Iraqi artillery crews conducted dry-fire drills to prepare for an upcoming live-fire exercise. The drills allowed the Iraqi forward observers, fire direction operators, and gun crews to practice synchronizing their actions at full speed. The training is meant to improve the Iraqi army's capabilities and modernize their field artillery skills. U.S. instructors also selected some Iraqi soldiers to become trainers themselves in order to sustain the training for other Iraqi units. Journalists from Iraqi media observed the drills to document and report on the new indirect firing capabilities of the 5th Iraqi Army Division.

1. Volume 1, Issue 30 may 27, 2011
Iraqi FA crews prepare for live fire exercise
Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
LongKnife
Ironhorse
Devil
Fit for Any Test
Fit for Any Test
Ironhorse
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO Devil
An M198 155mm howitzer crew with 105th Field Artillery Regiment, 5th Iraqi Army Division loads a training round into the breach during a dry-
LongKnife
fire crew drill at Kirkush Military Training Base, Diyala province, Iraq, May 19, 2011. Iraqi field artillery soldiers of 105th FA Regt. conducted
the crew drills to hone their skills prior to an upcoming live fire exercise scheduled for later this month.
Steadfast and Loyal
Sgt. David Strayer tary Training Base in the Di- agencies. quarters and Headquarters Bat-
109th MPAD yala province of Iraq, May 19. Iraqi forward observers, fire tery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field
USD-N Public Affairs Iraqi Army soldiers con- direction operators and gun Artillery Regiment, 2nd Ad-
ducted the full speed drills to crews synced for the first time vise and Assist Brigade, 25th
KIRKUSH MILITARY practice for an upcoming live at full speed during the inte- Infantry Division. “It gave
Warrior
TRAINING BASE, Iraq – Sol- fire exercise prior to a provin- grated dry fire crew drills. them the opportunity to field
diers of 105th Field Artillery cial capstone exercise demon- “There were several pur- this new artillery equipment,
Regiment, 5th Iraqi Army Di- strating capabilities and co- poses to this training exercise,” and employ the M198 weapon
vision conducted dry-fire crew operative operations between said Capt. Lance Magill, field system at full speed.”
drill exercises at Kirkush Mili- various Iraqi Security Forces artillery training chief, Head-
See CREW, Pg. 3

2. The Ivy Leaf May 27, 2011
While ground forces conducted area security operations near
COS Warrior, several rocket attacks hit the COS. Smith and a scout
weapons team immediately reacted, flying to the origin of the at-
tacks, locating multiple rocket launching platforms and an Impro-
vised Explosive Device.
“Mr. Smith and his team located a platform used to launch rock-
ets,” said Capt. Phillip Vaughn, commander of Troop A, 6th Sqdn.,
17th Cav. Regt. “At this time he and his team performed over
watch, securing the scene for Iraqi Security Forces on the ground.”
After ISF soldiers secured the first scene, Smith and his team
flew farther up the river, scanning for more possible rocket launch-
ing platforms. The scout team found two more locations, one of
U.S. Army photo which had a rocket still on the launch rail.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mikel Smith, a scout pilot with Troop A, 6th “After finding the second and third platforms, (Smith) was able
Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Saber, 40th Combat
Aviation Brigade, prepares his Kiowa helicopter for a mission near
to walk the ground forces to each position within minutes,” said
Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, May 24, 2011. Smith earned Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dave Rosser, Kiowa maintenance test pi-
the title of “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week for his actions in lot with Troop A. “He also noticed an IED near the base of one of
finding and disabling several rockets aimed at COS Warrior, May 18.
the platforms, which went off, but no one was injured.”
Security for service members deployed in support of Operation After identifying and securing all the sites, ISF ground forces
New Dawn requires constant vigilance against threats designed to took control of each site, destroying the launching systems and
impair missions and harm U.S. or Iraqi soldiers. investigating the area.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mikel Smith, a scout pilot with Troop Smith’s actions directly resulted in the destruction of enemy
A, 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Saber, 40th threats and ensured the security of all personnel at COS Warrior,
Combat Aviation Brigade, earned the title of “Ironhorse Strong” exemplifying what it means to be a cavalryman, unit leaders said.
Soldier of the Week for his actions during counter-indirect fire op- “He’s a motivated Soldier,” said Vaughn. “Give him a task you
erations near Contingency Operating Site Warrior, May 18. want done and he does not let you down.”
Iraqi officers assess Chaplain assistant finds Support Soldiers assist ‘Spartan’ battalion
training, plan for success fulfillment helping Iraqi maintenance crews welcomes new NCOs
Soldiers with weapons repair
Page 4 Page 7 Page 9 Page 10
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 CI Chief – Sgt. 1st Class Brent M. Williams
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Sgt. Coltin Heller
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 May 27, 2011
Cont’d from CREW, Pg. 1
During the dry fire drills,
Iraqi forward observers identi-
fied targets while the fire direc-
tion center computed and sent
firing data to the gun crews in
preparation for upcoming live
fire exercises.
Throughout several weeks
of artillery training with Iraqi
students, U.S. instructors also
seek to transform some of the
students into instructors capa-
ble of taking the training regi-
men back to their respective
units, Magill said.
“One of the biggest pieces
here is our train-the-trainer ef-
forts,” said Magill. “Field ar-
tillery is a perishable skill. We
have selected and have been
training IA soldiers that will go
back to their units and sustain
and perpetuate this training for
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
their soldiers. That is what is
Iraqi field artillery forward observers with 105th Field Artillery Regiment, 5th Iraqi Army Division call in the
going to make these guys keep
location of a target during a dry-fire crew drill at Kirkush Military Training Base, in the Diyala province, of
getting better and more profes- northern Iraq, May 19, 2011.
sional.”
The dry fire exercises are in- dently, but they have to know news media outlets from across will be a better army because
strumental for artillery teams to how their pieces fit together to northern and central Iraq to of it,” said Munjid, a journalist
learn teamwork, Magill said. be able to accomplish the mis- document and broadcast the with the Iraqi Media News net-
“Integration is essential for sion.” new indirect firing capability of work. “We will also be here to
this to work,” said Magill. “The The M198 howitzer crew 5th IA Div. cover the capstone; it is a very
forward observers and the fire drills, and the capstone sched- “We all came here to cover significant event that will show
direction (soldiers) can know uled to follow later this month, this training and how they will the improvements in security
their job in and out indepen- attracted several different Iraqi use this weapon and how they and bring peace of mind to the
Iraqi people.”
Even after the live fire exer-
cise and the Iron Lion capstone
event, Magill said partnered
efforts between U.S. and Iraqi
forces will bring long lasting
benefits to the Iraqi Army.
“This equipment translates
into more capability; it makes
them more viable on a linear
battlefield,” said Magill. “It’s a
huge piece in their moderniza-
tion, and essentially, it makes a
more complete army for Iraq.”
An Iraqi M198 155mm howitzer
crew member with 105th Field
Artillery Regiment, 5th Iraqi
Army Division uses a collimator
to sight his crew’s howitzer dur-
ing a fully synced dry-fire crew
drill at Kirkush Military Training
Base, Diyala province, Iraq, May
19, 2011.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
3

4. The Ivy Leaf May 27, 2011
Iraqi officers assess training, plan for success
Spc. Angel Turner Capt. Ghassam Hussain, an operations of-
4th AAB Public Affairs ficer assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Brigade,
3rd Iraqi Army Division, reviews possible en-
1st Cav. Div., U.S. Division-North emy courses of action during training at Ghu-
zlani Warrior Training Center, May 18, 2011.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE
MAREZ, Iraq – Iraqi staff officers assigned tions lanes at GWTC to see how the units
to 2nd Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi should secure the area and defend against
Army Division studied operations orders attacks.
and troop leading procedures during train- After a month of partnered training
ing at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, classes with 4th AAB Soldiers, battalion
May 18. staff members are now capable of handling
U.S. Soldiers of 4th Advise and Assist all operational details, said staff Col. Taw-
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division mentored fek Kalaf, commander, 2nd Bn., 9th Bde.,
the Iraqi officers in preparation for an up- 3rd IA Div.
coming battalion live fire exercise—the “Before (these officers) arrived here,
culmination of the month-long Tadreeb al they didn’t have any experience on how
Shamil course at GWTC. to prepare an operation order,” said Kalaf.
Arabic for All Inclusive Training, “Now they can plan for battalion missions
Tadreeb al Shamil is an Iraqi Ground Forc- U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO and issue operation orders.”
es Command initiative focused on training missions. Nearly complete with the training itera-
soldiers in cohesive units and modernizing “(Our goal) is for them to understand tion at GWTC, battalion staff officers now
combat effectiveness and capabilities. how to plan and prepare for the operation have knowledge that can improve the way
Now on the fifth Tadreeb al Shamil cy- and to be able to conduct it on their own they conduct battalion operations, improv-
cle, Lt. Col. Clint McWhorter, primary staff with little U.S. supervision or involve- ing the overall effectiveness of the Iraqi
trainer assigned to Task Force Sword, 4th ment,” said McWhorter, a veteran of 23 Army, said Kalaf.
AAB, 1st Cav. Div., worked with Iraqi staff years. Staff officers now look to plan opera-
officers to build the officers’ knowledge on As Iraqi soldiers progress from squad tions and coordinate their battalion’s live
troop leading procedures and improve the and platoon–level training to company– fire exercise scheduled for later this month
way they plan for operations against poten- level operations, the staff officers continu- as U.S. advisors assess the Iraqi soldiers’
tial threats. ously examine the terrain around the opera- progress.
Unit leaders and noncommissioned of-
ficers use troop leading procedures to issue
orders and then plan and complete mission
preparation.
Once staff officers or unit leaders is-
sue an initial warning order for a mission,
intermediate leaders, such as company of-
ficers or NCOs, begin making plans with
soldiers, start necessary movement, recon-
noiter, complete plans, and issue actual or-
ders as the officers supervise and refine the
operation plan.
“Most of the staff officers have not at-
tended staff school where they learn what
it takes to plan, prepare and execute opera-
tions,” said McWhorter, a native of Over-
land Park, Kan. “The training I give them
introduces a simple process where they can
think through the actions of what it takes to
plan for an operation.”
The small staff of Iraqi officers spends
most of their training days drawing dia-
grams of possible courses of action to U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
counteract different attacks by opposition Lt. Col. Clint McWhorter, right, primary staff trainer assigned to Task Force Sword, 4th Advise
and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, reviews an operation plan on a terrain model with
forces at the training center and learn how
Capt. Ghassam Hussain during training at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, May 18, 2011.
to work together to successfully execute
4

5. The Ivy Leaf May 27, 2011
‘Long Knife’ Soldiers give to Jedallah Village
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
Spc. Albert Yao, a civil affairs specialist assigned to 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi-
sion, hands out stuffed animals to children during a humanitarian aid drop in Jedallah, Iraq, May 22, 2011. Soldiers delivered clothing, school
supplies and other items on behalf of American citizens who mailed the supplies.
Spc. Terence Ewings Operation Iraqi Freedom, and commander of 4th AAB, said 2008 resulted in Mohammed
4th AAB Public Affairs into Operation New Dawn the donation program offers losing both his legs. Shortly
1st Cav. Div., USD-N “Having a chance to interact mutual benefits for the villagers thereafter, U.S. forces provided
with the villagers and deliver- and his Soldiers. medical support and prosthetics
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- ing supplies that they need and “The Soldiers were able to to the doctor.
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – will use was a great experi- see the benefits of what they “The experiences he has
During the last eight years, U.S. ence,” said Spc. Albert Yao, a do,” said Reese, a native of St. gone through are a testament
Soldiers and American citizens civil affairs specialist assigned Louis. “These kind of missions to his dedication to improve the
provided ongoing humanitarian to 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, really allow them to see the lives of the Iraqis not only in
support to residents of Jedallah, attached to 4th AAB. fruits of their labor. They get to his village, but the surrounding
Iraq. Yao and fellow civil affairs see the smiles of the families, villages as well,” said Reese.
“Long Knife” Soldiers of Soldiers worked with 4th AAB the smiles on the kids, and they After touring the medical
4th Advise and Assist Brigade, troopers to transport and deliv- get to see their actions directly clinic, Mohammed escorted
1st Cavalry Division delivered er the care packages to the vil- contribute to improving the Reese to his office, where the
care packages sent from Ameri- lagers in Ninewa province. lives of the Iraqi people.” two looked at memorabilia col-
can citizens in Barrington, R.I., “Being able to reach out and In addition to handing out lected from U.S. forces who as-
May 22, as part of the Adopt-a- have a direct effect on the Iraqi clothes and toys to the local sisted the village in the past.
Village program. people here was a unique feel- children, Long Knife Soldiers “This was a rewarding expe-
In 2003, Victoria Belmont ing,” said Yao, a native of Troy, also took the time to thank the rience,” said Sgt. 1st Class John
and Barrington residents read Mich. “I’m happy I was able to villagers for their partnership Globlek, a civil affairs special-
about the support program take part in this mission.” during the past several years. ist from Columbus, Ohio, as-
started by the 101st Airborne Soon after the American cit- Dr. Mohammed Ismail signed to the 412th Civil Af-
Division, and began sending izens adopted the Iraqi village, Ahmed, who runs the village fairs Battalion, attached to 4th
donations to Jedallah. they began mailing clothing, clinic, served as an advisor to AAB. “Being able to give these
Barrington residents contin- school supplies to local U.S. U.S. forces since the Adopt-a- good people items that they re-
ued to send care packages to the military bases so the goods Village partnership began in ally needed was worth it all—
village after the initial efforts of could be delivered to Jedallah. 2003. one of the best missions I’ve
the 101st Airborne Div., during Lt. Col. Paul Reese, deputy An attack on the village in had so far.”
5

6. The Ivy Leaf May 27, 2011
Immortalize veterans by listening to history
Staff Sgt. Shawn Miller members this weekend, take a moment to It could be my journalistic preoccupa-
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment thank those aging veterans before they join tion with hearing stories, but taking the
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs the ranks of their forgone brothers and sis- time to listen to a veteran’s chronicles of
ters in arms. bygone times always struck me as one of
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Though we have Veteran’s Day ev- the best ways to honor their service and
SPEICHER, Iraq – Just before deploying ery November to honor our living Sol- sacrifice.
last fall, I had the opportunity to cover a diers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast This does not apply only to veterans of
story on a group of World War II veterans Guardsmen, hundreds of World War II and World War II or Korea. Veterans of all con-
visiting the National World War II Memo- Korean War veterans quietly pass away in flicts, past and present, deserve to be heard;
rial in Washington, D.C. the days between May and November. because we never know when the moment
As Memorial Day approaches, I find February 27 marked the loss of the last will come when fate will take those stories
myself thinking about one particular vet- “Doughboy” and America’s last link to away from us before having a chance to be
eran I met that day and how a few simple World War I, as Frank Buckles slipped into told.
words can make such a permanent impres- history at 110 years old. Although he rarely spoke of the war, I
sion. Richard Winters, the commander of still regret not listening to my grandfather
With a tear in his eye and a bear-like Easy Company immortalized by author more often before he passed away. As a
grip that belied his age, the former Soldier Stephen Ambrose in “Band of Brothers,” child, I did not realize the importance of
shook my hand and said, “Thank you for passed away in January at his small farm perpetuating those memories, and now all
serving.” nestled in the countryside near Hershey, Pa. that is left are a few photo albums and an
This is a man who had his B-17 bomber Their stories are widely told, but Winters empty spot in my Family history where
shot out of the sky over Europe and spent and Buckles are far from the only veterans those tales should be.
more than a year in a German prisoner of with intriguing histories. All our deceased If you have relatives who served, take
war camp. This is a man who took the time heroes deserve to be remembered by more the time to not only thank them, but sit and
to thank me. than an etching on a headstone, fond mem- talk with them. Grab a notebook, too, if you
There is a quiet modesty expressed by ories and annual memorial services. are so inclined. If an older generation vet-
these service members of the “Greatest This Memorial Day, pay respect to your eran stops you to talk for a minute, lend an
Generation.” Though humble, they ask local veterans, living and dead, by keeping ear. You may be the only link to keeping
only to not be forgotten. their stories and history alive, and more im- their history going.
As America honors her fallen service portant, archived for future generations. This Memorial Day, we pay homage to
America’s finest sons and daughters—to
those service members who went before
us and made it possible for current genera-
tions to live freely.
For those of you currently supporting
Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring
Freedom, or serving across the world, take
a few moments out of your duties May 30
to pause and pay your own respect to the
thousands of men and women who paid for
progress with their lives. While they may
be gone, their stories will never be lost
so long as you are willing to keep telling
them.
And if an old bomber crewman stops
to thank you, return the gratitude and give
him a few minutes of your time. It will be
an experience you won’t forget.
Marvin Russell, a World War II veteran from
Loganville, Ga., recounts his experiences
with Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Gonzalez, as they
rest in front of the National World War II Me-
morial Freedom Wall in Washington, D.C.
Russell served as a flight engineer and gun-
ner on a B-17 bomber in the Army Air Corps
during World War II. Russell was shot down
over Europe and spent 13 months as a pris-
oner of war before returning home.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
6

7. The Ivy Leaf May 27, 2011
Chaplain assistant finds fulfillment helping Soldiers
Spc. Kandi Huggins I was about 20 at the time and
1st AATF Public Affairs he was so proud they finally
1st Inf. Div., USD-N honored him,” Bedwell said.
“Then, I didn’t care what he did
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- to deserve them, but he must
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – have done something really he-
Soldiers have many personal roic to be awarded them; and I
reasons for choosing to serve. wish he was still here so he can
Some say a strong inner urge or pass on his skills and training.”
calling prompted them to select Bedwell recalled the chap-
their current vocation. lain mission to nurture the liv-
It may not always offer tan- ing, care for the wounded and
gible rewards, but following a honor the dead, as she recol-
path of conviction offers a great lected an event which shaped
sense of self-fulfillment, said her future as a chaplain assis-
Spc. Faith Bedwell, a chaplain tant.
assistant assigned to 101st Bri- “I just thought about how
gade Support Battalion, 1st Ad- personally I take my job,” said
vise and Assist Task Force, 1st Bedwell as she wiped away a
Infantry Division. tear. “I wasn’t prepared for what
Bedwell, a native of I saw. I was an (environmental
Chatom, Ala., said she enjoys morale leave) trainee, working
helping out and providing Sol- night shift at San Antonio when
diers with resources necessary they brought in 20-25 Soldiers
to help themselves. recently injured. As they rolled
“I receive my reward after U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
the Soldiers in, I didn’t know
a Soldier gets help and comes Spc. Faith Bedwell, a chaplain assistant assigned to Company C, what to do. I wanted to salute
back with a smile and says 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force,
1st Infantry Division, prepares the pulpit at Freedom Chapel, Contin- them, give them hugs and ap-
‘thank you,’” she explained. gency Operating Site Warrior, May 19, 2011, during her daily upkeep plaud them.”
Serving in U.S. Division- of the chapel. “I don’t see myself as a great person, but I believe, “That was the closest I’d
North in support of Operation spiritually speaking, we’re all supposed to help people in need,” said come to seeing Soldiers wound-
New Dawn, Bedwell said many the Chatom, Ala., native. “Love your neighbor as yourself, take care
of those who need help, hug someone who’s crying, and laugh with ed, and it touched my heart,”
people do not realize what her those who laugh.” she said. “I couldn’t go to bed
job entails as a chaplain assis- that night. I had to see the Sol-
tant. often we simply react to events for service members to help diers and their Families and
Assistants perform all the and situations as they occur,” one another by donating food make sure they had everything
same duties as chaplains except said Seppala, a native of Hayti, and other items for their Fami- they needed. There wasn’t any-
for preaching and performing S.D. lies, said Seppala. thing I felt like I couldn’t do for
marriages and burials, she said. Bedwell embodies compas- Inspired by her nephews them, and I’ll never forget any
“I go around with the chap- sion for fellow Soldiers and and following the legacy of her of the Soldiers I talked to that
lain and check Soldiers’ mo- everyone she meets, a charac- father and uncle in the mili- night.”
rale, peer to peer counseling, teristic critical to success as a tary, Bedwell said she remains Just as others made a differ-
and suicide intervention,” said chaplain assistant, said Sep- grateful to service members ence in her life, Bedwell said
Bedwell. “I let them know if pala. who have given their lives as knowing she can make a dif-
they need anything or anyone, “Her biggest strength is her she continues her own Family ference in someone’s life keeps
they can find the chaplain or personal courage,” said Sep- military tradition. her in the Chaplains Corps.
chaplain assistant, and we’ll pala. “She goes to whatever When thinking of a Soldier, “I don’t see myself as a great
help in any way we can.” lengths she must to help others Bedwell said her uncle comes person, but I believe, spiritu-
Bedwell’s day-to-day du- and shows she genuinely cares to mind. ally speaking, we’re all sup-
ties change often, and she rises about Soldiers.” “He is my hero,” she said. posed to help people in need,”
to meet daily challenges, said Seppala recalled an event “Vietnam was over by the time Bedwell said humbly. “Love
Staff Sgt. Timothy Seppala, several years ago when Bedwell I came along, of course, but he your neighbor as yourself, take
Bedwell’s supervisor and 1st coordinated, organized and always made me feel very safe care of those who need help,
AATF chaplain noncommis- publicized a food drive for Sol- and he was very protective. hug someone who’s crying, and
sioned officer in charge. diers during the holidays. “I remember the day he re- laugh with those who laugh.”
“Every day is different and She came up with the idea ceived his three Purple Hearts.
7

8. The Ivy Leaf May 27, 2011
‘Incoming! Incoming! Incoming!’
‘Long Knife’ Brigade
trains to treat and
evacuate mass casual-
ties at operating sites
in northern Iraq
Spc. Angel Turner
4th AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., U.S. Division-North
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE
MAREZ, Iraq – “Incoming, incoming,
incoming!” Sirens blared at Contingency
Operating Site Marez after receiving simu-
lated indirect fire.
Soldiers assigned to 4th Advise and As-
sist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division moved U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
quickly across the base attending to Soldiers assigned to Company C, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Bri-
“wounded” comrades during a mass casu- gade, 1st Cavalry Division, treat Sgt. Lydia Davis, a supply sergeant in the company, who sus-
alty exercise, May 23. tainedß “wounds” during a simulated mass casualty exercise at Contingency Operating Site
Marez, May 23, 2011. Davis, a native of Dallas, portrayed a casualty suffering from shrapnel to
Combat medics and certified combat life her left leg and abrasions to her right leg.
savers put their skills to the test, treating
simulated abrasions, chest injuries and ex- Brinson, a native of Camilla, Ga., coor- Medical attendants raced to the wound-
tremity wounds. dinated the training and made the scenario ed and quickly examined the casualties.
“We want to make sure we train (our as realistic as possible. Medics brought necessary first aid sup-
Soldiers) and practice, so if the worst “This was the culminating training plies to treat the injuries on the scene and
should happen, we will be able to evacuate event for medical providers of Task Force proceeded to evacuate the casualties to
our casualties in a timely manner with the Long Knife,” said Brinson. higher levels of care.
proper treatment administered along the Brinson said MASCAL exercises help Soldiers with minor injuries travelled
way,” said Sgt. 1st Class Eldred Brinson, Soldiers find the fastest and most effective to the Battalion Aid Station, while medics
4th AAB Medical Operations noncommis- way to treat and transport wounded Sol- evacuated severely injured Soldiers to the
sioned officer in charge. diers if a similar event ever caused actual Combat Support Hospital.
casualties at COS Marez or COS Diamond- The MASCAL is an important part of
back. training, said Spc. Tina Hills, a combat
The injuries varied from minor shrapnel medic assigned to Company C, 27th Bri-
wounds to head wounds, said Brinson. gade Support Battalion, 4th AAB.
“I tried to cover the full array of things Beyond streamlining emergency proce-
that a medic or combat lifesaver might see dures, such exercises help medics and com-
in a combat environment,” said Brinson. bat lifesavers stay sharp on critical skills,
Each of 4th AAB’s battalions partici- Hills said.
pated in the event, treating and evacuating Hills, a native of Rushford, Minn.,
casualties as the exercise progressed and monitored vital signs of four patients while
attacks hit COS Marez and COS Diamond- en route to the CSH, ensuring patients re-
back every 10 minutes. mained stable until the next level of care
could be provided.
Spc. Antwan Robertson, assigned to 5th Bat-
talion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Ad-
“In a deployed environment, you have
vise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, to be ready at all times for anything that
treats injuries sustained during a simulated can happen,” said Hills, currently serving
indirect fire attack at Contingency Operat- her first deployment with the 4th AAB.
ing Site Marez, May 23, 2011. Soldiers of 4th
AAB participated in a mass casualty exercise
“The MASCAL helps us prepare for what-
where they practiced treating minor to severe ever might come our way. Any training I
injuries and evacuated patients to the proper can do is always helpful.”
level of care.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO
8

9. The Ivy Leaf May 27, 2011
Support Soldiers assist Iraqi maintenance
crews with weapon repair techniques
dissembling and reassembling
weapons.
When it comes to weapons,
hands-on training helps stu-
dents more than lectures and
slide presentations, Everly said.
Sgt. Ackmed, a maintenance
soldier with 12th IA Div., said
he agrees with Everly’s method
of teaching.
“Nothing man-made is too
complex for us,” said Ackmed.
“With the tools we have been
given and hands-on training,
we can learn how to fix even the
most complex machines.”
Everly worked with the Iraqi
teams for three days, introduc-
ing them to new weapons, in-
cluding the M4 carbine, M16
rifle and the Russian DShK ma-
chine gun, commonly known as
the “Dishka.”
“The Dishka is a Russian
weapon, but we found an Eng-
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO lish manual, and with some
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Everly, brigade armament technician, Company B, 101st Brigade Support practice, we figured out how
Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, demonstrates proper procedures to dis- to maintain it ourselves,” said
mantle a machine gun during training with maintenance soldiers assigned to 12th Iraqi Army Division in
Kirkuk province, Iraq, May 22, 2011.
Everly.
Ackmed said he plans to
Spc. Andrew Ingram diers to improve skills and chine guns and offered a hands- pass on his new skills to his sol-
USD-N Public Affairs abilities, U.S. Soldiers provide on approach to describe the diers in the future.
Iraqi forces with the confidence proper method to disassemble “This training is very impor-
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- to take responsibility for their the weapon, identify problems tant for the future of Iraq,” said
ING LOCATION K1, Iraq nation’s security, said Everly, and fix the deficiencies. Ackmed. “It’s important for all
– Iraqi army maintenance sol- who hails from Chanute, Kan. “They are training to iden- of us to understand how to take
diers assigned to 12th Iraqi “This training is really just tify a fault, remove the fault care of our equipment.”
Army Division studied the a confidence builder for these and put a new piece back in,”
proper procedures to evaluate maintenance guys,” Everly explained Everly, as the stu-
damaged rifles and machine said. “It all ties into the broader dents practiced in teams of two,
guns, provide necessary repairs scope of the Iraqi people taking
and reassemble the weapons. responsibility for their own se- An Iraqi Soldier reassembles a
machine gun during a weapons
Chief Warrant Officer 2 curity.” repair course with U.S. Soldiers
Matthew Everly, brigade arma- Now that Iraqi soldiers of Company B, 101st Brigade
ment technician, Company B, worked with and put hands on Support Battalion, 1st Advise and
101st Brigade Support Battal- the weapons, the students can Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Di-
vision at 12th Iraqi Army Division
ion, 1st Advise and Assist Task take what they learned, build Headquarters in Kirkuk province,
Force, 1st Infantry Division, on it, and pass the lessons onto Iraq, May 22, 2011. “This training
led the training course at 12th fellow soldiers, said Everly. is very important for the future of
IA Div. Headquarters in Kirkuk During the training, Everly Iraq,” said Sgt. Ackmed, 12th IA
Div. “It’s important for all of us to
province, Iraq, May 22. gathered the IA maintenance understand how to properly take
By working with Iraqi sol- teams around one of the ma- care of our equipment.”
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram
9

10. The Ivy Leaf May 27, 2011
‘Spartan’ Battalion welcomes new NCOs
Spc. Terence Ewings
4th AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., U.S. Division-North
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE
MAREZ, Iraq – Newly promoted cor-
porals and sergeants joined the Corps of
Noncommissioned Officers during an in-
duction ceremony at Contingency Operat-
ing Site Marez, Iraq, May 21.
“Spartan” NCOs of 4th Brigade Special
Troops Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division vocally re-
cited the Creed of the Noncommissioned
Officer and became part of “The Backbone
of the Army” during the time-honored tra-
dition.
“Soldiers are stepping up and taking on
the responsibility of becoming a leader,”
said Command Sgt. Maj. Cassandra Redd,
senior enlisted leader of 4th BSTB.
During the ceremony, Redd and several U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
other senior enlisted NCOs assigned to 4th Sgt. Randy Hummelgaard, right, a mechanic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters
AAB vocally delivered the NCO’s Charge Company, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry
Division, prepares to cross the time-honored line signifying entry into the Corps of Noncom-
and NCO Creed to the new inductees.
missioned Officers during an induction ceremony, May 21, 2011.
“I feel like a proud parent who is finally
letting her children out in the world,” said The newly inducted corporals and ser- “It was definitely great to have the bri-
Redd, a native of Oklahoma City. “These geants now return to their respective units gade leadership here to welcome us into
NCOs are going to branch out and do great as the first line of leadership charged with the Corps,” said Sgt. Randy Hummelgaard,
things for the Army.” mentoring and developing young Soldiers. a mechanic assigned to Headquarters and
Upon hearing their names announced, Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine Overstreet, Headquarters Company, 4th BSTB.
the Spartan NCOs stood before unit lead- 4th AAB command sergeant major, and Hummelgaard said his favorite part of
ership before crossing the time-honored guest speaker for the induction ceremony, the ceremony was the lighting of the red,
line signifying a milestone in their military shared words of wisdom with the young white and blue candles, which represented
careers as the inductees entered the NCO enlisted leaders and asked that they live the the three paragraphs of the NCO Creed.
Corps. NCO Creed. “Seeing the candles lit and hearing the
NCO Creed was very memorable for me,”
said Hummelgaard, a native of Kansas
City, Mo.
“Joining the ranks and having a cere-
mony to acknowledge you as leader makes
everything feel surreal.”
Spartan Battalion deployed to U.S.
Division-North in the summer of 2010 to
support 4th AAB’s advise, train and assist
mission with Iraqi Security Forces in sup-
port of Operation New Dawn.
Red, white and blue candles burn behind the
Noncommissioned Officer plaque during an
NCO induction ceremony hosted by 4th Bri-
gade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Advise
and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at
Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, May
21, 2011. The candles represent valor, purity
and honor, values instilled within each of the
“Spartan” Battalion NCOs.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
10

11. The Ivy Leaf May 27, 2011
Chaplain’s What do you do when the
Corner: best is still a failure?
tion. The article spoke very highly of his to teach us our need not only to grow as a
Chaplain (Maj.) Paul Foreman honesty and integrity as a trainer. It got me person, but our need for His strength and
Family Life Chaplain thinking about how, in many ways, all of wisdom. God is shaping us. He’s preparing
U.S. Division-North us are like thoroughbred horses. us for the race ahead. What is your trainer
As you probably know, the most im- seeking to do in your life?
There’s a verse in the Bible, James 3:2, portant race for any thoroughbred is the Continuing each Friday night, we are
that says, “We all stumble in many ways.” Kentucky Derby. Most trainers will tell offering weekly training opportunities for
I want you to think about the implica- you that if they can only win one race in you to grow in your relationships, mar-
tions of the words “all” and “many.” their career, they would want to win the riage and parenting. Think of it as a pre-
What does “all” mean? It means that if Kentucky Derby. ventive maintenance check and services.
you decided it was time to begin searching Now, of course, a thoroughbred does for your relationships.
for a spouse, you decided it could not be not know the Kentucky Derby is coming
just anybody. So you set out interview- up. That horse has no idea that its legacy,
ing 200 prospective candidates, put them its place in history, will be determined on Dinner and a Video:
through a battery of psychological tests that one day—but the trainer knows.
Relationships, Marriage
and winnowed it down to say, the top 20 And maybe the trainer knows he is
finalists. dealing with a horse that has the strength and Parenting
Have friends and Family members and endurance but he lacks the speed. So
interview them, do more screening, and the trainer will put that horse through the Friday nights at 7:05 p.m. in
get it down to maybe three finalists. Then agonizing workouts to build its speed so it the North DFAC side room
spend two weeks with each one getting to can win the race.
know them really well. Or maybe the horse has plenty of Explore difficult subjects of
If you believe Scripture, even at the end speed, but the trainer is afraid that it might relationships, marriage and
of the exhaustive effort, when you make not have the endurance. Knowing this, the parenting while you eat.
your choice, you will still end up with trainer might put that horse through the Learn to respond to your
somebody who–what does the Bible say? grueling workouts to build up the endur- loved ones with the com-
“…Stumbles in many ways.” ance of the horse. passion and wisdom they
Yeah, they are probably different ways In the same way, spiritually, we also deserve, how these subjects
than you expected, but “many ways” have a trainer. Our God knows what race
help as we look forward to
nonetheless. And this points to the inher- or races we are going to face in this life.
ent difficulty of marriage. It is not an easy We don’t.
redeploying and reintegrating
relationship, yet I’m amazed at how often We don’t know all the challenges that with Family and friends.
I seem so surprised when my marriage lie ahead, but our God does; our trainer
3 June - Making Marriage Last
proves difficult. Maybe you can relate. does. And we have to trust that sometimes
Author Gary Thomas put it this way, He will bring people, circumstances and 10 June - Love and Respect (Crazy
“If marriage is the union of one person trials into our lives that we don’t always Cycle)
who stumbles in many ways married to understand—that we don’t always like—
another person who stumbles in many to grow and shape us into the people He 17 June - Love and Respect (Ener-
ways, occasionally having sex and making wants us to become. gizing Cycle)
little people who stumble in many ways, Could it be that the person who drives
why are so many people surprised when you crazy at work might be the very 24 June - 7 Principles to Making a
they discover how difficult marriage can person God is using to teach what it means Relationship Work
be?” to love? Could it be that your tiredness
July 1 - How Children Raise Parents
But here’s the hope. God can do some- and lack of sleep is the trainer’s way of
thing wonderful even in the process of us showing you that you need to slow down 8 July - Embracing Our Insignifi-
being married to someone who stumbles and take care of yourself? Could it be that cance as Parents
in many ways. He can shape us into the the failing of your spouse is being used by
people He wants us to be. God to build patience, kindness or selfless- 15 July - The Science of Love (Build-
This past week was the Kentucky ness in your own life? ing a safe haven)
Derby, and the winner was a horse named The reality is that we all stumble in
Animal Kingdom. I was reading an article many ways to include our relationships. 22 July - Fathers and Spiritual Lead-
ership in the Home
in Stars and Stripes a few days ago about But the wonderful thing is that God, our
the trainer of the horse, Graham Mo- trainer, can use those times of stumbling
11

12. The Ivy Leaf May 27, 2011
Hey Doc: ‘Is it normal to be so stressed out?’
Maj. Sam Preston are normal reactions to this does not require medication or Stress Manual for Leaders and
Psychiatry Consultant abnormal environment. These even long term therapy. The Soldiers. This doctrine outlines
Surgeon, USD-N reactions include irritabil- treatment of COSR is rest with simple, sound ways that every
ity (short fuse), resentment expectation for return to duty. Soldier can improve mission
“Hey Doc, I am fed up with (offended easily), anxiety Remember the acronym readiness, even when morale is
my supervisors. My subordi- (worrying about the future), BICEPS: down and tempers are high.
nates are slow to move and sleeplessness (can’t relax), and Brevity: One to three days U.S. Division-North has a
even slower to correct errors. I decreased energy. These symp- of rest from mission, with designated recuperation center
am tired and angry all the time toms are referred to as Combat rapid return to mission once on Contingency Operating
and have low motivation. This Operational Stress Reaction. rest period is completed. Base Speicher. The Ironhorse
is my third deployment and As an example, do you feel Immediacy: Initiate COSR Strong program is a four day
I never felt like this on other the same at the 1.5-mile mark mitigation measures once they program—including travel—
deployments. Do I need to talk of a physical fitness test as you are identified; do not hesitate. designed to provide Soldiers
to behavioral health?” did at the start? Certainly not. Contact: The unit remains with COSR an opportunity to
–Signed “Staff Sgt. I.M. The exhaustion, muscle ten- regularly and actively engaged rejuvenate and return to the
Downe” sion, and shortness of breath with the Soldier during fight.
you feel during the last part recuperation. There are several ways to
Dear “Staff Sgt. Downe,” of a PT test are not a surprise; Expectancy: The Soldier enroll in the program, includ-
Behavioral health, chaplains it is expected. It is a normal is reminded that stress reac- ing talking to your supervisor,
and unit behavioral health response to a normal situation. tions are normal and the intent doctor or chaplain. This pro-
advocates are all here to sup- In the same way, the is to return to full duty after gram is designed to recharge
port you; however, before you changes that many of us are recuperation. motivated but tired Soldiers
try to “fix” yourself, make sure noticing in our behaviors and Proximity: The Soldier is and return them to the mission.
there is something broken. energy are similar to those ex- to remain as far forward as For more information,
Many units are in the middle perienced by the runner. These possible, near the unit for rapid please contact the U.S. Divi-
of the deployment cycle. This symptoms are easily treated, return to mission operations sion-North retention sergeant
period is filled with mental but you, your supervisor or once recuperation is accom- major.
landmines that can exhaust and your battle buddy must identify plished. Staff Sgt. Downe, it sounds
frustrate even the most resilient these symptoms before they Simplicity: Focus on univer- to me like you need some
Soldier. can be treated. sal needs: sleep routine, nutri- “down time.” Call the sergeant
As Soldiers, we are ex- The most common symp- tion, hydration, safety, and unit major and talk with your su-
posed to many abnormal toms of COSR include those support. Complex recuperation pervisor. We will coordinate to
circumstances. Deployment, in already mentioned, as well programs confuse or distract get you on a helicopter and get
general, is not a normal part of as poor concentration, low from the Soldier’s rest. you back in the fight!
the American culture. morale, tearfulness and sleep All leaders should be famil- Stay mentally healthy and
Staff Sgt. Downe, the disturbance either too much iar with Field Manual 6-22.5: Taskforce Ironhorse keep those
symptoms you are describing or not enough sleep. COSR Combat and Operational questions coming!
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12