Relocated Iraqi Army Battalion Begins New Duties In Bayji

Photo By Capt. Amy Bishop | Lt. Gen. Abdul Jabar, Commander of the 4th Iraqi Army Division and Col. Mohammed Aziz Abdul-Qadir, Commander of the 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division speak to the Iraqi soldiers of the 4th Battalion during their relocation ceremony in Bayji.  

BAYJI, IRAQ

02.21.2006

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Capt. Amy A. Bishop
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAYJI, Iraq (February 16, 2006) - An Iraqi Army Battalion had their official relocation ceremony at Forward Operating Base Summerall.

The 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division has come to Bayji to eventually take over security operations in the area from Coalition Forces. The battalion was organized in 2005 in the city of Kirkuk and trained there until late January when security concerns prompted the movement of the battalion to Bayji.

Upon arrival in Bayji, the 4th Battalion was given a secured section of FOB Summerall, renamed K-2 by the Iraqis, to set up operations and begin training.

Training began immediately as a one-on-one partnership. Senior leadership and staff of the 4th Battalion and the U. S. Army's 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment came together to ensure the success of the training program. The 1/187th is a 3rd Brigade Combat Team unit that is overseeing the training and activation of the 4th Battalion in the Bayji area for the 101st Airborne Division.

According to Capt. Jay A. Bessy, Iraqi Security Forces Team Leader, the one-on-one partnership pairs the Iraqi soldiers with their counterparts in the U.S. Army to train side by side. Training is conducted at all levels from senior staff operations and Non-Commissioned Officer training all the way down to the junior soldier level.

In the weeks since their arrival they have trained on operating tactical checkpoints, conducting vehicle searches, Officer and NCO leadership tasks, and weapons proficiency. "This is a good time for them to get on their feet," said Bessy, "it allows the leadership to regroup and reconsolidate [after the move]. It is the first step to taking ownership of the security here."

A primary focus for the senior staff training has been to ensure that the IA leaders have a good grasp on the scope of problems in the Bayji area, an understanding of the diverse differences between Kirkuk and Bayji, and a layout of the Bayji governmental body.

The new IA Battalion Commander, Col. Mohammed Aziz Abdul-Qadir, and his senior staff took the time last week to meet with the Bayji City Council to make introductions, discuss concerns the Council may have with the security of their community and extend an invitation to the Council to attend today's ceremony. Lt. Col. Randy George, Battalion Commander of the 1/187th believes that establishing a good relationship with the different governmental agencies is crucial to making the IA affective in the area

"We have a close relationship with the City Council. Before anything moves forward, obviously you have to have a safe and secure environment to start economic growth and everything else," said George. "That relationship that we have with the City Council is something that the Iraqi Army will have to have."

The ceremony Thursday began with the different units of the battalion marching to the parade area from the housing area on K-2. Rehearsals for the ceremony took place before the arrival of the dignitaries which included the 4th Iraqi Army Division Commander Lt. Gen. Abdul Jabar, 3rd Brigade Combat Team Commander Col. Michael Steele and the Bayji City Council members.

As the ceremony began all present stood and saluted as an Iraqi Army band played Iraq's National Anthem. A reading from the Koran and a moment of remembrance was followed by Lt. Gen. Abdul Jabar and Col. Abdul-Qadir speaking to the troops with words of encouragement, predicting great things for the future of the battalion. Soldiers then performed a pass and review march in front of the senior leadership and dignitaries to show their respect.

Lt. Col. Sammi Azeed, Operations Officer for the 4th Battalion, is hopeful that the union of the battalion and the town of Bayji is successful. "God willing, we came here to Bayji to provide security for the town because we know Bayji is one of the hottest spots in Iraq and has a lot of problems. People come from other towns to cause problems for the people who live in this town so hopefully we are going to cooperate with the good people of Bayji to provide them safety and security for their town."

• Date Taken: 02.21.2006
• Date Posted: 02.21.2006 14:07
• Story ID: 5437
• Location: BAYJI, IQ