Lightning strikes as 25th ID takes charge

Multi-National Forces-Iraq ^ | Spc. Michael Pfaff

[SandRat]

Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general, 25th Infantry Division, greets the Iraqi Army division commanders for the first time as he takes charge of Multi-National Division - North at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. Department of Defense photo by Army Spc. Michael Pfaff, 133rd MPAD.

TIKRIT --Following a year marked by noteworthy successes in growing the size and capabilities of the Iraqi security forces, rebuilding Iraq and providing security for a vast region of the country, the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division on Wednesday transferred control of Multi-National Division North to the Army’s 25th Infantry Division.

“Our mission here is clear,” said Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commander of the 25th Infantry Division and Task Force Lightning, during a ceremony to mark the assumption of control. “To provide our Iraqi friends and counterparts the assistance they need to take over their own security and create a safe and secure environment so the Iraqi people can live a free, prosperous and terror-free life.” The 25th Infantry Division and Task Force Lightning - which include elements from the 82nd Airborne Division, 4th Infantry Division and 2nd Infantry Division - will continue the mission of transitioning areas of operation to the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and other Iraqi security forces in the region.

Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, and Gen. George Casey, commanding general, Multi National Force - Iraq, attend a Mission Assumption Day ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. Department of Defense photo by Army Spc. Michael Pfaff, 133rd MPAD.

While Soldiers uncased the Division’s colors, Mixon deviated from his prepared speech to speak “from the heart” to attending Iraqi dignitaries and Iraqi security forces officers. He focused on maintaining the relationship between Coalition forces and continuing efforts to secure the region and its people.

Attending the event were Gen. George Casey, commanding general of Multi-National Force - Iraq, Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commanding general of Multi-National Corps Iraq, and Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq.

During their year-long tour in Iraq, the 101st Airborne and the Task Force Band of Brothers assisted two Iraqi Army divisions in assuming responsibility for security in their provinces. Two other Iraqi divisions in the region are projected to assume responsibility for security in their provinces over the next three months.

In addition to transitioning security, the 25th Infantry Division will focus on continuing the efforts of the 101st Airborne Division to help rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure and further the democratic process.

Celebrating a job well done, Soldiers of the 101st Airborne will return to Fort Campbell, Ky., in order to prepare for their next “rendezvous with destiny.”

[rivercat]

there is no D troop 3/4 CAV

I was the Armament Platoon Sergeant(Cobra!) in D Troop, 3/4 CAV. I ETSed in 1997.

[rivercat]

And when I was there A Troop was ground Cav, B,C, and D Troops were Air Cav.

If you ain't CAV, you ain't Sh**.

[phoenix0468]

dcam do you know why the sky is blue? BECAUSE GOD LOVES THE INFANTRY WHOOOHA!!!

[rivercat]

So an 11B(Infantry) and a 19D(Cav Scout) are in the latrine taking a pee. When they finish up, the 11B stops to wash his hands, while the 19D heads straight for the exit. The 11B yells out, "Hey! In infantry school they teach us to always wash our hands after using the latrine." The 19D stops, turns and looks the 11B in the eye, and says, "son, in Scout training they teach us not to pee on our hands."

[Octar]

I am a proud veteran of the 25th ID, 125th Sig Battalion. Go Tropic Lightning!