COP Resolve Leads the Iraqi Army to Independence

Photo By Staff Sgt. Brian Speach | Combat Outlook Post Resolve, Mosul Iraq; Iraqi Army Patrol Vehicles up-aromored by the Iraqi Army.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.29.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq (May 26, 2006) -- COP Resolve under the command of Maj. Richard McConnell, 3 Battalion, 4th Brigade, 2nd Division Military Transition Team from Fort Leavenworth Kan., is mentoring and training the Iraqi Army to become the lead fighting force against an insurgency and creating stability in northern Iraq.

As Coalition Forces continue to fight the insurgency and instability in all regions of Iraq, the exit strategy for US Forces has been implemented and showing great promise and success in Mosul, Iraq.

"The Iraqi Army is striving for autonomy," said McConnell. "They want stability and independence after being freed from the threat and suppression of Saddam."

The Soldiers of the 3/4/2 MITT were taken from over all over the United States and had never operated together until reaching Fort Hood, Texas in February 2006. After a brief train up period they were brought to Iraq where their primary mission is to assist the Iraqi Army in any way possible in order to turn the northern region back over to the Iraqi people. Their mission includes training the Iraqi Army to fight an insurgency, to providing the ability to obtain the logistics and supplies needed to carry out their missions.

"When we got here they had nothing but men with the ability and drive to get the job done," McConnell said. "Now they are in the process of up-armoring vehicles, installing a protective barrier to protect their operating base and obtaining supplies to conduct missions and become self sufficient."

After several months of training, the IA now conduct a minimum seven patrols a week, four cordons, and a weekly Transition Readiness Assessment with coalition forces. During each TRA the IA asseses there own strengths and weakness and also look to Coalition forces for advice on ways to improve.

"We simply suggest and the Iraqi Staff Officers make the final decisions on changes to be made," said McConnell. "The only area in need of attention is the strength and empowerment of their NCO corps. They have great Soldiers that are not being used to their fullest abilities and potential."

During the past months while conducting patrols the IA suffered a setback; two casualties due to improvised explosive devices. This prompted them to start the process of armoring their vehicles. Had their vehicles been armored like Coalition forces, the two Iraqi Soldiers would be still alive.

Through their resourcefulness and mechanical abilities; the IA has obtained and begun to install the armor needed to protect them while on patrol.

Coalition forces have obtained fortification barriers for COP Resolve. The IA has worked up to 20 hour days in temperatures in excess of 100 degrees to install the barriers. In the past four days they have installed 80% of the barriers and provided their own perimeter security while the installation takes place. The loss of two of their comrades has instilled a new vigor and drive in the IA to secure the city of Mosul.

"As you can see the exit strategy is underway," said McConnell. "It is working and the Iraqi Army has begun the final steps to total independence and democracy."

• Date Taken: 05.29.2006
• Date Posted: 05.29.2006 10:05
• Story ID: 6546
• Location: MOSUL, IQ