| WASHINGTON, July 27, 2006 – Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team are working to set conditions for the Iraqi government to take charge of essential services and public works within Baghdad.
Army Lt. Col. Joe Gandara, commander of Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, meets with neighborhood representatives in the Doura Baladiya, in southwestern Baghdad. Local representatives often detail the most pressing needs of their neighborhoods and communities. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brent Williams, USA '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. |
|
The brigade's Special Troops Battalion has taken the lead in helping the Iraqi government maintain and improve water, sewer, electric and sanitation services in southwestern Baghdad, Army Lt. Col. Joe Gandara, the unit's commander, said. The battalion's Infrastructure Coordination Element, a group of engineers, officers and soldiers dedicated to helping Iraqis take the lead in building a better Baghdad, work with local leaders to improve living conditions for Iraqi citizens. “The brigade's mission is to create an environment that enables the Iraqi government to establish rule of law in Baghdad and transition to Iraqi control,” Army Capt. Ryan Parks, the battalion's sewer and water projects manager, said. “By developing and managing infrastructure projects, the ICE is helping create that environment,” he explained. “If the citizens of Baghdad do not have to worry about necessities, such as potable water and electricity, they can focus more on establishing governance and order to Iraq.” The ICE cell has managed 94 essential service projects worth more than $48 million. The projects also provide both short- and long-term employment for Iraqis. “There are countless neighborhoods and citizens around Baghdad that are benefiting from new infrastructure projects and from rehabilitation projects,” Parks said. As the Iraqi government assumes more responsibility for infrastructure, the role of civil military operations is changing. The Special Troops Battalion is working with local municipal departments to make these organizations more effective, Army Maj. Ray Proske, the battalion's executive officer, said. A coordination cell works with local leaders to identify and service the particular needs of their communities. The success of the battalion in improving the lifestyle of the Iraqi people cannot be gauged in dollars or in projects alone, Gandara said. The real success is in developing a relationship between the city government and local townships within the city to identify and meet the needs of the people. Teaching civics and the benefits of a representative government to local government officials is a challenge, he said. The unit is teaching local-level Iraqi leaders how to govern “within the parameters of a normal society,” Gandara said, “so that we know that we have built something that will stand -- that I know will be a success within the traditions and culture of the Arab peoples.” (Army Staff Sgt. Brent Williams is assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, public affairs office.) |
Boy did I Goof it up!!!
BR>
| WASHINGTON, July 27, 2006 – Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team are working to set conditions for the Iraqi government to take charge of essential services and public works within Baghdad. |
Army Lt. Col. Joe Gandara, commander of Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, meets with neighborhood representatives in the Doura Baladiya, in southwestern Baghdad. Local representatives often detail the most pressing needs of their neighborhoods and communities. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brent Williams, USA '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. |
|
The brigade's Special Troops Battalion has taken the lead in helping the Iraqi government maintain and improve water, sewer, electric and sanitation services in southwestern Baghdad, Army Lt. Col. Joe Gandara, the unit's commander, said.
The battalion's Infrastructure Coordination Element, a group of engineers, officers and soldiers dedicated to helping Iraqis take the lead in building a better Baghdad, work with local leaders to improve living conditions for Iraqi citizens.
“The brigade's mission is to create an environment that enables the Iraqi government to establish rule of law in Baghdad and transition to Iraqi control,” Army Capt. Ryan Parks, the battalion's sewer and water projects manager, said.
“By developing and managing infrastructure projects, the ICE is helping create that environment,” he explained. “If the citizens of Baghdad do not have to worry about necessities, such as potable water and electricity, they can focus more on establishing governance and order to Iraq.”
The ICE cell has managed 94 essential service projects worth more than $48 million. The projects also provide both short- and long-term employment for Iraqis.
“There are countless neighborhoods and citizens around Baghdad that are benefiting from new infrastructure projects and from rehabilitation projects,” Parks said.
As the Iraqi government assumes more responsibility for infrastructure, the role of civil military operations is changing. The Special Troops Battalion is working with local municipal departments to make these organizations more effective, Army Maj. Ray Proske, the battalion's executive officer, said. A coordination cell works with local leaders to identify and service the particular needs of their communities.
The success of the battalion in improving the lifestyle of the Iraqi people cannot be gauged in dollars or in projects alone, Gandara said. The real success is in developing a relationship between the city government and local townships within the city to identify and meet the needs of the people.
Teaching civics and the benefits of a representative government to local government officials is a challenge, he said. The unit is teaching local-level Iraqi leaders how to govern “within the parameters of a normal society,” Gandara said, “so that we know that we have built something that will stand -- that I know will be a success within the traditions and culture of the Arab peoples.”
(Army Staff Sgt. Brent Williams is assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, public affairs office.)
|
|
 |
An Iraqi laborer welds water pipes used in water treatment facilities in Baghdad's International Zone. The projects of the Special Troops Battalion's Infrastructure Coordination Element provide both temporary and permanent employment to Iraqis. In most cases, Iraqi contractors hire local laborers from the different districts where the projects take place. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brent Williams, USA
Download screen-resolution
Download high-resolution |
 |
A project to build and install generators for a water purification plant in Baghdad's Karradah district was completed by local Iraqi contractors in May. The Infrastructure Coordination Element of Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, Multinational Division Baghdad, has managed 94 essential service projects worth more than $48 million within the brigade's area of operation. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brent M. Williams, USA
Download screen-resolution
Download high-resolution |
 |
Army 1st Lt. Jesse Bisnette, former sewer and water projects manager with Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, inspects work done on a generator project at a water treatment plant in Baghdad's Karadah district. Bisnette is now a platoon leader for Company E, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brent Williams, USA
Download screen-resolution
Download high-resolution |
There that's better |
Printer-friendly Version
Email A Copy