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KIRKUK, Iraq, Jan. 31, 2006 — Iraqi army soldiers loaded up their equipment, lined up their vehicles, prepared for relocation, and departed the army base north of Kirkuk.
"The soldiers of 4th battalion [Iraqi army] have proven themselves extremely capable in the Kirkuk area and will take their experience and expertise to the Bayji area."
U.S. Army Maj. Steven Howell |
"The 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Iraqi army relocated from Kirkuk to Bayji in order to realign Iraqi army forces to best conduct counter insurgency operations and to improve security for all Iraqi people,” said U.S. Army Maj. Steven Howell, 2nd Brigade Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. “This is a well integrated, ethnically diverse battalion,” said Howell. The 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade is composed of a multi-ethnic group of soldiers representing Arabs, Kurds, and Turkomen. The Brigade was intentionally formed with an ethnic diversity that mirrored the Iraqi population to prove that Iraqis of different cultural backgrounds can work together for the greater good of all Iraqis “4th Battalion was selected because of its high level of readiness and mission capability”, Howell explained, “The soldiers of 4th battalion have proven themselves extremely capable in the Kirkuk area and will take their experience and expertise to the Bayji area.” Proving themselves capable of this move marks a transition from a local national guard unit organization to a true national Iraqi Army in support of all Iraq. The Iraqi Army has previously been organized in a national guard concept with units from one area being responsible for the military security in that same area. This relocation demonstrates the Iraqi Army’s increased ability to provide a secure force protection for greater Iraq. |
