Photo By Spc. Elliot Valdez | Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond (left), commanding general, Multi-National Division –...... read more read more
By Master Sgt. Guadalupe Stratman
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – As the Security Agreement takes effect, Jan. 1, 2009, Multi-National Division – Baghdad's mission remains the same.
"Our mission continues; we will protect the Iraqi populace," Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and MND-B. "The significant difference is we will now conduct our missions with our Iraqi security force partners in the lead. We're still here to help them but the weight shifts from our shoulders to the increasingly capable ISF."
As the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1790 expires, the Security Agreement represents a request by Iraq for U.S forces to remain in Iraq to assist with security and stability only as needed and requested by the Government of Iraq.
"It means we'll make a few adjustments in how we execute operations but for the most part, it reinforces transitions that are already underway," said Hammond. "We will conduct all combat operations by, with and through our ISF partners."
To ease the transition of the Security Agreement, MND-B has worked closely with the Baghdad Operations Center since early November for all combat missions said Brig. Gen. Robin Swan, deputy commanding general, MND-B.
"We have spent a great amount of time with the BOC working out the every detail of the Security Agreement," said Swan, a native of Pittsburg.
"All of our combat operations are done combined with our Iraqi security force partner, which is a flat rule that was initiated in November in advance of the Security Agreement," said Swan.
Overtime coalition forces will reduce their presence in the city of Baghdad. The first step will be, Jan. 3, with the transfer COP Callahan to the Ministry of Trade. Next, FOB Rustamiyah will transfer to the Iraqi army by, March 31.
"Our coalition only outposts will be closing or transferring to Iraqi control. We will maintain some positions in Joint Security Stations in an advisory role, but the Iraqi security forces will be maintaining security in Baghdad."
As far back as August, the Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team, which works closely with MND-B and the GoI, has conducted business similar to what the Security Agreement requires.
"[The Security Agreement] embodies legally a lot of what we, the PRT and the ePRTs at the brigades, have been doing – particularly partnering with Iraqi officials," said John Bass, Baghdad PRT team leader.
Bass and his PRT first listen to the already identified needs of the Iraqi government.
"All the projects that we undertake or the initiatives that we are engaged in are coordinated with the appropriate Iraqi government official and institution," said Bass, a native of Chatham, N.Y. "Those are things that are now required. They were not required two and three months ago."
The Security Agreement is the way Baghdad PRT and the division needs to go, said Bass.
The environment in Iraq is changing and MND-B will adapt to that, and it reflects the increasing capability of the Iraqi government to start doing more for itself and for its people.
"The Security Agreement is a testament to how far we have come with preparing the ISF and our Iraqi government counterparts to truly be in the lead," said Hammond. "There are still some challenges ahead and the ISF needs to demonstrate they can handle the responsibility. But we will be with them to assist when required. They have come a long, long way."
| Date Taken: | 12.31.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.31.2008 13:13 |
| Story ID: | 28334 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 90 |
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