By Maj. Eric D. Verzola
4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. PAO
KALSU, Iraq - Leadership from the Iraqi army and Iraqi police met in November with key leaders of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Kalsu to discuss cooperation and to share information to increase the effectiveness of their efforts in the Babil, Karbala and Najaf Provinces.
The meeting's purpose was to ensure IA, IP and the 4th BCT in the area have a clear understanding of each others mutually supporting missions and areas of responsibility. They also used the meeting as an opportunity to share intelligence.
IA and IP officers received a united focus and left with a general agreement of how their respective forces would work together and benefit from each other's successes in operations. The gathering was also an opportunity for these brothers-in-arms to sit and share a meal together at the new dining facility at Kalsu and get to know each other on a social level.
"It is my pleasure to welcome true patriots of Iraq to this gathering," said Col. Michael Garrett, commander of the 4th BCT (Airborne). "First impressions are important to me and the first impression you made when we first met some months ago was one that showed your commitment and hard work to the security of the country of Iraq."
Both IA and IP leaders took part in the planning session by briefing information on their respective areas. The IA and IP intelligence officers also shared valuable information.
Two senior IA and IP leaders attended the conference, Maj. Gen. Farhood Oothman, commander of the 8th Division, Iraqi Army, and Gen. Qais Hamza Aboud Al-Mamori, Babil Iraqi Police Chief. They highlighted the unity between IA, IP and Spartan paratroopers in the area.
"I've worked with American forces before and they are one team, the same team. I promise that this team will work with you as in the past. We are with you step by step. Our blood is one with yours," said Al-Mamori. "An American Soldier is the same as an Iraqi soldier."
Oothman agreed by saying, "We are one team, trust is there between commanders. Our targets and main goal are the same. Coalition soldiers are the same as Iraqi soldiers. We have the same mission."
Garrett said he was very pleased with the arrangements and focus gained from the conference and the planning accomplished to synchronize the units' efforts was important to the security of the area.
"It is because of our efforts today," said Garrett, "that we will speak with one voice.