By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 3, 2007 - Efforts to oust al Qaeda and other insurgents from Iraq and to revitalize the country's worn infrastructure continue to make progress, a senior U.S. military officer said in Baghdad today. "We continue to work with the Iraqi security forces to maintain pressure on al Qaeda in Iraq by targeting their leadership, their networks and their sanctuaries," Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference.
For example, coalition and Iraqi security forces killed or captured 29 senior al Qaeda in Iraq leaders during anti-insurgent operations during the last month alone, Bergner reported.
He cited the Sept. 11 death of an al Qaeda chieftain known as Muthanna as the result of anti-insurgent operations in northwestern Iraq. The deceased al Qaeda operative was a key coordinator of foreign-terrorist movements into Iraq from Syria, the general explained.
Hundreds of documents and computer equipment seized by coalition troops revealed the composition and extent of Muthanna's terrorist network, Bergner added. Captured lists of foreign terrorists en route or already in Iraq show them to have come from Libya, Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Algeria, Oman, Yemen, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom.
Despite foreign-terrorist activity in Iraq, progress continues to be made against the insurgents, Bergner said. He attributed this success to three factors:
-- Iraqi and coalition forces are targeting foreign-terrorist networks and leaders;
-- Iraq's security forces and citizens are demonstrating courage and vigilance to eject terrorists from their country; and
-- The Iraqi government is heavily engaged with regional neighbors in seeking cooperation to cease cross-border terrorist traffic into Iraq.
Coalition troops also captured a terrorist affiliated with the Iranian Quds Force paramilitary organization, Bergner pointed out. The Iranian was posing as a businessman and is suspected of facilitating the movement of terrorists and high-potency munitions into Iraq, the general explained.
Although much progress is being made across Iraq, it remains a dangerous country due to insurgent-generated violence, Bergner said.
He extended coalition support and best wishes to Polish Ambassador to Iraq Gen. Edward Pietrzyk, who was injured today in Baghdad when his convey was struck by insurgent-emplaced roadside mines. About 1,000 Polish troops are in Iraq. Bergner condemned the attack against the diplomat and praised Poland for being "a stalwart and steadfast" ally. Coalition forces are providing medical assistance to the injured ambassador, he said.
The general also castigated insurgents for three separate Sept. 29 attacks against Iraqi religious leaders in Mosul, in northern Iraq. "We join the people of Mosul in condemning this barbaric violence against respected religious leaders during the holy month of Ramadan," Bergner said, adding that U.S. authorities will assist Iraqi officials in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Iraq's citizens are angry and frustrated with insurgent-generated violence in their country, Bergner said. As a result of their hatred of the terrorists, Iraqi civilians are providing more and more information about insurgent movements and operations to Iraqi and coalition forces, he noted.
In addition to combating terrorists, U.S. and Iraqi forces are providing health care to local citizens, Bergner pointed out. Other ongoing joint U.S.-Iraqi programs are contributing to resuscitating Iraq's financial health by financing the startup of new businesses and the creation of jobs, he added.
Showing posts with label u.s military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label u.s military. Show all posts
Monday, October 08, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Officer Hails 'Tremendous Success' of Iraqi Automated ID System
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 15, 2007 - The Iraqi government's automated biometrics identification system -- used to screen civilian workers, police and soldiers, as well as to catch criminals -- is a "tremendous success," a U.S. military officer said in Baghdad today. Army Lt. Col. John W. Velliquette Jr., who runs the fingerprint and retina scanning center located at the International Zone in Baghdad, explained the system to online reporters and "bloggers" during a conference call today.
Biometrics is defined as measurable physical or behavioral characteristics that can be used to identify people. More than 350,000 sets of fingerprints, photos and retina scans are now deposited in the system's database, said Velliquette, a reservist and a police officer from the Seattle Police Department who is assigned to the Coalition Police Assistance Training Team.
"We increase the database by 4,000 to 5,000 each week," Velliquette said.
A team of seven U.S. contractors now mentors 24 Iraqi government employees who operate the U.S.-provided system, Velliquette explained. Officials expect the Iraqis to assume full operation by next summer, he added.
The system is a boon for security purposes, especially in Baghdad's International Zone, where U.S. and Iraqi military and diplomatic headquarters are located, Velliquette said. Iraqis who work in the zone are biometrically screened for access, he said.
The automated identification system is tied back to the Defense Department's Biometric Fusion Center, in Clarksburg, W.Va., Velliquette said.
The identification system also is used to identify previous criminals and people suspected of recent crimes, he said.
Iraq is awash in guns, and the identification system helps ensure that only authorized individuals carry firearms, Villiquette explained. Iraqi citizens may own and keep firearms at home, but they aren't allowed to carry them in public, he said.
Official identification cards carried by the Iraqi police officers demonstrate they've been vetted through the biometric identification program, Villiquette said. Iraqi police officers who are found not to possess a proper biometrics identification card are relieved of their weapons, he said.
"The Iraqi people need to have confidence in their police," Velliquette pointed out.
Insurgents and other criminals have been known to try to infiltrate into the ranks of the police and military, he said. The biometrics data base "helps weed those people out of the system," Velliquette said.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 15, 2007 - The Iraqi government's automated biometrics identification system -- used to screen civilian workers, police and soldiers, as well as to catch criminals -- is a "tremendous success," a U.S. military officer said in Baghdad today. Army Lt. Col. John W. Velliquette Jr., who runs the fingerprint and retina scanning center located at the International Zone in Baghdad, explained the system to online reporters and "bloggers" during a conference call today.
Biometrics is defined as measurable physical or behavioral characteristics that can be used to identify people. More than 350,000 sets of fingerprints, photos and retina scans are now deposited in the system's database, said Velliquette, a reservist and a police officer from the Seattle Police Department who is assigned to the Coalition Police Assistance Training Team.
"We increase the database by 4,000 to 5,000 each week," Velliquette said.
A team of seven U.S. contractors now mentors 24 Iraqi government employees who operate the U.S.-provided system, Velliquette explained. Officials expect the Iraqis to assume full operation by next summer, he added.
The system is a boon for security purposes, especially in Baghdad's International Zone, where U.S. and Iraqi military and diplomatic headquarters are located, Velliquette said. Iraqis who work in the zone are biometrically screened for access, he said.
The automated identification system is tied back to the Defense Department's Biometric Fusion Center, in Clarksburg, W.Va., Velliquette said.
The identification system also is used to identify previous criminals and people suspected of recent crimes, he said.
Iraq is awash in guns, and the identification system helps ensure that only authorized individuals carry firearms, Villiquette explained. Iraqi citizens may own and keep firearms at home, but they aren't allowed to carry them in public, he said.
Official identification cards carried by the Iraqi police officers demonstrate they've been vetted through the biometric identification program, Villiquette said. Iraqi police officers who are found not to possess a proper biometrics identification card are relieved of their weapons, he said.
"The Iraqi people need to have confidence in their police," Velliquette pointed out.
Insurgents and other criminals have been known to try to infiltrate into the ranks of the police and military, he said. The biometrics data base "helps weed those people out of the system," Velliquette said.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Islamic Terrorists Still Threaten U.S. Homeland, Bush Says
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service
July 21, 2007 - Islamic terrorists still pose a threat to the U.S. homeland, but America's efforts against them abroad have weakened their position, President Bush said during his weekly radio address today. "The men who run al Qaeda are determined, capable, and ruthless," the president said. "They would be in a far stronger position to attack our people if America's military, law enforcement, intelligence services, and other elements of our government were not engaged in a worldwide effort to stop them."
Bush said the National Intelligence Estimate on the Terrorist Threat to the U.S. Homeland, released this week, highlights encouraging areas as well as areas of concern. "Most importantly, this document reminds us that America faces 'a persistent and evolving' threat from Islamic terrorist groups and cells -- especially al Qaeda," he said.
The American people must not become complacent, Bush said. "The NIE report makes clear that the threat is not behind us," he said. "It states that al Qaeda will continue to ... 'focus on prominent political, economic, and infrastructure targets with the goal of producing mass casualties, visually dramatic destruction, significant economic aftershocks, and/or fear among the U.S. population.'"
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the United States has taken many steps to keep the American people safe, he said. "We've gone on the offense, taking the fight to the terrorists around the world," Bush said.
The United States and its partners overseas have disrupted plots and saved lives, he added. For instance, earlier this month Pakistani forces went after extremists who managed to establish a safe haven in the tribal areas of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan.
"Pakistani forces are in the fight, and many have given their lives," he said. "The United States supports them in these efforts. And we will work with our partners to deny safe haven to the Taliban and al Qaeda in Pakistan -- or anywhere else in the world."
Bush said U.S. military personnel have made "tremendous sacrifices" in fighting terrorism, but stressed they would continue to adapt to changing conditions to meet threats head-on.
"Will not let up until our enemies are defeated and our people are secure," he said.
American Forces Press Service
July 21, 2007 - Islamic terrorists still pose a threat to the U.S. homeland, but America's efforts against them abroad have weakened their position, President Bush said during his weekly radio address today. "The men who run al Qaeda are determined, capable, and ruthless," the president said. "They would be in a far stronger position to attack our people if America's military, law enforcement, intelligence services, and other elements of our government were not engaged in a worldwide effort to stop them."
Bush said the National Intelligence Estimate on the Terrorist Threat to the U.S. Homeland, released this week, highlights encouraging areas as well as areas of concern. "Most importantly, this document reminds us that America faces 'a persistent and evolving' threat from Islamic terrorist groups and cells -- especially al Qaeda," he said.
The American people must not become complacent, Bush said. "The NIE report makes clear that the threat is not behind us," he said. "It states that al Qaeda will continue to ... 'focus on prominent political, economic, and infrastructure targets with the goal of producing mass casualties, visually dramatic destruction, significant economic aftershocks, and/or fear among the U.S. population.'"
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the United States has taken many steps to keep the American people safe, he said. "We've gone on the offense, taking the fight to the terrorists around the world," Bush said.
The United States and its partners overseas have disrupted plots and saved lives, he added. For instance, earlier this month Pakistani forces went after extremists who managed to establish a safe haven in the tribal areas of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan.
"Pakistani forces are in the fight, and many have given their lives," he said. "The United States supports them in these efforts. And we will work with our partners to deny safe haven to the Taliban and al Qaeda in Pakistan -- or anywhere else in the world."
Bush said U.S. military personnel have made "tremendous sacrifices" in fighting terrorism, but stressed they would continue to adapt to changing conditions to meet threats head-on.
"Will not let up until our enemies are defeated and our people are secure," he said.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Gates: Delayed Funding Will Hurt Army
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
March 22, 2007 – A delay in approving the Defense Department's fiscal 2007 supplemental budget request will seriously damage the Army's readiness, possibly resulting in delayed training for units headed to Iraq and reduced funding for building and equipment repairs, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
If the supplemental funding is not passed by April 15, the Army will be forced to consider curtailing and suspending home-station training for Reserve and National Guard units, and slowing the training of units slated to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan, Gates told reporters at the Pentagon. The Army also would have to consider cutting funding for the upgrade and renovation of barracks and other facilities, and stopping the repair of equipment necessary to support troop deployment training, he said.
"This kind of disruption to key programs will have a genuinely adverse affect on the readiness of the Army and quality of life for soldiers and their families," Gates said.
The fiscal 2007 emergency supplemental request includes $93.4 billion to help fund U.S. forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the campaign against terrorism around the globe.
If the supplemental funding is delayed past May 15, the Army will face even more tough choices, Gates said. Leaders will have to consider reducing repair work at Army depots and delaying or curtailing the deployment of brigade combat teams to their training rotations, which will cause additional units in theater to have their tours extended because other units are not ready to take their place, he said.
Also, he said, the Army might have to delay the formation of new brigade combat teams, implement a civilian hiring freeze, stop the execution of new contracts and service orders, or hold or cancel the orders of repair parts to non-deployed units.
Gates noted that the Army faced similar budget problems in 2006. Any disruptions to deployments would most likely affect units that are part of the regular rotation, and not those already scheduled to be part of the five-brigade surge to Baghdad, he said.
With the supplemental measure, the fiscal 2008 global war on terror request, and the fiscal 2008 defense budget request, the Army will receive a little more than $46 billion for new equipment and reset, a substantial increase in its budget, Gates noted. He pointed out that he also has approved an increase in end strength for the Army and changed the deployment and mobilization policy for the reserve components.
"It seems to me that with all these measures, as we proceed with them, the stress on the Army will be alleviated, even while we're carrying out the kinds of deployments that we have, but it's going to take a little time," he said. "What's important is for the soldiers and Marines out there, the ground forces, to know that help is on the way."
The Army and the rest of the U.S. military have significant commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gates acknowledged, but the U.S. is still ready to respond to any other potential conflicts. Another major conflict would delay the achievement of goals in Iraq and Afghanistan, but wouldn't prevent success, he said.
"Our ability to defend the United States, despite the heavy commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, remains very strong, and every adversary should be aware of that," he said.
This article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
March 22, 2007 – A delay in approving the Defense Department's fiscal 2007 supplemental budget request will seriously damage the Army's readiness, possibly resulting in delayed training for units headed to Iraq and reduced funding for building and equipment repairs, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
If the supplemental funding is not passed by April 15, the Army will be forced to consider curtailing and suspending home-station training for Reserve and National Guard units, and slowing the training of units slated to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan, Gates told reporters at the Pentagon. The Army also would have to consider cutting funding for the upgrade and renovation of barracks and other facilities, and stopping the repair of equipment necessary to support troop deployment training, he said.
"This kind of disruption to key programs will have a genuinely adverse affect on the readiness of the Army and quality of life for soldiers and their families," Gates said.
The fiscal 2007 emergency supplemental request includes $93.4 billion to help fund U.S. forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the campaign against terrorism around the globe.
If the supplemental funding is delayed past May 15, the Army will face even more tough choices, Gates said. Leaders will have to consider reducing repair work at Army depots and delaying or curtailing the deployment of brigade combat teams to their training rotations, which will cause additional units in theater to have their tours extended because other units are not ready to take their place, he said.
Also, he said, the Army might have to delay the formation of new brigade combat teams, implement a civilian hiring freeze, stop the execution of new contracts and service orders, or hold or cancel the orders of repair parts to non-deployed units.
Gates noted that the Army faced similar budget problems in 2006. Any disruptions to deployments would most likely affect units that are part of the regular rotation, and not those already scheduled to be part of the five-brigade surge to Baghdad, he said.
With the supplemental measure, the fiscal 2008 global war on terror request, and the fiscal 2008 defense budget request, the Army will receive a little more than $46 billion for new equipment and reset, a substantial increase in its budget, Gates noted. He pointed out that he also has approved an increase in end strength for the Army and changed the deployment and mobilization policy for the reserve components.
"It seems to me that with all these measures, as we proceed with them, the stress on the Army will be alleviated, even while we're carrying out the kinds of deployments that we have, but it's going to take a little time," he said. "What's important is for the soldiers and Marines out there, the ground forces, to know that help is on the way."
The Army and the rest of the U.S. military have significant commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gates acknowledged, but the U.S. is still ready to respond to any other potential conflicts. Another major conflict would delay the achievement of goals in Iraq and Afghanistan, but wouldn't prevent success, he said.
"Our ability to defend the United States, despite the heavy commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, remains very strong, and every adversary should be aware of that," he said.
This article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Petraeus: Iraq Security Plan Can Work, But Will Take Time
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – A new strategy that puts U.S. and Iraqi forces inside Baghdad neighborhoods to safeguard residents against insurgent and sectarian violence can work, but it'll take time to be fully implemented, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq said in Baghdad during his first news conference today. "We and our Iraqi partners recognize that improving security for the Iraqi people is the first step in rekindling hope," said Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, who became Multinational Force Iraq commander Feb. 10. "The upward spiral we all want begins with Iraqi and coalition forces working together and locating in the neighborhoods those forces must secure."
About 40 joint Iraqi-U.S. security posts have been established across Baghdad as part of the three-week-old Operation Law and Order, Petraeus said. Protecting the people, he noted, is an important component of counter-insurgency operational doctrine.
However, the operation "will take months, not days or weeks, to fully implement," Petraeus cautioned, noting it "will have to be sustained to achieve its desired effect."
Iraqi and coalition security forces are working in tandem during patrols throughout Baghdad and surrounding areas to locate and capture or kill insurgents, Petraeus said. Their efforts seem to bearing early fruit, he said, noting sectarian killings have been lower in Baghdad in recent weeks compared to the previous month. And, small numbers of Baghdad residents are returning to homes they'd abandoned to escape the violence, he added.
"Importantly, Iraqi and coalition forces will not just clear neighborhoods," Petraeus said. "They will also hold them to facilitate the 'build' phase of the operation and help Baghdad's residents realize aspirations beyond survival."
As Iraqi citizens feel safer, that will set conditions for the resumption and improvement of basic services, Petraeus said. The Iraqi government, he added, has budgeted billions of dollars for infrastructure improvements and capital investment.
"This is hugely important. Indeed, Iraqis have often ranked the provision of services ahead of security in importance," Petraeus said. "And, it is vital that the ministry representatives in the neighborhoods are able to provide for their constituents."
Additionally, a joint U.S. State Department/Defense Department initiative will double the number of Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Iraq from 10 to 20, Petraeus announced, noting the PRTs will focus their efforts on Baghdad and al Anbar province in western Iraq.
As security improves in Iraq commerce will return and local economies will grow, Petraeus said, noting that Iraqi leaders have drafted a new hydrocarbon law that calls for equitable distribution of the country's petroleum-derived wealth among its citizens.
"Each step in this process helps reinforce the desired momentum," the general said. "And, over time, the government and its ministries will be able to gain the population's confidence and support by demonstrating the capability to deliver."
Earlier this year, President Bush directed the deployment of more than 21,500 additional U.S. soldiers and Marines to Baghdad and restive areas of western Iraq to deter rising sectarian and insurgent violence. A tragic example of this violence was the Feb. 22, 2006, bombing of a holy mosque in the Iraqi city of Samarra.
"It is not in our power to turn back the clock to the day before" the mosque was bombed, Petraeus acknowledged. However, he said, it's possible to work with the Iraqis to help improve security to enable them to contain the sectarian violence that's torn at the country's societal fabric over the past year.
"Indeed, our operations will endeavor to provide Iraq's citizens and leaders a chance to mend that fabric," Petraeus said. "If we can do this, and I do believe that Iraqi and coalition soldiers and police will be able to improve levels of security for the Iraqi population, then the Iraqi government will have the chance it needs to resolve some of the difficult issues it faces."
Meanwhile, the build up of U.S. and Iraqi security forces continues, Petraeus said, noting that the last of the 21,500 troops constituting the original "surge" directed by the president should arrive in Iraq by early June. An additional 2,200 military police announced yesterday by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates should arrive in a few months, the general said.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – A new strategy that puts U.S. and Iraqi forces inside Baghdad neighborhoods to safeguard residents against insurgent and sectarian violence can work, but it'll take time to be fully implemented, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq said in Baghdad during his first news conference today. "We and our Iraqi partners recognize that improving security for the Iraqi people is the first step in rekindling hope," said Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, who became Multinational Force Iraq commander Feb. 10. "The upward spiral we all want begins with Iraqi and coalition forces working together and locating in the neighborhoods those forces must secure."
About 40 joint Iraqi-U.S. security posts have been established across Baghdad as part of the three-week-old Operation Law and Order, Petraeus said. Protecting the people, he noted, is an important component of counter-insurgency operational doctrine.
However, the operation "will take months, not days or weeks, to fully implement," Petraeus cautioned, noting it "will have to be sustained to achieve its desired effect."
Iraqi and coalition security forces are working in tandem during patrols throughout Baghdad and surrounding areas to locate and capture or kill insurgents, Petraeus said. Their efforts seem to bearing early fruit, he said, noting sectarian killings have been lower in Baghdad in recent weeks compared to the previous month. And, small numbers of Baghdad residents are returning to homes they'd abandoned to escape the violence, he added.
"Importantly, Iraqi and coalition forces will not just clear neighborhoods," Petraeus said. "They will also hold them to facilitate the 'build' phase of the operation and help Baghdad's residents realize aspirations beyond survival."
As Iraqi citizens feel safer, that will set conditions for the resumption and improvement of basic services, Petraeus said. The Iraqi government, he added, has budgeted billions of dollars for infrastructure improvements and capital investment.
"This is hugely important. Indeed, Iraqis have often ranked the provision of services ahead of security in importance," Petraeus said. "And, it is vital that the ministry representatives in the neighborhoods are able to provide for their constituents."
Additionally, a joint U.S. State Department/Defense Department initiative will double the number of Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Iraq from 10 to 20, Petraeus announced, noting the PRTs will focus their efforts on Baghdad and al Anbar province in western Iraq.
As security improves in Iraq commerce will return and local economies will grow, Petraeus said, noting that Iraqi leaders have drafted a new hydrocarbon law that calls for equitable distribution of the country's petroleum-derived wealth among its citizens.
"Each step in this process helps reinforce the desired momentum," the general said. "And, over time, the government and its ministries will be able to gain the population's confidence and support by demonstrating the capability to deliver."
Earlier this year, President Bush directed the deployment of more than 21,500 additional U.S. soldiers and Marines to Baghdad and restive areas of western Iraq to deter rising sectarian and insurgent violence. A tragic example of this violence was the Feb. 22, 2006, bombing of a holy mosque in the Iraqi city of Samarra.
"It is not in our power to turn back the clock to the day before" the mosque was bombed, Petraeus acknowledged. However, he said, it's possible to work with the Iraqis to help improve security to enable them to contain the sectarian violence that's torn at the country's societal fabric over the past year.
"Indeed, our operations will endeavor to provide Iraq's citizens and leaders a chance to mend that fabric," Petraeus said. "If we can do this, and I do believe that Iraqi and coalition soldiers and police will be able to improve levels of security for the Iraqi population, then the Iraqi government will have the chance it needs to resolve some of the difficult issues it faces."
Meanwhile, the build up of U.S. and Iraqi security forces continues, Petraeus said, noting that the last of the 21,500 troops constituting the original "surge" directed by the president should arrive in Iraq by early June. An additional 2,200 military police announced yesterday by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates should arrive in a few months, the general said.
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
U.S. General in Iraq Decries 'Barbaric' Insurgent Attacks
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – Sensational attacks like the March 6 suicide bombing that killed more than 100 religious pilgrims in Karbala, Iraq, illustrate insurgents' lack of respect for human life, the top U.S. military officer in Iraq told reporters today. Those "Shiite pilgrims were killed in a barbaric manner by thugs with no soul," Army Gen. David H. Petraeus said today in Baghdad during his first news conference as the chief of Multinational Force Iraq. Petraeus took command of MNFI on Feb. 10.
However, new security initiatives instituted as part of Operation Law and Order should assist in reducing the violence over time, Petraeus said. American troops and Iraqi soldiers and police are bolstering security at major marketplaces and checkpoints, he said. New security outposts are being set up in Baghdad's neighborhoods, where joint U.S.-Iraqi forces are establishing an around-the-clock patrol presence to protect residents.
The Karbala incident is but one among a series of recent insurgent-staged attacks in Baghdad and other areas of Iraq, Petraeus noted.
"Schools, health clinics and marketplaces have all been attacked," Petraeus said. "Car bombs have targeted hundreds of innocent Iraqis, including dozens of Sunni Arabs leaving a mosque in al Anbar province."
Suicide bombers killed more than three-dozen people, mostly students, during a Feb. 25 attack at a Baghdad college, Petraeus recalled. And, a car-bomb explosion in Baghdad's booksellers' district on March 5 killed 26 people.
Fourteen Iraqi police officers were killed execution-style in early March, and Iraqi Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi was wounded during a Feb. 26 assassination attempt.
"Thankfully, and impressively, he remains undaunted and is already back on the job," Petraeus said.
Some sensational attacks "inevitably, will continue to take place," Petraeus acknowledged, "though every effort will be made to reduce their number by identifying and destroying the networks and facilities of the bombers and by interdicting those who would visit such violence on the Iraqi people."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
March 8, 2007 – Sensational attacks like the March 6 suicide bombing that killed more than 100 religious pilgrims in Karbala, Iraq, illustrate insurgents' lack of respect for human life, the top U.S. military officer in Iraq told reporters today. Those "Shiite pilgrims were killed in a barbaric manner by thugs with no soul," Army Gen. David H. Petraeus said today in Baghdad during his first news conference as the chief of Multinational Force Iraq. Petraeus took command of MNFI on Feb. 10.
However, new security initiatives instituted as part of Operation Law and Order should assist in reducing the violence over time, Petraeus said. American troops and Iraqi soldiers and police are bolstering security at major marketplaces and checkpoints, he said. New security outposts are being set up in Baghdad's neighborhoods, where joint U.S.-Iraqi forces are establishing an around-the-clock patrol presence to protect residents.
The Karbala incident is but one among a series of recent insurgent-staged attacks in Baghdad and other areas of Iraq, Petraeus noted.
"Schools, health clinics and marketplaces have all been attacked," Petraeus said. "Car bombs have targeted hundreds of innocent Iraqis, including dozens of Sunni Arabs leaving a mosque in al Anbar province."
Suicide bombers killed more than three-dozen people, mostly students, during a Feb. 25 attack at a Baghdad college, Petraeus recalled. And, a car-bomb explosion in Baghdad's booksellers' district on March 5 killed 26 people.
Fourteen Iraqi police officers were killed execution-style in early March, and Iraqi Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi was wounded during a Feb. 26 assassination attempt.
"Thankfully, and impressively, he remains undaunted and is already back on the job," Petraeus said.
Some sensational attacks "inevitably, will continue to take place," Petraeus acknowledged, "though every effort will be made to reduce their number by identifying and destroying the networks and facilities of the bombers and by interdicting those who would visit such violence on the Iraqi people."
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books as well as online criminal justice leadership.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Cheney: Too Early to Judge Iraq Stability Plan
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 29, 2007 – It's too early to judge the new stability plan for Iraq, Vice President Richard B. Cheney told a "Newsweek" reporter here yesterday. "People are trying to make a judgment on whether or not this plan is going to work I think far too early," Cheney told journalist Richard Wolffe during a White House interview in the vice president's West Wing office.
"And, I think in fairness to the Iraqis, they need to be given an opportunity to follow through on their commitments," Cheney said.
The U.S. and Iraqi governments are implementing a new strategy to dampen sectarian violence. President Bush is sending more than 21,000 additional soldiers and Marines to Baghdad and Anbar province, in western Iraq.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has vowed to fully engage his nation's security forces in the fight against insurgents and to crack down on all militia groups that have helped escalate the violence experienced in Iraq's capital city and other parts of the country.
Maliki has pledged "to go after those who are responsible for the violence, whoever they may be -- whether they're Baathist or former regime elements or militia, Shiia militia or criminal elements," Cheney told Wolffe. "And I think at this stage, we don't have any reason to doubt him."
It's dangerous and unrealistic to think that the United States could withdraw its military forces from Iraq without incurring dire repercussions, Cheney said. Senior leaders in the Arab world and other allies acknowledge that the United States is critical to ensuring political stability in the Middle East and the adjacent region.
Withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq now "would have a direct negative impact" on efforts to combat extremism in the Middle East and Afghanistan, Cheney said.
"All of a sudden, the United States, which is the bulwark of security in that part of the world, ... could no longer be counted on by our friends and allies that have put so much into this struggle," Cheney said.
If U.S. forces depart Iraq prematurely, Cheney said, the aftermath there could mirror what occurred in Afghanistan a decade ago when Taliban Islamic radicals seized the government and allowed al Qaeda terrorists to establish training camps in the country. Five years later, those terrorists attacked the United States, he said.
The actions of Iran also are of concern to the United States and its Middle East allies, Cheney said. He said the Iranian government is thumbing its nose at the United Nations while trying to obtain nuclear power that could also be used to develop atomic bombs. That government, under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, also is suspected of fomenting violence in Iraq and Lebanon, the vice president said.
"I think there's widespread concern throughout the region about Iran and, in particular, Iran under Ahmadinejad," Cheney said. Many Middle Eastern leaders feel threatened by Iran's apparent attempts to establish itself as the dominant regional power, he said.
Cheney said diplomacy is being employed to engage the Iranians. However, the U.S. also has bolstered its naval presence in the Persian Gulf, including sending another carrier to the region, he said.
"That sends a very strong signal to everybody in the region that the United States is here to stay, that we clearly have significant capabilities, and that we are working with friends and allies as well as the international organizations to deal with the Iranian threat," Cheney said.
Article sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books; and criminal justice leadership online.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 29, 2007 – It's too early to judge the new stability plan for Iraq, Vice President Richard B. Cheney told a "Newsweek" reporter here yesterday. "People are trying to make a judgment on whether or not this plan is going to work I think far too early," Cheney told journalist Richard Wolffe during a White House interview in the vice president's West Wing office.
"And, I think in fairness to the Iraqis, they need to be given an opportunity to follow through on their commitments," Cheney said.
The U.S. and Iraqi governments are implementing a new strategy to dampen sectarian violence. President Bush is sending more than 21,000 additional soldiers and Marines to Baghdad and Anbar province, in western Iraq.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has vowed to fully engage his nation's security forces in the fight against insurgents and to crack down on all militia groups that have helped escalate the violence experienced in Iraq's capital city and other parts of the country.
Maliki has pledged "to go after those who are responsible for the violence, whoever they may be -- whether they're Baathist or former regime elements or militia, Shiia militia or criminal elements," Cheney told Wolffe. "And I think at this stage, we don't have any reason to doubt him."
It's dangerous and unrealistic to think that the United States could withdraw its military forces from Iraq without incurring dire repercussions, Cheney said. Senior leaders in the Arab world and other allies acknowledge that the United States is critical to ensuring political stability in the Middle East and the adjacent region.
Withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq now "would have a direct negative impact" on efforts to combat extremism in the Middle East and Afghanistan, Cheney said.
"All of a sudden, the United States, which is the bulwark of security in that part of the world, ... could no longer be counted on by our friends and allies that have put so much into this struggle," Cheney said.
If U.S. forces depart Iraq prematurely, Cheney said, the aftermath there could mirror what occurred in Afghanistan a decade ago when Taliban Islamic radicals seized the government and allowed al Qaeda terrorists to establish training camps in the country. Five years later, those terrorists attacked the United States, he said.
The actions of Iran also are of concern to the United States and its Middle East allies, Cheney said. He said the Iranian government is thumbing its nose at the United Nations while trying to obtain nuclear power that could also be used to develop atomic bombs. That government, under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, also is suspected of fomenting violence in Iraq and Lebanon, the vice president said.
"I think there's widespread concern throughout the region about Iran and, in particular, Iran under Ahmadinejad," Cheney said. Many Middle Eastern leaders feel threatened by Iran's apparent attempts to establish itself as the dominant regional power, he said.
Cheney said diplomacy is being employed to engage the Iranians. However, the U.S. also has bolstered its naval presence in the Persian Gulf, including sending another carrier to the region, he said.
"That sends a very strong signal to everybody in the region that the United States is here to stay, that we clearly have significant capabilities, and that we are working with friends and allies as well as the international organizations to deal with the Iranian threat," Cheney said.
Article sponsored by police and military personnel who have authored books; and criminal justice leadership online.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Iraqi Police Learn Rule of Law, Concept of Tolerance
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2007 – A U.S. military police brigade deployed in Baghdad is teaching Iraqi police about democratic principles such as tolerance in addition to law enforcement skills, the unit's commander said today. "Our fundamental role here is to support the Iraqi security forces as the Iraqi government moves forward towards securing the populace," Army Col. Michael S. Galloucis, commander of the 89th Military Police Brigade, told Pentagon reporters during a satellite-telecast news conference.
Galloucis said his unit is focused on training local Iraqi police and not the national police, which are instructed by other coalition forces.
The Civilian Police Assistance Training Team is another U.S. military organization that trains Iraqis attending the Baghdad Police College, the Jordanian Police Training Center in Amman, Jordan, and another training academy in Numaniyah, located south of Baghdad, he said.
"We work very closely with CPATT all the time, and the training that we do at the local station level builds upon their efforts," Galloucis said, noting his brigade includes airmen as well as soldiers.
Galloucis said his people serve as instructors, coaches and mentors. They assist the Iraqi police as they develop organizations, procedures and skills necessary to serve and protect the people of Iraq under the rule of law.
Iraqi police learn concepts of freedom and democracy in addition to policing skills, Galloucis said. Instructors discuss the importance of free speech, the value of diversity, the sanctity of human life, and the notions of tolerance, restraint and forgiveness, he said.
Iraqi police also learn "that nothing good ever comes out of hatred and murder," Galloucis said, noting Iraq's citizens acknowledge the importance of establishing a constabulary that operates according to principles of fairness and justice.
The Iraqi police are improving rapidly as they work side by side with their American counterparts across Baghdad, Galloucis said.
"They are making tremendous strides over here and are out there every day putting it all on the line to help turn the tide and stem the flow of violence that has been so prevalent here," the colonel said.
Yet, dampening the level of violence in Iraq's capital city won't occur overnight, Galloucis warned, pointing to Iraq's complex social and political environment. "We see here gradual movement, gradual progress, and it just is going to take time," the colonel said, noting Iraq was run by a brutal dictator for 30 years.
"There are a lot of people in this country that have responsibilities for trying to stop the violence that we see," Galloucis said. "The Iraqi police are one part of that."
The colonel described the current climate in Baghdad as "dynamic and dangerous." However, senior Iraqi officials are determined to rebuild Iraq and protect its citizens, he said.
"By enhancing the capabilities of the Iraqi police, we are helping set the conditions for more Iraqi self reliance," Galloucis explained.
Iraqis are tired of violence and are eager to embrace a system of accountability and justice that treats all citizens with dignity and respect, the colonel said.
The colonel cited the "superb" courage and commitment demonstrated by his soldiers and airmen. He also praised the contributions of U.S. military members in Iraq. Their selfless service benefits Americans at home as well as Iraqis, he said.
U.S. servicemembers "truly are making a difference here in Iraq," Galloucis said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2007 – A U.S. military police brigade deployed in Baghdad is teaching Iraqi police about democratic principles such as tolerance in addition to law enforcement skills, the unit's commander said today. "Our fundamental role here is to support the Iraqi security forces as the Iraqi government moves forward towards securing the populace," Army Col. Michael S. Galloucis, commander of the 89th Military Police Brigade, told Pentagon reporters during a satellite-telecast news conference.
Galloucis said his unit is focused on training local Iraqi police and not the national police, which are instructed by other coalition forces.
The Civilian Police Assistance Training Team is another U.S. military organization that trains Iraqis attending the Baghdad Police College, the Jordanian Police Training Center in Amman, Jordan, and another training academy in Numaniyah, located south of Baghdad, he said.
"We work very closely with CPATT all the time, and the training that we do at the local station level builds upon their efforts," Galloucis said, noting his brigade includes airmen as well as soldiers.
Galloucis said his people serve as instructors, coaches and mentors. They assist the Iraqi police as they develop organizations, procedures and skills necessary to serve and protect the people of Iraq under the rule of law.
Iraqi police learn concepts of freedom and democracy in addition to policing skills, Galloucis said. Instructors discuss the importance of free speech, the value of diversity, the sanctity of human life, and the notions of tolerance, restraint and forgiveness, he said.
Iraqi police also learn "that nothing good ever comes out of hatred and murder," Galloucis said, noting Iraq's citizens acknowledge the importance of establishing a constabulary that operates according to principles of fairness and justice.
The Iraqi police are improving rapidly as they work side by side with their American counterparts across Baghdad, Galloucis said.
"They are making tremendous strides over here and are out there every day putting it all on the line to help turn the tide and stem the flow of violence that has been so prevalent here," the colonel said.
Yet, dampening the level of violence in Iraq's capital city won't occur overnight, Galloucis warned, pointing to Iraq's complex social and political environment. "We see here gradual movement, gradual progress, and it just is going to take time," the colonel said, noting Iraq was run by a brutal dictator for 30 years.
"There are a lot of people in this country that have responsibilities for trying to stop the violence that we see," Galloucis said. "The Iraqi police are one part of that."
The colonel described the current climate in Baghdad as "dynamic and dangerous." However, senior Iraqi officials are determined to rebuild Iraq and protect its citizens, he said.
"By enhancing the capabilities of the Iraqi police, we are helping set the conditions for more Iraqi self reliance," Galloucis explained.
Iraqis are tired of violence and are eager to embrace a system of accountability and justice that treats all citizens with dignity and respect, the colonel said.
The colonel cited the "superb" courage and commitment demonstrated by his soldiers and airmen. He also praised the contributions of U.S. military members in Iraq. Their selfless service benefits Americans at home as well as Iraqis, he said.
U.S. servicemembers "truly are making a difference here in Iraq," Galloucis said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership online; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Outgoing Commander Says U.S. Commitment Will Live On in Afghanistan
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 21, 2007 – The outgoing commander of Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan said the United States is committed to NATO's success in Afghanistan and will remain the single largest contributor of troops to the mission. "The U.S. is a member of NATO. NATO's success is the U.S.'s success, which is Afghanistan's success," said Army Lt. Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry, commander of the U.S.-led Coalition since May 2005.
More than 23,000 service members are in Afghanistan, the highest level since Operation Enduring Freedom began in Afghanistan in October 2001.
NATO's International Security Assistance Force has responsibility for security operations of international military forces throughout the country. Twenty six NATO countries and 11 other nations are "fully committed to making Afghanistan a viable, self-sustaining country free from international terror," Eikenberry said.
Eikenberry left today after a ceremony in which the command and its accomplishments were honored. Eikenberry has been nominated to serve as the deputy chairman of the NATO Military Committee in Brussels, Belgium.
The Coalition headquarters of CFC-A is expected to inactivate sometime in the coming weeks. The Combined Joint Task Force 76, a two-star U.S. command headquartered on Bagram Airfield, will assume responsibility as the National Command Element for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, or CSTC-A, the other two-star U.S. command, is charged with training and mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces.
Army Gen. John Abizaid, U.S. Central Command commander, presented CFC-A with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, its third since the command was created in October 2003. CSTC-A also received the JMUA.
The honor is one of which "all of us can be justifiably proud. But the mission of U.S. forces in Afghanistan continues," Eikenberry said.
That mission includes conducting counter-terrorism operations, continuing to help train the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, and executing billions of dollars in reconstruction projects.
"We are fighting a very different war," he explained. "In this war, we are trying to build schools and clinics, we are trying to build roads, and we are trying to help the Afghan people reclaim their middle ground of civil society. What do we need most to succeed here? We need more time, more patience, and more commitment."
Some of the successes already achieved by U.S. and coalition forces include building more than 11,000 kilometers of roads, more than 700 clinics, and hundreds of schools for more than 6 million children.
Article sponsored by police department and U.S. military personnel who have become writers; leadership in criminal justice education.
Jan. 21, 2007 – The outgoing commander of Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan said the United States is committed to NATO's success in Afghanistan and will remain the single largest contributor of troops to the mission. "The U.S. is a member of NATO. NATO's success is the U.S.'s success, which is Afghanistan's success," said Army Lt. Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry, commander of the U.S.-led Coalition since May 2005.
More than 23,000 service members are in Afghanistan, the highest level since Operation Enduring Freedom began in Afghanistan in October 2001.
NATO's International Security Assistance Force has responsibility for security operations of international military forces throughout the country. Twenty six NATO countries and 11 other nations are "fully committed to making Afghanistan a viable, self-sustaining country free from international terror," Eikenberry said.
Eikenberry left today after a ceremony in which the command and its accomplishments were honored. Eikenberry has been nominated to serve as the deputy chairman of the NATO Military Committee in Brussels, Belgium.
The Coalition headquarters of CFC-A is expected to inactivate sometime in the coming weeks. The Combined Joint Task Force 76, a two-star U.S. command headquartered on Bagram Airfield, will assume responsibility as the National Command Element for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, or CSTC-A, the other two-star U.S. command, is charged with training and mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces.
Army Gen. John Abizaid, U.S. Central Command commander, presented CFC-A with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, its third since the command was created in October 2003. CSTC-A also received the JMUA.
The honor is one of which "all of us can be justifiably proud. But the mission of U.S. forces in Afghanistan continues," Eikenberry said.
That mission includes conducting counter-terrorism operations, continuing to help train the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, and executing billions of dollars in reconstruction projects.
"We are fighting a very different war," he explained. "In this war, we are trying to build schools and clinics, we are trying to build roads, and we are trying to help the Afghan people reclaim their middle ground of civil society. What do we need most to succeed here? We need more time, more patience, and more commitment."
Some of the successes already achieved by U.S. and coalition forces include building more than 11,000 kilometers of roads, more than 700 clinics, and hundreds of schools for more than 6 million children.
Article sponsored by police department and U.S. military personnel who have become writers; leadership in criminal justice education.
Suspected Terrorist Killed, 25 Detained During Operations
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 21, 2007 – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 18 others while conducting multiple operations throughout Iraq today, military officials reported. During a raid in Mosul one terrorist was shot and killed after he began firing at coalition forces.
Meanwhile, in al Anbar province, coalition forces captured six enemy fighters believed to have ties to a weapons and bomb facilitator. Other raids in Fallujah, Tikrit, North Karmah and near eastern Balad resulted in the detention of 12 suspected terrorists.
Coalition forces also confiscated numerous weapons during the raids. During one of the operations, documents were found containing information about a coalition forces member stationed at a nearby U.S. military installation.
Saturday, Iraqi police and Multinational division Baghdad troops foiled a car bomb attack as the driver attempted to enter the International Zone. Sentries spotted the explosives during a check of the vehicle at an entrance to Baghdad's International Zone, where the seat of the Iraqi government is located in the city's center.
The driver and passenger of the vehicle were detained while Iraqi police and U.S. soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, cordoned off the checkpoint. An explosive ordnance disposal team examined the car bomb, and then performed a controlled detonation at the scene.
Explosive ordnance disposal teams were also used to detonate a roadside bomb Jan. 19 in eastern Baghdad after soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division's 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, discovered an anti-tank mine in the road while on patrol. Three suspected terrorists seen walking away from the mine site were detained for questioning.
Elsewhere in Iraq on Jan. 19 U.S. soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, seized a weapons cache along the Euphrates River. In Kaslu, paratroopers of the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, detained two suspected terrorists during a vehicle search.
Northwest of the capital, in the Saba a-Bor region, elements of 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division responded to an explosion where they found a destroyed mosque. Upon arrival, the unit searched the remains and area surrounding the mosque, reporting no casualties. The cause of the explosion is currently unknown. The incident is under investigation.
Article sponsored by police department and U.S. military personnel who have become writers; leadership in criminal justice education.
Jan. 21, 2007 – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 18 others while conducting multiple operations throughout Iraq today, military officials reported. During a raid in Mosul one terrorist was shot and killed after he began firing at coalition forces.
Meanwhile, in al Anbar province, coalition forces captured six enemy fighters believed to have ties to a weapons and bomb facilitator. Other raids in Fallujah, Tikrit, North Karmah and near eastern Balad resulted in the detention of 12 suspected terrorists.
Coalition forces also confiscated numerous weapons during the raids. During one of the operations, documents were found containing information about a coalition forces member stationed at a nearby U.S. military installation.
Saturday, Iraqi police and Multinational division Baghdad troops foiled a car bomb attack as the driver attempted to enter the International Zone. Sentries spotted the explosives during a check of the vehicle at an entrance to Baghdad's International Zone, where the seat of the Iraqi government is located in the city's center.
The driver and passenger of the vehicle were detained while Iraqi police and U.S. soldiers of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, cordoned off the checkpoint. An explosive ordnance disposal team examined the car bomb, and then performed a controlled detonation at the scene.
Explosive ordnance disposal teams were also used to detonate a roadside bomb Jan. 19 in eastern Baghdad after soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division's 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, discovered an anti-tank mine in the road while on patrol. Three suspected terrorists seen walking away from the mine site were detained for questioning.
Elsewhere in Iraq on Jan. 19 U.S. soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, seized a weapons cache along the Euphrates River. In Kaslu, paratroopers of the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, detained two suspected terrorists during a vehicle search.
Northwest of the capital, in the Saba a-Bor region, elements of 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division responded to an explosion where they found a destroyed mosque. Upon arrival, the unit searched the remains and area surrounding the mosque, reporting no casualties. The cause of the explosion is currently unknown. The incident is under investigation.
Article sponsored by police department and U.S. military personnel who have become writers; leadership in criminal justice education.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Iraqi Forces' Plus-up Part of Baghdad 'Surge' Plan
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 17, 2007 – A plus-up of Iraqi soldiers is a component of President Bush's strategy to stabilize Iraq's capital city and parts of western Iraq, senior U.S. military officials said during a Baghdad news conference today. After conferring with top administration officials and senior Iraqi authorities, Bush last week announced a temporary increase, or surge, of about 21,000 U.S. soldiers and Marines to help dampen sectarian and insurgent violence in Iraq's capital city and parts of Anbar province in the western part of the country.
"This plan is different in that there is a strong political commitment from the government of Iraq," Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox, acting Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, told reporters. "There is more Iraqi buy-in. The plan is Iraqi-conceived and Iraqi-led."
Training Iraqi military and police so they can ultimately assume responsibility for security in their country remains the essential U.S. task in Iraq, Fox said.
"This institutional training mission is a critical component of our strategy to assist the Iraqis in creating and maintaining a viable and professional military capability," Fox said.
Fox was accompanied by Army Brig. Gen. Terry Wolff, commander of the coalition military assistance training team that advises Iraqi army and navy force training. Wolff works for Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, the commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq. Plans are for all 10 Iraqi army divisions to come under direct Iraqi government control by June.
There are now about 327,000 trained and equipped Iraqi military members and police, Wolff said. The goal is to increase the Iraqi military from 135,000 to 155,000 members by the end of the year.
"The goal of this effort is to replenish the losses that have occurred within their formations," Wolff explained, and to bring up total Iraqi military strength to 110 percent.
Iraqi trainers with U.S. advisors are providing military instruction to new soldiers and sailors and senior and junior leaders at seven training sites located across the country, Wolff said. American advisors also are assisting the Iraqis in standing up their military logistics capabilities, Wolff said.
"This about putting in place the infrastructure to sustain their feeding, fueling, arming, fixing and maintaining of that force," Wolff said, to include the improvement of existing medical and supply depot facilities.
Fielding a reporter's concern that some Iraqi military units may be infiltrated by members of anti-coalition militia, Wolff said that Iraqi officials have been aggressive in addressing that issue. Suspect or incompetent leaders are removed, he said, while problem units are given remedial training.
"It's a combination of leadership and training," Wolff said. "Good leadership, good training tends to be the glue that holds units together. And so, where units perform poorly, invariably, you can go back to one of those two problems."
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 17, 2007 – A plus-up of Iraqi soldiers is a component of President Bush's strategy to stabilize Iraq's capital city and parts of western Iraq, senior U.S. military officials said during a Baghdad news conference today. After conferring with top administration officials and senior Iraqi authorities, Bush last week announced a temporary increase, or surge, of about 21,000 U.S. soldiers and Marines to help dampen sectarian and insurgent violence in Iraq's capital city and parts of Anbar province in the western part of the country.
"This plan is different in that there is a strong political commitment from the government of Iraq," Navy Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox, acting Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, told reporters. "There is more Iraqi buy-in. The plan is Iraqi-conceived and Iraqi-led."
Training Iraqi military and police so they can ultimately assume responsibility for security in their country remains the essential U.S. task in Iraq, Fox said.
"This institutional training mission is a critical component of our strategy to assist the Iraqis in creating and maintaining a viable and professional military capability," Fox said.
Fox was accompanied by Army Brig. Gen. Terry Wolff, commander of the coalition military assistance training team that advises Iraqi army and navy force training. Wolff works for Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, the commander of Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq. Plans are for all 10 Iraqi army divisions to come under direct Iraqi government control by June.
There are now about 327,000 trained and equipped Iraqi military members and police, Wolff said. The goal is to increase the Iraqi military from 135,000 to 155,000 members by the end of the year.
"The goal of this effort is to replenish the losses that have occurred within their formations," Wolff explained, and to bring up total Iraqi military strength to 110 percent.
Iraqi trainers with U.S. advisors are providing military instruction to new soldiers and sailors and senior and junior leaders at seven training sites located across the country, Wolff said. American advisors also are assisting the Iraqis in standing up their military logistics capabilities, Wolff said.
"This about putting in place the infrastructure to sustain their feeding, fueling, arming, fixing and maintaining of that force," Wolff said, to include the improvement of existing medical and supply depot facilities.
Fielding a reporter's concern that some Iraqi military units may be infiltrated by members of anti-coalition militia, Wolff said that Iraqi officials have been aggressive in addressing that issue. Suspect or incompetent leaders are removed, he said, while problem units are given remedial training.
"It's a combination of leadership and training," Wolff said. "Good leadership, good training tends to be the glue that holds units together. And so, where units perform poorly, invariably, you can go back to one of those two problems."
Article sponsored by military and police personnel who have become authors; and criminal justice leadership online.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Casey: First Additional U.S. Troops Arrive in Baghdad to Support New Plan
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2007 – The first additional U.S. troops who will take part in new security operations in Iraq have arrived in Baghdad, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq said today. "The initial elements of the first group are here," George W. Casey Jr., commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters at a news conference in Baghdad. Casey did not specify the number of troops who had arrived or give any indication when security operations would begin.
The added U.S. troops will support the Iraqi-led operation, he said. U.S. and Iraqi officials are trying to work out command details to put Iraqis in control, with U.S. troops backing them up, he said.
Casey emphasized that security Baghdad is a key element of the overall plan and that the U.S. is committed to helping the Iraqis succeed there.
"I will remind everyone that I have consistently said that I will ask for the troops I need to accomplish the mission, and that I will do what it takes to help the Iraqis succeed," he said. "And that is what we're doing with this plan."
The new plan has more Iraqi buy-in than in the past, Casey said. "It is Iraqi-conceived and will be Iraqi-led, not only on the security side, but on the political, economic and media/public affairs side," he said.
Although the Iraqis will lead the plan, "American forces will remain under American command, period -- no issues," Casey said. He acknowledged that the more troops who serve in Iraq, the greater the risk of casualties, but said U.S. troops "won't be put at risk because of the command relationships."
Casey said U.S. and Iraqis together have committed sufficient security forces to ensure the plan succeeds.
The timetable for introducing additional U.S. forces into Iraq will enable the coalition and Iraqis "to sustain momentum, reinforce success and evaluate progress as we go," Casey said. The plan offers flexibility and a statement of U.S. commitment to the Iraqi people, he said.
Ultimately, the Iraqi security forces will be the ones to secure Iraq, and key to reaching that goal is ensure the United States continues to focus on training those troops, the general said. "So, in support of that mission, we will also be enhancing our military transition teams," he said. That will include doubling or even tripling the teams' size to speed the effort forward, Casey said.
Casey made the point that the security plan would not be limited to Baghdad alone. He said it would go all the way to the Iraqi border "in order to stop the infiltration of terrorists."
U.S. ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad, who also spoke at the news conference, said Iraq's neighbors must change their behavior. "We will target these networks in the hope of and expectation of changing the behavior of the states to get them to be more positive towards this country that's in transition that is going through a difficult period," he said.
Casey said he trusted the Iraqi government would "purge" members of its security forces that are loyal to militias and non-Iraqi groups.
While expressing confidence that the new plan can succeed, Casey warned the Iraqi public not to expect an instant improvement in Baghdad's security. "As with any plan, there are no guarantees of success, and it's not going to happen overnight," he said. "But with sustained political support and concentrated efforts on all sides, I believe that this plan can work."
In closing, Casey praised the job the U.S. military has been performing in Iraq. "I'd like to remind the American people about the magnificent job that the men and women of their armed forces are doing over here in a very tough environment," he said. "You can be proud of what they're doing to bring peace and stability to Iraq, and in doing so bringing peace and security to the United States of America."
Article sponsored by college education information online, police and military personnel who have become writers; and criminal justice leadership.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 15, 2007 – The first additional U.S. troops who will take part in new security operations in Iraq have arrived in Baghdad, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq said today. "The initial elements of the first group are here," George W. Casey Jr., commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters at a news conference in Baghdad. Casey did not specify the number of troops who had arrived or give any indication when security operations would begin.
The added U.S. troops will support the Iraqi-led operation, he said. U.S. and Iraqi officials are trying to work out command details to put Iraqis in control, with U.S. troops backing them up, he said.
Casey emphasized that security Baghdad is a key element of the overall plan and that the U.S. is committed to helping the Iraqis succeed there.
"I will remind everyone that I have consistently said that I will ask for the troops I need to accomplish the mission, and that I will do what it takes to help the Iraqis succeed," he said. "And that is what we're doing with this plan."
The new plan has more Iraqi buy-in than in the past, Casey said. "It is Iraqi-conceived and will be Iraqi-led, not only on the security side, but on the political, economic and media/public affairs side," he said.
Although the Iraqis will lead the plan, "American forces will remain under American command, period -- no issues," Casey said. He acknowledged that the more troops who serve in Iraq, the greater the risk of casualties, but said U.S. troops "won't be put at risk because of the command relationships."
Casey said U.S. and Iraqis together have committed sufficient security forces to ensure the plan succeeds.
The timetable for introducing additional U.S. forces into Iraq will enable the coalition and Iraqis "to sustain momentum, reinforce success and evaluate progress as we go," Casey said. The plan offers flexibility and a statement of U.S. commitment to the Iraqi people, he said.
Ultimately, the Iraqi security forces will be the ones to secure Iraq, and key to reaching that goal is ensure the United States continues to focus on training those troops, the general said. "So, in support of that mission, we will also be enhancing our military transition teams," he said. That will include doubling or even tripling the teams' size to speed the effort forward, Casey said.
Casey made the point that the security plan would not be limited to Baghdad alone. He said it would go all the way to the Iraqi border "in order to stop the infiltration of terrorists."
U.S. ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad, who also spoke at the news conference, said Iraq's neighbors must change their behavior. "We will target these networks in the hope of and expectation of changing the behavior of the states to get them to be more positive towards this country that's in transition that is going through a difficult period," he said.
Casey said he trusted the Iraqi government would "purge" members of its security forces that are loyal to militias and non-Iraqi groups.
While expressing confidence that the new plan can succeed, Casey warned the Iraqi public not to expect an instant improvement in Baghdad's security. "As with any plan, there are no guarantees of success, and it's not going to happen overnight," he said. "But with sustained political support and concentrated efforts on all sides, I believe that this plan can work."
In closing, Casey praised the job the U.S. military has been performing in Iraq. "I'd like to remind the American people about the magnificent job that the men and women of their armed forces are doing over here in a very tough environment," he said. "You can be proud of what they're doing to bring peace and stability to Iraq, and in doing so bringing peace and security to the United States of America."
Article sponsored by college education information online, police and military personnel who have become writers; and criminal justice leadership.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Bush: Iraqis Must Help Stem Sectarian Violence
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 13, 2007 – For the new U.S. strategy in Iraq to succeed, Iraqis must work in concert with American military forces toward ending sectarian violence, President Bush said today during his weekly radio address. "Their leaders understand this, and they are stepping forward to do it," the president said. "But they need our help, and it is in our interests to provide that help."
Bush said ending sectarian violence and providing security for the Iraqi people would help foster a political solution to the country's problems. During a Jan. 10 televised address to the nation, the president laid out a new strategy to help Iraq's fledgling democratic government. He said 20,000 additional U.S. troops will be inserted into Baghdad and Anbar province, and the Iraqi government will deploy 18 Iraqi army and national police brigades across Baghdad's nine districts.
Bush acknowledged during his radio address that 2006 was a difficult year in Iraq and ongoing sectarian violence is making progress there difficult. "The terrorists and insurgents fought to reverse the extraordinary democratic gains the Iraqis have made," he said.
In February, extremists bombed the holy Shia Golden Mosque in Samarra in an effort to provoke reprisals that would set off a sectarian conflict, he said.
The changes in U.S. strategy in Iraq would help the Iraqis in four main areas, the president explained. First, U.S. forces will help the Iraqis secure Baghdad. This is vital because 80 percent of Iraq's sectarian violence occurs within 30 miles of the capital city, he said.
"The new plan to secure Baghdad fixes the problems that prevented previous operations from succeeding," he said. "This time, there will be adequate Iraqi and U.S. forces to hold the areas that have been cleared."
Iraqi and U.S. forces will have a "green light" to enter areas that are home to those fueling sectarian violence, he said, and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has pledged that political or sectarian interference with security operations will not be tolerated.
Second, U.S. forces will step up the fight against al Qaeda in its home base of Anbar province. Because local tribal leaders in Iraq recently began to show their willingness to take on al Qaeda, U.S. military commanders believe now is a good opportunity to deal a serious blow to the terrorists, Bush said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become authors and written books, articles and more.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 13, 2007 – For the new U.S. strategy in Iraq to succeed, Iraqis must work in concert with American military forces toward ending sectarian violence, President Bush said today during his weekly radio address. "Their leaders understand this, and they are stepping forward to do it," the president said. "But they need our help, and it is in our interests to provide that help."
Bush said ending sectarian violence and providing security for the Iraqi people would help foster a political solution to the country's problems. During a Jan. 10 televised address to the nation, the president laid out a new strategy to help Iraq's fledgling democratic government. He said 20,000 additional U.S. troops will be inserted into Baghdad and Anbar province, and the Iraqi government will deploy 18 Iraqi army and national police brigades across Baghdad's nine districts.
Bush acknowledged during his radio address that 2006 was a difficult year in Iraq and ongoing sectarian violence is making progress there difficult. "The terrorists and insurgents fought to reverse the extraordinary democratic gains the Iraqis have made," he said.
In February, extremists bombed the holy Shia Golden Mosque in Samarra in an effort to provoke reprisals that would set off a sectarian conflict, he said.
The changes in U.S. strategy in Iraq would help the Iraqis in four main areas, the president explained. First, U.S. forces will help the Iraqis secure Baghdad. This is vital because 80 percent of Iraq's sectarian violence occurs within 30 miles of the capital city, he said.
"The new plan to secure Baghdad fixes the problems that prevented previous operations from succeeding," he said. "This time, there will be adequate Iraqi and U.S. forces to hold the areas that have been cleared."
Iraqi and U.S. forces will have a "green light" to enter areas that are home to those fueling sectarian violence, he said, and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has pledged that political or sectarian interference with security operations will not be tolerated.
Second, U.S. forces will step up the fight against al Qaeda in its home base of Anbar province. Because local tribal leaders in Iraq recently began to show their willingness to take on al Qaeda, U.S. military commanders believe now is a good opportunity to deal a serious blow to the terrorists, Bush said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice Leadership; and, police and military personnel who have become authors and written books, articles and more.
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