An officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, fights off one of her instructors during Sexual Assualt Unarmed Self Defense Awareness and Prevention class, held at Forward Operating Base Warrior. Photo by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs

A group of petite female Soldiers laugh as their instructors, four much larger non-commissioned officers wince in pain from self-defense techniques they just taught these female Soldiers that could ultimately save their lives.

These Soldiers, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, were the first to participate in a trail program that focuses on teaching the Soldiers self-defense so they can better defend themselves against an attacker, according to First Sgt. John Lucas, first sergeant of HHC, of the Ready First Combat Team.

This program is a proactive attempt by the leadership of the Ready First Combat Team to teach their Soldiers to protect themselves if attacked, when they are unarmed.

During the class a very curious crowd of male and female Soldiers gathered around to observe these females learning to immobilize their attacker so that they can have enough time to get away, the importance of preserving evidence and ways to prevent an attack from happening, according to Lucas.

The brigade’s sexual assault response coordinator had some advice for the Soldiers to prevent an attack.

“You must show confidence in yourself at all times,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Meineke, the SARC. “Walk with your head high and you will not be looked at as a victim.”

The junior-enlisted Soldiers that participated in the program were also given a very lethal weapon that would scare off any attacker, according the Lucas.

This weapon was a flashlight and it is the new best friend of the Soldiers participating in the class.
With this the Soldiers can blind, hit and gather evidence, such as DNA or even identification, from their attacker.

Overall the instructors said they were very impressed with the Soldiers and that they were very quickly picking up on moves that gives them an advantage over an attacker that can be much larger than them.

The plan for this class is for it to be held more regularly and have it be mandatory for all females of the Ready First Combat Team, to show that sexual assault has no place at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq.

Until the classes are scheduled the instructors have urged their students to go out and teach other Soldiers what they had learned and to also practice the techniques often so they do not lose the skill.

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Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs

The II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), U.S. Force - West color guard stands at parade rest just prior to the beginning of the transfer of authority ceremony in which II MEF yielded command of Al Anbar province to 1st Armored Division, U.S. Division-Center at Camp Ramadi Jan. 23. The ceremony marks the end of nearly six years of Marine command of coalition forces in Iraq. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Kayleigh J. Cannon)

The first major indicator of the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq occurred in Ramadi Jan. 23 when II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) transferred authority of Iraq’s largest province to 1st Armored Division.

Before the ceremony, 1st Armored Division’s area of operations, as U.S. Division-Center, encompassed Baghdad and its surrounded communities. The historic transfer of authority ceremony, held at Camp Ramadi, extends the division’s reach throughout Al Anbar Province; a vast western landscape spanning more than 53,000 square miles.

The ceremony also marks the closure of a nearly six-year U.S. Marines Corps command presence in Iraq and comes at a pivotal time when U.S. forces are transferring from combat operations to stability operations.

Since its activation as II MEF (Forward) on July 2, 2008, the Marine division worked with the people of Al Anbar and tribal sheiks to help secure peace and stability for the province and all of Iraq. The efforts of II MEF (Forward) built upon the developments made during two previous Marine Expeditionary Force rotations.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, II MEF (Forward), commanding general of U.S. Force-West.

Marines have been at the heart of almost every major Iraq campaign period since February 2004, from the early battles in an-Najaf and Fallujah, along the western Euphrates River Valley which extends from Al Qa’im to Rawah; and continuing with the pivotal Awakening Movement which many historians and diplomatic experts credit as the turning of the tide against al Qaeda in Iraq.

“Since early 2004, the U.S. Marines serving in Al Anbar have consistently exemplified their motto, Semper Fi – Always Faithful,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, deputy commanding general for operations and I Corps commanding general, U.S. Forces-Iraq. “They have been especially faithful to the people of Al Anbar; the focal point of their mission in Iraq. Anbaris are resilient people who have sacrificed dearly but now emerge as stronger people.”

As the Marines say their goodbyes to the citizens and tribal leaders of Al Anbar, Iraqi soldiers and police officers in the region will begin working closely with 1st Armored Division, under the continued leadership of 1st Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist Brigade) who have been operating there for about six months. Army leaders with 1st Armd. Div., said they are eager to build on II MEF’s reputation; Tryon expressed confidence in their ability to do so.

“Today’s ceremony is certainly an example of continued positive change as we transition and consolidate U.S. forces under the flag of USD-C,” said Tryon. “Over the last several years, we have seen a logical and a desired progression in Anbar, moving from combat operations to counter insurgency operations, and now to stability operations.”

Tryon praised the efforts of the Iraqis and tribal sheiks in Al Anbar for their courage in standing against tyranny and violence in their streets.

“These things have not been accomplished over the course of the past several years because of what U.S. forces have done alone,” said Tryon. “Rather, these achievements are a result of what we have done together in partnership with one another and with the leadership of the Iraqi civil sector.

“We see over and again that we are at our best when we partner together to achieve our mutual objectives and goals working side-by-side, hand-in-hand,” he said,” “learning from one another in accomplishing our mutual mission.”

The casing of the II MEF colors signified completion of the Marine Corps mission in Iraq. As the Marine color guard marched their colors off the stage, the Army color guard replaced them. Maj. Gen. Terry Wolff, 1st Armored Division, U.S. Division-Center commanding general, said the accomplishments of the Marines in the region will not be in vain.

“For many of us who have served with you on multiple tours across Iraq, we’ll never forget your sacrifices and all that you have given on our behalf,” Woolf said.

He emphasized that his division will match Al Anbar’s changing environment by assisting the region’s tribal sheiks and Iraqi security forces to ensure all Iraqis in the region enjoy the security and peace they deserve.

“Today is one of those transition points in the evolution of military operations as the 1st AD and USD-C takes over responsibility for partnering with Iraqi security forces and the provincial government of Al Anbar,” said Wolff. “As we move forward, we understand the importance of this year in Iraq, and the USD-C team has dedicated ourselves to that mission and the tasks ahead.”

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By Spc. Kayleigh Cannon

The sugar refining machinery inside the Majaar Al Kabir Sugar Factory in Maysan, Iraq.

Escorting and assisting Provincial Reconstruction Team efforts to build up the civilian infrastructure is almost a daily task for many Soldiers deployed to Iraq, however, the project that members of Task Force Pathfinders participated in Dec. 18, could be considered extra sweet.

Second Platoon, “B” Battery, 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, Task Force Pathfinders rolled out that day with eight members of the Department of Defense’s Task Force to Improve Business and Stability Operations to the city of Al Majaar Al Kabir, in southern Iraq’s Maysan province.

They were escorting TF-BSO personnel to evaluate the Al Majaar Al Kabir Sugar Factory, in need of renovation. The manager of the sugar factory brought in engineers and representatives from several departments within his corporation to meet with the taskforce.

TF-BSO recently completed two inspections with “B” Btry. The first was an initial evaluation of the factory’s buildings. The second was to examine the machinery inside and the sugar cane fields once used to supply the factory.

The fields still grow sugar cane, but, without the means to refine it into a finished product, locals have to sell the cane to factories outside of Maysan. The refined sugar then makes its way back to the province and is resold at increased prices in local markets.

The partnership between the Maysan PRT and the Soldiers of “B” Btry is a new one in Iraq, part of the Army’s ‘advise and assist’ concept to better integrate military support into building-up civilian infrastructure.

“The battery does a great job supporting our operations and projects in any way they can,” said Steven Banks, Maysan PRT’s team leader, “We’re delighted to have such great and enthusiastic partners.”

While this partnership consists mostly of escort missions to various projects, “B” Battery also conducts Commander’s Emergency Response Program inspections and reconnaissance missions to assess Maysan’s civil capacity needs.

Each CERP project is a direct result of a recognized need within the Maysan province, coordinated with the provincial government, but requiring funding and expertise local elected leaders simply don’t have. Projects cover a variety of civilian needs and are steadily making an impact on the overall quality of life of the citizens of Maysan.

The rehabilitation of the sugar factory is a TF-BSO-led project with help from the Maysan PRT.

Donna Carter, the Maysan PRT’s economic advisor, said the facility was “once a thriving industry in Maysan.” The factory was capable of providing all of Iraq with its sugar supply and was once referred to as the “jewel of Majaar Al Kabir,” but the factory had since been left neglected and abandoned.

“Its state of disrepair stands as a symbol of the despair, frustration and anger felt by many in the province,” said Carter.

“Revitalization of this major factory will have a far-reaching impact,” Carter said, “not only for the people of Maysan, but also for a legacy of American good will we hope to leave.”

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By 2nd Lt. Anthony Greco

Iraqi police and U.S. Soldiers carry a bag of book bags to a school in the Faylaq neighborhood during their combined humanitarian mission, Dec. 22. Photo by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs

Three hundred Iraqi schoolchildren in the village of Faylaq, near the Iraqi city of Kirkuk, Iraq, were treated to a surprise donation of school necessities Dec. 22.

In an effort to improve education in Kirkuk, Iraqi police and members of the Al-Atyah Women’s Organization, assisted by Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, donated school supplies for children.

This humanitarian mission was a part of a larger mission to reach out to the people in this neighborhood, said Hanna Hasan Husein, a leader at Al-Atyah.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Russell Raines, the 1st platoon leader for B-Company, 1st Batt., 30th Inf. Regt., whose platoon helped the IP’s and Women’s Organization members in delivering the supplies, believes these combined activities are important to stability in the region.

The progress the IP’s, AAWO and U.S. forces are making in the villages can already be seen, according to Husein. The children are talking to the IP’s and Soldiers, laughing, smiling and at one point the children were singing with the IP’s.

Humanitarian aid plays a huge part in the fight we are in now, said Husein. It allows the people to see the IP are here to also help them, not just conduct raids or combat patrols.

It is important for the Iraqi population to see the IP’s and U.S. forces conducting these types of operations which show that we are allies and not occupiers, according to Raines.

Raines also feels it is a welcome change of pace for him and his Soldiers to be able to help children.

For everyone involved it is a powerful experience, through partnership we were able to improve the lives of these students, Raines explained.

“The IP and U.S. forces mission here is the people of Iraq,” said Raines. “We want them to know we are all here to protect them and keep them safe.”

“Throughout their time here, 1st Batt., 30th Inf. Reg. plans on assisting the Iraqi police and AAWO,” said Raines.

According to Raines, U.S. forces, the IP’s and Women’s Organization will continue to deliver school supplies and other items not available to students.

“This helps the community build a relationship of trust with the IP’s and hopefully a better future,” said Raines.

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Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs

Soldiers from Task Force Pathfinder conduct a walkthrough, Nov. 6, to check on the progress of a demonstration building commissioned by the municipal counsel of Al Chubayish, Iraq. The project uses bricks made from local clay mixed with cement that are stronger, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than those traditionally used. Photo by Capt. John Landry

It was an hour and a half drive taking Task Force Pathfinder’s five humvees to the project location near Al Chubayish, Iraq, in the southern corner of the Dhi Qar province. The journey, led by Iraqi police, took them through the provincial capital of Nasiriyah, undergoing massive reconstruction, out along the vast farmland and past what’s left of the historic marshes.

For Task Force 2nd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, movements to project locations like this are a daily routine.

However, on this day, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, responsible for aiding the Dhi Qar Provincial Reconstruction Team, were out to check on the progress of a project that could yield long-term success benefits for the people of, Al Chubayish.

The Al Chubayish municipal council recently learned of a new, stronger type of brick. It is made from 45 percent of their local clay and 55 percent cement, and yet doesn’t require oven heat to solidify. As it turns out, all it needs is sunlight.

By avoiding the brick-baking process altogether, the fuel consumption and the required transportation to the construction site – the bricks can be manufactured onsite — the cost could decrease. Additionally, “solar powered” process eliminates the air pollution of baking bricks.

The Municipal Council decided to use the new bricks to construct an office building, municipally run, for the purpose of promoting the use of the brick. The building will even have living space for workers to maintain extended hours during this busy reconstruction period. The project was proposed to the Dhi Qar PRT and approved by the provincial government.

Hadir Bashitt, a worker on the site, guided the Army engineer assigned to the project, 1st. Lt. Paul Goode, around the newly laid foundation for the building.

The structure will serve as an example of the types of bricks while operating as the center for selling these bricks for other city construction, Bashitt said.

It is the age-old virtue of doing more with less and making a lasting impact.

Hadir described how the word has already reached the outskirts of town without any advertising. However, he did mention they are constructing a sign to put on the road in case anyone hasn’t heard.

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Story by Capt. John Landry