By Sgt. Jeff Lowry
124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
The first full Iraqi Army division will soon be operating without the mentoring of U.S. advisors, a U.S. Army official who oversees Iraqi security forces’ training said Monday in Baghdad.
Brig. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard discussed the formation of the Iraqi National Police and security concerns throughout Iraq in a briefing to reporters.
Pittard, commander of the Iraqi Assistance Group, said that after Sept. 3, the 8th Iraqi Army Division will be operating independently.
Coalition forces will provide only guidance going forward to what will become the first Iraqi Army division to reach such a level of independence.
The IAG is in charge of military transition teams throughout Iraq. The general credited his troops with improving the war-torn nation under arduous conditions.
“They (transition teams) are true heroes, they make a difference day in and day out,” said Pittard.
The teams are ensuring Iraqi Police are properly trained, properly equipped and they are loyal to Iraq.
“The military transition teams are taking on a heck of job,” he said.
In addition to their hard work, the IAG also oversees the Iraqi National Police.
“One day when the situation is stabilized in Iraq, if they (local police forces) need additional help they will call the Iraqi National Police,” he said.
The INP is a relatively new command in the Ministry of Interior force structure. It was formed from the Police Order Brigade and Commando Brigade.
To become an officer in the INP, a candidate must successfully complete the initial 10-week training program and then train an additional four weeks of follow-up training.
Pittard looked back on his first deployment in Iraq as a point of reference for the Iraqi security forces’ progress, and commented on how much better they are doing now.
“The Iraqis fight and fight well,” he said. “It’s not the same as it was at all two years ago.”
Pittard credits two factors with these improvements.
“A lot has to do with the hard work of the military transition teams. A lot has to do with the faith they have in the Iraqi government,” he said.
Though large strides have been made, there are still many more to go before U.S. forces can leave.
The general said the overall situation must stabilize, the government of Iraq must be comfortable with its forces, and Baghdad security must improve.
“The progress is pretty good, but it’s not where we want it to be,” he said. “Baghdad must be stabilized for the Iraqi government to have credibility.”
Pittard explained Iraq is complex problem requiring complex solutions, but expressed confidence in the outcome.
“We’re here to set the conditions and to help stabilize Iraq,” he said. “The Iraqis will be ready.”
