‘Longknife’ Squadron gives Iraqi Federal Police tour of their future headquarters

Courtesy Photo | Col. Saleh, left, commander of 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Division, walks with Lt. Col. Matthew Moore, commander of 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division - Center and an Ophelia, Va., native, as Moore points out the various structures at Joint Security Station Falcon, Iraq, March 14. Saleh's men will eventually reside at JSS Falcon, establishing a permanent presence there. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Richardo Spence)  

BABIL PROVINCE, IRAQ

03.16.2011

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

By 2nd Lt. Devin Osburn

BAGHDAD—Iraqi Federal Police Col. Saleh, commander of the 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Division, paid a visit recently to Joint Security Station Falcon, Iraq, to inspect the compound where his forces are to reside in the near future.

“Security changes in Baghdad have allowed for Iraqi Federal Police to move back to traditional government bases and out of private homes and businesses,” said Lt. Col. Mathew Moore, commander of 5th “Longknife” Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center and an Ophelia, Va., native. “Until now, the Federal Police have operated from their homes and businesses without a distinct headquarters.”

This is the first time the Longknife Squadron will hand over a JSS to an Iraqi brigade. The 7th Bde., 2nd IFP Div. will eventually make its headquarters at JSS Falcon, establishing a permanent presence there.

“During our previous tour, the unit conducted a hand-off of the base we were at with another U.S. unit,” said 1st Lt. Bradford Roshak, assistant operations officer of 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt. and a St. Clair, Mich., native. “It will be interesting to see the process conducted across language and cultural barriers.”

Moore guided Saleh around the JSS, showing him the buildings that Saleh’s unit will occupy. In the evening, the two commanders and their men shared a meal.

The Longknife Squadron’s focus is to ensure their Iraqi counterparts are given a proper hand-off, Moore said. The efforts range from something as simple as showing the ISF around JSS Falcon to more elaborate planning involving operations and logistics.

Longknife troopers have begun working with the 7th Bde., 2nd IFP Div. to ensure that when the time comes for U.S. forces to withdraw, their Iraqi counterparts are set up for success.

While advising, training, and assisting the Iraqi Security Forces will continue to be the primary focus of the ‘Longknife’ Squadron as long as they remain in Iraq, many from the unit feel that the eagerness of the 7th Bde., 2nd IFP Div. to occupy JSS Falcon shows they are ready to establish a permanent headquarters in southwestern Baghdad.

• Date Taken: 03.16.2011
• Date Posted: 03.28.2011 07:32
• Story ID: 67848
• Location: BABIL PROVINCE, IQ