Baghdad Operations Command Leader meets new Iraqi troops on Taji

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Cupp | Lt. Gen. Abud Qanbar, commander of the Baghdad Operations Center, reviews his troops from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) as they stand next to their T-55 tanks April 17 on Camp Taji, Iraq.  

TAJI, IRAQ

04.19.2007

Story by Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

By Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp
1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- The general in charge of leading the Iraqi efforts in Operation Fardh Al-Qanoon, also know as the Baghdad Security Plan, Lt. Gen. Abud Qanbar, commanding general of the Baghdad Operations Command, paid a visit here April 17 to meet with troops from the newly-established 3rd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army (IA) Division (Mechanized).

Accompanied by Brig. Gen. John F. Campbell, Multi-National Division-Baghdad's deputy commander for maneuver and two other Iraqi generals, Qanbar took the opportunity during his visit to talk to the brigade's leadership about progress they have been making as they work to transition from training to taking an active role in combat missions which support Operation Fardh Al-Qanoon.

The plan which was originally announced in January has been designed for Iraqi security forces, working alongside coalition forces, to take the lead in crushing the insurgency in the capital city and in outlying areas.

In a briefing with Qanbar, Lt. Col. Michael Loew, team chief for the 3-9 Military Transition Team, told the general the units within the brigade are "...making a lot of momentum, going in the right direction."

"The (brigade's) soldiers have been training with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment and they have a great staff and we and the (IA) troops enjoy working with them everyday," added Loew, who is from Stafford, Va.

An Iraqi officer also present at the meeting told Qanbar that "...the brigade's 1st Battalion is ready" to take on any challenges in their area of operations.

After the brief, Qanbar had the opportunity to meet with his troops from the 1st "Tank" Bn., 3rd Bde., 9th IA Div., (Mech.). The battalion's tankers who operate from T-55 tanks took the lead on their first mounted combat patrol earlier this week.

"Do your best and you will continue to improve in your efforts," Qanbar told his newly-initiated combat troops. "I, and the Iraqi people are very proud of you."

Within a few weeks, IA troops in the brigade's 2nd Battalion will be taking on their first combat patrols as well, a sign that progress is being made toward turning over sovereignty of the newly democratic nation to the control of its people, according to Maj. Steven Rodriguez, deputy team chief of the 3-9 MTT.

"It shows that the security plan is taking affect as planned so it is a validation of the plan" said Rodriguez, deputy 3-9 MTT team chief, who hails from Beatrice, Neb. "They are getting to a point to where they can eventually take over their own security."

He also said that Iraqis actually seeing their own troops on patrols in Iraqi towns and villages will build the people's trust and confidence in their security forces and eventually lead to only limited participation from U.S. and coalition forces.

For San Antonio, Texas native Command Sgt. Maj. Pablo Squiabro, senior noncommissioned officer for the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, it has been a meaningful experience to see Qanbar's troops in action.

"Training them to take over in sector is our way home," said Squiabro, whose Soldiers in Company C, 2nd Bn., 8th Cav. Regt., have been training some of the troops in the 3rd Bde., 9th IA Div., (Mech.). "With their first patrol the other day, the 1st "Tank" battalion made history, and you could see that they were well trained and following the standards which was very impressive to see. They continue to get better at what they do each day."

Prior to his departure from Taji base camp, Qanbar dined with the brigade's leadership as well as leadership from the 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and members of the 3-9 MITT team.

• Date Taken: 04.19.2007
• Date Posted: 04.19.2007 13:35
• Story ID: 10012
• Location: TAJI, IQ