Last Entry

Hello from Baghdad. This will be my last blog entry. While I never had a personal history with reading or writing blog entries, I found this experience to be very positive. Writing my thoughts and experiences down, enabled me to not only give them additional thought but also made me analyze them in more depth than I normally would have, i.e. specifically trying to ascertain the “so what” of the experience, not just store the memory away in a “CNN reporting” fashion. COL Lutz, the Commander of Combined Joint Task Force Troy emphasizes to his field commanders, if an event occurs, the lessons we can learn (i.e. the so-what) from that experience need to be distilled, documented and distributed to the force. This is whether we are talking about IED trends, operational environments, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TT&P), etc. For me, the “so what” typically related to the acquisition frame, analysis of results of experimentation and testing of emerging technologies in addressing the C-IED fight or documenting the evolution of TT&P’s that relate to the meeting the IED threat. In my final blog entry, I will give a synopsis of my accomplishments in my brief support of CJTF Troy, emphasize a key lesson learned which applies to the interaction and partnership between the war fighters and support element off the battlefield, i.e. CONUS-based commands and laboratories and finally highlight the efforts of a few individuals that helped we tremendously during my deployment in Iraq.

In many ways it seems the past 120 days have gone by very quickly, however, in other aspects, it feels like 5 years have past. Anyway, here is a listing of my routine and “not-so-routine” efforts:
• Attended and/or participated in the following daily & weekly meetings: Multi-National Corps-Iraq (MNC-I) C-IED Technology Gap IPT, MNC-I Force Protection IPT with OSD (DDR&E)/CENTCOM, MNC-I C-IED Working Group, JIEDDO/RDECOM/REF C-IED VTC, TF Troy daily Commander’s Call and TF Troy Commander’s Update Briefing.
• Participated in planning, trials and execution of a field operation in MND-W AOR (Fallujah area). Details of operation can be transmitted via SIPR upon request.
• Researched, drafted and promulgated a Fragmentary Order and a Joint Urgent Operational Needs (JUONS) for improving the data collected for post blast (i.e. of an IED, RPG and mortar) response of CJTF Troy war fighters. This effort focused on improving the coverage and data entry with respect to the impact to the war fighter. Specifically, shock and over-pressure measurements are needed to support more effective forensic analysis and aide in a more though history documented for the operator.
• Serve as the primary J8 POC on the Unmanned Aerial System Block 2 upgrade. Worked with CJTF Troy staff, CENTCOM and UAS PMO to determine a product validation strategy and fielding strategy for the ITO.
• Liaison with NAVEODTECHDIV for improving “Non Line-of-Sight” Command and Control for MTRS operations leading to the drafting of a new JUONS.
• Participated in the C-IED field trails of electrical resistivity mapping technology, i.e. the transmitter and receiver are capacitively coupled to the ground.
• Participated in the field trails of a technology to detect, classify and locate “Un-intended Radiated Emissions” in support of C-IED mission.
• Participated and aided in the development of a proposal briefing for an emerging technology concept for characterizing an IED incident site. Proposal was funded and is being pursued.
• Documented technology demonstration and ACAT strategy concepts used in theater by CJTF Troy in routine submissions to the AUVSI website.
Below is a picture of me with MAJ Greg Holifield, PhD (Uniformed Army Scientist), MAJ Patrick Stamm (TF Troy J8).

A major lesson I re-learned from my CJTF Troy experience was the extreme value of insuring key stakeholders understand the basis for key acquisition decisions. Especially if these decision explicitly affect the war fighter (i.e. changes to final system configuration and/or logistic support infa-structure). A consensus between the acquisition and operator communities should be more than a goal but should be viewed as a rule or habit. Often times, the support acquisition community can fall into the easy trap, we can’t do this or we can’t do that with the DoD acquisition instructions being used as a “barrier of convenience” to not fully and openly communicate to operators in theater. The DoD doctrine should be followed and used to facilitate and positively affect how the war fighters needs can be met. At a minimum, details should be highlighted explaining the potential impact to the program if a requested change or implementation of an additional support element is pursued. These type of actions build a sense of partnership and will build trust between all stakeholders leading to a more effective and supportable product when fielded. Additionally, independent of the type of acquisition program, it is incumbent on the acquisition community to always be able to define the capabilities and limitations to be expected by the war fighter even when fielding the 80% solution.

Last week while surveying a couple of “bombed out” buildings on Camp Slayer, a camp on the other side of the airport from Victory Base Camp, we noticed this slightly modified switch plate in one of the buildings. Obviously, one of the “Joe’s” (G.I.’s) added some of their own accents to the switch plate. I thought it was great to note that even in this high risk environment, the war fighters still keep a sense of humor in everyday life.

Before I transition to my final tribute to the EOD hero’s of the Operation Iraqi Freedom, I want to highlight my appreciation to several individuals who have helped me during my deployment here. These individuals provided me their expertise, advice and guidance when I desperately needed it. They often gave me support or answers to my questions within the hour. In no particular order, my thanks are extended to: Angi Carr and Dr. Tom Curtin (AUVSI), Dr. Tom Swean (ONR), Jeff Geiger and Tina Kastner (ITT), Eric Pierce, Dave Junker and John Dudinsky (NSWC, Panama City), Ryan Davis and Rick Nagle (G2 Software Systems), Eric Bauer, Ed Crenshaw, Alan Lewis, Angie Cash, Christy Bickerstaff, Brian Mange, Bob Higgison and Mike Rothe (SPAWAR Systems Center, San Diego), Julie Banner (NSWC Carderock Division), Nancy Bowie and Chris O’Donnell (NAVEODTECHDIV), Dr. Craig Woosley and Kevin Kochersberger (Va Tech) and Dr. Katherine Taber (Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine).

As far as the copious care packages and the many letters of encouragement sent to me and TF Troy J8, I want to thank the members of my family, numerous friends, and staff of AUVSI and the First Baptist Church of La Plata (Women in Mission) for all the goodies and words of encouragement. And last but certainly not least, Angi, I would like to thank you for all the support and guidance you have provided me to get this blog on the AUVSI site. My endless gratitude is given to you.

My experience has produced additional respect for the soldiers, Marines, sailors and Airmen many of whom are in the Iraqi Theater of Operations for 180, 365 or even 450 days tours. Those men and women continue to provide services to support the strategic goals of our country and additionally to improve the quality of life for the Iraqi people. Since I arrived in theater, the following two individuals paid the ultimate price while performing an EOD mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition, a third EOD Technician while conducting routine EOD operations, lost his right leg to an IED attack. Sergeant Christopher J. Frost is presently assigned as an EOD NCOIC at the 48th EOD Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England from which he deployed to the 732 ECES/Det 5 Weapons Intelligence Team (WIT), Forward Operating Base, Brassfield Mora, Iraq. As a WIT leader, SGT Frost was responsible for providing responsive C-IED intelligence, collection and analysis, as well as tactical exploitation capability in support of Multi-National Corps Iraq. On 18 May 2008, on route to an IED post blast investigation, SGT Frost’s vehicle was struck by an IED resulting in one KIA and three WIA including SGT Frost. His right leg was amputated below the knee due to severe injury but the doctors were able to save his badly damaged left leg. SGT Frost is currently at Walter Reed Medical Center in undergoing physical therapy and a speedy recovery. Here are descriptions of the two fallen warriors and their accomplishments.

Sergeant First Class Lawrence David Ezell was born on June 10, 1977 in Texas. He enlisted in the United States Army on October 31, 1994. On March 18, 2000 he attended Explosive Ordnance Disposal School at Eglin Air Force Base and was awarded the 89D MOS. His previous duty assignments include Ft Stewart, Georgia and Grafenwoher, Germany. In March of 2007, he was assigned to 62nd OD CO (EOD) at Fort Carson, Colorado where he served as a Platoon Sergeant. SFC Ezell’s service included tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003) and Operation Enduring Freedom (2005). On November 1, 2007 he once again deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. SFC Ezell’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal (3d Award), the National Defense Service Medal (2d Award), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star), the Iraqi Campaign Medal (with 3 Bronze Service Stars), the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, The Overseas Service Ribbon (3d Award), the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge, and the Drivers Badge. Sergeant First Class Ezell is survived by his wife Christy and his son Tristan, who reside in Fountain, Colorado and by his parents Lawrence Ezell and Rebecca Ballew. He was extremely dedicated to the mission, his Soldiers, and most of all, his family. He led from the front, guiding his EOD team members in their quest to become more proficient in their jobs as EOD technicians.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony L. Capra, 31, of Hanford, Calif.; assigned to Detachment 63, 688th Armament Systems Squadron, Indian Head City, Md.; died April 9 in Golden Hills, Iraq, of wounds sustained when he encountered an improvised explosive device.

At the time of his death, TSgt Capra was on his 107th combat mission, and assigned as an EOD team leader to the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, was conducting post-blast analysis of a roadside bomb crater. During his investigation, he discovered a second improvised explosive device only a few meters away; while attempting to render the second device safe, it detonated. Sergeant Capra entered the Air Force in June 1997; his most recent assignment was with Detachment 63 at Indian Head Naval Ordnance Station, Md. The sergeant had volunteered for his six-month deployment to Balad, his fourth since November2001. Sergeant Capra was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star, first Oak Leaf Cluster, for his heroic actions during his deployment.

In closing my opportunity to support CJTF Troy and its war fighters over the past 4 months has been incredible. In my 26 years as a civil servant in supporting our Armed Forces, the past 120 days will always be a “showcase period” for me. It was enlightening, educational and rewarding. It was enlightening from the aspect of better understanding the needs and environment that the war fighter encounters daily. It was educational to learn how I can best tailor the process prescribed within the guidelines of the DoD’s acquisition system to more effectively introduce and sustain forward deployed capabilities required to fight an insurgent-based.

But most importantly, it was rewarding through meeting, getting to know and supporting the individuals that make CJTF Troy an effective and efficient war fighting organization. As MG Lynch (CG MND-Center Iraq) stated at the EOD Memorial last month, “I am humbled and honored to be in the presence of men and women that routinely lay their life on the line to support the goals and cause of our nation”. I too share that humility and sense of honor, for this very short period of time, I directly supported these hero’s and was proud to be considered part of the CJTF Troy team.