Scorpions Take the Lead

Photo By Spc. Yolanda Moreno Leon | 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army, "The Scorpion Battalion", are handed ove rsecurity from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team at a Transfer of Authority Ceremony in Hammam Al-Alil, Iraq. Courtest photo by 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment.  

HAMMAH AL-ALIL, IRAQ

05.02.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

HAMMAH AL-ALIL, Iraq - 4th Battalion, 23 Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat team handed over security to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, The Scorpion Battalion, during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at the IA Headquarters in Hammam Al-Alil .

The IA have been active in the Hamman Al-Alil community and have been critical to the establishment of security in the region which was once a hotbed of insurgent activity.

"Today we have complete confidence in our abilities and insist on carrying the responsibility for security in our area through cooperation with the entire security establishment, tribal shieks, and local leaders," said COL Hajji Commander 3rd Bn, 2nd Bde, 3rd IA. "All of us will work as one team, as brothers, to keep the area safe and go forward for freedom and democracy."

According to Maj. Ken Slover, fire support officer, 4th Bn., 23rd Inf. Rgt., today marks a significant milestone in the security of the western Tigris River valley.

"The IA have a vested interest in security," Slover said. "They also have a street knowledge from growing up in and understanding the associations of the region."

Slover said the IA has had a long standing partnership with the Hammam Al-Alil police force and cadre from the Iraqi Police Basic Skills Course.

"The unity of effort between the IA and IP and the ability to plan, coordinate and execute unilateral operations without Coalition input has produced a tremendous effect in the area," said Slover.

Lt.Col. John Norris, commander, 4th Bn, 23rd Inf. Rgt., spoke briefly at the ceremony and said is has been a privilege working side-by-side with the Scorpion Battalion.

"We have sweated and bled together and I am proud to hand over the responsibility and security to these warriors," Norris said.

"From this point forward, the security of the Western Tigris River Valley will be in the capable hands of the Scorpion Battalion," said Slover. "This represents yet another benchmark for the independence of the Iraqi government and its military forces."

• Date Taken: 05.02.2006
• Date Posted: 05.02.2006 08:41
• Story ID: 6205
• Location: HAMMAH AL-ALIL, IQ