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Nov 19, 2003
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Homeland Security Advisory System
Homeland Security Advisory System
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DoD Video Broadcast: U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Charles Swannack, Jr., 82nd Airborne Div., Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 18, 3:00PM EST
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Support For Our Troops
Photo, caption below.
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FOOD DELIVERY— Senior Airman Barreiro of the 1st Services Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Va., pulls food from a freezer truck in preparation for the evening meal that will be served to troops deployed to Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, Nov. 16, 2003. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lisa M. Zunzanyika
82nd Airborne Commander:
Al Anbar Security Improving
By K.L. Vantran / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2003 — Attacks against coalition forces in the Al Anbar province have decreased in the past weeks, 82nd Airborne Division Commander Maj. Gen. Charles H. Swannack Jr., said in an interview from Baghdad, Iraq, today.      The security situation is a "good news" story, he added. "We're receiving fewer attacks and even fewer effective attacks. An enemy may use an RPG (rocket- propelled grenade) to fire into the compound that we occupy and it's way off the mark – doesn't even come close. IEDs (improvised explosive devices) that were put along side the road are nowhere close to attacking a convoy. They're ineffective in their motor fires." More
AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ
Supplemental Bill to Improve Quality of Life for U.S. Troops
By K.L. Vantran / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2003 — Part of the $87.5 billion supplemental appropriations bill for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan signed earlier this month by President Bush will go toward improving quality of life for troops there.
     "We want people to have air conditioning," Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer Dov S. Zakheim said here Nov. 17. "We want them to have running water. We want them to have decent facilities to sleep in."
     Zakheim said the troops who deployed to Afghanistan started out in "pretty miserable conditions." More
Raids in Iraq Net 99 Suspects As Insurgents are Rooted Out
By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2003 — Coalition forces in Iraq captured 99 anti-coalition suspects in 25 raids, and the 4th Infantry Division conducted 36 attacks against anti-coalition targets, a U.S. military official told reporters in Baghdad Nov. 17.
     Army Brig. Gen. Mark T. Kimmitt, deputy director of operations for Combined Joint Task Force 7, said the raids and overnight attacks took place Nov. 16-17. He met with reporters at the headquarters of the Coalition Provisional Authority. More
Iraq Weekly Progress Update (Governance, Electricity, Education, Oil, Security, Economics, Health Care)
U.S. Defense Dept. slides with facts &
figures on reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
The New Iraq: Progress & Accomplishments
U.S. State Dept. fact sheet on the latest developments in restoring Iraq's essential services, security, economy & governance.
Iraqi Governance: Government & Leadership
Defense officials provide an update on the Coalition Provisional Authority & the Iraqi Governing Council agreement that outlines the process of restoring Iraq's sovereignty and the adoption of a permanent constitution.
101st Airborne Discovers Weapons Caches, Detains Iraqis  
    MOSUL, Iraq, Nov. 17, 2003 (Army News Service) — 101st Airborne Division soldiers discovered two weapons caches Nov. 16 and detained eight Iraqis during “cordon and knock “ searches in northern Iraq.
     The caches were initially located during an aerial reconnaissance of an area two kilometers west of the Qayyarah West Airfield. The caches contained 20 50-60mm projectiles that had been removed from their casings. More
Officials Still Finding
Restricted Items in Military Mail
      KUWAIT, Nov. 17, 2003 — Military and civilian personnel continue to place restricted items capable of destroying life and property into packages mailed home from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan, theater postal officials said.
     "We have a huge problem with folks trying to send expended and unexpended ordnance, bayonets, U.S. tools, unit equipment, and captured Iraqi equipment," said Col. Donald Kennedy, commander of the 3rd Personnel Command, the unit responsible for postal operations throughout the theater. More
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Honoring the Fallen
Armour Troops Mourn
Fallen Platoon Leader
     AL HABBINIYAH, Iraq — The bagpipes played “Amazing Grace” for 2nd Lt. Todd Bryant Sunday morning at Camp Manhattan as troops from 1st Battalion, 34th Armor, gathered to mourn his death.
     Bryant died Oct. 31, from wounds suffered in an improvised explosive device ambush.
     After a prayer by Chaplain (Capt.) Nathan Zimmerman the sequence of events was read by Cobra Company executive officer Anton Archer. More
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PRESIDENT BUSH
Saddam Tape Will Not Deter
U.S. From Finishing Job in Iraq
By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2003 — Saddam Hussein's "same old stuff" and "propaganda" won't keep the United States from completing its mission in Iraq, President Bush said here Nov. 16.
     Speaking with reporters on the South Lawn of the White House, the president said he didn't yet have all the details of an audiotape broadcast on the Arabic-language news network Al Arabiya. On the tape, purportedly from Saddam, the speaker urges Iraqis to resist and fight the coalition until it leaves the country. More
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Photo Essay - banner image
Rumsfeld in Asia 2  More Photo Essays
Photo, caption below.
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld shakes hands with Air Force Security Forces airmen while visiting Yokota Air Base, Japan, on Nov. 15, 2003. Rumsfeld was traveling to Guam, Japan and South Korea to meet with U.S. military forces and the local military and civilian leadership. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway, U.S. Air Force 7 More Photos
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Commentary: Pentagon Reflections
By 1st Lt. Steve Alvarez, USA / Special to American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2003 — As a young enlisted man nearly 20 years ago, I held the Pentagon in high regard — serving at the military's corporate headquarters was something to aim for, a goal to reach.
     Since then, I have served at the nation's military headquarters several times, and now I'm back yet again, albeit but briefly, as a reservist. But things have changed, and my beloved old building is no longer just a place that houses great professional and personal memories. It is now hallowed ground — it is now also a battlefield. More
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U.S. Soldiers Foil Illegal Border Crossing in Iraq, Kill Attackers
American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2003 — U.S. soldiers prevented an illegal border crossing and killed or captured attackers in three weekend incidents, officials at Combined Joint Task Force 7 in Iraq reported today.
     Soldiers from the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained six suspected foreign fighters who were trying to flee from Iraq into Syria the night of Nov. 16. One suspect attacked a soldier with a knife, and was shot and killed. Officials confiscated passports, airline tickets and a large sum of money from the captured men, and are holding them for questioning. More
U.S. Soldiers Capture Brothers Linked to Attacks on Coalition
American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2003 — With Operation Iron Hammer in full swing around Baghdad and Operation Ivy Cyclone II under way around Tikrit, Baquba, Kirkuk and Balad, U.S. and coalition forces continue to crack down on insurgents in Iraq.
     Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment on Nov. 16 captured two brothers linked to attacks on U.S. and coalition forces, U.S. Central Command officials said. More
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Iraqi's Graduate from
Civil Defense Course
By K.L. Vantran / American Forces Press Service
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2003 U.S. military forces may remain in Iraq when full sovereignty is given to the Iraqi people in June and the Coalition Provisional Authority dissolves, Ambassado2r L. Paul Bremer III, CPA administrator, said in an interview from Baghdad, Iraq, today.
     "Every indication we have in our discussions with the governing council (and) with the ministers suggests a strong desire from the majority of the Iraqi people to have the coalition forces stay until the situation is stabilized," he said on Fox News Sunday. "We're in a war against terrorism here, and a low- intensity conflict against former Baathists. We want to help the Iraqis win both of these wars." More
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International Partners

Polish Task Force Celebrates
Independence Day with Exhibition

Members from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123 landed on Bagram Air Base recently, the first Navy E-2C squadron to contribute, not from a ship, but from land. U.S. Army photo     BAGRAM, Afghanistan — Celebrating their 75th Independence Day, the Polish Task Force held an open-house exhibition at the Polish Compound on Bagram Air Base Nov. 11.
      The hour-long exhibition gave coalition partners, who attended the event, a chance to get an in depth look at the weaponry and equipment the Polish Task Force uses in supporting operations in Afghanistan. More

82nd Airborne Division Helps Refurbish Mosques in Iraqi

By U.S. Air Force Capt. Monica M. Bland / 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing
     BALAD SOUTHEAST AIRFIELD, Iraq, Nov. 14, 2003 (AFPN) — The first C-5 Galaxy arrived here Nov. 12, from Dover Air Force Base, Del., increasing the Air Force presence at the Army's Logistical Support Area. A 14-person crew and about 21 truckloads of war materiel were on board the aircraft.
     "This event is a significant milestone in support of the global war on terrorism and continuing joint operations in this region," said Col. Frank Padilla, commander of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s Detachment 1. More
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Iraqi Police Graduate
At Camp Junction City
By Jamie Bender / 350th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Staff Sgt. Michael Deatherage of Sweet Springs, Mo. makes a uniform correction to an Iraqi Civil Defense Corpsman before the graduation of the third ICDC class at the Navea Training Center in Iraq Nov 11.  Deatherage acts as a drill instructer with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment training the fledgling Iraqi security force.     AR RAMADI, Iraq —The Al Anbar Security College at Camp Junction City graduated its first class of about 45 local police officers Nov. 6.
    Students of the college are taught by soldiers from the 855th Military Police Company, a National Guard unit from Arizona and the 94th Military Police, a reserve unit from New Hampshire.
     Subjects taught at the academy include ethics, self-defense, religious tolerance and Iraqi law. In the third week of their training, the students are taught basic rifle marksmanship.
     “We teach them the same way privates are taught at basic training,” said Spc. Arron Medlock, 855th MP Co. More
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Iraqi Freedom 'Lessons Learned' Being Gathered Online, Explored
By Janet Wray / Army News Service

     FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan., Nov. 14, 2003 — The Center for Army Lessons Learned at Fort Leavenworth is hosting an Operation Iraqi Freedom Lessons Learned conference in an online collaborative mode that will culminate by bringing soldiers together at Fort Leavenworth in December.
     The online worksites started in early November and will conclude when attendees come together at Fort Leavenworth in December to finalize the OIF observations, lessons, and implications that have been explored. More

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A CH-47 Chinook lowers onto a roof to receive Afghan Persons Under Control taken by 10th Mountain Division soldiers during Operation Mountain Resolve. The operation, which began on Nov. 7, is currently taking place in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar and Nuristan Provinces. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Greg Heath, 4th Public Affairs Detachment
Part Two
10th Mtn. Div. Shows its
Mettle In Operation Mountain Resolve
By U.S. Army Sgt. Greg Heath / 4th Public Affairs Detachment
     NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Four days had passed since the beginning of Operation Mountain Resolve when Company B, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, which led the operation's main ground effort, had reached a small village just a few kilometers from their main objective.
      Coalition forces had received information about anti-coalition militia activity throughout the Darrahe Waygal valley. During the first three nights of the operation, elements of the 10th Mountain Division Warrior Brigade had traveled along the mountainsides of the valley along the Fawerikhwar River with the main purpose of disrupting any ACM operations and denying them sanctuary in a province coalition forces hadn't entered since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to Co. B Commander Capt. Toby Moore. More
Part 1 of 10th Mountain Division Series
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U.S. Army Engineers Repair Runway
By U.S. Army Pfc. J. H. French 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office
     One of the 82nd Airborne Division’s specialties is airfield seizures, but what happens when the airfield is damaged beyond usability? That is where the engineers of the 618th Engineer Company, 307 Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division brings its expertise in to play.
     Coalition forces took over the airfield at Forward Operation Base Ridgeway and had an airfield left nearly, completely unusable from bombing.
     According to 1st Lt. Betsy A. Hove, 2nd Platoon Leader with the 618th, the Division did not want to repair the runways for use, but the 618th were adamant about getting it repaired. “We can do it,” she said. “Whatever the conditions, we can fix the problem in an expedient manner.” More
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More News - banner image
On Iraq
Presence of U.S. Forces in Iraq May Continue After June  
Ambassador Bremer: 'Future of Hope' in Iraq Includes Justice 
Wolfowitz: Women's Rights Must be Guaranteed in Iraq 
Feith Defends Coalition's Move To Take Down Saddam Hussein 
Japanese PM Tells Rumsfeld Iraq Mission 'Important Cause' 
Fighting Terror War Involves Choice Between Freedom, Fear 
Military News
U.S. to Reorganize Forces in Korea Around Two Hubs in South
Rumsfeld Reassures South Koreans on Reorganization Efforts
North Korean Military 'Very Credible Conventional Force'
Mosul Crash Leaves 17 Dead, Five Injured, One Missing
Defense Officials Identify 5 Killed in Helo Crash
. National Guard, Reserve Update
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Iraq Update Afghanistan Update
Iraq Update Afghanistan Update
Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualties
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2003 — Defense Department officials have announced the deaths of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
     Three soldiers were killed on Nov. 15 when two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters went down in Mosul, Iraq.
     Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Bolor, 37, of Whittier, Calif., was assigned to the 137th Quartermaster Company, U.S. Army Reserve, based in South El Monte, Calif.
     Sgt. John W. Russell, 26, of Portland, Texas, was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based in Fort Campbell, Ky.
     Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Scott A. Saboe, 33, of Willow Lake, S.D., was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based in Fort Campbell, Ky.
     There are five additional fatalities from this incident pending next of kin notification.
     Sgt. Timothy L. Hayslett, 26, of Newville, Pa., was killed on Nov. 15 in Baghdad, Iraq. Hayslett was conducting a patrol when struck by an improvised explosive device. He died of his injuries. Hayslett was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, based in Friedberg, Germany. The incident is under investigation.
U.S. Soldiers Continue to Find Weapons, Build Relations
     AR RAMADI, Iraq, Nov. 15, 2003 — U.S. soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division conducted missions in order to stop violence and violent intentions from insurgents who oppose the peace process Nov. 15, according to U.S. Central Command officials.
     Soldiers of the “All-American” Division, as the 82nd Airborne Division are known, went on 182 patrols, nine of which were joint patrols with members of the Iraqi Border Guard and Iraqi policemen. One cordon and search mission and an air assault raid were also conducted over the last 24 hours. More
Deadline Nears to Send
Packages to Deployed Soldiers
     WASHINGTON, Army News Service, Nov. 14, 2003 — Christmas is a month away, but individuals only have half that time to get their packages to deployed troops in time for the holidays.
      The deadline to get packages to the Central Command area in time for Christmas is Dec. 4 by First Class or Priority Mail, according to the United States Postal Service. More
Army Theater Group
To Perform in Iraq, Afghanistan
     FORT BELVOIR, Va., Nov. 13, 2003 (Army News Service) — BRAVO! Army Theatre Touring Company will present “Farley Family Reunion” during the holiday season to lighten spirits of Soldiers deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. More
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Afghanistan Update
America Pays Tribute to the Troops
Artist Turns Iowa Graffiti
Rock into Military Tribute
Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II of Des Moines, Iowa, has painted a different patriotic scene on a boulder north of Greenfield for each of the last five Memorial Day holidays. This is the rock as it now appears.       WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2003 – Something about a 12-foot-high, 56-ton rock north of Greenfield, Iowa, must scream "Paint me!" to the artistically inclined. For years, it played host to teenagers' graffiti as it stood sentry next to Highway 25, about a mile south of the Greenfield exit off Interstate 80 in Iowa.
     Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II, 24, now of Des Moines, Iowa, grew up in Greenfield and had seen the rock countless times. Until 1999, if the rock was calling him to paint it, he wasn't listening. But then he saw the Tom Hanks film "Saving Private Ryan," and soon he answered the call. More
Operation Military Pride
Supports Deployed Troops
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2003 — Once the children are off to school, Arlyn McCoaughry logs onto the computer in her Arizona home and begins reading e-mails from service members deployed throughout the world.
      As chairperson for Operation Military Pride, a non-profit organization that sends letters and care packages to troops deployed overseas, McCoaughry said the items most often requested include baby wipes, junk food, gum, foot powder, gel insoles, magazines and books. More
USO Gears Up Holiday Support
     WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2003 — The United Service Organizations recently announced it has teamed up with Armed Forces Entertainment and Reader's Digest to help support U.S. troops during the 2003 holiday season.
      The USO, a nonprofit charitable corporation that extends a touch of home to military members, will soon send entertainer Wayne Newton, actor/director Gary Sinise, singer/television star Chris Isaak, country music star Neal McCoy and members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to entertain troops stationed in the Persian Gulf. More
starSign an On-line Thank You Note
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Iraq's 55 Most Wanted
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Iraq Update
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Saddam's Iraq: Reign of Terror
Iraqi Freedom
bullet U.S. Views — Quotes by President Bush & other U.S. leaders
bullet Defense Views — Quotes by U.S. defense leaders
bullet Maps of Iraq — Maps of the nation of Iraq and the region
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President George W. Bush

"The sacrifice that our folks are making in Iraq will serve our nation's interests in the short-term and long-term. It's best to defeat the terrorists in Iraq so we don't have to defeat them here. "
Remarks at the White House, Nov. 16, 2003
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Afghanistan Update
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Profile
U.S. Army Capt. Jan Guy
     TIKRIT, Iraq — As battalion medical officer for the 124th Signal Battalion in Tikrit, Iraq, U.S. Army Capt. Jan Guy and her medics keep their hands full caring for 4th Infantry Division troops.
     In addition to basic aches and pains and injuries from vehicle and other accidents, they treat serious wounds received during raids and patrols in the community, located in the heart of the Sunni Triangle. More
More Profiles
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On the Ground
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In Iraq
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Champion Base
Soliders Study Arabic
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1st Lt. Mikal Shabazz, a soldier with the 304th Civil Affairs Battalion, teaches soldiers basic Arabic in a class held Nov. 8th. U.S. Army Sgt. Joe Healy, 82nd Public Affiars      AR RAMADI, Iraq – “Repeat after me,” said 1st Lt. Mikal Shabazz, a reservist with the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade. “As- saleem alaikam. Again, as-saleem alaikam. One more time, but speak a little slower and enunciate; As-saleem alaikam. Good.”
     The Arabic phrase translated in English literally means: May (God’s) peace be upon you, according to Shabazz. The soldiers repeating Shabazz’s words are learning Arabic in one of the nightly classes he teaches. Located at the Division Chapel, the course is open to all soldiers at Champion Base. More
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U.S. Forces Prepare All
American Thanksgiving in Iraq
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Salah Al Turk unloads boxes from storage in preparation for the thanksgiving feast. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gabe Nix     AR RAMADI, Iraq – A turkey gobbles in the fields of Elletsville, Indiana, an area known for its contribution to the Thanksgiving holiday. A turkey translator interprets the gobble. “I wish to be part of the All-American Thanksgiving this year in Iraq.” Excitement for this year’s Thanksgiving feast is not limited to the turkeys in the field.
     “ This year’s All-American Thanksgiving will be a festive atmosphere,” says food service supervisor Master Sgt. Mack E. Sumler, “as well as a tribute to the 82nd Airborne and all of the soldiers who are serving here.” More