
7

8. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
‘Wolfhound’ Battalion provides 350 students
with an essential-service: Hope
Sgt. David Strayer
109th MPAD
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE
SPEICHER, Iraq – “Wolfhound” Soldiers
assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th
Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, attended
the opening of a new school in the rural
village area of Abu Quodal, southeast of
Tikrit, Iraq, Jan 16.
The newly constructed school provides
a modern and accessible facility for more
than 350 students in the village made up
predominately of farming families.
“The local villagers have been grossly
neglected in regards to education in the
area for quite some time now,” said 1st Lt.
Allen Rooney, platoon leader, Company B,
1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt.
Prior to the Wolfhound Soldiers open-
ing the new school, the closest schoolhouse
was located in the distant, more urban vil-
lage of Ad Dawr Qada, he said.
“In the past, many children did not have U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
easy access to education,” said Assim Ali, Children of varying ages gather together outside one of the classrooms at the newly built
school facility in the rural Abu Quodal Village southeast of Tikrit, Iraq, Jan 16, 2011. Soldiers
an Iraqi contractor, who worked with local of 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division,
Iraqi leaders and the Soldiers of 1st Bn., worked with local Iraqi leaders and contractors to facilitate the building of the new school to
27th Inf. Regt. to facilitate the building of provide a place of learning for more than 350 students living in the rural area of the Abu Quodal
the new school. Village region. Soldiers of 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div. supervised the building of the new school,
providing elementary to high school age children in the farming community an opportunity for
Due to the distance from any school, an education.
most of the children in the rural area could
not attend, and focused on farming instead, stances for the future. Following the ceremony, U.S. Soldiers
Ali said. “Hopefully the students will take pride distributed school supplies, collected and
Upon recognizing the village area’s in their new school and be inspired to con- donated by Families of 1st Bn., 27th Inf.
need for improved education facilities, tinue beyond a basic level of education,” Regt.
U.S. forces provided the local Iraqi govern- said Rooney. “This project represents so Since deploying in support of Operation
ment with a grant to support the building of much for these students. New Dawn, Rooney’s platoon assumed re-
an entirely new school. “It immediately improves their qual- sponsibility for the area, working with Iraqi
The location of the school enables stu- ity of life by taking them off of the farm Security Forces to provide security for the
dents to attend class on a regular basis and and putting them into a modern, well-kept local communities and overseeing projects
receive an education from professional learning environment each day,” he said. like the building of the school.
teachers, Ali added. “It also gives them the opportunity for “This project is kind of like our baby,”
“The project will help mitigate the over- higher education and a significant career.” said Rooney.
crowding of the schools in the neighboring Rural farm villages, like Abu Quodal, “We have all gotten involved in this, in-
villages, and greatly decreases the distance are far behind the more developed urban cluding our Families back home,” he said.
that students have to travel to attend class,” areas with regards to living conditions and “We are glad to have seen this one through
said Rooney, a native of Madison, N.J. essential-services, such as education, infra- to the end.”
A new learning environment means new structure, and water accessibility, said Ali.
opportunities, said Ali, also adding that a Wolfhound Battalion’s contributions are
formal education can help students im- helping in the effort to get these villages the
prove their living conditions and circum- assistance they require, he said.
8

9. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
NCO Corps ushers in newly promoted
sergeants with time-honored tradition
Sgt. David Strayer the first part of the induction
109th MPAD process, said Sidwell, who or-
USD-N Public Affairs ganized the ceremony.
“When you cross that line,
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- you are accepting all of the re-
ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq sponsibility that goes with be-
– Senior enlisted leaders of ing an NCO in the Army,” said
Division Special Troops Battal- Command Sgt. Major Keith
ion, 4th Infantry Division wel- Moore, battalion command
comed U.S. Division-North’s sergeant major, DSTB, 4th Inf.
newest sergeants into the ranks Div. “You are accepting that
of the U.S. Army’s Corps of you have been chosen to lead
Noncommissioned Officers and be counted on by your su-
during an induction ceremony periors.”
at Contingency Operating Base The DSTB NCO Registry
Speicher, Iraq, Jan. 17. is passed down from sergeant
The sergeants major con- major to sergeant major, re-
ducted the NCO Induction Cer- maining a part of the battalion’s
emony, the first hosted by the history despite the changing of
DSTB in more than two years, commands, said Moore, who
to demonstrate to the junior led the ceremony.
NCOs the importance of val- Soldiers who signed the reg-
ues and traditions in the Army’s istry during the DSTB NCO
NCO Corps. Induction Ceremony reserved a
The NCO Induction Cer- place in the history of the bat-
emony embodies the spirit talion.
and tradition of the Corps of “The ceremony is not only
the NCO, said Sgt. Maj. Mari a celebration of the Soldiers
Sidwell, 4th Infantry Division who have been promoted, it is
and U.S. Division-North Intel- a celebration of the NCO Corps
ligence sergeant major. and the responsibilities that
“It is all about the tradition come with joining the Corps,”
of the Corps,” said Sidwell. Sidwell said. “The (NCOs) go
“The ceremony itself cannot be from being the led, to being the
found in any Army doctrine; it leaders.”
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
is an oral tradition that is passed “It was a humbling experi-
Sgt. Gregory Lefevre, a military intelligence noncommissioned officer,
from one battalion sergeant ma- ence to be amongst all of the Company B, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division,
jor to the next.” senior NCOs at once,” said leads his peers in the reciting of the Creed of the Noncommissioned
During the ceremony, the Sgt. William Hoage, forward Officer during the DSTB NCO Induction Ceremony at Contingency Op-
inductees crossed the Line of observer, Company A, DSTB. erating Base Speicher, Iraq, Jan. 17, 2011. Lefevre, recently selected
as the DSTB NCO of the Quarter, took center stage to lead the group of
Authority, signed the Charge of “The transformation really junior leaders in completing a chapter in the history of DSTB deployed
the NCO, and signed the Battal- dawns on you when you ‘of- in support of Operation New Dawn as part of U.S. Division-North.
ion NCO Registry. ficially’ become recognized as
As each junior sergeant ap- being an NCO. There is a lot of No matter the situation, ser- said Hoage, a native of Arvada,
proached the Line of Author- pride involved.” geants can look to the words Colo.
ity, a senior NCO called their The ceremony concluded of the Creed, a cornerstone At the start of the ceremony,
name, requesting the Soldier with all NCOs present reciting for all Army NCOs, explained junior sergeants stood before
be officially accepted into the the Creed of the Noncommis- Sidwell. their senior leaders; by the end
Corps of the NCO. sioned Officer. “The NCO Creed is one of the ceremony only members
The Line of Authority is a The NCO Creed is a corner- guide that I will keep fresh in of the Army’s NCO Corps, “the
cloth with the ranks of the NCO stone for all NCOs, explained my memory at all times dur- Backbone of the Army,” could
sewn onto it; stepping over it is Sidwell. ing my career as an NCO,” be found.
9

10. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
Physical therapy
clinic keeps U.S.
Division-North
Soldiers strong
Sgt. David Strayer The clinic serves a vital role
109th MPAD in keeping Soldiers in the fight
USD-N Public Affairs and off profile, said Lohse, a
native of Ettrick, Wis.
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- “We are here for the Sol-
ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq diers,” said Lohse. “Our entire
– Members of 256th Combat mission here at the clinic is to
Support Hospital, working at provide Soldiers with the treat-
the physical therapy clinic at ment they need to overcome in-
Contingency Operating Base juries and get back to function-
Speicher, help keep U.S Divi- ing at 100 percent.”
sion-North Soldiers at 100 per- The majority of patients
cent medical readiness. seeking treatment at the PT U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
The 256th CSH is respon- clinic have injuries incurred 1st Lt. Michael Lohse, a physical therapist and the officer in charge of
sible for several medical facili- during physical training, said the Physical Therapy clinic at Contingency Operating Base Speicher,
ties across USD-N including Lohse. helps a patient perform stretches to relieve lower back pain Jan. 13,
“Many injuries that occur 2011. Lohse discussed core strength exercises with the Soldier as a
three physical therapy clinics. way to alleviate lower back pain. The 2565h CSH assumed the mis-
“We are a very busy clinic. during physical training or sion, Dec. 24, 2010, to provide medical services for Soldiers of U.S.
In fact, we see close to 50 per- sports activities are prevent- Division-North deployed in support of Operation New Dawn.
cent of all of the patients that able,” he said. “In fact, injury
come through the CSH here prevention is a major concern leads a seminar on injury pre- plained Neill, it is best to seek
on COB Speicher,” said 1st Lt. right now in the Army for medi- vention and how the muscu- advise and treatment before
Michael Lohse, a physical ther- cal personnel.” loskeletal system works, said they can become a more seri-
apist with the 256th CSH. Lohse, who periodically that core strength and balance ous problem.
training should be incorporated While the Army is making a
into Soldiers’ physical training huge push for injury prevention
schedule. and awareness, injuries are go-
Core strength and balance ing to occur, said Neill, a native
training can help relieve lower of Columbus, Ohio.
back pain and prevent injuries When Soldiers are injured,
to joints like the ankle and self-diagnosis and self-medi-
knee, said Lohse. cating are not the answer, he
“You have to take care of said.
your body,” said Spc. Brian “We encourage people to get
Neill, a combat medic special- treatment if they have a prob-
izing in physical therapy with lem,” said Lohse. “The best pa-
the 256th CSH. “If you want to tients we get are the ones who
have the same pain-free body realize they have an injury and
U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
50 years from now, you have want to be rehabilitated, so they
1st. Lt. Michael Lohse, the officer in charge of the Physical Thera-
py clinic at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, suggests possi-
to be conscious of injuries and can return to 100 percent duty
ble remedies for lower back pain to a patient Jan. 13, 2011. Lohse, how to prevent them.” and remain a part of the (mis-
of Ettrick, Wis., is assigned to the 256th Combat Support Hospital, In a perfect world, all inju- sion) in U.S. Division-North,”
responsible for the operation of the COB Speicher Physical Therapy ries would be prevented, but said Lohse.
clinic. The 256th CSH, an Army Reserve unit based out of Twinsburg,
Ohio, is responsible for three physical therapy clinics operating in
in the real world, if aches and
U.S. Division North. pains are encountered, ex-
10

11. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
Chaplain’s Corner: Dave Roever brings
Good Grief!
message of hope to
COB Spiecher
Chaplain Lt. Col. Jeffrey Houston Dave Roever, a public speaker dedicated to shar-
U.S. Division-North Chaplain ing his message of faith, hope and healing to Soldiers
and veterans, will speak at the Contingency Operating
All of us will experience grief at some point in our lives. In Base Speicher North Morale, Welfare and Recreation
fact, the truth is that each of us will experience grief many times Center at 7:00 a.m. Jan. 31.
throughout our adult lives. Roever, who sustained major burns to most of his
Most of us think that grief is something that we go through body while serving in Vietnam, uses his story of faith
when someone close to us dies, but grief is much more than that. and recovery to encourage veterans suffering from
A person can experience grief any time they suffer a loss. If physical, emotional and spiritual wounds.
someone loses their job, they may grieve. If you suffer the loss of An inspirational speaker, Roever demonstrates
a friendship, you may grieve. Lose your marriage, and you will resiliency to Soldiers all over the world, showcasing
probably grieve. Lose a Family pet, and the whole Family may man’s ability for post-traumatic growth.
grieve.
The intensity of grief is largely determined by the depth of the
connection a person feels to that which they have lost. If I lose my Like the trauma often associated with a physical wound, some
job at the burger joint after a week of work, I will not likely experi- of these steps are not pretty … but they are normal and should not
ence much grief at all. However, if I lose my military career at the be stifled.
fifteen year mark, the grief may be profound! Here are some guidelines for all of us to remember when it is
Any significant loss causes an invisible injury to our emotional our turn to grieve, or understand with someone who is grieving:
center. Grief is the healing process that helps us recover. This pro-
cess is sometimes mysterious, but it does not need to be. Do:
To help us to better understand how we deal with loss, it may Talk and express your feelings, even if they are painful.
be helpful to compare the invisible grief process to the healing Don’t:
process one goes through with a visible, tangible, physical injury. Trivialize someone’s loss by saying things like “It is OK.”
With a physical injury there is the initial shock, followed by that Do:
split second of numbness, followed by a wave of pain. Understand that grief is perfectly normal and necessary.
We have all been there! We then immobilize the injury, bandage Don’t:
it up to protect it, and try to keep from using the injured part as our Say…”Don’t cry;” “Don’t be angry.”
body gradually heals. Do:
If you can see grief as following a similar pattern, you can take Allow a person the freedom to go through all the steps at
some of the mystery out of the process. their own pace.
There are five stages to the grief process, and like recovering Don’t:
from a physical injury, it takes time for our injured hearts to fully Push a person by telling them what to think, say, or feel.
recover. Do:
Eat and rest, grief takes a lot of energy.
Don’t:
5 Stages of Grief Leave a person suffering from significant grief alone. A
few Family members or close friends are essential.
1. Denial: Initial failure to accept the loss, “I cannot be-
lieve this is happening to me!” When it is your turn to grieve—and your turn will come—do
not go through grief alone.
2. Anger: Wanting to fight back, anger at God, intense Whether deployed, or at home, you are never far from people
pain. who can help.
In today’s military, your unit chaplains or mental health profes-
3. Bargaining: Trying to figure out how to undo the loss.
sionals deploy with you and are always available.
“If only I could have been there.”
At home you are never more than a phone call away from some-
4. Depression: Overwhelming feelings of remorse, frus- one to talk to.
tration, and sadness. The best medicine for painful grief is time spent with another
person. You may be the right person to help a friend … all you
5. Acceptance: Finding comfort and allowing your heart need to do is listen, and be there. No answers required, just a good
to heal. Our goals turn toward personal growth. set of ears and some time. As long as you understand the process,
you can be a tremendous help.
11

12. The Ivy Leaf January 21, 2011
Hey Doc: What is core stability?
1st Lt. Michael Lohse of the abdominal and hip flexor Around the core, the brak- To build core stability,
Physical Therapy Clinic muscles.” ing action of the trunk muscles add exercises that strengthen
256th CSH Required to be read before is extremely important. First, your other trunk muscles. The
every APFT, it is indeed true the spine and pelvis are the Army’s new physical fitness
“Hey Doc: I’ve been hear- … to a point. Although a very base of attachment for many manual, TC 3.22-20, introduc-
ing a lot about ‘core stability’ good measure of the endurance muscles that power the arms es four new exercises called
and how it will keep me from of some abdominal muscles, and legs. “Four for the Core”.
hurting my back. I’ve heard it is a very poor test of others Without a strong, stable Perform these exercises
that sit-ups are bad for your that are even more important base of support, using these in a slow, controlled manner
back and don’t add to core sta- for high performance and muscles is like pushing an ob- with emphasis on precision
bility? Why are we still doing injury prevention. ject while on roller skates. Sec- of movement and hold time.
sit-ups? Are there exercises I Let’s set aside tradition and ondly, your center of gravity is Don’t worry about repetitions.
can do to strengthen my core?” consider a more complete pro- within your core area. Keeping Instead, stop and change
- signed “Tired of Sit-ups” gram for training core muscles. it there leads to balanced, skill- exercises when proper form
Your core has muscles that ful movement. cannot be held due to muscle
Dear “Tired of Sit-ups,” support your spine and pelvis. It doesn’t take electrodes fatigue.
It’s the middle event on the Skeletal muscles either move and high-speed cameras to Second, compensate for the
Army Physical Fitness Test. or prevent movement at joints see that the sit-up is primarily ill effects of doing too many
This two minutes of gut- around which they live. about movement and not the sit-ups, too rapidly. “Unload”
wrenching effort known as the Everyone knows that mus- braking of movement. From your spine through back
sit-up has been a part of physi- cles create movement. Less the word “Go,” Soldiers pull stretches and prevent muscle
cal fitness testing for genera- obvious, though, is the “brak- their trunk off the ground and tightness in your hip flexors by
tions of Soldiers. ing” force that muscles apply flop back as rapidly as pos- also stretching those muscles.
Training Circular 3.22-20 to joint movement. Without sible. If this is your only core A perfect stretch to do after
Army Physical Readiness braking, nearly all movement muscle training, you can’t sit-ups is the “back extension
Training states “the sit-up would be extremely sloppy and safely manage forces acting on stretch.”
event measures the endurance potentially dangerous. your spine. Since sit-ups will still be a
part of the APFT for the fore-
seeable future, you still need to
do them in your workouts. Add
“Four for the Core” exercises
and back extension stretching
to your training program to
prevent injury and maintain
medical readiness.
So, Tired of Sit-ups, see
your healthcare provider for a
handout or contact me if you
have any more questions or
need more information.
For more information on
“Four for the Core” exercises,
visit the Official Department
of the Army Publications and
Forms Web site and download
TC 3.22-20 Army Physical
Readiness Training at https://
armypubs.us.army.mil/doc-
TC 3.22-20 Army Physical Readiness Training trine/DR_pubs/dr_aa/pdf/
A Soldier performs the “Quadraplex,” a “Four for the Core” excercise, by repeating the following steps: tc3_22x20.pdf
The starting position is on your hands and knees with the back flat. Contract the abdominal muscles as Work on your core stability,
described in the bent-leg raise, an exercise to improve core stability. Without rotating the trunk or sagging
or arching the spine, straighten the left leg to the rear and the right arm to the front. Hold for at least five Taskforce Ironhorse, and keep
seconds, recover to the starting position, then return to the quadraplex. The goal is to hold each quadra- those questions coming!
plex position (left and right) for 60 seconds each. Alternate the arm and leg movements on subsequent
repetitions, repeating for one minute. The key to this exercise is controlled lowering and raising of the op-
posite arm and leg while keeping the rest of the body aligned and still.
12