Public Affairs Office

The Iron Sights is produced in the interest of the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division. The Iron Sights is an Army-funded magazine authorized under provision
of AR 360-1.

Contents of the Iron Sights are not necessarily the views of, nor endorsed by the U.S.
Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division.
All editorial content of the Iron Sights is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 3rd
Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.

The Iron Sights welcomes articles, commentary, and photos from readers. The Iron Sights
reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the publication.

Submissions should be emailed to Spc. Boykin at

chastity.boykin@us.army.mil.

All issues of the Iron Sights can be viewed online from your home computer at:

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On the Cover Col. James E. Rainey

Commander

Command Sgt. Maj. Miles S. Wilson

Command Sergeant Major

Maj. Alan S. Brown

Public Affairs Officer

Print Staff
Spc. Chastity R. Boykin...........................Editor
Pfc. Khori D. Johnson.....................Staff Writer
Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells..................Staff Writer

Photo by Sgt. Jeremy Campbell

Sgt. Joshua Barnash, a combat laser
team chief, HHB, 3rd Bn., 29th FA
Reg., 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., pulls
security on a street in southern Iraq.
In This Issue
Photo Contest 3
I Hereby Declare...Soldiers Become Citizens 5
Fight Night 7
Operation Road Dog 9
The Future Leaders of Iraq 11
Air Assault 13
Al Tib: Soldiers Live on the Edge of Iraq 15
Iraqis Run the Range 17
Independence Day: Iron Brigade Grills Out 19
For Better Or For Worse 21
Pacesetters Awarded CAB and CMB 23
Who Done It? 25
Human Terrain Team Helps Bulldogs Meet Neighbors 27
The Little People in the Big Plan 28
 Friends and Family of the Iron BCT,

Greetings again from southern Iraq. Summer is on us now in full

force, but the heat can’t stop the great Soldiers of the Iron Brigade.
All of our outstanding battalions have settled into their missions and
are getting to know their environments and their Iraqi partners better
with each passing week. With that experience, we are seeing gains on
all fronts, and we have the opportunity to watch the units that we
advise get better right in front of our eyes.
When I was here earlier in the war, I never thought that I would
see the day where Iraqi units took the lead and provided security
on their own, but now, that is exactly what they are doing in a lot
of instances. We are truly advisors now, providing coaching and
mentoring, but it is the Iraqis who are definitely in the lead.
By the time I write again at the beginning of September, summer
vacation will be over for our families back home and children will
be back at school. I hope that all the friends and family of the BCT
had a great and safe break. I continue to be amazed at the support and
dedication of our Iron Families. Thank you for what you do. I know it
is said often, but it can never be said enough; we could not do what we
do over here without you back there.
We are making a concerted effort to keep our families informed. Our
monthly publication is just one means of passing on information and
stories about our great Soldiers. We are publishing articles in the Fort
Carson paper, The Mountaineer, on a regular basis as well as posting
updates and pictures to the BCT
facebook page. If you think of
any ways in which we can keep
you better informed, please
raise that up through your FRG
for consideration.
As always, thank you for
your support of our Soldiers, the
Brigade Combat Team, and our
Country.

Iron Strong!

COL James E. Rainey

Brigade Commander
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

1
 Family, friends, and Soldiers of the Iron Team – Greetings!

Today is a great day to be an Iron Soldier. As we approach our 100th day, I continue to be both amazed and
proud of all of our Soldiers and the work they are doing. Iron Soldiers have made a significant impact on the
stability of Iraq, the capability of Iraqi security forces and the ability to draw down U.S. forces. I’m convinced
that it is only possible due to the enormous support from our friends and loved ones 7,000 miles to our west.
Iron Soldiers are assisting in the development of farms and the agriculture business. Numerous schools,
health clinics, bridges and factories are being built, repaired and opened. The Iron Legal Team, our Military
Police Platoon and our civilian law experts are greatly improving the Iraqi Rule of Law. They’ve trained and
assisted Iraqi police, lawyers, and judges in how to properly detain, investigate, and prosecute criminals.
Every day, hundreds of Iron Soldiers partner with, assist and train two Iraqi Army Divisions, four Provincial
Police Forces and one Border Enforcement Division. This includes everything from checkpoint operations,
intelligence gathering, weapons maintenance and first aid training.
Medical training is very popular among Iraqi soldiers, and no one does this better than our Iron Medics.
Whether it’s showing an Iraqi how to bandage a wound, splint a fracture, or stick an IV, our medics teach, train,
and evaluate just as they do for our own Soldiers.
The U.S. Army is the best in the world for two reasons: the U.S. Soldier and
the amount of “stuff” we have. And I mean a lot of stuff. After being in
Iraq for over seven years, that Army stuff has piled up.
The Iron Brigade has been given the additional mission of getting rid
of all excess containers, parts, equipment and just plain junk. As with
any mission, the Iron Brigade met our requirement and then exceeded it.
Tons and tons of equipment has left Iraq for the States, been shipped off
for repair or been flown to Afghanistan where it is in demand. Every unit
and supply sergeant has been involved with this, but the Mountaineers of
the 64th BSB have really done an outstanding job of moving large volumes
of equipment from all over southern Iraq. They are the “Road Warriors.”
The next month is very significant in the history of our Nation, the Army
and many Soldiers in the Iron Brigade. The end of Operation Iraqi Freedom
will occur on August 31. This will bring to a close nearly seven and a half years
of combat operations in Iraq. That would be the longest war in the Army’s history,
except for our brothers and sisters in-arms still fighting in Afghanistan.
As one of the many Iron Soldiers that was here for the beginning of OIF in
March 2003, I’m honored to serve now and see the end of OIF. But with
every ending, there comes a beginning. For us, that is Operation New
Dawn.
As we look forward to that day, I challenge every Iron Soldier to
stay focused on the mission at hand. You’ve all done tremendous
work, achieved outstanding recognition and represented
America with pride and distinction.
Lastly, I’d ask every Iron Soldier and family member to
look out for each other. Many demanding times and life
stressors still remain ahead. It is going to take each and
every one of us to bring the Iron Team back together
next March.
I look forward to our continued success and history
making moments.
Stay Safe! Stay Strong! CSM Miles S. Wilson
Brigade Command Sergeant Major
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Iron Strong!

2
 Iron Sights Photo Contest Winner
Thank you to all the Family and service members who submitted photos for the contest. With
all the submissions, it was definitley a challange to pick just one overall winner, but we feel that
our first place photo best represents what the deployment means to the Soldiers serving and
the Families that support them. Again, thanks to everyone who participated and we can’t wait to
see a new batch of photos during the next Iron Sights Magazine photo contest.

First Place
Submitted by
Rachel Newbauer

Photo Description:
Julian Elizabeth Newbauer,
aka “GI”, the three-year-
old daughter of Maj. Robert
Newbauer, at COB Adder, plays
dress up in daddy’s hat this past
Memorial Day...sending smiles
and well wishes from everyone
back home!

We love and miss you daddy!

3
 Second Place
Submitted by
Jennifer Rand

Photo Description:
Best Friends: Ben Reiser, the miniature schnauzer of Sgt. 1st
Class Logan Reiser and Avery Rand, the daughter of Sgt. 1st
Class Jamel Rand.

Third Place
Submitted by
Maj. Kyle L. Upshaw

Photo Description:
One of the things I miss most about being away from home is
reading time with my two ‘boys’ , Henry, my son, and Zeke. I am so
excited to get back home and read with them!

Fourth Place
Submitted by
Sgt. Jason Van Loo

Photo Description:
A few Soldiers of Distro Platoon, Field Service Company,1st
Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd BCT. 4th Inf. Div., stationed at COS
Garry Owen, playing “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” while
wearing gear.

It’s the only way to play this game. It brings out the reality of
things.

Fifth Place
Submitted by
Jessica Gerhardt

Photo Description:
Sgt. Robert Gerhardt’s eleven-month-old son, Finnegan, playing
with an American Flag.

4
 Pfc. Hyoung Oh Pfc. Andres Martiniez Spc. Edelberto Elias Juan

5
 by Spc. Chastity R. Boykin
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
Six Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division, were among the 156
foreign-born U.S. servicemembers
from 56 countries to participate
in a special Independence Day
naturalization ceremony held at the
Al-Faw Palace on Camp Victory.
Vice President Joe Biden and
wife Dr. Jill Biden attended the
17th ceremony held here in Iraq,
the second ceremony held on
the Fourth of July, to officially
commemorate the servicemembers’
new citizenship.
Spc. Lisbeth Martiniez and
Pfc. Andres Martiniez from 3rd
Battalion, 29th Field Artillery
Regiment; Cpl. Edelberto Elias
Juan and Pfc. Serguei Maspoch,
from 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry
Regiment; Spc. Jeric Reutirez from
64th Brigade Support Battalion;
and Pfc. Hyoung Oh, 4th Squadron,
10th Cavalry Regiment, all became
citizens through the naturalization
Pfc. Serguei Maspoch
process, which requires applicants
to show good moral character and
live in America for five years. The
process is expedited for Soldiers
serving during wartime.
“I can’t think of a more stirring
example of patriotism than men and
women volunteering, volunteering
to fight for their country, to put
their lives on the line, to fight
on foreign soil for their adopted
country,” Biden said to the service
members. “You’re remarkable.”  decided he wanted to fight for a
Biden congratulated and
welcomed the servicemembers for
enriching the culture of America.
“On this Fourth of July weekend,
I’m reminded that you have
carried the torch of our Founding
Fathers, the one that they lit 234
years ago, you carried it around
the world, in this case into a nation
that’s not your own, in a uniform
representing a nation that, until
now, was not your own,”  he said.
Raising their right hands
together in a combat zone, the
servicemembers recited the oath to
Spc. Lisbeth Martiniez
be citizens of the United States of
America.
“Being able to fulfill my dream
here [in Iraq], on the Fourth of July
was a great experience,” said Oh, a
native of South Korea.
Oh came to the U.S with his
parents in 1994 at the age of 14
and joined the Army in 2009 to
support the military and help
Iraqis. Although citizenship is not
required to join the military, Oh
country that was truly his own and
not just a place he was living.
“I’m extremely grateful to have
such an outstanding group joining
the ranks,” said Gen. Raymond
T. Odierno, commanding general,
United States Forces-Iraq. “Before
you even enjoyed the rights of full
citizenship, you held up your right
hand and swore to support and
defend that freedom, both at home
and abroad. You volunteered to go
into harm’s way in defense of your
new nation.”
Pfc. Jeric Reutirez
6

by Pfc. Khori D. Johnson
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
The COB Adder community
witnessed an evening of hard-hitting
action during Fight Night in front of
a packed house at Memorial Hall
July 4.
Fight Night is the Morale, Welfare
and Recreation’s way of bringing
an Ultimate Fighting Championship
Richard Griffiths
7
experience to southern Iraq.
“We had a couple of objectives,”
said Sgt. William Redheffer, of
Philadelphia, Penn., who competed
in the event and is assigned to
Company A, 1st Battalion, 68th
Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
“We wanted to give people some
entertainment and show off the
Modern Army Combatives Program
as well as the other armed forces
programs.”
Each match was scheduled
for three, five-minute rounds.
The winner of each match was
determined by knockout, technical
knockout, submission, or judges’
decision.
Event organizers transformed
Memorial Hall into a small
arena with a boxing ring
and an enormous U.S.
Richard Griffiths gains control of his opponent in the corner of
the ring during his match.
flag hanging from the ceiling. Each
fighter received an introduction from
the emcee, complete with individual
theme music.
After each fighter entered the
ring and the bell rang, both fighters
clashed until a winner emerged.
Each participant received a medal
to commemorate his efforts.
“It’s a sport that’s dependent on
the fans,” said Richard Griffiths, of
Denver, Colo., a civilian assigned
to the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., who
has competed in this Fight Night
and a previous event in March. “If it
were not for the fans, this wouldn’t
be possible, so you have to put on a
good show for them.”
The Fight Night received a
very energetic response from the
audience of about 1000, much to the
appreciation of the participants.
“My opponent would hit me and
Photo by Pfc. Khori Johnson
the crowd would go ‘Oooh!’, or I
would slam him and they would
just erupt,” said Griffiths. “It was
really exciting.”
The 12 service members and
civilians were able to train and
prepare for the event thanks to the
Sprungs Gym, affectionately called
“The Zoo”, located on COB Adder
near Memorial Hall. The Zoo is
open to anyone one who wants to
participate in mixed martial arts
training.
The Fight Night was the perfect
way to see how everyone has
progressed from the training they
have received, said Redheffer.
The Zoo is open at 6 p.m. every
day except Sunday, and offers
a variety of disciplines besides
the Modern Army Combatives
Programs. Brazilian Ju-jitsu, Muay
Thai Boxing, American Boxing,
and Greco-Roman Wrestling are
just some of the different martial
arts offered.
The gym also provides a safe
place for fighters to practice their
skills. Safety is very important
when learning fighting techniques,
said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sean
Ballantine, of Chicago, Ill., who
was one of the judges during the
An audience of about 1000 COB Adder community members wait for
Fight Night to begin at Memorial Hall.
event and an instructor at The
Zoo. Ballantine is an operational
management team chief, Company
A, 3rd Special Troops Battalion,
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
“If you bring someone in and
break one of his arms and one of
his legs, that person hasn’t learned
anything but to not come back. It
makes more sense to bring in that
person and slowly show them how
to evolve as a better fighter and in
self-defense,” he said.
Training at The Zoo also has
many benefits for those interested
in a different way of staying in
shape, said Griffiths.
“It’s very physical,” he said.
“If you want some good cardio-
conditioning with a great strength
element, you will get that. It’ll
get your heart rate going
and get you sweating. It
also takes some mental
toughness as well.”
Ballantine said there
are plans to hold many
Fight Night events in
the future. He hopes
that the recent Fight
Night will attract
more spectators as
well as participants.
Photo by Pfc. Khori Johnson
Sgt. William Redford
8

1st Lt. Ryan Snedegar provides direction to a few Soldiers of 10th Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regiment and 1st Platoon,
Company E, collecting structural information under a bridge on Route Quebec.
by Capt. Michael Walter
1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
During the pre-dawn hours of June
12, two platoons from 1st Battalion,
8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
completed their final inspections and
rehearsals for a joint route clearance
mission. They are partnered with
the 10th Iraqi Army Field Engineer
Regiment stationed at Joint Security
Station Sparrowhawk.
For the next 15 hours, these
Soldiers conducted the aptly named
“Operation Road Dog” with the
objective of clearing and classifying
a new route between Maysan and
Dhi Qar provinces.
9
Since assuming the advise and
assist mission within Maysan
Province, Company E, 1st Bn., 8th
Inf. Reg. conducts regular route
clearance missions, enabling U.S.
forces to safely move supplies and
personnel along major roadways
throughout the province, said 1st.
Lt. Ryan Snedegar, platoon leader,
1st Platoon, Company E, from
Charleston, W.V.
The objective of Operation Road
Dog is to clear the route, classify
all of the culverts and bridges, and
carefully assess the quality of the
road, to determine its suitability for
military traffic.
The mission has implications
Photo by Pfc. Lukas McWhorter
far beyond the military, however.
According to Lt. Col. Trent Hunton,
executive officer, 3rd BCT, 4th
Inf. Div., this new route will help
facilitate greater civilian traffic
between the two provinces. Opening
a new, safer route will enable the
easier flow of goods and increase
the economic vitality of southern
Iraq.
The Soldiers of the Scout Platoon,
Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.,
are specifically trained to conduct
these tasks, said 1st Lt. Matthew
Strohman, scout platoon leader, of
Cincinnati, Ohio.
During the mission, Strohman’s

Soldiers of 10th Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regiment lower a weighted line from the center of a bridge on Route Quebec to
measure its depth.
Soldiers measure and record
various types of data. The width
of the road, the length of bridges,
water depths and flow rates are just
a few measurements that make up a
classification assessment.
Together with the Iraqi army
engineers, the Soldiers assess the
structural capacity of bridges, take
measurements of the road and
inspect deteriorating culverts. The
collected data will assist Soldiers to
classify the route and assess how it
can be used in the future by both
military and Iraqi vehicles, said
Strohman.
Staff Sgt. Bowman McArthur and his Iraqi Army counterpart record bridge data
to help assess the feasibility of a new route between Maysan and Dhi Qar.
Additionally, both U.S. and Iraqi
forces focus on identifying areas
that could be used to emplace
improvised explosive devices or
other threats. The more of these
potentially dangerous areas that are
identified, the safer the route will
be.
Equally significant to the collection
of data are the direct efforts by the
Iraqi Engineers in assisting with
security and facilitating interaction
with the local citizens. Gaining an
understanding of the people along
the route plays an important role in
mitigating future security risks, said
Photo by Pfc. Lukas McWhorter
Photo by Pfc. Lukas McWhorter
Capt. Daaron Spears, commander,
Company E, of San Antonio,
Texas.
One of the key impacts of the
partnership between the U.S.
platoons and the FER is showing
unity of effort to the local
population. The FER’s ability to
ensure a peaceful mission while
allowing the U.S. forces the ability
to gain information they needed is
good for the people to see, said 2nd
Lt. Wsam, of the 10th IA FER.
The results of Operation Road Dog
will directly affect the responsible
drawdown of U.S. forces from
Iraq. As more equipment continues
to funnel out of the country, the
demand for safe, passable routes
will grow, said Spears.
According to Warrant Officer
Salin, 10th IA FER, the engineers
assisted in clearing approximately
90 kilometers of two-lane highway
and multiple bridges. They also
identified additional egresses and
parallel routes.
He said he was pleased with the
cooperation of U.S. forces, and
he was proud to offer his unit’s
reconnaissance and engineering
skills to help enable a safer route.
10
 by Pfc. Khori D. Johnson
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
Recently an Iraqi Police graduation
ceremony transformed into an
occasion more reminiscent of a
childhood birthday party complete
with cake, toys and a piñata.
More than 30 children attended an
Iraq Police criminal investigation
course graduation ceremony as
the guests of honor at the Mittica
Training Center in Nasiriyah July
8.
“We want to get the communities
involved and the families involved
because that helps you with
investigations and that helps you
11
with being a better police officer,”
said Steve Burton, a mentor, trainer,
and advisor, with the Civilian Police
Assistance Training Team. “A lot of
these children are not the Iraqi police
officers’ children. They are children
from their neighborhoods.”
The impromptu party, organized
by the Dhi Qar Provincial
Reconstruction Team, CPATT
and the U.S. Army, began almost
immediately after the graduation
ceremony.
The children quickly overlooked
the lunch buffet intended to honor
the new graduates and made straight
for the dessert. The cake, bearing
the U.S. Army seal, generated
an excitement that could only be
properly expressed through their
frosting-covered smiles.
“I am very happy to be here.
Everything was so nice,” said Al
Hassan, speaking in enthusiastic
English. He is a thirteen-year-old
who was there with his uncle, an
interpreter for the police.
After filling up on cake and other
treats, the children received a variety
of toys including soccer balls, which
inspired a lively debate concerning
the future winner of the World Cup.
The children also took turns
swinging at a piñata until the final
whack frantically scattered candy
and children across the floor.
As U.S. and Iraqi forces stood
side by side watching the festivities,
it became apparent that there is
little difference between children in
Nasiriyah, Iraq and children from any
city in the U.S. The sound of their
laughter, the way they play, and the
excitement they show for the small
things in life are indistinguishable
between the two cultures.
As he watched the happy children
with a smile, Burton observed that
while interactions such as these
may seem simple, they play an
important role in maintaining good
relationships between the Iraqi
Police, the PRT, the CPATT and
coalition forces, especially with the
future leaders.
“Look at the way the children act
around American Soldiers. You can
tell that they are not afraid of them,”
he said. “This means that when these
children are at home, their parents
are talking [positively] about us.
This will greatly enhance the future,
because when these children grow
up, they will remember this. And
they will be the adults that we will
deal with in the future. This is the
next generation.”
12

A team of Iraqi Soldiers assigned to the 10th IA Commando Battalion pulls security as their unit prepares to load onto a
CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
by Maj. Alan S. Brown
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
The 10th Iraqi Army Division
Commando Battalion added
another notch to its tally of mission
capabilities after conducting air
assault training at the COS Garry
Owen airstrip June 27-30.
This four-day course was the
final phase of a three-phase training
initiative, was primarily developed
by the 12th Combat Aviation
Brigade, and was designed to
13
provide the 10th IA Division with
independent air assault capabilities.
A different IA company
conducted a day and night air
assault mission each day. The
training iterations consisted of
aircraft loading techniques, flight
operations, security for both pick-
up and landing zones, and actions
for clearing an objective, said Maj.
Michael Bagully, transition team
advisor, 10th IA Transition Team,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division.
Photo by Maj. Michael Bagully
“As the Iraqi Air Force continues
to grow in size and capability,
Iraqi helicopters will become more
readily available for the Iraqi Army’s
use,” he said. “In turn, being able to
rapidly move its forces around the
battlefield will significantly increase
the 10th Division’s operational
capability.”
As Iraqi aircraft were not available
to support the training, the 12th
CAB supported it with two CH-47
Chinooks, said Capt. Egan O’Reilly,
plans officer, 12th CAB.

Iraqi Soldiers assigned to the 10th IA Commando Battalion conduct assault operations after arriving to their objective in
two CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
The Iraqi leadership planned
and conducted every phase of the
training under the supervision of
U.S. Special Forces Soldiers. The
12th CAB primarily coordinated the
aircraft for the training and served as
observers and controllers, said Sgt.
1st Class Jeremy Meadows, plans
noncommissioned officer in charge,
12th CAB, from Maybee, Mich.
“When the helicopters arrived at
the landing zone, no U.S. personnel
left the aircraft. Actions on the
ground were completely led by the
Iraqi company chain of command,”
said Bagully.
The Iraqi officers were responsible
for gaining accountability of their
A group of Iraqi Soldiers assigned to the 10th IA Commando Battalion exit a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
men, directing the loading and
unloading of the helicopters, and
leading their units through the
actions on the objective.
Bagully pointed out that the
training enabled the Iraqi forces to
practice their planning procedures
before a mission. In the future, he
said, the Iraqi forces will be more
comfortable planning for any future
air movement.
Air assault operations have the
potential to benefit Iraqi Army
efforts in several key ways, including
rapidly responding to border threats
and conducting security operations
inside Iraq.
“Being proficient in air assault
Photo by Maj. Michael Bagully
operations will allow the 10th
Division to move this battalion
rapidly around the battlefield in
the near future, thereby gaining an
increased freedom of maneuver
and element of surprise over any
remaining terrorists and insurgents
in southern Iraq,” said Bagully.
The U.S. advisors were pleased
with the level of professionalism
from the commando battalion during
the four-day training event.
“Key officer involvement from
division down to platoon, coupled
with the spirit and zeal of the Iraqi
soldier, made for a very successful
training event,” said Meadows.
Photo by Maj. Michael Bagully
14

by Staff Sgt. Christopher Jelle
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
The Soldiers on Joint Security
Station Al Tib live less than a
quarter-mile from the border
dividing Iraq and Iran, and over 40
miles away from their supporting
military camp.
The station is currently occupied
by Troop A, 4th Squadron, 10th
Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
deployed out of Fort Carson, Colo.
The Soldiers arrived to the station in
early April and immediately began
moving in and making it their own.
“The place was already somewhat
established and it wasn’t too bad
when we first showed up,” said
15
Spc. Derrick Fesler, a cavalry
scout, Troop A, 4th Sqdn., 10th
Cav. Reg., from Sacramento, Calif.,
who compared this experience with
his last deployment which was also
at a JSS.
“We already had tents and things
like that setup with basic living
conditions. That was really the
main difference to me compared to
last time,” he said.
Even with the basics in place,
there was still a lot of work to be
done.
“When we first got here, we were
constantly building something,”
says Staff Sgt. Matthew Saylor,
a platoon sergeant, Troop A, 4th
Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., also from
Sacramento, Calif.
“Most of the improvements have
Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Jelle
been in regards to force protection,
like enhancing the towers, putting
in different optical systems such
as night vision and building up the
security of the towers with sandbags
and ballistic plating,” said Fesler.
Saylor said none of that was in
place when they arrived, and the
towers were little more than flat,
open platforms.
Just because the basic necessities
were in place, doesn’t mean the
Soldiers were ready to settle.
Over the past few months, they’ve
installed a new shower trailer,
repaired the doors and hinges on
the handmade latrines, and built
walls inside the tents, converting
them from open bays to cubicle-like
rooms, said Saylor.
Due to the remote location, the

Soldiers of Troop A enjoy a meal in the dining facility on JSS Al Tib.
Soldiers still have to make a few
concessions. Without a sewage
system or sanitation contract, the
Soldiers must take care of their
own trash and waste. They use
field sanitation kits called Waste
Alleviation and Gelling bags in
conjunction with existing outhouse-
type structures. All of the waste is
then burned at a safe distance from
the station.
“It was definitely different using
the WAG bags,” said Spc. David
Evans, of Gloucester, N.J., signal
support specialist, Company B, 3rd
Brigade Special Troops Battalion,
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “It’s not bad
though. I actually like the WAG
bags better than the portable toilets.
It helps eliminate a lot of the smell
and, of course, the insects. I think
it’s a lot more sanitary.”
Although JSS Al Tib is in a
remote location, it’s definitely not
alone. The unit shares a perimeter
wall with the headquarters for Iraq’s
4th Battalion, 10th Division Border
Enforcement. The 4th Bn, 10th DBE
conducts anti-smuggling operations
and controls the cross-border traffic
Photo by Staff Sgt, Christopher Jelle
between Iraq and Iran.
The Soldiers of Troop A, 4th
Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., have been
working with Border Transition
Teams and supporting the DBE to
make sure they are fully trained
and have the support they need to
protect the border. Saylor admitted
that maintaining the border is
a pretty tough job with such a
large geographical area to secure.
However, the Iraqis are well-
equipped to get the job done, he
said.
“We are getting them trained up on
everything from customs type work,
vehicle searches, and personnel
searches,” said Saylor. “We even
have some guys up here teaching
them how to track personnel and
read footprints, so they can follow
the routes that are being used for
smuggling.”
The two units recently worked
together in planning an operation to
find a weapons cache. However, the
DBE troops were in the lead during
the execution of the mission.
The Iraqis did really well at
following the techniques and
procedures [the U.S. forces taught
them], and directing the Iraqi and
U.S. forces during the operation
said Capt. Richard Smith, executive
officer, Border Transition Team
Phoenix, from Lumberton, N.C.
“These kinds of things really help
to develop a strong partnership
and confidence,” said Smith, in
reference to the smooth execution
of the mission.
Those relationships become very
Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Jelle
Spc. David Evans, 3rd BSTB, 3rd
BCT, 4th Inf. Div, from Gloucester, N.J.
peeks outside the door to visually align
a satellite dish on JSS Al Tib.
important when there are about 100
people living and working in an
area that is only 100 meters by 150
meters.
“With such a small area, there’s
really no place you can go to just
get away, and things can get a little
tense sometimes,” said Fesler.
“Everyone here has to learn to
live with each other, and I think
that definitely brings people closer
together and builds a pretty tight-
knit brotherhood.”
When asked about what would
help reduce tension, the Soldiers
simply replied, “As long as there
are plenty of WAG bags.”
16

Iraqi Army soldier fires his new rifle in a supported prone position during a train-the-trainer M-16 range.
by Capt. Joshua Hunter
1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 4th Inf. Div.
The Soldiers of Company A, 1st
Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, have been
working to improve the 40th Iraqi
Army Brigade’s capabilities by
conducting an M-16 instructor
course June 20.
In March, “Attack” Company,
which falls under the operational
control of 3rd Battalion, 29th Field
Artillery Regiment, 3rd BCT, 4th
Inf. Div., was asked by the 40th
Brigade, 10th IA Division to train
their brigade on the M-16 rifle. The
Attack command group took on the
task, but took a different approach
17
to assisting the Iraqi Army.
“Since 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry
Division is an advise and assist
brigade, we are trying to separate
ourselves from training the Iraqis
to making the Iraqis use their own
systems and to develop continuity
within their organization,” said
1st Lt. Mario Ponsell, of Warner
Robins, Ga., headquarters platoon
leader, Company A, 1st Bn., 68th
Armor Reg.
As a result, Attack Company
coordinated through the 10th IA
Division to setup Iraqi training with
the Iraqi Army Regional Training
Center located on Camp Ur. The
40th IA Brigade sent 36 Soldiers to
participate in a week-long basic rifle
Photo by 1st Lt. Josh Woodke
marksmanship course.
Following the basic rifle
marksmanship training, the most
prepared IA soldiers were selected
from across the brigade after a hands
on examination with the M-16, to go
through the instructor course.
“The train the trainer course is
a six-day block of instruction on
marksmanship, technical details,
and range procedures,” said Sgt.
1st Class Chad Buggey, platoon
sergeant, of Philadelphia, Pa.
The first four days were spent in
the classroom reiterating the four
fundamentals, how to group and
zero the weapon, and how to run a
range. The last two days were spent
on the range giving the IA soldiers
a more in-depth opportunity to
understand the weapon system as
well as various firing
techniques.
“The first day
on the range,
the IA soldiers
jumped up and took
charge. They set up
targets, managed
the ammunition
point, and
conducted
ready- line preparation
and rehearsals of what happens
the moment they hit the ready
line,” said Cpl. David Ruhl,
from Pittsburgh, Pa., company
intelligence noncommissioned Photo by 1st Lt. Josh Woodke
officer in charge. Iraqi Army soldier fires his new rifle during a train-the-trainer M-16 range.
According to Spc. Mark Sepulveda,
team leader, from Los Angeles,
Calif., the Iraqi soldiers picked up
on the new weapons techniques and
range procedures
very quickly.
“The IA soldiers were completely
running the range by the second
range day. We were acting only as
safeties on the range,” he said.
Attack Company will continue to
partner with the 40th IA Brigade for
another train-the-trainer course that
will give them more opportunity to
take charge and practice giving the
basic rifle marksmanship classes to
their peers. This will be an essential
element to prepare them to teach
their subordinates at their respective
battalions when they return.
“The IA’s willingness to learn
and take charge of the training is a
great credit on how far they have
developed over the years,” said
Buggey.

Photo by 1st Lt. Josh Woodke

Sgt. 1st Class Chad Buggey, Company A, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg. prepares with
a platoon of Iraqi soldiers before the rifle marksmanship training.

18
 by Staff Sgt. Christopher Jelle
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
Marking the middle of summer,
Fourth of July commemorates the
birth of a nation and a celebration
of its freedom. The 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
held traditional activities for the
deployed Soldiers to provide a
taste of home as well as some
unique events that highlighted both
Soldiers and their Families.
The Iron Brigade’s “Phoenix”
Battalion celebrated with a meal
that was “Forged by Fire” during
a traditional backyard barbecue.
While most units usually hold their
cook-outs near the workplace, the
3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion
set theirs in the living area. Using
The COB Garry Owen’s Fire Support Team (left), square off against a team of
Maysan Province’s Iraqi Police(right) in a round of Tug-of-War.
19
this location made it feel more like
home, said 1st Sgt. Terrance Overton,
senior noncommissioned officer,
Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 3rd BSTB.
“The event lasted for 10 hours
starting at noon and until the last
Soldier in the battalion had his or
her fill of good old backyard-style
cooking,” he said.
The Soldiers of 4th Squadron,
10th Cavalry Regiment kicked off
their festivities by promoting two
Soldiers to the rank of sergeant.
Referencing the stark colors of the
unit’s flag, “Blackjack Barbecue
II: Red, White, and CAV” was the
official title for the recreational
event.
The cavalry troops took the day to
relax with friends under the shade
Photo by Sgt. James Dildy
in the Task Force 4-10 compound.
Music played over the sizzle of the
grill and the cheers of the Soldiers
during bouts of pingpong, tug-of-
war, and the “Tanker-Bar Throw.”
Warrant Officer Derek Boseman
won the toss by throwing the
3-foot long, 35-pound tanker-bar
an impressive 175 feet, according
to Capt. Benjamin Dalton, project
management cell officer in charge,
TF 4-10.
Helmed by 1st Sgt. Tim Bolyard,
Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
Maj. Norberto Menendez, squadron
executive officer, 4th Sqdn, 10th Cav.
Reg., 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., tends to
the lobster tails being grilled during the
Blackjack barbecue.

Photo by U.S. Army
Pvt. Byron Frank, an infantryman,
Company B, 1st Bn., 68th AR Reg.,
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., sets up a tactical
satellite radio during the “Baker Skills
Competition.”
the senior NCOs from the Hunter and
Dragoon Troops took turns grilling
up everything from traditional
hamburgers and sausages, to the
more elaborate steak and lobster.
Out on Contingency Operating
Station Garry Owen in the
neighboring Maysan Province, the
“Fighting Eagles” of 1st Battalion,
8th Infantry Regiment, spent the
day playing hard in a series of
tournaments and competitions. The
events included a five-kilometer
run, a Humvee push, volleyball and
basketball.
The Soldiers that emerged
victorious were honored at an
awards ceremony in the afternoon.
The winners were presented with
Sgt. 1st Class Erick Kennedy, a traffic management orderly, HHT, 3rd BSTB, 3rd
BCT, 4th Inf. Div., reorganizes his hand during a game of Spades at an evening
barbecue on the Fourth of July.
certificates of achievement signed
by Task Force Eagle Commander,
Lt. Col. John Digiambattista,
earning them not only bragging
rights, but five promotion points to
help advance their careers.
It wasn’t all burgers and ball-
games though. Soldiers from
Company B of the 1st Battalion,
68th Armor Regiment celebrated
Independence Day by doing what
they do best: train for combat
operations.
The “Silver Lions” competed in
two-man teams on various tasks and
drills such as weapons qualification,
vehicle inspections, and the
complete setup and operation of a
tactical satellite radio. One of the
final events tested the Soldiers’ first
responder skills with a worst-case
scenario patient who had every
wound imaginable.
Of course, they still had the
requisite barbecue, along with a
softball game and a marathon of
classic war movies.
The Iron Brigade Headquarters
put on a special event with the help
of Arizona’s National Guard unit,
2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation. With
a late-night ball game between the
Arizona Diamondbacks and Los
Angeles Dodgers projected onto a
T-wall barrier, Soldiers from each
Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
of the battalions enjoyed a cook-
out under the evening sky. Soldiers
from Arizona had a special treat that
night courtesy of the Diamondbacks
and FOX Sports.
As part of the “This One’s For
You” special event games, Family
members were invited to the game
in downtown Phoenix. Several
Soldiers in Iraq were able to talk
directly to their Family at Chase
Field before and during the game,
via live satellite link.
Many Soldiers from Arizona also
gave shout-outs and messages to
loved ones on-camera, which were
then broadcast by FOX Sports
during the game. Many of the
Soldiers got to see themselves and
their families enjoying the game
as it aired on the Armed Forces
Network.
While the Soldiers of the Iron
Brigade celebrated their nation’s
freedom and independence, they
also took the time to reflect on the
fact that they are the very symbol of
that freedom within the nation they
currently serve.
Photo by Maj. Alan S. Brown
Spc. Daniel Thompson and Spc.
Ashley Thompson enjoy an on-camera
conversation with their Family during
the Arizona Diamondbacks “This One’s
for You” event.
20
 Photo Courtesy of 2nd Lt. Andrew Mayer
Sgt. Brian Waltrip of Ogden, Utah, and Spc. Kaylynn Waltrip of Phelon, Calif., serve in different battalions within 3rd Brigade
Combat Team but are both stationed together on COB Adder.

where both spouses serve, leading spouses on the installation or

by 2nd Lt. Gregory Maull
4th Sqdn., 10th Cav., 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
The hardest part of being deployed
is not the extreme weather or long
hours—it’s being away from home,
friends, and family. Leaving behind
a spouse for a year-long deployment
can be one of the most challenging
aspects for married couples.
Time apart from a civilian or
military spouse can be emotionally
challenging for both parties. In
today’s military, there are a growing
number of dual military couples
to some unique challenges and
hardships during deployments.
With the Married Army Couples
Program, which helps place married
servicemembers in proximal units,
some couples have the advantage of
being deployed together.
Within 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry
Regiment and the 3rd Brigade, 4th
Infantry Division, there are several
examples of this unique status. In
fact, three dual military couples
within Dragoon Troop either have
deployed elsewhere.
Pfc. Donald and Pfc. Kristina
Schmit, from Minocqua, Wis., serve
as a cavalry scout in Headquarters
Troop and a signal support systems
specialist in Troop D respectively
and are currently deployed on COB
Adder. Prior to their deployment,
the two had spent a year apart
conducting training, and they view
this deployment as a chance to
spend time together.
“Being deployed together has

21
strengthened our relationship, and
I’m glad to see my husband on a
daily basis,” said Kristina.
Like many dual military couples,
the Waltrips got married during
their military career. They met while
stationed together at Fort Bragg,
N.C. during their time in the 82nd
Airborne Division.
Sgt. Brian Waltrip of Ogden,
Utah, and Spc. Kaylynn Waltrip of
Phelon, Calif., serve in different
battalions within 3rd BCT but are
both stationed together on COB
Adder.
Brian works as a chemical,
biological, radiological, and nuclear
noncommissioned officer, Troop
D, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry
Regiment. His wife, Kaylynn,
works as a health care specialist in Photo Courtesy of 2nd Lt. Andrew Mayer
Company C, 64th Brigade Support Pfc. Donald and Pfc. Kristina Schmit, from Minocqua, Wis., serve as a signal
Battalion. support systems specialist in Headquarters Troop, and a health care specialist in
Troop D, respectively and are currently deployed to Iraq.
“It’s a blessing and it’s hard at the
same time. Whenever my wife is on Sustainment Brigade currently we are able to keep in touch even if
the road, it’s like I’m out there with serves in Afghanistan. Though we are thousands of miles apart.”
her,” said Brian. the two are deployed to different Each couple believes having
For the Padillas, of Scottville, countries, they share the same a spouse in the military makes
Mich., serving in different theaters deployment rotation, bringing them serving easier, as there is someone
makes for some challenges. Sgt. home and together at the same time. who understands the stress and
1st Class James Padilla, a Troop D, “Even though we’re not challenges of a deployment. Even
4th Sqdn., 10th Cav., maintenance [physically] together, we understand within these distinctive military
platoon sergeant, is deployed to each other’s stresses of being families, one fact still holds true. It’s
Iraq, while his wife, Staff Sgt. deployed and help each other,” said the support of loved ones that gives
Monica Padilla, a transportation James. ”Fortunately, with instant Soldiers the courage to complete
management coordinator, 43rd messenger, webcams, and phones, their missions.
Photo Courtesy of 2nd Lt. Andrew Mayer
Staff Sgt. Monica Padilla,a transportation
management coordinator, 43rd
Sustainment Brigade, currently serves
in Afghanistan, and husband Sgt. 1st
Class James Padilla, a Troop D, 4th
Sqdn., 10th Cav., maintenance platoon
sergeant, are deployed to Iraq.

22
 by Pvt. DeAngelo Wells
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office

Soldiers assigned to Company

E, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division, which
currently falls under 3rd Battalion,
29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd
BCT, 4th Inf. Div., received combat
action badges July 16 for their
actions after being engaged by the
enemy in Nasiriyah, Iraq.
Sgt. Aaron Justi, Pfc. Jacob Robb,
Pvt. Timothy Armstrong, Capt.
Brendan McNichol, and Pfc. David
Clark received the Combat Action
Badge. Spc. Mauricio Torres
received the Combat Medic Badge
for providing medical service after
the attack. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
These Soldiers were recognized Soldiers assigned to Company E, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment attached to
for their response to an explosively 3rd Battalion, 29th Artillery Regiment, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div, pose for a group photo
formed projectile, or EFP, that hit after an award ceremony held in their honor.
their convoy vehicle while moving While some suffered minor injuries, Commander, Lt. Col. Jonathon
cargo from Nasiriyah to COB all the Soldiers returned safely. Howerton, and Command Sgt.
Adder. The EFP went through the hood Maj. Thomas Miller were pleased
“I could hear it right before I felt of a vehicle and destroyed its to recognize their Soldiers for
it,” said Sgt. Aaron Justi, combat transmission. The vehicle had to be their actions. This is the unit’s first
engineer. “I was shook up, and I towed back to COB Adder. combat action badge ceremony for
knew right then that we got hit.” “When it happened, all I could Operation Iraqi Freedom 2010.
Immediately after the explosion, think about was ‘What just “We were just doing what we were
Soldiers in the convoy dismounted happened, and is everyone ok?’” taught to do,” said Justi. “When we
from their vehicles and established said Torres. “When I found out the were hit by the EFP, we could have
perimeter security. Torres, the Soldiers were fine, that’s when I forgotten our training, but we had a
medic, conducted checks on all finally calmed down.” calm head and reacted well.”
Soldiers within the blast zone. The 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.

23
24
 by Pfc. Khori D. Johnson
3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
Different brigades of the 10th
Iraqi Army Division throughout the
Dhi Qar and Muthanna Provinces
recently conducted a series of
sensitive site exploitation training
sessions July 10-13 taught by the
663rd Ordnance Company, which is
attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Sensitive site exploitation is a
process of collecting evidence at a
crime scene and effectively using
that evidence to apprehend and
prosecute the person responsible.
“Due to the way the insurgency
Sgt. Nikita Kelyanov dusts for fingerprints on a wall during a demonstration while 1st Lt. Ahmad Majeed looks on.
25
operates, we can’t always tell who
the enemy is because they don’t
wear a uniform. They are faceless,”
said Capt. Tyrone Rankin, of South
Range, Mich., explosive ordinance
disposal officer, special weapons
exploitation team, 663rd Ord.
Company, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
“SSE is an outstanding way to
confirm or disconfirm the identity
of the individual involved in the
crime.”
The most recent session was a
four-day class at Joint Security
Station Ur with 15 soldiers and
officers from the 39th and 40th
Brigades of the 10th IA Div.
Throughout the class session, the
U.S. Soldiers instructed the Iraqi
Army on the process of properly
collecting evidence from the crime
scene, primarily through collecting
fingerprints.
The act of using fingerprints for
identification can be traced back to
the ancient city of Babylon, where
they used fingerprints as a way
to sign documents and confirm
business transactions, said Rankin.
Each class incorporated a period
of lecture, followed by hands-on
instruction with the IA soldiers.
“This course has been very
beneficial,” said 1st Lt. Ahmad
Photo by Pfc. Khori D. Johnson
Majeed, legal officer, 40th Brigade,
10th IA Div. “I’ve not had the
opportunity to try some of the things
that were taught today.”
During the hands-on sessions,
IA officers and soldiers had
the opportunity to take part in
fingerprinting that is used in criminal
in-processing and the collection
of fingerprints during crime scene
investigation. They all had the
opportunity to lift fingerprints using
clear adhesive tape.
“I haven’t had the chance to see
fingerprints being lifted using tape,”
said Majeed. “Before this, I had only
seen it in American police movies.”
The major obstacle for the Iraqi
security forces will be establishing
a standardized, national database
in order to effectively exploit all
the evidence that they collect, said
Rankin.
“If I have a set of prints from a
crime in Dhi Qar, it doesn’t help
much to only have that information
just in my database, when Muthanna
may already have the guy I’m
looking for in custody,” he said.
When a properly functioning
information system is put into
place, the Iraqi security forces will
able to arrest and prosecute more
criminals.
“They are motivated. They like Photo by Pfc. Khori D. Johnson
the process, and they are more 1st Lt. Ahmad Majeed conducts an in-processing exercise during the hands-on
than capable,” said Rankin. “They portion of the course.
will be in a place where they can
contend with these attacks and
defeat these terrorist cells and
enemy networks.”

26

by Pfc. Dave Peterson
3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
The Soldiers of Battery B, 3rd
Battalion, 29th Field Artillery
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division,
recently met with Iraqi citizens
while supporting a Human Terrain
Team in its mission of conducting
assessments of local infrastructure
and interviewing local population.
The “Bulldogs” of Battery B,
alongside the Iraqi Ash Shatrah
Police Department, provided
security and assistance to a Human
Terrain Analysis Team from United
States Division—South out of
Basra.
An HTA Team consists of social
scientists who conduct cultural data
research and analysis that can assist
Capt. Zachary Quintana, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Capt. Brian Ivany, of Washington
D.C., pose for a picture with an Iraqi Policeman from Al Shatrah Police
Department.
27
the military in improving its strategy
and operations.
“The information that the HTA
Team is gathering will undoubtedly
provide U.S. forces and Iraqi
security forces with pertinent insight
into our neighbors’ concerns and
further our working relationship,”
said Staff Sgt. Dustin Silvis, of
Littleton, Colo., company operation
and intelligence support team
noncommissioned officer in charge,
Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.
The HTA Team consists of two
Department of Defense civilians,
Julianne Ivany, and Mohammed, an
Iraqi-born United States citizen who
asked not to give his last name.
The team conducted assessments
in the villages of Al Sagban and
Al O’wayad on the first day of
Photo by Spc. Richard Bolin
Photo by Spc. Richard Bolin
Julianne Ivany, a Human Terrain
Analysis Team member, discusses
local issues and concerns with people
and community leaders of southwest
Al Gharraf.
their mission, and in the city of Al
Gharraf on the second, said Capt.
Brian Ivany, executive officer,
Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.,
of Washington D.C., who is also
Julianne’s brother.
Al Sagban and Al O’wayad are
tribal villages located in the rural
area near JSS Jenkins, while Al
Gharraf is a city, with improving
infrastructure and active political
and economic systems, he said.
While conducting these
assessments, Capt. Ivany said the
HTA Team interviewed local shop
owners, clinic workers, and tribal
leaders.
At each location, the team heard
from the people that they were
pleased to see Iraqi Security Forces
and American Soldiers working
together in such harmony, he said.
“Missions of this sort provide
value at several levels. Commanders
receive tangible, refined data about
the operating environment. And it
brings U.S. forces, Iraqi security
forces, and the local citizens
together. It gives credibility to
everything we do, as the Iraqi people
are able to witness the partnership
between American and Iraqi forces
for themselves,” said Capt. Michael
Scott, of Manassas, Va., commander,
Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg.
 by Spc. Ashley Thompson
64th BSB, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div
Deploying for the first time as a
supply clerk, I didn’t know what
to expect. Was I going to be out
on missions all of the time? Was
it going to be as intense as the
movies?
The answer is, “No.” The war in
Iraq today is a different fight than
the one two years ago and the one in
the movies. Although capturing the
enemy is top priority, the mission
of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division has changed from
combat operations to an advise and
assist role. As a result, the role has
also changed for Company C, 64th
Brigade Support Battalion, supply
personnel.
The 64th BSB plays a huge part
in the drawdown of U.S. forces in
Iraq. The mission has changed from
“get everything you can” to “turn in
everything you can.”
As company supply clerks, we
do much of the leg work for the
responsible drawdown of forces
mission, specifically with reducing The process for turn in is not as
the amount of excess equipment simple as just giving the equipment
across the theater. Our main goal to someone else. Each piece of
is to turn in all the non-mission equipment must go through at least
essential equipment in the area of 10 separate steps before company
operation, have it repaired or refitted, supply personnel can even start
and finally have it redistributed to the official turn-in paperwork.
other units that need it. Most items go to the United States
To date Company C, 64th BSB, Division-South in Basra for final
has turned in 69 individual items approval, while some equipment
totaling approximately $1,000,000, goes to much higher echelons for
said 1st Lt. Kim Kane, of Los approval.
Angeles, Calif., company supply As I look out at the coming
officer. months, I know that my mission has
These items can be anything from contributed to reducing the number
vehicles to computer monitors. of troops and equipment in Iraq. I
Over the course of the last year and see myself as a small part of a bigger
a half, billions of dollars worth of plan, knowing that my everyday
equipment have been reallocated ability to do my job significantly
from the previous campaigns in contributes to the Army’s ability to
Iraq. accomplish the overall mission.
Although it is a time-consuming When I look back on this
task at times, making sure that all deployment, I can proudly say I was
the paperwork is correct and that there, and I was a part of helping
the items are serviceable, we as Soldiers come home from Iraq.
supply clerks and supply sergeants
are ready and willing to get the job
done.
Photo by Sgt. Bryant Coleman
Spc. Ashley Thompson, 64th
BSB, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.,
reads off the serial number
for a piece of equipment that
is getting turned in,while Pfc.
Laura Betts, 64th BSB, 3rd
BCT, 4th Inf. Div., verifies.
28