Operation Recap 1 of 12: ULYSSES II was 22nd MEU's first major foray into Afghanistan

[thedrifter]

3/3 gains another ally in OEF
Submitted by: Combined Joint Task Force - 76
Story Identification #: 20051273267
Story by Cpl. Rich Mattingly



JALALABAD, Afghanistan (Jan. 21, 2005) -- The Marines of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, gained a new partner in Afghanistan as the 23rd Kandak, or battalion, of the Afghan National Army assumed authority in Jalalabad.

The Kandak, who’s soldiers recently graduated from the Kabul Military Training Academy, were welcomed to the fight by 3rd Bn. at a transfer of authority ceremony held last week.

“The Afghan National Army plays a critical role in protecting and promoting the Afghan democracy,” said Lt. Col. Norm Cooling, commanding officer, 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines. “The Marines of America’s Battalion will continue to work closely with Afghan forces to improve their training as well as work side by side with the ANA to provide security for the Afghan people.”

The Kandaks have been supporting the Marine mission in Afghanistan with the help of the Army’s Embedded Training Teams who liaison between the Marines and Afghan forces.

“We’re a 14-man team who coach, mentor and train the leadership of a Kandak,” said Army Maj. Dave Vesper, deputy team chief, 23rd Kandak ETT. “In a garrison environment we direct formal classes, and during missions we act more as combat advisors as well as go-betweens for the ANA and Coalition forces.”

Marines have had many positive experiences working with dedicated Afghan forces. The 3/3 Kandak, which the 23rd replaced, was looked upon highly by the Marines who operated side-by-side with its soldiers.

“The Kandak is an outstanding unit and it has been an honor to work with them,” explained 1st Lt. John-Paul Sienicki, L Platoon commander. “They have been vital in helping us develop a positive relationship with the Afghan people.”

The 3/3 Kandak is a designated armor unit, but were deployed to Jalalabad as an infantry unit for the Presidential election. As they return to Pol-E-Charki, near Kabul, they will undergo armor refresher training then return to being part of the quick reaction force for the nation, ready to be deployed as an armor unit as needed.

Made up of a diverse mix of ethnicities and tribes from around the country, the Kandaks are widely viewed by Afghans as a source of national pride. In this diverse environment where ethnic tensions still divide parts of the country, the Kandaks are a unifying and stabilizing force for the Afghan people, said Vesper.

“The Kandaks are the future of Afghanistan,” he said. “For many people they are the most visible manifestation of the central government. Because of their multi-ethnic composition, they’re seen as fair brokers of the peace.”

Vesper related that when the ANA first began to operate around Afghanistan, they were not trusted by the Afghan Militia Forces who were the remnants of the warlords’ militias who had fought the Taliban regime.

“To the militia guys, the ANA were just another group of guys with AKs,” explained Vesper. “Within two months, the ANA had the AMF turning in their weapons and explosives voluntarily. The ANA has built that trust.”

The ANA also provides an Afghan face to the government and to the new peace that is being built here. For the Marines, working with the Kandak further demonstrates to the people of Afghanistan that their mission is for the greater good of the country.

“People see their own government helping them, not just other nations, and that’s very important to the development of Afghan self-government,” said Vesper.

“The Kandak soldiers clearly want to serve their nation,” added Cooling. “That spirit of service and sacrifice is an indispensable and fundamental basis for any democracy.”

“The ANA soldiers are patriotic,” added Sgt. 1st Class Steve Toth, ETT company trainer. “They appreciate the sacrifice of the Marines and soldiers because it’s something they understand. They desire a peaceful and secure Afghanistan just as we do.”

The transfer of authority ceremony was marked with speeches by Coalition and Afghan leaders and a traditional Afghan dinner. The outgoing Kandak was praised for its hard work and support of the Marines and Soldiers in Jalalabad. After the posting of the Afghan colors, many joined in the Afghan national dance to celebrate the successful transition between units.

Ellie

[thedrifter]

One State of the Union moment testament to fight against terrorism
Submitted by: American Forces Press Service
Story Identification #: 20052393449
Story by Mr. Gene Harper



WASHINGTON (Feb. 3, 2005) -- Two women provided the most touching moments during President Bush's State of the Union address Feb. 2.

They had so much, yet so little in common. Destiny - and a bit of planning - brought them together in a testament to America's fight against global terrorism.

American Janet Norwood and Iraqi Safia Taleb al-Suhail were seated with the president's wife, Laura Bush, in the House chamber perched above the ground-floor level where the president was delivering his speech to Congress. Al-Suhail was next to the first lady; Norwood, with her husband, Bill, was directly behind al-Suhail.

The president followed modern custom by introducing his special guests at opportune moments during his address. First, the spotlight shone on al-Suhail. The president called her "one of Iraq's leading democracy and human rights advocates."

"She says of her country," he said, "'We were occupied for 35 years by Saddam Hussein. That was the real occupation. Thank you to the American people who paid the cost, but most of all to the soldiers.'"

The senators, representatives, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and other Cabinet members, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other invited guests heard Bush relate how Saddam's intelligence service assassinated al-Suhail's father 11 years ago. "Three days ago in Baghdad, Safia was finally able to vote for the leaders of her country," Bush noted, "And we are honored that she is with us tonight."

Amidst thunderous applause, al-Suhail stood and alternately waved her index finger and gave the two-fingered Iraqi peace sign, her hand visibly shaking all the while.

Bush continued his speech, laying out successes and challenges facing Iraq, and then talked about the Norwoods.

He said that the Norwoods had traveled from Pflugerville, Texas, to represent their late son, Marine Sgt. Byron Norwood, killed in action on Nov. 13, 2004, in the fierce battle of Fallujah, Iraq, to wrest control of the city from insurgents.

"His mom, Janet, sent me a letter and told me how much Byron loved being a Marine and how proud he was to be on the front line against terror," the president said, "She wrote," he continued, 'When Byron was home the last time, I said that I wanted to protect him, like I had since he was born.'

"He just hugged me and said, 'You've done your job, Mom. Now it is my turn to protect you.'"

Bush then introduced the couple, who were both moved by the extended applause they received. Janet especially could barely contain her emotions, her lip quivering and eyes watering.

Then came the defining moment: Al-Suhail turned around and embraced Janet. People nearby and the millions of television viewers around the word could clearly see Janet clutching her son's military dog tags as she hugged al-Suhail. There they were - the ultimate symbols of the war against terrorism, liberated citizen and grieving mother, representing the burdens and hopes of
democracy.

But there was more: To add to the poignant symbolism of this unfolding drama, as the two women parted, the dog tags became entangled in al-Suhail's clothing. Janet Norwood carefully freed them. All the while, applause continued, with the president and first lady still looking on proudly.

"In these four years, Americans have seen the unfolding of large events," Bush continued after the assembly had just witnessed the symbolic hug. "We have known times of sorrow and hours of uncertainty and days of victory. In all this history, even when we have disagreed, we have seen threads of purpose that unite us."

Janet Norwood and Safia Taleb al-Suhail are the literal embodiment of that purposeful unity.

"The attack on freedom in our world has reaffirmed our confidence in freedom's power to change the world," Bush said. "We are all part of a great venture: to extend the promise of freedom in our country, to renew the values that sustain our liberty, and to spread the peace that freedom brings."


Ellie

[thedrifter]

3/3 Marines donate truck to Afghan police
Submitted by: Combined Joint Task Force - 76
Story Identification #: 20052633049
Story by Cpl. Rich Mattingly



KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Jan. 21, 2005) -- India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, has been working closely with the Afghan National Police here to increase their proficiency and capabilities.

Recently, the Marines were able to extend an extra hand to the ANP, donating a new pick-up truck to help the police perform their important missions around the province.

“The Afghan National Police have been outstanding in helping us,” said 1st Lt. Justin Bellman, India Co. executive officer, adding, “We’re here to help them as they work locally to maintain peace and provide a secure environment for the citizens of Kunar Province.”

In their new vehicle the ANP can now respond more quickly to reports of illegal activity, such as timber smuggling, as well as transport the confiscated weapons caches they frequently seize.

“It gives them the ability to be a quick-reaction force,” explained Bellman. “Now, they’re able to take more responsibility for getting out and accomplishing their mission, and they love the truck.”

India Co. Marines have been training the ANP as well as other Afghan forces in setting up “snap” vehicle and entry control points. The Marines have had great success with their impromptu vehicle searches, and they are working to pass on their techniques to the ANP. The Marines, with the importance they place on attention to detail when searching vehicles and people, have proved to be excellent teachers as well.

“We’ll usually have one Marine, one Afghan Police Officer and one Afghan Soldier all working together to search a vehicle when we’re out doing ‘on the job training’ with them,” said Bellman. “It’s been great practice for them and they’re starting to take the initiative to go out and do it themselves.”

Besides giving the Afghan Police a more visible presence, which has worked to bolster their authority as law-enforcers, the ANP has been extremely successful in seizing weapons.

“They’ve seized RPGs, improvised explosive devices, even an RPK machine gun,” said Bellman. “They’ve been a great ally in the war on terror out here.”

The Afghan National Police along with other Government of Afghanistan agencies are continually assuming more responsibility for the security of the country. The Marines of America’s Battalion will continue to train with and operate alongside the ANP and ANA as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image...0051lowres.jpg

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines pose with Afghan National Police in front of the vehicle America's Battalion donated to them in Kunar province, Afghanistan. The vehicle will help the ANP better perform their mission and support security in their province. Photo by: Courtesy Photo

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Hawaii Marines take fight to enemy in Afghanistan mountains
Submitted by: Combined Joint Task Force - 76
Story Identification #: 20052802149
Story by Cpl. Rich Mattingly



KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Feb. 6, 2005) -- 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, completed Operation Spurs this week as part of a combined Coalition and government of Afghanistan offensive against terrorist threats in Afghanistan during the winter months.

Leaping from CH-47 Chinook helicopters hovering just above the jagged, snow-covered mountains that ring the Korangal Valley, Marines from both India and Lima Companies inserted into different parts of the valley; they quickly cordoned and searched several houses believed to be hideouts for mid-level Taliban and HIG leaders and fighters.

“We flew in fast and low and jumped off just outside one of our main target’s house,” said 2nd Lt. Caleb Weiss, a Lima Company platoon commander. “They couldn’t have had more than a few moments to react to having entire platoons dropped on their heads.”

The Marines charged into the village and quickly established a presence, preventing the possibility of their targets escaping. The Marines then detained several men suspected of being members or supporters of anti-government forces without having to fire a single shot.

With helicopter pilots performing precarious two-wheel landings over the treacherous mountain terrain and the Marines and Sailors willingness to eagerly take the fight to the enemy no matter the “clime or place,” America’s Battalion sent a clear message that security threats to Afghanistan will not be tolerated or allowed to remain in the Korangal Valley.

The Battalion has maintained its high operational tempo despite harsh weather conditions, in an effort to disrupt the activity of anti-government forces here during a time when Taliban and Al Queda elements operating in Afghanistan have, in the past, taken time to reorganize and recuperate. Insurgents preparing for renewed attacks on Afghan and Coalition targets in the spring, using heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures to mask their activity, will continue to be sought out by Marine-driven initiatives throughout the harsh Afghan winter said 3/3’s Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Norm Cooling.

“Regardless of how difficult the terrain and weather might be, we have the training, equipment and commitment to take the fight to those continuing to sponsor and conduct terrorist activities in the Kunar Province and that is precisely what we are doing. We are not going to sit around and worry about them exploiting the local populace and attacking us. We are going to keep them worried about us bringing the attack to them,” said Cooling.

If insurgents hiding there were distressed to see the arrival of the Marines, many residents of Korangal happily welcomed the Marines and Navy Corpsmen of the Battalion. With the assistance of Afghan doctors, Soldiers from the Asadabad Provincial Reconstruction Team, and female military police officers from the 58th MP Co., 25th Infantry Division, they distributed winter coats, medication and offered medical help to nearly 500 sick villagers and their children throughout the Korangal area.

“It’s great to be able to help the people by giving them medicine and supplies they need,” said Army Spc. Dayna Urbank, military police officer from Uniontown, Ohio. “We’re not here just to search houses and detain people. If we show them respect and help them, they’ll see that their government can offer them a much better way of life than any of the terrorist groups can.”

Several Lima Company Marines also met with the Korangal village elders, who expressed thanks for the medical supplies and coats. One of the elders, who fought the Russians with the mujahedeen, said that the new peace in Afghanistan was a welcome change and he looked forward to a time when it wouldn’t be necessary for Marines and the Afghan National Army to look for terrorists in his village.

“We are happy to have the security here and to receive the medical attention you provide us,” said one of the elders who hosted the Marines for a meal in his home. Coalition forces hope to further solidify support among the village elders of the Kunar province by continuing to improve conditions there and eliminate the threats they face from insurgents.

Operation Thunder Freedom continues as America’s Battalion and Combined Joint Task Force 76, in conjunction with the government of Afghanistan, assess and seek to eliminate threats along the Afghan-Pakistan border.


Ellie

[thedrifter]

3/6 Marine awarded Bronze Star
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200521081232
Story by Pfc. Terrell A. Turner



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 10, 2005) -- From keeping track of every last Marine to making sure all those Marines get paid, the administration section at a unit carries a great responsibility. Add that to the mission of hunting terrorist in the mountains of Afghanistan and you get a man like Gunnery Sgt. Richard A. Estrada, who was attached to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

The Beeville, Texas, native was presented a Bronze Star February 4, by Lt. Col. Julian D. Alford, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

“I was just doing my job,” Estrada said. “I really have to thank the Marines working beside me.”

Estrada, as administrative chief and adjutant for the battalion, provided direct supervision, guidance and leadership to the battalion’s administrative section in the establishment of pre-deployment preparation to Afghanistan, as well as on deployment.

“He came to our battalion as an augment from DPAC (Division Personnel Administration Center),” explained 1stLt. William Easter, Estrada’s replacement as battalion adjutant. “He has proved to be an absolutely great gunnery sergeant of Marines. While attached to us he filled in as the battalion adjutant in addition to his own job and did an outstanding job. I have very large shoes to fill. He did great things for the battalion and we were thankful for him.”

His actions were absolutely crucial in the organization of the battalion’s movement into theatre, according to Alford. His foresight and drive were key factors that brought very reliable plans, from getting mail to Marines to establishing a Casualty Tracking System.

Most Marines in the battalion speak very highly of Estrada’s drive and motivation. The enthusiastic Marines drive began before he entered the Marine Corps.

The 1989 graduate of Beeville High School played defense for the school’s football team even receiving the All Hitters Award for the most tackles in his school district.

“I just wanted to do my best,” Estrada said.

Soon after high school, Estrada joined the Corps.

“I joined because I wanted to get out on my own,” Estrada said. “I wanted to take responsibility for myself.”

Now as a gunnery sergeant, Estrada not only is responsible for himself but for every Marine under him.

The job he did with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines proves that he takes that responsibility very seriously.

Now Estrada is moving on to be part of Marine Corps Combat Service Support School and lead a new group of Marines. However, his plans don’t end there.

“I’m pushing to make first sergeant,” Estrada said. “I eventually want to end up in the division and lead a infantry line company.”

http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/im...r554lowres.jpg

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (February 8, 2005) – From keeping track of every last Marine to making sure all those Marines get paid, the administration section at a unit carries a great responsibility. Add that to the mission of hunting terrorist in the mountains of Afghanistan and you get a man like Gunnery Sgt. Richard A. Estrada, who was attached to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.
The Beeville, Texas, native was presented a Bronze Star February 4, by Lt. Col. Julian D. Alford, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. Photo by: Pfc. Terrell A. Turner

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Service flags rise in popularity during Global War on Terror
Submitted by: MCAS Beaufort
Story Identification #: 200521014553
Story by Cpl. Micah Snead



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. (Feb. 11, 2005) -- Blue Star Banners, flags, buttons and pins have emerged across the country during the Global War on Terrorism, providing a silent but powerful reminder of the service members who are fighting.

These Blue Star Banners, known as service flags, are used to honor a family member who is a member of the U.S. military during a time of war.

During World War I, Army Capt. Robert L. Queissner, had two sons serving on the front line. He created and patented the white background, red border and one or more blue stars in the center design, but turned the rights to the flag over to the U.S. Government once it became popular.

After a lull in popularity over the last few decades, the blue star has become steadily more visible since Operation Desert Storm, according to Walt Laban, a retired gunnery sergeant, Purple Heart recipient and volunteer at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Museum and Phylis Alexander Ship Store Gift Shop.

"It was very popular around the Korean War but not so much between then and Desert Storm," Laban said. "Over the last 10 years the popularity has gone up quite a bit, even if we have to explain what it is to a lot of people who come into the store. Most people are surprised to learn how old it is and all of the organizations that are behind it."

Each star represents one family member and the flags can feature up to five stars. Despite the numerous symbols of military support that have come and gone over the years, the blue star on the service flag has been a constant according to Air Force First Sgt. (Ret.) and military author, Rod Powers.

"At one time, states had laws on the books which described specific specifications for up to 10 different kind of stars, indicating Prisoner of War (POW), or Missing in Action (MIA), and other statuses," Powers said. "The only design that ever found much favor with the American public was the basic design of blue stars, with gold stars overlaid to indicate the member died on active duty."

The flag became extremely popular during World War II. In 1942, the Blue Star Mothers of America was founded as a veteran service organization and was part of a movement to provide care packages to military members serving overseas and also provide assistance to families who encountered hardships as a result of their son or husband serving during the war. The Gold Star Mothers of America soon followed for the family of military members that were killed in the war.

Blue Star Memorial Highways and freeways began to spring up across the nation. National cemeteries and state parks began dedicating blue and gold star memorials. Eventually the military codified the use and manufacture of the flag to make it one of the few regulated military pride products.

"In 1967, Congress codified the Service Flag, specifying who is authorized to display the flags," Powers said. "It also requires a license granted by the Department of Defense for the manufacture and sale of flags and buttons."

The regulations, United States Code, Title 36, Section 901, are very specific about who can and cannot display the flag and how it should be flown or worn, according to Powers.

"Legally speaking, the Service Flag, banner, or lapel button are only authorized for the immediate family members of a person in the uniformed military services," Powers said.

While friends and businesses may be skirting the regulations by flying the flag or banner, their intentions are good, according to Laban.

"It's always a good thing to see the blue star flying during a war," Laban said. "It has been embraced by companies and friends to show their love and support for their military member."

The Parris Island gift shop carries the Service Flag as well as banners, lapel pins and buttons.

For more information on the Service Flag, contact American Legion Post 207 at (843) 524-8072.


Ellie

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image...47S-001low.jpg

A four-star Service Flag hangs in a window aboard the Air Station. Each star on a service flag represents a family member who is a member of the military during a time of war. Photo by: Cpl. Micah Snead

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Another Perspective
Breaking the Warrior Code
By John R. Guardiano
Published 2/11/2005 1:07:59 AM
To his liberal blogger critics, he is a dangerous, cold-blooded "psychopath" who derives pleasure from sterile acts of killing. As such, he should be fired or demoted and stripped of his command. To the conservative talk radio crowd, he is the reincarnation of the late, great Gen. George S. Patton Jr., a ruthless "fighting machine" determined to wreak havoc and destruction on that thorn in our side called Iraq. As such, the United States should put him in charge and finally end this war once and for all.

But both the left and the right are wrong about Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis. He is neither the Jack Nicholson caricature of a Marine depicted in the 1992 movie A Few Good Men nor the callous and mad eccentric depicted by George C. Scott in the 1970 movie Patton.

Instead, Gen. Mattis is a remarkably learned and thoughtful man who adheres to the old-fashioned Christian, chivalric warrior code. As such, he confounds modern-day screamers on both the left and the right for whom the warrior code is unintelligible. I know because I had the privilege of serving under Gen. Mattis as a Marine in Iraq.

Moreover, while we were both in-country the General graciously took the time to engage me in an exclusive half-hour conversation. At the time, I was trying to secure a commission as an officer. The General learned that my relatively advanced age (then 35) was posing a problem and offered to help. That a three-star general with a war on his hands would take the time to assist a lowly Lance Corporal speaks volumes about the heart and character of Gen. Mattis.


I SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN surprised. I had spent the spring and summer of 2003 with the First Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, at an abandoned pistol factory in Al Hillah, about 60 miles south of Baghdad. Gen. Mattis regularly showed up to speak with us. He would tell us colorful stories, offer tough-minded advice and counsel, and eagerly solicit our thoughts and questions. We loved him because we knew he loved us.

And Gen. Mattis didn't just talk the talk; he walked the walk. He led from the front. Indeed, on at least one occasion that I know of, the General was bloodied from a firefight or improvised explosive device while out on patrol with junior, enlisted Marines one-third his age. That's what makes Gen. Mattis such a great warrior: He truly respects and cares for his Marines.

"Guardiano," he told me, "I don't give a damn about the officers. If they don't like what they're doing, they can get on a plane and leave the Corps -- go back where they came from. But I do care deeply about those 18- and 19-year-old Lance Corporals out on the frontlines." The General was telling me that, as an officer, I better be concerned with helping younger, junior Marines, not advancing my own career.

That's why all the liberal talk about Mattis being some sort of "psychopathic killer" is so ludicrous. Nor is he, as the conservative talk-show set would have it, an inhumane "fighting machine." Psychopathic killers don't care for their men; and machines don't exhibit compassion for a liberated but frightened people.

Yet, I am absolutely convinced that whenever a Marine died or bled, a part of Gen. Mattis died and bled, too. And whenever an innocent Iraqi was intimidated, beaten or shot, Gen. Mattis was incensed and outraged. But because of our modern-day cultural depravity, we lack the basic vocabulary necessary to identify and understand, let alone appreciate and celebrate, warriors like Gen. Mattis.


HOW, THEN, TO EXPLAIN the General's comment that it is "fun to shoot some people"? Is not such a sentiment "indicative of an apparent indifference to the value of human life," as the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) argues?

Unfortunately for the council and other professional grievance lobbies, context is everything, especially when it come to war and killing. Gen. Mattis clearly did not say he likes killing for killing's sake. Instead, like most Marines, he enjoys fighting for a righteous cause. He enjoys a good "brawl," especially when it involve shooting vermin who subjugate, beat, and abuse women.

Moreover, if the critics bothered actually to listen to Gen. Mattis's remarks -- which you can do online at NBC's San Diego affiliate website -- they would realize that he was calling for an investment in so-called soft-power resources that would help to avert combat. He was saying, in effect: "Look, I love a good fight and would enjoy shooting and killing these bastards; but we need to do the things that will make that unnecessary."

The General was speaking at a professional conference on military transformation; and he was urging the Pentagon to invest in efforts that would "diminish the conditions that drive people to sign up for these kinds of insurgencies."

None of the widely touted new technologies and weapons systems, he noted, "would have helped me in the last three years [in Iraq and Afghanistan]. But I could have used cultural training [and] language training. I could have used more products from American universities [who] understood the world does not revolve around America and [who] embrace coalitions and allies for all of the strengths that they bring us."

That sure doesn't sound like the fanatical Col. Kurtz of Apocalypse Now.


GEN. MATTIS ALSO IMPLICITLY took exception to conservative defense analysts like Weekly Standard contributor Thomas Donnelly, who seem to think that increasing the size of the Army and Marine Corps will solve most of our military challenges. But a larger -- and thus more bureaucratic -- force structure may be exactly what is not needed to win the war against Islamic fascism.

As the General explained, "We're seeing a re-criminalization of war. And that means we need to get small units, not big armies... Small units so capable that, as we close with the enemy, they're transformed into something that is as capable as our air units and sea units have been in shutting down the threats to this country over the last 30 years."

Some critics have alleged that Gen. Mattis's' comments reflect a dangerous military mindset that gave rise to the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. However, for any of the Marines who served under him, it is impossible to imagine a scandal like Abu Ghraib happening on the General's watch.

That's because Gen. Mattis always made it his business to know what was happening in his command; and he did not tolerate stupidity and abuse by his Marines. We all understood this because he communicated well and often his expectations. Those expectations included his demand to "keep your honor clean" and to treat the Iraqis "as you would your own family, with dignity and respect."

Let's hope this reality is included in the movie, destined to come, about Gen. Mattis, the Marine Corps, and Iraq. This would be a refreshing change from Hollywood's recent depictions of the U.S. military. And it would rightly honor a man and a warrior who is truly an American hero.


John R. Guardiano is an Arlington, Virginia-based journalist and proud (reserve) member of the United States military.


Ellie

[thedrifter]

Lejeune unit home from Afghanistan
February 16,2005
ERIC STEINKOPFF
DAILY NEWS STAFF

Honor and tradition aren't just words to the 100 Fox Company Marines and sailors who returned to Camp Lejeune Tuesday following a five-month deployment to Afghanistan.

A 6-foot wide black-and-white photo, snapped in 1917 at Quantico, Va., depicts the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment standing in formation - it adorns the wall in their conference room-turned reception area and illustrates the modern Marines' ever-present reminder of their ancestors' heroism.

The 2/6 is currently assigned to the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, an antiterrorist unit formed shortly after Sept. 11, 2001.

While in Kabul, Fox Company played a number of roles, chiefly that of reinforcement for the Marines' traditional guard force at the U.S. embassy.

"Our mission was to protect embassy personnel," said company commander Capt. Bill Grube, 33, an infantry officer from Allentown, Pa.

"We detect, deter and defend against terrorism. There were no attacks, so we effectively deterred terrorism. It went off without a hitch."

The compound was small, and troops routinely stood 12-hour shifts, which often turned into 15 hours when they changed over personnel. They altered their routines and defensive positions frequently, so anybody watching couldn't easily identify a vulnerable time to attack.

To remain at a heightened state of readiness, they constantly practiced reaction drills, Grube said. That might not mean much to the average American citizen, he noted, but it can be the difference between life and death for the Marines or those they protect.

During October's election, Fox Company troops worked to keep voters in Kabul safe from violence. They organized a medical reaction force - a crew of doctors, nurses and corpsmen heavily guarded by Marines. Fortunately, Grube said, it was never needed.

And when new Afghan President Hamid Karzai was inaugurated Dec. 7, they were called on to keep the event safe.

They served also as protection for Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld during their recent visits.

Now, as members of 2/6 look to unwind from their travels, they know the countdown to their next deployment has already begun.

They are expected to be released from their antiterrorist duties with the 4th MEB and reassigned to the 6th Marine Regiment sometime this spring.

By fall, they'll be leaving for Iraq, part of the East Coast Marine troop rotation.

Contact staff writer Eric Steinkopff at esteinkopff@freedomenc.com or 353-1171, Ext. 236.


Ellie

[thedrifter]

Pennsylvania Girl Sends Shoes to Children of Afghanistan


By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2005 -- Sometimes it takes a look from a different perspective to realize that Americans take much for granted.

Taylor Barth, a sixth grader from Murrysville, Pa., got a glimpse of a different perspective from a friend, U.S. Army. Capt. Kevin Higgins. Higgins told Taylor about Afghan children he saw who didn't have some things considered part of everyday life here.

"My friend Kevin Higgins said that the children there had no shoes and I should try to do something about it," Taylor said. "We have all this kind of stuff, like great kinds of shoes and stuff they don't. And they should have the chance to have those kinds of great things."

Taylor, 11, wanted to do something to help, and suggested sending used shoes to Afghanistan.

"It was a small idea. … at first it was just Kevin felt bad that he saw these kids barefoot and he mentioned it to her," Taylor's grandmother, Barb Barth, said. "She said, 'Grandma, can I mail my old shoes to him?' So we e-mailed him and asked him, and he said he would love it," Barth said.

Higgins was thrilled with the idea, she said.

Taylor started collecting shoes from her friends and her own home. She bought other shoes that were "in good use" from a local thrift shop.

She didn't stop there. An active participant in the Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church's youth group, she told her peers about her plan to send shoes to Afghanistan.

"(Taylor) … came into youth group one day and we had some prayer request time," said Danise Pruzinsky, the youth director for the church. "She brought up this situation and told the kids she was sending some of her shoes from home over and asked if anybody else would want to do it.

"They just started talking and looked at me, and I said, 'Well, you could ask the whole church if you wanted to,'" she said.

And that's just what happened.

The administrative board at the church approved of the plan, but said she'd have to wait until after the holiday season. When the holidays ended, Taylor addressed her congregation during Sunday services. According to Pruzinsky, each of the two services draws approximately 250 people. That didn't faze Taylor, though.

"I knew they wouldn't criticize my idea 'cause we were in church," she said.

Pruzinsky said the whole middle school youth group pitched in and decorated collection boxes, handed out fliers and helped pack up the shoes they collected.

"They just all felt like they were part of it," she said. "They brought in shoes; they told their friends; (and) people in the community found out by word of mouth.

"We had people actually send in checks … to help pay for the shipping," Pruzinsky said.

The collection officially ended Feb. 13. Pruzinsky said Taylor had hoped to get 50 pair of shoes.

She was in for a surprise. "We finished collecting the shoes last Sunday and we collected 288 pairs of shoes," Taylor said

Even after packing 22 boxes of shoes, the project wasn't finished. The youth group spent one of their meetings filling out customs forms.

Now the shoes are on their way to Afghanistan. The other 14 pair of shoes that Pruzinsky received at the church Feb. 16 will have to be sent separately.

When they get there, they don't go from the box to the children, Taylor said.

"(The soldiers) hand them to the elders of the village and then the elders pass them out to the children," she said, adding that Higgins will have to pass off his shoebox duties. "He's going to leave (Afghanistan) soon, but we sent (the shoes) to another soldier that was there," Taylor said.

Taylor has always shown leadership qualities, Pruzinsky said. So her decision to help the children of Afghanistan was not surprising. "I was just shocked at ... her persistence and her willingness to just keep going," Pruzinsky said.

Grandma's reaction was a bit more sentimental.

"I am just really proud of her," Barth said. "I'm really glad that (the youth group) thought … of people they're never going to meet. … It was a good connection. She's learned a lot about the world through Kevin, and I think it's enriched her life, too."

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Canine Units in Afghanistan Issued New Protective Vests
By Spc. Cheryl Ransford, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Feb. 25, 2005 –– When canine handlers of the 25th Military Police Company conduct extraction missions and area searches in Afghanistan, their highly trained dogs often serve as the main tool for finding weapons and people in hiding.

To counteract the added dangers these dogs face in the line of duty, their ballistic vest equipment has been upgraded.

"These new vests are an upgrade from the current vests the dogs have been using," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Thomas, assistant kennel master for the 25th MP Co. "Before, the vests were only stab proof, which worked well for missions in the states. However, with the additional dangers these dogs are facing during this deployment, they are now wearing vests that are not only stab proof, but also bullet proof."

Although the new vests are slightly heavier than the vests the dogs previously used, neither their mobility nor their mission has been hindered by their use. "When the dogs are conducting missions that require them to use the new vests, they are in areas that could possibly cause them to be injured or killed," said Thomas. "They are the first one into the area looking for people or weapons. They help us find the things we can't see."

The vests are currently being used by the K-9 units at Bagram Air Base and Kandahar Airfield, said Sgt. 1st Class Erika Gordon, kennel master for the 25th MP Co. "Even though we only have a few vests at the moment, we are working to get vests for every dog in Afghanistan," she said. "These vests are the dogs' only means of protection. They go in before their handler. It is a matter of 'get them before they get you.' That's why these vests are so important."

The vests are also able to carry all of the dogs' gear, which includes heating or cooling packs. "These vests make us more versatile in what we can do with the dogs," said Gordon.

"Many people may say, 'They're just dogs, why do they need that kind of equipment?' But these dogs are a part of a team and need to be protected just as much as every member of every other team in country," said Thomas.

"These dogs are our partners," he said. "We travel with them, sleep with them and live with them. They are our best friends. Every dog handler will agree that there is nothing we won't do to protect our dogs."

Ellie

[thedrifter]

3/3 scores major success in Khost
Submitted by: Combined Joint Task Force - 76
Story Identification #: 20053313525
Story by Cpl. Rich Mattingly



KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Feb. 26, 2005) -- Under the light from a pale, yellow moon, the Marines moved swiftly across the cold and barren wadi, hand and arm signals mobilizing squads and fire teams silently into position around the village. Shifting in and out of the shadow of trees and low rock walls in the surrounding fields as they neared, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, sealed a seamless cordon and prepared to search for several men they suspected of perpetuating terrorist activity and attacks on Afghan and Coalition forces in the area.

Only when the night’s reverie was split by the blaring sounds of psychological operations’ surrender appeals and the roar of Cobra gunships appearing a few hundred feet overhead, did the inhabitants realize they had been surrounded. By the break of dawn, the Battalion was well underway to completing one of its most successful operations to date in the region.

“We moved over 44 kilometers at night, dismounted a few (kilometers) away, and surrounded the village where we believed the enemy to be hiding by moving in on foot. Our enemies had never seen anything like this before, so they weren’t ready for us and they had no chance to escape into the mountains,” explained Capt. Ken Barr, commanding officer, Weapons Co., 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, whose company planned the operation over a month and a half, gathering key human intelligence on anti-government militia forces operating in the Khost province. Over the course of two days, Weapons and Headquarters and Service Companies, who combined forces for the operation, set up shop quite literally in the suspected terrorists’ backyards. Both companies are organized as provisional rifle companies in the Battalion’s expansive area of responsibility.

The battalion was able to capture eight men believed to be members of anti-government militias and seize a significant amount of illegal weapons and explosives. And they did it without a single shot being fired.

One of Weapons Co.’s platoon commanders explained the relationship that they have tried to foster in the area over the course of the last few months that has improved their successes and ability to go in hard and fast without disrupting friendly ties.

“The local populace has begun to trust us more and more as we’ve built a relationship with them through local patrols with Afghan police and the medical and humanitarian relief efforts we’ve performed,” said 2nd Lt. Luke Lazzo, second platoon commander, Weapons Co., 3/3. “We try to stress to them that it’s their community and they have to take responsibility for the actions of those they live with. We’re here to help them with that. That allows us to go into a town the way we did and successfully find our enemies without too much resistance from the locals.”

The Marines and sailors of 3/3 are operating with a high level of cultural and societal awareness and attention to detail in order to strike a certain balance with the local populace during security and stability operations, said Barr, something he believes is a reflection of his Marines’ professionalism as they complete more complicated missions.

When Weapons Co. entered the village, the commander’s first action was to meet with the village elders and give them a chance to give up the men who were wanted in connection with the attacks.

“We went to the village elders and mullahs and asked them how they would like us to handle searches of houses in their villages,” continued Barr. “We told them that if they would give up the men responsible for attacking Marines and Afghan forces in the area, then we wouldn’t be forced to cordon and search their villages. The Marines and sailors have upheld their end of things admirably, which improves our chances of even more future successes.”

It was that approach that led to the operation’s success, said 3/3 Battalion commander Lt. Col. Norm Cooling.

“It’s easy to get on line and fight a clearly defined enemy,” said Cooling. “In our situation, you can’t always locate, close with and destroy the enemy in a straight forward manner. You have to establish human intelligence relationships to locate the enemy and then devise creative ways to close with him. While doing that here in Sabari, we sent a significant message to the villagers that by helping us they can help make their town and their country a safer place.”

The Marines of 3/3 were very successful in their searches, which were done with the supervision of the town’s elders. In the suspects’ homes they found everything from grenades shoved into sacks of flour, to weapons buried in dung heaps, and plastic explosives and blasting caps stuffed in an old car tire. One squad even recovered a belt of illegal armor-piercing AK-47 rounds hidden under an infant in a crib.

“I, for one, understand the mentality of a homeowner who doesn’t want some stranger coming into their house,” said Sgt. Chris Bloom, squad leader with Weapons Co., whose squad recovered several stockpiles of munitions from the suspected insurgents. “This is their country and we always have to be aware of that. What we did by waiting for the elders to go in with us and let them give up the guys we were after was very important to maintaining the trust of the people. We just want to take the guns and explosives away from the people who shot at us and make sure they pay for their crimes.”

“It comes down to the golden rule,” said Barr. “You have to treat others here the way you would want to be treated in their situation. This war is going to be won by the use of well-aimed, non-kinetic rounds,” he said, referring to successful information and psychological operations campaigns that win the proverbial “hearts and minds” of the populace. “You may be able to kill a lot of the bad guys with bullets, but you can also lose this war that way.”

Weapons Co. plans on following up their successful round-up of suspected terrorists with medical assistance operations in the area. America’s Battalion continues to operate throughout Eastern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.


Ellie

[thedrifter]

CHILLING PEEK AT QAEDA'S REMAINS

By URI DAN

March 4, 2005 -- JERUSALEM — Since Israel's intelligence community closely follows al Qaeda and regularly exchanges information about the terror group with U.S. officials, it was intriguing recently to hear the views of Israel's military intelligence chief.
"Since the American attack in Afghanistan, al Qaeda was dismembered," said Maj. Gen. Aharon Zeevi. "Today, the organization is based on several networks around the world."

Some parts of al Qaeda are spread in small zones, of 30 to 60 miles each, along the Pakistan-Afghan border — and that's where Osama Bin Laden and his senior aides are likely hiding, he said.

But al Qaeda also exists on the Internet, where Sunni religious authorities answer doctrinal questions of aspiring terrorists and their supporters.

"For example, one of the most important questions was whether it was permissible to kill 10 million people with a nonconventional bomb if it meant that Muslims would be among them," Zeevi said. "The answer was, 'Yes, it is permitted.' "

That exchange took place in cyberspace last year, and intelligence agencies haven't pinpointed the religious authorities since then.

"We know the names. But where they are, nobody knows," he said.



Did they really endorse killing millions?

"According to the Koran, in order to achieve the goal, a Muslim world, that would be a mitzvah, a good deed," he said.

He noted that one of the chilling discoveries found in personal effects of al Qaeda members along the Pakistan-Afghan border was a map in which the entire world is painted green — meaning Muslim.

"I suggest to all of us to regard this very seriously. The green map of the world is the target of al Qaeda," he said.


Ellie

[thedrifter]

Terror mismatch

Is the military large enough? Common sense says no.


Date published: 3/2/2005


Our armed forces are too small-- and they're getting smaller

WHEN A SUICIDE BOMBER sends 125 human beings to eternity, as occurred Monday in Iraq, Americans wonder at the fanaticism that permits such mass murder. Sadly, blind devotion to a belief isn't an exclusive franchise of the enemy. The Bush administration's stubborn insistence that the U.S. military is large enough to fight the current War on Terror is imposing its own human cost--not least on our overtasked soldiers.

Those soldiers are increasingly unwilling to pay the cost. Despite Virginia's martial tradition, for example, the state National Guard is operating at only 85 percent of its authorized strength, reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Nationwide, the Guard is short nearly 20,000 soldiers, and the Army Reserve also missed its first-quarter recruitment target. This, says Lawrence Korb, a Reagan-era assistant secretary of defense now associated with the Center for Defense Information, is "primarily because soldiers leaving active duty refuse to join a reserve unit for fear of being sent back to Iraq."

Their hesitancy is easy to fathom. Today the Guard and Reserve make up 40 percent of all U.S. forces deployed to Iraq, and many Reserve-component units are being worn to a frazzle. The Pentagon has mobilized some Maryland Guardsmen, for example, three times in three years, and the Army now wants to keep reservists on active duty past the congressionally fixed 24 consecutive months--never mind, says Mr. Korb, that "if an individual reservist spends more than 20 percent of his or her time on active duty, it becomes difficult to maintain a viable civilian career."

The active-duty Army is faring little better, meeting its manpower goals by pre-enlisting recruits months before they actually hear the bark of a drill sergeant. Also, so-called stop-loss orders have compelled 40,000 soldiers to stay in the service past their enlistment. This policy--a de facto draft limited to proven patriots--dangles them across the Iraqi target range past any reasonable understanding of duty. Even the Marines are starting to hurt: In January, the Corps missed its monthly recruiting quota for the first time in almost a decade.

The obvious solutions to the overuse problem are (1) a draft or, more practically, (2) a volunteer force enlarged through incentives. Alas, the administration, insisting that today's military manpower suffices, refuses to consider expanding the Army this year--even though, as Mr. Korb argues, 86,000 new soldiers could pay dividends in this peculiar war in the form of two new peacekeeping divisions, a doubled Special Forces reservoir, and more MPs, civic-action ("hearts and minds") troops, and engineers.

Last month, the nation's top intelligence chiefs told Congress that the U.S. occupation of Iraq has helped al-Qaida and other bloodletting groups recruit new terrorists. Meanwhile, demoralized and war-weary soldiers are looking for an exit from the U.S. military. These two divergent vectors do not comfort. The side in this conflict that prides itself on reason and realism should demonstrate those qualities and get more soldiers.

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Salerno Day brings Marines, service members together in Afghanistan
Submitted by: Combined Joint Task Force - 76
Story Identification #: 20053824535
Story by Staff Sgt. Bradley Rhen, USA



FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan (March 5, 2005) -- Marines and other service members here got a break from the daily grind March 5 to participate in a day of sporting events.

Dubbed “Salerno Day,” the event included competitions in basketball, volleyball, weight lifting, soccer, horseshoes, dominoes, tug-of-war, as well as a stress shoot competition and an iron man and iron woman competition.

The event was designed to allow all the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen here to get together for one day and enjoy friendly competitions and build esprit de corps, said Sgt. Maj. Eugene Brewer, operations sergeant major for Combined Task Force Thunder.

“It was a good relaxing day,” Brewer said at the conclusion of the day. “Everybody got to wear PTs and do some hooah events.”

Marine Staff Sgt. Ignacio Ramirezlazos, a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment thought it was a great event.

“It was good to get a break from work and be able to enjoy ourselves,” he said.
“I work the night shift, so it’s great to be out here and be out of the office.”

In addition to being able to relax a bit and escape the monotony of everyday life on the FOB, was also a chance for people who normally don’t associate with one another to hang out a little.

“How often does the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines all compete on the same pitch downrange?” said Air Force Master Sgt. John Knipe, a tactical air controller with the 25th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron.

“A lot of people in the Navy don’t talk to a lot of people in the Air Force, and a lot of people in the Air Force don’t talk to a lot of Marines a lot of time,” Knipe added. “So this is a real unique day for people to speak to other branches of service and find out some things about another branch that you might have never known.”

Knipe competed in the iron man competition, and although he finished 14th out of 45, he thinks age played a factor.

“I’m 39, so if there was a 39 and over category, I’d be a winner,” he said.

Brewer lauded everyone who competed, especially those who took part in the iron man and iron woman competitions.

“The iron man and iron woman competition was a true testament to intestinal fortitude,” he said. “They dug it out five miles, with four events in between – rigorous, testing events.”

Following the competitions, there was an awards ceremony and all winners received certificates and commanders coins.


Ellie

[thedrifter]

13th MEU MSPF hits terrorist village in battle sim
Submitted by: 13th MEU
Story Identification #: 2005311133155
Story by Cpl. Andy J. Hurt 13th MEU



SAN DIEGO (March 11, 2005) -- It was a dark and dreary night. Lying amidst the grassy meadows of east Miramar, a small group of terrorists carried about their business making bombs and planning attacks against coalition forces in the shantytown village representing anywhere in the Global War on Terrorism.

With no warning, things changed for the worst.

Dismounting vehicles and stealthily creeping from the north end of the town, Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Special Purpose Force penetrated their objective with a fury unknown but in the heart of urban combat.

A fireball consumed the skies, an enemy munitions transport burned. The fire raging, concussion grenades rocked the darkness. Arabic obscenities pierced the chaos over the sound of automatic weapons, and bodies fell still into the dust.

“The overall realism of this is something we can’t duplicate in Marine training,” said Capt. Andy Christian, assistant officer-in-charge of special operations branch, SOTG.

The recent hit on the simul-town terrorist village was only a small part of an enormous MSPF training evolution called the Inter-operability exercise, or INTEROP. The raid force consisted of Marines from Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 1st Force Reconnaissance Battalion, and the 13th MEU Command Element.

At the center of the effort was San Diego’s only full-scale motion picture production studio, Stu Segall Productions, who constructed the village, hosted the bivouac site, staffed Iraqi natives as actors, coordinated role-players wardrobes, and supplied pyrotechnic support to add to the realism.

Studio support, said wardrobe coordinator Mem Macafee, was paramount. “Everybody that works here, works for the Marines." She was tasked with meticulously outfitting each role player, Marine and professional actor with authentic Middle-Eastern garb. Though her workdays are long and tedious, she said that her efforts stem from a sense of patriotism. “We’ve got the special effects, the make up, the pyrotechnics, real amputees, but all I can say is: ‘better here than there.’” The studio, she said, strives to make the training as realistic as possible so the Marines can desensitize themselves, to a limit, to the shock of actual combat.

Macafee’s personal drive to support the Marines is something she takes very seriously. Even though she’s worked with the studio for eight years in television and movie production, “when something has a (real-life) purpose, it takes on a whole new level of commitment for me. I love these guys, and I want to do my part. I call them my ‘little brothers from another mother.’”

Instructors and staff from the Special Operations Training Group are committed to preparing the unit for combat-intensive missions in hostile areas of operations.

“This situation was a (terrorist) village. All the high-value individuals are Arabic-speaking Middle-Easterners. They don’t look like Marines, they don’t act like Marines, and the raid force doesn’t treat them like Marines,” said Christian.

“The main point is to get these Marines off (Camp Pendleton) into an area and situation they’re unfamiliar with.”

The mission simulation detailed a Combined Joint Task Force tasking the 13th MEU with raiding a village in a direct-action mission to kill or capture five HVIs, known to build improvised explosive devices and plan attacks on coalition forces.

“We’re also aware that there are some civilians in the village that aren’t hostile, so the Marines can’t go in there and just ‘spray and pray,’” said Christian.
Being careful whom they fire upon is a major part of the MSPF training cycle, which has been charging on for the last two months leading up to INTEROP.

“This is what INTEROP is all about,” said Christian. “This is the climax right here.”

At the individual level, Marines within the unit expressed their feelings about the training.

“When I was in Iraq (twice), this is exactly what we were doing,” said Sgt. Jeremy Long, a counter-intelligence specialist. Long said the information collected by reconnaissance and surveillance teams was more than adequate to supplement the main effort.

“We know exactly who we’re looking for.”

Long said he thought the realism of the training was unmatched, and that SOTG was going beyond the call of duty to prepare the Marines.

“The MSPF is pretty potent,” he said, “We’re more than capable and the (Special Operations Capable) qualification shouldn’t be a problem.”

He attributed the unit’s readiness to the SOTG instructors.

“The SOTG instructors are awesome. They’re professional and they know exactly what they’re talking about.”

With support from the movie industry, high-caliber instruction from SOTG, and the sheer motivation and drive of individual Marines, the 13th MEU is pushing into the WESTPAC-05 deployment ready to serve as the world’s 9-1-1 force.

Ellie