What's Working, What's Not

Hundreds of mortars, artillary rounds, rockets and other munitions commonly used to make IEDs were uncovered by Marines and Iraqi Soldiers in recent days, according to a USMC press release.

22 MEU finds cache
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq, January 11, 2006

"This was our biggest find to date," said 1st Lt. Antonio Agnone, the combat engineer platoon leader for Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. ( ... )

In just a few days, Iraqi Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and Marines under 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), 2nd Marine Division unearthed nearly 500 rockets and artillery and mortar rounds, along with approximately 100 tank rounds and large quantities of rocket propellant, fuses, and blasting caps.

These supplies are the components insurgents commonly use to make improvised explosive devices. A stockpile of assault rifles, ammunition and two IEDs were also discovered. The weapons and ordnance were destroyed. ( ... )

In one instance, the insurgents defiled a local cemetery to place their stash. Acting on a tip, Iraqi Army Soldiers and Coalition Forces carefully searched the cemetery and found caches in grave spots adorned with both head and foot markers.

(emphasis added)

Maybe we're getting tips because of Marines like Sgt Howard Denny.




Because this one certainly isn't being very helpful.

Update:
Blackfive has a must-read, Saving Private Ali - The Rest of the Story, along the same line. Make sure to read the entire thing.