Articles 10.31.2004

Combat activity continues to be reported across Ramadi and Fallujah, with specific mention of the 2nd BCT. Two summary articles:
- Chicago Tribune (via Monterey Herald)
- NY Times (via the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus)

- in the NY Times article, there are quotes from 2nd BCT officers:

"Army commanders with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Camp Ramadi, responsible for controlling central Anbar province, reflected on the precarious situation. Col. Gary S. Patton, the brigade commander, said in an interview that to quell the insurgency, it was crucial to develop effective Iraqi security forces, a strong local government and improved municipal services. "But it's difficult to do any of that stuff when you're fighting 5-meter targets, terrorists at every street corner," he said. "And so our fight right now is to gain some freedom of action."

Maj. Steven Alexander, the brigade operations officer, said that Prime Minister Ayad Allawi needed to deal firmly with the mujahedeen in Fallujah, but that he risked alienating civilians with a heavy assault. "So I don't envy his decision," he said."

Combat Fatality

The Department of Defense announced the death of a 2nd BCT soldier.

Pfc. Stephen Downing, of the 2-17th Field Artillery, was killed in Ramadi on 10.28.2004 from small arms fire while conducting combat operations. Pfc. Downing was from Burkesville, KY. He was 30 years old. Our hearts go out to his family.

Pfc. Downing is the 22nd 2nd BCT soldier reported killed while serving our country in Iraq. A tribute to the fallen soldiers is found on the Family Readiness Group site.

AFP photographer in Ramadi

AFP photographer Patrick Baz has been following Marines and soldiers in Ramadi since at least 10.24.2004. Some of the photo captions give specific mention of the 2/5 Marines and the 2-17th Field Artillery. A complete list of Mr. Baz's photos publised to date can be viewed via this Yahoo News Photo Search.

These and other known sites with photos are in this post.

Articles 10.30.2004

An AFP report indicates that U.S. forces in Ramadi has been increased. A U.S. Military spokesman said the 1-503rd Infantry is joining the 2/5 Marines in Ramadi. Both battalions are under 2nd BCT command.
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An AP article discusses the situation in Fallujah on 10.30.2004. New observations:
- along with more airstrikes in Fallujah, US forces "carried out probing attacks on the city's outskirts" in order to test insurgent defenses.
- U.S. officials said "Up to 5,000 Islamic militants, Saddam Hussein loyalists and common criminals are hunkered down in Fallujah"
- "Insurgents have stepped up attacks across Iraq by 25 percent since the start of the holy month of Ramadan two weeks ago, mainly targeting Iraqi security forces."
- Officials again stressed that the decision of if and when to enter Fallujah is up to Prime Minister Allawi.
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A Reuters article reports that heavy artillery has been used on targets in Fallujah as well as airstrikes.
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The Department of Defense announced that 6,500 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division and 1st Cavalry Division (neither are linked to the 2nd BCT) will have their deployments in Iraq extended two months to aid with the January elections. One key quote: "The affected troops, who had originally been slated for 10-month deployments, will now serve 12 months on the ground, the deployment timeframe most Army units serve in Iraq."

Stars & Stripes 2nd BCT article archive

The best information concerning the 2nd BCT's deployment in Iraq has come from the DoD Stars & Stripes newspaper. Reporter Seth Robson was embedded with the 2nd BCT during at least part of their training in Kuwait through their first week in Iraq. The S&S also has a field office in Korea with close connections to the 2nd ID. Almost all of the articles contain pictures of 2nd BCT soldiers.

A full list of all 2nd BCT-related articles from the S&S since the initial announcement of redeployment in Iraq in May, 2004, are kept in this post. There is also a link to that post in the side bar on the main page of this blog.

Articles 10.29.2004

An AFP (Agence France-Presse) article follows a partol of the 2-17th Field Artillery in Ramadi as it hunts down a sniper. No names or units are given. The sniper was not found on this patrol.
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A Reuters report gives further evidence of a possible offensive in Fallujah and Ramadi:
- The deputy commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (under which the 2nd BCT operates), Brigadier General Denis Hajlik, said "We are gearing up for a major operation. If we do so, it will be decisive..."
- Sources estimate that only 50-60,000 of the 350,000 residents remain in Fallujah. Most families have fled for safety.
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A separate AFP article indicates the Prime Minister Allawi is sending a negotiation team to Fallujah "in a last-ditch bid to avert a full-scale military assault."
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NPR has an audio story about Iraqis fleeing Fallujah, including interviews with citizens who have left and government officials.
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Arabicnews.com and AFP reports clashes on 10.29.2004 and in both Ramadi and Fallujah.

Rainy season in the Anbar Province

The weather forecast for Habbaniyah indicates rain and cooler temperatures in the foreseeable future. According to a 9.11.2004 Stars & Stripes article, A soldier from the brigade the 2nd BCT replaced said "Late October is the rainy season in the province when persistent, annoying drizzle turns Camp Ramadi, which is affected by groundwater from the Euphrates, into a mud pit."

Pics from the 1-503rd Scout Platoon

Soldiers from the 1-503rd scout "ghost" platoon have some pictures available:

1) Training in Korea
2) Pictures from Iraq

These and other known 2nd BCT pictures are in this post.

Articles 10.28.2004

The AFP reports on clashes in Ramadi on 10.28.2004.
Key observations:
- Marines sealed off a section of the city and captured 15 people during pre-dawn raids. A Marine spokesman said the area was known to be a hub for bomb making activities.
- U.S. forces said clashes occured in the center and the west of the city following the raids. Three Marines were wounded.
- Separately, a car bomb exploded near a U.S. convoy in the city. There were no injuries or damage to vehicles.
- The Marine spokesman said they had killed an estimated 700-800 insurgents in the unrest since their arrival [in September], noting that they faced a "limitless" opposition.
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More reports on the tense situation in Ramadi and Fallujah:

1) The NY Times (free registration required) - and a summary Reuters article - reports that Ramadi is "slipping into chaos." Among the main points:
- guerilla attacks have picked up over the past 6 weeks.
- reconstruction efforts have ground to a halt because local contractors are unwilling to work.
- Since their arrival in Sept, the 2/5 Marines have had increased difficulty moving around the city.
- It is expected that guerilla fighters have been streaming into Ramadi following airstikes in Fallujah.
- the 2/5 Marines Battalion Commander, Col. Randall Newman, said the only effective Iraqi troops in Ramadi are 80 or so Iraqi Special Forces soldiers from elsewhere in the country

(note that the NY Times article carries a picture of soldiers from an "Army artillery brigade", which may be the 2-17th FA)
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The Washington Post reports on the situation in Fallujah:
- insurgents and foreign fighters appear to be preparing for battle.
- A U.S. military convoy of 40 armored vehicles was seen moving towards the city.
- Local leaders are telling residents to flee the city.
- There are still attempts at further negotiations.
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The Independent (UK) also discusses the situation in Fallujah:
- the articles estimates that the U.S. presently has about 2500 troops around Fallujah.
- military activity has increased, including a build-up of troops, heavy artillery, tanks and war planes, as well as military engineers for follow-up efforts.
- more than 70% of Fallujah residents have left the city.
- more than 100 suspected insurgents have been arrested trying to leave the city.

Family support group for 1st Plt, B Co, 1-506th

Maura Keenan forwarded the link to a Yahoo Group for family members of soldiers in the 1st Platoon, B (Baker) Company, 1-506th.

This, and other known family discussion/support groups are in this post.

Thanks, Maura.

Article on 2nd BCT soldier WIA

The Virginian-Pilot Newspaper out of Hampton Roads, VA, has a feature article on Pfc. Jonathan Bartlett of the 1-503rd, who lost both his legs after an I.E.D. hit the Humvee he was driving on 9.25.2004. All three occupants were injured in the explosion, but no one died.

Pfc. Bartlett is presently receiving therapy at Walter Reed hospital, and the article commends his positive attitude. As for future plans, he "hopes to go to college – on the Army’s dime – and perhaps work for a prosthetics company, helping to design bionic arms."

B Co, 44th Engineering discussion group

There is a recently created Yahoo group for family members of soldiers in B Company, 44th Engineer Battalion.

This and other known discussion groups are in this post.

Articles 10.27.2004

The NY Times reports from Camp Fallujah that a military offensive in Fallujah and Ramadi "is probably inevitable".

Some key points:
- any major operation in Fallujah would also involve concurrent operations in Ramadi and along the Syrian border. "This expanded set of combat operations reflects a growing consensus among American military commanders and Iraqi government officials that the insurgencies in the two nearby cities are linked and must be quelled at the same time."
- the timing and decision to carry out any operations is up to Prime Minister Allawi.
- officials estimate an offensive could last from several days to two weeks.

A separate AP report also discusses signs of an imminent offensive in Ramadi and Fallujah. The basis for the argument is the similarities to the Najaf operations in August - particularly a notable increase in airstrikes, the reinforcement of troops around Fallujah, and the redeployment of British troops to Baghdad to free up U.S. Forces.
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The San Francisco Chronicle has a story on the insurgency in Iraq. The main argument is that Iraqi nationalism is a motivation for many, but not all, of the insurgents. Other reports typically identify insurgents as religious fundamentalists, supporters of the old regime, or foreign-based terrorists.
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An AP report indicates that "Insurgents ambushed two U.S. Army convoys near the central Iraq town of Ramadi [on 10.26.2004], hitting the convoys with separate roadside bomb attacks, but no U.S. soldiers were hurt, the military said."

New A Co, 1-503rd pictures

Here are some more pictures from A Co, 1-503rd:

1) Training in Kuwait
2) Pictures from Iraq

Some of these pictures are cross-posted at www.lostindesert.com

These, and other known 2nd BCT pictures, are listed in this post.

Articles 10.26.2004

A Reuters report indicates that US troops have reinforced positions in Fallujah, particularly along the northern side of town. Firefights have also been reported in central Ramadi. None of the reports give suggestion of a larger offensive.
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The 8.25.2004 edition of the "Desert Voice" publication (pdf document) out of Kuwait focused on the training efforts of the 2nd BCT before entering Iraq. There are some pictures of soldiers from the 1-9 Infantry and 2-17 Field Artillery training.

A Co, 1-506th Family Support Page

A Family Readiness Group website for A Company (Gators) of the 1-506th Infantry is at: www.gator-tough.org. In order to access any information within the site, you'll need to fill out a free registration for security purposes. The site has a very active forum, and apparently there are several dozen pictures from Iraq available.

This, and other known support pages, are all listed in this post

articles 10.25.2004

The funeral services for three 2nd BCT soldiers were held this weekend.

Spc. Christopher Merville, of the 2-17th Field Artillery, was buried in Albuquerque, NM. Spc. Merville died on 10.12.2004 when his unit came under enemy fire in Baghdad. His fiancee traveled to the funeral in New Mexico from her home in the Phillipines and met his family for the first time. The two were to have been married in the next few months.

A funeral service was held in Seward, OH, for Pfc. Aaron Rusin, of the 44th Engineer Battalion. Pfc. Rusin died on 10.11.2004 of injuries sustained on 10.10.2004 when his vehicle came under fire from enemy forces in Baghdad. He had been a volunteer fireman, and was buried near his grandfather who fought in the Philippines during World War II.

Staff Sgt. Omer Hawkins was laid to rest in Seaman, OH. Staff Sgt. Hawkins, of the 44th Engineer Battalion, died on 10.14.2004 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was a career soldier who enlisted straight out of high school. "Grieve? No way," said Sgt. Hawkin's mother. "I will celebrate my son’s life. It’s an honor."
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Some in-depth articles evaluating the situation in Falluja:

An article in the 10.23.2004 LA Times (free registration required) critically recounts the actions and decisions around the April 2004 offensive in Falluja and the chain of events leading to the currest situation. The LA Times also has photo essays with commentary of Marines during the April 2004 Falluja offensive.

The Christian Science Monitor discusses the role of Iraqi National Guard forces in any potential new offensive in Falluja.
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An article in the NY Times (free registration required) discusses the actions and frustrations of the 2/5 Marines in Ramadi.

2nd BCT Marine Battalion = 2/5 Marine

The 2nd BCT FRG tribute page implies that the Marine battalion augmenting the 2nd BCT in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF 2.5) is the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (2/5 Marine). Background information on the battalion is found at www.globalsecurity.org. According to that site, the 2/5 Marines are from Camp Pendleton, CA, and acted as the lead element of the 1st Marine Division at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, fighting from the Iraqi border all the way into Baghdad. Marine units are currently on a 7-month deplyoment cycle, and the 2/5 redeployed to Iraq late August, 2004.

According to several sites, the 2/5 Marines are operating around Ramadi.
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Here are some 2/5 Marine message groups:
- www.usmcparents.com
- www.2ndbn5thmarines.com
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Here are some 2/5 Marine picture pages:
- 2/5 Marines, G Company site
- 2/5 Marines, misc F Company pics

Members of the 2/5 Marines Golf Company were recently covered in a Time Magazine photo essay and story. Also, AP Photographer Jim MacMillan spent time with the 2/5 Marines after following the 1/9 Infantry.
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Since the 2nd BCT took over command from the 1st BCT on Sept 11, 2004, 7 Marines from the 2/5 Marine regiment have died serving their country in Iraq under the 2nd BCT command:

- Pfc. Jason T. Poindexter, 20, of San Angelo, Texas, died Sept. 12 due to enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
- Lance Cpl. Gregory C. Howman, 28, of Charlotte, N.C., died Sept. 15 due to enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
- Sgt. Timothy Folmar, 21, of Sonora, Texas, died Sept. 24 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
- Pfc. Andrew Halverson, 19, of Grant, Wis. died Oct. 9 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
- 2nd Lt. Paul M. Felsberg, 27, of West Palm Beach, Fla., died on Oct. 13 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
- Lance Cpl. Victor A. Gonzalez, 19, of Watsonville, Calif., died on Oct. 13 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
- Sgt. Douglas E. Bascom, 25, of Colorado Springs, Colo., died Oct. 20 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

Our hearts go out to their families.

New letter from Col. Patton

There is a 2nd Iraq update on the FRG page from 2nd BCT Commander Col. Gary Patton, dated 10.22.2004. Some new points in the letter:

- the 2nd BCT launched its offensive operations on the 1st day it arrived.
- the 2nd BCT has a charter to help grow the Iraqi Security Forces.
- the 2nd BCT is "deeply involved in restoring necessary municipal services to a refugee camp of several thousand Iraqs, driven from their homes in nearby Fallujah by terrorism and insurgent oppression."

Advice for internet searches

I have purposely limited this blog to public news and support sites. Obviously, the internet is much wider than this, and there is more information out there on the troops and area of operations. As remarkable as search engines are, it can still be very difficult to narrow down topics. Here is some advice for doing your own searches:

1) Try several search engines. They all use different cataloging techniques and are updated at different times. google.com, msn.com, and yahoo.com are the three most popular.

2) Try several variations on the name. For example, 44th Engineer, 44th ENG, 44th EN, etc.

3) Use advanced search techniques in the search engine window:

* for exact matches, put phrases in quotes:

e.g., "1st battalion, 9th infantry"
(this will focus the search much more than without the quotes)

e.g., "2nd battalion" "5th marine" might be better than "2nd battalion, 5th marine"

* to exclude unwanted matches, use a dash before phrases to exclude.

e.g, 506th iraq -Expeditionary
(this search will not list results that include "Expeditionary", effectively removing all links to the "506th Air Expeditionary Unit", which is a separate unit)

* use the logical OR operator and parentheses ("OR" must be capitalized)

e.g., (503rd OR 503d) Ramadi
(this search will find more matches)

4) Use advanced search interfaces:
* click on the "advanced search options" in your favorite search engine to limit searches, show more than the default 10 results per page, etc.

* alternatively, use a third-party tool like faganfinder's "ultimate google search".

5) Also search on other relevant phrases: the base name in quotes (e.g., "Camp Manhattan"), city/area of operations, unit number, unit nickname, etc.

6) be patient. If it's not on the first page of results, it might be on the 2nd, or 20th.

New 2nd BCT picture site and discussion group

Here are some pictures from the A/TANK Co of the 2-72nd Armor, which is attached to the 1-506th in Iraq.

This link, and other known public photo sites, are also in this post.
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A new Yahoo group has been created for families of 2nd Platoon, A Co, 1-503rd. To join, fill in the form at www.lostindesert.com.

This group, and other knows discussion groups, are in this post.

Articles 10.22.2004

The Military Postal Agency set mailing dates for the 2004 holiday season:

The recommended deadlines for sending mail from the United States to all overseas military mailing addressees for the holidays are listed below.
-- Parcel post: Nov. 13.
-- Space-available mail: Nov. 27.
-- Parcel airlift mail: Dec. 4.
-- Priority and first-class letters/cards: Dec. 11 (Dec. 6 for APO 093).
-- Express mail military service: Dec. 20 (Not applicable for APO 093).
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The weather at Habbaniyah airbase for this weekend has highs in the mid 80s (deg F) and lows in the 50s for the first time since the 2nd BCT has been in country.
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Besides that, lets hope the quiet news-waves means the troops are safe and getting some sleep!

News release from the FRG site

The 2nd BCT Family Readiness Group page has a new news release posted. Key quotes and points:

"The brigade has captured more than 300 suspected anti-Iraqi fighters, dozens of rocket propelled grenades, mortar systems, rockets, anti-tank mines and tons of mortar, rocket and rifle ammunition. Units have also battled insurgents in fierce urban fighting."

"[2nd BCT Commander] Col Patton said the brigade is making a positive impact in the brigade’s area of operations by degrading the terrorist networks, manpower, and supplies, and by denying them safe havens. The brigade’s recent successes can be attributed to the multiple brigade- and battalion-level operations conducted that give the enemy little, if any, time to reorganize and resupply before the brigade’s units conduct the next combat operation."

Noted Reconstruction work:
1) humanitatian aid to a refugee camp near Habbaniyah.
2) providing supplies and ensuring safety to area neighborhood schools and a local university.

The FRG page also has started a Memorial Tribute Page dedicated to the fallen 2nd BCT soldiers.

Articles 10.21.2004

The Honolulu Advertiser reports on the funeral service of Pfc. Jeungjin Kim, who was killed on 10.06.2004 in Ramadi. Pfc. Kim, of the 44th Engineer Battalion, was 23 years old. More than 200 people attended, including his parents, who flew in from South Korea.
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The Kodiak Daily Mirror, AK, carries a personal report on a 2nd BCT soldier, Cpl. Richard Lampl. The article alludes that he is with the 44th Engineer Battalion, and provides some descriptions of his living conditions and unit morale.
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Many sources, including The Times out of the UK, indicate 850 British troops from the Black Watch Regiment will redeploy from Basra to an area south of Baghdad to "replace a US Marine unit earmarked for "other purposes" - widely understood to mean a US offensive on the rebel stronghold of Fallujah." The agreement was for a 30-day limit, with the troops still going home before Christmas. For anyone curious of the views of families of British troops, here is the response to the redeployment from some family members.

Also, British news agencies have reports & commentary from inside and around Fallujah, including from the BBC and the Times.
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There has been a lot of commentary about the size of the U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, particularly in relation to the insurgency. The NY Times (free registration required) carries a very long piece reviewing the major decisions made early in the war, and provides some insight into the current situation the 2nd BCT faces.

An editorial from journalist Joe Galloway discusses the current 3rd troop rotation in Iraq and future troop levels, mention. My understanding is that this will be the transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 2 to OIF 3. Since the 2nd BCT was an addition, not a replacement, they are commonly considered to be part of OIF 2.5.

Reconstructed beerforsoldiers site

Following the legal troubles related to the "beer" portion of beerforsoldiers.com, Sgt. Dale Rogers of the 1-503rd has rechristened the site "From Iraq With Love." New pictures are available, and Sgt. Rogers has plans to add messages from the soldiers.

The new site is found at: www.beerforsoldiers.com

Articles 10.20.2004

Lots of commentary on the situation in Fallujah:
- USA Today
- Washington Post
- NY Times
- AP Report on UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's views
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The Christian Science Monitor has several articles on Iraq:
- Evaluating the "tougher approach" used by the U.S. in recent weeks in Fallujah and Ramadi
- Discussing the implications of a possible movement of British troops
- A view of the recent Fallujah operations from the perspective of the locals
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An AP report on Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's terrorist organization claims a suicide attack on a U.S. convoy occurred on 10.19.2004 in Habbaniyah. The U.S. military did not comment on the alleged attack.
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CNN.com reports on the possibility of shorter combat rotations in the Army. However, officials make it clear that no policies would be implemented until after the insurgency is under control.

Articles 10.19.2004

Stars & Stripes reports on the 3 soldiers killed in Ramadi on 10.14.2004. There are several tributes to the soldiers.

Spc. Bradley Beard, 22, was a artillery mechanic with the 2-17th Field Artillery Regiment. He was from Chapel Hill, NC. According to the Chapel Hill News & Observer and the NC Herald Sun, Spc. Beard left a scholarship program in college to join the Army, and volunteered to deploy to Iraq from Korea.

Pfc. Mark Barbret, 22, was with the 44th Engineer Batallion. According to the Detroit News, Pfc. Barbret joined the Army to provide for his two-year-old son. He was from Shelby township, MI. Flags will be flown at half-staff across the state of Michigan on Wednedsay, October 20, in his honor.

Staff Sgt. Omer Hawkins, 31, was also with the 44th Engineer Batallion. He was from Cherry Fork, OH. According Channel Cincinnati, the Cincinatti Enquirer, and Maysville Online, Staff Sgt. Hawkins joined the Army the Monday after graduating from High School. He comes from a military family. His brother is presently in the National Guard and his deceased father was a Marine.

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Pfc. James Prevete, of the 1-506th, was killed in a vehicle accident on 10.14.2004 near Habbaniyah. Yesterday was Pfc. Prevete's funeral service, and more than 500 mourners attended the service.

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Witnesses reported fighting in Ramadi between troops and insurgents on 10.19.2004. The S&S article linked above references reports that "Marine Corps officials have said the raids [in Ramadi] are aimed at insurgents working in concert with fighters from nearby Fallujah."

In Fallujah, there are reports, including from Bloomberg news, that there are still over 1,000 joint-forces troops encircled around Fallujah. People are leaving their homes and businesses in the city. According to The Independent out of the UK, a higher estimate of 1400 troops surround Fallujah, which "experienced a moment's respite from large-scale clashes yesterday [10.18.2004] amid reports that the Americans were awaiting reinforcements." According to The Associated Press, the UK will likely reposition troops closer to Baghdad "to free up American forces for anti-insurgency operations."

Articles 10.18.2004

The NY Times (free registration required) reports that Special Forces soldiers and Marines in Ramadi captured 17 alleged insurgents in a night raid. The article provides a first-hand account of the situation in Ramadi.
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The NY Times (Free Registration Required) and the Boston Globe have separate articles evaluating the insurgency.
Some points:
- the number of insurgent attacks are down, but U.S. casualties have risen
- U.S. estimates place the number of insurgents at more than 12,000
- there are widely conflicting interpretations of the nature and organization of the insurgents
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Time Magazine carries a lengthy article detailing the recent operations in Fallujah and Ramadi with first-person accounts of some of the operations.
A few pertinent points:
- In the Fallujah mission that began Thursday, 10.14.2004, the 2nd BCT was situated along the southwest edge of the city. A Marine battalion and an Army tank battalion where in other areas.
- This was not a major offensive as many thought, "but rather an attempt to see how the insurgents inside the city would respond."

Combat Fatalities

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of three 2nd BCT soldiers. The three soldiers died on 10.14.2004 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their convoy in Ramadi.

Staff Sgt. Omer Hawkins, of the 44th Engineering Battalion, was 31 years old.

Spc. Bradley Beard, of the 2-17th Field Artillery, was 22 years old.

Pfc. Mark Barbret, of the 44th Engineer Battalion, was 22 years old.

Staff Sgt. Hawkins, Spc. Beard, and Pfc. Barbret are the 12th, 13th, and 14th 2nd BCT soldiers reported killed in Iraq serving our country. Our hearts go out their families.

2nd BCT web-sites with pictures

Sites with pictures of 2nd BCT soldiers:

official page:
- 2nd BCT Family Resource Group Photo Gallery

Soldier sites:
- www.ghostreconplatoon.com: Scout Platoon, 1-503rd Infantry
- www.lostindesert.com: 2nd Platoon, A Co, 1-503rd Infantry
- www.desertoutkast.com: A Co, 1-503rd Fire Support Team
- A Co, 1-503rd training in Kuwait, August 2004
- www.fromiraqwithlove.com: C-Co 1-503rd (revamped beersforsoldiers.com site).
- Pictures from 2-72nd Armor A/TANK Co, which is attached to the 1-506th.
- For family members of soldiers in A Co of the 1-506th, there are pictures available at www.gator-tough.org (free registration required.)
- www.hardrock.name: C Company (Hardrock), 1-506th. (click on "new photos!" icon).
- www.steelfrg.com: 2-17th Field Artillery
- www.a-102gatorsnews.com: A Co, 102nd Military Intelligence Battalion
- www.topsboyz.com: 2/5 Marines Communication Platoon
- www.golfcompany25.com: Golf Company 2/5 Marines
- Pictures from Fox Company, 2/5 Marines
- www.gambleroutpost.com: 5th Platoon, D Company, 1-503rd
- www.flickr.com/photos/enlistedcowboy/ : "2nd Platoon Charlie/New Dawg 3rd platoon", 1-503rd
- pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/simran_zilaro/my_photos: 2-17th FA, personal pics

Yahoo news picture searches:
- Search: Brennan Linsley, an AP photographer with the 2/5 Marines in Ramadi, Dec 2004.
- Search: Ahmad al-Rubaye, an AFP photographer traveling with an unspecified 2nd ID unit in Ramadi, Nov 2004.
- Search: Jim Macmillan, an AP photographer traveling with the 1-9th Scout Platoon mid-October, 2004, and the 2/5 Marines in mid- to late-October.
- Search: Patrick Baz, and AFP photographer traveling with the 2-17th Field Artillery and 2/5 Marines in late-October, 2004.
- Search: 2nd Infantry
- Search: Ramadi
- Search: Fallujah
- Search: Anbar

Getty Images
Getty Images contains newswire photos from the past several months, with many more photos than are published in media stories. Note that not all newswire photographers are included. Here are some searches:
- search: Joe Raedle (GettyImages.com photographer Joe Raedle in Ramadi late Jan 2005)
- search: Ramadi
- search: Khalidiyah
- search: 2nd Infantry
- search: Fallujah

If you are a relative of a soldier or marine, some of the discussion/support groups listed here have database sections where users submit pictures. Similarly, check the support sites listed here.

Articles and Pictures 10.16.2004

An Associated Press article quotes residents of Fallujah who reported that "The U.S. military loosened a cordon around the Sunni insurgent stronghold of Fallujah after several days of intense clashes with rebels there."
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Associated Press photographer Jim MacMillan has been travelling with the 1-9th Infantry scout platoon in Ramadi. To view his published pictures, follow this Yahoo News Photo search.
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Stories in the UK indicate that the U.S. has asked Britain to move a battalion from Basra to Baghdad in order to release U.S. troops for operations in Fallujah. Previous reports that suggested the Scottish Black Watch Regiment was going directly to Fallujah appear incorrect.
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CNN.com has a summary of the National Annenberg Election Survey given to active duty service men and women and their families. The questions asked related to views towards the upcoming election and views towards certain policies in Iraq. Also note that the picture on the CNN page is of a 2nd BCT soldier, Pfc. Jason Hagan. The full press release from the NAES is found in this pdf document. In order to not bias the interpretation of the statistics, no summary is given here. You can interpret it for yourself.
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An AP article explores the meaning of Ramadan in Iraq and why increased attacks on coalition forces are expeced.

new offensive in Fallujah

According to several news agencies, including a CNN.com report, an AP article from the Boston Globe and this Reuters report, air and ground attacks occured in Fallujah late Thursday, 10.14.2004. Some early details:

- organized by the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, under which the 2nd BCT operates.
- A Marine spokesman said "two infantry battalions -- one from the Marines and one from the Army -- were participating "in and near the city."
- attacks occured "after city representatives suspended peace talks with the government over Prime Minister Ayad Allawi's demand to hand over terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi."
- A Marine spokesman said the objectives are to "restore security and stability," and stated "It is going to be a long night." He would not say if it is the start of a major campaign to recapture the city.
- Reported attacks launched from warplanes and helicoptors, as well as armored vehicles.
- This is the first time U.S. forces have entered Falluja since a cease-fire in April.

According to an AP report, "a senior military official in Washington said the latest fighting was not the major invasion that [Prime Minister] Allawi has threatened."
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Additional reports from 10.15.2004:

- an AP Report indicates that bombing started Thursday, and by late Friday, planes where still flying but no explosions where recorded.
- Another AP story reports that "target hits included several key planning centers, a weapons transload and storage facility, two safehouses, a terrorist meeting site, and several illegal checkpoints used by the Zarqawi network."
- CNN.com reports that Iraqi special forces and U.S. Marines have set up check points around the city.
- A Multi-National Force of Iraq news release quotes: "Iraqi Security Forces and the Multi-National Force-Iraq coordinated their actions to locate, isolate, and defeat terrorist groups operating in the area of Fallujah... Operations in Fallujah will continue so long as terrorists remain in the city."
- An AFP report indicates more than 1000 troops have encircled Fallujah in order to trap insurgents. CNN.com quotes a military source as saying the ground troops have not entered the city.

Additional family discussion groups

A few additional e-mail groups
- Yahoo group for familiies of A Co, 44th Engineering Battalion.
- Yahoo group for families of primarily D Co, 1-506th, but also others from the 1-506th
- Yahoo group for 2nd BCT family members (set up mid-Sept, no members as of 10.14.2004)

All known groups, including these, are listed in this post.

Articles 10.14.2004

The Christian Science Monitor carries an article titled "Signs of progress amid turmoil in Iraq." Among the primary points:
- fighters loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr have started turning in weapons.
- negotiations have continued in Falluja.
- air-strikes in Falluja may be causing a split between anti-US resistence fighter and foreign fighters linked to terrorist organizations.
- experts are claiming "attitudes became more cooperative" in October following the offensive in Samarra, increased ground operations in Ramadi, and disruption of insurgent supply lines in Baghdad.

However, the article also quotes: "Yet few are using the word 'optimism.'"
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An 10.14.2004 article in USA Today follows a patrol from the 44th Engineer Battalion in Ramadi during which an ambush occured.
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A story out of Scotland indicates that a 600-member unit of the "Black Watch" Regiment of the British military will likely be moving to Falluja from Basra in order to "act as the Divisional Reserve Force."

Combat Fatality

The Department of Defense announced the combat death of a 2nd BCT soldier.

Spc. Christopher Merville, of the 2-17th Artillery, was killed 10.12.2004 in Baghdad when his unit came under enemy fire during combat operations. Spc. Merville, from Albuquerque, N.M., was 26 years old. According to the Albuquerque Tribune, Spc. Merville was a second generation soldier, following in his father's footsteps. He was engaged to woman from the Philippines and was recently promoted.

Spc. Merville is the 11th reported 2nd BCT soldiers killed while serving in Iraq. Our hearts go out to his family.

New offensives in Ramadi

Several news articles discuss recent and current offensives in Ramadi. To piece the time-line together:

- ABC News indicates the 10.12.2004 raids on mosques "followed two days of clashes in the city." Arabicnews.com reports that Iraqi National Guard and U.S. Troops focused on mosques that "sheltered what it called terrorists and contained shelters for hiding weapons."
- Al Jazeera indicates that U.S. troops entered Ramadi on 10.13.2004, blocking off streets and searching downtown buildings, the day after the mosque raids.
- Al Jazeera reports again that U.S. troops moved into Ramadi and some of the reported activity. The article includes a picture of a U.S. soldier in action.
- The Boston Globe reports that "gunfire subsided Thursday morning [10.14.2004] and U.S. forces withdrew from the city center, residents said."

Articles 10.13.2004

Family and friends paid tribute to Pfc. Joshua Titcomb in Hawaii. Pfc. Titcomb, of the 72nd Armor Division, died from injuries on 9.29.2004 after his vehicle was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device. Laura McCord, his fiancee, was presented with both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for Titcomb at his burial service at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe.
=========================
Also in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, a personal story about PV2. Jeungjin Kim, who was killed by small arms fire on 10.06.2004. PV2 Kim, of the 2-17 Field Artillery Regiment, is a Korean citizen, and had started the application process for U.S. citizenship before being deployed. He will likely receive the Bronze star, Purple Heart, and good conduct metal, and may possibly receive his U.S. citizenship posthumously.
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Reports out of the United Arab Emirates indicate that US troops swept into this insurgent stronghold [Ramadi] Wednesday, sealing off key streets and searching buildings, residents said... There was no comment from the US command on the operation, and it was unclear whether the troops were searching for specific individuals or making a show of force." According to an AP report American and Iraqi forces launched operations around Iraq "ahead of Ramadan, expected to start at week's end, in an apparent attempt at preventing a repeat of the insurgent violence that took place at the start of last year's Muslim holy month."

The AP report also had a follow-up to the raids on mosques in Ramadi: "the raids followed a surge in insurgent attacks in Ramadi, and the U.S. command accused the militants of violating the sanctity of the mosques by using them for military purposes. Marine spokesman Maj. Francis Piccoli said U.S. troops provided backup for the Iraqi soldiers, but did not enter the mosques."
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One positive trend in Iraq: the weekly publication of the Multi-National Force in Iraq, The Scimitar, contains a story in the 10.15.2004 issue (pdf document, page 3) indicating insurgent attacks on troops from rockets, mortars and small arms are decreasing. However, the severity of individual attacks are increasing (i.e., more suicide car bombs).

Combat Fatality

The Department of Defense announced the combat death of a 2nd BCT soldier.

Pfc. Aaron J. Rusin, of the 44th Engineer Battalion, died on 10.11.2004 from injuries one day after his vehicle came under enemy fire in Baghdad. Pfc. Rusin was from Johnstown, Pa. According to the Pittsburg Tribune-Review, Pfc. Rusin is a 3rd generation veteran - his father served in Vietnam and his grandfather in WWII - and hoped to attend college under the G.I. Bill. He was 19 years old. A picture from the fallen comrade ceremony at Camp Ramadi for Pfc. Rusin is linked on Yahoo picture page.

Pfc. Rusin is the 10th reported fatality from the 2nd BCT in Iraq. Our hearts go out to his family.

Articles 10.12.2004

Several news agencies, including CNN.com and The Washington Post report that Iraqi National Guard and U.S. Forces raided seven mosques in the Ramadi area on 10.12.2004 "following an upsurge in the use of mosques for insurgent activity." Both articles indicate that "Marines and troops" under the 1st Marine Division (the Division under which the 2nd BCT operates) supported Iraqi National Guard forces in the operations. There is further information on the Multi-National Force of Iraq media page here and here. Following the operations, a top Sunni cleric was arrested. These events follow a bombing of a mosque on 10.11.2004 in the nearby town of Hit after insurgents fired on Marines from the Mosque.
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An article in the Washington Post from 10.04.2004 examines the insurgency in Iraq following the offensive in Samarra. Several references are given to events in Fallujah, Habbaniya, and Ramadi.

Articles 10.11.2004

Several news agencies, including military.com, are reporting that U.S. officials are suggesting major assaults in rebel-held cities (including Ramadi and Falluja) will not occur until after the U.S. elections. Targeted airstrikes and negotiations would likely continue.
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Another soldier site with pictures: A Co., 1-503rd Fire Support Team (FIST) has a site at www.desertoutkast.com

A veteran association of the 1-506th "Currahee" group is seeking donations to support the 1-506th. Information is at: currahee.hispeed.com.
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Spc. Omead Razani of the 1-506th was killed on 8.27.2004. According to the National Iranian-American Council, Spc. Razani was the first Iranian-American killed in Iraq. According to his family, "Omead’s love for adventure, his interest in medicine, his eagerness to help people, his desire to gain real experience before college, and his steadfast sense of independence led him to enlist with the Army as a medic before his 18th birthday."

2nd BCT Combat Zone Fatalities

The Department of Defense announced on 10.11.2004 that two 2nd BCT soldiers where killed in the last week.

Pv2 Jeungjin Kim, from the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery, was killed on 10.06.2004 in Ramadi when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. PV2 Kim, from Honolulu, HI, was 23 years old. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports that PV2 Kim and his wife had a newborn son that he never met. More information is found at the Honolulu Advertiser.

Pfc. James Prevete of the 1-506th Infantry, died 10.10.2004 in Habbaniya following a vehicle accident during a "whiteout" (sandstorm). Pfc. Prevete, from Whitestone, NY, was 22 years old. According to the NY Daily Times, Pfc. Prevete joined the army 8 months ago. The NY Times (Free Registration Required) also carries a tribute.

PV2 Kim and Pfc. Prevete are the 8th and 9th 2nd BCT soldiers reported killed while serving their country in Iraq. Our hearts go out to their families.

2bct support web-pages

Besides the Family Readiness Group page, a couple of other web-pages supporting the 2nd BCT have been found:

1) A group from Ft. Benning, GA, has a support page with information at www.geocities.com/newsfromga2id. The site includes support information, links, and some photos of family and pre-deployment in Korea.

2) A support web-page set up from family member of Delta Company, 1-503rd, is found at www.delta1-503.1accesshost.com. Included is information on some support projects, including gathering toys for Iraqis. If the side-bar links don't work, try the links on the bottom of the pages.

3) A Family Readiness Group website for A Company (Gators) of the 1-506th Infantry is at: www.gator-tough.org. In order to access the site, you'll need to fill out a free registration for security purposes. The site has a very active forum, and apparently there are several dozen pictures from Iraq available.

4) A Family Readiness Group webiste for the 2-17th Field Artillery is at: www.steelfrg.com. The site contains information on the chain of command, contact information, and pictures from Kuwait and Iraq.

5) A support site for A Company (Gators) of the 102nd Military Intelligence Battalion is at: www.a-gatornews.com. The site has information on the platoons, birthday salutes, and pictures from Iraq.

6) The 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association has a support site, containing a care package fundraising drive and links to current information on the 1-506th.

7) A support site for the Communications Platoon of the 2/5 Marines is at: www.topsboyz.com. The site contains pictures, information from officers, care package information, and a forum.

8) The Golf Company, 2/5 Marines support site is at: www.golfcompany25.com. The site has lots of pictures and some letters from commanders.

9) The primary website for the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines is at: www.2ndbn5thmarines.com. The site has a wide variety of information and a forum.

10) A support site with gallery, forum, etc, for family and friends of HHC Co, 1-506th is at: www.hellraisers-hhc.org

11) A support page for B Company, 1-503rd, is in progress at: www.b-co.1-503rd.org.

12) An FRG site for the 2nd Forward Support Battalion (2FSB) at: www.2id-2fsb-frg.com.

13) There is an FRG web-site for Apache Co, 1-506th (A/Tank Co) at 1-506.com.

14) There is a support site with pictures for Charlie Co, 2nd Forward Support Battalion at charlie.2fsb.org.

15) An FRG site for the 1-503rd Infantry is at www.firstrock.net.

16) An FRG site for A Company, 1-9th Infantry, is at www.manchus.org.

17) A support site for HHB, 2-17th Field Artillery is at www.hhb.2-17.org.

These sites are in addition to the known 2nd BCT support discussion groups.

Articles 10.10.2004

A press release from the Multi-national Corp of Iraq further discusses the recent explosions of the Red Cresent Building and Agricultural Center in Ramadi: "The circumstances surrounding this recent act of terrorism in Ramadi are similar to those of previous bombings in the past two weeks in what can be described as a deliberate insurgent intimidation and propaganda campaign." Furthermore, graffiti found at the site has been linked to the a Mujahideen group called "Army of Mujahideen Ramadi." Here is an article from 07.27.2004 illustrating the religious-based resistance in Ramadi.
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More reports of fighting in Ramadi from the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Free Registartion Required) and 1010 WINS, a NYC radio station A quote from the 2nd article: "Residents reached by telephone said insurgents launched attacks in a half dozen parts of Ramadi, and that four huge explosions shook the center of the city Sunday night."
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An article in Time Magazine discussing the possibility of a military draft begins and end with a description of the personal dangers Marines and soldiers face in Ramadi. A web-exclusive article details a Marine firefight in Ramadi. There is also an on-line photo essay of the event.
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Several sites, including the Chinese Xinhua News service report that a peace deal is a real possibility in Falluja, where the 2nd BCT has had previous documented operations. A key dividing point in the truce talks is whether U.S. troops will be allowed in the city, or if Iraqi National Guard units will go in alone. Experts say U.S. troops will need access in order to supervise U.S.-funded rebuilding projects. The Boston Globe reports that insurgent groups have vowed widespread attacks around the country if the U.S. enters Fallujah.

Articles 10.08.2004

An article in the Kansas City Star (Free Registration Required) describes a Marine's personal experiences in Ramadi. Cpl. Benjamin Musser is with the Echo Company which was profiled in the Philadelphia Inquirer (Free Registration Required) earlier this year. Cpl. Musser's unit is back in California. Another member of Echo Company, Cpl. Justin Tate, describes his experiences to the "Marion Daily Republican. Cpl. Tate felt that the new armor greatly improved soldier safety. Another marine in a different battalion, Kyle Tunell, describes his experiences in the Maryville Daily Forum, MO. Tunnell was injured in combat in Ramadi.
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An Associated Press Article discusses the current U.S. strategy in Iraq. Some quotes:

"The Bush administration has developed a formal written strategy for Iraq that envisions using a mix of diplomacy and military force to try to wrest control of dozens of key cities from insurgents before planned January elections, a senior administration official said Friday."

"Other military officials and outside defense analysts also have said those offensives into cities could be delayed if Baghdad and Washington settle for partial, rather than full, Iraqi participation in elections in January."

"The Pentagon fears that Iraqi forces may not be strong enough to hold cities like Fallujah and Ramadi, even if American forces manage to root out insurgents there, Pentagon officials and defense analysts say."

More specifics on the plan are given published in the NY Times.
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An AP article reports on an explosion in Ramadi on 10.08.2004. Marines "saw four insurgents filming the explosion," who ran into a mosque when they realized they were sighted. The explosion occured at the Iraqi Red Crescent Society building. No injuries where reported.

2nd BCT soldier Blogs

Blogs have become one means for soldiers to share their experiences with family and friends, and increasingly with the world. A couple of 2nd BCT soldiers have blogs that have been located so far:

1) As of two days ago, Sgt. Dale Rogers had a blog on www.beerforsoldiers.com, which was recently shut down due to legal issues not related to the blog. The blog on the site, however, is still up here. There is no word on whether the blog will continue.

2) A combat medic from the 1-503rd, Idahosa "Idaho" Edokpayi, has a blog called whoisidaho.blogspot.com. Medic Edokpayi was born in Nigeria and became a U.S. citizen just this year. The blog dates back to 2002, with postings greatly slowed in recent weeks. It describes his emotions more than his activities, so does not compromise operational security. Some powerful posts include when he announced he was going to Iraq, his first post from Iraq, and his recent post on the completion of the first month of deployment.

Medic Edokpayi also has a link to a web-site for his platoon (2nd platoon, A Co, 1-503rd): www.lostindesert.com - the site contains several pictures, with aims of periodic updates. Thanks for the effort, guys!

Articles 10.07.2004

The Stars & Stripes reports on Operation Bulldog, although no new information is given.
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Also from Stars & Stripes, a summary of a letter 2nd BCT Commander Gary Patton sent to soldiers' families via the Family Resources Group page. No specifics on Iraq are given, but in the letter Col. Patton states that "You can rest assured that your loved ones are the best trained, best equipped, and, simply put, the best team I have ever had the privilege of commanding."
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Also, a note that www.beerforsoldiers.com has been shut down for good due to the legal troubles. Sgt. Rogers, thanks for the hearty effort!

Stars & Stripes articles

The best information concerning the 2nd BCT's deployment in Iraq has come from the DoD Stars & Stripes newspaper. Here are the archived articles since the deployment announcement in May, 2004. Reporter Seth Robson was embedded with the 2nd BCT during their training in Kuwait and first week in Iraq in August/September 2004. Reporter Joseph Giordono was embedded with the 2nd BCT from January, 2005, through the January 30th elections. Many of the articles contain pictures of 2nd BCT soldiers.

- 8.3.2005: Now in Colorado, 2nd Brigade about to change into lighter, more mobile force
- 8.2.2005: Comrades far away, but never far from thoughts of 2nd ID troops in Korea
- 8.2.2005: GIs laid down beats as break from Iraq grind
- 8.1.2005: 2nd Infantry GIs in Korea pay tribute to comrades lost half a world away
- 8.1.2005: Memorial in Ramadi stands testament to high price paid by 2nd BCT in Iraq
- 7.31.2005: A year on the edge: 2nd BCT bound for Colorado after grueling tour in Ramadi
- 7.31.2005: Silver Stars honor two 2nd BCT GIs who sacrificed their lives for others
- 7.10.2005: 2nd Infantry Division now transformed into ‘Unit of Execution’
- 6.27.2005: Treasures of 2nd ID bound for museum at Fort Carson
- 6.18.2005: 'Dragon Force' cases colors in ceremony at Camp Casey
- 6.16.2005: New commander to lead 2nd ID’s War Eagles into multi-functional brigade
- 6.16.2005: Higgins: New combat team most powerful in Army
- 5.20.2005: U.S., Iraq to discuss ban on raiding of mosques, arresting of clerics
- 5.10.2005: A taste of home: South Korean woman sends gift to troops in Iraq
- 5.6.2005: Camp Hovey-based 2nd ID soldier is killed in Iraq
- 3.17.2005: 2nd Brigade soldier killed in Humvee accident in Iraq
- 3.12.2005: Two more 2nd Brigade soldiers are killed in Iraq
- 3.11.2005: Friends, relatives mourn four 2nd Brigade troops killed in Iraq
- 3.4.2005: Two 2nd ID soldiers killed in separate incidents in Iraq
- 2.21.2005: South Korea-based Strike Force loses two more soldiers in Iraq
- 2.6.2005: Replacements joining units in Iraq finding they've got big shoes to fill
- 1.31.2005: Insurgents' threats keep Ramadi residents from voting
- 1.29.2005: American troops prepare to step back as Iraqis go to the polls on Sunday
- 1.29.2005: Iraq election security effort rounds into shape
- 1.28.2005: U.S. troops fortify Iraqi polling stations
- 1.27.2005: U.S. soldiers detain five men in pre-dawn raids
- 1.27.2005: U.S. troops help locals get used to Iraqi forces
- 1.26.2005: Gun battle breaks out in Ramadi as American troops urge Iraqis to vote
- 1.24.2005: USO program helps keep Area I troops in Iraq connected
- 1.24.2005: U.S. Army-Marine task force detains 'key Ramadi-based insurgent leaders'
- 1.23.2005: Car bomb kills three 2nd ID troops on patrol in Iraq
- 1.23.2005: This time, joint patrols get the cold shoulder
- 1.22.2005: U.S., Iraq start joint security patrols in preparation for Jan. 30 elections
- 1.21.2005: Reporters' Notebook: Strange things keep popping up in Iraq
- 1.20.2005: Soldiers work to get out vote in Ramadi
- 1.19.2005: Bare-bones coffeehouse in Iraq still bears marks of mortar attack
- 1.19.2005: Soldiers in Iraq expect the unexpected, even when giving out election materials
- 1.18.2005: Four months after arrival, 2nd Brigade Combat Team sees changes in Ramadi
- 1.10.2004: 2nd BCT soldier dies of injuries suffered in Iraq last year
- 12.26.2004: Trying insurgents in Iraqi courts seen as big step in rebuilding legal system
- 12.16.2004: Two South Korea-based soldiers killed by IED in Iraq
- 12.12.2004: Two 2nd ID soldiers killed in Iraq
- 12.11.2004: Strike Force soldier killed in firefight at Ramadi
- 12.10.2004: IED claims life of 2nd ID soldier in Iraq
- 12.6.2004: Red Cloud replica highlights 2nd ID's Iraq mission
- 12.4.2004: Sixth 2nd BCT soldier dies at Ramadi
- 12.3.2004: Soldier with 2nd BCT is killed in Iraq
- 12.1.2004: Four former Camp Howze soldiers killed in Ramadi
- 11.29.2004: New homes for 2nd ID's canine pals
- 11.23.2004: Ceremonies at posts in S. Korea to honor 2nd BCT soldiers killed in Iraq
- 11.23.2004: As 2nd ID’s casualty toll rises, troops in S. Korea fear for friends’ safety
- 11.20.2004: Two 2nd Brigade soldiers die in Iraq
- 11.15.2004: Two 2nd BCT soldiers are killed in Iraq
- 11.13.2004: Texas soldier is 2nd BCT's 17th death in Iraq
- 11.11.2004: R&R program has started for 2nd Brigade troops in Iraq
- 11.11.2004: 2nd BCT troops make big munitions haul at Ramadi
- 11.4.2004 2nd Brigade soldier dies in Ramadi car bombing
- 11.1.2004: 2nd BCT soldier is killed in Iraq
- 11.1.2004: Beer fund Web site changes its mission
- 10.29.2004: Web site offers information, updates on 2nd BCT
- 10.24.2004: 2nd BCT soldiers round up suspected insurgents in Iraq
- 10.19.2004: Three 2nd ID soldiers killed in Ramadi offensive
- 10.16.2004: Eleventh member of Strike Force is killed in Iraq
- 10.14.2004: Two soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 2nd ID are killed in Iraq
- 10.8.2004: 'We will endure,' Strike Force commander tells families
- 10.6.2004: 2nd Brigade loses 6th GI to Iraq combat
- 10.4.2004: Legal buzz kills 'beer for soldiers' Internet site
- 10.1.2004: Fifth 2nd BCT soldier killed in Iraq combat
- 9.30.2004: Fourth soldier from 2nd BCT dies in Iraq combat
- 9.26.2004: After Iraq, 2nd BCT will call Fort Carson home
- 9.23.2004: 2nd BCT soldier's plea to the world: 'Buy Us beer'
- 9.21.2004: 'The Rock' is ready if needed in Fallujah
- 9.20.2004: 2nd BCT hopes to keep Ramadi from turning into another Fallujah
- 9.17.2004: 2nd BCT suffers second loss under fire
- 9.15.2004: Artillerymen try keeping peace in Ramadi
- 9.15.2004: Commanders change at 2nd ID
- 9.15.2004: Chaplain's mission is to restore desecrated British cemetery in Iraq
- 9.14.2004: Raids send message to insurgents' helpers

- 9.11.2004: 2nd BCT suffers its first combat death in Iraq
- 9.11.2004: 2nd BCT settles into Iraqi home
- 9.7.2004: Strike Force Manchus help keep supply route through Iraqi desert safe
- 8.17.2004: 2nd BCT families have online information source
- 8.15.2004: 2nd BCT transports hundreds of vehicles across Kuwait’s busy highways to temporary base
- 8.15.2004: 2nd ID troops unload gear for Iraq move
- 8.12.2004: Army wrapping up effort to move 2nd BCT, equipment to Mideast
- 8.10.2004: 2nd ID soldiers outfitted with state-of-the-art gear
- 8.7.2004: 2nd ID soldiers touch down in Kuwait
- 8.4.2004: 2nd ID soldiers leave South Korea for staging area in Kuwait
- 7.31.2004: 18th MedCom mobilizes for 2nd Brigade’s SRPs
- 7.30.2004: Operation Lion Strike tests Iraq-bound 2nd ID's abilities
- 7.28.2004: Ships head out with 2nd ID gear
- 7.26.2004: ‘Band of Brothers’ unit training for its new role
- 7.17.2004: Dress rehearsal gives war-bound 2nd ID troops feel for what they’ll face
- 7.15.2004: 2nd ID’s move to Iraq a huge order for logistics units
- 7.14.2004: S. Korea-based 2nd ID preps for desert convoys in Iraq
- 6.29.2004: 2nd ID engineers train to be ‘Mr. Fix-it’ in Iraq
- 6.24.2004: Iraqi liaison officers will help ease the way for 2nd ID team
- 5.26.2004: Army says 2nd ID troops won't lose AIP bonus pay while deployed to Iraq
- 5.22.2004: 2nd ID troops speak of hopes, fears following Pentagon's announcement
- 5.19.2004: Pentagon: DOD drafts plans to send 3,600 soldiers from S. Korea to Iraq

2nd BCT in Operation Longhorn & Operation Bulldog

The 2nd BCT FRG Page posted several new articles on its "News Index" Page. Note that the posting dates are not the same as the dates they were published. The published dates are not given.

One article contains an announcement from the 2 BCT Public Affairs office that details recent operations in Ramadi. The article was published 10.04.2004 but doesn't clarify when exactly the operations occurred. Army Public Affairs posted the story as well, and indicated that Operation Bulldog occured 9.30.2004, with Operation Longhorn occuring a week earlier.

Summary Points:
- 3 brigade level operations in the past 3 weeks.
- objectives were to "deny anti-coalition forces safe haven, round up suspected anti-coalition leaders, and find weapons caches."
- Most recent called "Operation Bulldog" occurred "on Thursday", 9.30.2004, and "netted 75 anti-coalition fighters, as well as scores of ammunition, weapons systems, maps, and communications equipment."
- An operation the previous week was called "Operation Longhorn... that officials said was successful in routing insurgents and criminal fighters in the city."
- Based on the dates, the 3rd operation may be the previously mentioned "Operation Hurricane", although it is not specified in this announcement.
- units are working with Iraqi National Guard and Multi-National Forces
- The 2nd BCT (an Army Unit) is augmented by a Marine Infantry Battalion
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A second article recounts a 9.09.2004 Stars & Stripes article about Marine Lance Cpl. Steven Klimtzak and Sgt. Luke Cassidy, whose Humvee was struck by an IED on 9.03.2004, becoming the first 2nd BCT members to receive a Purple Heart.
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A third article is a 9.07.2004 Stars & Stripes article that describes the area of operation of the 1-9 mechanized battalion area of operations, which covers 3,500 square miles of desert and villages. The 1-9 does not operate in urban areas such as Ramadi and Fallujah.

Articles 10.04.2004

The Hickory Daily Record, NC, carries a personal story of a wife affected by the "back-to-back" hardship tours of the 2nd BCT. Kristen Sabat, wife of Cpt. Jason Sabat, met with staff-member of Senator Elizaboth Dole (R-NC) in Washington. The primary complaints mentioned in the article were that 1) "Army regulations state soldiers are not required to serve two back-to-back hardship tours of duty, or be away from family longer than 24 months" and 2) "She says her husband’s hardship pay was reduced from $150 per month while in Korea to $105 per month in Iraq." Mrs. Sabat also sent a petition to the Senate Armed Services Committee signed by more than 2,5000 neighbors, acquaintances and military wives. The Charlotte Observer (Free Registration Required) also picked up on this story.
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An Associated Press report mentions clashes in Ramadi between troops and gunmen. Two car bombs exploded in Ramadi on 10.04.2004, killing four Iraqis. Following one of the car bombs, "Witnesses said a wounded U.S. soldier was seen being carried away by his colleagues after the blast, which punched a crater into the ground and mangled a nearby vehicle. The U.S. military said it had no informatin on the incident." In the second incident, "A car bomb in the city Tuesdasy targeted a U.S. convoy, wounding four American soldiers, the U.S. military said. U.S. troops opened fire after the explosion, killing three Iraqis in a passing vehicle and wounding a number of others, said police 2nd Lt. Mohammed Ahmed."
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Adding to the speculation of possible upcoming offenses in Fallujah and Ramadi, according to this article from middle-east-online.com out of the UK, "Many in [Iraqi Prime Minister] Allawi's government have hinted in recent days that the rebel cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, west of Baghdad, may be targeted next ahead of the scheduled national elections in January.
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A terrible tragedy worsens for a 2nd BCT family. As previously reported, Spc. Robert Unruh was killed in action on 9.25.2004. On 10.04.2004, it was announced that Spc. Unruh's mother, Karen Unruh-Wahrer, 45, died of an aneurysm. Our hearts go out to their family.
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The Honolulu Advertiser, HI, has an article on Pfc. Joshua Titcomb, who died from wounds sustained in action on 9.29.2004. He had joined the Army in August, 2003. According to his mother, "Joshua fought for a cause he believed in. He died for a cause he believed in. He was willing and proud to serve his country."

video-montage of Marines in Ramadi

A widely read article in the Philadelphia Inquiry (Free Registration Required) graphically recounted a 4.6.2004 ambush on a Marine Company, Echo Company, in Ramadi in which 10 Marines were killed. A powerful video-montage of photographs and commentary from the journalist, David Swanson, is available here, along with other articles and photographs of the area.

Note that, besides registering, you will probably have to install or update your Real Media player to view the video. It is worth the effort.

As a follow-up, Echo Company returned home to Camp Pendleton, CA on 9.26.2004.

Info on Insurgents

An Associated Press article discusses the complexities of the insurgent guerilla warfare. There appears to be an estimated 20,000 insurgents in "three dozen or so guerilla bands" with very little ties between them. U.S. commanders label them as a "compound insurgency" with 4 general categories:

"The largest insurgent bloc is composed of Iraqi nationalists fighting to reclaim secular power lost when Saddam Hussein was deposed in April 2003.

The second is a growing faction of hardcore fighters aligned with terrorist groups, mainly that led by Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The U.S. military believes they want to turn Iraq into an anti-Western stronghold that would export Islamic revolution to other countries in the region.

A third group consists of conservative Iraqis who want to install an Islamic theocracy, but who stay away from terror tactics like car bombings and the beheading of hostages.

The fourth, al-Sadr's Mahdi Army, seeks to make the cleric the nationwide Shiite leader."

The article discusses several other aspects of the insurgency and the coalition forces response.

Articles & Photos 10.03.2004

Seth Robson of the Stars & Stripes reports that www.beerforsoldiers.com has been ordered to stop accepting donations. Apparently, "Federal regulations make it illegal for federal employees, including soldiers, to solicit or receive gifts." Sgt. Dale Rogers, the founder, has turned the site over to his brother as the new webmaster and removed the donation option on the web-page. However, it appears Sgt. Rogers' blog and possibly the pictures will continue to be updated on occasion.
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Some pictures of 2nd BCT troops, including Sgt. David Stemmerich of the 1-506th and 2nd BCT commanding officer Col. Gary Patton, are available from the Multi-National Force of Iraq page.
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Also from the MNF page, a news release from near Ramadi. On Oct. 3, soldiers from the 2nd BCT "discovered more than $350,000 in U.S. currency, more than $250,000 in U.S equivalent currency from 15 countries and several passports during a routine vehicle search." Also in the news release was a report that Marines from the 1st Marine Division captured 3 foreign fighter in the Anbar region near the Syrian border.

Reconstruction efforts

U.S. Forces set up camp in Ramadi in early May 2003. Since the 2nd BCT arrived in Sept 2004, media accounts suggest their focus has been primarily on security and offensive operations. In between May 2003 and Sept 2004, however, the Marines and soldiers have been involved in or supported several reconstruction efforts worthy of note. Thus, there are clearly some positives in the region.

In early 2004, the Coalition Provisional Authority allocated $540 million for restoration projects in the Al Anbar province, with additional funding appropriated since.

Examples of documented reconstruction tasks in Ramadi:
- Street repairs to improve travel and eliminate raw sewage
- Training of Iraq Police Forces, including handcuffing procedures, first aid, communication, building clearing techniques, and weapons training.
- Establishing security and providing provisions for hospitals. (note this link is to a pdf document)
- Building and supporting schools
- Improving water treatment plants
- Training Iraqi youth on construction skills

On the down side, one official's quote from Knight Ridder newspapers: As of July 2004, "The U.S. military has poured about $18 million into reconstruction projects in Ramadi, but Neemeyer [A U.S. Military Intelligence Officer] said the projects hadn't done much in the way of winning people over."
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A thorough, bipartisan evaluation of Iraq's reconstruction efforts was conducted by a think-tank (Center for Strategic and International Studies). Iraqi citizens conducted interviews in July around several regions as part of the research. A lengthly 108 page report was published in Sept 2004 and can be downloaded as a pdf document here.

Some key quotes:
"Despite consistent criticism that the media portrays the situation in Iraq in an overly negative light, the media has not been significantly more negative than other sources of information on the issues of security, governance and participation, and economic opportunity. The media has been regularly more negative than other sources about services and social well-being issues. But in those areas, the media is arguably more balanced than public sources, in that it tends to include descriptions of the impact of security and reports of the Iraqi perspective."

"Iraqis remain grounded in realism and patient about the future; they have modest expectations about the reconstruction but grander ones about Iraq’s longer-term prospects. Iraqis are judging U.S. actions and achievements by several standards: in contrast to those of Saddam Hussein, in light of Iraq’s many desperate, unmet needs, and by what they assume U.S. wealth and power should be able to achieve."

"In the four towns we surveyed in al-Anbar province, security concerns related as much to the lawlessness of a region where justice is dispensed according to tribal customs as to any fighting between U.S. forces and insurgents."

"The United States prioritized equitable provision of services to regions throughout Iraq, meaning that regions favored during Saddam’s rule (Baghdad and al-Anbar in particular) have felt especially adversely affected after the war."

"The United States has yet to undertake a realistic assessment of what it will take to win urban battles in Iraq, at least not publicly. The al-Anbar region, with the volatile cities of Falluja and Ramadi, remains essentially off-limits to U.S. and coalition forces since they pulled out of Falluja in April. Reports suggest that terrorists, insurgents, and Islamic extremists have free rein in those cities, terrorizing the local population and those seen as sympathetic to the United States or Iraq’s new government.149 Since backing off in Falluja and Najaf last April, U.S. and Iraqi leaders seem to have determined that flattening cities is not a winning formula for rooting out insurgents. Although doing so might mean a short-term military victory, it has massive political costs as a consequence of civilian casualties and economic losses. An alternative is needed, but the standoff in Najaf in August would suggest that neither the U.S. military nor the Iraqi government has yet defined one."