4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

Story by 2nd Lt. Juan Torres Jr.

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE HUNTER, Iraq—Leaders of the 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry "Saber" Regiment, along with their partners of the 41st Iraqi Army Brigade, recently celebrated a milestone in southern Maysan province.

"The Multi-National Corps-Iraq commanding general and 4th Brigade, 1st Armored commander identify the 41st Iraqi Army Brigade as the best unit they've seen," said 2nd Sqdn., 13th Cav. Regt. Commander, Lt. Col. William Walski, addressing attendees.

With so much recent growth and team building between the units, it was time for a social break to enjoy friendships, revel in mutual successes and look forward to future achievements during a dinner honoring the one year anniversary of the 41st IA Bde.

The 41st IA Bde. has partnered with U.S. Forces in Maysan since 2008. During recent months, the unit demonstrated exceptional performance providing security in the province.

"The Ministry of Defense applauds the 41st Brigade as the number one brigade in the IA," said Walski. "We just wanted to recognize you formally as the number one brigade, on your number one anniversary, and celebrate as a team."

Since establishing a footprint in southern Maysan, the Soldiers of the brigade excelled in a variety of capacity building instructions to include advanced medical training, crime scene investigation, light battery mortar training, intelligence gathering, maintenance and close quarters marksmanship.

"I am very happy with the cooperation and coordination we share and my brigade would not be this successful without the help and cooperation of the U.S. Forces," said Staff Brig. Gen. Mohammed, 41st IA Bde. commander. "When we work together, there is no difference between you and us."

A Joint Operations Center, manned with Soldiers from Co. B, 4th Bn., 6th Inf. Regt., further enables commanders from the Iraqi and U.S. Armies to track their units throughout the battlefield. Together, the three battalions under the 41st Bde., with the assistance of their U.S. counterparts, demonstrated consistent improvement and eagerness to develop.

Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, recently visited COS Hunter and the 41st IA headquarters, where the commanders of both units outlined current operations in southern Maysan province. Jacoby congratulated both units on their joint achievements and successes in synergizing resources.

As Iraqi Security Forces prepare for a significant reduction of U.S. troops, leaders from both armies continue to take necessary steps to increase capacity and expand the strength of its military forces in this emerging sovereign nation. Their joint efforts not only discourage smuggling, but improve the safety for every man, woman, and child in Maysan province and across Iraq.

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