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Bond Girls Are Back – in Iraq

Bond Girls Are Back – in Iraq

1st Lt. Kathryne B. Schilling, a 27-year-old native of Bethesda, Md., and training officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, coaches a woman as she prepares to shoot a pistol during her training to become a Sister of Ferris, June 4. The Sisters of Ferris, trained by CLB-1, 1st MLG, with support from Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, will inspect women for weapons, suicide vests, large amounts of … Read entire article »

Filed under: Featured, Iraq, Marines, Our Best: Military Women, Rebuilding, War on Terror

3/6 Recruits Sisters in Ameriyah, Ferris

The training program designed to strengthen Iraqi Security Forces and employ women in the fight against terrorist activity has expanded in al-Anbar Province as several new recruits graduated and became the Sisters of Ameriyah-Ferris here on June 5. Previous graduates of the Sisters of Fallujah program work at multiple entry control points into the city to disrupt insurgent efforts to use women to transport contraband into the city of Fallujah. The Sisters of Amariyah-Ferris is the first group trained outside of Fallujah within the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines’ area of operations. The Sisters participated in classes held near the towns of Ameriyah and Ferris. 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines was augmented by the female search teams of Combat Logistics Battalion-1 who came out and taught the five-day training. To thoroughly train the new Sisters … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

ISAF Forces Repel Militants in Kunar

International Security Assistance Force – Afghanistan forces successfully defeated militants during four engagements Sunday [June 8 2008] in Kunar province. The first engagement happened Sunday morning as an ISAF convoy, traveling near the village of Dabarzay in Kunar province’s Manogai District, defeated militants who attacked their convoy. Two civilians were injured by militant fire and were evacuated to nearby ISAF medical facilities for treatment. In the second incident, militants attempted to attack an ISAF re-supply helicopter with small-arms fire at an ISAF base near the village of Serray, Chowkay District. ISAF and Afghan national security forces successfully repelled the attack with small-arms fire, machine guns, mortars and attack helicopters. No ISAF or ANSF service members were killed or injured, nor were any helicopters damaged, during the incident. In the third engagement, approximately an hour later, … Read entire article »

Filed under: Afghanistan, War on Terror

Over 140 Suspected Criminals turn themselves over to ISF

More than 140 suspected criminals turned themselves into the Joint Coordination Center in the city of Balad, May 22. Three tribal leaders from the area ended their standoff with U.S. and Iraqi forces by bringing in all men under their influence who have a criminal history. “Today’s reconciliation is an example of local leaders taking a broad step forward in the future security and in the legitimacy of the legal process,” said Maj. Ramiro Salazar, an executive officer of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. “This is the first step of initiating the process for reconciliation with the Iraqi Government, as well as Iraqi Security and Coalition forces.” The mass reconciliation comes on the heels of several operations designed to put an end to the insurgency that has crippled the area since … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Iraqi Operations Net Criminals and Weapons

Iraqi Operations Net Criminals and Weapons

Iraqi security forces detained numerous criminals and found two caches during Operation Estonia on March 29 – 30 in the Iraqi cities of Hamza and Hashmiyah. “Operation Estonia was an operation to combat extremists who had occupied the town of Hashmiyah,” said Maj. Tony Campbell, from Colorado Springs, Colo., G-3 adviser and deputy team leader with 31st Military Transition Team, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. “I was surprised by the tenacity of the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, Surge 2007, War on Terror

Sunni and Shia Sheiks Unite in Balad

For the first time since sectarian tension embroiled the Balad area, Sunni and Shia sheiks and local community leaders gathered in the same place to promote unity amongst the myriad of tribes. More than one hundred sheiks and tribal elders from the communities of Duluiyah, Ishaki and the surrounding area gathered in a town-hall style meeting on April 3 to discuss repairing fractious differences in an attempt to bring peace and prosperity to the citizens of the region, which is comprised of about 40 percent Shia and 60 percent Sunni. While tensions mount in the southern province of Basra, Shia and Sunni leaders have pledged cooperation and unity in the Balad area in an effort to stimulate the local economy through recent security gains. Government Leaders Speak Among the Shieks and elders, … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

Soldiers Assess Orchards in Al Buaytha

Soldiers Assess Orchards in Al Buaytha

Fruit orchards are a viable industry in al Buaytha, providing income for area farmers and affecting other aspects of the local economy. Soldiers of 1st Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, are currently gathering information on all the farmers, finding out their needs, how much they produce, how many workers tend the land and how much land they own. Based on this knowledge, the unit can help … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, War on Terror

ISF, Coalition forces reinforce 3 checkpoints during attack

Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces reinforced a political party headquarters building and three ISF checkpoints after an attack by terrorist forces March 25. An Iraqi Army checkpoint was engaged by terrorist forces at approximately 11 a.m. by small-arms fire near the Daawa Party Building in Sadr City. The IA soldiers repelled the enemy forces and secured their checkpoint and the building. Three checkpoints also came under enemy fire. The ISF and CF quickly reinforced the positions. The combined efforts of these forces caused the terrorists to flee the area. During one of the engagements, an air weapons team was called in for support. The air crew engaged the enemy forces. MNF-I … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Surge 2007, War on Terror

Diyala Province Cache Unearthed

Diyala Province Cache Unearthed

Just a couple of pics to illustrate what we mean by a cache. BANI SAID, Iraqi (March 3, 2008) A soldier from the Iraqi Security Forces stands near a cache of munitions and many large weapons systems unearthed by Iraqi and U.S. Army Soldiers. A local supporter of reconciliation led the Soldiers to the cache in the Diyala Province of Iraq. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Mulligan … Read entire article »

Filed under: Iraq, Rebuilding, Surge 2007, War on Terror