Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 081024-01
November 24, 2008
Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0790-194-0270

New brigade ready to fight the enemies of Iraq

BESMAYA, Iraq – The dust storm that swept through the Besmaya Range Combat Training Center could not stop the newest Iraqi Army brigade from graduating Nov. 20.

Nearly 1,800 members from the 45th Brigade, 11th Infantry Division completed 21 days of Unit Set Fielding, providing them with the skills and equipment they need to perform their missions.

Speaking to the graduates, Iraqi Army Col. Abbas, Besmaya Range Complex commander said, “Your sword and your hand will keep the enemies of Iraq away from our country and our people.”

Unit Set Fielding is a process that builds an entire army unit and gives Soldiers the equipment and training they need to fight. Iraqi Soldiers from Basic Combat Training, as well as NCOs and officers, are drawn from their respective training programs to form a new Army command.

“A lot of our enemies want to destroy Iraq,” said Iraqi Army Gen. Abood, Baghdad operations commander. “But this country has its own sons. Patriot Soldiers like you fight the enemies of Iraq. All of us have you to provide security and put the law first.”

Select members from the units are instructed as trainers so they can train their respective units. The idea is for Iraqis to train Iraqis while Coalition forces act as advisors during the process.

The three weeks at the range consists of weapons issue and training, first-aid, ethics, vehicle operations and close quarters marksmanship training. The 45/11 took delivery of nearly 1,300 new M-16 and M-4 rifles during their training.

The Besmaya complex is the largest combat training center in Iraq, with more than 122 square kilometers available for training.

-30-

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1332 OR IRAQNA: 0790-194-0270.  FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT:  WWW.MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL .