Maj. Tom Bryant
3rd BCT Public Affairs
TIKRIT, Iraq (February 5) " In a symbolic ceremony conducted at a former palace of the Saddam Hussein regime, the Iraqi Army's 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Division assumed an increased role in securing the people of the greater Tikrit area.
"[Today's ceremony] marks an historic milestone," said Lt. Col. Richard Root, commander of 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment. "It symbolizes the growth of the Iraqi Army's capability and credibility."
The 3-320th Red Knight Rakkasans, from Ft. Campbell, Kentucky's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, are partnered with the Iraqi battalion.
The event began with the formation of troops in the parade area near the 1/1/4 headquarters at the Birthday Palace. Remarks were delivered by Gen. Abdul Jabar, commander of the 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Division, Col. Dakhia, the 1st Battalion Commander, and Lt. Col. Root.
The ceremony was attended by a number of provincial and local leaders, including Salah Ad Din Governor Hamad Humood Al-Shakt and the Director of the Provincial Joint Coordination Center, General Easa Mahmood.
According to Brig. General Abdul Jabar, this day has been long in the making for his soldiers and leaders.
"When our Army was started 3 years ago, this is the day the soldiers and officers looked forward to " when they would be doing their duty, providing security," said Abdul Jabar.
Following the leaders" remarks, the formation of troops executed a series of drill movements and conducted a pass and review for the assembled guests of honor.
For Maj. Christopher Engen, Operations Officer for the 4th Infantry Division's 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment and MiTT (Military Transition Team) team leader in Tikrit, today's ceremony caps a busy training period since his team arrived in December 2005.
"Today formalizes that the battalion has achieved a certain level of combat readiness and is ready to assume security for the greater Tikrit area," Engen said.
Engen was quick to note that the training and partnership do not end with today's ceremony.
"[Our goal now is to] get the battalion staff better at planning and synchronizing effects, improving their ability to conduct independent operations," said Engen.
The 1st Battalion's lineage, though short, is nonetheless impressive. Validated as a combat ready unit by the 101st Airborne Division in January 2006 " less than two years after being formed " the battalion has companies based in Tikrit, Bayji, and Ad Dawr.
The battalion's primary duties are focused on defeating insurgent forces in the Salah Ad Din province. Their mission set has also included providing special security for polling sites during elections, securing fuel convoys delivering products to the local citizens, and providing assistance to local schools and hospitals.
As Iraqi Army units build more operational capability, coalition forces will assume a less visible role in the fight against the insurgency.
That reduced role should not be construed as a lessening of commitment by the coalition. According to Lt. Col. Root, "These warriors are our brothers in arms. They are risking their lives every day for the safety of their fellow citizens."
| Date Taken: | 02.06.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2006 14:04 |
| Story ID: | 5336 |
| Location: | TIKRIT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 546 |
| Downloads: | 306 |
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