169th Fires Brigade Taking Charge

MOSUL, IRAQ

09.16.2006

Story by Spc. Lindsay Holguin 

138th Public Affairs Detachment

by Spc. Lindsay Holguin
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment


MOSUL, IRAQ ( September 16, 2006) -- The 169th Fires Brigade is a Colorado based National Guard unit supporting the 25th Infantry Division in Multi National Division- North, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 169th Fires Brigade replaced the 18th Field Artillery Brigade as of Sept. 13 2006.

The brigade began training March 1 at Fort Sill, Okla. Upon completion the brigade conducted joint training in Hawaii with the 25th ID to prepare for its tour in Iraq. Formerly a Field Artillery Brigade, they were selected to become a fires brigade just prior to deploying. The brigade combines core artillery and division artillery into a modular brigade that can bring a composition of field artillery elements to support a required mission.

The 169th Fires Brigade maintains two roles and two elements in supporting Task Force Lightning. The main body of the brigade is located on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikirt, Iraq, and is responsible for all the lethal artillery such as rocket fires and non-lethal fires.

Non-lethal fires are operations such as information operations and psychological operations that contribute to the fight against the insurgency. The purpose of utilizing non-lethal fires is to limit collateral damage or effects on noncombatants.

The second element, Forward Headquarters, located on Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq, consist of a Personal Security Detachment, Operations Cell, Communications, and Engagements Personnel. Their role is to be a liaison with both foreign and domestic dignitaries.

According to Sgt. Major Thomas B. Hastings, Detachment Sgt. Major for Headquarters Forward, 169th Fires Bde. The overall mission is to help the Iraqi citizens take control of their country and become independent.

"Most recently the 169th Fires Bde., was activated in support of Hurricane Katrina," said by Col. Kenneth J. Lull, 169th Fires Brigade Commander and Deputy Commanding Officer for the Forward Headquarters in Mosul. This is the first time the entire brigade has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"My number one goal is to make sure every Soldier returns safe and sound back to Colorado," said Col. Lull, "I will also ensure morale stays high and safety of my Soldiers is paramount."

The 169th is the first Fires Brigade to deploy with an active duty division in combat.

"Although it is a difficult mission, our objective is one of counterinsurgency," said Lull. We will execute whatever division tasks us and set the standard as an Army National Guard unit, for the Field Artillery community and for the Army."

• Date Taken: 09.16.2006
• Date Posted: 09.25.2006 14:58
• Story ID: 7808
• Location: MOSUL, IQ