Iraqi security forces, Multi-National Division - Baghdad leaders meet to plan security for the Mada'in Poll Stations

Photo By Pfc. Evan Loyd | Brig. Gen. Emad, commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd National Police Brigade, looks over his security plans of the polling stations with one of his officers before the regional security meeting held at the 9th Iraqi Army Division headquarters in Al Rasheed to plan and rehearse the security of the Mada'in Qada for the upcoming provincial elections Jan. 27.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.28.2009

Story by Pfc. Evan Loyd 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

By Pfc. Evan Loyd
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

BAGHDAD, Iraq – In support of the upcoming Provincial Elections, leaders from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, observed Iraqi security forces from the Iraqi army, national and local Iraqi police, conduct a full dress rehearsal of its security plan for the Mada'in Qada during a regional security meeting Jan. 27 at the 9th IA Division headquarters in Al Rasheed.

The meeting was an opportunity for the leaders entrusted with the security of the Mada'in to come together and discuss how to ensure safe, secure and legitimate elections, which are believed to be another significant chapter in the countries history.

"This centralized meeting helps coordinate the various components that will be working together to ensure the safety of the Iraqi citizens on election day," said Iraqi staff Lt. Gen. Aboud Ganbar, commander of Iraqi Baghdad Operations.

The ISF and the MND-B Soldiers have been working hard in preparation for the elections. The meetings throughout the past few months have required hard work from the Iraqi security and coalition forces alike. Both are dedicated to help keep the local Iraqis safe while they vote on election day.

"We've done four complete rehearsals and numerous smaller ones," said Brig. Gen. Emad, commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd National Police Brigade. "I feel my officers are prepared for the task and understand the magnitude of their responsibility."

Though the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team will have only a support role in the actual election day operations, the Iron Brigade has helped by providing valuable insight into the planning of the security around the polling stations and by providing equipment like metal detectors and cement T-walls to facilitate the safety of the Iraqi citizen while they vote.

"We have more T-walls for you to pick up at COP Sallie," said Col. Pat White, from Apple Valley, Calif., commander, 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div. "We're here to help anyway we can."

With this thorough planning and help from their Multi-Nation Division – Baghdad partners, the local ISF are confident that the elections will be able to proceed as scheduled and allow the Iraqis a chance to vote for their government officials.

"It's a great thing to be able to help the Iraqi citizen be safe while they take an active role in the government by voting," said Emad.

• Date Taken: 01.28.2009
• Date Posted: 01.28.2009 05:09
• Story ID: 29361
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ