The Ivy Leaf, Volume 1, Issue 22. The 4th Infantry Division's official publication for men and women deployed in support of Operation New Dawn.

1. Volume 1, Issue 22 April 1, 2011
U.S. Division-North welcomes new ‘Devil 6’
Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
LongKnife
Ironhorse
Devil
Fit for Any Test
Fit for Any Test
Ironhorse
U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N Devil
U.S. Division-North Commanding General Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, 4th Infantry Division, presents brigade colors to Col. Michael Pappal,
LongKnife
1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, signifying the passing of trust, and responsibility for the
unit and its Soldiers to the unit’s new commander during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq March 28, 2011.
Steadfast and Loyal
Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney tries, two continents and two conflicts.
1st Advise and Assist Task Force Public Affairs Pappal said the Soldiers of Devil Brigade are completing their
1st Infantry Division, U.S. Division-North missions throughout the world—from the Rear Detachment at
Fort Riley Kansas; to the task force serving in the advise, train
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Col. and assist mission in support of Operation New Dawn in north-
Warrior
Michael Pappal assumed command of 1st Advise and Assist Task ern Iraq; to the “Iron Rangers,” 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regi-
Force, 1st Infantry Division during a ceremony at Contingency ment; “Pale Riders,” 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment; and
Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, March 28. the “Dreadnoughts,” 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Division, serv-
With the passing of the brigade colors, Pappal assumed re- ing in Afghanistan.
sponsibility of “Devil” Brigade Soldiers spanning three coun-
See DEVIL, pg. 3

2. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
For any military operation to run smoothly, military units con-
ducting joint missions must be coordinated and synchronized, the
parts of the whole acting as one.
Pfc. Lauren Leonard, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnais-
sance manager assigned to Company B, Division Special Troops
Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, significantly contributed to the
“One Team, One Fight” concept, providing critical, timely infor-
mation in support of the U.S. Division-North operating environ-
ment in March.
Leonard gathered the critical information from advise and as-
sist units within the U.S. Division-North footprint, collecting and
prioritizing the information package sent to her chain of command
for approval.
“She compiled all the information in a limited time using lim-
ited assets from other U.S. Divisions (in Iraq),” said Chief Warrant
Officer 3 Brandy Galloway, Deputy Collections manager, Com- U.S. Army photo
pany B, DSTB, 4th Inf. Div. “She kept track of the various assets Pfc. Lauren Leonard, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
manager assigned to Company B, Division Special Troops Battal-
through constant phone calls and e-mails.” ion, 4th Infantry Division, monitors U.S. Division-North ISR assets in
During operations in March, Leonard selflessly worked long northern Iraq, March 28, 2011.
hours to de-conflict more than 180 hours of full motion video cov-
erage to ensure the coverage plan included the right assets at the “Her maturity, how she does her job, is far more advanced than
right time. the level of a (private first class),” said Staff Sgt. Jeff Gifford, col-
“By gathering all the information, she made sure we were lection, management and dissemination noncommissioned officer,
aware of our capabilities,” said Galloway, who hails from Foun- Company B. “She’s a self starter. She sets her own standards and
tain, Colo. then meets those standards.”
Leonard ensured scheduled assets within U.S Division-North Leonard’s commitment to excellence and her dedication to ac-
synchronized with all supporting units’ operations, as well as iden- complishing the mission resulted in enhanced situational aware-
tifying gaps in coverage and dynamically re-tasking ISR assets to ness for commanders across U.S. Division-North’s operating en-
critical locations. vironment, earning her “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week.
Field artilleryman, Iraqi ‘Long Knife’ Troopers, Iraqi 12th IA medics prepare for Tadreeb al Shamil graduates
Police ‘clear out rooms’ in Police celebrate district emergencies learn teamwork, benefits of
Iraq during training headquarters opening ongoing training
Page 4 Page 6 Page 9 Page 11
THE Ivy Leaf Task Force Ironhorse
Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins
The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.
Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey
Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views
of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army
or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs
publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve Wollman
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, TF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial
content of The Ivy Leaf is prepared, edited, provided and approved
by the United States Division-North Public Affairs Office.
1st Advise and 2nd Advise and
Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions Assist Task Force Assist Brigade
from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at usdnpao@usdn4id.army. 1st Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division
mil. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected
for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or 4th Advise and
comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 318-849-0089. Assist Brigade
1st Cavalry Division
2

3. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
Continued from DEVIL, pg. 1
“This is the highlight of my time in the
Army, to be the most recent commander of
a long list of commanders, of the oldest con-
tinually active brigade in the United States
Army,” said Pappal.
U.S. Division-North Commanding General
Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, 4th Infantry Di-
vision, expressed confidence in the 1st Bde.,
1st Inf. Div. ability to accomplish its mission
with excellence under Pappal’s leadership.
“To the Devil Brigade Soldiers—great
job in rising above the occasion and exceed-
ing our expectations in a very difficult, very
ambiguous, very challenging mission,” said
Perkins
In closing his speech before handing over
the 1st Brigade to its new commander, Per-
kins said, “Col. Pappal, remember our nation
is giving you the greatest honor we can give
any citizen of the United States, and that is
taking command of Soldiers in a combat en- U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
vironment.” Leaders of 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, stand in formation as
Organized on May 24, 1917, 1st Bde., 1st Col. Michael Pappal assumes command of Site Warrior, Iraq,during as Assumption of Com-
mand ceremony at Contingency Operating
“Devil” Brigade
March 28, 2011.
Inf. Div. is the first Brigade to be created in
the U.S. Army and remains as one of the only two divisional bri- the Vietnam War. lines into Iraq, Feb. 24, 1991;
gades in the U.S. Army authorized its own distinctive unit insignia. In 1990, Devil Bde. Soldiers the battalions serving with the
Soldiers of 1st Brigade started their fight in the trenches of deployed in support of Opera- Devil Bde. earned a Valorous
World War I, continuing to fight with valor in 24 major battles tions Desert Shield and Des- Unit Citation.
through America’s major conflicts, ranging from World War II to ert Storm. Leading the front The Devil Bde. became one
of the first units to deploy to
Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi
Freedom, July 23, 2003, again
receiving the Valorous Unit Ci-
tation for the actions of its Sol-
diers.
Pappal, a native of Indiana,
Pa., said he feels honored to
have the opportunity to work
side by side with so many dif-
ferent U.S. organizations and
agencies, as well as the Iraqi
forces working to rebuild their
nation.
“I am grateful to be a part
of such a historical time period
here in Iraq, and particularly in
Kirkuk,” said Pappal
Command Sgt. Maj. John Jones,
senior enlisted leader of 1st Ad-
vise and Assist Task Force, 1st
Infantry Division, renders honors
as the “Star Spangle Banner”
plays during Col. Michael Pap-
pal’s Assumption of Command
Ceremony at Contingency Op-
erating Site Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq
March 28, 2011.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO
3

4. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
Field artillerymen, Iraqi Police ‘clear out
rooms’ in Iraq during training exercise
Spc. Terence Ewings
4th AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., U.S. Division-North
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE
MAREZ, Iraq – Maneuvering in four-man
teams, Iraqi policemen of 3rd Federal Po-
lice Division formed stacks against the ex-
terior of a training building before entering
and clearing rooms as part of an urban op-
erations training exercise at Contingency
Operating Site Marez.
Soldiers of Battery A, 5th Battalion,
82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise
and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division,
led close-quarter battle training for mem-
bers of 3rd FP Div. at the Ghuzlani Eagle
Training Site, March 21.
“Today we are focusing on hallway and
room-clearing procedures and maintaining
awareness while reducing their reaction
time,” said Sgt. Kamowa Reynolds, a can-
non crew member assigned to Battery A.
The 5th Bn., 82nd FA Regt., “Black
Dragon” Soldiers taught the Iraqi fed-
eral policemen how to enter and clear a
room, maneuvering squad-sized elements
through the training site during the tactical
exercise at the enduring training facility in U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
northern Iraq. Spc. Luis Gonzalez, field artilleryman, assigned to Battery A, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
Four-man teams of policemen practiced Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, observes Iraqi policemen of 3rd
maneuvering through “L-shaped” hallways Federal Police Division practice maneuvering as a four-man team in a “stack” formation during
close quarters battle training at Ghuzlani Eagle Training Site, March 21, 2011. Gonzalez, a na-
and clearing rooms along the way. tive of Hoover, Ala., taught the policemen basic urban tactical skills during a five-day training
Using techniques acquired through mul- course to enhance Iraqi Security Forces’ proficiency in conducting urban operations.
tiple training events during the unit’s mis-
sion readiness exercise at the Joint Readi- his mission to advise, train and assist Iraqi Pascal said the federal police returned
ness Training Center, Fort Polk, La., Black Security Forces, building and refining the to their duty, responsible for providing se-
Dragon troopers taught Iraqi Police how to individual and small-unit tactics and capa- curity for the citizens of Mosul, bringing
clear objectives while searching for sus- bilities of the Iraqi forces. the knowledge and skills learned during the
pects and evidence. “I like working with the Iraqis in hands- U.S.-led training.
“I just love training Soldiers in general,” on exercises like this,” said Pascal, a native “Some of the IPs that come here say
said Reynolds, a native of Allentown, Pa. of Blackwood, N.J. “From the first day of they’ve never received training quite like
“The Iraqi Federal Police are motivated training when they’re not sure what to do, this, and this is something that they’ve
and willing to learn, and because of that to the last day when their proficiency is bet- been looking for to better their skills,” said
they’re doing exceptionally well here.” ter than when they first arrived, it’s all very Pascal. “That’s why this training is so im-
Staff Sgt. Gregory Pascal, platoon ser- rewarding.” portant, because these guys actually need it
geant, Battery A, works as the senior advi- U.S. Soldiers hosted the five-day train- and will use it as soon as they leave.”
sor with the U.S. Soldiers responsible for ing course at the Ghuzlani Eagle Training Black Dragon Soldiers continue to work
leading the training for the tactical IPs in Site to enhance the 3rd FP’s urban opera- to enhance ISF proficiency in conducting
Mosul. tions skills, preparing the Iraqi Police to urban operations during 4th AAB’s deploy-
Serving his second deployment to Iraq, conduct effective checkpoint operations, ment in support of Operation New Dawn.
Pascal said training Iraqi Police is part of and secure the local populace.
4

5. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
Tadreeb al Shamil provides education
opportunities for Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers
Sgt. Shawn Miller Iraqi Army officers of 4th Battal-
109th MPAD ion, 21st Brigade, 5th IA Division
use a terrain model to plan a bat-
USD-N Public Affairs talion live fire exercise at Forward
Operating Base Normandy, Iraq,
FORWARD OPERATING March 27, 2011. Using Iraqi Army
BASE NORMANDY, Iraq ― supplies and assets, the IA offi-
cers planned and completed the
As U.S. Soldiers watched in- mission independently of U.S.
tently, Iraqi Army infantrymen assistance demonstrating their
swept across an open plain to readiness to take full control of
assault a mock village during the Tadreeb al Shamil training
program, said U.S. Army 1st Lt.
a battalion live fire exercise at Philip Riglick, executive officer
Forward Operating Base Nor- of Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st
mandy, March 27. Infantry Regiment.
As the final test of skills
learned during a 25-day 1st Lt. Philip Riglick, executive
Tadreeb al Shamil training officer of Company A, 1st Bat-
cycle, Iraqi soldiers assigned talion, 21st Infantry Regiment.
to 4th Battalion, 21st Brigade, In recent years, Iraqi Army
5th IA Division demonstrated supplies often remained stock- U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
their ability to plan, rehearse piled in warehouses far from using the resources owned by sist Brigade, 25th Infantry Di-
and execute the battalion-sized ground troops, Riglick said. Iraqi Ground Forces Command vision, serve as instructors and
exercise independent of U.S. Iraqi leadership now shows …,” said Riglick, a native of advisors to Iraqi trainees dur-
assistance. an improved logistical system Granite Bay, Calif. ing Tadreeb al Shamil, the IA
More important than simply capable of distributing assets to “The only thing we supplied initiative focused on building
proving their capacity to inde- units in the field, with the live- them was the knowledge on cohesion among units and mod-
pendently conduct the training fire exercise serving as tangible how to do this throughout the ernizing Iraqi ground forces’
event, Iraqi leadership showed proof of their capabilities, not- cycle,” he said. capability to defend Iraq.
the logistical progress made by ed Riglick. U.S. Soldiers of Company U.S. forces transitioned
Iraq’s military, said U.S. Army “They’re consuming and A, part of 2nd Advise and As- many of the teaching duties
to Iraqi cadre working at the
Kirkush Military Training Base
and FOB Normandy, along
with the responsibility to sup-
ply and finance Iraqi soldiers.
Beyond the logistics of sup-
plying hundreds of battalion
troops for the event, senior
See KMTB, pg. 6
Iraqi soldiers advance toward a
mock village while mortars bom-
bard the target during a battal-
ion live-fire exercise at Forward
Operating Base Normandy, Iraq,
March 27, 2011. The soldiers,
assigned to 4th Battalion, 21st
Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division,
used the training exercise to
showcase skills learned during a
25-day Tadreeb al Shamil training
cycle. Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic
for All Inclusive Training, focuses
classes on building unit cohe-
sion and modernizing combat
techniques.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller
5

6. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
‘Long Knife’ Troopers, Iraqi Police
celebrate district headquarters opening
quarters built in Ninewa province, Iraq, collectively representing
months of cooperation and an investment of more than $16 mil-
lion, said Lt. Col. Paul Reese, deputy commanding officer, 4th
AAB, 1st Cav. Div.
“While the new bricks and mortar will not secure the people of
Mosul, these completed police stations are symbolic of the grow-
ing strength of the Iraqi Police force,” said Reese, a native of St.
Louis.
The Nasir District Police work in conjunction with Iraqi sol-
diers of 2nd Iraqi Army Division to secure local Iraqi citizens in
northern Iraq.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Shield, 4th AAB, are
training the policemen to assume sole responsibility for securing
the district without the aid of IA soldiers, allowing the 2nd IA Div.
to focus on external security threats, said Lt. Col. James Wideman,
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
Stability Transition Team chief for Task Force Shield.
Brig. Gen. Dawud, commander of al Nasir District Police headquar-
ters, and Chris Henzel, leader of Ninewa Provincial Reconstruction “I’m glad that I was able to be here and assist the Iraqi Security
Team, cut the ribbon at the opening of the new al Nasir District head- Forces secure a better future for Iraq,” said Wideman, a native of
quarters, March 23, 2011. The Nasir District Police headquarters is one Wildwood, Fla.
of ten Iraqi police stations built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Maj. Achim Biller, civil military operations officer, 4th AAB,
in Ninewa province, Iraq.
assisted the Ninewa Provincial Reconstruction Team coordinating
Spc. Terence Ewings the construction of the district police headquarters.
4th Advies and Assist Brigade Public Affairs Biller said using funds provided through the Commander’s
1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North Emergency Response Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
built the district headquarters to facilitate the growing number of
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – Soldiers local Iraqi Police in the area.
assigned to 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division “It’s a good feeling to be able to put something like this together
joined Iraqi policemen for the opening of al Nasir District Police and hand over a better facility to the Iraqis,” said Biller, a native of
headquarters, March 23. Burlingame, Calif.
The Nasir District headquarters building is one of ten head-
Continued from, KMTB, pg. 5
Iraqi officers also demonstrated goal, despite only having three
their planning skills, integrat- days to organize and plan the
ing mortar and helicopter teams assault, said Anwar.
into the exercise. Effectively coordinating the
Battalion officers poured exercise and maneuvering a
through their manuals, laid out battalion while adding in mor-
terrain models and reviewed tars and helicopter teams—all
training from the month’s class- while using live ammunition—
es to determine the best meth- underscored the importance of
ods for directing their soldiers the exercise displaying the IA’s
to successfully attack the “en- progress, said Riglick.
emy” stronghold without the After the successful comple-
need for U.S. help. tion of the live fire exercise and
“The main issue we had with the training cycle, Riglick add-
the event was the short amount ed, Iraqi leadership will see the
of preparation time,” said Col. tangible benefits of continued U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Anwar, commander of 4th Bn., training once the Iraqi soldiers An Iraqi Army mortar crew assigned to 4th Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th
21st Bde. return to their duty stations. IA Division fires an 81 mm mortar during a battalion live fire training
exercise at Forward Operating Base Normandy, Iraq, March 27, 2011.
The battalion achieved its
6

7. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
Iraqi soldiers test skills during Tadreeb
al Shamil as U.S. leaders gauge progress
the training efforts in support After each exercise, Stegall
of Tadreeb al Shamil during and the Iraqi cadre gathered the
March’s training iteration, said students to offer an assessment
Sgt. Jeremy Mingle, an infan- of the soldiers’ performance,
tryman assigned to Company identifying areas where they
A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry did well and areas where the
Regiment, 2nd Advise and As- students need more practice.
sist Brigade, 25th Infantry Di- During the final exercise of
vision. the three-day event, the instruc-
Iraqi instructors training tors teamed with several U.S.
Iraqi soldiers on the techniques, Soldiers to create a training
tactics and procedures previ- scenario incorporating simu-
ously taught by U.S. Soldiers is lated IEDs, ambushes and “en-
a strong indicator that Tadreeb emy” fighters in a small cluster
al Shamil is working, said Min- of training buildings.
gle, a native of Cortland, N.Y. Stegall said the Iraqi sol-
“Us stepping back shows diers completed the lane one
that we trust them to take care time without any assistance
of their own missions and train- from the instructors, allowing
ing their own soldiers,” he said. the platoons to learn from their
Having Iraqi trainers lead- mistakes.
ing the courses also allowed the “It’s very important to make
students to receive more train- mistakes in a training environ-
ing in a shorter time without the ment,” said Stegall. “Here you
need for interpreters to translate may get yelled at—you may
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
between U.S. instructors and get scuffed up when you make
Iraqi Army jinood, Arabic for soldiers, assigned to 4th Battalion, 21st
Iraqi troops, Mingle added. mistakes— but everyone is still
Brigade, 5th IA Division, practice room clearing techniques while their
instructor watches closely from outside during a platoon training ex- Mingle and fellow Soldiers alive.”
ercise at Forward Operating Base Normandy, Iraq, March 21, 2011. serve as advisors attached to 1st The Iraqi students moved
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regi- slowly through the scenario at
Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, supervised Iraqi
ment, 2nd AAB, overseeing the first as simulated explosions
cadre instructing classes, as part of an Iraqi military training initiative
to create a self-sustaining ground force capable of protecting Iraq. individual and collective train- and mock enemy fire pinned
ing during the month-long rota- down their platoons.
Sgt. Shawn Miller training on react to ambushes tions. Instructors and U.S. leaders
109th MPAD and Improvised Explosive De- During three days of train- provided their evaluations, be-
USD-N Public Affairs vice drills in preparation for the ing in the hilly terrain at FOB fore sending the trainees back
culminating event of their 25- Normandy, Iraqi unit leaders through for a second and final
FORWARD OPERATING day training cycle—a battalion- planned and executed their time.
BASE NORMANDY, Iraq ― sized live fire exercise. own missions as U.S. Soldiers “The way they reacted, you
At the end of several weeks After several months of watched carefully, evaluating could tell they were a lot better
of Tadreeb al Shamil classes U.S.-led training in support of the progress made by the troops as a unit,” Stegall said after the
at Kirkush Military Training Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for and their instructors. second event.
Base, Iraqi Army company All Inclusive Training, Iraqi Even the instructors stepped As Iraqi officers and leader-
commanders tested their sol- cadre assumed control of class- back more and more from the ship witness the progress made
diers’ skills during platoon and es, demonstrating techniques first day to the final day, al- by their soldiers during the 25-
company-level exercises at to the trainees as U.S. Soldiers lowing the trainees to act on day Tadreeb al Shamil cycle,
Forward Operating Base Nor- assumed a supervisory role and their own and make their ini- it is just as important for U.S.
mandy, March 23. assessed the ongoing training. tial mistakes, said 1st Lt. Stu- Soldiers to see progress and
Iraqi soldiers assigned to 4th Iraqi instructors are previ- ard Stegall, a platoon leader know their efforts during Op-
Company, 4th Battalion, 21st ous graduates of the Tadreeb with Company A, 1st Bn., 27th eration New Dawn are paying
Brigade, 5th IA Division prac- al Shamil program, specially Inf. Regt., and native of Tulsa, off, Stegall noted.
ticed moving as a cohesive unit, selected by U.S. forces to lead Okla.
7

8. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
IA soldiers complete GWTC combat training rotation
Infantry Division Command- of the Head Hunter Squadron. like through this training,” said
ing General Maj. Gen. David “I think they enjoy getting out Cushing, a native of Rochester,
G. Perkins. of the normal routine of being Mich.
Attacking three different put on different checkpoints The Ghuzlani Warrior Train-
“enemy” objectives, using di- and they get an opportunity (to ing Center is one of two Iraqi
rect and indirect fire during the train as a battalion) and come training centers in northern
exercise, the Iraqi light infan- together as one team.” Iraq where both company and
try battalion employed all of The all inclusive training is battalion-sized units can prac-
the training learned during the an Iraqi Ground Forces Com- tice and enhance their fire and
previous three weeks under the mand training initiative to de- maneuver techniques with live
tutelage of U.S. Soldiers. velop and strengthen IA units’ ammunition.
Four of the IA companies capabilities to secure and de- “We all knew before we
led a ground assault, while the fend the people of Iraq from came here we were coming in
mortar company launched 60 external threats to Iraq’s sover- to advise, train and assist the
mm and 81 mm high explosive eignty. Iraqi Security Forces. So what-
mortar rounds, engaging no- This is the first battalion- ever we could do to make that a
tional “opposing forces” during level training event the Iraqi reality is very important to the
the training exercise. soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 11th squadron,” said Cushing.
Perkins and the Head Hunter Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Divi- During the deployment
Soldiers watched as Iraqi Army sion have conducted collective- in support of Operation New
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings
soldiers maneuvered to assault ly, said Cushing. Dawn, Soldiers of Head Hunter
the enemy positions, while “(The Iraqi soldiers) have Squadron have led three itera-
U.S. Division-North and 4th In-
fantry Division Commanding mortar rounds flew overhead. never trained together as a bat- tions of Tadreeb al Shamil rota-
General Maj. Gen. David G. Per- “We spend as much time talion, so we take it upon our- tions for the 3rd Iraqi Army Di-
kins congratulates Iraqi soldiers thinking about and preparing selves to really try to help them vision at GWTC since January.
assigned to 3rd Battalion, 11th
doctrine for how we train as we understand what right looks
Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Divi-
sion, after the completion of their do on how we fight and prepare
month-long training rotation at our doctrine for fighting,” said
Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Perkins, during his speech fol-
March 31, 2011.
lowing the live fire event.
Spc. Terence Ewings “When you bring all those
4th AAB PAO (elements) together, you end up
1st Cav. Div., USD-N with a great training exercise
like this, which ends up with a
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- well-trained unit that can fight,”
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq ― said Perkins.
Iraqi soldiers assigned to 3rd During the past month, U.S.
Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Soldiers have worked with
Iraqi Army Division, conclud- their Iraqi partners to modern-
ed a month-long training cycle ize the Iraqi battalion as part
with U.S. Soldiers at Ghuzlani of Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi
Warrior Training Center cul- military training program to
minating in a battalion live fire provide individual and collec-
exercise, March 31. tive infantry training for Iraq’s
The Iraqi Army soldiers ground forces.
showcased fire and maneuver Starting at the individual,
techniques taught by “Head squad and platoon levels, the IA
Hunter” Troopers of 1st Squad- soldiers build on their tactical
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
ron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th knowledge and skills, progress-
Iraqi soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army
Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st ing to company and battalion- Division, maneuver toward the final of three objectives during a live
Cavalry Division. level exercises during the 25- fire exercise at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, March 31, 2011. The
“This is a very high level of day training cycles of Tadreeb Iraqi soldiers demonstrated the enhanced combat skills acquired dur-
al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclu- ing a month of partnered training with U.S. Soldiers of 1st Squadron,
training and (the Iraqi soldiers) 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi-
did very well; obviously this sive Training. sion, during the culminating battalion level live fire exercise. The 3rd
battalion is well-trained,” said “They enjoy it,” said Lt. Bn., 11th Bde., 3rd IA Div., is the third IA unit to complete the month
U.S. Division-North and 4th Col. John Cushing, commander long training exercise at the training center.
8

9. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
12th IA medics prepare for emergencies
Spc. Kandi Huggins
1st AATF Public Affairs
1st Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North
CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA-
TION K1, Iraq – Medics assigned to 12th
Iraqi Army Division, hurried through a
field, carrying stacks of litters to assist fel-
low wounded jinood during a mass casu-
alty exercise at Contingency Operating Lo-
cation K1, March 23.
The Iraqi combat medics partnered with
combat medics of Company C, “Guard-
ians,” 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st
Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infan-
try Division, for the exercise, where they
treated artificial wounds sustained during a
simulated helicopter crash.
Lt. Col Amed, Division Surgeon, 12th
IA Div., said the Iraqi soldiers, or jinood,
understand the basics of their responsibili-
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
ties as medics, and are very organized in
During a mass casualty exercise at Contingency Operating Location K1, combat medics of
their approach to caring for a casualty in a 12th Iraqi Army Division provide emergency medical care to a “notional” casualty, simulating
hostile environment. wounds as part of a training scenario led by medics of 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st
Amed said he helped develop the med- Infantry Division, March 23, 2011. Designed to test 12th IA Div. medics’ ability to treat patients
ics by teaching the jinood to prioritize pa- under the pressures of combat, the exercise presented realistic scenarios and stressors, such
as taking enemy fire, to validate the Iraqi soldiers’ training provided by U.S. Army medics of
tient care during combat, assessing patients Company C, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div.
and administering treatment as appropriate.
MASCAL exercises offer realistic sce- basic idea … but until they get hands-on the MASCAL exercise. The first scenario
narios to help prepare units for emergen- training, they won’t fully understand the simulated a helicopter crash with multiple
cies, said Sgt. 1st Class William Wright, components involved in a mass casualty.” casualties. In the second simulation, no-
medical advisor for Iraqi Security Forces Spc. Chip Allen, combat medic, Com- tional enemy forces opened fire on an am-
serving at COL K1. pany C, said the MASCAL exercise offered bulance full of passengers, injuring every-
The response, mitigation and recovery a venue for IA medics to refine their skills one inside.
involved in the realistic simulation of a and abilities. Combat medics of 12th IA Div. partici-
MASCAL drill ensure IA medics under- “We set up training lanes in order for pated in every aspect of the exercise, from
stand multi-tasking and each individual’s them to practice setting up security, treat receiving moulage makeovers, portraying
responsibility when triaging and caring for patients accordingly and evacuate them to casualties, to acting as security while the
casualties, said Wright, a combat medic a safe zone,” said Allen, who calls Denton, other medics trained.
assigned to Company C, 101st BSB, 1st Texas home. “If they continuously apply Allen said the training was designed to
AATF, 1st Inf. Div. dressings and tourniquets, and whatever place the trainees in difficult situations to
“It’s critical they have a medical element they need to do to treat patients over and develop their skills to the level of more ex-
that is able to support them during their over, eventually their skills will become perienced medics.
real-world operations,” said Wright, who quicker and smoother, and they will work “Sometimes you get training but don’t
hails from Fort Riley, Kan. “They have the together more and be better at their jobs.” get hard training; but I feel we’ve chal-
IA medics conducted two iterations of lenged them and made it more of a realistic
situation for them,” he said.
Sgt. 1st Class William Wright, combat medic As the medic training progresses, the
and senior medical advisor at Contingency Guardian Soldiers look forward to incorpo-
Operating Location K1, applies face paint to
a medic of the 12th Iraqi Army Division, cre-
rating more IA units into the MASCAL ex-
ating a moulage of mock injuries, adding a ercise, said Wright. By incorporating other
sense of realism to a mass casualty exercise, units into the medical training, Iraqi Secu-
March 23, 2011. Wright and other medics of rity Forces will increase the number of 12th
Company C supervised the MASCAL, observ-
ing the IA medics’ ability to respond, mitigate
IA Div. jinood prepared for an emergency.
and recover multiple simulated casualties
during an emergency.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO
9

10. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
Always making little improvements
1st Lt. Kyle Miller sance so they can see how we do things,” checkpoint now has a small grill and a
2nd Sqdn., 14th Cav. Regt. explained Phillips a cavalry scout assigned cold container to store hamburgers and hot
2nd AAB Public Affairs to Troop A. dogs, said Burns.
25th Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North Integrating the ISF into battle drills at Complementing the increased protec-
the combined checkpoints provided an op- tion of razor wire and heavy gates, simple
CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- portunity for realistic training for the tripar- pump-fed showers and modest gyms en-
TION COBRA, Iraq – Holding a pair of tite forces, said Phillips. hance the Soldiers’ quality of life, he said.
pliers while leaning into a mess of con- Battle drills, pre-determined actions The small section of Soldiers work-
certina wire, a Soldier began cutting free conducted with few orders in reaction to ing along the barbed wire fence displayed
a picket for salvage at a checkpoint near various circumstances, remain vital to the knowledge and skills acquired from their
Contingency Operation Location Cobra. overall force protection posture, he added. experience, quickly stopping to mend bro-
Without flinching, Pfc. Joseph Andali Phillips said a proactive approach must ken, disorganized breaks in the perimeter.
slid the picket out with the help of fellow be used to prevent the combined security The Soldiers resourcefully salvaged
Soldiers. Sun burning high overhead on a forces from becoming complacent in their damaged concertina wire and buried pick-
hot afternoon in late March, the infantry- day-to-day operations. ets, using available supplies on hand.
man from New Hide Park, N.Y., pounded According to Capt. Thomas Burns, “Without anything on hand, we’re go-
the post down and forced the sharp concer- commander of Troop A, 2nd Sqdn., 14th ing to go through, restring and improve,”
tina wire back into place. Like clockwork, Cav. Regt., U.S. Soldiers operating at the Burns said. “We identify what we’re short
the Soldiers picked up their equipment and combined checkpoints vigilantly strive to and keep ordering; working until we’re ei-
moved toward another tangled weakness in improve their defensive positions and also ther out of time or supplies.”
their checkpoint defenses, leaving an orga- take time to build simple amenities for the Force protection remains an ongoing
nized and intimidating line in their trail. tripartite forces. requirement that U.S. Soldiers and their
U.S. Soldiers of Troop A, 2nd Squad- “The gyms have become more ro- Iraqi counterparts face on a daily basis, said
ron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise bust,” said Burns, a native of Kearny, N.J., O’Leary.
and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division “We’ve built (a Morale, Welfare, and Rec- Holding back a strand of razor wire in
assumed the responsibility to assist the reation) center; then there’s the (weapons) his gloves, O’Leary reflected on his pla-
Iraqi Army and Kurdish Regional Guard ranges themselves—training is definitely a toon’s accomplishments.
Brigade maintain operations at combined quality of life improvement.” “It’s a constant thing,” he said. “I can’t
checkpoints in June 2010. Early in the squadron’s deployment, tell you how many times we’ve been out
The combined checkpoints in Diyala Soldiers subsisted on supplies of Meal- here re-establishing our positions, making
province of northern Iraq promote security Ready-to-Eat rations. In contrast, each them stronger.”
in the region and provide a unique opportu-
nity for the IA and RGB to work and train
together, said Staff Sgt. Kyle O’Leary, a
cavalry scout from Tehachapi, Calif.
Working with the combined security
forces in Diyala, Soldiers of 2nd Sqdn.,
14th Cav. Regt., 2nd AAB followed a basic
principle of soldiering: constantly improve
the position.
After establishing numerous defensive
improvements, such as gates, fences, walls
and sandbags, the platoons manning the
checkpoints found the need to improve and
rebuild positions.
High winds and heavy rain altered the
terrain and degraded fortified positions,
said O’Leary.
The constant attention to security and
protection provided an additional oppor-
tunity to teach and train the Iraqi Security
Forces, said Staff Sgt. Darwin Phillips, a U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Kyle Miller, 2nd Sqdn., 14th Cav. Regt., 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N
native of Angeles City, Philippines. Pfc. Joseph Andali, left, infantryman, Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Ad-
“We’re also trying to get the ISF in- vise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, turns his head away as Staff Sgt. Brian Bing-
ham, cavalry scout, Troop A, cuts an uprooted picket free from the maze of concertina wire
volved with our battle drills and reconnais- near a Diyala Province combined checkpoint, March 26, 2011.
10

11. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
Tadreeb al Shamil graduates learn
teamwork, benefits of ongoing training
Sgt. Shawn Miller talion and the 5th IA Division
109th MPAD as you continue to secure Iraq
USD-N Public Affairs for the people and for a positive
future.”
KIRKUSH MILITARY The Iraqi soldiers became
TRAINING BASE, Iraq - As the third class to graduate from
the newest graduates of Tadreeb the course at KMTB, which
al Shamil, the Iraqi Army’s began rotating Iraqi Army bat-
comprehensive training pro- talions through the 25-day
gram, soldiers assigned to 4th Tadreeb an Shamil training
Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th IA cycles earlier this year.
Division, returned to their duty Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic
stations across Iraq to carry on for All Inclusive Training, fo-
lessons learned. cuses on building cohesion
Following 25 days of mili- in IA units and changing their
tary training, senior IA and U.S. mission from focusing on in-
officers honored more than 400 ternal security to defending U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
members of the battalion dur- against external threats, said
Iraqi Army jinood, Arabic for soldiers, assigned to 4th Battalion, 21st
ing a graduation ceremony Col. Anwar, commander of 4th Brigade, 5th IA Division, revel in their certificates of completion, fol-
at Kirkush Military Training Bn., 21st Bde., 5th IA Div. lowing a Tadreeb al Shamil Graduation Ceremony at Kirkush Military
Base, March 28. “We’ve been seeing the ben- Training Base, Iraq, March 28, 2011. As part of Tadreeb al Shamil, the
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert efits of this training from the Iraqi-led initiative focused on building military capabilities, Iraqi sol-
diers completed 25 days of training on ground combat fundamentals
Forte, deputy commanding of- beginning,” said Anwar. and coming together as collective units.
ficer of 2nd Advise and Assist Tadreeb al Shamil provides
Brigade, 25th Infantry Divi- Iraqi officers and noncommis- from conducting morning phys- A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry
sion, expressed gratitude to the sioned in his battalion the op- ical fitness to building trust in Regiment, 2nd Advise and As-
Iraqi soldiers as they prepared portunity to collectively train, their weapons and comrades, sist Brigade, 25th Infantry Di-
to leave KMTB to continue learning with their soldiers and learning to move and commu- vision led the training classes
their mission in defending the developing as a team, rather nicate as squads, platoons and during previous cycles, until
people of Iraq. than conducting individual, iso- companies. recently transitioning most of
“It has been our honor to lated training at Iraqi bases and “When we go back, we will the teaching responsibilities to
work side by side with you and security checkpoints through- continue to do this training in Iraqi cadre.
to watch you improve every out northern Iraq. our own time so the soldiers do Throughout the training cy-
day,” said Forte. “We look for- During the course, Iraqi not forget it during missions,” cle, U.S. Soldiers stressed the
ward to seeing continued victo- soldiers learned the benefits Anwar said. importance of a daily training
ries and success with this bat- of daily training, said Anwar, U.S. Soldiers of Company regimen to develop and main-
tain skills critical to being a
Iraqi Army soldiers of 4th Battal- soldier ready for combat.
ion, 21st Brigade, 5th IA Division
stand in review before senior of-
Anwar said the partnership
ficers during a graduation cere- and dedication of his American
mony at Kirkush Military Training counterparts made the training
Base, Iraq, March 28, 2011. More program possible and showed
than 400 soldiers assigned to the
battalion graduated the 25-day
the possibilities of what could
Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi mili- be achieved through such train-
tary training initiative to develop ing.
the Iraqi Army’s ability to act as Upon the completion of
a collective unit and modernize
its combat techniques. The Iraqi
the graduation ceremony, U.S.
soldiers became the third class forces began working with
to graduate from the course at Iraqi cadre to prepare for the
KMTB, which began rotating Iraqi next training rotation at KMTB
Army battalions through the 25-
day Tadreeb an Shamil training
scheduled to start in early April.
cycles earlier this year.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
11

12. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
‘Wolfhounds,’ PRT deliver pediatric wheel-
chairs to Tikrit Rehabilitation Hospital
Sgt. Coltin Heller A staff member of the Tikrit Rehabilitation
109th MPAD Hospital unloads a pediatric wheelchair for
Iraqi families with physically disabled chil-
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs dren, March 28, 2011. The non-profit organi-
zation, which donated the chairs that facili-
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE tated better mobility and quality of life for the
SPEICHER, Iraq – Iraqi parents soothed children, also donated several wheelchairs in
and cradled their children, waiting for as- February. “This program tries to do this as of-
sistance promised by the Tikrit Rehabilita- ten as possible,” said Brad Blauser, founder
of the non-profit organization that donated
tion Hospital staff. the chairs. “For us, it’s all about the kids.”
Smiles appeared on the faces of Iraqi
children and their parents as members of Blauser and PRT members unload the
Salah ad Din Provincial Reconstruction wheelchairs transported by “Wolfhound”
Team, escorted by U.S. Division-North Soldiers of 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt. Parents
Soldiers assigned to Company A, 1st Bat- carried their children into the Tikrit Reha-
talion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise bilitation Hospital gymnasium, and with
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, assistance from the PRT, settled their chil-
delivered wheelchairs to Iraqi families in dren into their new wheelchairs. padding, ensuring the children sat comfort-
need March 28. “For many of these kids, this is the first ably and secure.
Brad Blauser, founder of a non-profit time they have seen a wheelchair,” said “This is big deal for these kids. They are
organization that provides pediatric wheel- Staff Sgt. Matthew Spady, civil liaison usually carried or carted everywhere,” said
chairs for disabled Iraqi children, person- team noncommissioned officer who works Spady, who hails from Rainier, Oregon.
ally delivered 12 wheelchairs purchased with the PRT. “The kids seem frightened at “You notice a big difference.”
with funds donated by the PRT. first, but after awhile you can see them en- “You could tell the parents were really
“This program tries to do this as often joying the chair.” into what we were doing,” said 1st Lt. Ty
as possible,” Blauser said. “For us, it’s all Spady, with other members of the PRT, Lin, platoon leader, Company A. “They
about the kids.” fitted each child to their new pediatric watched and were very attentive on what
Members of the hospital staff assisted wheelchair, adjusting the foot rests and was going on, so they know what to do
to make their kids as comfortable as pos-
sible.”
Lin, who escorted the PRT on previous
humanitarian missions, said he enjoys the
reactions of the children, and has no reser-
vations coming back.
“I’m proud to escort the PRT when con-
ducting this type of mission,” said the Dan-
ville, Calif. native. “It’s great knowing you
could have a hand in something as good as
this.”
In addition to the 12 chairs donated dur-
ing the event, the PRT donated 20 chairs
in February, providing other Iraqi families
better quality of life for their children.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Spady, civil liaison team
noncommissioned officer who works with
the Salah ad Din Provincial Reconstruction
Team, makes one last adjustment to a pediat-
ric wheelchair donated to the Tikrit Rehabili-
tation Hospital, March 28, 2011. U.S. Division-
North Soldiers assigned to Company A, 1st
Battalion, “Wolfhounds,” 27th Infantry Regi-
ment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th In-
fantry Division, transported the wheelchairs,
provided by a non-profit organization.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
12

13. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
Iraqi Kids Day brings spirit of Iraq to
‘On Time’ Soldiers at Joint Base Balad
children participating in the
day’s events, to include rappel
rides, face painting, sport ac-
tivities, and a piñata filled with
candy and toys.
“Seeing these kids here to-
gether enjoying themselves and
just being kids is good to see,”
said Spc. Francisco Valdes, an
artilleryman assigned to Bat-
tery C, 2nd Bn., 11th FA Regt.
“I’ve been able to see a lot of
good things we have done in
Iraq and this is definitely one of
those good things.”
Valdes, from Aibonito,
Puerto Rico, and father of
three, said the kids often re-
mind him of his own children,
which prompted him to take
part in the Iraqi Kids Day ac-
tivities.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N
“I’ve always heard about
A local Iraqi girl breaks open a piñata during an Iraqi Kids Day, March 26, 2011, at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
these events but never took
Since the summer of 2010, units serving at Joint Base Balad have hosted Kids Day. Hosted by U.S. Soldiers part in them,” he said. “I vol-
of 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, approximately 100 Iraqi children participated in the day’s events, to unteered immediately when I
include rappel rides, face painting, and sport activities. Since the summer of 2010, U.S. Soldiers of Joint heard Kids Day was happening
Base Balad have hosted Kids Day, offering kids and local Iraqis a rare glimpse in the lives of U.S. troops
operating in and around Balad.
again on JBB. Just seeing the
kids smile makes all the hard
Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch Kim, a native of Fort Lee, the other side of U.S. Soldiers.” work we do here worth it.”
2nd AAB Public Affairs N.J., said after numerous mis- He explained that events,
25th Inf. Div., USD-N sions outside the base, playing like the Kids Day, serve dual
with kids can bring joy to even roles to the Iraqi community.
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – the most battle-tested Soldiers. “Bringing the kids here al-
A group of excited, young Iraqi “Some of these kids come lows them to see us without our
children jumped up to swarm from some economically de- combat gear and learn we’re
1st Lt. Jae Kim, dashing around pressed areas, so you don’t see just like everyday people, and
his feet, in an attempt to catch a lot of fun activities where it gives parents an opportunity
the soccer ball he kicks around all the kids get together,” said to see we’re here to help them,”
playfully at the Joint Base Kim, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, Kim said.
Balad Morale, Welfare and 11th Field Artillery Regiment, Soldiers of 2nd Brigade,
Recreation building March 26. 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, joined
One year ago, interacting 25th Infantry Division. units at Joint Base Balad, host-
with Iraqi kids only occurred “The simple things we take ing approximately 100 Iraqi
in fleeting moments when U.S. for granted, you just don’t see
Soldiers took small breaks on 1st Lt. Jae Kim, a native of Fort
a lot of here, so it’s good to just
Lee, N.J., and executive officer
patrol to play with the kids, get a bunch of the kids together of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th
said Kim. These days, units op- for some fun.” Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd
erating from Joint Base Balad “When the kids see us on the Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th
regularly host events, such as Infantry Division, U.S. Division
streets, all they see are Soldiers
North, kicks a soccer ball around
the Iraqi Kids Day, bringing in body armor with weapons, with a local Iraqi child during an
service members together with moving about on missions,” Iraqi Kids Day, March 26, 2011, at
Joint Base Balad, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch
the local community. Kim said. “This lets them see
13

14. The Ivy Leaf April 1, 2011
Appreciating the moments, Chamillionaire
learns about Soldiers at COS Warrior
Daniels said it was “cool” to see the rapper
in person and they are grateful for the op-
portunity to spend time with an icon.
“I was listening to Chamillionaire be-
fore the world knew who he was,” said Jor-
dan, a military policeman from Houston,
assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st
Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry
Division. “I felt honored to meet someone
from my hometown, knew and listened to
growing up.”
Jordan received the opportunity to es-
cort Chamillionaire around COS Warrior
and said, for him, the highlight of the rap-
per’s visit, came when he played a pick-up
game of basketball with the rapper.
Daniels, a motor specialist, also from
Houston, serving with Company F, 2nd
Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment attached
to the 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div., said it was an
honor for him to be called up on stage with
Chamillionaire.
“When I got on stage with Chamillion-
aire, there was no fear when I looked down
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N at the crowd,” said Daniels about his free-
Chamillionaire, a rapper from Houston, performs for service members and civilians stationed style performance with the rapper.
at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, March 27, 2011, as part of the Chamillionaire Tour, a It felt great seeing people he knew from
Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored event for Soldiers deployed to U.S. Division-North
in support of Operation New Dawn. The rapper said he enjoyed performing for troops and ap-
his neck of the woods, said Chamillionaire.
preciates the opportunity to say “Thank you” to America’s men and women in uniform. The rapper said he could tell, when they
shook his hand and said they appreciated
Spc. Kandi Huggins The MPs accompanied the hip-hop art- him coming to visit, they meant it.
1st AATF Public Affairs ist to their motorpool for a crash course in “I definitely appreciate the job and
1st Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North how to properly wear tactical equipment service our troops do for us a lot more,”
and how to enter a tactical vehicle. Later, Chamillionaire said. “I see troops all the
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE the troops sat down with Chamillionaire to time in the airport. I shake their hands and
WARRIOR, Iraq – “It’s different from see- share their experiences of life for a Soldier it’s easy to be like ‘keep your head up,
ing it on TV,” said rapper Chamillionaire in Iraq. come back safe’ but as you get closer to see
about his first-hand experience with the “That was the most interesting part— everything they go through every day …
Soldiers and their daily lives at Contingen- learning,” said Chamillionaire. “Every- it’s a different appreciation,” said Chamil-
cy Operating Site Warrior. “When you see body has their own twist on history, and lionaire.
it on TV, you have a certain view of how this place is rich with history. It made me People have their opinion about Soldiers
you think the military life is ... I feel closer want to go back and read up more.” based on what they see on television and
and understand a lot more now than what I Later that night, a crowd of service what they see in movies, but there’s a lot
did before.” members and civilians crowded the stage going on in the lives of the Soldiers in Iraq,
Rap artist Chamillionaire visited ser- known as the Wagon Wheel, taking in ev- said Chamillionaire.
vice members and civilians based at COS ery moment of Chamillionaire’s perfor- Chamillionaire said he has performed
Warrior during a Morale, Welfare and Rec- mance. for Soldiers before, mostly at Fort Hood,
reation Tour, performing for service mem- The artist kept the crowd on their feet Texas, but the experience did not compare
bers and civilians March 27. with their hands in the air as he motivat- to entertaining troops overseas, and hang-
During the day, Chamillionaire visited ed them to “Body Rock” and “Say Good ing out with the Soldiers deployed in sup-
with military police and received a tour of Morning.” port of Operation New Dawn.
their compound at COS Warrior. Cpl. Jeremy Jordan and Cpl. William
14