2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs

Story by Pfc. Evan Loyd

By Pfc. Evan Loyd
2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Leaders from the Iraqi army, national police and Iraqi police met with coalition forces leaders at Forward Operating Base Hammer Aug. 28, 2008.

Maj. Gen. Jassem Nazal Qassim, commanding general of the 9th IA Division, General Abdullah, commander of the 35th Brigade, 9th IA Div., Brig. Gen. Emad, 1st Battalion, 3rd National Police Brigade commander, and other ISF leaders attended the conference, which focused on the security measures and strategy they plan to enact during the upcoming month.

In 2007, attacks by anti-Iraqi forces against Iraqi security forces and coalition forces in the Mada'in Qada averaged two and a half per day; in 2008, attacks are fewer than one per day.

The presence of CF in the Mada'in, the increasing professionalism of the ISF and the contributions of the Sons of Iraq all contribute to the reduction in violence.

The current concern, as Lt. Col. Matthew Eichburg, from Warren, Mich., the operations officer of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division addressed, is a potential movement of insurgents from the Diyala region.

The council discussed several partnering initiatives in response to security concerns. The ISF are taking on additional responsibility throughout the Mada'in Qada, especially with two new battalions moving into the Qada- the 1st BN 3-1 National Police into Nahrwahn and the 4th BN, 34-9 Iraqi Army into Wahida.

Col. Pat White, commander of the 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div., and native of Apple Valley, Calif., listened to the plans and concerns of the Iraqi forces. White said it is important for CF to be working with the ISF to provide a safe and secure environment for Iraqis registering to vote.

"Our role is to support and assist the Iraqi forces," said White.

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