One step closer to taken over on their own

Photo By Spc. Yolanda Moreno Leon | On August 30 2006 the Soldiers from 2nd Brigade 1st Battalion 3rd Iraqi Army Division are having their Transition of Authority Ceremony guest speakers were Brigade General Rickey L Rife 101st Airborne Division Brigade General Francis Wiercinski 25th Infantry Division and Major General Khorsheed Commander 3rd Iraqi Army Division in Al Kisik Iraq Photo by Spc Yolanda Moreno Leon 138th MPAD.  

09.06.2006

Story by Spc. Yolanda Moreno Leon 

138th Public Affairs Detachment

by Spc Yolanda Moreno Leon
138th MPAD

AL KISIK, Iraq ( September 2, 2006) – Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division celebrate another benchmark in history by providing security for their country without Coalition support.

The 3rd IA Div. assumed responsibility for yet another part Iraq during a Tranfer of Authority Ceremony held at Al Kisik, Iraq on Aug. 30.

"The Iraqi Army can effectively protect and control these areas," said Maj. Scott Baum, advisor, Military Transition Team, Iraqi assistance group, 3rd IA Div. "Today we are transitioning authority from coalition forces to 2nd Bn., 1st Bde., 2nd IA, who will now be responsible for certain area here in northern Iraq, Ninevah Providence."

According to Baum, the IA is ready and can effectively operate within their area of responsibility to help keep Iraqi civilians safe and help them rebuild a new Iraq.

"This is the official ceremony where we say the IA Bn. is well trained to take over the fight themselves and we will just support them," said Col. Steve Townsend, commander, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. "The Soldiers of the IA are improving every day.

• Date Taken: 09.06.2006
• Date Posted: 09.06.2006 13:35
• Story ID: 7639