MND-B transfers battle space to Iraqi Army

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson | Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, stand tall during a transfer of authority ceremony March 2 at Forward Operating Base Constitution. The Iraqi army brigade assumes the security responsibilities from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.03.2006

Courtesy Story

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CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq-"We are comrades. The Iraqi army and the American forces are brothers. We bleed together. We shed tears over the same fallen comrades," said Brig. Gen. Aziz Noor, commander, 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.

These words rang clear to all those present as Soldiers of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, handed over operations to 3rd Bde., 6th IA Div., during a transfer of authority ceremony Mar. 2 at Forward Operating Base Constitution.

It was a historical day for both the Iraqi army and the Coalition Forces. The transfer of operations was one of the largest and most prominent since the training of Iraqi forces began.

"The American forces are giving freedom back to the people of Iraq, just as they did in Japan, Germany and Korea," said Brig. Gen. Aziz, 3-6 IA. "We are receiving this area of responsibility and the job to protect it. God willing, we will be able to do so."

More than 1,500 members of the Iraqi army stood proudly in formation as the ceremony took place.

The Iraqi army took over operations of western Baghdad and eastern Abu Ghraib.

"Today marks a great day for the people of Baghdad and the country of Iraq, as we celebrate the accomplishments of this brigade," said Col. Jeffrey Snow, commander, 1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. "Never have I seen a group of soldiers learn so quickly and advance so efficiently."
The two brigades have been working alongside each other for several months in training and combat operations " ridding the area of insurgents and winning the hearts of the Iraqi people.

"Soldiers of the 1-10 Mtn. Div., and the 3-6 Iraqi army " are truly brothers in arms," said Snow. "We both sacrifice for life, liberty and the belief that all people " no matter their tribe, religion or background " can live together as one."

The Iraqi soldiers" success has been aided by the support of tribal leaders, police, counsel members and the local citizens.

Local council members commented that progress has been made despite resistance, and that it will continue to improve.

"Progress for the area has been hindered because the insurgents bomb our contractors and kill the innocent civilians," said Mr. Hamed, a chairman for the Kadha council of Abu Ghraib. "Still, we have completed more than eighty percent of what we have been tasked to do, including water treatment for the people."

Change in this landscape and infrastructure has been difficult and expensive for the soldiers.

"The price of freedom will always be paid through the blood and hard-work of the Iraqi soldiers and police force," said Snow. "Without your efforts, there is no future for this great land."

The Iraqi soldiers were clearly excited as the day progressed, and displayed their enthusiasm to continue the fight.

"It is a great day and a great thing to be taking over these operations, and we gladly assume the responsibilities before us," said Aziz. "We were able to secure the Abu Ghraib area, and we will work together with the citizens to bring more security to the area and rid it of terrorists."

Coalition Forces will continue to transfer security responsibilities to the Iraqi army.

"The Iraqi army has gained the trust and support of the local citizens, who are the ultimate source of strength for Iraq's future," said Snow.

"The Iraqi army is here for all people, and just as the army must be as one force in order to be effective, so must the people they serve," he said.

"This is your army and they represent all Iraqis in words and deed," Snow said. "Follow its example, and this country will never fail, nor tire " and Iraq will once again take its place as the center of knowledge and culture in the Middle East."

• Date Taken: 03.03.2006
• Date Posted: 03.03.2006 10:37
• Story ID: 5578
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ