Iraqi Army Battalion Relocates to Better Serve Iraq

Photo By Master Sgt. George M Winters Jr | Members of 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Iraqi Army prepares to relocate from Kirkuk, Iraq to Bayji, Iraq.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

01.29.2006

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Cpt Lyn Graves
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KIRKUK, Iraq (Jan. 29, 2006) - Iraqi Army soldiers loaded up their equipment, lined up their vehicles, prepared for relocation, and departed the army base north of Kirkuk.

"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 Major 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 Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen. 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.

Providing force protection for all of Iraq is a high priority for COL Muhammed Azziz Abdul-Kadr, 4th Battalion Commander. He stresses the importance of going where his soldiers can best help Iraq.

"We are soldiers so we will go where we are needed," said Azziz.

"The soldiers are ready to move, "Azziz added. "We need to have a good plan so that when the soldiers want to come back and visit their family, they can do that safely."

Hosher Omer Ali, a private with the 4th Battalion said, "Despite difficulties of moving, and leaving family, we must follow our orders. I have pride in my job and I want to follow the battalion commander."

• Date Taken: 01.29.2006
• Date Posted: 01.31.2006 10:55
• Story ID: 5253
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ