MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
JTF 134 Detainee Operations
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release A090706-01

July 6, 2009

REM II hosts groundbreaking for Iraqi Corrections Officer Tactical Operations Center

CAMP CROPPER, Iraq – The Remembrance II theater internment facility here hosted a groundbreaking ceremony July 3 to celebrate the building of a new Tactical Operations Center for Iraqi Corrections Officers.

“The ICOs will initially use the facility in a joint capacity with the U.S. guard force,” said Maj. Kimberly Elniff, 519th Military Police Battalion executive officer.

The 519th MP Battalion is currently assigned to the TIF and will oversee the building and training inside the TOC until their redeployment back to the U.S.

“The TOC will enable us to conduct joint training and operations to ensure ICOs have everything they need to remain successful whether it’s logistically or operationally,” said Lt. Col. Bradley Graul, 519th MP Battalion commander.
U.S. personnel will also have a new learning experience once the TOC is built inside the detention facility.

“Although we currently train the ICO guard force, the Combined TOC will enable us to focus on the operations and logistics aspects of the TIF -- something we haven't been able to do yet,” Elniff said.

Erecting the ICO TOC is another step the U.S. military is taking in order to fulfill the guidelines in the security agreement with Iraq.

“This ICO TOC will not only enhance the continued care and custody of detainees, but it will begin the transition of United States transfer to the [Government of Iraq] while increasing their detention capabilities,” Graul said.

“The facility is critical in the transfer to the GoI because it will facilitate the transfer of responsibility of the operation to the ICOs,” Elniff said. “It supports the security agreement by setting the condition of the withdrawal of U.S. forces.”

Once the facility is transferred to the GoI, it will provide them with a premiere operations center, she said.
The TOC will have many amenities in order to help those running the TIF complete their missions.

“This TOC will have three operations centers in order to maximize training and operations, a full communication system, a conference room and video projection systems,” Graul said.

The contractor plans to have the construction of the building completed about 240 days from the groundbreaking ceremony.

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