III Corps takes on MNC-I mission

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.14.2006

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Corps Iraq Public Affairs

By Sgt. Curt Cashour
MNC-I Public Affairs

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq — Nearly 300 people gathered outside Al Faw Palace for a Dec. 14 ceremony that marked the transfer of authority over Multi-National Corps-Iraq, a body made up of more than 160,000 U.S. and coalition troops, from the Army's V Corps to III Corps.

The event drew dozens of senior military leaders serving in Iraq, including Gen. George W. Casey Jr., commanding general of Multi-National Force-Iraq and the top U.S. commander in the country.

Casey lauded the achievements of the Germany-based Task Force Victory, which is commanded by Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli. In the nearly 11 months since they assumed the MNC-I mission, Chiarelli and his troops oversaw the seating of Iraq's first democratically elected government, watched the Iraqi government's first democratically elected prime minister take office, and the corps' efforts led to the killing of Al-Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, he said.

"Violence and progress exist in Iraq. When you look back over the course of a year, you can really marvel at the progress," Casey said.

While V Corps was in charge of the MNC-I mission, Iraqi security forces continued to make progress toward self sufficiency, increasing the number of divisions taking the lead in combat operations, Chiarelli said. He added that the coalition must continue to make strides to build a stable Iraq.

"We must not let apathy, selfishness or indifference stray us from the course," he said.

The task of building on the progress made by V Corps is now in the hands of Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, MNC-I commander and the Soldiers of III Corps, a unit based at Fort Hood, Texas.

The Soldiers of III Corps are committed to stabilizing the security situation in Iraq, reducing sectarian violence and strengthening the Iraqi government and its security institutions, Odierno said.

"We will succeed," he said, adding that the contributions of Iraqis have been vital to the efforts thus far.

"The Iraqis have shown an incredible resiliency to succeed, despite the dangers they have endured," Odierno said.

During a press conference after the ceremony, Odierno said the III Corps strategy hinges on a combination of diplomatic, economic and military options to quell the violence and strengthen the Iraqi government.

On the diplomatic side, Odierno said he will work closely with the Iraqi government to help build strategies for dealing with the country's militias, policies regarding de-Baathification of the government and guiding the country toward provincial elections.

Topping the list of economic challenges is getting Iraqis back to work. Even with diplomatic and economic progress, extremists will still be a threat and will be dealt with militarily, Odierno said.

Odierno also noted that a large portion of the III Corps staff are serving in Iraq for the second or third time, a fact that will contribute to the unit's effectiveness.

"We have a personal stake in the mission here," he said.

III Corps is scheduled to hold the MNC-I reins for about one year.

• Date Taken: 12.14.2006
• Date Posted: 12.15.2006 11:19
• Story ID: 8579
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ