Sgt. Jason Stadel
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
Forward Operating Base Kalsu – Months ago, the government of Iraq said it would begin providing services to Hawr Rajab residents as soon as security was established — the time is now.
Task Force Marne leaders Brig. Gen. Jim Huggins, Multi-National Division Center, deputy commander for maneuver, and Col. Terry Ferrell, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, visited the small town, Nov. 5, to discuss the next steps in reconstruction.
They met with representatives from the GoI, British Maj. Gen. Bruce Brealey, Multi-National Corps - Iraq, deputy commander, and Lt. Gen. Abud, Iraqi corps-level commander.
Local leaders say the town is ready now; GoI representatives agree, their presence a testimony to safety in the area.
The day's talks covered tactical and strategic Iraqi army plans, and current and future roles of the Concerned Local Citizens in Hawr Rajab.
"This area was a safe haven to the insurgency and terrorists; they displaced the families living in the area," Abud said. "Our operation here was very successful and coalition forces were very cooperative."
Capt. Beau Giles, from Honolulu, the military transition team effects coordinator for the 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, said they are able to conduct operations fairly independently.
Giles said having the IA work closely with the CLCs, along with overwatch by the U.S. Army, is essential for continued progress. He said the local residents can see their own army and neighbors fighting to rid the area of terrorists.
"Having an Iraqi face on these operations is a key to the success of the counterinsurgency," Giles said. "(The people) are seeing an element of their government working."
The Hawr Rajab Council members were concerned about a number of things in their town. Sheik Ali and Sheik Maher discussed their most pressing needs, including getting electricity 24 hours a day, rather than five to six hours. Maher wants more schools built in the area, a doctor for their medical center and an Iraqi police station.
In the meantime, business owners are returning and shops are opening for business once again. Both the boys' and girls' schools are in session, and the town's gas station is open a few hours a week.
Col. Terry Ferrell, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., commander, said the IA would continue to receive full support from his Soldiers in making Hawr Rajab a successful, safe city as long as he's in Iraq.