U.S. Forces-Iraq commander meets with Ramadi advise and assist paratroopers

Photo By Spc. Kayleigh Cannon | Gen. Ray Odierno, commanding general of the United States Forces-Iraq, re-enlisted two paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist Brigade), Jan. 28, 2010, while visiting Camp Ramadi, Iraq. The general was visiting Camp Ramadi to be briefed by 2-504 PIR on their progress as part of an advise-and-assist brigade.  

CAMP RAMADI, IRAQ

01.28.2010

Story by Spc. Kayleigh Cannon 

1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq — Paratroopers from 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist Brigade) recently briefed the commanding general of all U.S. forces in Iraq about their mission in Al Anbar, site of some of the most dramatic insurgent activity since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Gen. Ray Odierno, commanding general of U.S. Forces—Iraq, met with Lt. Col. Trevor Bredenkamp, commander of 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist Brigade), and other leaders within 2-504 PIR to hear about the battalion's recent activities in support of Iraqi security forces in the area.

Battalion leaders highlighted some of the sporadic but dramatic bombings they have faced over the past seven months that have underscored the importance of their mission: Al Anbar Governor Qasim al-Fahadawi was injured in one of two blasts at the Provincial Government Center in late December 2009; a Ramadi bridge on a major road connecting Jordan to Iraq was also damaged last October when a five-ton truck wired with explosives detonated.

During the brief, they explained the battalion's responsibilities and how they are accomplishing their mission as part of the first advise-and-assist brigade in Iraq, including specifics on how they have maintained their operational role in Al Anbar throughout their time here.

Odierno said he was pleased with how the advise-and-assist brigade is operating, said Maj. Kyle A. Reed, executive officer of 2-504 PIR.

"We explained how we train, advise, and enable the security forces in Iraq for their own efforts providing security," said Reed.

Following the brief, Odierno re-enlisted two paratroopers and awarded coins of excellence to others. Sgt. Maj. Francis R. Debois Jr., non-commissioned officer in charge of operations with 2-504 PIR, said Odierno's visit solidified their belief that they are on the right track.

"Our goal for today was absolutely accomplished," said. "The intelligence was right up the alley of how [Odierno] was thinking."

• Date Taken: 01.28.2010
• Date Posted: 01.31.2010 13:45
• Story ID: 44686
• Location: CAMP RAMADI, IQ