Courtesy Photo | Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Tompkins (second from right), senior enlisted adviser with...... read more read more
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Story by: 1st Lt. Joseph Malins
BAGHDAD—Troopers with 5th “Longknife” Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, assumed duties Dec. 5 at Joint Security Station Falcon, Iraq from 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, USD-C in support of Operation New Dawn, during a transfer of authority ceremony.
The troopers with 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., unfurled their colors and flew them over the JSS, symbolically beginning their task of supporting the 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Division in their mission to improve security and stability for the people of Iraq.
It now falls on the troopers with 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., to carry out their yearlong mission in southwestern Baghdad, to advise, train and assist the 2nd FP Div. The squadron’s leaders will be working with their Iraqi counterparts to improve internal security functions at all levels.
“In many ways, they are already extremely proficient at providing security for the people of Baghdad,” said Lt. Col. Matthew R. Moore, commander of 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD-C. “We are merely helping them refine and improve their capabilities, bringing them to the next level.”
As part of the ceremony, Moore gave a speech praising the professionalism of the squadron’s troopers.
“I stand before you a very proud squadron commander. You have assumed your duties professionally, and I have every confidence the Longknife troopers will improve their performance and improve the performance of our partners.”
The squadron and the 2nd Federal Police Division will work together to provide security to the Rashid area in southern Baghdad, as well as the strategically important Khadamiyah area in northern Baghdad. The 2nd FP Div. conventionally operates as a Ministry of Interior asset, but are currently operating as part of the Ministry of Defense’s Baghdad Operations Center, providing security for Baghdad.
Moore reminded his troopers to remain vigilant and resist complacency.
“The Rashids—both east and west—and Khadamiyah area’s remain contested. Our efforts will result with a close partnership with the Iraqis, preserve our legitimacy and access [to those areas], and, more importantly, we will finish with honor,” Moore said. “Honor for our comrades, our friends, brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers, who serve our great armed forces who have given their lives so that others can live free of tyranny.”
As part of what is scheduled to be the last U.S. unit in Baghdad, the squadron’s troopers know their mission is critical in maintaining positive conditions in the city and its environs.
“What we are doing here is very important,” said 1st Lt. Brandon Davis, 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., and a St. Leonard, Md., native. “We will leave a lasting legacy here in Iraq, as we prepare to depart. With the Federal Police, we will ensure the people of Iraq will get the peace and security they rightly deserve.”
Moore concluded his speech with some words from a former U.S. service member who later became president.
“John Fitzgerald Kennedy said, ‘We do not do this because it is easy. We do it because it's hard,’” Moore said. “What we are going to do today—and over the next year—is not going to be easy. Some days it’s going to be really hard. But I know you are trained, ready and capable. You are doing it right now. But I will remind you; the best soldier fights without vengeance, without anger and without hate. The best soldier puts himself humbly below his comrades, thus eliciting the highest loyalty from them. We fight for each other.”
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.23.2010 07:24 |
| Story ID: | 62520 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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