US battle plans begin to unravel
by Michael Schwartz
Asia Times
November 20, 2004

In the New York Times this week the first crack appeared in the armor of the "victory in Fallujah" facade maintained by the major US media since the battle began. Eric Schmitt and Robert Worth discuss a secret Marine Corps report that reveals the major bind the US has gotten itself into by sweeping through Fallujah and attempting to pacify it. This US strategy has created exactly the dilemma that many critics of the war had been predicting: in order to hold Fallujah the United States has to keep large numbers of troops there, and then the Americans will not have sufficient troops to handle the uprising elsewhere in the Sunni areas.

The problem is summarized thusly in the New York Times article: "Senior marine intelligence officers in Iraq are warning that if American troop levels in the Fallujah area are significantly reduced during reconstruction there, as has been planned, insurgents in the region will rebound from their defeat. The rebels could thwart the retraining of Iraqi security forces, intimidate the local population and derail elections set for January, the officers say."

Beneath this general problem lie three key problems that made the attack on Fallujah a desperation measure in the first place, and which is now creating a new and deeper crisis for the  US military in its aftermath.

First, and most important, the people of Fallujah hate the Americans and support the guerrillas (even if they may have complaints about much of what they do). This means that as soon as the people return, so will the resistance, hidden from US view because virtually all the guerrillas are residents of Fallujah with supporters in the community. They will not be turned over to the US or to Iraqi police, and they will therefore begin to mount attacks on whoever is left to guard the US-installed local government.

Second, the US cannot depend on Iraqi police or military to fight this next phase of the "battle of Fallujah". Here's how this problem was reported by the Times: "Senior officers have said that they would keep a sizable American military presence in and around Fallujah in the long reconstruction phase that has just begun, until sufficiently trained and equipped Iraqi forces could take the lead in providing security. 'It will take a security presence for a while until a well-trained Iraqi security force can take over the presence in Fallujah and maintain security so that the insurgents don't come back, as they have tried to do in every one of the cities that we have thrown them out of,' General George W Casey Jr, the top American commander in Iraq, said on November 8. American commanders have expressed disappointment in some of the Iraqis they have been training, especially members of the Iraqi police force. Other troops have performed well, the officers have said."

The key thing here is that when the Americans entered the Fallujah battle they believed that the Iraqi forces would be ready to take over immediately after the city was cleared. But the mass defections and unwillingness to fight exhibited by the Iraqis have forced a drastic revision in these estimates, so that now US military leaders are forced to keep a US presence during the "long reconstruction phase" (read - "until the guerrilla attacks stop") while they wait (probably in vain) for a new cycle of training to produce an Iraqi force that is capable of resisting the guerrillas (the first three efforts to produce such a force have already failed - there is no reason to believe that the next will succeed).

The third problem is that the US simply does not have enough troops to hold Fallujah and also do all the other fighting that is now necessary. The Times reporters expressed it thus: "If many American troops and the better-trained specialized Iraqi forces, like the commando and special police units, are committed to Fallujah for a long time, they will not be available to go elsewhere in Iraq , possibly creating critical shortfalls." In other words, when the resistance drives the police and local government out of other cities (as they did recently in Samarra, Tal Afar and Mosul) the US will not have sufficient troops to recapture the cities, and they will have to allow them to remain in rebel hands, just as Fallujah remained in rebel hands for six months.

This is the ultimate denouement of the attack on Fallujah. The US is now faced with the choice of leaving Fallujah and allowing the shura mujahideen government that has ruled it since April to return to power, or allow the resistance to take power in many other cities. Either option will leave the US in a significantly worse position than it was in before the attack. As so many predicted, the attack on Fallujah has strengthened the resistance and weakened the  US occupation.

And one final note: the only remedy for the third problem is a vast increase in the number of US troops in Iraq . And that means a draft in the United States .

Michael Schwartz , professor of sociology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, has written extensively on popular protest and insurgency, and on US business and government dynamics. His work on Iraq has appeared on ZNet and TomDispatch, and in Z Magazine. His books include Radical Politics and Social Structure, The Power Structure of American Business (with Beth Mintz), and Social Policy and the Conservative Agenda (edited, with Clarence Lo). He can be reached at ms42@optonline.net.

Pentagon’s Coming Strikes On Iranian Leadership, Political, Security Targets
Jesualem Post
Nov 22, 2004

LONDON Pentagon officials are discussing military action to neutralize Iran 's nuclear weapons threat, according to a report in London 's Observer.

US administration sources are quoted as saying that air strikes – "either by the US or Israel " – to wipe out Iran 's fledgling nuclear program would be difficult because of a lack of clear intelligence about where key components are located.

Instead, sources quoted by the paper said the Pentagon is considering strikes in support of regime change, including attacks on the leadership, as well as on political and security targets

The new "modeling" at the Pentagon, with its shift in emphasis from suspected nuclear sites to political target lists, is said to be causing deep anxiety among officials in Britain , France , and Germany , who last week appeared to have negotiated a deal with Teheran to cease work that could contribute to a nuclear weapons program. But Washington is said to be skeptical about the deal.

Comment: We have received a great deal of information, which is far too detailed to publish, indicating that the CIA has “great influence” with certain anti-government Iranian groups, to include student organizations, and have been using them to effect a “governmental change” in Iran. It apparently very difficult for these spies to locate any significant numbers of either the centers of Iranian atomic development or probable Iranian air defense sites. Since the advent of Bush’s pit bull, the dense Porter Goss, morale levels inside the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, have fallen to a very low level and many irate and frustrated agents have been sending out all kinds of inside information to any source they feel might make use of it. Regretfully, while much of this is of general interest and can be used by the media, there is some of it that in all probability should not be made public because of the very real danger of injury or death to others.

Notice to Members: Two highly detailed and very informative recent official reports on U.S. intelligence involvement in the Ukraine and the Caucasus   can be found on:   http://www.freewebs.com/dotox/

The Bush Butcher’s Bill: 119 US Military Deaths in Iraq from 1 November through 24 November, 2004 – Total of 1,274 US Dead

1

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Jeremy D. Bow, 20, of Lemoore , Calif. Lance Cpl. Michael P. Scarborough, 28, of Washington , Ga. Both Marines died Oct. 30, due enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Travis A. Fox, 25, of Cowpens , S.C. Cpl. Christopher J. Lapka, 22, of Peoria , Ariz. Both Marines died Oct 30, due to enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Matthew D. Lynch, 25, of Jericho , N.Y. , died Oct. 31 from enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Lynch was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. John T. Byrd II, 23, of Fairview , W.V. Sgt. Kelley L. Courtney, 28, of Macon , Ga. Pfc. Andrew G. Riedel, 19, of Northglenn , Colo. All three Marines died Oct 30, due enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Byrd and Riedel were assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Courtney was assigned to 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III MEF, Okinawa , Japan .

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Segun Frederick Akintade, 34, of Brooklyn , N.Y. , died Oct. 28 in Abd Allah , Iraq , when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.  Akintade was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, New York , N.Y. Sgt. Maurice Keith Fortune, 25, of Forestville , Md. , died Oct. 29 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq , when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle.  Fortune was assigned to the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, from Camp Hovey , Korea .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. John Lukac, 19, of Las Vegas , Nev. , died Oct. 30, due to enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

2

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Spc. James C. Kearney, III, 22, of Emerson , Iowa , died Nov. 1 in Salerno , Afghanistan , from injuries sustained in Sharan , Afghanistan , when his convoy was attacked by enemy forces using rocket propelled grenades.  Kearney was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry, Glenwood , Iowa .

4

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Charles J. Webb, 22, of Hamilton , Ohio died Nov. 3 in the 31st Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad , Iraq , from wounds sustained earlier that day when an improvised explosive device detonated in Baghdad , Iraq .  Webb was assigned to the 82nd Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized), Bamberg , Germany .

5

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jeremiah A. Baro, 21, of Fresno , Calif. Lance Cpl. Jared P. Hubbard, 22, of Clovis , Calif. Both Marines died Nov. 4 from injuries received as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Cody L. Wentz, 21, of Williston, N. D., died November 4 in Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle while on patrol.  Wentz was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 141st Engineer Battalion, Williston , N.D.

8

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Justin R. Yoemans, 20, of Eufaula , Ala. , died Nov. 6 at the 31st Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad , Iraq , from wounds sustained earlier that day in Baghdad , Iraq , when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his up-armored HMMWV.  Yoemans was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery, Fort Hood , Texas .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Carlos M. Camacho-Rivera, 24, of Carolina , Puerto Rico , died Nov. 5 in the 31st Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad , Iraq , from wounds sustained earlier that day in Fallujah , Iraq , from a rocket blast.  Camacho-Rivera was assigned to the 368th Transportation Company, 11th Transportation Battalion, Fort Story , Va.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Sean M. Langley, 20, of Lexington , Ky. , died Nov. 7 from injuries received as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Langley was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Brian K. Baker, 27, of West Seneca , N.Y. , died November 7 in Baghdad , Iraq , when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his security patrol.  Baker was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum , New York .

9

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Quoc Binh Tran, 26, of Mission Viejo , Calif. , died Nov. 7 in Baghdad , Iraq , from wounds sustained that same day when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle while he was conducting convoy operations.  Tran was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 181st Support Battalion, San Bernardino , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Nathaniel T. Hammond, 24, of Tulsa , Okla. Lance Cpl. Shane K. O’Donnell, 24, of DeForest, Wisc. Both Marines died Nov. 8 as a result of enemy action in Babil Province , Iraq .   They were assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve’s 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Chicago , Ill.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Bryan L. Freeman, 31, of Lumberton , N.J. , died November 8 in Baghdad , Iraq , from wounds sustained earlier that day when he came under small arms fire while conducting a vehicle search.  Freeman was assigned to the 443rd Civil Affairs, Battalion , U.S. Army Reserve, Warwick , R.I.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Lam, 22, of Queens , N.Y. , died Nov. 8 as a result of a non-hostile vehicle incident in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.   He was assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve’s 6th Communications Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Brooklyn , N.Y.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died November 8 in Baghdad , Iraq when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near their convoy. Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, Kansas National Guard, Horton, Kan. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Wisdom, 39, of Atchison, Kan. Spc. Don A. Clary, 21, of Troy, Kan.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Branden P. Ramey, 22, of Boone , Ill. , died Nov. 8 as a result of enemy action in Babil Province , Iraq . He was assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve’s 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Chicago , Ill. Staff Sgt. David G. Ries, 29, of Clark , Wash. , died Nov. 8 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve’s 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Portland , Ore.

10

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Master Sgt. Steven E. Auchman, 37, of Waterloo , N.Y. , died Nov. 9 from injuries received when multiple rocket propelled grenades struck his location in Mosul , Iraq .  He was assigned to the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Lewis , Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Zapp, 20, of Houston , Texas , died Nov. 8 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.   He was assigned to Combat Service Support Battalion 1, Combat Service Support Group 11, 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Robert P. Warns II, 23, of Waukesha , Wis. , died Nov. 8 as a result of enemy action in Babil Province , Iraq .  He was assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve’s 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Chicago , Ill.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Command Sgt. Maj. Steven W. Faulkenburg, 45, of Huntingburg , Ind. , died Nov. 9 in Fallujah , Iraq , when he came under small arms fire while conducting combat operations. Faulkenburg was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, Vilseck , Germany .

11

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Lonny D. Wells, 29, of Vandergrift , Pa. , died Nov. 9 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Juan E. Segura, 26, of Homestead , Fla. , died Nov. 9 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.   He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

12

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Todd R. Cornell, 38, of West Bend , Wis. , died November 9 in Fallujah , Iraq , when acting in an advisory support capacity and his Iraqi unit came under attack by enemy forces using small arms fire. Cornell was assigned to the Army Reserve's 1st Battalion, 339th Infantry Regiment, Fraser , Mich.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. William C. James, 24, of Huntington Beach, Calif. Lance Cpl. Nicholas D. Larson, 19, of Wheaton, Ill. Lance Cpl. Nathan R. Wood, 19, of Kirkland, Wash. All three Marines died Nov. 9 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  They were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. John B. Trotter, 25, of Marble Falls , Texas , died November 9 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq , when he was on patrol and his unit came under attack by enemy forces using small arms fire.   Trotter was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Howze , Korea .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Travis A. Babbitt, 24, of Uvalde , Texas , died November 9 in Baghdad , Iraq , when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces using a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire.  Babbitt was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood , Texas .

The Department of Defense announced today the death a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Russell L. Slay, 28, of Humble, Texas , died Nov. 9 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.   He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Erick J. Hodges, 21, of Bay Point , Calif. , died Nov. 10 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif

The Department of Defense announced today the death two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. David M. Caruso, 25, of Naperville , Ill. , died Nov. 9 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , N.C. 1st Lt. Dan T. Malcom Jr., 25, of Brinson , Ga. , died Nov. 10 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Aaron C. Pickering, 20, of Marion , Ill. , died Nov. 10 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Staff Sgt. Gene Ramirez, 28, of San Antonio , Texas , died Nov. 10 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Lance Cpl. Justin D. Reppuhn, 20, of Hemlock, Mich., died Nov. 11 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Abraham Simpson, 19, Chino , Calif. , died Nov. 9 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Dennis J. Miller, Jr., 21, of La Salle , Mich. , died Nov. 10 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq , when his unit came under enemy attack and a rocket-propelled grenade struck his M1A1 Abrams tank.  Miller was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Casey , Korea .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Peter J. Giannopoulos, 22, of Inverness , Ill. , died Nov. 11 as a result of enemy action in Babil Province , Iraq . He was assigned to Marine Corps Reserve’s 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Chicago , Ill. Cpl. Romulo J. Jimenez II, 21, of Miami , Fla. , died Nov. 10 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Thomas K. Doerflinger, 20, of Silver Spring , Md. , died Nov. 11 in Mosul , Iraq , when his unit received small arms fire while conducting combat operations.  Doerflinger was assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis , Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Michael C. Ottolini, 45, of Sebastopol , Calif. , died Nov. 10 in Balad , Iraq , when an improvised explosive device detonated near his up-armored HMMWV.  Ottolini was assigned to the Army National Guard's 579th Engineer Battalion, Petaluma , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Joshua D. Palmer, 24, of Blandinsville , Ill. , died Nov. 8 as a result of a non-hostile vehicle incident in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve’s 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, headquartered in Portland , Ore.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Sean P. Huey, 28, of Fredericktown , Pa. , died Nov. 11 in Habbaniyah , Iraq , when his unit was on patrol and a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV.  Huey was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Greaves , Korea .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Theodore A. Bowling, 25, of Casselberry , Fla. , died Nov. 11 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Petty Officer Third Class Julian Woods, 22, of Jacksonville , Fla. , died Nov. 10 as a result of hostile fire in Fallujah , Iraq .  He was assigned to 3rd Marine Division Detachment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaheohe Bay , Hawaii .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Theodore S. Holder II, 27, of Littleton , Colo. , died Nov. 11 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division, I Marin 13

13

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 2nd Lt. James P. Blecksmith, 24, of San Marino , Calif. Lance Cpl. Kyle W. Burns, 20, of Laramie , Wyo. Both Marines died Nov. 11 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Blecksmith was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.   Burns was assigned to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jarrod L. Maher, 21, of Imogene , Iowa , died Nov. 12 as result of a non-hostile gunshot wound at Abu Ghraib , Iraq .   Maher was assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.   Maher’s death is under investigation. Sgt. Morgan W. Strader, 23, of Croosville , Ind. , died Nov 12 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar province, Iraq .  Strader was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Nathan R. Anderson, 22, of Howard , Ohio , died Nov. 12 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Anderson was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , N.C. Cpl. Brian P. Prening, 24, of Sheboygan , Wis. , died Nov 12 as result of enemy action in Babil Province , Iraq .  Prening was assigned to Marine Corps Reserve’s 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Chicago , Ill.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Todd R. Cornell, 38, of West Bend , Wis. , died Nov. 9 in Fallujah , Iraq , when his unit was conducting house-to-house combat operations and they were attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades.  Cornell was assigned to the Army Reserve's 1st Battalion, 339th Regiment, 7th Brigade, 84th Division, Fraser , Mich. Maj. Horst G. Moore, 38, of San Antonio , Texas , died Nov. 9 in Mosul , Iraq , when enemy mortar rounds detonated within his unit living area.  Moore was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker BrigadeCombat Team), Fort Lewis , Wash. 1st Lt. Edward D. Iwan, 28, of Albion , Neb. , died Nov. 12 in Fallujah , Iraq , when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his Bradley Fighting Vehicle.  Iwan was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck , Germany . Sgt. Jonathan B. Shields, 25, of Atlanta , Ga. , died Nov.12 in Fallujah , Iraq , when he was accidentally struck by a tank.  Shields was assigned to the Army's 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Armor), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood , Texas . Spc. Raymond L. White, 22, of Elwood , Ind. , died Nov. 12 in Baghdad , Iraq , when his patrol encountered enemy forces using small arms fire.  White was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Armor), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood , Texas .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. David M. Branning, 21, of Cockesville, Md. Lance Cpl. Brian A. Medina, 20, of Woodbridge , Va. Both Marines died Nov. 12 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  They both were assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

14

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Wesley J. Canning, 21, of Friendswood , Texas , died Nov. 10 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Canning was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Nicholas H. Anderson, 19, of Las Vegas , Nev. , died Nov. 12 in a vehicle incident while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Anderson was assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. James C. Matteson, 23, of Celoron , N.Y. , died Nov. 12 in Fallujah , Iraq , when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his Bradley Fighting Vehicle.  Matteson was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck , Germany .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Kevin J. Dempsey, 23, of Monroe , Conn. , died Nov. 13 due to enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Dempsey was assigned to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Justin M. Ellsworth, 20, of Mount Pleasant , Mich. , died Nov. 13 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Ellsworth was assigned to Combat Service Support Battalion 1, Combat Service Support Group 11, 1st Force Service Support Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

15

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Byron W. Norwood, 25, of Pflugerville , Texas , died Nov. 13 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar province, Iraq .  Norwood was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton , Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Jose A. Velez, 23, of Lubbock , Texas , died Nov. 13 in Fallujah , Iraq , while clearing an enemy strongpoint when his unit came under fire. Velez was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood , Texas .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Benjamin S. Bryan, 23, of Lumberton , N.C. Lance Cpl. Victor R. Lu, 22, of Los Angeles , Calif. Lance Cpl. Justin D. McLeese, 19, of Covington , La. All three Marines died Nov. 13 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Bryan and McLeese were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.  Lu was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Sean P. Sims, 32, of El Paso , Texas , died Nov. 13 in Fallujah , Iraq , when his unit received small arms fire while clearing a building.  Sims was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck , Germany .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Nicholas L. Ziolkowski, 22, of Towson , Md.   He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

16

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Dale A. Burger Jr., 21, of Port Deposit, Md. Cpl. Andres H. Perez, 21, of Santa Cruz, Calif. Both Marines died Nov. 14 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  They both were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

17

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Shane E. Kielion, 23, of La Vista, Neb., died Nov. 15 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of six Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Jeramy A. Ailes, 22, of Gilroy , Calif. Lance Cpl. Travis R. Desiato, 19, of Bedford , Mass. Lance Cpl. George J. Payton, 20, of Culver City , Calif. Sgt. Rafael Peralta, 25, of San Diego , Calif. Cpl. Marc T. Ryan, 25, of Gloucester , N.J. Lance Cpl. James E. Swain, 20, of Kokomo , Ind. Payton died Nov. 14.  The other five Marines died Nov. 15.  All died as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Payton was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Swain was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.  Ailes was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.  Ryan was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.  Desiato was assigned 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.   Peralta was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Patrick Marc M. Rapicault, 34, of St. Augustine , Fla. Lance Cpl. Antoine D. Smith, 22, of Orlando , Fla. Both Marines died Nov. 15 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Rapicault was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.  Smith was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Isaiah R. Hunt, 20, of Green Bay , Wis. , died Nov. 15 in Baghdad , Iraq , when the driver of his military vehicle accidentally struck another vehicle. Hunt was assigned to the 782nd Main Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg , N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Cole W. Larsen, 19, of Canyon Country, Calif. , died Nov. 13 in Baghdad , Iraq , when a civilian vehicle struck his military vehicle causing it to roll over.  Larsen was assigned to the  272nd Military Police Company, 21st Theater Support Command, Mannheim , Germany .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Luke C. Wullenwaber, 24, of Lewiston , Idaho , died Nov. 16 in Khaladiyah , Iraq , when he was conducting a security mission and a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle.  Wullenwaber was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Greaves , Korea .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Marshall H. Caddy, 27, of Nags Head, N.C., died Nov. 16 in Khaladiyah , Iraq , when his military vehicle struck another military vehicle.  Caddy was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Greaves , Korea .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Jose Ricardo Flores-Mejia, 21, of Santa Clarita , Calif. , died Nov. 16 in Mosul , Iraq , when an improvised explosive device hit his convoy. Flores-Mejia was assigned to the 25th Transportation Company, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii . Spc. Daniel James McConnell, 27, of Duluth , Minn. , died Nov. 16 in Kirkuk , Iraq , when he was involved in a vehicle accident.  McConnell was assigned to the 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii .

18

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Christopher T. Heflin, 26, of Paducah , Ky. Lance Cpl. Louis W. Qualls, 20, of Temple , Texas . Both Marines died Nov. 16 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Heflin was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.  Qualls was assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve’s 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Grand Prairie , Texas .

19

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Catalin D. Dima, 36, of White Lake , N.Y. , died Nov. 13 in Baghdad , Iraq , when enemy mortar fire landed near his position.  Dima was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 411th Engineer Brigade, New Windsor, N.Y.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Luis A. Figueroa, 21, of Los Angeles , Calif. , died Nov. 18 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

20

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Michael W. Hanks, 22, of Gregory , Mich. , died Nov. 17, as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Dimitrios Gavriel, 29, of New York , N.Y. Lance Cpl. Phillip G. West, 19, of American Canyon , Calf. Both Marines died Nov. 19, as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Gavriel was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , N.C. West was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

22

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jack Bryant Jr., 23, of Dale City , Va. , died Nov. 20 in Muqdadiyah , Iraq , when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military convoy followed by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade attack.  Bryant was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Fire Support Team (1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division), Vilseck, Germany .

The Department of Defense announced today the death of five Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Bradley T. Arms, 20, of Charlottesville, Va. Lance Cpl. Demarkus D. Brown, 22, of Martinsville, Va. Lance Cpl. Michael A. Downey, 21, of Phoenix, Ariz. Cpl. Joseph J. Heredia, 22, of Santa Maria, Calif. Lance Cpl. Joseph T. Welke, 20, of Rapid City, S.D. Arms and Brown died Nov. 19, as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Downey died Nov. 19 at National Naval Medical Center , Bethesda , Md. , from wounds received as a result of enemy action on Nov. 11 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Heredia died Nov. 20 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center , Germany , from wounds received as a result of enemy action on Nov 10 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.   Welke died Nov. 20 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center , Germany , from wounds received as a result of enemy action on Nov 19 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Arms was assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve’s 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, headquartered in Baltimore, Md.   Brown was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune , N.C.   Downey was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.  Heredia was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Welke was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Michael C. O’Neill, 22, of Mansfield , Ohio , died November 21 in Landstuhl , Germany , of accidental injuries sustained on November 17 at Bagram Air Field , Afghanistan , during preparations for combat operations.  O’Neill was assigned to the Army’s 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning , Ga.

23

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Michael R. Cohen, 23, of Jacobus , Pa. , died Nov. 22 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Blain M. Ebert, 22, of Washtucna , Wash. , died Nov. 22 in Baghdad , Iraq , when enemy forces engaged his unit with small arms fire.  Ebert was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood , Texas .

24

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. David L. Roustum, 22, of West Seneca , N.Y. , died Nov. 20 in Baghdad , Iraq , when his up-armored HMMWV was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire.  Roustum was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, Tonawanda , N.Y.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Joseph M. Nolan, 27, of Philadelphia , Pa. , died Nov. 18 in Fallujah , Iraq , when his unit was on patrol and an improvised explosive device detonated near his up-armored HMMWV.  Nolan was assigned to the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood , Texas .

Iraq : The Uncounted War Cripples
November 21, 2004
CBS News

Approximately 300,000 American men and women have served at one time or another in Iraq .

Most will return to the United States more or less intact. But some come home the hard way - on a stretcher, bloody and broken.

And, as Correspondent Bob Simon says, there are few bloodier or more broken than Chris Schneider.

Schneider says he believed in the war in Iraq , and liked wearing the uniform. "[I was] proud to wear it. I loved wearing it," says Schneider, a Kansas  boy straight off the recruitment poster.

He went to college on a wrestling scholarship, started a family, and joined the Army Reserves. This past January, his unit was providing security for a supply convoy traveling through 100 miles of dangerous Iraqi desert. He was riding in a two-and-a-half ton cargo truck, armed to the teeth.

"In my vehicle there was my driver, there was my 50-cal gunner who was in a turret on top," says Schneider. "And then there was myself and another individual in back. We both had M249 machine guns."

Schneider saw another convoy coming in his direction - a line of HETS (heavy equipment transports), big rigs on steroids, hogging the road. The first HET just missed hitting his truck. The second one did not.

"It threw me up over my vehicle, over the HET and about 50 feet into the field on the left," says Schneider. "When I landed, the next HET in line had locked up their brakes to keep from rear ending the one that we hit. And when he came to rest, the first set of tires on his trailer were parked on my pelvis. And the second set had my lower leg wedged in it to the axle. I've been told a rough estimate of approximately 120,000 to 140,000 pounds."

Today, Schneider walks with a limp, on his artificial leg. But even though he was injured while on a mission in a war zone – and even though he’ll receive the same benefits as a soldier who’d been shot - he is not included in the Pentagon’s casualty count. Their official tally shows only deaths and wounded in action. It doesn't include "non-combat" injured, those whose injuries were not the result of enemy fire.

"It's a slap in the face. Although it was through no direct hostile action, I was on a mission that they’d given me in hostile territory. Hostile enough that we had to have a perimeter set up at the time of my accident to prevent from an ambush or an attack," says Schneider. "For those of us that were unfortunate enough to get injured. Whether it was hostile action or not, we're all paying the same price."

How many injured and ill soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines - like Chris Schneider - are left off the Pentagon’s casualty count?

Would you believe 15,000? 60 Minutes asked the Department of Defense to grant us an interview. They declined. Instead, they sent a letter, which contains a figure not included in published casualty reports: "More than 15,000 troops with so-called 'non-battle' injuries and diseases have been evacuated from Iraq ."

Many of those evacuated are brought to Landstuhl in Germany . Most cases are not life-threatening. In fact, some are not serious at all. But only 20 percent return to their units in Iraq . Among the 80 percent who don’t return are GIs who suffered crushing bone fractures; scores of spinal injuries; heart problems by the hundreds; and a slew of psychiatric cases. None of these are included in the casualty count, leaving the true human cost of the war something of a mystery.

"It's difficult to estimate what the total number is," says John Pike, director of a research group called GlobalSecurity.org.

As a military analyst, Pike has spoken out against both Republican and Democratic administrations. He’s weighed all the available casualty data and has made an informed estimate that goes well beyond what the Pentagon has released.

"You have to say that the total number of casualties due to wounds, injury, disease would have to be somewhere in the ballpark of over 20, maybe 30,000," says Pike.

His calculation, striking as it is, is based on the military's own definition of casualty – anyone "lost to the organization," in this case, for medical reasons. And Pike believes it’s no accident that the military reports a number far lower than his estimate.

"The Pentagon, I think, is afraid that they're going to lose public support for this war, the way they lost public support for Vietnam back in the 1960s," says Pike. "And minimizing the apparent cost of the war, I think, is one way that they're hoping to sustain public support here at home."

60 Minutes asked the assistant secretary of Defense for Health Affairs about that claim - that casualties are being underreported, for political reasons. And we got a flat denial. In a letter, he told us, "We in the Department of Defense categorically reject the notion that we are underreporting casualties from Operation Iraqi Freedom."

He pointed out that he’d already provided us with some figures - the 15,000 evacuations of non-combat injured and ill. Still, Pike says the military is trying to minimize the casualty count. It’s an effort Pike believes is misguided, because he says that even if Americans understood the full human cost of the war, public support would not weaken.

"I think that all of the public opinion polling that we're seeing suggests that the public is prepared to sustain far higher casualties than politicians give them credit for," says Pike. "I think that it's basically that the politicians and the Pentagon, don't have confidence in the American people."

The Department of Defense did not include non-battle injuries in its casualty reports in other recent wars, either. But that’s of little comfort to Joel Gomez, who was riding in the back of a Bradley fighting vehicle, looking for insurgents, when disaster struck.

"Unfortunately, the Bradley was too heavy for the road, a dirt road, and the ground gave way. And we wound up flipping down the mountain. And it landed upside-down in the Tigris River ," says Gomez.

His two buddies were killed. Gomez made it out, but he's now paralyzed. "[It's] a horrific change. I can't move my legs. I can't move my arms," says Gomez. "It just totally changes your life in a manner that you could never imagine."

Even though Gomez tumbled into the Tigris while looking for insurgents, he is, by the Pentagon’s definition, “non-combat injured.”

"They blow it off and say it's just an accident," say Gomez. "I'm sure that somebody getting shot in the back would just be an accident. But that's how they see it."

The Department of Defense says the injuries and illnesses suffered by Gomez and thousands of other troops should not be taken out of context. In their letter to 60 Minutes, they said: “In order to understand rates of injuries and diseases, it is necessary to understand what the normal or usual rates of injuries and diseases might be in other situations.”

What does this mean? That there are always going to be a certain number of accidents and injuries, war or no war – though they offer no numbers for comparison.

"Soldiers and Marines are gonna get sick. They're gonna get into accidents. But there's gonna be more disease, more accidents, more psychiatric stress in Iraq than if they were back here," says Pike, who adds that hundreds of troops in Iraq have been so paralyzed by stress that they've had to be medically evacuated – though you won't see them reported in the casualty count.

Traditionally, that count has not included combat stress. It was long thought, in the military’s macho culture, that psychological trauma is best suffered in silence.

Graham Alstrom has been back from Iraq for over a year, but he’s still haunted by what he saw – and what he did to other people. "Some of them I shot. Some of them I blew up with grenades. Some of them were stabbed," says Alstrom.

The memories of killing invaded his mind. Soon after he returned home, Alstrom’s life began to unravel.

"The drinking started immediately. I stopped sleeping. And I started getting very angry. I didn't want to talk to my family anymore. I didn't want them to see me. I didn't want to see them. I felt like they were ashamed of me," says Alstrom. "I was partly ashamed of some of the things I had done. …I couldn't separate the killing people and killing them in combat."

He says he's frustrated that the military says his illness is not combat-related. "I know what I was like before I went to combat. I had a life beyond the Army," says Alstrom. "I talked to my family. I'd share feelings and emotions with people I cared about. I lived a very regular life."

Alstrom won’t get a Purple Heart for his service in Iraq . It was only his mind that was wounded in battle. "It doesn't matter what the paperwork says. We know what happened over there. We know what we did over there," says Alstrom. "And no piece of paperwork saying that I'm not a casualty could ever take that away. For any of us."

They’ve had so much taken away already, but both Alstrom and Schneider insist that what remains inside them is the heart of a good soldier.

"I'm very supportive of why we're there. I'm very supportive of what we did while I was there," says Schneider. "I believe wholeheartedly that not only should we have gone, but that we've done the right thing."

Now, he’d like the military to do the right thing, too.

"Every one of us went over there with the knowledge that we could die," says Schneider. "And then they tell you - you're wounded - or your sacrifice doesn't deserve to be recognized, or we don’t deserve to be on their list – it’s not right. It’s almost disgraceful."

Counterinsurgency- Official U.S. Overview and Techniques, Part 3: Domestic Control of Dissidents

Field Manual–Interim No. 3-07.22
Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington DC, 
1 October 2004
Expires 
1 October 2006

Distribution Restriction: Distribution authorized to the DOD and DOD contractors only to maintain operations security. This determination was made on 1 April 2004 . Other requests for this document must be referred to Commander, US Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth , ATTN: ATZL-CD (FMI 3-07.22),   1 Reynolds Avenue  (Building 111), Fort Leavenworth , KS  66027 -1352.

Destruction Notice: Destroy by any method that will prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document.

Planning for Detainee Operations and Field Processing of Detainees

PURPOSE

I-1. The purpose of this appendix is to provide some planning considerations for conducting detainee operations and to provide information to assist the capturing unit in the field processing of detainees.

GENERAL

I-2. While local government officials will detain certain individuals because of suspected criminal activity or for security purposes, there will be times, when U.S, forces will capture and detain individuals who may pose a threat to US personnel and interests. The act of capturing a detainee is only the first step in a lengthy and highly sensitive process.

I-3. Detainee is a term used to refer to any person captured or otherwise detained by an armed force (JP 1-02). AR 190-8, FM 3-19.40, and, international law (including the law of war and the Geneva Conventions) address policy, procedures, and responsibilities for the administration, treatment, protection, security, and transfer of custody of detainees. These publications provide other planning factors and the regulatory and legal requirements concerning detainees.

I-4. Detaining personnel carries with it the responsibility to guard, protect, and account for them. All persons captured, detained, interned, or otherwise held in US armed forces custody are given humane care and treatment from the moment they fall into the hands of US forces until final release or repatriation. The inhumane treatment of detainees is prohibited and is not justified by the stress of combat or by deep provocation. Inhumane treatment is a serious and punishable violation under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and international law.

I-5. The two Geneva Conventions most likely to be employed in detainee operations are the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoner of War, 12 August 1949 (GPW), and Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Person in Time of War, 12 August 1949 (GC). Most detainees will usually be civilians, and a very few will qualify as EPW.

PLANNING FOR DETAINEE OPERATIONS

I-6. Detainee operations are resource intensive and highly sensitive. Holding detainees longer than a few hours requires detailed planning to address the extensive requirements of the Geneva Conventions for proper administration, treatment, protection, security, and transfer of custody of detainees. If commanders anticipate holding detainees at the division level or lower (as opposed to expeditiously evacuating them to a detention facility), they should consider—

Including internment/resettlement military police units in their task organization.

Internment/resettlement units are specifically trained and resourced to conduct detainee operations for extended periods.

Ensuring clear delineation of the interdependent and independent roles of those Soldiers responsible for custody of the detainees and those responsible for any interrogation mission.

Additional resources necessary to provide detainees the extensive logistic and medical support required by regulation and law.

FIELD PROCESSING DETAINEES

I-7. Processing begins when US forces capture or detain an individual. Field processing is accomplished in the combat zone and aids in security, control, initial information collection, and in providing for the welfare of detainees.

I-8. The unit detaining an individual is responsible for guarding and safeguarding a detainee until relieved. Capturing units field process detainees using the STRESS method out-lined in Table I-1.

Search  Search each captive for weapons and ammunition, items of intelligence value, and other inappropriate items that would make escape easier or compromise US security interests. Confiscate these items. Prepare a receipt when taking property from a detainee. Ensure that both the detainee and the receiving Soldier sign the receipt (such as DA Form 4137). Consider bundling a detainee’s property or placing it in bags to keep each detainee’s property intact and separate. Maintain a strict chain of custody for all items taken from the detainee. Ensure that a receipt is obtained for any items you release to anyone.

Note: When possible, conduct same gender searches; however, this may not always be possible due to speed and security considerations. Therefore, perform mixed gender searches in a respectful manner using all possible measures to prevent any action that could be interpreted as sexual molestation or assault. The on-site supervisor must carefully control Soldiers doing mixed gender searches to prevent allegations of sexual misconduct. Captives may keep the following items found in a search:

• Protective clothing and equipment (such as helmets, protective masks and clothing) for use during evacuation from the combat zone.

• Retained property, such as identification cards or tags, personal property having no intelligence value, clothing, mess equipment (except knives and forks), badges of rank and nationality, decorations, religious literature, jewelry, and articles that have sentimental value.

• Private rations of the detainee.

• Personal items, such as diaries, letters from home, and family pictures may be taken by MI teams for review, but are later returned to the proper owner.

• Confiscate currency only on the order of a commissioned officer (AR 190-8) and this must be receipted using DA Form 4137.

Tag Use DD Form 2745 or a field expedient alternative and include at a minimum the following information:

•  Date and time of the capture.

• Location of the capture (grid coordinates).

•  Capturing unit.

• Special circumstances of capture (for example, how the detainee was captured, did he resist, was he armed, and so forth).

• List all documents and items of significance found on the detainee at time of capture.

DD Form 2745 is a perforated, three-part form containing an individual serial number. It is constructed of durable, waterproof, tear-resistant material with reinforced eyeholes at the top of Parts A and C. Attach Part A to the captive with wire, string, or another type of durable material. Instruct the captive not to remove or alter the tag. Maintain Part B and attach Part C to the confiscated property so the owner may be identified later.

Report Report number and category of detainees (see AR 190-8) to higher headquarters and initiate coordination for transportation of detainees to a collection point.

Evacuate Evacuate captives from the battlefield as quickly as possible. Evacuate detainees normally to a collection point where military police take custody of the detainees. Deliver to the collection point all documents and other property captured with the detainees. Seriously wounded or ill detainees must be taken to the nearest medical-aid station for treatment and evacuation through medical channels.

Segregate Segregate detainees based on perceived status and positions of authority. Segregate leaders from the remainder of the population. For their protection, normally segregate minor and female detainees from adult male detainees.

Safeguard Safeguard the captives according to the Geneva Conventions and US policy. Ensure detainees are provided adequate food, potable water, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Ensure detainees are not exposed to unnecessary danger and are protected (afforded the same protective measures as the capturing force) while awaiting evacuation. Do not use coercion to obtain information from the captives. Report acts or allegations of abuse through command channels and to the supporting judge advocate and to the US

Army Criminal Investigation Command. Detainees should be afforded the same measure of protection as the detaining power. The Geneva Conventions, international law, and US policy expressly prohibit acts of violence or intimidation, including physical or mental torture, threats, insults, or exposure to inhumane treatment. Physical or mental torture and coercion revolve around eliminating the source’s free will and are expressly prohibited. Torture is defined as the infliction of intense pain to body or mind to extract a confession or information, or for sadistic pleasure, and is prohibited Coercion is defined as actions designed to unlawfully induce another to compel an act against one’s will.

I-9. HUMINT collectors may arrange with the military police leadership or leadership of other Soldiers maintaining custody of the detainees to debrief these Soldiers, since they are in regular contact with the detainees. The Soldiers should be debriefed so as not to interfere with the interrogation process. These Soldiers are there only to maintain security. Military police or other Soldiers responsible for custody of detainees will not in any circumstances prepare detainees for interrogation by any physical or mental means (such as beatings or humiliating techniques). If military police or other Soldiers are approached by any military, civilian, or contract personnel to assist in preparing detainees for interrogation they will in-form their chain of command immediately.

I-10. Units should also consider that embedded media, combat camera, public affairs, CA, and PSYOP personnel might accompany them on a mission. Leaders must strictly enforce policies on photography of detainees, public release of information, and international law.

Photographing, filming, and videotaping of detainees for purposes other than internal internment facility administration or intelligence/counterintelligence are strictly prohibited.

RESOURCES FOR FIELD PROCESSING OF DETAINEES

I-11. Clearly documenting the details surrounding the initial detention and preserving evidence are critical and aid in determining if further detention is warranted, in classifying the detainee, in developing intelligence, and in prosecuting detainees suspected of committing criminal acts. Documentation should be detailed and answer the six Ws—who, what, when, where, why, and witnesses. Record these details on the DD Form 2745, DA Form 2823, DA Form 4137, and locally developed forms if necessary. As a minimum document the following information—

Full name, rank, and unit of the Soldier or other person who affected the detention. Location and circumstances surrounding the initial detention. Include 8- to 10-digit grid coordinates and any further descriptive information, such as a road intersection or street address. Explain why the person was detained. In describing circumstances include any possible criminal violations or a description of hostile acts.

State what force was required to detain the person.

Provide a thorough description of the detainee. Include name and full description (height, weight, eye color, hair color, race or ethnicity, gender, date of birth, phone number, residence address, identification type and number, and any identifying marks, such as scars or tattoos). Indicate and describe injuries. Explain how injuries occurred. Indicate how the person being detained was traveling.

Provide a thorough description of victims and witnesses. Record the same descriptive information as recorded for the detainee for anyone who witnessed the detention or the reason for detention. Indicate if the individuals are witnesses or victims.

Take statements from these individuals to document their observations and knowledge of the incident. Indicate if any of these individuals were traveling with or in any way associated with the detainee.

Record descriptive information for all vehicles or other equipment related to the detention.

For motor vehicles, include make, model, year, color, type, license plate number, owner, and the number and thorough description of occupants. Indicate if contraband was found in the vehicle.

Thorough description of any contraband, including weapons. Include serial numbers, brand names, types, calibers, quantity, color, size, where found, and owners name and complete description. Record where the contraband was located (for example, rocket propelled grenade optical sight found in a plastic bag under the driver’s seat of vehicle #1). Ensure all seized items are recorded on a DA Form 4137 and that a chain of custody is maintained as property is transferred. Note the disposition of contraband (for example, IED was destroyed on location by explosive ordnance detachment Soldiers; or rocket propelled grenade optical sight was released to SGT John Smith, 123d Military Intelligence Detachment).

Full name, rank, unit or organization, phone number, and any other contact information for any interpreter or other person, such as civil authority, present during the detention.

Any information the detainee volunteers.

PERSONNEL

I-12. Army military police Soldiers train on all aspects of detainee operations. Soldiers holding MOS 31E, Internment/Resettlement Specialist, specialize in detainee operations. Consider including 31E Soldiers in the task organization for a mission likely to result in detaining personnel.

I-13. Commanders should consider including interpreters or linguists to support the operation.

SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

I-14. The following items may be helpful in searching and securing detainees, safeguarding their property, and ensuring the safety of Soldiers:

• Plastic bags of various sizes may be used to segregate, store, and protect a detainee’s property, including property of potential evidentiary or intelligence value.

• Permanent markers may be used to annotate identifying information on containers of detainee property.

•  Sandbags may be used to segregate, store, and protect a detainee’s property, including property of potential intelligence value.

• Duct tape or 550 cord may be used to restrain detainees and to secure bags containing property.

• Socks may be used to segregate, store, and protect a detainee’s property, including property of potential intelligence value.

• Latex or rubber gloves should be provided to Soldiers to protect them while searching and processing detainees and their property.

• Flexi-cuffs may be used to restrain detainees.

• Flexi-cuff cutters should be used to cut flexi-cuffs. Do not use knives, scissors, or other cutting devices. Flexi-cuff cutters are specifically designed to prevent injury to the detainee and the Soldier removing the flexi-cuffs.

• Bandanas, bandages, or other cloth may be used to blindfold or gag detainees when necessary. Uncooperative captives may require a gag in certain situations; how-ever, gags should be used for only as long as needed and should not harm the individual.

• Goggles with lenses blackened are the preferred means of blindfolding a detainee.

REFERENCES AND FORMS

I-15. A few basic references and forms are necessary in ensuring maintenance of required in-formation about the detainees, accountability of their property, and compliance with requirements for proper treatment of detainees. The most important of these items are DD Form 2745, DA Form 4137, and AR 190-8.

FIELD EXPEDIENT RESTRAINTS

I-16. Field expedient restraints include flexi-cuffs, duct tape, parachute cord, and other items necessary to temporarily restrain detainees for force protection, custody and control, and movement. When possible, place detainees into restraints prior to searching or moving them. The following considerations are provided:

I-17. Employ field expedient restraints on detainees in a manner that is safe, secure, humane, and professional. With all restraint types, use the following guidance:

• Exercise caution in cases where detainees are gagged and/or hooded. Field expedient measures, when required, may impair a detainee’s ability to breathe. Sandbags used as hoods restrict airflow, use them only as a last resort. In some areas of the world, using the detainees’ own headgear as a hood device is ideal, for example, turbans or burqas. A hooded detainee may experience difficulty in maintaining balance while walking.

•  Ensure blood flow is not restricted by restraints. Monitor detainees after restraints are applied. Check for discoloration of skin, which is one indication that the restraints are too tight. Employment of restraints.

• Flexi-cuffs (national stock number 8465-0007-2673) are a plastic band with a self-locking mechanism. When threaded, the restraint band extends around the wrists or ankles to secure the individual. Use two flexi-cuffs to secure the arms of each detainee, if enough are available. If supply is limited, one flexi-cuff may be used.

•  Wrap 550 cord around the wrists or ankles several times and then wrap the cord between the wrists or ankles to help prevent loosening. Tie the ends of the cord using a knot such as the square knot. Ensure blood flow is not restricted.

• Use duct tape in a manner similar to the flexi-cuffs or 550 cord. Exercise caution not to restrict blood flow. Use good judgment as to the number of times to wrap the tape based on the detainee’s strength and size and the width of the tape.

I-18. The preferred method of restraint is arms behind the back with palms facing away from each other. If injury prevents this technique, bind the detainee’s wrists in the front with palms together. Injuries such as upper body wounds or broken arms may make this the best option.

I-19. Do not use restraints to inflict punishment, injury, or unnecessary physical discomfort.

I-20. When detainees must be secured to a fixed object, do so only for the minimum time necessary and in a manner that does not risk injuring the detainee.

Comment: While this is reasoned theory, it obviously has not been reasoned practice, either in Vietnam or Iraq ..

Sixth Iraq oil well set ablaze by saboteurs
November 21, 2004

KIRKUK, Iraq (AFP) - Saboteurs set ablaze another well in Iraq's northern oilfields overnight, bringing to six the number firefighters are trying to extinguish in the region, security guards said.

"Saboteurs exploded a bomb, setting oil well number 20 on fire," said Lieutenant Colonel Hammudi Ali, of the security force operating for the state-owned North Oil Company.

The well is located in the Al-Khabbaza field, west of the city of Kirkuk , where five other wells were already ablaze following previous attacks.

"The firefighters are still trying to put out the fires, but so far they haven't managed to extinguish a single one," Ali said.

Guards thwarted a second sabotage attempt overnight, killing one assailant and wounding another, at a well further west, said Colonel Nawzad Ahmed, also from the oilfields protection force.

In an audio message posted on the Internet a week ago, a man claiming to be Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi, Iraq 's most wanted man, urged insurgents to attack oil facilities around the country in their battle against the US military presence.

Iraqi Oil Sabotage

“More oil flowing from  Iraq  than ever before” – Department of Defense press release:  November 10, 2004

November 1 - explosion on Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline in Riyad, southwest of Kirkuk .

November 1 - attack on a oil pipeline that feeds the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline and is connected to the Bai Hassan oilfield in Qoshqaya.

November 2 - two bombs exploded against oil pipeline connecting oil fields in Kirkuk to the refinery in Bayji, one at  10am , 44 miles (70 km) southwest of Kirkuk .

November 2 - blast on refined products pipeline in Hatin north of Kirkuk .

November 2 - attack at  7:20pm near Sheikh Mizher al-As on a pipeline network connecting the Khubbaz oil wells, 24 miles (40 km) west of Kirkuk with refineries in Bayji and Baghdad .

November 3 - assassins shot to death the director general of the Iraqi oil ministry's oil byproducts distribution company, Hussein Ali al-Fattal, as he left his home in the Yarmouk area of Baghdad to go to work

November 5 - explosion damaged a gas pipeline which connects the Baba Gurgur fields near Kirkuk with

November 9 - explosion on oil pipeline near the Safa, 44 miles (70 km) southwest of Kirkuk . the Northern Gas Company.

November 10 - attack on gas pipeline connecting the Khubbaz fields to the Northern Gas Company.

November 13 - attack at Taji, 12 miles (19km) north of Baghdad on oil pipeline that runs to the Daura refinery in Baghdad

November 14 - four oil wells set afire in the Khubbaz oilfield west of Kirkuk . The wells had been pumping 10-15,000 bpd of oil a piece.

November 15 - blast on oil pipeline from Kirkuk to Ceyhan in Safra 37 miles (50 km) west of Kirkuk .

November 15 - gunmen set ablaze a storage depot and pumping station along the oil pipeline to Ceyhan near Ain al Jahish, 60 miles (96 km) south of Mosul .

November 15 - explosion at  11pm near Sarai, 47 miles (75 km) west of Kirkuk , on oil pipeline that feeds the Bayji refinery.

.November 15 - explosion at  11pm near Riyadh , 25 miles (40 km) west of Kirkuk , on gas pipeline that feeds the power station in Bayji.

November 17 - blast at  1am on oil pipeline from the Bai Hassan field, 30 miles (42 km) west of Kirkuk , to storage facilities in Dibis, 20 miles (32 km) west of Kirkuk .

November 17 - bomb on oil well in Barajwan, 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Kirkuk .

November 17 - blast at  8am 2.5 miles (4 km) west of Samarrah on pipeline from Bayji to the Daura refinery in Baghdad .

November 21 - an oil well was set afire in the Khubbaz oilfield.

November 21 - sabotage attempt on a well in the Khubbaz oilfield thwarted by Iraqi security guards. One would-be saboteur was killed and another wounded.

November 22 - blast at 9am on the 42 inch pipeline to Basra terminal stopped flow of oil through the pipeline.

November 25 - attack on two oil wells near the Himreen Mountains , 75 miles (120 km) south of Kirkuk .

November 25 - an early morning explosion on the pipeline that runs from Kirkuk to Bayji.The explosion occurred in the Fatha area, 9 miles (15 km) north of Bayji. Two days earlier a 2000-strong force of the Iraqi National Guard was deployed in the region to take over responsibility from private security firms.

Comment: It is very evident from these figures that the Defense Department, like all other governmental agencies, is completely accurate when it says oil is flowing as never before. Unfortunately for all concerned, it is not flowing to American refineries but is flowing out onto the ground. Or going up in smoke.