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The Advis r

EOD techs train to save livesIraq’s only explosive ordnance disposal school opens its doors to future bomb disposal technicians at Besmaya Range Complex>> Page 8

Oct. 6, 2007

>> INSIDE

>> IRAQI POLICE: CAMP SOLIDARITY GRADUATION

Other features

Iraqi Security Forces solo

3 Iraqi Security Forces have replaced Marine and Naval forces in Fallujah, yet their lack of experience may limit their success.

Slow and steady progress

4 Iraqi Security Forces have improved in their capabilities, but new challenges are slowing progression to being a self-sufficient force.

Explosive Ordnance

7 Grand opening of new EOD course at Besmaya Range Complex showcases new tools and skills to combat bomb threats.

Iraqi Police numbers grow

12 New members of the Iraqi Police recently graduated and are now patrolling the streets to keep them safe.

Courtesy Photo

New skills keep hope alive

13 Iraq’s medical force is learning new skills to improve prosthetic and physical therapy skills and ensuring military members are able to return to duty.

>> 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:[email protected]

MNSTC-I PAOAPO AE 09348

DSN: 318-852-1332

>> Volume 4 >> Issue 31

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 Senior Airman Christie Putz

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

An Iraqi drill team performs before an audience at a National Police graduation at Camp Solidarity Sept. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Pride in allthey do

10 Iraqi Air Force Officer Course in Ar Rusta-miyah continues because of the pride and professionalism within the students.

An explosive ord-nance disposal in-structor at the new Besmaya Bomb Disposal School demonstrates the actions of finding and disposing of a landmine during the school’s open-ing ceremony Sept. 30.

Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christie Putz

>> Page 9

The Advisor • Oct. 6, 2007 3

“The level of violence is way, way down. And perhaps more significantly, the ability of the Iraqi Security Forces to control their own neighborhoods, their own areas... is growing.”

>> LEADERSHIP

are saying

>> U.S. ARMY COL. MICHAEL KERSHAw, 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team commander

Multi-National Division – Baghdad commanding general >> U.S. ARMY MAJ. GEN. JOSEPH FIL,

>> NOURI AL-MALIKI, Prime Minister of Iraq

what keyleadersU.S. officials discuss increased Iraqi capabilitiesBy Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service

wASHINGTON – The Iraqi Security Forces are standing up and Coalition forces are redeploying, but security challenges remain, U.S. officials in Baghdad said Sept. 30.

Some 2,200 Marines and Sailors have left Iraq as part of the regular rotation, and Iraqi soldiers have replaced them.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, ground element commander in Iraq’s Anbar province, and Coalition spokesman U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox spoke at a Baghdad news conference.

The 2,200-member 13th Marine Amphibious Unit has left the country. The unit was part of the surge forces and held the area north of Fallujah near the Lake Tharthar region. The unit is not being replaced by another U.S. unit, Gurganus said. Instead, the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Army Division is backfilling the area. The Iraqi brigade had been in Fallujah.

“Due to the improving conditions in Fallujah, this brigade has moved completely out of the city, and Fallujah is in the hands of its police, advised by some Marines that are still working with the police,” Gurganus said.

The 13th represented about half of the surge forces in Anbar, Gurganus said. The 2nd Brigade soldiers are securing a difficult area, the general said. Officials consider it part of the outer belt of Baghdad. “Their deployment not only significantly increased security in Fallujah and Ramadi, but also here in Baghdad,” he said.

The general reported that the Iraqi 7th Army Division – based in Anbar – is near 100 percent of its strength, and he anticipates that the Iraqi Ground Forces Command will assume responsibility for the division shortly.

This does not mean there are not problems. “The development of the Iraqi Army has been difficult, because

we’re building an army at the same time that this army is at war,” Gurganus said. “At least in al Anbar, we have been fortunate that the young men have enlisted in the army. They have taken the training very seriously, and every place that we see them they are performing very well.”

Gurganus said Iraqi junoud – the U.S. equivalent of privates – are brave and well-trained, but the forces cannot operate on their own. He said commissioned and noncommissioned officer leaders need to be developed. The young men are brave and very competent in what they are doing, he said.

“Can they step out and do it on their own? My answer to that would be no,” the general said. Experience and leadership is the biggest problem. An army does not develop good junior and senior leaders without experience. The young men are receiving that training, often in combat, but it will take time, he said.

“Iraqis are taking the lead in Anbar in planning and conducting

See CAPABILITIES, Page 5

“As you may have heard, the security situation is improving greatly. Today’s Baghdad is different from yesterday’s. Our efforts, plans and strategies for the coming days aim to give us a better control over

security situations.”

“We’re now able to work on projects in the local areas that help stimulate the local economy. Government of Iraq programs can now move into areas that were previously denied to them by the insurgency.”

>> IRAQI POLICE: CAMP SOLIDARITY GRADUATION

� The Advisor • Oct. 6, 2007

>> LEADERSHIP

Military forces must develop ‘irreversible momentum’ in Iraq, Coalition general saysBy Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service

wASHINGTON – Coalition and Iraqi forces have “tactical momentum” in the country, but they need to develop “irreversible momentum,” U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said Oct. 3 during a Pentagon interview.

Odierno, Multi-National Corps – Iraq commander, said Coalition and Iraqi forces have made significant progress against al-Qaida in Iraq and are making progress against Shia extremist groups as well.

“September is the lowest month for incidents we’ve had going back to January 2006,” he said. The number of improvised explosive device attacks and car bombings are at the lowest level in 18 months.

For the past three years, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan has been a signal that extremists would launch attacks on Coalition and Iraqi government targets. This year, Odierno said the 30 days before Ramadan began on Sept. 13, and the first two weeks of the holy month, have been the least violent of the year.

“That says something about security progress,” Odierno said.

The corps commander said that al-Qaida

in Iraq has been significantly degraded. “I believe we are in the pursuit phase

with them,” Odierno said. “They are still capable of conducting some operations, but their ability to do so is becoming more and more difficult for them.”

Iraqi Sunni Muslims have rejected the group, and tribal leaders are reaching out to the Iraqi government to get back into the mainstream of society, the general said.

Al-Qaida is losing militarily and, more importantly, they are losing because of their conduct over the past two years. The terror group has indiscriminately targeted Iraqi civilians and behaved in a Taliban-like way that almost all Iraqis reject, Odierno said.

Shia militias continue to be a target for Coalition and Iraqi forces, he said. The Coalition especially is going after those Shia groups that are Iranian surrogates.

“I think we saw a surge of Iranian support for what I call these Iraqi special groups of the militias in May, June and July,” he said. “We’ve seen a bit of a decrease in August and September, but nothing statistically significant enough to say that Iran has done anything to stop the support for these surrogates. We continue to watch that.”

Shia Imam Muqtada al Sadr made a

statement declaring a cease fire last month. “We welcome that but still don’t know

what it means,” Odierno said. There has been a separation between

the extreme special groups closely tied to Iran, and the Jaysh al Mahdi – the leading Shia militia group. Odierno said there is a lethal and non-lethal way of dealing with the groups. He said most members of Jaysh al Mahdi can probably be reconciled to the Government of Iraq. There have been encouraging signs. Coalition officials met with sheikhs and tribal leaders in Sadr City – the Shia city east of Baghdad proper. “It’s an important first step,” he said.

But there are Shia groups that believe they cannot reconcile and see violence as the only way forward. Most of these are under malign Iranian influence.

“I focus on them not only with special operations force but with conventional forces,” he said. “They have a completely different agenda, which is to de-legitimize the Government of Iraq.”

He said the Coalition needs to make it clear to Jaysh al Mahdi that the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces will continue to go after leaders who think the only way forward is through violence.

The Iraqi Security Forces continue to make slow and steady progress, Odierno said.

An automatic weapons team from the 5th Iraqi Army Division moves through southern Ba’Qubah, focusing on clearing structures.

Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra

Iraqi soldiers, along with a Critical Infrastructure Security Contract Force volun-teer, stand a checkpoint in Tarmiyah, Iraq.

Photo by U.S. Army Spc. John Crosby

See MOMENTUM, Page 5


>> LEADERSHIP >> LEADERSHIP

operations with some advice from the Coalition,” he said.

Another problem is logistics. “That takes time as well,” he said. The Iraqi Army leadership is working on this problem, but they are simply building an infrastructure to feed, pay, equip and maintain their

equipment. Fox and Gurganus said that while

the military rules of engagement may be affected by a commission looking at incidents involving private security contractors, they expect the changes will be aimed at the contractors, not the military. “We are very careful and very explicit in how we target and choose to employ lethal

force,” Fox said. Military rules are “clear and

unambiguous,” Gurganus said. “We have the best ROE we have ever had in terms of clarity, in terms of what’s allowed, and what’s not allowed. So I think we’re extremely happy with the ROE we have, because it is so clear and it allows us to do the things that need to be done.”

From CAPABILITIES, Page 3

From MOMENTUM, Page 4

A soldier with the 1st Battalion, �th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, provides security dur-ing a patrol through the Zafaraniyah area of Bagh-dad, Iraq.

Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Davis Pridgen

An Iraqi soldier takes a break during operations in Ba’Qubah, Iraq.

Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller

“The Iraqi Army is fighting,” he said. “Their ability to plan and their ability to target operations is getting better. They have a corps command and control structure in Baghdad that is operating and functioning well – better than I thought it would be when it was set up a year ago.”

But what would really accelerate momentum and make it irreversible is closing the gap in providing essential services to Iraqis, Odierno said. The government needs to provide electricity, fuel, food and jobs. The government of Iraq has provided money to the provinces to repair infrastructure and provide jobs. Anbar province, for example, received $207 million from the central government to rebuild.

The general touched on the reduction in U.S. forces from 20 brigades today to 15 by next summer. He said planners in Iraq are looking at the “second, third and fourth order effects of the reduction in forces,” and what that means to other forces like military and police transition teams, provincial reconstruction teams and combat support/combat service support units.

There will be military changes throughout Iraq. “We will transition differently across the country,” he said. In some areas, Coalition forces will still be fighting a counterinsurgency battle. In others, they may be supporting Iraqi

forces. In still other areas, there may be no Coalition forces at all.

“Where we have the (ethnically) mixed areas – and those tend to be closest to Baghdad, we will probably do counterinsurgency operations for at least the next year or so,” he said. “But in other areas we will go to a much heavier training

and oversight for security forces.” Odierno used Mosul as an example. It

is the second-largest city in Iraq and Iraqi police are in control. There is a Coalition battalion on the outskirts of Mosul that can provide a quick reaction force and intervene if necessary. This has been the case there for almost six months.

Iraqi soldiers patrol a street in a village near Hawijah, Iraq.Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dallas Edwards


BAGHDADBESMAYA

>> IRAQI ARMY

Photos by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Karl Kornchuck

Kirkush Military Training Base recently graduated 150 Iraqi Army students from the Advanced Individual Training course Sept. 22. These students are gradu-ates of the first AIT course after eight weeks of spe-cialized mechanical training. This training allows them to repair and maintain any vehicle registered on the KMTB Regional Support Unit compound.

GRADUATION AT KIRKUSH

The Advisor • Oct. 6, 2007 �

>> IRAQI ARMY

BESMAYA, Iraq – Iraqi Army instructors and faculty, along with selected Coalition partners, were all present for the opening of Iraq’s only bomb

disposal school at the Besmaya Range Complex Sept. 30.

“This school deals with de-mining and all other things relating to explosive materials,” said Iraqi Army Col. Jasim, Besmaya Bomb Disposal School

commandant, through an interpreter.With the ongoing threat of explosive devices planted by terrorists

in all corners of the country, there is a constant need for personnel trained to diffuse each situation.

Two main courses taught at the school aim to prepare soldiers for anything they may encounter. The first course covers basic bomb disposal and de-mining, while the second focuses more on advanced bomb disposal and improvised explosive device defeat.

Besmaya now home to Iraq’s only EOD schoolBy U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christie PutzMNSTC-I Public Affairs

See BOMBS, Page 8

BAGHDADBESMAYA

An Iraqi instructor at the Besmaya Range Complex’s new Bomb Disposal School demonstrates ordnance disposal techniques during the school’s opening ceremony Sept. 30. The first class is scheduled to begin Oct. 7.

Photos by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christie Putz

The Mini-Andros II robot, controlled by the school’s faculty, cuts the ceremonial ribbon, marking the official opening of the school. The robot is the primary tool used by Iraqi forces for improvised explosive device detection and removal.

GRADUATION AT KIRKUSH


>> IRAQI ARMY

As the students progress through the courses, they receive training in ordnance detection, landmine detection, ordnance demolition, non-electric demolition and operation supervising. The final and most advanced training comes with the IED defeat section of the program.

“Not all devices are the same,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jeffrey Fiorito, Coalition advisor at the bomb school. For this reason, students are trained on several different scenarios and learn all the tools needed to defeat the devices, including the Mini-Andros II robot.

According to the manufacturer’s Web site, the battery-operated robot is small in size and light weight, which provides for portability and versatility. It has four wheels, articulated tracks, a two-meter telescoping arm, color surveillance camera and two-way audio. The robot can be controlled from a safe distance via either direct cable or a radio control signal.

The Mini-Andros is currently the primary tool used in detection and removal of IEDs.

Depending on the depth of the students’ required training, as well as their ability to retain the information, some students will spend several weeks at the school while others could spend upward of six months, said Jasim.

Before being sent out to tackle devices in the field, the school does a screening process, which “separates the good from the bad,” he said. The qualified soldiers will then fill bomb disposal companies throughout the country.

The opening comes nearly four months after the closure of the previous school located in Az Zubayr, Iraq. The previous facility’s location just north of the Kuwaiti border made travel for students long and difficult. Besmaya’s central location is expected to increase attendance, and more than 450 trained EOD technicians are projected within the first year.

The instructors, all Iraqi, received their training at the previous site under a “train the trainer” type of course. Since the closure, they have been focusing their efforts on getting the Besmaya school up and running, said Fiorito.

Tasks such as setting up the ranges and developing training scenarios for the students have all been accomplished by the Iraqi cadre under the supervision of a contracted international de-mining company.

The Iraqi instructors also play a hand in the review of the course material, which is constantly under evaluation and adjusted where necessary. For example, just days before the school’s opening, a change was made to the curriculum to increase training efficiency.

“We shaved five weeks off the level-four course because a lot of time was spent reviewing material, and it was seen as unnecessary,” said Fiorito. “This way we can put more soldiers through and graduate more trained technicians.”

More graduates equates to more EOD technicians neutralizing explosive threats in the field, and more people potentially kept safe.

“The work of the operators in this establishment saves lives,” said Jasim. “I feel we are really doing something for the country and the people.”

From BOMBS, Page 7

Besmaya’s Bomb Disposal School faculty celebrate with song and dance after the ceremony.

Iraqi instructors demonstrate detection techniques after the official opening of the school. The instructors were all trained at the former bomb school site in Az Zubayr, Iraq.

“The work of the operators in this establishment saves lives.”

Iraqi Army Col. Jasim,Besmaya Bomb Disposal

School commandant

The Advisor • Oct. 6, 2007 �

>> IRAQI ARMY

GETTING DOwN THE BASICSAL KASIK, Iraq – Iraqi soldiers, or junoud, go through various training courses and obstacles in Al Kasik, Iraq. Al Kasik is one of eight basic training facilities that teaches the basic principles of being an Iraqi soldier. The five-week course includes both classroom and field training in individual movement techniques, rifle marksmanship, basic marching drills, physical training, map reading and land navigation, communications and basic first aid.

Photos by U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Andrew McCaughey

10 The Advisor • Oct. 6, 2007

>> IRAQI AIR FORCE

By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christie PutzMNSTC-I Public Affairs

AR RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq – Pride in both service and mission are fundamental attributes

of a successful military. Each servicemember must believe in

what they are doing and be proud to be a part of it.

The Iraqi Air Force Officer Course cadets at the Iraqi Military Academy Rustamiyah are already teeming with pride, only weeks into their training.

With blue epilets on the shoulders of their uniforms, the small group of selected Air Force cadets stands out from their former classmates, who are continuing their training for the Iraqi Army.

One of the Air Force cadets, who wished his name not be used for security purposes, said the other cadets are jealous that they are going to be Air Force officers, but that it’s more of a friendly rivalry than anything. “We have spent the last eight months with them, so we are all friends and brothers,” he said.

But, there is plenty of which to be jealous. This group of 41 cadets was hand selected as the best of their class and chosen to become a part of the world’s newest air force.

With less than 1,000 people in the entire Iraqi Air Force, this class represents roughly five percent of the current force, said U.S. Air Force Maj. Dale Kolomaznik, former AFOC chief and Coalition advisor.

During a commander’s call, the major put the significance of this event into perspective for the students. “Leaders of the U.S. Air Force are famous – everybody knows their names,” he said. “Buildings are named after them, we go to classes to learn about them, and their pictures are everywhere.”

“That’s you,” he said, turning to the class. When future Iraqi airmen study about the history of their service, they are going to be learning about what the cadets of this generation did for their country.

“You are making history right now,” he added.Founded on April 22, 1931, the Iraqi Air Force initially consisted of

five pilots and 32 aircraft mechanics. On the brink of the U.S. invasion in 2003, Saddam Hussein ordered

the majority of his fighter aircraft be disassembled or buried, dissolving what little assets were left after the first Gulf War. Later that year, the Iraqi Air Force then officially disbanded with the rest of the nation’s military services.

In 2004, the Coalition Air Force Transition Team was established with a goal to “build a credible air force in Iraq with a solid foundation for future growth.” Their main avenue of accomplishing this is through advising and training.

The U.S. Air Force advisors at IMAR are teaching their cadets the basics of being part of an elite air force.

“We teach classroom lessons in four main categories: indoctrination, air power, leadership and followership,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Charon, AFOC chief. Additionally, application activities are added to help reiterate concepts taught in the classroom.

After their graduation from the course, cadets are commissioned with the rank of second lieutenant and go on to specialty training for their selected career field.

During a poll of the class, the majority of students expressed their

Cadets’ pride drives Air Force future

interest in becoming a pilot for the Iraqi Air Force. A few said they wanted to be doctors or other technicians. One student’s answer, however, stood out from the rest.

“I want to be a leader,” he said.“You have a great responsibility to lead,” said Kolomaznik,

addressing all of the future officers in the room. “And in order to be a good leader, you need to take every chance to learn.”

The cadets are feeling the weight of that responsibility.“We wake up at six in the morning and go back to the barracks at six

at night,” said one of the students. “It’s hard. There’s very little time for rest.”

Their four months with the Air Force Officer Course can be intense. But their sense of pride in what they do keeps them returning to class each day, a task that takes not only perseverance but also courage.

“All men who take honor in serving their country serve honorably,” said Kolomaznik. “Except when I’m serving my country in the United States, nobody is threatening my life.”

He added, “Because of that, I have a lot of respect for all of you.”

BAGHDADAR RUSTAMIYAH

Iraqi Air Force cadets at Iraqi Military Academy Rustamiyah do push-ups for being late to a scheduled appointment. Discipline is just one of the lessons taught to the cadets.

Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christie Putz

BAGHDAD


>> IRAQI POLICE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – More than 800 volunteers from the Abu Ghraib district graduated from the Iraqi Police training program at the Baghdad Police College

Sept. 25. The group of volunteers joined approximately 700 of their fellow Abu Ghraib residents who graduated from the school Sept. 20.

“I would like all my brothers to join the police to protect the people,” said

Hasan, an Iraqi Police College graduate who asked that his name be changed for security reasons. “We need to protect the people and enforce the law. We have to make sure the rest of our people are safe.”

By U.S. Navy MC1(SW) Anthony J. KochMNSTC-I Public Affairs

Baghdad Police College graduates 1,500 new recruits

These 1,500 volunteers represent the Iraqi people who reject groups causing instability and violence in Iraq. Regardless of sectarian differences, they are working together to help rid their communities of violence and terror.

The training at Baghdad Police College is a four-week course that includes classroom and field training in police ethics, human rights, rifle and pistol marksmanship, Iraqi Rule of Law, establishment of manning and checkpoints, personnel and vehicle searches, communications, officer safety and physical fitness.

The course was established by the Ministry of Interior and is taught by Iraqi Police instructors. Putting their differences aside, the instructors teach the students to respect each other and all Iraqis. Hatham, an instructor with the college, said he shows every candidate the respect they deserve.

“When you respect the students, you get respect back in return,” said Hatham. “The outcome is an Iraqi policeman that is trained to enforce Iraqi Rule of Law for all Iraqis.”

The goal of the Iraqi Police is to expand their forces by 12,000 over the next six months. With plans to expand the Iraqi Police force, the Ministry of Interior is also planning an expansion of the infrastructure by building 26 new police stations and renovating five existing facilities in the Baghdad province.

With the training behind them, many of the graduates will now return to their neighborhoods and other parts of Iraq to serve the people.

“We were just normal people when we first came to the college,” said Hasan. “Now we are Iraqi policemen who will go out and face the insurgents as one. It’s what we came here to do.”

Iraqi Police graduates celebrate at the conclusion of their graduation ceremony at the Baghdad Police College Sept. 25.

Iraqi Police stand in formation awaiting the start of their graduation ceremony at the Baghdad Police College Sept. 25.

Photos by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Beach

BAGHDAD

12 The Advisor • Oct. 6, 2007

>> IRAQI POLICE

GRADUATING POLICE FORCESBAGHDAD, Iraq – The Iraqi Na-tional Police graduated �20 students at Camp Solidarity in Baghdad, Sept. 22. The recruits underwent 30 days of training at the camp and will now return to their neighborhoods to serve and protect.

Courtesy photos


>> SPECIAL INTEREST

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The waiting room at the Baghdad Prosthetic Clinic is filled with hope. Seated in the room are Iraqi military members missing limbs due to combat operations and small children with mangled limbs because of

violent attacks. “We create prosthetic limbs to help

the patient ease back into society,” said Chris Cummings, trainer for BioSculptor Prosthetic equipment. “It is very important

to me that the patient is comfortable with their ability to maneuver with the new equipment.”

Cummings knows first-hand the importance of having a quality prosthetic manufacturing clinic. He has more than 15 years experience as a prosthetic technician and owned a small prosthetic manufacturing business before mobilizing on active duty to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2005 as a Reservist.

Since Cummings had prosthetic manufacturing experience and wanted to keep his skills sharp, he volunteered to assist in setting up a makeshift prosthetic lab with U.S. Army Capt. Steve Lindsley, Mississippi National Guard. “We worked in the lab for more than two months,” said Cummings. “In the initial stages of the clinic we received donations from charity organizations to be well funded.”

During this time, Cummings and Lindsley had the opportunity to work with existing Iraqi prosthetic technicians to teach them a more efficient prosthetic manufacturing process.

When Cummings and Lindsley left Baghdad, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense assumed responsibility for the clinic and its practices by

providing a staff of physical therapists and psychologists. Iraqi Army 1st Lt. Jihad is one of two physical therapists employed in the clinic.

“I have been in the Iraqi Army for three and a half years,” said Jihad. “I love helping my people.”

Because the physical therapists were able to assist the patients in regaining strength and getting used to maneuvering with the prosthetic device, the clinic started to gain additional patients.

“I received training from U.S. Army physical therapists from Walter Reed in Washington, D.C.,” said Jihad. “They trained us on different therapy techniques to try on our patients.”

This different approach to physical therapy provided options for

Baghdad Prosthetic Clinic: Taking it one step at a time

Prosthecians from the Baghdad Prosthetic Clinic review measurements for an above-knee amputation. The measure-ments are gathered by scanning the limb with an electronic wand to accurately fit the prosthetic device.

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

See PROSTHETICS, Page 14

BAGHDAD

Photos by U.S. Navy MC2 Erica R. GardnerIraqi Army Sgt. Laith awaits physical therapy and prosthetic fitting for both above the knee and below the knee devices. Laith is ready to receive his new legs so that he can rejoin members of his military unit.

1� The Advisor • Oct. 6, 2007

“I helped build a maintenance supply closet with shelves and cabinets for the Iraqi River Patrol, which is used to store tools and maintenance equipment to keep their boats out on the water.”

what have you done for the Iraqi Security

Forces that you’re most proud of?

MAN ON THE STREET

“I am responsible for tracking and resolving Iraqi Police Services issues in Multi-National Forces - West, Multi- National Division - Central, Multi-National Division - Central South, and Multi-National Division-South East.”

>> SPECIAL INTEREST

the therapist to use, as each injury requires a unique stimulus. Finding the stimulus can take great time and effort on the part of both the physical therapist and patient.

“We were grateful to have Chris come to us,” said Jihad. “He helped us understand the equipment for use in the clinic.”

Jihad is speaking of the BioSculptor machine used to manufacture sockets or the soft pliable sleeve used to place the limb of an amputee. Sockets are specifically shaped holes to receive a specific part of the body.

The BioSculptor interfaces with software that integrates with the Imager. The Imager is a machine that captures the limb in a 3-D picture. This allows the technician to select the best shaped socket for the patient. The prosthetic technician scans the limb at different angles to ensure a perfect socket is manufactured.

The existing prosthetic technicians were operating in an old way of making limbs.

U.S. ARMY CAPT. BRENDEN BOURDAGE,

Coalition Police Assistance Transition Team

U.S. NAVY BU2(SCw) JOHN BARRY,MNSTC-I Seabees

The old way worked; however, the ability to create a better product was the focus for Cummings and Lindsley. Cummings quickly took the technicians under his wing to share the knowledge he had with them to ensure the exposure to a new way of providing prosthetic devices for the patients.

Training on the equipment and software for the staff at the clinic is only half the battle. Each physical therapist, to include Jihad, has to meet with their patients and help them to travel into the Green Zone – undetected, for fear of retaliation by insurgents.

Jihad adds, “My day starts with trying to get patients in and out of the Green Zone without being detected.” Many times the patients have to walk using a walker or a cane and cannot walk fast. “Sometimes it takes an hour and a half to walk 300 meters.”

Jihad is becoming more familiar with the use of the scanning machine and the BioSculptor. He and some of the other employees have learned the training so well, they will start training other employees hired to assist in the patient load.

Cummings is excited to train Jihad and other Iraqis on developing new ways to increase the quality of life and comfort of amputees. He is training the clinic staff to develop unique socket designs by using a variety of plastics for different degrees of flexibility.

“Because we are using the computer, it is difficult for some of the older technicians to

“It is very important to me that the patient is comfortable with their ability to maneuver with the new equipment.”

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

Iraqi Army Sgt. Mohammed awaits a prosthetic socket fitting at the Bagh-dad Prosthetic Clinic. The clinic manu-factures improved devices to assist the Iraqi military in returning to duty as soon as possible.

adapt to the new process,” said Jihad. “We are trying to help everyone feel comfortable in the tasking before Chris leaves.”

Cummings has set a foundation for the Iraqi military to build upon. With the training and equipment knowledge provided, it is only a matter of time before the physical therapists and other staff members are able to stand on their own two feet.

Chris Cummings, BioSculptor prosthetic equipment trainer

DANIEL A. MILLER,MNSTC-I Deputy Bureau Chief

Coalition Police Assistance Transition Team

“The training we are providing the Iraqi’s is making a strong impact on history. I am proud that the training is helping them to stand up and do the right thing and instilling pride in their work.”

From PROSTHETICS, Page 13


>> ISF IN BRIEF

Iraqi Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain 18 terrorist suspects in Diyala

TAJI – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, detained 18 suspected terrorists believed to be linked to the al-Qaida in Iraq criminal network during a series of raids in the Mandali area of Diyala Province Sept. 29.

The operation targeted an al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist cell believed to be responsible for kidnappings and murders of Iraqis in the Mandali area, IED attacks and weapons smuggling on the Iranian border. Two of the detainees are suspected high-level al-Qaida in Iraq leaders.

Two weapons caches containing complete mortar systems, blasting caps and charges, land mines, 60mm mortar rounds, 82mm mortar rounds, 120mm mortar rounds, 155mm artillery rounds, rocket propelled grenade launchers, grenades and mortars, seven cases of 7.62mm ammunition and a large amount of copper used for constructing IEDs were destroyed in a controlled detonation.

Three vehicles and four motorcycles, which locals identified as being used to commit kidnappings, transfer weapons and explosives, conduct surveillance of Iraqi and U.S. patrol, and conduct IED attacks, were also destroyed.

–Multi-National Corps – Iraq Public Affairs

Iraqi Army engages, kills 7 insurgents, discovers cache

TAL’AFAR – Soldiers from the 3rd Iraqi Army Division, supported by Coalition helicopters, killed seven unknown enemy fighters after they were observed positioning an IED near a culvert Sept. 25 near Tal’Afar.

After positively identifying the group and engaging them, the CF aircraft radioed for an IA patrol to proceed from the ground. As they approached, the IA patrol killed two enemy fighters attempting to flee the culvert IED site. IA soldiers confirmed three additional terrorists were killed in the earlier engagement by CF aircraft. As the IA

soldiers began to investigate the culvert, they repelled an ambush by two enemy fighters, killing both.

Upon investigation of the culvert IED site, IA soldiers found a small cache of seven IEDs ready for positioning with approximately 5-8 pounds of homemade explosives each.

The captured explosives were taken back to the 3IA base for demolition.

–Multi-National Division – North Public Affairs

ISOF, U.S. Special Forces detain criminal leader south of Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained a suspected criminal leader during an intelligence-driven operation Sept. 23 in western Baghdad, targeting rogue criminal elements.

The primary suspect is a leader of a criminal element that operates out of the Ghazaliyah area. Intelligence indicates his group is responsible for conducting attacks on Coalition forces using IEDs. They also are linked to kidnappings and murders against local residents.

In a separate operation, Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained two suspected al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists Sept. 23 during an operation to disrupt terrorist networks on the southern outskirts of Baghdad.

The primary suspects are members of a cell that kidnaps local residents and attacks Iraqi and Coalition forces with IEDs.

Three other suspicious individuals who were present during the operation were also detained for questioning. The ISOF also seized one AK-47 assault rifle, one pistol, a knife and one pistol belt.


ISF, U.S. Special Forces intercept, destroy IED resupply

TAJI – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, intercepted a vehicle carrying IED materials during a traffic control point operation Sept. 25 near Samarra.

Acting on intelligence reports, ISF set up the traffic control point outside the Samarra city limits to interdict a possible al-Qaida in Iraq re-supply of IED materials. As a sedan approached the traffic control point it was observed pulling off on a side road about 500 meters away.

The forces immediately approached the sedan and searched it, discovering 35 155mm artillery rounds inside. After moving the sedan to a controlled area, an air strike was called in to destroy the vehicle.


Operation Gecko III A continuesISKANDARIYAH – Soldiers from the 8th Iraqi Army Division

and Coalition forces continued their efforts to support concerned citizens of Jurf As Sukhr during Operation Gecko III A, Sept. 21.

During the operation, attack helicopters conducted a precision air strike and killed one al-Qaida militant as he attempted to flee from combined forces.

A weapons cache was also discovered during the operation containing two hand grenades, one 105mm artillery round, one 81mm mortar round, one PKC machine gun, one Dragunov sniper rifle, one DISHKA heavy machine gun, three AK-47 assault rifles, two ammunition vests and other paraphernalia.

The cache was destroyed on scene.–Multi-National Division – Center Public Affairs

An Iraqi Police Academy instructor takes roll call of recruits at the Police Training Academy at Camp India in Baghdad, Iraq, after weekend liberty, Sept. 1�.

Photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Rodier

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