[SandRat]

4th ID PING and a PING for the NEW IRAQI Army that's standing on its own more and more!

[Calpernia]

The Iraqi army's 5th Brigade, 6th Division, assumed control of a base in central Baghdad from the U.S. 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team during a transfer-of-authority ceremony yesterday. "The ceremony marked the increasing role Iraqi security forces are undertaking in Baghdad and throughout their country in enforcing the sovereign government's rule of law," U.S. officials said in a statement.

"This brigade is responsible for protecting Iraq's new government here in the International Zone," said Iraqi Col. Mohammad Wasif, commander of 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. "The brigade consists of three battalions. We will work day and night to achieve our mission for the new government of Iraq."