Iraqi Army receives vehicle shipment through FMS

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Lt. Col. Keith Muschalek, a Foreign Military Sales officer with the Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq, which is located in Baghdad, speaks to Al Muthanna Vehicle Warehouse base leadership regarding future Foreign Military Sales projects.  

IRAQ

01.23.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs

Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq

AL MUTHANA, Iraq – The Iraqi army received 45 military support vehicles at Al Muthana Vehicle Warehouse, Jan. 23, through the Foreign Military Sales program.

The nearly $7 million cost for the 37 5-ton trucks and eight wreckers was paid through Foreign Military Sales, a program in where the government of Iraq purchases defense equipment and supplies from foreign countries, including the United States.

"This is a complete order," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Keith Muschalek, a Foreign Military Sales officer with the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, Baghdad. "All of the wreckers have been manufactured in the United States and produced specifically for the Iraqi army."

These logistical support vehicles have been delivered to the warehouse over the last several weeks in preparation for the handover of custody, he said.

Now that the wreckers have been handed to the Iraqi army, it is up to the Iraqi minister of defence to decide what army units will receive the vehicles. Once the minister has issued orders, the units will pick up the vehicles from the warehouse.

Although each vehicle's future location is unknown for now, the additional capability they are adding to the Iraqi army is undeniable, said Iraqi army Lt. Col. Ali, whose name has been altered for security reasons.

"These vehicles will add more efficiency and maneuverability to the battlefield," he said. "They will be able to reach certain areas and do certain tasks that we couldn't do before."

The wreckers will primarily be used for the recovery of any vehicles or equipment that may have been disabled due to mechanical failure or enemy fire.

Ali said that the wreckers will probably find their way into maintenance battalions around the country, which will add to the Iraqi army's ability to maintain their own fleet of vehicles.

In addition to the wreckers, the 5-ton trucks received Jan. 23 are also awaiting orders from the minister. Once orders are given, they will be distributed to Iraqi army units.

"Over the past several months, we've delivered approximately 170 5-ton trucks," said Muschalek. A total of nearly 660 of these trucks are expected to be delivered to Iraq in the future, he added.

• Date Taken: 01.23.2008
• Date Posted: 01.23.2008 15:36
• Story ID: 15720
• Location: IQ