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

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 090103-02
January 03, 2009
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DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0790-194-0270

Over 2,000 Iraqi Soldiers complete 41/10 Unit Set Fielding

BESMAYA – Over 2,000 Iraqi Army Soldiers from the 41th Brigade, 10th Infantry Division marked their completion of Unit Set Fielding with a graduation ceremony at the Besmaya Range Complex on Dec. 31.

Unit Set Fielding is designed as a 3-week 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.

Speaking to those in attendance, Iraqi Army Col. Abbas, Besmaya Range Complex commander said, “These Soldiers are loyal to Iraq and dedicated to keeping peace in the country.”

“You now have more self-confidence and experience, and are very motivated,” said Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Muhammed Jassim, 41/10 commander, to his troops. “We promise our country that we will fight and defeat terrorists, outlaws and sectarian violence.” Jassim went on to thank Coalition Forces for their assistance in training his brigade.

Capt. Luis Gayton, a training team chief with the 1st Cavalry Division’s 5/82 Field Artillery, described how his team members worked closely with the advisors from Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq’s Coalition Army Advisory Training Team to design the operations-focused training. “These troops came a long way in a relatively short time,” said Gayton. “They’ve made significant progress and are willing to work with Coalition Forces in a continuing partnership.”

Staff Lt. Gen. Hussain, Deputy Chief of Staff – Training for the Iraqi Joint Headquarters, said Maysan Province in southern Iraq, where the 41/10 will be stationed, is currently quiet, but “these Soldiers must stay physically and mentally sharp to best do their job.” Hussain added, “I urge the officers of 41/10 to judge themselves as they do their own Soldiers. They must be ready for anything.”

Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, MNSTC-I commanding general, said, “You are not a religious, ethnic, or sectarian force – you are a security force made up of Iraqis for the people of Iraq.  It is not what you say that counts, it is what you do.”

The three-plus weeks at the range consists of weapons issue and training, first-aid, ethics, vehicle operations and close quarters marksmanship training. The 41/10 also took delivery of new small-arms weapon and vehicle systems during their training.

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

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