Articles 8.23.2005 - 9.7.2005

Pittsburgh Live reports on a 2nd BCT Soldier visiting a factory while on leave "to thank the employees for their efforts to turn out life-saving "transparent armor" windows for Humvee vehicles." Spc. Nathaniel Cornman, of the 1-503rd, visited the plant, where his uncle works, and brought along a baseball cap signed by Soldiers in his unit. Spc. Cornman describes several incidents, including 8 IED attacks on his vehicle, in which the glass provided safety for the Soldiers. One other quote: "the unit has been guaranteed a year stateside. But, "After that, it's up for grabs."
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The NY Post (via lockergnome.com) has an commentary article that mentions reenlistment numbers of selected units, including the 2nd BCT: "Every one of the Army's 10 divisions — its key combat organizations — has exceeded its re-enlistment goal for the year to date. Those with the most intense experience in Iraq have the best rates. The 1st Cavalry Division is at 136 percent of its target, the 3rd Infantry Division at 117 percent. Among separate combat brigades, the figures are even more startling, with the 2nd Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division at 178 percent of its goal and the 3rd Brigade of the 4th Mech right behind at 174 percent of its re-enlistment target."
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The Stars & Stripes has an article evaluating the learning experiences of the 2nd BCT FRG site, which was the first virtual FRG site in the Army.
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Update on the 1/5 Marines in Ramadi, the company attached to the 2nd BCT from Mar-July 2005:

The North Country Times, CA, describes the current situation the 1/5 Marines are facing: "Gunmen have recently opened fire on Sunni Muslim leaders in the Iraqi city. Agents of al-Qaida in Iraq have posted threats on Ramadi's mosques vowing to attack anyone who participates in the October referendum to ratify the constitution, the drafting of which has already missed two deadlines in recent weeks. About 5,000 residents filled Ramadi's streets last weekend to protest the draft constitution, which they say excludes them, and Sunni tribal leaders have ordered Ramadi residents to attack Sunni extremists in the city who oppose the upcoming vote.Three car bombs targeting U.S. forces exploded in Ramadi on Wednesday, according to the Reuters news agency." One quote on the continuing mission in the town: "Despite the insurgency's grip on Ramadi, Nicholson said the Marines' mission will remain one of supporting the Iraqis so that maybe they can defeat the insurgency or at least sap its steam themselves."If we can keep the pressure off there, allowing the government to sink some roots, that's probably the only way they'll survive," Nicholson said. "The more the people of Ramadi see the Marines and the Iraqi forces working together, the more I think you'll see change."
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A MNF-Iraq news release from 8.23.2005 reports that "Multi-national forces raided a suspected terrorist hideout in Ramadi Aug. 23 and captured a pair of known terrorists based in Ramadi."