Articles 5.18.2005

The Desert Strike FRG site has a new update letter from 2nd BCT Commander Col Gary S. Patton. Col Patton reports that the 2nd BCT received its OIF deployment order one year ago today. He provides updates on redeployment facts and rumors:
- The 2nd BCT OIF tour has not been extended in Iraq, and remains "on plan to redeploy in July and August."
- The enlisted individual assignment instructions are expected to be received by the end of May, and officer instructions in June.
- Upon return to Ft Carson, every Soldier "will be authorized 30 days of ordinary, chargeable leave upon our return and completion of mandatory redeployment tasks."
- Families can move to Ft Carson now.
- Replacement soldiers will return to Ft Carson with the 2nd BCT
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A Marine Corps news article highlights efforts of battle damage assessment and repayment in Ramadi. Marines of the 5th Civil Affairs group, supporting the 1/5 Marines, followed up after a search operation required forced break-ins of two auto repair shops. However, the owners could not be found at the time.
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A separate Marine Corps news article features a young Marine intent on becoming a career Marine. Cpl. Eduardo Munoz is a team leader of the 1/5 Marines. His wife delivered their a son, their first child, four weeks ago.
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Another Marine Corps news article features a group of Marines who stumbed across a vehicle in Ramadi that carried Texas license plates.
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Rebels Seem Intent on Civil War in Iraq
- Philadelphia Inquirer: Satellite TV popular in Iraq, but foes see Western threat
- Christian Science Monitor: Iraq starts battle over constitution
- Christian Science Monitor: Two possible futures for Iraq's struggle
- Chicago Tribune (via Yahoo News): New artistic freedom exposed on film, TV
- Marine Corps Press Release: Fallujah Holds Its First City Council Meeting