Members of Congress visit Taji

Photo By Maj. David Olson | CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- U.S. Representative Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) engages Iraqi army Maj. Gen. Ayoub Bashar, commander, 9th Iraqi Army Division, in conversation at the 9th Iraqi Army Div. headquarters here June 3. Bashar gave a presentation to the U.S. Congressional Delegation lead by John Kline (R-Minn.). (U.S. Army photo by Maj. David Olson, 1BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.)  

TAJI, IRAQ

06.12.2006

Courtesy Story

1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq " Four members of the U.S. Congress visited the 9th Iraqi Army Division headquarters June 2 to receive a briefing on the readiness of the Iraqi army at Camp Taji north of Baghdad.

Representatives John Kline (R"Minn.), Bob Etheridge (D, N.C.), Michael Conaway (R, Texas) and Madeleine Bordallo (D, Guam) spent several hours visiting the Iraqi army headquarters to receive a briefing from Iraqi army Maj. Gen. Ayoub Bashar, commander, 9th IA Div., followed by a question and answer session.

Each congressional representative thanked Maj. Gen. Bashar for the informative briefing following his presentation.

Rep. Etheridge asked, "How can we help you with logistics?" Logistics is one of the principal challenges currently facing the Iraqi army.

"We need technology," said Bashar. "We also need spare parts for our equipment."

The Iraqi army is currently putting together a national maintenance contract which will provide a system for procuring spare parts for the entire fleet of military vehicles and equipment, including the maintenance personnel to maintain the equipment.

After the meeting, Col. James Pasquarette, commander, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, added some insights for the distinguished guests.

"The 9th Iraqi Army Division has made great progress," said Pasquarette. "We've turned over (a large portion of the area of operations) to the 9th IA Div. With the sectarian violence in the country, there is no Sunni " Shi"a issues in this unit. It's not a Shi"a " Sunni thing."

Bashar agreed. "My 1st Brigade commander is Sh'a. My 2nd Brigade commander is Sunni. It's Iraq first, we are united."

Overall, the visit was a success and these legislative representatives departed with a better understanding on the readiness of the Iraqi army.

• Date Taken: 06.12.2006
• Date Posted: 06.12.2006 13:05
• Story ID: 6786
• Location: TAJI, IQ