Photo By Spc. Jason Dangel | Dozens of Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, gather...... read more read more
by Spc. Jason Dangel
4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, Iraq – The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, trained for approximately 11 months on the grounds of Fort Hood, Texas, before deploying for its first mission in Iraq.
Fast approaching its two-year anniversary, the brigade combat team, initially activated in December 2004, successfully completed its first mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After spending one year deployed, as part of Multi-National Division – Baghdad and operating in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in central and southern Baghdad, the Cobra Brigade officially transferred authority of security responsibilities to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony at Forward Operating Base Prosperity Nov. 28.
The ceremony marked the completion of the "Cobra" Brigade's yearlong commitment in Iraq and the start of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team "Black Jack", 1st Cavalry Division's new mission in support of OIF.
"We have faced many challenges during our time here in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom," said Col. Michael Beech, commander, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div., as he finished casing the brigade colors with Command Sgt. Maj. John Moody, senior noncommissioned officer for 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div., symbolizing the completion of the "Cobra" Brigade's mission in the Iraqi capital.
"When we were given this mission, we all knew we would face challenges unlike any we have ever faced before, but each and every Soldier in this brigade looked adversity right in the face, and I can honestly say we have achieved great success during our time here," Beech said proudly.
Beech commended his Soldiers for a job well done and wished the incoming commander, Col. Bryan Roberts, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div., luck as he and his Soldiers embark on their new mission in Baghdad.
"We are being replaced with a great, combat ready brigade led by Col. Roberts," Beech said. "I know they will do great things as they work to bring peace and stability to the Iraqi people and the new Iraqi government."
Roberts described, with great admiration, the character of the Soldiers and leaders of the "Cobra" Brigade, and said his unit is ready to carry on the tradition of success left by the 4th BCT and all the units before leading the fight in central and southern Baghdad.
"I would like to use this opportunity to thank the mighty 4th Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division for their dedication to the mission and the welfare of the people of Iraq," Roberts said.
Drawing on lessons from their first experience deployed to Baghdad in 2004, Roberts said the incoming "Black Jack" Brigade aims to maintain an aggressive strategy to root out terrorism and also build relationships with the citizens and local powers of the city.
"The 'Black Jack' Brigade stands prepared in this year of transitions," Roberts continued. "We will work with the Iraqi Security Forces and the government of Iraq, to provide a stable and secure environment to enable the continuous improvement of the essential services and critical infrastructure essential for effective self-governance, economic prosperity and growth as a nation."
Roberts continued adding, "To the leaders and Soldiers of the 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, I say good luck and may you enjoy some well deserved time with your families."
As the Ivy Division's newest brigade combat team, the "Cobra" Brigade, comprised of approximately 3,900 service members, deployed in late November 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and officially assumed responsibility of battle space in central and southern Baghdad from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Jan. 14, 2006.
During the Cobra Brigade's time in Baghdad, the unit oversaw the security of many key events to include the national elections and the seating and finalization of the Iraqi Parliament.
Additionally, the unit collectively completed more than 24,000 patrols, cleared approximately 10,000 homes of illegal weaponry and found 35 weapons caches located throughout central and southern Baghdad.
"When we arrived in Baghdad early December last year, we had the mission of training and employing ISF throughout our area of operations," Beech said during a press conference with Iraqi news agencies Nov. 27.
"Our brigade took the lead in training the 5th Iraqi Army Brigade in January 2006 and they now control their own territory in Baghdad and operate independently," he continued.
"Together with our partner Iraqi army brigade, the 5th Brigade, 6th Division, and the many Iraqi police and Iraqi National Police units in our area, we have proven that over time, experience, patience and perseverance to achieve victory has and will continue," Beech said.
Large scale operations, such as United Fist and Together Forward, among others, both resulted in the capturing or killing of terrorists, finding roadside bombs and developing intelligence used to prevent other terrorist attacks.
According to brigade intelligence reports, approximately 900 suspected terrorists were killed or detained during security operations in the 4th BCT's area of operations.
Operation Stallion Run, a clean-up operation in Al-Doura, as well as numerous other civic action projects, helped rid the streets of garbage and improve living conditions for citizens living in the city.
According the 4th BCT Infrastructure Coordination Element and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, approximately 193 civic action projects, worth an estimated $117.5 million, were completed by the brigade and the USACE during the "Cobra" Brigade's first mission in Iraq, and currently another nine projects are in the planning process worth more than $8 million.
In less than 12 months, the brigade also helped Iraqis conduct more than 300 projects within the districts of Karkh, Karradah and Rasheed improving the sewer, water, solid waste and electrical infrastructure.
"If I could say anything about the Soldiers of this brigade, I would say they are extraordinary, superb, excellent Soldiers with professional attitudes," said the 4th Brigade command sergeant major.
"These Soldiers have amazed me, and I could not be more proud of their performance over the past year," Moody said.
The "Cobra" Brigade brought six of its own battalions to Baghdad, and also employed additional maneuver units, which were attached to the brigade, to include the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division; the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division; and later, the 2nd Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment.
All three attached battalions quickly became the brigade's primary maneuver assets in the fight against terrorism in southern Baghdad, working with Iraqi army and police units to provide security to the people in violence ridden neighborhoods such as Al- Doura, Al-Mansour, Risalah and Abu T'schir.
The 4th BCT directly contributed to the decrease in murders and kidnappings in the Al-Doura Neighborhood during Operation Together Forward, the joint mission with the Iraqi National Police to deter terrorism in the southern Baghdad neighborhood.
"The 'Cobra' team took us in fast and integrated us into their operations as we assumed areas of responsibility in southern Baghdad," said Capt. John Fluery, adjutant, 1st Bn., 14th Cav. "Even though we were just attached, we felt part of the family and they supported us every step of the way."
Working with Iraqi Security Forces, the government of Iraq and their coalition partners, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. officials aim to continue the progressive relationship between Iraqi and American forces as they strive to improve the lives of millions of Iraqi citizens.
To date approximately 30 percent of all operations in Baghdad are independently operated by ISF, a number which 2nd BCT leaders aim to increase by the end of 2007.
More than 70 percent of the greater Baghdad area is under control of the 6th Iraqi Army Division as the 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. begins their new mission in support of Iraqi Freedom.
"We share the same goal with our Iraqi Partners. A sovereign government that provides security, stability, law and order, and stands as the legitimate authority that will unite Iraqi against violence," Beech said.
"Coalition Forces will be here to support this endeavor," he continued. "The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, of the 1st Cavalry Division, will continue this mission, and assist the Iraqi Security Forces and the government of Iraq to care for its citizens."
Upon redeployment to Fort Hood, the "Cobra" Brigade will re-fit and transition into the 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. as they prepare for their next mission.
| Date Taken: | 11.28.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 11.30.2006 12:21 |
| Story ID: | 8447 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 564 |
| Downloads: | 460 |
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