The Advis r

Loading uprecruitsIraqi Police trainers lead training in Habbaniyah>> Page 10

>> INSIDE

>> SPECIAL INTEREST: WALL ART

Other features

Work in progress 3 Recent visit to Middle East by U.S. Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen highlights strengths and weaknesses for both Iraqi and Coalition forces.

Aiding the fight against terrorism

4 Iraqi Air Force continues to contribute to counterinsurgency measures with show of presence throughout Iraq.

Elite force molded

7 Course breathes new life into Iraqi military training, providing real-life scenarios to pre-pare recruits for actual combat.

Combination of new skills

10 Iraqi soldiers learn more than basic recruit training from the first school of its type to produce multi-skilled soldiers for combat.

New murals cover the T-walls that surround the Iraqi Ministry of Defence facility compound in Baghdad, Iraq. The murals express the Iraqi people’s pride in their security forces.

>> Page 12

Photo by U.S. Navy MC1(SW) Anthony J. Koch

Iraqi Air Force takes flight

11 Iraqi Air Force trains with U.S. Air Force to strengthen their abilities in sustaining their air power in a recent graduation of new pilots.

>> FROM THE COVER

The Advisor is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Defense Department and

multinational partners.

Contents of this paper are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. government or

multinational partners of the U.S. Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication

is the responsibility of the Multi-National Security Transition Command — Iraq Public

Affairs Office.

The faces of Iraqi soldiers and police have been altered to protect their identities.

Direct questions and comments to:pao@mnstci.iraq.centcom.mil

MNSTC-I PAOAPO AE 09348

DSN: 318-852-1332

>> Volume 4 >> Issue 32

Commanding GeneralU.S. Army Lt. Gen. James M. Dubik

Command Sergeant MajorU.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj.

Tommy A. Williams

Public Affairs OfficerU.S. Army Lt. Col. Daniel T. Williams

Deputy Public Affairs OfficerU.S. Army Lt. Col. Veronica Brown

Public Affairs NCOICU.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Charlene Sipperly

Chief of Command InformationU.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly A. Green

EditorU.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Frost

JournalistsU.S. Navy Mass Communications Specialist

1st Class (SW) Anthony J. KochU.S. Navy Mass Communications Specialist

2nd Class Erica R. Gardner

The Advis rA semimonthly publication of the Multi-National

Security Transition Command – Iraq

Photo by U.S. NavyMC2 Erica R. Gardner

An Iraqi Police cadet from Hab-

baniyah Police Training Center

loads his weapon to practice marks-

manship skills taught by an

Iraqi Police cadet trainer.

The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007 �

>> LEADERSHIP

“The government of Iraq, the prime minister of Iraq, has taken a pretty courageous stand here in supporting and encouraging Iraqi citizens to come forward and to oppose

al-Qaida, oppose other extremist groups and to help find ways for them to work with their own security forces.”

are saying >> U.S. ARMY MAJ. GEN. KEVIN BERGNER, Multi-National Force – Iraq deputy chief of staff

“That’s the big key of success here, doing what we do and then turning it over as quickly as we can to put an Iraqi face on it so the Iraqi people can see their own securing and taking care of them, and that seems to go a long way.”

>> U.S. ARMY COL. JOHN RISCASSI,

“There is a new phenomenon in Iraq whereby Sunni Arab forces are fighting terrorism. Local organizations are being formed and attempting, with Coalition forces and Iraqi Security Forces, to fight terrorism. Organizations composed of Sunni and Shia religious men and tribesmen are holding meetings and conferences to call for national unity.”

>> JALAL TALABANI, Iraqi president

what keyleadersWASHINGTON – After traveling with U.S. Navy Adm.

Michael G. Mullen during Mullen’s first visit to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Joint Staff’s operations director said today that he was struck by “noticeable” security improvements throughout the theater.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Carter F. Ham told Pentagon reporters the troop surge in Iraq that began in the spring is “having the intended effect” of better security.

“That’s not to say that there’s not still significant work required; there is,” Ham said. But he reported that throughout his travels with Mullen earlier this month in Anbar province, Mosul, Tikrit, the Multi-National Division – Center region, and Baghdad he saw “U.S., Coalition and Iraqi forces working together more effectively than we’ve seen before.”

“We saw firsthand the effect that the concerned local citizen groups can have, and we heard almost uniformly from U.S. leaders at all levels about how much better the Iraqi security force leaders are now,” Ham said. “In many areas, the best security exists where Iraqi Security Forces are in the lead.”

While noting progress, Ham said it’s too soon to declare success against enemies of Iraq. “Al-Qaida in Iraq still poses a danger, particularly against unarmed civilians. Sectarian violence, while significantly lower, is still a real danger. There is a dangerous element of Iranian influence, and border security remains a difficult challenge,” he said. “But the bottom line is that security in most areas of Iraq is better.”

Ham made similar observations in Afghanistan, where he said he found the Afghan National Army’s performance “truly encouraging.”

He noted that the Afghan National Army has fielded its first commando battalions. These units, selected from the army rank and file then specially trained and equipped, eventually will provide each Afghan National Army corps a mobile strike capability, he said.

The first commando battalion, assigned to the 201st Corps in and around Kabul, has conducted several operations. Ham called initial reports from ground commanders about their performance “quite positive.”

The Afghan National Police has some catching up to do, Ham said. These forces “aren’t as effective as they need to be, and we’re working to find ways to provide more trainers to help,” he said.

Ham praised the work of embedded training teams Mullen’s group visited during the trip, as well as interagency provincial reconstruction teams that “are making a significant difference each and every day.”

But in Afghanistan, as in Iraq, “challenges do remain,” he said. “While the (NATO) International Security Assistance Force has dealt significant blows to Taliban leadership over the past months, there are still areas where the Taliban has influence,” he said.

Overall, Ham said, his lasting impression from the trip is that

Mullen visit to Iraq reveals noticeable improvements

See VISIT, Page 5

By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service

2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment commander

� The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007

>> LEADERSHIP

Coalition general notes progress in Iraqi Air Force

WASHINGTON – Building an Iraqi air force will take years, but the service is already contributing to the counterinsurgency effort in the country, the chief of the Coalition Air Force Transition Team said Oct. 11.

The Iraqi Air Force has made tremendous strides since January, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert R. Allardice told defense experts via a conference call from Baghdad.

The Iraqi Air Force now has around 1,200 personnel and about 50 aircraft. The force is involved with intelligence and surveillance missions today, but “they will be shooting rockets next year,” Allardice said.

The general leads a coalition group of 325 people helping the Iraqi Air Force rebuild itself. In the late 1980s, Iraq had the sixth-largest air force in the world, with more than 1,000 planes, he said. Operation Desert Storm and a decade of sanctions obliterated that force. In 2003, no Iraqi aircraft f lew against the Coalition, and the training infrastructure had been dismantled. “Air force personnel scattered to the wind,” he said.

The Iraqi government needs the air force to fight the insurgency. The Iraqi Army has taken precedence in the rebuilding effort, but in the last 10 months, the air force has taken off. “In January 2007, the Iraqi Air Force f lew about 30 sorties a week,” Allardice said. These sorties were largely surveillance and reconnaissance missions, with an occasional cargo f light thrown in.

“This last week the Iraqi Air Force f lew 231 sorties,” the general said. “Over the last four weeks, the air force f lew an average of 180 sorties per week.”

Iraqi airmen f ly a mix of helicopter and fixed-wing missions.

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service

“They have a small but growing impact,” Allardice said. The general said he sees the number of Iraqi airmen

quadrupling in the next year and the number of aircraft more than doubling by October 2008.

Ultimately, the Iraqi Air Force will have between 6,000 and 12,000 servicemembers, depending on the number of planes it has.

The Iraqis received three C-130E aircraft from the United States and have asked for three more. They also f ly single-engine CH-2000 aircraft. The eight aircraft they have are used for infrastructure patrols. The crews, for example, spotted a smuggler tapping into an oil pipeline and radioed the Iraqi Police, who arrested the smugglers.

The force has three Cessna Caravan bush airplanes that have a day-night surveillance capability. The aircraft also have a live downlink capability.

In addition, the air force f lies 16 recently refurbished Huey-2 helicopters from the United States and will receive another 20 aircraft soon. The force also has 14 Mi-17 Russian-built choppers and will add another 14 next year.

“The purpose right now is to build an air force that has the capabilities for the counterinsurgency mission,” Allardice said.

Coalition air forces will handle the air defense mission for Iraq

See AIR FORCE, Page 5 Two Iraqi Air Force Cessna Grand Caravans sit on a ramp at New Al Muthana Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq.

Photo by U.S. Navy MC1(SW) Anthony J. Koch

An Iraqi crew chief performs an inspection on a propeller of an Iraqi C-1�0E Hercules cargo aircraft at New Al Muthana Air Base, Iraq, as U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Charles Franks looks on.

Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lance Cheung

The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007 �

>> LEADERSHIP >> LEADERSHIP

U.S., Iraqi and Afghan leaders he met, most operating at the tactical level, “are more confident that they are making progress than I’ve seen before.”

Ham said he felt confident he was echoing Mullen’s views that troop morale remains high in both Iraq and Afghanistan, with troops focused on their diverse

From VISIT, Page 3 missions. However, he said, he found general

consensus that 15-month tours are hard on soldiers as well as their families. “And so there is a very concerted effort on the part of all the military leaders to find ways to balance the best we can the operational requirements with finding opportunities to get increased time between deployments,” he said.

Whenever he traveled, Ham said, he found leaders to be “ever mindful” of the big sacrifices U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines and their families are making. “There are a lot of heroes out there, some of them we read about, some of them we don’t,” he said. “And we should all take great pride in what they do for our nation and for the good people of Iraq and Afghanistan each and every day.”

for the time being. “When people think of an air force, they think of jets blowing through the air,” he said. “That’s not for today; that’s for the out-years.”

The Iraqi Air Force is having an effect just by its presence. Allardice said that when he f lies over Baghdad in a coalition helicopter, people look up and look away. But when he f lies in an Iraqi helicopter, all of which have the Iraqi f lag painted on the bottom, “it’s amazing to watch the Iraqis look up, see the Iraqi f lag and start waving and jumping up and down.”

Building an air force is a long-term project. The Iraqis opened their first f light-training school earlier this month. Four lieutenants are enrolled today, but the general said the school will turn out 130 pilots a year.

Pilots from the former regime’s air force also are stepping forward now. In May, the Iraqi Air Force had 138 pilots in total. Since then, more than 150 pilots stepped forward to serve. Allardice said the improved security situation in the country is the reason the pilots are volunteering now.

The coalition team also is working to train senior Iraqi Air Force leaders. “It takes 30 years to grow a general officer in the U.S. Air Force,” he said. Iraq doesn’t have the luxury of time. The coalition team is working with Iraqi leaders to see what competencies are needed to command and control the force. Senior coalition officers are advising Iraqi airmen on all aspects of command, he said.

The Iraqi Air Force is doing “rudimentary work with (Iraqi) ground forces.” While the helicopters are armed,

they do not provide close-air support. The choppers do provide medical evacuation capability and are superb for reconnaissance work. “What we are doing is working with them to move troops to the battlespace and then provide operational overwatch for the (Iraqi) troops,” Allardice said.

The Iraqi Air Force use bases near Kirkuk and Basra, at Baghdad International Airport, and in Taji. A squadron of helicopters f lew from Taji to Basra last month and operated with ground forces there.

“Every day, as they become more successful, they take on more of the mission,” Allardice said. “It still will take years to establish the service, but I think we can move faster than I first thought. They will be shooting rockets within six months. I would be shocked if they aren’t.”

An Iraqi C-1�0E Hercules taxis onto the runway shared by Baghdad International Airport and New Al Muthana Air Base, Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lance Cheung

From AIR FORCE, Page 4

� The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007

>> IRAQI ARMY

REBUILDING THE IRAQI ARMYSADR CITY – Construction for the Iraqi Army on Forward Operating Base Hope, located in Sadr City, Iraq, is expected to be finished within the next two weeks. Approximately �0 new build-ings have been built and another 20 re-furbished. The Iraqi Army’s �rd Brigade, 11th Division will be moving into these buildings in December after completion of training in Besmaya, Iraq. The work on FOB Hope has been ongoing for ap-proximately 1� months and at the peak of construction employed nearly 900 Iraqis.

Photos by Harley Shipman

The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007 �

>> IRAQI ARMY

BAGHDAD

A student from the Iraqi Operator Training Course provides cover for his classmates as they run across an open area Oct. 1 in Baghdad.

Photos by U.S. Army Sgt. Tasha Woodson

By U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Melissa PhillipsMulti-National Corps – Iraq Public Affairs

BAGHDAD, Iraq – For one Iraqi general, the key to building a united, non-sectarian army lies in fostering a mindset of religious and cultural tolerance among his soldiers.

However, Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Fadhil Jameel Jameel Barwari, Iraqi Special

Operations Forces commander, is the first to proclaim he doesn’t extend that same courtesy to the criminal terrorists trying to rip apart his beloved country. He’s intolerant of their actions.

After spending most of his life fighting Saddam’s Ba’athist regime, the Kurdish officer has vowed to lead his blended crew of more than 3,000 Sunni, Shia, Kurdish and Christian soldiers to root out terrorists and insurgents wherever they may lurk.

During the 10th Operator Training Course graduation Oct. 2, he charged the 36 graduated students with their future duties, “You are now equipped to fight terrorists, killers and outlaws.”

The course is a prestigious 90-day school, modeled after a U.S. Army’s special forces course, which teaches elite noncommissioned officers and officers advanced combat training to mitigate and stop terrorism. During the course, students learn first aid procedures, close-quarters battle, urban combat, basic survival skills and how to conduct vehicle operations. The students are also required to take classes in the law of land warfare, ethics and morals, mission planning, weapons

Iraqi Operator Training Course molds elite warfighters, celebrates 10th class graduation

Only Iraq’s best make it in this class

See OPERATORS, Page 8

familiarization, leadership development and detainee handling prior to graduating.

It’s a tough school. In this class session, more than 1,200 soldiers initially enrolled, but only 36 completed the training and graduated, earning the right to be members of the elite force. When the soldiers graduate from OTC, they are funneled into the Iraqi Counter

Students run to board an Iraqi Mi-1� helicopter to practice combat entry and exit procedures Oct. 1 in Baghdad. The 10th class of students graduated the course Oct. 2.

� The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007

>> IRAQI ARMY

Terrorism Force. Those who don’t complete the course are assigned to one of the three other battalions within the ISOF.

For five months, the recruits are isolated. They have no social interaction with family or friends. However, the isolation cements the bonding process and ferrets out soldiers who lack commitment.

The course is physically grueling. Students miss sleep, and they are placed in realistic, stressful scenarios daily to test their physical and mental endurance.

“They are sacrificing a lot to be here,” the general said. “As a father, it is rewarding to watch these young Iraqi men graduate from a course that will help make Iraq better.”

The course is designed to challenge and exhaust each recruit to give them a taste for their mission ahead. It is necessary in order to prepare them for what they will face once they leave the complex’s guarded gates.

Murder and mayhem await them. The soldiers and their families are hunted down for supporting the

country they love. Terrorists target them with improvised explosive devices and explosively formed projectiles.

Every operation they go on, they’re faced with the threat of guns, suicide vests or booby-trapped devices strapped to people, vehicles, children and animals.

Day in and day out, the soldiers risk their lives, so one day they can give the gift of freedom – from hatred and oppression – to their children.

“I came into the military because I want to protect my country,” said a 25-year-old Shia lieutenant.

The general believes the country is now starting to reap the benefits of his soldiers’ arduous progress.

“When we clean up citizens’ towns and areas from terrorists and criminal activities, they feel safer,” the general said. “It is a good feeling when they realize what we are doing for the country.”

When asked why he is willing to take such a risk, the general simply answered, “If I do not do it, who will?”

Students from the Iraqi Operator

Training Course receive instruc-

tion prior to beginning their

training with Iraqi Mi-1� helicopters.

From OPERATORS, Page 7

Iraqi students board an Iraqi Mi-1� helicopter to practice combat entry and exit procedures.

Photos by U.S. Army Sgt. Tasha Woodson

Iraqi Mi-1� helicopters prepare to land on a landing zone in Baghdad.

The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007 9

Graduation Photo Page

>> IRAQI ARMY

AL KASIK PHOTO PAGEAN NUMANIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi Army Basic Combat Training in An Numaniyah, Iraq, graduated roughly 2,400 Iraqi soldiers in a ceremony held Oct.10. The five week train-ing course covers basic military principles such as marching, marksmanship, lead-ership, basic first aid, communications and physical training. Approximately 1,400 soldiers from this graduation will make up part of the 2nd Brigade, 11th Division of the Iraqi Army. Following graduation, soldiers will branch off to different military occupa-tional skill schools such as military police, medical, supply or administration.

MORE SOLDIERS COMMIT THEMSELVES TO IRAQI ARMYPhotos by U.S. Navy MC1(SW) Anthony J. Koch

10 The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007

An Iraqi Police trainer demonstrates the proper disassem-bly of an AK-�� for new police cadets at Habbaniyah Police Training Center recently.

Iraqi Police train Iraqi Police cadets

Photo by U.S. Navy MC2 Erica R. Gardner

>> IRAQI POLICE

HABBINIYAH, Iraq – No one will protect a neighborhood as well as the

residents. Protection of the houses, neighbors and current way of life is why the police cadets in training at Habbaniyah Police Training Center train

in the local area.Iraqi trainers who are from the local

area teach at the training center. Having local Iraqis train the cadets has proven to be a positive step in the right direction according to Iraqi Brig. Gen. Khalid,

Habbaniyah Police Training Center dean.Speaking through an interpreter, Khalid states, “Our curriculum has

been developed to meet the needs of the country today.”Khalid has 21 years of military service, eight years experience as a

training specialist and four years commanding the Iraqi military academy. The experience Khalid holds is evident in the training and planning for new IP cadets.

Aware of the changing dangers and the need for additional training, Khalid ensures the cadets learn the most current police training available to help keep them alive. The trainers place emphasis on the weapons training taught at the center.

“Learning to maintain their weapon is a skill they must have,” said Iraqi Police Sgt. Waalid, a Habbaniyah Police Training Center trainer. “(A weapon) is all they will have on the streets of Anbar district, which is very dangerous.”

The curriculum makes sure there are three trainers for every 75 cadets to ensure information is registering with the cadets. The importance of teaching basic skills is the difference between life and death.

“I have taught 250 soldiers since I have been training here,” said Iraqi Police Sgt. Ali, a Habbaniyah Police Training Center trainer. “I am glad to teach them how to defend themselves in a fight.”

Habbaniyah is located in the al Anbar district, which has suffered from violent events causing the local residents to take a stand against terrorism. Local tribal men have made an effort to bring the city together.

Anti-terrorism is a topic taught to the cadets to help them understand the enemy and to assist cadets in dealing with them. Keeping up with current events in the local area prepares them for future police patrols.

“We are thankful to the Americans for their support, because without them the center may not succeed,” said Khalid.

Khalid shows his appreciation for Coalition assistance by participating in the police training schedule, curriculum and performance. His confidence in the training ensures the cadets and the trainers take the curriculum seriously.

“We have a very small number of cadets who do not return to the center,” said Waalid.

The center has been successful because of continued support from al Anbar residents and Iraqi leadership. Khalid has the ability to bring together and direct the training center staff, both Iraqi and Coalition, to make sure the training is a success for the cadets.

“I am proud to wear the police uniform to protect my neighborhood,” said Iraqi Police cadet al Hamadi.

Al Hamadi is one of 750 cadets training to protect the al Anbar region.

The IP force is planning an expansion in its staff to provide better protection for neighborhood residents.

“Police should be friends to the people,” said Khalid, speaking of memories from the former regime. “People were scared before.”

Offering advanced training provides the opportunity for the cadets to grow as Iraqi Police. Khalid has seen this as an opportunity to keep the police force strong. Enhancing basic skills boosts the confidence of the police.

“I am grateful for the training of the Marines,” said Ali. “We shoot better than them now.”

Ali states the training received from the Marines has helped them to engage the target with less ammunition. The use of breathing techniques and site picture and target angle has also helped the cadets’ marksmanship abilities.

Because of the danger in being part of the Iraqi Police, instructors are teaching the skills necessary to keep them alive such as defensive tactics, weapon maintenance and medical skills that help keep the cadets alive on the streets.

Not long ago, it was difficult to have Al Anbar men volunteer for the IP, but now the entire community is taking a stand.

Khalid explained, “We as a neighborhood have no fear. People help the police and the police help the women and children.”

By U.S. Navy MC2 Erica R. GardnerMNSTC-I Public Affairs

BAGHDAD HABBANIYAH

The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007 11

>> IRAQI AIR FORCE

Intelligence is the key to insurgencyBy U.S. Air Force Maj. Edwina Walton370th Expeditionary Training Squadron Public Affairs

BAGHDAD

TAJI

An Iraqi loadmaster monitors the engine start-up of a C-1�0E Hercules at New Al-Muthana Air Base, Baghdad, Iraq. This is one of three cargo aircraft given to the Iraqi Air Force last year from the United States.

Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lance Cheung

TAJI, IRAQ – The second class of Iraqi Air Force intelligence operations students received their diplomas after completing a

two-month course here Oct. 18.Two officers and four enlisted members

bring the total to 188 airmen; to include 153 officer candidates, enlisted airmen and students graduating from technical training courses from the Taji campus; as well as the 35 officer

candidates graduating from the Rustimayah campus since August 2007.

The students were taught intelligence techniques and procedures to aid the fight against counterinsurgency.

“The 10-week course gives students the tools to perform in today’s Iraqi Air Force,” said Tech. Sgt Brett Guimond, 370th Expeditionary Training Squadron intelligence instructor. “This graduation denotes a positive step towards the goal of an independent Iraqi air force.”

“This is a new experience for me,” said an Iraqi class leader,

whose name was withheld for security reasons. “The American way of teaching is different from what I am used to. Officers and enlisted teach alike. In the past, I would see enlisted airman and think they are stupid. I didn’t respect them. Now, my thought is different. I understand that we all have something to learn from each other. The U.S. has helped us to make the connection with the enlisted force. It’s not like it was in the past. I respect sergeants, and I respect women the same,” said the 40-year old, 17-year air force veteran.

Speaking on behalf of the 370th Expeditionary Training Squadron, director of operations, Lt. Col. Mark “Jed” Ponti told the graduates, “You all came to Taji from different families, different backgrounds, and different lives.

“As intelligence officers, you will now take on the great responsibility in combating the forces who want to do harm to your nation and to your families. Your nation will rely on your skills. What you have learned here is just the beginning; you must continue to sharpen these skills from this day forward. Today, you have become a part of your nation’s future.”

Iraqi Air Force Brig. Gen. Abdul Kareem, commandant of the training school, told the graduates to apply the values and the skills learned at the school and to serve the Iraqi Air Force with great honor.

12 The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Iraqi Ministry of Defence has recently received a

makeover at their front entrance gate heading into its compound. The once plain,

grey concrete T-walls that line the MOD facility are now covered with murals of Iraqi Security Forces.

“The ministry is proud of the progress the security forces have made,” said Iraqi Army Gen. Ibraheem, Iraqi Ministry of Defence media director. “We want to show that pride.”

The murals represent the forward progress the Iraqi Security Forces have made, and everyone who comes through the front gates of the MOD will be reminded of the sacrifices and hard work of the Iraqi people.

When the idea was brought about, completing the murals became the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence Media Directorate. They had to decide on what images were going to be painted and who they were going to hire to get those images painted on the walls.

“We wanted to represent all angles of the Iraqi Security Forces,” said Ibraheem. “We wanted the navy, air force, army and police to be represented.”

According to Ibraheem, the process of getting this project up and running and completed was fairly simple considering the

>> SPECIAL INTEREST

What have you done for the Iraqi Security Forces that you’re most

proud of?

MAN ON THE STREET

U.S. ARMY SGT. 1ST CLASS ADAM NAPIER

CMATT Training and Education

“I coordinate U.S. servicemember’s

pass and leave so they can go

home and return refreshed to

continue assisting the Iraqis with

their training and rebuilding.”

“I teach the Iraqis logistics

and supply management

and help them understand the accountability

and distribution process so

they can re-arm themselves and work towards self-

sustainment.”

“I am proud to acknowledge the fact that I am part of a team that has created working partnerships with our Iraqi counterparts and coordinated, synchronized,

planned and conducted training for over �0,000 Iraqi Army basic trainees.”

U.S. AIR FORCE STAFF SGT. SHONDA BLANKS

MNSTC-I / J-1 Personnel and Manpower

U.S. NAVY LT. CMDR. GORDON BLIGHTONSecurity Assistance Office

MOD brightens their protective surroundingsBy U.S. Navy MC1(SW) Anthony J. KochMNSTC-I Public Affairs

BAGHDAD

The T-walls lead-ing to the front

gates of the Min-istry of Defence

compound in Baghdad, Iraq, recieved a re-

cent makeover, expressing the people’s pride

in Iraqi Security Forces.

Photos by U.S. Navy MC1(SW) Anthony J. Koch

other tasks the media directorate deals with on a day-to-day basis.

The first step was hiring the right artists to portray the images the MOD would select to put on the walls. Next was to decide on what images were to be painted on the T-walls. To do this, the media directorate looked at numerous photos of the different entities of the Iraqi Security Forces and decided on what pictures would best represent each branch. From their selections, the photos were presented to the artists to begin the project.

“We made contracts with the artists – people outside the MOD – to come in and complete the murals,” said Ibraheem. “We selected what images were going to go on the walls and they made it happen.”

According to Ibraheem, the artists are very talented individuals. They take the images from the photographs provided and make them “larger than life size” on the T-walls. The time and attention to detail in the images painted on the T-walls show that the artists also have a great deal of respect and pride in their fellow countrymen and women serving in the security forces.

The project took approximately 10 days to complete once the images and artists were selected, and although this is the first mural job within the MOD compound, other similar projects are happening or have already taken place throughout Iraq’s different security forces stations and bases.

“This is happening all over different areas of Iraq, not just here in the MOD,” said Ibraheem. “Here, we show all parts of the security forces, and everyone that comes to the MOD can take pride in their country and pride in their people’s accomplishments.”

The Advisor • Oct. 20, 2007 1�

>> ISF IN BRIEF

BAGHDAD – Iraqi soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, �rd Brigade, �rd Division provide security outside of a targeted house during a cordon and search operation in the town of Bi’aj, Iraq. The combined operation was overseen and conducted by Coalition forces.

ON PATROLPhoto by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal

IPs capture high value individualKALSU – Information provided by concerned citizens in Haswah,

Iraq, led to the capture of 12 terrorists, including the second most wanted man in north Babil Oct. 12.

Acting on the tip, Iraqi Police and Coalition paratroopers cornered the suspected high-value individual inside a mosque.

The 4th BCT’s second most wanted individual is responsible for attacks against Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition forces and local residents. After receiving approval, Iraqi Police entered the mosque and detained the men.

Two AK-47 machine guns, two grenades and two ammunition vests were also found inside the mosque.

The suspected extremists are being held for further questioning, and the weapons were confiscated for use in the investigation.

– Multi-National Division – Center Public Affairs

IA captures 4 suspected insurgentsBAGHDAD – Soldiers with the 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army

Division captured four suspected insurgents during a patrol in the New Baghdad District of the Iraqi capital Oct. 8.

Iraqi soldiers observed the four suspects in a car acting suspiciously, leading to a search of the vehicle. The search led to the recovery of a rifle and three videos of attacks on Coalition forces.

All four suspects are being held for further questioning.-Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs

Iraqi forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 11 suspected terrorists, kill 1

BAGHDAD – Iraqi forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors,

detained 11 suspected terrorists and killed one during three separate operations in Sinjar and Baghdad Oct. 8.

During one operation, Iraqi Security Forces detained six suspected insurgents while targeting terrorists in a village near Bi’aj, who are believed to be linked to the al-Qaida in Iraq network in Sinjar.

The targeted village, Marzoog Halaltair, is suspected of housing al-Qaida in Iraq operatives who are responsible for weapons dealing, making VBIEDs and facilitating terrorists’ travel throughout small insurgent villages located in western Ninewa Province.

– Multi-National Corps – Iraq Public Affairs

Multiple caches found in NinevehTAL’AFAR – Soldiers from the 3rd Iraqi Army Division

discovered several weapons caches and detained six suspected enemy fighters Oct. 8 while conducting multiple missions near Tal’Afar and Sinjar.

Third Brigade, 3rd IA Division, working closely with the Sinjar Special Weapons and Tactics police made the first discovery during a morning raid near the insurgent-heavy Marzoogah Al Tar area, where they captured six suspected IED makers.

They seized more than 1,000 14.3 mm anti-aircraft rounds of ammunition, a PKC machine gun, 10 anti-tank mines, 1,000 feet of electrical wire, a 2,000-foot spool of copper wire, multiple blasting caps and assorted IED-making components including a three-gallon sized bag of Magnesium turnings during the operation.

Several artillery rounds that were being made into IEDs were also found.

Second Brigade soldiers from 3rd IA Division made the second discovery during the evening in an abandoned house, north of Alo village near Tal’Afar. The same area had been the site of several cache discoveries in the past few weeks.

– Multi-National Division – North Public Affairs

IPs apprehend IED triggermanTIKRIT – Iraqi Police captured an IED triggerman after he

initiated an attack killing and wounding civilians, including 10 children, in the city of Tuz Oct. 12.

The triggerman detonated the IED, which was hidden in a donkey cart laden with explosives, killing one civilian and wounding 10 children. The triggerman was also injured in the attack. Iraqi Police responded to the site of the attack, detaining the triggerman and treating and transporting the wounded to Tuz Hospital.

– Multi-National Division – North Public Affairs

IA, USSOF detain 5 suspected al-Qaida members near Taji

TAJI – Iraqi soldiers, advised by U.S. special operations forces, detained five suspected al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists directly involved in the Abu Ghazwan terrorist network Oct. 12 and 13 near Taji.

Iraqi Army scouts detained a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq Amir associated with several high-level AQI Amirs operating in the Karmah-Tarmiyah-Samarrah triangle Oct. 13.

The targeted terrorist is considered a close associate in the Abu Ghazwan terrorist network and is suspected of being in charge of assassinations, kidnappings and torture activities for the network.

– Multi-National Corps – Iraq Public Affairs

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