CAMP RAMADI, Iraq — U.S. and Iraqi media joined a senior spokesperson for the Army in a question and answer visit with the Army's first advise and assist brigade after the brigade's first two and a half months on the ground in Al Anbar province Nov. 11.
Journalists with the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and Iraqi Al Hurra TV focused their questions to Brig. Gen. Stephen Lanza, spokesman for Mutli-National Force — Iraq, and Col. Mark Stammer, commander of 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne (Advise and Assist Brigade), primarily on the growing relationship between Iraqi security forces and the AAB.
Following the departure of two Marine regimental combat teams, Iraqi security forces in Al Anbar began partnered training with our paratroopers almost immediately, and recently, they have asked us to advise and assist their operations, said Stammer.
The colonel clarified for reporters the relationship between the AAB and military transition teams already in place. The AAB does not replace MTTs, but rather, incorporates them into the brigade, he said. MTT advisors identify ISF training needs, and the AAB conducts the training.
The AAB primarily trains Iraqi army troops. Iraqi police are trained primarily by other agencies that are supported by 1/82 AAB, he said.
"Everything happens by, with and through our Iraqi partners," said Stammer.
Regarding support for the upcoming national Iraqi elections, Lanza told media that ISF held primary responsibility for security, but that U.S. forces would assist in such areas as aviation and medical aid, in accordance with the security agreement.
Following a brief, media were introduced to a mortar platoon with 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, one of the AAB's six battalions, who have been conducting partnered training with Iraqi soldiers of 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, at neighboring Camp Ali.
The Fort Bragg-based 1/82 AAB arrived in August and is expected to be deployed in Al Anbar province for one year.