Rumsfeld visits Anaconda troops during mideast trip

Photo By Master Sgt. Mark Bell | Brig. Gen. Rebecca S. Halstead, 3rd COSCOM commander, presents Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld with a joint-service windbreaker during his visit here.  

BALAD, IRAQ

07.12.2006

Story by Spc. Amanda Solitario 

210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

by Spc. Amanda Solitario
210th MPAD

LSA ANACONDA, Iraq -- Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld made a surprise visit to meet with the troops and respond to their questions at Logistical Support Area Anaconda July 12.

Rumsfeld, accompanied by Gen. George Casey, commanding general of the multinational force in Iraq, walked into the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation building and received a standing ovation by an estimated 600 servicemembers. Following a short speech, Rumsfeld heard from troops in a town hall-style question and answer session.

When 1st Lt. Kenneth S. Ola, 909th Quartermaster Company, Guam National Guard, asked his assessment of Iraqi forces, Rumsfeld said raising the skills of the Iraqi police to the level of its army is a priority for the coming year.

Training the combat forces in Iraq is going very well, but the support elements are lagging behind, he said. "It is important that we close that gap."

Rumsfeld did not set a deadline for the withdrawal of troops in Iraq and said coalition forces would have to supply logistical aid to the Iraqi forces for an unspecified time.

"They are going to end up with an Iraqi army and Iraqi police force," he said. "They are not going to end up with an American police force or an American army."

Rumsfeld said victory would be achieved by helping the Iraqi people take the fight to the enemy. He noted he sees progress every time he comes to Iraq and said the majority of the people support the new government and cooperate with coalition forces.

"This effort, ultimately, will be won by the Iraqi people over a period of time," Rumsfeld said. "They are invested in this, let there be no doubt."

Despite the successes made in Iraq, the enemy will not quit, he said, adding that a free state is certain defeat for the terrorists.

"Their goal is to kill those who disagree: free people," said Rumsfeld. "We are the very essence of what they oppose."

The question and answer session was not limited to political business. When one Soldier asked who would win the Army-Navy Game this year, Rumsfeld chuckled and said, "I'm plucky, but I am not stupid."

The Secretary of Defense expressed gratitude and appreciation to the troops for their dedication to the mission. He also shook hands with servicemembers afterward, posing for photographs with individuals.

"Each of you is playing an important role in this critical effort. You are making history every day, and I thank you for it," Rumsfeld said. "One day, you will look back with a great deal of pride on what you have accomplished, on behalf of our country, and on behalf of human freedom."

• Date Taken: 07.12.2006
• Date Posted: 07.20.2006 11:12
• Story ID: 7250
• Location: BALAD, IQ