The document summarizes a joint live fire exercise between various agencies of the Iraqi Security Forces at Normandy Range near Kirkush Military Training Base in Iraq. The exercise included soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division, the Diyala provincial police's Emergency Response Force, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal units. It demonstrated increased cooperation and tactical proficiency between Iraqi Security Force entities. Iraqi soldiers showed proficiency with new 120mm mortar and 155mm howitzer weapon systems. The exercise was part of Operation Iron Lion, a series of training events showcasing the ISF's independent operational capabilities.

1. Volume 1, Issue 31 June 3, 2011
Joint live fire exercise demonstrates ISF
cooperation and tactical proficiency
Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
Sgt. David Strayer
109th MPAD
LongKnife
USD-N Public Affairs
KIRKUSH MILITARY
TRAINING BASE, Iraq –
Agencies of the Iraqi Security
Forces, conducted an Opera-
Ironhorse
tion Iron Lion live fire exer-
cise at Normandy Range, near
Devil
Kirkush Military Training
Base, Iraq, May 31.
The 5th Iraqi Army Divi-
sion, the Diyala provincial
police’s Emergency Response
Fit for Any Test
Fit for Any Test
Force, Explosive Ordinance
Disposal units, as well as pro-
vincial aerial assets, partici-
pated in the exercise.
Operation Iron Lion is a
series of training exercises
conducted throughout several
provinces, demonstrating in-
teragency development and
Ironhorse
Devil
cooperation between entities
of the Iraqi Security Forces.
Soldiers of the 5th IA Di-
vision also used the live fire
exercise as the culminating
LongKnife
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
event of a month-long train- A jundi, Arabic for soldier, with Light Artillery Battery, 19th Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division pulls the
Steadfast and Loyal
ing rotation at KMTB during lanyard on his 120mm mortar, shaking the earth beneath him and sending a round toward a target at Nor-
Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi mandy Range near Kirkush Military Training Base, Diyala province, Iraq, May 31, 2011. The mortar crews
military initiative to modern- joined infantry and artillery teams as well as multiple Iraqi Security Forces agencies during the exercise
as part of Operation Iron Lion, an ongoing series of provincial capstone exercises demonstrating the
ize its forces. ISF’s ability to independently plan and conduct missions using multiple agencies.
Iraqi soldiers demonstrat-
Warrior
ed capabilities of the M198 cial capabilities demonstra- Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry play to both local and national
155mm howitzer and 120mm tion for the Diyala province,” Division. “It is an opportunity Iraqi leaders as well as the
mortar indirect fires weapon said Lt. Col. John Ring, chief for the Iraqi Security Forces U.S. forces leadership.”
systems—both newly intro- of security force assistance, in the province to demonstrate During the four previous
duced systems at KMTB. Headquarters and Headquar- all that they have learned and
“Iron Lion is the provin- ters Company, 2nd Advise and put their capabilities on dis- See LIVE FIRE, Pg. 3

2. The Ivy Leaf June 3, 2011
All units of the U.S. Army operate as a team, with no single part
more important than any other. Each piece performs vital tasks,
whether maintaining communications equipment or conducting
dangerous missions.
Spc. Joel Shoemaker, a medic assigned to Company A, 1st Bat-
talion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade,
25th Infantry Division, earned the title of “Ironhorse Strong” Sol-
dier of the Week for training Iraqi soldiers on medical skills during
a Tadreeb al Shamil rotation at Kirkush Military Training Base,
May 5-18.
Shoemaker, a native of Winter Park, Fla., independently planned
and executed a combat life-saver course and an advanced medical
training course for Iraqi Army soldiers assigned to 1st Company, U.S. Army photo by Staff. Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
3rd Battalion, 18th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division.
Spc. Joel Shoemaker, a medic from Winter Park, Fla., serving with
“Shoemaker is a hard working guy,” said Sgt. Jerry Johnson, Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and As-
battalion aid station noncommissioned officer, Headquarters and sist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, leads Iraq Army soldiers through a
Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. “He’s the kind of medical training course at Kirkush Military Training Base, Iraq, March
guy that you give an order or instructions to and he executes. You 12, 2011. Shoemaker’s efforts in leading first aid and combat life saver
training with Iraqi and U.S. troops earned the medic the title of “Iron-
don’t have to double-check; you know he’ll get the job done.” horse Strong” Soldier of the Week.
Coordinating with the 18th Bde. surgeon and 1st Company
medics, Shoemaker assisted the Iraqi soldiers as they inventoried Shoemaker initially taught his CLS classes to Iraqi companies.
the unit’s aid station and medic’s aid bags, tailoring the training Iraqi Army battalion medics capitalized on the training, making
specifically to the medications and equipment. CLS training mandatory during static and maneuver live fire exer-
“I don’t think he thought he would end up with that kind of as- cises to better facilitate training of infantry platoons.
signment when he first came to Iraq,” said Johnson. In addition to training IA soldiers, Shoemaker also increased
Shoemaker took the task and ran with it, and showed poise and the combat readiness of U.S. Soldiers with Company A, 1st Bn.,
took on a lot of responsibility as a medical trainer to the 5th IA, 21st Inf. Regt., teaching the Soldiers CLS refresher courses based
added Johnson. on first responder care.
Iraqi police conduct Deployed service members Iraqi soldiers complete Platoon leader trains,
emergency response honor fallen comrades combat training rotation at motivates Soldiers.
exercise in Kirkuk GWTC
Page 4 Page 5 Page 8 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 June 3, 2011
LIVE FIRE, cont’d from Pg. 1
months’ culminating live fire guys to gain a familiarity with
exercises at Normandy Range, a 120mm mortar system that
single battalions of IA sol- was new to them, and get them
diers assaulted their objective to a proficiency level where
as a demonstration of tactics they are able to go out and ef-
gained during the Tadreeb al fectively place rounds on a tar-
Shamil cycles. get, and provide support by fire
Now, during Operation Iron to the infantry soldiers,” said
Lion, IA battalions partnered Guo. “They demonstrated that
with other ISF components for during the capstone live fire
a more complex and multi-di- exercise. They hit a home run
mensional exercise to display with their performance.”
the ISF’s ability to indepen- Guo said Iraqi Army sol-
dently plan and execute exer- diers showcased competence,
cises and missions, said 1st Lt. attention to detail and profes-
Scott Guo, Headquarters and sionalism during the live fire U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Headquarters Company, 1st exercise—all the hallmarks A gun crew member with 19th Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division pulls
the lanyard on his M198 155mm howitzer, sending a live 155mm shell
Battalion, 21st Infantry Regi- taught by instructors during toward the target during a live fire exercise at Normandy Range near
ment, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div. the previous month of training. Kirkush Military Training Base, Diyala province, Iraq, May 30, 2011.
“This is important, and Distinguished visitors and
different from past exercises media at the provincial and security mission in the Diyala are building a reputation that
because it demonstrates the national level, including the province.” will live on and be something
ability of the ISF to utilize provincial governor, attended Ring said Operation Iron that they can draw upon down
interagency efforts with ef- to witness the demonstration Lion provided Iraqi soldiers a the road and say, ‘That dem-
ficiency and effectiveness to of interagency cooperation by chance to show progress made onstration that we did is what
accomplish a large scale mis- Diyala’s ISF components. during the training with U.S. we are capable of. How can we
sion,” said Guo. “This really has been a cul- counterparts throughout Oper- build upon it and make our-
During the demonstration, minating effort,” said Com- ation New Dawn, and prepared selves even better?’”
three platoons of the 19th IA mand Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dai- them to protect the people and Beyond displaying the ben-
Light Artillery Battery showed ley, command sergeant major infrastructure of Iraq. efits of training with U.S. forc-
off their skills by conduct- 4th Infantry Division and U.S. “The effects of this pro- es, Dailey said the live fire ex-
ing a “fire for effect” mission, Division-North. “It shows all vincial demonstration are ercise and Operation Iron Lion
dropping many simultaneous of the great training that has profound,” said Ring. “Short let Iraqi soldiers demonstrate
rounds on targets in support of gone together with the partner- term, they are building confi- their capabilities to the Iraqi
ground troops. ship between the U.S. forces dence within the Diyala citi- population.
“Our partnership allowed us and the ISF, and it shows that zens, leaders and within them- “Exercises like this build
to advise, train and assist these the ISF are ready to assume the selves. In the long term, they confidence,” said Dailey. “The
better trained (the soldiers)
are, the more confident they
are that they can accomplish
the mission. The people here
watching this demonstration
today—the governing offi-
cials, the Sheiks and Diyala
community members—it gives
them confidence as well that
there is going to be security,
peace, and prosperity in an
area that has not seen that in
many years.”
A field artillery crew with 19th
Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division
loads an M198 155mm howitzer
during a joint live fire exercise
with mortar crews and infantry
units at Normandy Range near
Kirkush Military Training Base,
Iraq, May 30, 2011.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
3

4. The Ivy Leaf June 3, 2011
Ready to Respond
Iraqi Police conduct emergency
response exercise in Kirkuk
Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux
1st AATF Public Affairs
1st Inf Div., USD-N
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE
WARRIOR, Iraq – Concealed by thick
smoke, seven men in black fatigues crept
silently across a shell-littered field, align-
ing themselves one-by-one against the gate
of a bullet riddled house.
The lead man lifted a gloved hand into
the air and clutched his fist tightly, hold-
ing the squad in place. He peaked through
a hole in the gate to view the door and sig-
naled his team forward with a hand gesture.
The raid team sprung from around the
gate, sprinted toward the door and smashed
it open with a battering ram. Four men
entered the dwelling while three secured
the front exit from any potential counter
attacks. Seconds later, the team exited the
building with a suspect.
Iraqi Police officers conducted the
simulated raid as part of an emergency re-
sponse exercise at Kirkuk Training Center, U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
May 29. An Iraqi Policeman establishes a perimeter while waiting for fire department responders to
Iraqi Security Forces used the exercise control a simulated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device during an emergency response
to demonstrate a broader goal of conduct- exercise at the Kirkuk Training Center, Iraq, May 29, 2011. Iraqi Security Forces conducted the
ing security and emergency operations in- ERE as part of Operation Iron Lion, a set of events, missions and exercises demonstrating
various ISF agencies’ self-sufficiency, interoperability and adaptability to establish internal
dependently during Operation Iron Lion, security and defend the Iraqi populace against external threats.
said Maj. Eric East, operations officer,
Provincial Police Transition Team, 1st ISF personnel also trained on reaction AATF mentors’ efforts to guide the police-
Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infan- to vehicle-borne improvised explosive de- men while allowing them to conduct the
try Division, who provided mentorship to vices during the exercise, as well as crowd majority of the operation independently.
the Kirkuk City police who trained for the control procedures to keep civilians out of “Thank you for the great job you do,”
event. harm’s way and ensure safety of the sur- Kawa said to U.S. Soldiers during a readi-
“This event is a portion of Operation rounding public. ness exercise prior to the ERE. “We appre-
Iron Lion,” said East. “The events will fo- The PPTT and 1st AATF began their ciate all you do.”
cus on how they will respond to critical in- advise, train and assist mission with the Kawa, a leading coordinator of the ERE,
cidents in Kirkuk.” Kirkuk policemen after arriving in north- oversaw every step of the process leading
East said several EREs are scheduled to ern Iraq to support Operation New Dawn up to the event.
be included in the ongoing Operation Iron in fall 2010. Kawa said he sees the training events
Lion. The goal of the EREs and Operation being as much a training tool as a demon-
Operation Iron Lion is a set of events, Iron Lion as a whole is to demonstrate the stration which will increase his officers’
missions, and exercises demonstrating ISF self sufficiency to the people of Iraq, ability to serve the people of Kirkuk City.
various ISF agencies’ self -sufficiency, said East. “Training events like these teach them
interoperability, and adaptability in order “This is the fifth ERE conducted since to teach others in the future,” said Kawa of
to establish internal security and defend November,” said the East. “The only thing his officers. “More knowledge will lead to
against external threats. the PPTT has done this time around was better police.”
“One of the most important aspects of provide a small amount of logistical sup- “The IP are fully capable of handling
the event is the interagency coordination,” port and a little bit of advising to the key any type of emergency within Kirkuk City,
said East, a Purcellville, Va., native. “They leadership.” and they fully intend to better themselves
are now comfortable with cross talk among Gen. Kawa, commander, Kirkuk Train- so the people of Kirkuk can feel safe,” said
the agencies.” ing Center, said he appreciated the 1st East.
4

5. The Ivy Leaf June 3, 2011
Spc. Kandi Huggins throughout our history who has his time in service, he reached beyond natural human love, be-
1st AATF Public Affairs given his or her life in service, a greater understanding of such coming the perfecting example
1st Inf. Div., USD-N whether in combat or later after memorials, including the one at of the natural love we have for
living a long and fruitful life.” COS Warrior. one another.
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- Growing up, Pappal recalled Memorials are symbols and “These men and women
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq how he saw Memorial Day as a summations of our memories of traveled to another country to
– Of the 1,000 words a pic- long weekend off from school, friends, comrades, loved ones protect total strangers, people
ture might be worth, only one a parade in town and a fam- and those we never knew but they have never seen, faces they
appeared on the stone sitting ily picnic at his grandparents’ respected nonetheless, he said. did not know, beliefs different
before Soldiers, Airmen and house. Chaplain (Maj.) Anthony from their own,” said Kazarno-
contractors at Contingency Op- He then recalled the memo- Kazarnowicz, 1st Special wicz, a native of Clinton, Mass.
erating Site Warrior, May 30. rial wall in his hometown of Troops Battalion, 1st AATF, “Because they came to protect
The stone simply read, “Re- Creekside, Pa., that he helped read the verse, John 15:13, and defend, they died.”
member . . . ” maintain. from the Bible to the audience “Many of us know some-
Chaplains of 1st AATF coor- “As a Boy Scout, I helped during the ceremony, “There body on this wall and find it
dinated the Memorial Day cere- maintain our little town memo- is no greater love than for a hard, emotionally, to remember
mony to pay homage to service rial that has the names of those man to lay down his life for his them,” said Chaplain (Maj.)
members who lost their lives in men who had left and were friend.” Peter Dissmore, a resident of
Afghanistan and Iraq. called to serve in World War I, When thinking of the word Manhattan, Kan., serving with
Troops attended the ceremo- World War II, Korea, and Viet- “Friend,” Kazarnowicz said he 1st Advise and Assist Task
ny in front of the memorial wall nam that had not returned,” re- thinks of a loved one who loves Force, 1st Infantry Division.
at the COS Warrior airfield, a called Pappal. “It sits near the in return. “I invite you to come up
fitting location to host such an park by a bridge where you But for service men, women after the ceremony and take
event in observation of Memo- can see it every time you drive and civilian contractors who pictures of the names on this
rial Day, said Sgt. Brian Jones, down Main Street, but I could left their amily and friends be- wall and remember. Honor our
chaplain noncommissioned of- not see it for what it was at that hind to enter a life of physical fallen comrades by remember-
ficer in charge, 101st Brigade time.” and mental discipline, Kazar- ing them,” he said.
Support Battalion, 1st AATF. Now, said Pappal, through nowicz continued, love extends
“I don’t know how to de-
scribe it,” said Jones. “After we
stood up, everyone walked for-
ward to a name they knew and
it was just overwhelming to see
that—to see people remember-
ing their battle buddies.”
U.S. Soldiers constructed
the wall during Operation Iraqi
Freedom in 2009. Ready First
Task Force, 1st Armored Divi-
sion finished the wall, Septem-
ber 1, 2010, marking the end
of Operation Iraqi Freedom
and the beginning of Operation
New Dawn.
“Today we stand here before
this memorial—a long, black
wall with 4,408 names of ser-
vice members who died during
OIF,” said Col. Michael Pap-
pal, 1st AATF commander. “It
also represents, unnamed, the
36 who died in Operation New
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
Dawn, the 1,476 in Operation
Soldiers and Airmen of 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, render honors during the
Enduring Freedom, as well as playing of the National Anthem during a Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony at Contingency Operating
each and every Soldier, Sailor, Site Warrior, Iraq, May 30, 2011. The Soldiers and Airmen remembered fallen service members who gave
Airman, Marine and civilian their lives during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, as well as veterans of past wars.
5

6. The Ivy Leaf June 3, 2011
‘Long Knife’ Soldiers sharpen skills at Destiny
Range during combined arms live fire exercise
Spc. Angel Turner ing to fire, Soldiers dropped the shells into
4th AAB Public Affairs the tube and took cover.
1st Cav. Div., USD-N Seconds later, a loud pop echoed through
the air followed by a plume of smoke as
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE the round launched from the mortar tube,
MAREZ, Iraq – Soldiers assigned to Head- trailed through the air and impacted in the
quarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd designated area.
Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Ad- The exercise helped Soldiers stay fresh
vise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi- as mortar men, said Sgt. Eric Skinner, a
sion, sharpened their skills during a com- mortar crew member assigned to HHC, 2nd
bined arms life fire exercise at Destiny Bn., 7th Cav. Regt.
Range, May 28. “It’s a perishable skill,” said Skinner,
Cavalry scouts, field artillerymen, mor- a native of Paola, Kan. “If you don’t do it
tar men and forward observers conducted enough times throughout the year, you’ll
the exercise to maintain proficiency on in- forget how to do it.”
direct fire weapons as they lead Iraqi troops Skinner, a squad leader, said he focused
on similar training. on ensuring the mortar tube was accurately
“Garry Owen” Soldiers of 2nd Bn., 7th U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO positioned and that Soldiers did not shake
Cav. Regt., fired 120mm mortar rounds Spc. Christopher Hunthrop, a mortarman as- the tube when dropping shells into the tube.
from an M1064 Mortar Carrier to targets signed to Headquarters and Headquarters “It has to be a smooth launch so it is ac-
nearly 1800 meters away. Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regi- curate,” said Skinner.
Several miles away at Contingency Op- ment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cav- After honing indirect fire skills, Skin-
alry Division, prepares a 120mm mortar round
erating Site Marez, “Black Dragon” artil- during a combined arms live fire exercise at
ner and fellow 4th AAB Soldiers returned
lery crews assigned to 5th Battalion, 82nd Destiny Range, May 28, 2011. to COS Marez, where they teach Iraqi
Field Artillery Regiment, fired howitzers as soldiers the same skills at the adjacent
forward observers at the range monitored A native of Omaha, Neb., Hunthrop Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, part of
the impacts at Destiny Range. added, “This (CALFEX) gives us more Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive
When the artillery rounds stopped, Gary hands-on training and helps make us more Training.
Owen Soldiers echoed back with several efficient in our jobs.” Tadreeb al Shamil is an Iraqi Ground
more volleys from the 120mm mortar sys- Forward observers provided mortar Sol- Forces Command initiative to modernize
tems as the units attacked “enemy” posi- diers with locations of targets to engage. the army’s combat capabilities and train
tions on the expansive range as part of the After adjusting the mortar tube and prepar- soldiers as part of cohesive units.
training scenario.
Each of the Soldiers worked together to
defeat the simulated enemy and provide in-
direct fire support for ground troops.
“If any Soldier needs help with imme-
diate suppression, cover fire, or cover and
concealment, they can call on the mortar-
men to give them fire support to achieve
the desired effect and get them out of
harm’s way,” said Spc. Christopher Hunt-
hrop, a mortarman assigned to Headquar-
ters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Bn.,
7th Cav. Regt.
A 120mm mortar round flies into the sky dur-
ing a combined arms live fire exercise at Des-
tiny Range, May 28, 2011. Soldiers assigned
to Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Ad-
vise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division,
conducted the CALFEX where mortar men,
field artillerymen and forward observers in-
creased proficiency on the weapons.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
6

7. The Ivy Leaf June 3, 2011
Spc. Andrew Ingram Elsesser, a combat medic as- Staff Sgt. Brian Elsesser, a medic
signed to Company C. assigned to Company C, 101st
USD-N Public Affairs Brigade Support Battalion, 1st
“These young medics are Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- really taking advantage of this Infantry Division, and a native of
ING LOCATION K1, Iraq – opportunity to learn from us,” Selinsgrove, Pa., evaluates the
Medics assigned to Company said Elsesser,from Selinsgrove, progress of Iraqi Army medics as
the students conduct a mass ca-
C, 101st Brigade Support Bat- Pa. “When they don’t know sualty exercise at 12th Iraqi Army
talion, 1st Advise and Assist something, they ask us. They Division Headquarters in Kirkuk
Task Force, 1st Infantry Divi- are eager to learn and are doing province, Iraq, May 28, 2011.
sion mentored medics assigned an outstanding job.”
to 12th Iraqi Army Division Iraqi medics evaluated X-ray machine operators, most
during a mass casualty exercise mock patients at the scene of an had little experience working
at the 12th IA Div. headquarters accident and loaded the casual- with badly injured patients in
in Kirkuk province, Iraq, May ties into ambulances for trans- the field, Elsesser explained.
28. port to a field aid station, where U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram “Many of the soldiers had
During the training, Ameri- the medics provided life-saving Army as a medic in 2010. previous training with doing
can medics observed, evalu- treatment. “I have worked with the this sort of thing, so some of
ated and suggested corrections By running through the op- U.S. Soldiers twice before, the guys here today are already
while their Iraqi counterparts eration–from responding to the and they always help us a lot very competent at what they
performed all of the hands-on initial call for an ambulance all with our training,” Jamal said. are doing, but others still need
medical work. the way through treating the “They have a lot of experience some practice,” Elsesser said.
The Iraqi medics showed patients–the medics gained a and they are very good at shar- “Right now we are trying to get
an outstanding level of com- more accurate understanding ing it with us.” everyone to a baseline capabil-
petence and professionalism as of the steps involved in treat- While many of the Iraqi sol- ity and then we can build them
they demonstrated life saving ing injured comrades, said Pvt. diers in the exercise previously up from there.”
abilities, said Staff Sgt. Brian Jamal, who enlisted in the Iraqi trained as lab technicians or As Company C medics con-
tinue training their Iraqi coun-
terparts, Elsesser said he hopes
to pass on more in–depth les-
sons to the soldiers responsible
for the health and welfare of
Iraq’s fighting forces.
“Today they asked us to give
them a thorough walk-through
of everything we do as Ameri-
can medics,” Elsesser said of
the students. “They essentially
want to emulate what we do—
our actions, our fluidity, when
it comes to treating casualties.”
Elsesser said after working
on the basics of combat life
saving skills with Iraqi medics
and refining their skills during
Operation New Dawn, the Iraqi
medical field is ready to make
the final push to become a self-
sufficient force capable of pro-
viding care for their fellow ser-
vice members.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO “I hope they continue to
Iraqi medics practice proper procedures for dressing a chest wound during training led by U.S. Army med- teach each other,” he said. “I
ics of Company C, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division believe if they push themselves
at the 12th Iraqi Army Division Headquarters in Kirkuk province, Iraq, May 28, 2011. “These young medics
are really taking advantage of this opportunity to learn from us,” said Staff Sgt. Brian Elsesser, a combat and each other, they will do
medic from Selinsgrove, Pa., assigned to Company C. “When they don’t know something, they ask us. great things for their coun-
They are eager to learn and are doing an outstanding job.” try.”
7

8. The Ivy Leaf June 3, 2011
Iraqi Army soldiers successfully complete
month–long training rotation at GWTC
Spc. Terence Ewings
4th AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., USD-N
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE
MAREZ, Iraq – With mortar rounds fly-
ing overhead and artillery rounds explod-
ing near the front lines, Iraqi Army soldiers
maneuvered toward their objective during
a battalion-level live fire exercise at Ghu-
zlani Warrior Training Center, May 26.
Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 9th Brigade,
3rd Iraqi Army Division demonstrated tac-
tics, techniques and procedures learned
from the previous month of Tadreeb al
Shamil courses led by U.S. Soldiers at
GWTC.
Tadreeb al Shamil is an Iraqi military
program in which U.S. advisors teach com-
bat skills to Iraqi battalions during month-
long rotations at GWTC and several other
bases throughout Iraq.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
Iraqi soldiers greeted U.S. Division-
North and 4th Infantry Division Command- U.S. Division-North and 4th Infantry Division Commanding General, Maj. Gen. David G. Per-
kins, speaks with leadership of the Ninewa Operations Command and 3rd Federal Police Divi-
ing General, Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins,
sion following the 2nd Battalion, 9th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division’s completion of a month-
who reviewed the exercise and commented long training rotation at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, May 26, 2011.
on the IA’s improving combat skills.
“The most encouraging observation is Kalaf said the live fire exercise was suc- toon levels, IA soldiers built on their tac-
that we all continue to get better with each cessful and would give his soldiers more tical knowledge and skills, progressing to
training rotation, and that shows as we confidence to execute real missions in the company and battalion-level exercises dur-
bring each subsequent battalion through,” future. ing the month-long training cycles.
said Perkins. “Throughout the five rota- “We are happy to receive this training,” “This is our chapter in Iraqi deploy-
tions that we’ve had here so far, it is very said Kalaf. “The training efforts of the Iraqi ments,” said Lt. Col. John Cushing,
clear that information is making its way Army and the American Army were really commander,s Head Hunter Squadron. “Just
into the entire army.” good, and we have a good partnership.” like there was the surge chapter (during)
Iraqi staff Col. Tawfiq Kalaf, command- “Head Hunter” troopers of 1st Squad- Operation Iraqi Freedom, this is our final
er of 2nd Bn., 9th Bde., joined Perkins and ron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and chapter to accomplish our mission, and it’s
other Iraqi and American leaders on the re- Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, led critical we do a good job with this as well.”
viewing stand as the event progressed. the Iraqi battalion through the Tadreeb al Following the completion of the live fire
The reviewing group watched intently Shamil courses at GWTC. exercise, Iraqi soldiers graduated from the
as the Iraqi battalion swept through the Starting at the individual, squad and pla- month of training, marking the fifth suc-
valley below, utilizing the combat tactics cessful Tadreeb al Shamil cycle at GWTC.
learned in the previous month to attack Deployed in support of Operation New
three different “enemy” objectives. Dawn, the 4th AAB Soldiers from Fort
Hood are responsible for advising, training
A U.S. trooper assigned to 1st Squadron,
and assisting the Iraqi Security Forces in
9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, kneels beside northern Iraq.
Iraqi soldiers providing support by fire during “By doing this, we’re accomplishing the
a battalion live fire exercise at Ghuzlani War- mission and honoring all those who have
rior Training Center, May 26, 2011. Soldiers
been here to Iraq on multiple deployments
assigned to 2nd Bn., 9th Bde., 3rd IA Div.,
took part in the culminating event to signify and given the ultimate sacrifice,” said
the completion of their training iteration. Cushing.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO
8

9. The Ivy Leaf June 3, 2011
tion Battalion, Nebraska Na-
tional Guard, conducted a
safety briefing to prevent any
accidents during the medevac
training.
Schutte, a native of Lincoln,
Neb., said practicing good safe-
ty habits is paramount to the
training of CSF soldiers.
“The purpose of medevac is
to get the troops in need where
they need to go as quickly as
possible,” said Schutte. “One
slip-up can cause them to hurt
themselves, and that will po-
tentially make them another
casualty.”
CSF teams commenced the
exercise by loading their ca-
sualty onto a static helicopter
to familiarize themselves with
fundamentals of loading before
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st inf. Div., USD-N moving onto operations with a
Kirkuk Combined Security Forces members load a patient onto a medevac helicopter during medical train- running helicopter.
ing at Kirkuk Training Center, May 25, 2011. During “hot loads,” the CSF teams practiced strapping their As the training progressed,
casualty to a litter, loading the litter onto a helicopter, moving back to the starting position, and then going new CSF soldiers and Gen.
back to the helicopter to unload the casualty.
Kawa, Iraqi Police Chief,
Spc. Kandi Huggins During the medical course, “Today we’re going to evalu- Kirkuk province, observed the
1st AATF Public Affairs the fourth cycle led by Thun- ate how well they practice com- event along with U.S. instruc-
1st Inf. Div., USD-N derhorse medics, instructors mands,” explained Amezquita. tors evaluating the trainees’
continued building upon ba- “They will be putting a casualty performance.
KIRKUK TRAINING CEN- sics of medical training to pro- onto a litter, loading the casual- “Thank you and I really ap-
TER, Iraq – In an effort to vide Iraqi Security Forces with ty on the helicopter and unload- preciate your hard work,” said
continue building on medical trained personnel capable of ing the casualty and carrying Kawa to the instructors. “The
knowledge, the Kirkuk Com- teaching subsequent classes of (the patient) to the rally point.” knowledge they’ve gained
bined Security Forces con- CSF soldiers. To help things run smooth- helps everybody, because they
ducted an air medevac exercise Eventually, Iraqis will train ly, Sgt. Mike Schutte, a flight can transfer it to all soldiers
at the Kirkuk Training Center, themselves without assistance medic with 2nd Battalion, and teach other students in the
May 25. or supervision from U.S. forc- 135th General Support Avia- future.”
“Thunderhorse” medics of es, said Amezquita, a native of Amezquita said as the CSF
Headquarters and Headquarters Killeen, Texas. students continue the course,
Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th “We’re trying to be hands they will eventually be certi-
Cavalry Regiment, attached off so they can be the primary fied on emergency medical
to 1st Advise and Assist Task instructors for the medevac skills and expand their realm of
Force, 1st Infantry Division, training,” said Amezquita. knowledge.
guided Iraqi students on proper “With them being the instruc-
Members of Kirkuk Combined
evacuation steps and medical tors and having gone through Security Forces, join Sgt. Mike
treatment. the training, they’ll be able to Schutte, flight medic, 2nd Battal-
CSF soldiers familiarized ensure they have a better un- ion, 135th General Aviation Sup-
themselves with the steps nec- port Battalion, Nebraska National
derstanding of the procedures
Guard, to strap a casualty onto a
essary to transfer a patient to and requirements to ensure ev- litter before loading the patient
higher levels of care using erything runs smoothly.” onto a medevac helicopter at
a helicopter, said Spc. Jose Prior to the medevac class, Kirkuk Training Center, May 25,
Amezquita, a health care spe- 2011. Iraqi CSF students learned
most CSF soldiers had limited
tactics for loading and evacuat-
cialist assigned to 2nd Bn., 12th exposure to medical operations ing casualties using helicopters
Cav. Regt. utilizing helicopters. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins as part of the training course.
9

10. The Ivy Leaf June 3, 2011
Platoon leader trains, motivates Soldiers
U.S. Army photo
First Lt. Anthony Burch, platoon leader, Company C, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, ad-
ministers the oath of enlistment to Spc. Clayton Martin, a combat engineer assigned to 4th platoon, during a ceremony at Contingency Operat-
ing Site Warrior, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2011. As a platoon leader, Burch, who hails from Hoopeston, Ill., is responsible for leading and training his Soldiers.
Spc. Kandi Huggins “I’ve had to learn how to motivate their deployment.
1st AATF Public Affairs people in a way I didn’t see coming,” said In October of 2010, 4th platoon initially
1st Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North Burch, a Hoopeston, Ill. native. “It is not contributed to the deployment as a route
in the heat of battle you have to motivate clearance team, inspecting roads frequent-
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE somebody; it’s when people are bored, or ly traveled by American troops for IEDs
WARRIOR, Iraq – On the battlefield of when people are tired of doing the same job nightly.
modern U.S. Military operations, combat day in and day out—that is when you re- Undertaking this responsibility helped
engineers play a versatile role. One week ally need to motivate Soldiers to keep them many of the younger, untested Soldiers in
they are sweeping for Improvised Explo- from getting complacent, to keep them the platoon gain a level of experience and
sive Devices, and the next, teaching Iraqi from doing something irresponsible.” proficiency they will need to further them-
Soldiers how to zero and qualify with their Burch attended the University of Illi- selves in the Army, Burch said.
newly assigned M16 rifles. nois with a scholarship from the Reserve “We have definitely all grown up a lot
As a platoon leader on his first deploy- Officer Training Corps and graduated with during this deployment,” said Burch. “I
ment, responsible for dozens of combat a degree in anthropology. During his time pride myself in saying that this platoon is
engineers deployed to northern Iraq in sup- at UI, Burch also met his wife, Mary Pat, extremely mature.”
port of Operation New Dawn, 1st Lt. An- who works in advertising for the Chicago “Our attitude isn’t ‘Let’s go to Iraq and
thony Burch, a platoon leader assigned to Tribune. get in a bunch of fire-fights,’” he explained.
Company C, 1st Special Troops Battalion, In 2009, Burch began his military career “It’s ‘We are going to go to Iraq and sup-
1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st In- as a platoon leader in the STB’s Headquar- port this government as it sets itself up.’ I
fantry Division, leads “Devil” Brigade Sol- ters and Headquarters Company, before am very proud of my platoon.”
diers, ensuring his platoon remains trained, taking over responsibility of 4th platoon At the end of March, Burch’s platoon
focused and motivated every day. as Soldiers of 1st AATF began training for See LEADER, Pg. 11
10

11. The Ivy Leaf June 3, 2011
Chaplain’s Corner: Tick, Tick, Tick
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Keith Goode The general does not get more than the private and Kellogg,
USD-N Chaplain Brown and Root employees cannot contract to get a little more as
a bonus for a job well done! The limit is 24 hours per day.
Tick …Tick …Tick. Hear that? That is the sound of your What’s more, it is just the right amount to accomplish all that
deployment slipping away one second at a time. He has given us for the day. The attitude we bring to every deci-
“That’s great, Chaplain!” you say. “I wish my time would go sion, choice and action is ours to use or lose as we walk through
by even faster!” those precious minutes that make up our single whirl around the
But why would you wish your life away while you are here in world.
Iraq? What a waste of time! How tragic it will be to leave this theater, not being able to
Here is a challenge—instead of wishing you were already look back over a second or two that made a positive difference in
home, focus instead on making the effort to seize every second of the realm of our work or in the influence of others.
everyday to do something that makes a difference. Open your eyes and look beyond your own busyness or loneli-
But again, you may reply, “Make a difference over here? Me? ness to see where you can help do something or help someone
No way!” else. You may not be the one talking, but you can be a listening
I disagree. How you spend those seconds each day does make ear. You may not be the star of the show, but you can help that
a difference. Maybe what you are doing is not immediately star shine. You may not be sad, but you can cry with someone
known or reported in the command update briefs. Maybe what who is.
you are doing is not dramatic, because what you have accom- Each “tick” can make a difference that can bring good results
plished has not appeared on the front page of Star and Stripes. in yourself and others! It is written in the Christian New Testa-
But you are making a difference nevertheless. The 101 choices ment from Ephesians 5:16 that we are to use our time wisely. It
you make each day are making a difference in who you are reads, “Redeem the time, for the days are evil.”
becoming as a person. Those same choices are also making an To redeem something means to gather and buy up every sec-
impact on those around you. ond of our day, and then use that time to fight against the evil that
So how are you spending your time in order to make a posi- thinks seconds are cheap.
tive difference? Will you spend time with others to speak words In redeeming those moments, you will soon see that one’s life
that will build them up or tear them down? Will you use the time does make a difference. What was considered a “waste of time”
strengthening your body at the gym or opt for the third helping of will become “time well spent,” as you begin to see the value of
ice cream at the dining facility? Will you exercise your minds and the moment and how quickly the seconds slip away.
spirit in reading and worship, or just waste a little more time on a The clock will no longer drag its weary hands around the face,
cheap DVD? but it will record the moments of your life that matter for eter-
The Almighty has given us an exact amount of time for each nity! Listen, time is ticking, and it is time to get busy.
day and everyone gets the same amount. No more, no less.
LEADER, cont’d from Pg. 10 As he continues assisting the 1st AATF
mission, Martin said he enjoys the guid- USD-N
handed off their route clearance mission to ance and leadership Burch provides to the
begin working with 12th Iraqi Army Stabil- Soldiers of 4th platoon. Social
ity Transition Team in the Kirkuk province, “It’s not as crazy with random stuff hap-
providing security as the STT worked with pening out here. We’ve got a good battle
MeDia
their 12th IA counterparts.
Burch said his Soldiers often have the
rhythm with stuff we have to accomplish on
a day to day basis,” said Martin, who hails
SiteS
opportunity to take part in training and from Frenchtown, Mo. “Lt. Burch is easy to To catch all the up-to-date ac-
mentoring the Iraqi soldiers as they prepare work for. He’s pretty straight forward and tion in northern Iraq, click on the
to take full responsibility for the security says what’s on his mind, and he makes this icons to view a USD-N social me-
mission in Iraq. seem too easy.”
dia page. On these pages you
“Our job out here at K1 gives my guys Burch said he is eager to continue his ca-
the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with reer and further his Army experience.
can read and download stories,
the Iraqi soldiers,” said Burch. “They are “I don’t know if I will stay in until re- videos and photos of U.S. Sol-
the primary mission in Iraq right now, and tirement, but I want to experience what the diers deployed in support of
it is good to be a part of it.” Army has to offer,” he said. “I want to be a Operation New Dawn as they
Spc. Clayton Martin, a combat engineer company commander; I have always want- advise and train their Iraqi coun-
assigned to Burch’s platoon, said the unit’s ed to be a teacher, so I would like to look terparts. Show your support for
primary mission at K1 is escorting the STT for positions in the Army that would allow the troops by viewing the pages,
members as they counteract with the 12th me to train others.” and feel free to leave comments!
IA soldiers.
11

12. The Ivy Leaf June 3, 2011
Hey Doc: ‘Is my urine supposed to be brown?’
Maj. David Schnabel medical board and potentially leaving the caused by dietary supplements.
Preventative Medicine Physician service. The most worrisome supplements are
Surgeon, U.S. Division-North So what can you do? Most importantly, metabolic enhancers or weight loss prod-
take the same common sense precautions ucts which include products like “bitter
“Hey Doc, It’s been hot out, but my used to protect you from heat injury. orange” and synephrine. My advice for all
buddies and I try to take our minds off of When it is hot and humid, moderate Soldiers is to get rid of these supplements
it by running mid-day in body armor. I re- your work periods with rest cycles and and only use safe products like protein.
ally like pushing myself, but today after a drink plenty of water. Choose cooler Here is the bottom line: if you overex-
couple miles, my legs started feeling weak periods of the day to do activities like ert yourself and are worried about these
and painful, and now my pee is brown! running or other physical training. Mission symptoms, see a health care provider
What’s going on?” essential activities will always take prior- immediately. Exercise or work in mod-
-Signed, “1st Lt. P.N. Browne” ity, but you and your leadership must have eration during the hottest time of the day
Dear 1st Lt. Browne, adequate hydration plans. and hydrate yourself. I wish you a speedy
I hope you immediately went to the Some dietary supplements are really recovery.
nearest medical facility because what you dangerous in this setting. We already have Don’t become a casualty, 1st Lt.
described is actually quite dangerous. By had service members take themselves out Browne. And Task Force Ironhorse keep
overexerting yourself—especially in the of the fight because of rhabdo partially those questions coming!
heat of the day—you caused your muscles
to start disintegrating.
This is called rhabdomyolysis, com-
monly known as “Rhabdo.” The released
muscle enzymes and iron made your urine
brown and can lead to the most serious
problem—kidney failure.
I am sure you were also partly de-
hydrated, which makes for a dangerous
combination. Rhabdo and kidney failure
are medical emergencies, so if you suspect
such a thing, seek immediate medical care.
Muscular overexertion in hot weather,
while dehydrated, is a common cause of
rhabdo, but not the only important one.
Rhabdo can result from crush injuries in
vehicle accidents, for example.
Additionally, patients long incapaci-
tated by severe injuries or comas can ex-
perience rhabdo. More uncommonly, some
medicines like cholesterol-lowering drugs
or illicit drugs can cause rhabdo.
The use of dietary supplements for
weight loss is very dangerous because
they ramp up the body’s metabolism,
creating heat and setting you up for a
catastrophic outcome.
Some people inherit enzyme deficien-
cies, which make them more susceptible
to repeated bouts of rhabdo, and others
simply are repeat cases. Unfortunately, the
extreme, hot, and demanding environment
of deployment is the wrong place to be.
Repeated rhabdo cases, or one severe
incident, could cause the service mem-
ber to be redeployed. By regulation, two
instances of mild rhabdo within 24 months
or one severe case of rhabdo will lead to a
12