US Advisor to the Iraq MoI changes from military to civilian led

Photo By Staff Sgt. Michael Carden | Coast Guard Rear Adm. Charles Ray, outgoing director of the Iraqi Training and Assisting Mission to the Ministry of Interior, addresses his peers and subordinates Sept. 3 at his farewell dinner at Joint Security Station Shield, Iraq.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.03.2010

Story by Sgt. Michael Carden 

United States Forces – Iraq, Deputy Commanding General (Advising and Training)

BAGHDAD - With a polite bow of his head to a standing ovation, Coast Guard Rear Adm. Charles Ray, the outgoing director of the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission for the Ministry of Interior, bid a fond farewell Sept. 3, to the Joint Security Station Shield community.

"This has been the most important work in my military career,” Ray said. “As we complete the mission of ensuring the Iraqi police Forces can provide safety and security for the people of Iraq."

Ray, a Newport, Ark., native, has overseen the cooperation and coordination of coalition forces with Iraqi MoI personnel to expand and improve the MoI’s capabilities to provide the people of Iraq with a secure and stable country.

The incoming director, Edward Horton, a member of the U.S. Army Senior Executive Service, represents a shift from military-led to civilian-led advisory capacity.

“Significant efforts are underway in each of the major directorates in the MoI,” said David Butzer, deputy director of ITAM – MoI. ”Mr. Edward Horton has the experience and background to guide the final drive in assisting the MoI build ministerial capability to achieve lasting security”

Transitioning from Iraq, Ray will head to Hawaii where he will assume command of the 14th Coast Guard District

• Date Taken: 09.03.2010
• Date Posted: 09.13.2010 07:15
• Story ID: 56186
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ