Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distingu... The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not of a sufficient nature to justify a higher award. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated... The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated NCO professional development courses. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous... The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. To be eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Service member must be assigned or attahced to a unit participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days or meet one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the amount of time the individual has served in Iraq; While participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or on official duties (regardless of the time spent in Iraq) is killed, wounded or injured to the extent that he or she requires medical evacuation from Iraq; or, While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement. Service members who qualified for the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by reason of service between March 19, 2003 and April 30, 2005 shall remain qualified for that medal. However, any such person may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for that service, at his or her request. In addition, any Army soldier who was authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with arrowhead device in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead device. No service member shall be entitled to both the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal for the same act, achievement, or period of service. Only one award of the Iraq Campaign Medal may be authorized for any individual. The Iraq Campaign Medal may be awarded posthumously to any Service members who loses his or her life while, as a direct result of participating in qualifying operations, without regard to the length of time in the area of eligibility, if otherwise applicable. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous... The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. To be eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Service member must be assigned or attahced to a unit participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days or meet one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the amount of time the individual has served in Iraq; While participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or on official duties (regardless of the time spent in Iraq) is killed, wounded or injured to the extent that he or she requires medical evacuation from Iraq; or, While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement. Service members who qualified for the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by reason of service between March 19, 2003 and April 30, 2005 shall remain qualified for that medal. However, any such person may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for that service, at his or her request. In addition, any Army soldier who was authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with arrowhead device in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead device. No service member shall be entitled to both the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal for the same act, achievement, or period of service. Only one award of the Iraq Campaign Medal may be authorized for any individual. The Iraq Campaign Medal may be awarded posthumously to any Service members who loses his or her life while, as a direct result of participating in qualifying operations, without regard to the length of time in the area of eligibility, if otherwise applicable. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Camp Warrior, also referred to as Forward Operating Base (FOB) Warrior and initially known as Camp Renegade was located at Kirkuk Air Base in northern Iraq. Kirkuk Air Base was approximately 240 kilom
Camp Warrior, also referred to as Forward Operating Base (FOB) Warrior and initially known as Camp Renegade was located at Kirkuk Air Base in northern Iraq. Kirkuk Air Base was approximately 240 kilometers north of Baghdad on the West side of the city of Kirkuk, some 1.6 kilometers away. The FOB was in addition to US personnel stationed at Kirkuk Air Base to manage operations there. Kirkuk Air Base was referred to, at least initially, by the informal nickname "Krabtown."
Task Force Ironhorse, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based out of Vicenza, Italy secured the oil rich, ethnically diverse city of Kirkuk and surrounding areas in the northern portion of the Task Force area of operations. The gave the name Camp Renegade to their facilities there.
In mid-April 2003, the first contingent of the 5th Combat Communications Group communicators stepped off a C-130 on an airbase in Kirkuk, Iraq. The 12 members of the force were to bring state-of-the-art communications to this airbase held by the Iraqi government only weeks before. Only 3 Air Force aircraft landed previously bringing in the tanker airlift control element. Combat communications had arrived early in the fight. Kirkuk was devastated in the previous weeks by looters taking everything that could be removed. There was no electric power, running water or restrooms, and every glass window in every building was broken. With only 2 C-130s full of equipment the small group provided DSN, NIPRNET, and SIPRNET services to Air Force personnel. Initial services were provided in a communications cafe on the compound. The cafe instantly became the hub of activity on the base as members of every functional area flocked to the cafe. Airmen took their positions at the NIPRNET and SIPRNET consoles in order to do their work. Also early in the fight, air traffic control and landing systems flowed onto the base. Once sited, a tactical air navigation system was the first system to be set up. In a mere matter of hours the system was up and running through alignments and tests. Following soon after, an AN/MSN-7 mobile tower was set up, providing communications capability to air traffic controllers. Finally, an AN/TPN-19 mobile radar system was sited and installed. This was to be the first operational use of the AN/TPN-19 as an in-route center radar system. The mission was a big change from the typical terminal approach control normally conducted with the AN/TPN-19. In route or air center control was performed across the entire northern part of Iraq, which required the radar and air-ground radios to perform far beyond normal requirements. Kirkuk Air Base matured quickly the mission grew every day as northern Iraq increasingly depended on this resupply and airpower hub. The communication requirements continually grew and expanded into mission areas not traditionally provided by expeditionary communicators.
Members of the USAF's 506th Air Expeditionary Group based at Kirkuk Air Base and the US Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team at Camp Renegade teamed up to educate Kirkuk residents on public health issues, safety and the well-being of the city. Members of the Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams in Kirkuk had removed and destroyed more than one million pounds of ordnance.
Task Force 1-63rd Armor provided medical treatment to detainees at Camp Renegade, Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, in November 2003. 64th Military Police Company operated at Camp Renegade, the 173rd Airborne Brigade's Collection Facility inside Kirkuk Air Base, during late 2003.
Contractors worked into the evening to complete a dormitory that would house up to 1,664 airmen in 13 buildings with 6 to eight people to a room. Each dorm would feature its own latrine with 14 sinks, 8 toilets and 8 showers. The new dorms were scheduled to open on 1 December 2003. The units were originally purchased by US Air Forces in Europe and earmarked for construction at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, for Operation Northern Watch.
Nearly a year after parachuting into enemy territory, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team was relieved of its area of operations by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, the "Warriors," on 19 February 2004 during a transfer of authority ceremony. The facility where the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team had been operating out of was renamed for the new unit. Subsequently named Camp Warrior, the facility was also referred to as FOB Warrior. Located just outside the city of Kirkuk, about 140 miles north of Baghdad, Kirkuk Air Base was situated in the center of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division's area of operations, starting February 2004.
To many soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom II FOB Warrior was home. Task Force 1-21st Infantry and support elements from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, including the Brigade's headquarters were stationed there, where they conducted operations in and around Kirkuk. When their duty day was completed, they rested and slept in 4-person containers. The containers were an improvement from living in outdoor hooches and provided some measure of privacy and insulation against harsh weather elements. The containers were themselves equipped with a heater, air conditioner and electricity."
An AAFES exchange, gift shop, alterations and dry cleaning services, barber shops, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Taco Bell, internet and phone facilities, Green Beans Coffee Shop, pool, beauty parlor, a 24-hour gym, shuttle bus service, a dining facility that can seat up to 1,600 patrons and the 'Clamtina' club provide a variety of entertainment and accommodations for the Soldiers and Airmen residing here.
Everyday, hundreds of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) with their vehicles entered FOB Warrior. A large number of TCNs worked on base construction projects, while the rest were employed for life support activities such as linguist, laundry, barber, tailor, and the like. Due to the existing force protection stance, it was necessary to search every TCN and vehicle that entered the FOB. In addition, all TCNs had to be escorted throughout the FOB (the TCN escort mission was manning intensive that required augmentation of the forces assigned to it).
It was imperative that soldiers escorting these TCNs were rotated. If not, familiarity and closeness between Soldiers and TCNs could develop, which could be dangerous. TCNs could be a tool for the enemy in gathering intelligence. For instance, a TCN might ask about a rocket attack the previous night on the FOB and could show genuine concern. The unsuspecting escort, due to his familiarity with the TCN, might pass critical information, such as impact location, casualties, or other details. Unknowingly, the soldier just gave the TCN an accurate damage assessment. If this information was passed to the enemy, they could fire or adjust fire from the same firing position since they had been made aware of their firing effectiveness from last night. The friendliest TCNs were the ones wanting information. However, escorts had to be reminded to treat all TCNs with respect and dignity. TCNs also serve as an important tool to the US information operations campaign. TCNs worked on base and lived off post.
Closely related to the TCN escort mission was the defense of the only TCN access gate onto the FOB. Although FOB Warrior was primarily defended by the Air Force Security Forces, the Headquarters platoon had taken ownership of defending one gate. At any given morning, close to 600 TCNs and 200 vehicles entered the FOB through this gate. When the outgoing unit transferred the TCN escort mission, US forces immediately saw the need to improve the defense of the TCN access gate. The enemy has been targeting local nationals working with or supporting coalition forces. The presences of an Iraqi National Guard compound just down the road made this gate an even more lucrative target.
To counter the VBIED threat FOB Warrior had installed a second drop arm from the main gate. This provided a 200-meter blast stand off. In addition, a 30-foot guard tower was built to over watch gate operations and all avenues of approach.
There was a 40-bed hospital tent facility at Forward Operating Base Warrior. As of September 2005, the staff consisted of 4 doctors and 4 physician assistants with the 116th Brigade Combat Team, Virginia Army National Guard. Serious injuries, requiring more than 3 days of care, meant the soldier got shipped out to Germany or the States for care there.
The mission of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) at Kirkuk Air Base was to facilitate the reconstruction, operation and maintenance of the base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and other US Central Command (CENTCOM) contingency plans. Kirkuk was a key element in the coalition effort of the reconstruction of Iraq. Kirkuk Regional Air Base also served as a logistical hub for US Army and Special Operation Forces. In addition, the 506th AEG provided ground-based military air warning and control, and civil Air Traffic Control services for all of northern Iraq.
By 2006, Airmen with the 506th Expeditionary Communications Squadron had installed more than 45,000 feet of cable to 55 facilities at Kirkuk Air Base to support telephone and computer network communications for deployed forces.
Camp Warrior, also referred to as Forward Operating Base (FOB) Warrior and initially known as Camp Renegade was located at Kirkuk Air Base in northern Iraq. Kirkuk Air Base was approximately 240 kilom
Camp Warrior, also referred to as Forward Operating Base (FOB) Warrior and initially known as Camp Renegade was located at Kirkuk Air Base in northern Iraq. Kirkuk Air Base was approximately 240 kilometers north of Baghdad on the West side of the city of Kirkuk, some 1.6 kilometers away. The FOB was in addition to US personnel stationed at Kirkuk Air Base to manage operations there. Kirkuk Air Base was referred to, at least initially, by the informal nickname "Krabtown."
Task Force Ironhorse, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based out of Vicenza, Italy secured the oil rich, ethnically diverse city of Kirkuk and surrounding areas in the northern portion of the Task Force area of operations. The gave the name Camp Renegade to their facilities there.
In mid-April 2003, the first contingent of the 5th Combat Communications Group communicators stepped off a C-130 on an airbase in Kirkuk, Iraq. The 12 members of the force were to bring state-of-the-art communications to this airbase held by the Iraqi government only weeks before. Only 3 Air Force aircraft landed previously bringing in the tanker airlift control element. Combat communications had arrived early in the fight. Kirkuk was devastated in the previous weeks by looters taking everything that could be removed. There was no electric power, running water or restrooms, and every glass window in every building was broken. With only 2 C-130s full of equipment the small group provided DSN, NIPRNET, and SIPRNET services to Air Force personnel. Initial services were provided in a communications cafe on the compound. The cafe instantly became the hub of activity on the base as members of every functional area flocked to the cafe. Airmen took their positions at the NIPRNET and SIPRNET consoles in order to do their work. Also early in the fight, air traffic control and landing systems flowed onto the base. Once sited, a tactical air navigation system was the first system to be set up. In a mere matter of hours the system was up and running through alignments and tests. Following soon after, an AN/MSN-7 mobile tower was set up, providing communications capability to air traffic controllers. Finally, an AN/TPN-19 mobile radar system was sited and installed. This was to be the first operational use of the AN/TPN-19 as an in-route center radar system. The mission was a big change from the typical terminal approach control normally conducted with the AN/TPN-19. In route or air center control was performed across the entire northern part of Iraq, which required the radar and air-ground radios to perform far beyond normal requirements. Kirkuk Air Base matured quickly the mission grew every day as northern Iraq increasingly depended on this resupply and airpower hub. The communication requirements continually grew and expanded into mission areas not traditionally provided by expeditionary communicators.
Members of the USAF's 506th Air Expeditionary Group based at Kirkuk Air Base and the US Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team at Camp Renegade teamed up to educate Kirkuk residents on public health issues, safety and the well-being of the city. Members of the Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams in Kirkuk had removed and destroyed more than one million pounds of ordnance.
Task Force 1-63rd Armor provided medical treatment to detainees at Camp Renegade, Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, in November 2003. 64th Military Police Company operated at Camp Renegade, the 173rd Airborne Brigade's Collection Facility inside Kirkuk Air Base, during late 2003.
Contractors worked into the evening to complete a dormitory that would house up to 1,664 airmen in 13 buildings with 6 to eight people to a room. Each dorm would feature its own latrine with 14 sinks, 8 toilets and 8 showers. The new dorms were scheduled to open on 1 December 2003. The units were originally purchased by US Air Forces in Europe and earmarked for construction at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, for Operation Northern Watch.
Nearly a year after parachuting into enemy territory, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team was relieved of its area of operations by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, the "Warriors," on 19 February 2004 during a transfer of authority ceremony. The facility where the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team had been operating out of was renamed for the new unit. Subsequently named Camp Warrior, the facility was also referred to as FOB Warrior. Located just outside the city of Kirkuk, about 140 miles north of Baghdad, Kirkuk Air Base was situated in the center of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division's area of operations, starting February 2004.
To many soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom II FOB Warrior was home. Task Force 1-21st Infantry and support elements from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, including the Brigade's headquarters were stationed there, where they conducted operations in and around Kirkuk. When their duty day was completed, they rested and slept in 4-person containers. The containers were an improvement from living in outdoor hooches and provided some measure of privacy and insulation against harsh weather elements. The containers were themselves equipped with a heater, air conditioner and electricity."
An AAFES exchange, gift shop, alterations and dry cleaning services, barber shops, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Taco Bell, internet and phone facilities, Green Beans Coffee Shop, pool, beauty parlor, a 24-hour gym, shuttle bus service, a dining facility that can seat up to 1,600 patrons and the 'Clamtina' club provide a variety of entertainment and accommodations for the Soldiers and Airmen residing here.
Everyday, hundreds of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) with their vehicles entered FOB Warrior. A large number of TCNs worked on base construction projects, while the rest were employed for life support activities such as linguist, laundry, barber, tailor, and the like. Due to the existing force protection stance, it was necessary to search every TCN and vehicle that entered the FOB. In addition, all TCNs had to be escorted throughout the FOB (the TCN escort mission was manning intensive that required augmentation of the forces assigned to it).
It was imperative that soldiers escorting these TCNs were rotated. If not, familiarity and closeness between Soldiers and TCNs could develop, which could be dangerous. TCNs could be a tool for the enemy in gathering intelligence. For instance, a TCN might ask about a rocket attack the previous night on the FOB and could show genuine concern. The unsuspecting escort, due to his familiarity with the TCN, might pass critical information, such as impact location, casualties, or other details. Unknowingly, the soldier just gave the TCN an accurate damage assessment. If this information was passed to the enemy, they could fire or adjust fire from the same firing position since they had been made aware of their firing effectiveness from last night. The friendliest TCNs were the ones wanting information. However, escorts had to be reminded to treat all TCNs with respect and dignity. TCNs also serve as an important tool to the US information operations campaign. TCNs worked on base and lived off post.
Closely related to the TCN escort mission was the defense of the only TCN access gate onto the FOB. Although FOB Warrior was primarily defended by the Air Force Security Forces, the Headquarters platoon had taken ownership of defending one gate. At any given morning, close to 600 TCNs and 200 vehicles entered the FOB through this gate. When the outgoing unit transferred the TCN escort mission, US forces immediately saw the need to improve the defense of the TCN access gate. The enemy has been targeting local nationals working with or supporting coalition forces. The presences of an Iraqi National Guard compound just down the road made this gate an even more lucrative target.
To counter the VBIED threat FOB Warrior had installed a second drop arm from the main gate. This provided a 200-meter blast stand off. In addition, a 30-foot guard tower was built to over watch gate operations and all avenues of approach.
There was a 40-bed hospital tent facility at Forward Operating Base Warrior. As of September 2005, the staff consisted of 4 doctors and 4 physician assistants with the 116th Brigade Combat Team, Virginia Army National Guard. Serious injuries, requiring more than 3 days of care, meant the soldier got shipped out to Germany or the States for care there.
The mission of the 506th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) at Kirkuk Air Base was to facilitate the reconstruction, operation and maintenance of the base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and other US Central Command (CENTCOM) contingency plans. Kirkuk was a key element in the coalition effort of the reconstruction of Iraq. Kirkuk Regional Air Base also served as a logistical hub for US Army and Special Operation Forces. In addition, the 506th AEG provided ground-based military air warning and control, and civil Air Traffic Control services for all of northern Iraq.
By 2006, Airmen with the 506th Expeditionary Communications Squadron had installed more than 45,000 feet of cable to 55 facilities at Kirkuk Air Base to support telephone and computer network communications for deployed forces.
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Criteria The Valorous Unit Award may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States; while engaged in military oper... The Valorous Unit Award may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operat... The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operations against an armed enemy on or after January 1, 1944. MoreHide
Criteria The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous... The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. To be eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Service member must be assigned or attahced to a unit participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days or meet one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the amount of time the individual has served in Iraq; While participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or on official duties (regardless of the time spent in Iraq) is killed, wounded or injured to the extent that he or she requires medical evacuation from Iraq; or, While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement. Service members who qualified for the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by reason of service between March 19, 2003 and April 30, 2005 shall remain qualified for that medal. However, any such person may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for that service, at his or her request. In addition, any Army soldier who was authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with arrowhead device in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead device. No service member shall be entitled to both the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal for the same act, achievement, or period of service. Only one award of the Iraq Campaign Medal may be authorized for any individual. The Iraq Campaign Medal may be awarded posthumously to any Service members who loses his or her life while, as a direct result of participating in qualifying operations, without regard to the length of time in the area of eligibility, if otherwise applicable. MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determine... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determined MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Description BAYONET 6, this is Dragon 6. I can be roll ing to Irbil in 4 hours with tanks and Bradleys. Over." Lieutenant Colonel Ken Riddle, Commander, 1st Battalion, 63d Armor and Task Force (TF) 1-63 initiatedBAYONET 6, this is Dragon 6. I can be roll ing to Irbil in 4 hours with tanks and Bradleys. Over." Lieutenant Colonel Ken Riddle, Commander, 1st Battalion, 63d Armor and Task Force (TF) 1-63 initiated this radio transmission from the Bashur Airfield in northern Iraq to his newly assigned parent unit, the 173d Airborne Regiment on 7 April 2003. The communication marked the beginning of the first expeditionary insertion of a U.S. armored force (1st Armored Division elements) into combat by air.
Task Force 1-63's lead elements: an MlAl tank, an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, an M113 armored personnel carrier, mortars, and a battalion command post (CP) equipped with satellite communications arrived at Bashur Airfield to support the opening of the northern front in Iraq. With them came scouts, military police (MPs), and a combat service support platoon.
Task Force 1-63's armor systems were nearly impervious to Iraqi weapons systems. Therefore, it was no surprise that shortly after TF 1-63's arrival in the Iraqi Theater of operations, enemy divisions in northern Iraq began to disintegrate. Much of the Iraqi military capitulated in the north by 10 April 2003. Following the Iraqi regime's rapid collapse, TF 1-63 and the remainder of the 173d Airborne Regiment were attached to the 4th Infantry Division (ID) and rapidly transitioned to stability operations near Kirkuk.
This historic, successful airborne insertion is a tribute to the soldiers of TF 1-63 and to U.S. Army, Europe's (USAREUR's) ability to rapidly organize, deploy, and sustain this force. USAREUR's strategic forward positioning in Germany was an essential factor in furthering this achievement. ... More
People You Remember
B C 2/2 IN BN attached to 1/63 AR attached to 173rd ABN BDE
Description
Designed to capture weapons, materials and people that posed a threat against Coalition forces. Lasted 16 hours, 1200 troops from 173rd Airborne Brigade, 4th ID, and Iraq. No casualties reported.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military ... The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military Occupational Specialty identifier based on civilian or other-service acquired skills, the ribbon is awarded upon honorable completion of four months active service. Only one award of this ribbon is authorized, even if an individual completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training. MoreHide