'Ironhorse' commander meets with media

Photo By Staff Sgt. Shejal Pulivarti | Sioux Falls, S.D. native, Col. Tobin Green, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division addresses the media during a media roundtable, July 30, at Joint Security Station War Eagle, which is north of Baghdad. Green explained the changes his unit has faced as they continue into the next phase of the Security Agreement and the way forward for the people of Iraq.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.03.2009

Story by Sgt. Shejal Pulivarti 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

BAGHDAD — Steadily standing next to the Iraqi security forces in the support stage of the security agreement, the 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, continues to assist the ISF when requested.

The "Ironhorse" Brigade transferred nine bases in 45 days, before the June 30 deadline and moved all combat troops out of the cities in compliance with the security agreement. Much of their mission now, is to stand by, ready to help, if requested by the ISF.

With this new mission as his focus, Sioux Falls, S.D. native Col. Tobin Green, commander of the "Ironhorse" Brigade held a media roundtable, July 30. "The ISF are officially fully in control," he stated.

During the relaxed engagement, Green explained to the media that "the actual transition from coalition forces to ISF in the lead has happened over a period of months."

In attendance were reporters from the NBC broadcasting company and AFP (Agency French Presse) with realistic hopes of better understanding the current status of coalition forces after the June 30 combat troop withdrawal from cities.

Full fledged in the support role, the "Ironhorse" Brigade positioned military training teams to facilitate coordination and provide support to the ISF.

During the roundtable Green explained, "Our advisory personnel are working closely with Iraqi staff, to plan and coordinate intelligence sharing, joint targeting, combined operations and mission essential assets or training when needed."

The "Ironhorse" Brigade established joint operations centers at various locations to link coalition representatives to their ISF counterparts. JOCs serve as a fusion of command and control-allowing easier communication to coordinate movements, request enabler support and training.

"So far, we have been able to assist by providing unmanned aerial vehicle surveillance and route clearance, access to military intelligence, some logistics, and civil affairs resources," stated Green.

The "Ironhorse" commander answered all the questions the journalists asked and while doing so he also explained the role the Soldiers of the "Ironhorse" Bde. were playing and the vast improvements made in security and stability in Iraq.

Once the question and answer session were over, Green and the media enjoyed a light meal and continued their conversations.

"The fact that the ISF can be in the lead, so confident and capable today, is a testament to the effective partnership, training and equipping of the ISF to date. The "Ironhorse" Brigade units and transition teams stand ready to assist the Iraqis with enablers and other forms of support when they need it," stated Green.

• Date Taken: 08.03.2009
• Date Posted: 08.03.2009 11:56
• Story ID: 37095
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ