Logistic Training Advisory Team turning operations over to the Government of Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Col. Fredrick Brown, the operations officer for the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), from Clinton, Miss., meets with officers from the Joint Repair Parts Center to discuss ways to shorten delivery time of repair parts to Iraqi army units and repair shops.  

TAJI, IRAQ

12.02.2009

Courtesy Story

13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command (13th ESC)

CAMP TAJI, Iraq — People read through the Stars and Stripes and hear from other news sources about changes regarding the focus in Iraq; undoubtedly you will hear of the advisory role that American forces are playing. This advisory role has various names attached to it that reflect a particular aspect of the mission or command entity in charge of that type of mission. Logistic Military Advisory Teams, Logistic Training Advisory Teams, and Military Transition Teams are just a few of the teams that work alongside traditional units to develop and maintain the partnership between American and Iraqi forces.

The 96th Sustainment Brigade operates five such teams. This week, two of these teams received a visit from the operations officer of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Col. Fredrick Brown, from Clinton, Miss. Brown directly influences decisions in regards to objectives and the way ahead for the Coalition/Iraqi partnerships. Two LTATs, one at the Taji third line maintenance facility made up of Soldiers from the 96th SBDE and one at the General Transportation Regiment made up of Soldiers from the 1161st Transportation Co., 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion showcased the Iraqi Army units they advise.

Lt. Col. Harry Kim, 96th SBDE Iraqi security forces chief, from Agoura Hills, Calif., said, "Col. Brown's visit signifies our commitment to partnership at all levels of the Army and ensures different levels of Iraqi organizations are synchronized to work as one team. While the 13th ESC has LTAT's at the 3rd level of the Iraqi army logistics system, it requires communication and coordination with higher level organizations. Col. Brown's focus to link the field with the higher level Iraqi headquarters will help communicate the needs and concerns of the field to the Ministry of Defense level organizations and provide the feedback they need to upgrade the Iraqi army logistics system."

Communication is a challenge, especially in an Army that relies on the telephone and couriers for delivery of information. Brown believes that his assessment and the changes that can be made by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense will go a long way toward making the Iraqi army logistics system self-sustaining, allowing American forces to disengage as troops begin to pull out.

• Date Taken: 12.02.2009
• Date Posted: 12.02.2009 05:38
• Story ID: 42240
• Location: TAJI, IQ