10 posts tagged “al anbar”

We knew that this time would arrive and while we are excited to return home, we must thank each and every one of you for your support over the past year.  A very special "THANK YOU!!" to the guys and gals at VOX for assisting us during the initial stages and we definitely could not have done it without them!  When we first started this blog, they understood the complications of our internet connectivity here and kept in touch with us to ensure that everything was running smooth. 

We hope that this site brought some newsworthy information, but if you want to keep up with the news here in Fallujah, Regimental Combat Team 1 has started their own VOX blog.  They have already posted a few articles and we encourage you to give them a look and once in a while, give them a shout.

We decided to post a picture of the crew that has brought you the Fightin' 6th blog. 

Pfc. Brian Jones just returned from the city and brings us the State of Fallujah Address where city officials tell you about what has taken place over the past year to strengthen their home:

FALLUJAH, Iraq —City officials and leaders gathered at the newly developed Fallujah television station to deliver a live broadcast of the state of Fallujah address to the people recently.

Sheik Hamid Ahmed, the chairman of the Fallujah city council, and Col. Faisal Ismail Husayn, the chief of police, spoke on behalf of the city recounting their history and announcing the current state of affairs.

Both Ahmed and Husayn thanked the service members and commanding officers with Regimental Combat Team 6 and Multi National Force-West for their support in security, reconstruction efforts and taking interest in the future of the city.

“The real picture of Fallujah is what you see today,” said Ahmed, translated by an interpreter. “It is living in security and reconstruction because the leadership of the city was put in the hands of the good people.”

Currently, the local tribal sheik council and city muktars are diligently working in accordance with the mayor and city council elected by the citizens of Fallujah in guiding the city’s future as Coalition Forces remain in a supporting role as advisors and security.

 “When we united the city council, the mayor and the muktars of the city, the situation of the city turned for the better,” said Husayn. “Everybody knows that the security situation in Fallujah before 2006 was killing in the streets, destruction and no one could say any righteous word anywhere. Today the situation is special, very secure and peaceful. That is not our own evaluation, but it is the citizens of Fallujah who have evaluated the situation and have told us the status of the city.”

Husayn said that as security improved within the city all other efforts in rebuilding the city became a success and due to the city’s new leadership the city is moving in the direction of progress and stability.

All this was not possible without the help of the Coalition Forces and their help with the reconstruction efforts that work side by side with the security efforts in the city, said Husayn.

As security drastically improved the people of Fallujah received nearly 1,000 government jobs granted by the central government of Iraq, opened new and old businesses and have managed public services. Special efforts have also been made in supporting the students and youth of Fallujah, from school supplies to recreational sports.

The Fallujah Business Development Center has opened to manage reconstruction efforts for the district and is also used as the central foundation to inviting Arab and other investment companies into the city.

“Fallujah is ready for major investment,” said Ahmed. “From this place, we call on all the investors from the Arab nations and international nations to come and invest in the district of Fallujah.”

Ahmed attributed the reason for investing in the city is because of the city’s location on the Euphrates River that is an intersection for all the international roads and also, the city contains all the main ingredients necessary for development, such as human and construction resources and the availability of the experience and expertise.

Husayn addressed government representatives and brothers from the Arab nations around Iraq in his speech asking that they come and visit the city that sacrificed more than many other cities in Iraq and deserves that the people stand by its side and provide the services that it needs for support.

“I want them to come and see the reality of Fallujah today,” said Husayn. “They will see that Fallujah is very secure and that the citizens of Fallujah are very generous and very brave and are here to welcome anybody that comes to Fallujah.”

“All want the peace and are looking forward to building good relations and friendships with all the peoples’ nations,” said Ahmed. “We will turn the page of the past and will open a new page with the grace of God. We swore to ourselves that we will keep our city as a star shining among the stars of the other cities of Iraq.”

A team from NBC News recently embedded with us to obtain footage of Fallujah and the turnaround that has taken place with the people and the way of life.  This segment aired last night and the possibility exists of another piece next week.  The Marines of the "Darkhorse Battalion" hosted the crew and provided them a tour of the City of Mosques...

 

Pfc. Brian Jones made his way out recently to hang with the Marines of "America's Battalion" for a few days.  During his trip, he covered some of the Iraqi Police training offered by the Marines.  In today's world, you will find several forms of discrimination and it is no different in the greater Fallujah area.  The difference in tribes can often bring feuding and this is an example of how these Iraqis put that to the side and use teamwork towards a common goal...

ZAIDON, Iraq—“I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”

These are famous words by Frederick Douglas speaking about overcoming struggles in the progress for human liberty. More than a century later, these words may express the sensitivity of how Iraqis feel toward their struggle for a better future.

Iraqi Police students waited for their instructor’s commands to be translated by the interpreter. The instructions were to work as a team and depend on the cohesion of one another’s strength and cooperation to execute a physical exercise. This was a challenge set forth for the students to help them rise above their past of ill feelings toward one another that separated them, keeping them from working together to achieve a common goal.

“They’re civilians that have been guarding checkpoints for months and are looking for some recognition,” said 1^st Lt. Todd Richardson, a platoon commander with Weapons Company, 3^rd Battalion, 3^rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6. “They’re looking for some actual authority as opposed to just being civilian watch and they’re finally getting their chance.”

Marines with Weapons Co. graduated 59 newly trained Iraqi policemen in Zaidon, Iraq, Dec. 20, after they reconciled tribal differences among their students.

Early on in the training, the Marines realized they would have to put forth an extra effort in building camaraderie among the class. They needed their Iraqi students to overcome their social differences that were causing disruptions. They relied on teamwork building exercises that required their students to set aside their differences.

Arguments interrupted the first day of instruction, almost leading the instructors to immediately fail students, a loss neither the Marines nor the police force wanted.

“I don’t understand Arabic, but I understand complaining,” said 26-year-old Ocala, Fla., native, Sgt. David R. Dahl, a chief instructor.

“It started out with a few hitches in the beginning,” said Dahl. “There were tribal differences and things of that nature. They were put into situations where they were forced to be next to people they didn’t like. Either they were going to be a team or they weren’t going to be apart of this.”

“You’re still a member of your tribe and you’re still a member of your community, but you’re not going to worry about your tribe and community as much as you’re going to worry about the country as a whole,” Dahl told his students.

Throughout a period of six training days the Marines taught their students a wide range of professional security force skills from marksmanship and detainee handling to human rights and medical aid.

All the Marines agreed there were moments their blood pressure rose, but they were glad to be teaching the students things they may not get a chance to learn anywhere else.

“Training was condensed into long hours leaving them little free time, which was good because it kept them focused on what they were doing,” said Dahl. “They were physically training, studying or sleeping. They weren’t given anytime to think about anything else.”

Discipline was on display from the Marines. Proficient execution of technique was shown. The Marines hoped the Iraqis would pull together and emulate their actions.

“The Marines actually came together really well on it and worked hard,” said Dahl. “Every Marine was very professional on how they gave their class and they were very hands on with them. When it was their time to go in front of the Iraqis they were experts on what they were talking about.”

As Dahl taught a class in detainee handling, he showed the class techniques to use to take down a resisting detainee. One student challenged him saying the moves wouldn’t work on him. Dahl offered him the chance to stand before the class and demonstrate his resistance to what Dahl had shown them. In a short few seconds, the student found himself on the ground restrained with a surprised look on his face to be proven wrong. The whole class sat there, admiring the skills of their instructor.

Dahl said he and other instructors would sit the students down after a long day of classes and speak with them to make sure the students appreciated the magnitude of their situation and the new responsibilities the students would take on upon graduating as police.

“I had a lot of talks with them about the importance of what they’re training for and the responsibilities that come along with the job,” said Dahl. “The change in their life they will have to make now and how their going to have to set examples for their community. They’re going to have to hold themselves above everyone else and do what is right for everyone, not just for themselves and their family.”

Dahl said they seemed to fully understand what he was stressing. He wanted them to know that this job meant more than just a paycheck to support their families, it was a chance to unite as a stronger force for the protection that would serve a greater and less selfish cause.

Dahl admitted he didn’t really believe it was going to work at first because of how argumentative the students were among each other, but in the end he said he was satisfied with the result.

“We have seen a difference in them,” said Dahl. “They’re working together and they’re trying to accomplish everything without any arguments. I think it was good for them and they learned a whole lot from it. It gave them such a focused look at it that I think they’ve made a dramatic change.”

After completing the course, the students graduated as the newest addition to Zaidon’s police force. With diplomas in hand, they each extended heart felt congratulations to one another and thanked their instructors.

 

FALLUJAH, Iraq—Fallujah citizens gathered in large numbers to kick off the “Fallujah Cup” soccer tournament here

recently.

Soccer, a favorite sport among Iraqis, was chosen as the first organized sporting event the city would embrace as a result of improved security in the area.

“This is kind of a microcosm of everything that is going well right here in Fallujah, and this is a culminating event,” said 2^nd Lt. Gregory Collins, the platoon commander of 2^nd Platoon, Company K, 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6.

Collins initiated the request to bring the community together through the sport. He helped facilitate the organization of the tournament and helped obtain uniforms that were donated to the participating teams.

The amateur league welcomed soccer players of all ages to try out for the teams. Soccer players throughout the city signed up and were organized into 21 teams to compete. Each team represented one of the 10 districts of Fallujah.

The event began with an opening ceremony presenting all 21 teams to the field and an exhibition of Fallujah’s tae kwon do martial arts program.

Competition began with two of the best teams facing off for an entertaining game opener.

More than 70 invitations were handed out to special guests for seating in the VIP tent for the event. Among those invited were commanding officers and Marines with 3^rd Bn.,5^th Marines. Also invited were the city mayor, police chiefs and the sheiks, muktars and Imams from the surrounding areas.

 “They wanted us here just to be able to see how well things are progressing here in Fallujah,” said Collins. “They’re very proud of everything they’ve accomplished because of the security increase. Everything that is going on is all built through the Iraqi police and through the local leadership taking hold of the city.”

Preparations for the tournament began with local contractors who brought in heavy equipment to remove all extra rubble to clear the fields and locals were paid to help rid the fields of the trash.

A town hall meeting was held a week prior to the event to bring the teams together to collect official rosters and coordinate on the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) rules the tournament would follow.

For the remainder of the month, the 21 teams will play it out for the championship of Fallujah.

There are already plans to add a 12-20 youth soccer league. Volleyball, handball and bicycle tournaments are also hopeful additions to the range of sports events for the city.

 

This entry is about some of the most loved and hated guys in the Corps.  We all love it when the phone is working, the email is connected, and the internet pops up in a blink of the eye.  Our Communication Marines (for those of you that do not have to wear the desert digital leisure suit, these are our "IT" guys) work around the clock to keep our electrons flowing.  When the email is working, we love them!  When the system is down... you guessed it!  Nonetheless, without them, we could not bring you information through VOX.  Pfc. Brian Jones spent a day with the Gods of Wire.

FALLUJAH, Iraq—Great military leaders have employed messengers to send word at relative high speeds since ancient times to administrate command of their warriors on the front and stay in contact with their homelands they left behind. We’ve came along way since the messenger on foot and Samuel F.B. Morse’s telegraph with a rapid advancement in information and communication technologies and their increasing advantages. It still holds true today as it did in the past that communication is vital in warfare.

 

The Marines with Data Section, Communication Platoon, Headquarters Company with Regimental Combat Team 6, stationed at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, keep the communications functioning for mission necessity and to keep Marines in touch with the outside world.

 

“The Marine Corps is so data inclusive now that it’s almost like you can’t communicate without data now,”

said Staff Sgt. David J. Ault, the data staff noncommissioned officer. “Computers go down and Marines can’t communicate.”

 

Help is spread thin with 12 Marines on the data section team to support over 3,000 users on the network, leaving them with an endless list of tasks and functions to execute to ultimately support all operations. There are multiple sites off camp alone that require their support to build and maintain networks at outposts in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom missions.

 

“They go well above the normal daily tasks of a normal corporation that would have a lot more people to support a lot less users,” Ault said. “These guys do it day in and day out working 12-hour shifts and run all activity on the data network for RCT-6 and below. This is an amazing thing to me.”

 

Supporting the command operations center and all other immediate action groups that fall beneath the regiment are the priorities of the data section.

 

Data tasks include: installations, security control, software updates, scanning for network vulnerabilities, mailbox accounts, internet accounts, desktop support, information assurance, maintenance, running the help desk, etc… This is after they initially laid miles of wires and cables to practically build the network from the ground up for the regiment to utilize.

 

“A lot of changes, a lot of projects happened,” recalled 24-year-old Sgt. Daniel E. Follis, a data chief assistant, from Waco, Texas. “Our guys rewired the whole base that belonged to RCT-6 and they did a very outstanding job on that. We organized lines all over the place and we found lines that weren’t being used that were a security issue so our guys pulled up all the lines and replaced them with new lines.”

 

“You can talk (bad) about us, but you can’t talk without us,” jokingly said Follis. “We try to keep users happy as best as we can to keep the mission complete, keep the mission going. With a network filled with data you will always have bumps in the roads, but this team we have here will always find a way to defeat it and always find a way to keep going.”

 

“It is a very, very busy, nonstop business, because you always have users that want to add things to the network,” Follis explained. “The network always changes.”

 

There is always some new software, new anti-virus, new computer coming out to improve communication technologies requiring an ongoing training regime for these Marines. It’s a continuous process of increasing their knowledge and skills.

 

“It’s always advancing and the thing with us data guys is we have to advance with it,” Follis said.

 

Follis arrived here as part of an advance party to train with RCT-5. He became the helpdesk supervisor for RCT-5 and RCT-6 during their transition of authority. During the transaction RCT-5 took home a lot of their equipment and computers and those had to be replaced and installed.

 

“It was nonstop; phones ringing off the hook, people having issues, people logging onto the network for the first time not quite understanding how the computer operates yet or understanding how the network flows,” Follis remembered. “At that time it was very busy, nonstop working to take care of issues to get things ready.”

 

After setting up the networking system, threats of computer intrusion on

both small and large scales become imminent. The data section continuously works diligently at providing protective measures for information security to protect against cyber electronic attacks and counter information theft.

 

Follis described the improvement he has seen since he first deployed to Iraq with RCT-8 in 2005.

 

“The network was a lot slower then and it wasn’t as secure as it is now,” he said. “There are many websites that people can’t get to now, which is a good thing. People complain they can’t get onto MySpace or Hotmail, they have to realize how much bandwidth that is taking and how much viruses push through…there’s a lot more security in place and it makes it a lot faster and cleaner.”

 

Like most businesses there’s a need for customer relations to smooth the edges.

 

“Be patient,” Ault wanted to say to users. “A lot of times people call and they think that their problem is the biggest problem in the world, but they don’t realize that we have over 3,000 users on our network. On any given day I have two guys on the helpdesk to support 3,000 users. If the people understand they are not the only people on the network that makes a big difference for us.”

 

“I don’t want to say it’s a thankless job but they’re always grateful for us whenever we do fix their stuff, but at the same time no one thinks about us until all of a sudden that email is not working,” said Ault with a grin.

We have been receiving a few requests about children in the area.  Recently, while at a meeting in the city, we ran across this little boy.  He was curious, as many kids are, but when they want to sit and play with a Marine, you know that things are going well here.

 

Here is the same young boy as his curiosity brings him closer to the camera:

 

Recently, Mr. Richard Oppel, Jr., was embedded with RCT-6 and toured the city of Fallujah with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines during Operation Alljah.  Yesterday, the New York Times released his article on the front page.

 

 

 

Imagine donning full combat gear, a flame resistant hood for your head, and the outside air temperature is hovering around the 120 degree mark.  But wait, that's not all.  Now, jump into an Assault Amphibian Vehicle (AAV) and shut the lid.  You are now in 140+ degrees of sand and sweat while riding with some of the hardest working Marines that patrol around Fallujah.  Pfc. Brian Jones takes us for a trip with Team Gator as they pound the pavement:

 

 

“Team Gator is very essential to the objective in Iraq,” stated 20-year-old, Brownfield, Texas native, Cpl. Matt K. McClure, a crewman with 3rd section, 3rd platoon of Team Gator.

 

Team Gator ‘highway patrol’ is on the hunt. Anyone who attempts to deliberately disrupt traffic and operations along the roads and highways of the main supply route that they patrol will find themselves in the most uncompromising of positions.

 

Lending a hand

Conducting 24-hour patrols, providing quick response teams, escort units and supporting route clearance missions to sustain operations and clear the way for progress is no easy task, but the committed Marines of Team Gator, A Company, 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion with Regimental Combat Team 6, don’t hesitate to get the job done.

 

“Team Gator’s mission is to provide security for freedom of movement along the MSR that we patrol and interdict in any (anti-coalition force activity) and coordinate with adjacent units to help their operations in support of the regimental combat team,” explained Capt. Timothy F. Hough, the commanding officer of A Co.

 

“They are the best Marines,” the Stafford, Va. native, bragged. “They’re the most flexible. They can do anything they need to. We can do anything we’re asked to do… we’ll accomplish the mission without fail no matter what’s asked of us.”

 

 “I’m glad to be serving with Marines in combat and serving around great Marines like those in Team Gator,” Hough said with pride. “We’re ready to take the fight to the enemy anytime and do anything the RCT needs.”

 

Team Gator provides 300 dedicated Marines to the fight. They operate the tank-like Amphibian Assault Vehicle P7A1s that are hot and cramped, but reliable, armored protected vehicles each day covering hundreds of miles of hardtop road and enduring the day’s heat. These rumbling beasts can be seen rolling down the highway anytime of the day or night on patrol to secure all obstructions in the way, search out possible improvised explosive devices and the enemy that places them.

 

“Without us patrolling 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the convoys would be getting hit,” said Pfc. Daniel J. Tomlinson, a crewman with 3rd section, 3rd platoon. “It would be easier for them to place IED’s and stuff like that.”

 

“We take the hit for them and we rather take the hit than the supply convoys,” Tomlinson said as an example to their almost fearless devotion to their job. “If you’re not scared you’re not human. If someone tells you they’re not scared they are just lying to you. You have to be scared.”

 

The 23-year-old, Amsterdam, N.Y. native went onto add, “With these big vehicles rolling down the road 24 hours a day it’s hard for these guys to place IED’s and ambushes because they have to worry about us catching them and if we catch them they’re (done).”

 

The MSR stretches all the way from Baghdad to Jordan connecting key cities, such as Fallujah and Ramadi and many tribes and villages along the way. These Marines have learned these stretches of road like the back of their hands, perceptive to even a single rock that’s out of place.

 

“It’s a very important battle space route to keep clear for Coalition Forces to move upon,” said Master Sgt. Thomas D. Boore, the company operations chief. “I think our biggest success has been a show of presence that has put a halt to IED emplacers. Everybody knuckles up as a company. Team Gator as a whole does a phenomenal job.”

 

Local nationals travel the MSR by day. Patrols and convoys travel it by night.

 

“Providing that freedom of movement for the RCT has huge implications on how well they can resupply, move logistical convoys as well as providing security for the local nationals moving up and down the highway,” Hough explained.

 

Crewmen such as 23 year-old, Fort Worth, Texas native, Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Shoemaker aren’t blind to the

significance of the route either. “It’s very necessary to keep the supplies running; keep the blood flowing of everything that is going on,” he said.

 

When Team Gator first arrived they were getting hit pretty heavily by large IEDs, but in the last few months activity has slowed down tremendously leaving the MSR a quiet route to travel upon.

 

“When Alpha Company, Team Gator showed up we were attacked a lot,” Hough said. “Right in the beginning we were tested by the insurgency and over the past four or five months, ‘knock on wood’, we’ve seen a dramatic drop in the number of IEDs. I think that it’s not only because of adjacent unit operations, but because we’re working our tails off and we’re taking it to the enemy everyday. The Marines in this company…have done great things here and should be recognized.”

 

The team is currently working with Iraqi police in combined efforts to track down vehicles under the suspicion of wrongful acts.

 

“The IPs are a lot more aggressive and involved now,” Boore said about their partnership in protecting the highway.

 

Just in recent weeks the Marines have been witness to kids spending time outdoors in areas near the highway without the fear of threat for the first time.

 

“You get down about things sometimes and you start seeing only the bad things and then we’ll stop by a house and hand out food and water and candy to the little kids and you get to see the smiles on the little kid’s faces,” McClure said about one of his favorite parts of his job.

 

Cursed by their own success by being tasked with many objectives, Team Gator rolls on making the best of it with their minds set on the missions ahead of them, taking pride in all that they do.

 

“I’m absolutely humbled by what they do day in and day out through the extreme temperatures, through some hardships we’ve gone through with the respect to the loss of some Marines and seeing them go out everyday without question, without complaint and complete the mission going above and beyond what is expected of them.” Hough said. “That’s the best part of my job, just being with the Marines.”

 

Tomlinson ended declaring, “This is the greatest job in the world. It’s been the greatest time of my life. I love being with

 these guys. They’re the best bunch of guys you could meet and it’s been one heck of a ride.”

 

Often tested, always faithful, brothers forever.

 

 

Teflon Don over at Acute Politics has a good perspective on the impact the tribal awakening in Anbar Province can have and is having on counterinsurgency efforts here:

A nearby coalition unit reported hearing an explosion at 0444, and attempted to make comms with the overwatching unit. They were unable to do so, and a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle was dispatched to investigate. A Quick Reaction Force was sent to the scene when the UAV found two vehicles burning. QRF arrived at 0540 to find five dead and the other three missing.

No insurgent group has publicly claimed responsibility, and coalition forces are already scouring the area for the missing soldiers. The tribes of SAI (Sahawah al-Iraq, or "Iraqi Awakening"- formerly Anbar Awakening) have agreed to help in the search. If we find our missing boys, it will be a testament to the growing success in al-Anbar. The tribes have a native intel ability within their population that we simply cannot match. I hope it will help us bring them home. (permalink)

More on the tribal awakening here in a few minutes.