Volume I, Issue V December 5, 2010

Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson

Brig. Gen. Randal A. Dragon, deputy commanding general—support, USD-S, Col. James E. Rainey, brigade commander, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Command
Sgt. Maj. Miles S. Wilson, and several 3rd AAB Soldiers cut the ribbon to the Iron Stronghold Resiliency Center at Camp Adder Dec 4th.

Iron Stronghold opens in Camp Adder

Fitness: physical, emotional, spiritual, loving, kind, compassionate Soldiers.”
by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office Family, and social. The center contains a variety of rooms,
The Iron Stronghold Resiliency each dedicated to a specific pillar, such
In order to bring the Army’s Center demonstrates the Iron Brigade’s as the non-denominational meditation
Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program commitment to Comprehensive Soldier room, representing the spiritual pillar.
to more Soldiers, the 3rd Advise and Fitness and the investment the brigade The construction of the center took
Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division has made in the two months
recently opened the Iron Stronghold Army’s most “We are living, breathing and employed
Resiliency Center on Camp Adder during valuable resource: human beings, not volunteer Soldiers
a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 4. the American for all of the work.
The Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Soldier. machines” The needs of
campaign is the Army’s effort to “The Army is all about people. We both Soldiers and
strengthen the Soldier of today to create are living, breathing human beings, not Families influenced the final product.
a well-rounded, resilient warrior. machines,” said Maj. John Lim, brigade The facility
The foundation of the program lies chaplain, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. “We See “Resiliency” Page 3
in the five Pillars of Comprehensive want healthy, fit, emotionally stable,

Iraqi Slayers 8 Soldiers

Inside This police
river
watch over naturalized
become

Issue graduate
Page 6
Adder
Page 12
citizens
Page 17
 Volume I, Issue V
Greetings again from Southern
Iraq. Another month has gone by and
we find ourselves in the middle of the
holiday season. We enjoyed an excellent
Thanksgiving here, with the Iron Brigade
cooks going above and beyond the call of
duty to provide an outstanding meal, and
many of our Soldiers finding opportunities
to enjoy themselves: playing sports, or
just relaxing for a few hours.
With one holiday behind us, Christmas
is now just around the corner. While
we celebrate over here, I would like to
take an opportunity to invite those of
you back at Fort Carson to the brigade
holiday party on Dec. 11. There will be
plenty of food and fun, so please see your
Family readiness support advisor or rear
detachment chain of command for details.
We hope you can make it.
For those of you travelling over the
Family, friends, and Soldiers of the Iron
Brigade,
Happy Holidays! We are all
certainly well into the holiday period
as November ends and December rolls
around. Although we will not get any
snow here in Iraq, we have begun to see
Christmas trees and lights decorating
Soldier’s work and living areas. Just goes
to show how much this time of the year
means to all of us.
Thanksgiving really got the
season rolling. Right now, Iron Strong
Soldiers occupy about 15 different
locations across southern Iraq, some as
small as 40 Soldiers and the large camps as
many as a thousand Soldiers. Regardless
of the size, every unit went all out for the
Thanksgiving meal. It was truly amazing
to see the decorations, costumes and most
of all, the awesome spreads of food. I
wish I could list every single cook’s
name here, but I personally want to say
holidays, whether it’s to visit friends
and Family, or just to get away for a bit,
I encourage you to plan ahead and be
safe. We will be coming home soon, and
we need every member of our extended
brigade family there to be a part of that.
We can’t afford to lose a single person to
an accident, especially during this festive
time of year.
I would like to take a minute to
congratulate the fine non-commissioned
officers of the brigade on the outstanding
work they have done on reenlistment. At
the start of every fiscal year, the Army
gives each brigade a mission to reenlist a
certain number of Soldiers.
This year the Iron Brigade completed
that mission on Nov. 30, just 61 days into
the fiscal year. This kind of success does
not happen by accident. It happens when
great non-commissioned officers create
“Thank you, great job and well done” to
each and every Iron Strong cook across
the formation. Your pride, perfection
and preparation were the keys to all of
us feeling a little better while being away
from our family and friends during this
most important Family holiday.
These days a Soldier has to
be very resilient. We spend numerous
special occasions away from loved
ones, live in austere conditions and deal
with many other hardships. The Army
uses the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness
program to help Soldiers deal with these
issues. This past month, we built the
“Iron Stronghold” resiliency center here
on Camp Adder. The center provides
our Soldiers a comfortable, relaxing
environment to seek help in the physical,
emotional, social, spiritual and Family
pillars of Soldier fitness.
As we flip the calendar to
December, the brigade will be entering
December 5, 2010
Col. James E. Rainey
Commander
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
an environment where people want to
come to work, and want to do their best.
These Soldiers, while deployed to
combat, all stood up and said ‘I want
to continue to serve my country.’ I am
absolutely humbled by their commitment,
and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of
this team.
As always, thank you for supporting
your Soldier and our country.
Iron Strong!
CSM Miles S. Wilson
Brigade Command Sergeant Major
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
its last 100 days in Iraq. Christmas, New
Year’s and the Super Bowl still lay ahead,
but we are all certainly looking forward to
our return in March 2011. I would ask that
we all maintain our focus throughout this
time. For us here, that means never forget
we are in a bad place with bad people
seeking to do us harm. For our family
and friends, continue your overwhelming
support, prayers and love.
I wish everyone a very Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year!
Iron Strong!!
Page 2
 Volume I, Issue V December 5, 2010

Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson

Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Zielsdorf, of Conroe, Texas, brigade senior career counselor, HHT, 3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. enjoys a game of darts at the
newly-unveiled Iron Stronghold Resiliency Center on Camp Adder.

Resiliency: Center provides Soldiers 5 pillars of wellness

Continued from Page 1 when someone comes to specifically see “I heard about some of the things they
is equipped with telephones and a me or drops in just in passing, I’ll be there were going to have at the center, but I was
computer lab with webcams for Soldiers to answer any and all of their questions.” still surprised to see how it turned out,”
to communicate back home. Also, the In addition to spiritual and equal said Spc. Justin Bartee, of Hermitage,
chaplain and his staff are available in opportunity guidance, Soldiers can visit Mo., infantryman, Headquarters and
the counseling room where Families the resiliency center to relax in one of the Headquarters Troop, 3rd Special Troops
back home can also seek assistance via three massage chairs or take part in some Battalion. “I could definitely see myself
webcam. friendly competition with a game of pool coming here to wind down after a hard
“It was important for us to build this or a few video games. day.”
center with our Soldiers and their Families
in mind,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Miles
S. Wilson, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. “The
brigade has put a lot of effort into this,
because we owe it to our Soldiers. We
send our Soldiers across the world and
we put them in harm’s way, so we owe
them the opportunity to stay fit, stay
resilient, and become better people from
this deployment.”
Some sections within the Iron Brigade
will move their operations to the resiliency
center in an attempt to centralize efforts
and increase the availability of some
of the brigade’s assets. The brigade
chaplain, equal opportunity advisor, and a
nutritionist are now located on site.
“My job at the center is to be a part of all
the five pillars,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert
Bryant, brigade equal opportunity advisor Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
Brig. Gen. Randal A. Dragon, deputy commanding general—support USD-S, addresses Camp Adder
and brigade master resiliency trainer. “So during the ribbon cutting ceremony unveiling the new Iron Stronghold Resiliency Center on Camp
for me to be centrally located at the center, Adder.
Page 3
 Volume I, Issue V
Command Sgt. Maj. Miles S. Wilson, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Vaneta Vaughn, 64th Brigade Support
Battalion, 3rd AAB, stand with newly inducted noncommissioned officers.
64th BSB welcomes 14 Mountaineers into NCO Corps
by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs Office
The 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd
Advise and Assist, 4th Infantry Division,
recently held a noncommissioned officer
induction ceremony to welcome 14
Soldiers into the NCO Corps at Memorial
Hall on Camp Adder Nov. 5.
The noncommissioned officer is widely
considered the backbone of the U.S.
Army. When a junior enlisted Soldier
becomes an NCO, that Soldier is added
to that backbone to further strengthen
and help support the body of the Army.
The NCO induction ceremony is a time-
honored tradition, which originated in
the late 1980s, that signifies a newly-
promoted sergeant joining the ranks of
their fellow NCOs.
The inductees were: Sgt. Peter
Andazola, Sgt. Robert Gerhardt, Sgt
Ryan Hong, Sgt. James Hensen, and
Sgt. Brian Leebert all from Company
A, 64th BSB; Sgt. Lavoyd Anderson,
Sgt. Mark Bowman, Sgt. Daniel Kiser,
Sgt. Russel Mangels, and Sgt. Benjamin
Warren from Company B, 64th BSB; Sgt
Francisco Solis, Cpl. Kalynn Waltrip, Sgt.
Kevin Kalyn, and Sgt. Alexis Santiago,
of Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 64th BSB.
December 5, 2010
Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
“This ceremony honors the NCOs of
the past, the NCOs of the present, and our
future noncommissioned officers. Also,
it represents everything that we do and
stand for in the United States Army,” said
Command Sgt. Maj. Vaneta Vaughn, 64th
BSB, 3rd AAB.
The Mountaineers of 64th BSB are
spread throughout the Iron Brigade’s
area of responsibility in southern Iraq.
Since they are spread so thin, 64th BSB
has had to remain industrious in order
to accomplish its mission. Since some
elements of 64th BSB are isolated, good
leadership is critical.
See “Leadership” Page 5
Page 4
 Volume I, Issue V
Iraqi soldiers sharpen check-point operation skills
Photo courtesy by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Ireland
Iraqi soldiers from the 10th IA FE Reg., conduct
hands-on training on vehicle search techniques
while evaluated by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Ireland,
of Pittsburgh, combat engineer, Company E, 1st
Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
Leadership: becoming leaders and part of the NCO Corps
Continued from Page 4
“I think a good NCO can learn from
anyone, regardless if they are an NCO
or a junior enlisted,” said Leebert, of
Sacramento, Calif., military intelligence
noncommissioned officer, based in Basra.
“They’ll take the good things that NCOs
do and learn from it. Also, they’ll take
their junior enlisted and see what ideas
they have, because you can learn from
anyone.”
For senior NCOs, the ceremony was an
opportunity to witness a celebration of the
hard work and success of their Soldiers.
“I watched the whole process,” said
1st Sgt. Michael Maddrey, Company A,
64th BSB, referring to Leebert. “I was
there when he first came to the company
as a specialist, I sat on the board when he
became promotable, and I was there to
pin him when he made sergeant.”
Many senior NCOs enjoy seeing
Soldiers take the steps toward becoming
an NCO, because it displays their desire
to be successful within the U.S. Army,
said Maddrey.
“I’d like to see more specialists step up
and show that desire by saying ‘I want to
by Capt. Daaron Spears
1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.,3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
In support of Operation New Dawn,
Company E, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade,
4th Infantry Division, has assisted the
10th Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regiment
in a variety of security-related training.
Company E has primarily trained
the 10th IA FE Reg. on route clearance
and reconnaissance tasks; however,
according to Staff Sgt. Benjamin Ireland,
of Pittsburgh, Company E recently began
training Iraqi soldiers on check-point
operations.
“The [security transition team] wanted
us to put together a class and teach check-
point operations to the officers and NCOs.
I had recently come off of the trail and
the material was fresh in my mind,” said
Ireland, referring to his recent assignment
as a drill sergeant.
A group of 64th BSB noncommissioned officer inductees stand proudly and sing the 4th Infantry
Division March during the ceremony.
go to the board,’ and actually go to the
board and take part in that process,” he
said.
At the conclusion of the ceremony,
about 200 Soldiers applauded the newly-
inducted NCOs that made the promise
never to forget, nor allow their comrades
to forget, that they are “professionals,
December 5, 2010
Company E designed a two-day
vehicle check-point operations course
that they have taught weekly to more
than 120 officers and NCOs in for the
past three months. Ireland gathered the
material on vehicle search techniques
from previous courses and tailored it for
Iraqis conducting vehicle searches.
“The Iraqis were already good at
finding hiding places in the vehicles
during deliberate searches, so the class
teaches the warning signs so they
can identify vehicles that need to be
searched,” Ireland said.
The course begins with a lecture
describing check-point operations, check
point design, vehicle search methods, and
driver interviews. At the end of every
course, Ireland chooses the top two Iraqi
noncommissioned officers to help assist
in the practical exercises.
See “Inspection” Page 7
Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
noncommissioned officers, leaders.”
“It makes me very proud to see our
young Soldiers make that important
rank of a noncommissioned officer and
become part of the corps. I love the
corps and I believe in the corps,” said
Vaughn. “Today was a great day for the
Mountaineers.”
Page 5
 Volume I, Issue V
Iraqi river policemen maneuver in a stacked formation during a training exercise in urban movement techniques at the Iraqi Police Academy.
25 Iraqi river police graduate urban combat course
by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs
A group of 25 Iraqi river policemen
graduated from a five-day urban combat
training course instructed by Soldiers
assigned to 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade,
4th Infantry Division, at the Iraqi Police
Academy Oct. 27.
The course included classes on room
clearance, urban maneuver techniques,
close-quarter combat drills, raid entry,
and detainee search procedures. Iraqi
policemen were taught how to correctly
search, conduct raids, and detain
criminals.
“The Iraqis showed a lot of interest in
the classes we held for them,” said 1st Lt.
Jerad Linder, from Leavenworth, Kan.,
platoon leader, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd
December 5, 2010
Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo Wells
AAB, 4th Inf. Div. “Some took control
of the situation in certain exercises, and
displayed their abilities to be future team
leaders.”
The river policemen demonstrated
their skills on the final day, when they
maneuvered in formations, breached and
cleared rooms, and secured a building.
They were honored in a graduation
ceremony after completing the course.
Lt. Col. Jabar Mahid, the Iraqi Training
Center commander, spoke to the river
police on their achievements and his
expectations for their future.
“They performed well here and showed
me that they want to do something good
for Iraq,” said Linder. “I believe that these Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
guys want to improve Iraq as much as An ecstatic group of Iraqi river policemen
possible.” celebrate their graduation after the completion
of a five-day course held at the Iraqi Police
Academy.
Page 6
 Volume I, Issue V
We all look forward to rejoining our
loved ones, when the time comes, and we
eagerly anticipate our wonderful reunion.
But even as we wait for that moment, it is
wise for us to start thinking about how we
can make that homecoming a wonderful
experience full of anticipation and joy.
In order to make that experience truly
a joyful one, I would like to suggest two
things.
First, we want to remember to honor
our loved ones. Honoring someone
means to respect and treat that person
with dignity. We are a team as husband
and wife, we both have had to deal with
hardships during this deployment, be it in
Iraq or at home. When we start to honor
the other person in our relationship, we
begin to overlook flaws and faults in each
other and come to value each other.
Second, we want to remember to
express our gratitude to our loved ones.
Whenever we have the opportunity we
should let each other know how much
we appreciate and treasure each other.
Expressing that heart felt appreciation
“And now these three remain:
faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.”
-1 Corinthians 13:13
Inspection: establishing security
Continued from Page 5
“[W]hen we conduct the hands-on
evaluation they all get into it and they all
perform well,” said Ireland.
Two Iraqi NCOs, Sgt. Ali and Staff Sgt.
Saf, both combat engineers, distinguished
themselves as being very knowledgeable
in vehicle search techniques, and Ireland
chose them to be the primary instructors
for the course.
“They performed better than the rest, so
we taught them how to be instructors, and
they taught the last three classes on their
own,” said Ireland.
Company E also hosts a weekly two-
December 5, 2010
is so vital in preparing ourselves for
our happy reunion. Those at home can
appreciate the fact that their Soldiers are
putting on brave faces everyday, knowing
that they are taking care of their families
with their work here. And Soldiers can
appreciate our loved ones back home for
staying strong throughout our deployment
and for inspiring us to go on everyday.
Our relationships can be as strong as we
make them to be. Constant encouragement
and gratitude for each other can mean the
world to Soldiers and Families. We all
need that affirmation. Soldiers need it as
much as the Family members. Find ways
to honor and appreciate each other. When
we finally come home, our hearts wil be
filled with admiration and gratitude for
what we have in our families.
Maj. John Lim
Brigade Chaplain
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
hour officer professional development
class for the officers of the unit. According
to Ireland, the class focuses on planning
check-point operations and many of the
captains and majors have attended.
“We’ve had colonels and lieutenant
colonels as well as the 10th IA commander
attend the class,” Ireland said.
Ireland believes that the weekly training
course will have positive impact on
Operation New Dawn as Iraqis continue
to secure their country.
“I hear reports check-points are getting
better out in-sector,” said Ireland.
Page 7
 Volume I, Issue V December 5, 2010

MRAP modifications help save the Army money

by 1st Lt. Brian L. Graddy Jr.
64th BSB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

During a logistics patrol, a mine-

resistant ambush-protected vehicle
receives a substantial amount of internal
and external damage due to the coarse,
dirt roads of southern Iraq.
On patrols lasting up to 10 hours,
MRAPs can fall victim to damaged
condensers, clogged air conditioners,
and a loss of visibility through the
windshields.
Gun truck Soldiers of Company B, 64th
Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Advise
and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division,
brainstormed the idea of developing a
custom mud guard to mitigate the amount
of road debris, thus limiting the damage
to the MRAPs.
They presented the idea to the Photos courtesy of 1st Lt. Brian L. Graddy Jr.
mechanical maintenance section, where [Left] Pfc. Aubrey Hanson , Company B, 64th BSB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., cuts the materials needed
they developed the basic plan to mount to fabricate protective mud guards for mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles. [Right] Hanson and
the mud guards using existing hardware, Pfc. Brandon Schupman, Company B, 64th BSB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., display a set of mud guards
before installing them onto a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle.
See “Modification” Page 9

Iraqi mechanics learn techniques in vehicle upkeep

Photo by Sgt. David Dasilma
Spc. Nicolas Bellido, power generation mechanic
from Miami, and Pfc. Jose Rojo, Stryker systems
mechanic from San Diego, 4th Sqdn, 10th Cav.
Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., demonstrate how
to change an oil filter to 14th DBE brigade
mechanics.
by Sgt. David Dasilma
4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 10th
Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division visited
the Department of Border Enforcement
brigade headquarters in As Shu’aybah
recently to conduct vehicle maintenance
training.
The hands-on training approach
showed the 14th DBE’s less-experienced
mechanics a different method in
conducting vehicle maintenance.
Soldiers showed the Iraqis a different
technique that would keep the trucks
running safely for years to come, using
the proper tools and parts, said 1st Lt.
David Burbridge, squadron maintenance
officer from San Antonio.
Excited about the training and the
events of the day, Iraqi soldiers were
motivated and energetic to learn things
like changing filters and doing an oil
change. Some of the senior mechanics
even smelled the oil with wide grins of
appreciation.
“This is the way new oil should smell,”
said Lt. Wael, maintenance officer 14th
DBE.
A key element in effectively servicing
the trucks was a donation of new parts
from Motorcraft an auto parts brand of
the Ford Motor Company.
“We’re able to show them what the
standard is supposed to be, and they seem
really happy about it,” said Spc. Nicolas
Bellido, power generation mechanic from
Miami.
Thankful for the resources and the
opportunity for his maintenance team
to learn advanced methods of routine
maintenance, Staff Brig. Gen. Khalil
Ibrahim, 14th DBE Brigade commanding
general encouraged the team to pay close
attention.
“It’s a great opportunity to have U.S.
forces present with us today to teach from
their advanced expertise,” Ibrahim said.
Page 8
 Volume I, Issue V
Pacesetter Soldiers provide front-line security
by 2nd Lt. Theresa Ockrassa
3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
Soldiers from 3rd AAB are the front-
line defenders for all possible threats
coming through the gates of Camp Adder,
near Nasiriyah, Iraq.
Recently the Soldiers of Company
G, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery
Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade,
4th Infantry Division, were recognized
by United States Forces-Iraq during a
random inspection of the gate and its
check-point safety standards, based on a
predetermined scale.
The Ghostriders received one of the
highest security ratings, making it one of
the most secure gates in Iraq, according to
inspectors.
Having faced many challenges, this
team of mechanics, cooks, drivers and
fuel supply specialists learned what it
takes to secure the base.
“Staying on Adder you don’t actually
realize all the threats at the gate, and I’m
glad to do my part,” said Spc. Vera Stelzer,
of Killeen, Texas, a health care specialist,
3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg. “Working at the
gate has opened my eyes to the dangers
that are here.”
In the past three months, Company G
has confiscated an estimated $96,000
worth of contraband items to include cell
phones, fake badges and identification
cards, airplane parts, wigs and masks.
“Everyone gets x-rayed, everyone gets
Modification: 64th Soldiers help keep team safe on the road
Continued from Page 8
making them cost efficient. Also, the mud
guards would save the Iron Brigade from
having to replace the condensers that
were getting damaged.
“We’re always looking for cost
efficient ways to achieve our mission,”
said Warrant Officer Marqest O’Neil,
of Newport News, Va., allied trade
maintenance warrant officer, Company B,
64th BSB.
The mechanical maintenance section
sketched a rough picture of the design and
gave it to the service and recovery section,
which specializes in metal-working
and fabrication. The metal fabrication
Pfc. Ahmed Buck, of Nashville, Tenn., a heavy wheeled vehicle operator, Company G, 3rd Bn., 29th
FA, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., supervises the inspection of local vehicles by the explosives dog.
searched and their bags get searched,”
said Sgt. Nathaniel Ojeda, of New Berlin,
Wis., 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., “If anyone
attempts to bring contraband on base,
then they are banned from all bases.”
Contraband items are not always easy
to find and are often hidden in secret
compartments within the vehicles. The
Ghostrider Soldiers and their contracted
security counterparts have become very
skilled at finding these hiding places.
“You have to check everywhere,
they’ve gotten incredibly sneaky,” said
team reviewed the draft and finalized a
blueprint for a prototype.
“Once we had the blueprint, we figured
out what materials we were going to use
which was one-eighth inch sheet metal.
Once we came up with that solution, we
put it together and fitted it on the truck,”
said O’Neil.
The service and recovery section
fabricated the driver-side and passenger-
side mud guard to reduce blockage in
the air conditioning condenser fans
and to maintain visibility through the
windshield.
“This is the best product we’ve done
out here,” said Pfc. Aubrey Hanson, of
December 5, 2010
Photo by 2nd Lt. Theresa Ockrassa
Sgt. Javier Gonzales, of Hesperia, Calif.,
heavy wheeled vehicle operator, 3rd Bn.,
29th FA Reg.
The Ghostriders worked together and
developed new crowd control measures
and identification processes which
streamlined entrance to the base and
maintained security. They also added
more security cameras, a two-way
intercom, and more x-ray equipment.
The pedestrian entrance was improved
See “Entry” Page 10
Reynoldsburg, Ohio, a wheeled vehicle
mechanic, Company B, 64th BSB. “It
made us feel like we were contributing to
the logistics and support mission.”
The finished product was truly a
concerted effort from the entire team and
is the first of its kind throughout southern
Iraq.
The Soldiers fabricated 46 mud guards
for 64th BSB, to include five prototypes
for the other battalions within the 3rd
AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
“Anything that will help enhance the
visibility of our Soldiers outside the wire
is a success and worth the work,” said
O’Neil.
Page 9
 Volume I, Issue V December 5, 2010

Entry:maintaining Eastern Barracks dining facility

a secure, efficient receives major improvements
entry contol point by 1st Lt. Alex Braden
Conway, Ark., dining facility manager,
Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry
3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
Continued from Page 9 Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade,
to accommodate the high number of Iraqi Soldiers stationed at Eastern Barracks 4th Infantry Division. “The cooks have
workers coming and leaving around the were pleased with the completion of a better equipment, allowing them to show
same time each day. Too much time was new dining facility recently, replacing their skill, which allows us to provide food
spent controlling groups of Iraqis trying the outdated and smaller building. comparable to the more updated bases in
to get to work before the upgrades were Improvements on the facility include a Iraq. Soldiers now can come and get their
complete. bigger dining area, big screen televisions, food while watching a football game,
“One morning I was working the and a new enclosed patio to provide with the newly installed televisions. The
X-ray. I looked out the door and saw Soldiers a more enjoyable place to sit and facility is much better than the one we had
the interpreter and the guard chatting eat. prior to this.”
one minute and then overwhelmed by a “We didn’t have the amenities that we See “DFAC” Page 11
wave of pedestrians who were trying to have now,” said Sgt. Scott Lambert, of
get to work,” said Spc. Nathaniel Mott, of
Pendleton, Ore., mechanic, 3rd Bn., 29th
FA Reg.
Within the first month of their arrival,
the Ghostriders redesigned the pedestrian
entrance to provide enhanced security
and areas for preliminary searches. This
enables pedestrians a smoother, more
secure commute to work.
The Ghostriders register each Iraqi
in a country-wide database using new
technology such as electronic fingerprint
tools and retinal scanners, according to
Ojeda. Once registered in the system,
every person coming on Adder is checked
against this database for any criminal
history or warrants for their arrest.
“We use this technology to help identify
those who don’t belong,” he said. “These
instruments are the heart and soul of the Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo Wells
process because they help keep the bad Soldiers assigned to Company C, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., relax at the new
guys out.” Eastern Barracks dining facility.
Page 10
 Volume I, Issue V December 5, 2010

DFAC: a new place to enjoy a meal and take a break

Continued from Page 10
A contractor hoisted the outdated
building out of the area with a crane and
replaced it with two, larger trailers. He
then cut and welded the trailers together,
creating more space. On the inside, the
contractor built a larger kitchen, rewired
the building and installed new air
conditioning systems.
“The contractor we hired did an
outstanding job,” said 1st Sgt. Norman
Fischer Jr., Company C. “At first we
were skeptical about if he could pull it
off. When we saw the new additions to
the facility, the morale of the Soldiers
tremendously improved.”
While the improvements were taking Photo by Spc. Ross Worrell

place, cooks served their meals from the [Top] The new screened-in patio with fans and a big screen television was part of the renovation to
the dining facility at Eastern Barracks.
grill. With the new kitchen, the cooks can Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
create foods like sweet and sour chicken, [Bottom] A few Soldiers of HHT, 3rd STB, make sandwiches at the new dining facility while they wait
broccoli and chicken, and many other for their flight to Nasiriyah.
Soldier favorites.
In addition to standard meal times, the
facility will be opened for other occasions
like holiday dinners and sports events.
Company leadership is already working
with the cooks to make a gridiron game-
day experience.
“This dining facility will allow the
incoming unit to have an updated and
stable place to come,” said Lambert.
“The cooks from the new unit will be able
to have some fresh ideas for this place
and improve on the things that we have
already done.”

Iron Kids
The Iron Advisor Newsletter
would like to recognize and
feature extraordinary children
throughout the Iron Brigade.
If you have or know of a
child who has recently accomplished something extraordinary or set
themselves apart from the rest, we’d like to hear about it. If you’d
like to highlight an Iron Strong kid, please submit a digital photo
along with a 3-4 paragraph write up that describes why he or she
deserves to be featured. Selected submissions may be published in
upcoming issues of the Iron Advisor. Please send submissions and photo
attachments to: ironadvisor@gmail.com.

Page 11
 Volume I, Issue V December 5, 2010

Slayers watch over Camp Adder, help maintain security

by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs

On the outermost reaches of Camp

Adder there is a small group of Soldiers
who watch the sun rise over the Ziggurat
of Ur every morning. Although this team
of Soldiers has the privilege of taking in
the scenery of Iraq, they are not simply
watching the skies to enjoy the view.
They are watching the skies to keep the
Iron Brigade safe.
The Slayer crew out of Headquarters
and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion,
29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Advise
and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
is one of many radar teams who serve as
the first line of defense against indirect
fire, not only for the Iron Brigade, but for
everyone in and near the brigade’s main
posts throughout southern Iraq.
The Slayer crew’s umbrella of
responsibility hangs over a large section
of Camp Adder’s surrounding area, which
Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
includes two Iraqi army camps, a few Spc. David Garcia, of Redwood City, Calif., HHB, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
Bedouin camps, and small villages. conducts a maintenance check on the firefinder radar system.
“We provide security for Camp Adder
by detecting indirect projectiles and Although essential, the radar team is warning that reaches across Adder once
helping provide an early warning for not the only piece of the puzzle when it receives confirmation. This process,
everyone to be able to take cover,” said it comes to 3rd AAB’s defense against from detection to warning, is completed
Staff Sgt. Franky Bunch, of Jefferson, indirect fire. They coordinate with many quickly enough to allow Soldiers time to
Ohio, radar section leader, Headquarters other sections within the brigade to take cover.
and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, accomplish their mission. Due to the changing nature of combat in
29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Advise The radar crew detects all initial threats recent years, many military occupational
and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. and communicates with the brigade fire specialties work multiple missions on
The Slayer crew, which is made up and effects coordination cell, which serves today’s modern battlefield. As a result,
of several radar operators and one radar as the control center for IDF defense, there are many Soldiers who have taken
repairer, utilizes the firefinder radar and to the base defense section. The See “Radar” Page 13
system. base defense section puts out the audio

Page 12
 Volume I, Issue V
Iraqi Army takes a new look at training courses
by 1st Lt. Ryan Foreman
1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
Iraqi soldiers are building a
conventional situational training exercise
lane and obstacle course outside their
Division Headquarters at Camp Wessam,
in Basra in order to add a new dimension
to their ongoing training.
With assistance from the 14th Iraqi
Army Security Transition Team and
Company B, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor
Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade,
4th Infantry Division, the 14th IA recently
began construction on the training area
and anticipates completion by mid
November.
The situational training exercise lane, or
STX lane as it is commonly called, began
as a piece of barren land approximately
300 meters long by 100 meters wide. The
See “Obstacles” Page 14
Radar: always an arm’s reach from the task at hand
Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
The Slayer radar crew., HHB, 3rd Bn., 29th
FA Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div. cleans up after
washing the firefinder radar system.
Sgt. Robert McGann, of New Jersey, camp mayor, Company B, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd AAB,
4th Inf. Div., directs Soldiers of the 14th Iraqi Army Division with supplies for the construction of the
obstacle course.
Continued from Page 12
on jobs that are not necessarily in their
formally trained skill set. The field
artillery firefinder radar operator is one
of the few Soldiers on the battlefield who
operates in the same skill set they were
trained in, said Bunch.
“This is what we do,” he said.
Thankfully, Camp Adder does not
receive indirect fire every day; however,
the radar techs sustain a busy schedule
with frequent maintenance of the radar
system.
“We spend about 70 percent of our
time maintaining the equipment to ensure
that it works when the time comes,” said
Bunch.
According to Spc. David Garcia, of
Redwood City, Calif., HHB, 3rd. Bn.,
29th FA Reg., the tech crew conducts
functionality checks every day in addition
to keeping it clean.
The team also stays sharp with on-the-
job training and maintains knowledge by
studying the radar operator manuals on a
regular basis, said Pfc. Bradford Arnold,
of Mooresville, Ind., HHB, 3rd. Bn., 29th
FA Reg.
Along with training, another way the
December 5, 2010
Photo by Spc. Chase Smith
Slayer crew stays on top of its mission is
sleeping where they work.
Instead of residing in the standard
living areas of Camp Adder, the Slayers
stay on site in order to always be an arm’s
reach from the radar.
Holding such a large responsibility
within the brigade requires the Slayer
team members to spend most of their
time at the site, so they try to keep their
surroundings as comfortable as possible.
“You should have seen this place when
we first got here,” said Arnold. “We took
out what seemed like four or five tours of
junk left over. Now this place is 200 to
300 percent better.”
The Slayers have remodeled their
compound and transformed it from
an area reminiscent of a junkyard to a
place that they can call home, complete
with container housing units, basketball
court and a make-shift coffee shop and
barbershop.
With good training and maintenance,
the Slayer radar operator crew helps keep
the Iron Brigade and Camp Adder safe.
“The pressure’s always on,” said
Bunch. “But, I think we do a pretty good
job.”
Page 13
 Volume I, Issue V
3rd STB keeps an eye in the sky
by Staff Sgt. Nathaniel G. Johnson
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs
In response to threats against U.S.
troops deployed to Iraq over the last
eight years, the Army deploys small
tethered blimps, or aerostats, equipped
with surveillance equipment for force
protection. As a result, the Army has had
to train Soldiers from a variety of military
occupational specialties to operate this
equipment.
Today, six Soldiers of 3rd Special
Troops Battalion, 3rd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, operate
the aerostat as it hovers over Camp Adder
in support of base defense. They provide
surveillance data, enabling the protection
of the U.S. and Iraqi forces on Camp
Sgt. Anthony Palumbo, wheeled vehicle mechanic, of Sterling, Ill, 3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.,
makes a minor repair to a bracket that is used to attach aircraft warning lights to the cable that
anchors the aerostat.
Adder and the surrounding Iraqi bases
and local villages.
“It’s a great asset because it’s similar
to a guard tower with a huge advantage.
It’s a few hundred feet in the air giving
us a much better view,” said Sgt. Michael
Milsap, Bradley mechanic, from Abilene,
Texas.
Without a designated military
occupation specialty to maintain
and operate the aerostat, this group
of mechanics, fire supporters and
communications specialists had to learn
an entirely new skill set to keep it flying.
“It’s a very useful skill because it’s
also used in the civilian world,” said Spc.
James Williams, of Virginia Beach, Va., a
See “Aerostat” Page 15
Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
December 5, 2010
Obstacles: physical
fitness in action
Continued from Page 13
lane will enable Iraqi soldiers to conduct
training scenarios in both offensive and
defensive operations, something they
normally don’t get to do at their own base,
said Lt. Col. Christopher Tatka, training
advisor with the 14th IA STT.
The separate obstacle course, which
is adjacent to the maneuver lane, will
enable smaller units a chance to work on
physical fitness, team building and esprit
de corps, he added.
Once completed, the obstacle course
and STX lane will allow the division
staff and commanders to train and
evaluate platoon to company sized units
on both physical fitness and maneuver
capabilities.
“This is the first step in getting the 14th
Iraqi Army Division to start training in
full-spectrum operations outside of the
Iraqi army training center,” said Tatka.
Currently, 14th IA units must train
almost exclusively at the nearby Iraqi
Army Training Center, which can be
booked out months in advance. The new
STX lane will allow Iraqi units to train on
a variety of tactics and maneuvers much
more frequently than they do now.
“This situational training exercise
lane allows them to do the equivalent of
home station training like we do at Fort
Carson,” said Tatka.
Tatka, who worked with the Iraqi
army to provide insight into properly
constructing the training site, said that all
of the materials, labor and resources were
provided by the Iraqis.
Prior to the start of construction, an Iraqi
explosive ordnance disposal team helped
to clear the area of possible hazards.
When the site is completed, Iraqi
commanders will conduct a rehearsal to
create a standard for Iraqi units to follow.
Page 14
 Volume I, Issue V
Blackfoot Soldiers engage in overnight training session
alongside Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement
by Staff Sgt. Christopher Naylor
4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
Stalker Platoon, Troop B, 4th Squadron,
10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and
Assist, 4th Infantry Division conducted
overnight, partnered training Nov. 4 with
4th Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Brigade,
4th Region, Department of Border
Enforcement as part of its train, advise
and assist mission.
Platoon leader, 1st Lt. John Nikiforakis,
of West Swanzey, N.H., Troop B, 4th
Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 3rd AAB, met
Capt. Hussein, commander, 4th Co., and
offered training on basic medical skills,
rifle marksmanship, and creating range
cards. Eager to learn, Hussein had his
entire company attend the classes.
Spc. Jared Diaz, a medic from Austin,
Texas, led the first class on basic medical
skills. Diaz instructed the DBE troops on
assessing a casualty, performing buddy
aid, executing nonstandard evacuation
methods, and CPR.
“The DBE enjoyed the medical classes
we provided them, because the skills we
taught might someday save lives,” said
Diaz.
Sgt. Davtavius Parks, from Atlanta,
Aerostat: communication and surveilance in the sky
Continued from Page 14
fiber optics specialist. “It’s a skill I may
be able to use later on.”
Once selected to operate the aerostat,
the team attended a 28-day training
course to learn the theories of lift and how
the system works, said Milsap.
“From helium operations to launching
the blimp, Soldiers are evaluated in the
classroom and hands-on exercises, to
operate the system proficiently,” he said.
After two weeks of classroom
instruction, they took a written exam and
then moved on to two weeks of hands-on
training that required them to learn launch
and recover techniques.
“The training was really good because
you learn a lot more when you train hands-
on like we did for more than 14 days,”
said Sgt. Anthony Palumbo, wheeled
vehicle mechanic, of Sterling, Ill
Pfc. Cody Vance of Elkhart, Ind., cavalry scout, Troop B, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 3rd AAB helps
some soldiers of 4th Co., 2nd Bn., 9th Bde., 4th Reg., DBE with their basic weapons marksmanship.
Ga. taught the DBE the fundamentals of
marksmanship, including proper aim and
trigger squeezing. Parks then conducted
hands-on drills, which allowed the Iraqis
to dry-fire their weapons to practice the
fundamentals they had learned.
“Working with the Department of
Border Enforcement on weapons training
always raises the motivation of the group.
According to Williams, some Soldiers
get the opportunity to apply the skills
learned in their chosen MOS.
“There’re two of us fiber optics
specialists here,” he said, “so we are
able to take care of most of the problems
with the cables without calling the field
support representative.”
Designed to carry communications
and surveillance equipment, operating
at altitudes of several hundred feet, the
aerostat provides a bird’s-eye view across
the area of responsibility.
“With the eye in the sky, we help deter
the enemy,” said Williams.
To some, the aerostat is not only a great
deterrent, but also a reassuring sight when
it’s flying in the air. The team tries to keep
it flying as often as possible, because it
gives people on base a greater sense of
security, said Palumbo.
December 5, 2010
Photo by Maj. Alan S. Brown
Sometimes we have to tailor our training
doctrine to fit their needs, but in the end,
all [the DBE troops] walk away with a
better understanding of weapons handling
and safety,” said Parks.
The final block of instruction, led by
Sgt. Carlous Murray, a cavalry scout
See “DBE” Page 16
The aerostat team provides valuable
data to the base defense operations center
which uses it to advise and assist Iraqi
security forces in response to threats near
Adder.
“The [base defense operations center]
calls when they want us to look at
something suspicious and we swing the
camera in that direction. We provide a
real-time surveillance feed so everyone
sees what’s going on,” said Palumbo.
Even though the aerostat has been a part
of military operations for several years,
few people know about the training and
hard work that is required to operate it.
“To some people it’s just a blimp tied to
a cable with a few gadgets,” said Williams.
“But it’s important to force protection and
I’m proud that I can contribute to troop
safety.”
Page 15
 Volume I, Issue V December 5, 2010

Camp Bucca transferred for commercial use

by 2nd Lt. Matthew Fumagalli
3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

The Soldiers assigned to 3rd Special

Troops Battalion, 3rd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, stationed
at Camp Bucca, are preparing to execute
one of the biggest base transfers in
southern Iraq to date.
These Soldiers are working with the
local government to facilitate a transition
from military use to commercial use,
stimulating the economic growth in this
vital area.
Located within five miles of the main
Iraqi port of Umm Qasr, Bucca is poised
to become a major industrial center
supporting the nearby port because
of its location, natural resources, and Photo by 2nd Lt. Matthew Fumagalli
Lt. Col. William Edwards, commander, 3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., discusses the infrastructure of
existing infrastructure. Bucca is one of Bucca with Shiltagh, governor of the Basra Province.
the few bases to be transferred to the
Government of Iraq, specifically intended on the initial agreement and tasked
for commercial use instead of military with establishing the framework for a
application. smooth transfer. This committee meets
The leaders of Bucca have leveraged weekly with the leaders of Camp Bucca,
their existing relationships with the Mayor commercial interests, and contractors to
of Umm Qasr and local businessmen coordinate the training, resources, and the
to ensure the base provides the desired commitments necessary to maximize the
effect on local commerce. economic potential of this transfer.
Photo by Sgt. Jeremy Forrest
A committee, lead by the Mayor “The best way we can ensure future
2nd Lt. Matthew Fumagalli answers questions
of Umm Qasr, was appointed by the See “Movement” Page 19 from members of the Skyline Arabia Company
Provincial Governor to follow up during the open house tour of the dining facility.

DBE: US and Iraqis working together to ensure safety

Continued from Page 15
from Columbus, Miss., focused on
creating range cards, a technique critical
to properly manning a guard position.
“These range cards can be used by our
guards while they defend our company
headquarters. Combined with the
weapons class, we are more prepared than
ever to defend ourselves and our country,”
said Amir Hassan, the noncommissioned
officer in charge of 4th Company.
That night, Parks led the DBE on
Photo by Maj. Alan S. Brown
establishing two observation posts on the Stalker Platoon, Troop B, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav., Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., conducts medical skills
roof of the 4th Co., headquarters. Both training with 4th Company, 2nd Bn., 9th Brigade, 4th Region, DBE.
Stalker and DBE troopers manned both an observation post, they can better use said, “There is no doubt in my mind that
observation posts, shoulder-to shoulder, the terrain they own to their advantage,” the combined operations conducted with
until sunlight the following morning. Parks said. the Department of Border Enforcement
“By teaching the Department of Border Seeing the Iraqis satisfied with the will have a lasting impression.”
Enforcement to utilize their rooftop as training opportunity, 1st Lt. Nikiforakis
Page 16
 Volume I, Issue V December 5, 2010

Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Daniel Yarnall

Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey, 4th Inf. Div. and 8 Soldiers of the 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., stand proudly after the Soldiers’ naturalization ceremony
held at the in Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad.

8 Iron Brigade Soldiers become naturalized citizens

during ceremony at the Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad
by Spc. Khori D. Johnson
“My favorite part of the ceremony, Panama as I please and get other rights as
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs definitely, was getting to shake the an American.”
general’s hand,” said Spc. Yuxin Xiao, a Some Soldiers chose to become U.S.
The 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, supply specialist from Beijing. “It was an citizens in order to enhance their military
4th Infantry Division recently welcomed honor.” careers.
eight of its Soldiers as U.S. citizens during Choosing to become naturalized is According to Simmons, becoming an
a ceremony held at the Al-Faw Palace in an important personal choice that is as American citizen enables her to get a
Baghdad on Veterans Day. unique as the backgrounds of each of the higher security clearance, which makes
The Soldiers taking the Oath of Iron Brigade’s eight new citizens. her eligibile for a greater number of duty
Allegiance included Pfc. Yiraldy Aloma, “I wanted to do it so that I could have assignments and stations. She said that
Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, the same benefits as everyone else,” said becoming naturalized compliments her
3rd Special Troops Battalion Spc. Dwayne Aloma, who is originally from Panama desire to stay in the Army.
Khan, Forward Support Company, 1st City. “Now I can vote, come and go to “I think I look good in green,” she said.
Bn., 68th Armor Regiment; Sgt. Jorge
Monjaras, Company B, 1st Bn., 8th
Infantry Regiment; Spc. Clayton Porter-
Aldridge, Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg.;
Spc. Kerrie Simon, HHC, 3rd STB; Spc
Kenneth Soriano, HHC, 1st Bn., 68th
Armor Reg.; Spc Alexandr Tomracey,
Company E, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.; and
Spc. Yuxin Xiao, Troop B, 4th Squadron,
10th Cavalry Regiment.
Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding
general, U.S. Forces Iraq, spoke briefly
to the large audience about the diverse Photos courtesy of Staff Sgt. Daniel Yarnall
backgrounds of the Soldiers and Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general, U.S. Forces Iraq congratulates Spc. Yuxin Xiao,
congratulated them on completing their Troop B, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. [left], and Spc. Kerrie Simon, HHC, 3rd STB [right] after their
naturalization process. naturalization ceremony held at the in Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad.
Page 17
 Volume I, Issue V
Guard Duty on Camp Condor: A Soldier’s account
by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs
Darkness settles as faint sounds are
heard in every direction. A short burst
of clicking breaks the near-silence as a
Soldier sweeps along the horizon in the
turret attached to his vehicle, surveying
the area where the rest of his team is
sleeping. Headlights on the Humvee
pierce the darkness. A movement. The
turret clicks and turns and a light shines
on the area. Only a stray dog. Nerves
settle and the Soldier returns his attention
to scanning his sector. This is guard duty
at Camp Condor.
The camp is home to the 41st Brigade,
10th Iraqi Army Division. The Soldiers of
Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade,
4th Infantry Division, frequently stop at
the small post for partnership training
with the Iraqi security forces, but for
tonight, they are only making a rest stop
on their way to a mission in the city of
Qalat Salih. Soldiers of 1st Bn., 8th Inf.
Reg., use these rest stops during missions
that require more than 12 hours of travel
time.
Upon arriving at Camp Condor, the
Soldiers immediately inspect their
vehicles for mechanical problems, set up
a sleeping area for the night, and brief the
next 24 hours of operations.
Tents, one porta-potty, and a generator
to power the flickering fluorescent lights,
are all the amenities the Soldiers have
during their overnight stay. A far cry
from the Hilton, it is more than enough
for these Soldiers to rest up before another
long day.
Creating a 360-degree security
perimeter, the Soldiers immediately begin
their guard duty, while the rest prepare the
bunks and sleep for the evening. Soldiers
on shift take up positions in the driver and
gunner positions of each vehicle on the
perimeter.
The potential danger beyond the
darkness is what keeps these Soldiers
alert and ready, as they fully embrace the
responsibility of keeping each other safe.
“PB1 this is PB2, come in” crackles
over the radio as Spc. Anthony-Marc
Gaeta, conducts a radio check. Soldiers in
each of the vehicles radio in on schedule
as a way to keep watch on each other. If
anything happens, the entire perimeter
communicates to coordinate its response.
Radio chatter reveals a cohesive team.
Stories of each other’s mid-tour leave,
previous deployments, and talk about
December 5, 2010
the future entertain and keep the Soldiers
alert.
As the last two hours of shift begin to
drag on, the Soldiers see the small red
glow from several cigarettes in a group of
Iraqis talking outside one of the bunkers.
A few stray dogs scamper past the side of
the vehicle.
The Soldiers switch positions to let
the gunner rest his legs while the driver
stretches his own. The Soldiers work
together and take care of each other.
The six-hour guard shift comes to
an end, and the newly rested Soldiers
emerge from the sleeping area toward
their assigned vehicles. The outgoing
shift briefs the new shift on any important
details and then heads to the tent for some
sleep before resuming the mission later in
the morning.
After the wake up call, Soldiers pack
up the cots, turn off the lights, shut-down
the generator, and inspect the vehicles
one last time. As the vehicles leave
the compound, the Soldiers are glad to
be back on the road, continuing their
mission.
But when the next mission requires a
long drive, these Soldiers know they’ll
have a place to stay at Camp Condor.
Page 18
 Volume I, Issue V December 5, 2010

Iraqis, US Army train together to patch up wounds

by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs
Iraqi policemen, K-9 officers, and
members of the emergency response
unit, graduated from a five-day combat
medical training course held at the Iraqi
Police Academy Oct. 28.
The course, supervised by Soldiers
assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, was led by
Spc. Jennifer Roberts, of Phoenix, Ariz.,
a healthcare specialist, 422nd Military
Police Company, attached to 3rd AAB,
4th Inf. Div., and Spc. Aaron Wrightman,
of Menifee, Calif., a healthcare specialist,
Company B, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.
The course taught the Iraqi policemen
how to respond to injuries they might
face on the battlefield such as broken
bones and fractures, various degrees of
burns and loss of limbs. The medics also
demonstrated techniques for treating chest
wounds caused by gunfire and explosives,
and how to use pressure points to stop
blood flow, preventing a casualty from
losing too much blood.
Photo by Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
Spc. Jeremy Wrightman, of Huntington Beach,
Calif., a healthcare specialist, Company B, 1st
Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., lends a
hand to an Iraqi policeman while he ties a sling
during a combat life saving course.
“I watched a lot of them as they were
going through the training,” said Staff
Sgt. Timothy Lunsford, of Baltimore,
Md., infantryman, Company B. “They
followed everything that our medics said
to do and did it right on the first or second
try. They wanted to learn this.”
After each group of Iraqis showed an
understanding of each task, the medics
went on to another subject. Wrightman
believed that the students learned the
techniques and performed well throughout
the training.
After completing the training, the
Iraqi forces were recognized by Capt.
Thomas Nelson, from Williams Bay,
Wis., commander, Company B, and
Lt. Col. Jabar Majid, training center
commander. The leaders gave certificates
of completion to more than 40 Iraqis.
Two students distinguished themselves
from the rest of the class by showing a
deeper understanding of combat medical
training, and were awarded with honor
graduate plaques.
“This was very good training for us,”
said Saad Hassan, an Iraqi policeman. “I
wish the training was 10 days.”

Movement: a clear
vision in Bucca
Continued from Page 16
growth and success in [Umm Qasr] is by
aligning Iraqi and corporate interests,”
said Maj. Brent Novak, of Farmington
Hills, Mich, base deputy commander, 3rd
STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.
A recent open house brought together
the U.S. State Department Provincial
Reconstruction Team, the Governor of
Basra Province, the Mayor of Umm Qasr,
and three multi-national companies for a
tour of the facilities that will be transferred
to the Iraqi government in the near future.
“During the meeting with the provincial
governor, it was clear that our partnership
is strong and there is a clear vision for
the future of Camp Bucca,” said Lt.
Col. William Edwards, commander, 3rd
STB, whose battalion is responsible for
overseeing the base transfer. “It is an
honor for us to be a part of this project.”
Page 19
 Volume I, Issue V December 5, 2010

Special Troops Bn. moves into new headquarters

by Capt. Mike Knuchel
3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

The 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd

Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry
Division, spent October preparing for and
moving the Camp Adder base defense
operations center, battalion staff, and
company headquarters into new facilities
without a lull in base defense capabilities.
Brig. Gen. Randall Dragon, deputy
commanding general, United States
Division-South, directed the battalion to
move the facility as part of a base-wide
reorganization.
The previous BDOC was too small to
accommodate the new security systems.
The new, larger facility features staged
seating, large screen displays and plenty
of space for the equipment.
The move was also another step toward
reducing the U.S. force’s footprint,
allowing space for the 70th Iraqi Air
Force Squadron, who will be occupying
Photo by Capt. Mike Knuchel
a portion of Camp Adder. Soldiers assigned to 3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., work to organize equipment in
The move required coordination with preparation for the base defense operations center move.
the Air Force airfield defense staff,
contracted guard staff, and counter rocket the quick transition of computers between the central station for responding to any
and mortar teams that support the base locations. security or force protection incident on
defense. During the three-day process, the base. The new facility has space allocated
Through weekly planning sessions, defense capabilities remained fully for emergency services, the capability
all of these agencies coordinated the operational. to display real-time camera feeds, and
timeline, technical support and developed “Our relocation was easy because we warning systems ensuring personnel on
internal move plans. had great Soldiers working closely with Adder are kept informed.
Also key in the preparation phase our civilians from the deployed signal “The move shows the desire of
was the setup of secure data and radio support team, Air Force contractors, and the Soldiers to always improve their
communications by the battalion the elevated sensors,” said Maj. Brian foxholes,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey
communication and radio specialists, North, of Downers Grove, Ill., battalion Carlson, of Killeen, Texas, BDOC battle
who installed secure radio nets, integrated executive officer. noncommissioned officer, 3rd STB.
numerous computer lines, and ensured The new facility was designed to be

Public Affairs Office
Col. James E. Rainey
Commander
Command Sgt. Maj. Miles S. Wilson
Command Sergeant Major
Maj. Alan S. Brown
Public Affairs Officer
Staff Sgt. Nathaniel G. Johnson
Public Affairs Noncommissioned Officer
Staff Writers
Spc. Chastity R. Boykin
Spc. Khori D. Johnson
Pvt. DeAngelo M. Wells
The Iron Advisor is produced in the interest
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Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. The Iron Advisor
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Contents of the Iron Advisor are not
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