Posted on 09/26/2007 6:12:09 PM PDT by DJ Elliott
The Iraqi army’s newly validated 3rd Brigade is a model unit because its ranks include a mix of Sunni and Shiite men from different parts of the country.
By Cpl. Eric C. Schwartz 2nd Marine Division
AL QA’IM, Iraq, Sept. 26, 2007 — In 1776, writing about a newly formed American military, Thomas Paine penned the immortal words, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” In 2007, Paine’s words still resonate, this time for the men of the newly stood up 3rd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division.
"Iraqi patriots aren’t Sunni or Shiite, they are Iraqis."
Brig. Gen. Ishmayil Shihab Muhammed
“This is a historic moment for the future of Iraq,” said Col. H. Stacy Clardy, commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 2, at a celebration of the 3rd Brigade’s self-sufficiency validation.
The 3rd Brigade is the second-to-last of the three brigades under 7th Division’s command to be validated. The force is a model in Iraq because its ranks include a mix of Sunni and Shiite men from different parts of the country.
“This fills all Iraqi categories of its people equally,” said Brig. Gen. Ishmayil Shihab Muhammed, commanding officer, 3rd Brigade. “Iraqi patriots aren’t Sunni or Shiite, they are Iraqis.”
Brig. Gen. Ishmayil Shihab Muhammed, the commanding officer for 3rd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division, proudly salutes the Iraqi flag as the Iraqi national anthem is played. The flag was raised for the first time during the validation ceremony for 3rd Brigade, Sept. 25, 2007. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric C. Schwartz
This united feeling is not only talked about, but also is put into active practice. For example, the general’s own personal security detachment is made up of Shiite men; the general is a devout Sunni.
At a celebration feast at the Camp Al Qa’im dining facility honoring the 3rd Brigade, each Iraqi soldier sat next to his Marine counterpart at the table in a demonstration of equality and brotherhood between the two forces.
Task Force 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, and the 3rd Brigade worked jointly in three major operations in the Al Qa’im region. The brigade’s performance improved with each mission, and eventually the soldiers were able to successfully lead entire operations by themselves.
During their three major operations with Task Force 1st Battalion, 4th Marines — Harris Basil, Combined Justice and Iron Fist — the 3rd Brigade patrolled through towns with the towns’ local police forces. This unorthodox approach allowed the brigade to make successful steps before validating as a lone-standing operational force.
“The 3rd Brigade demonstrated its ability to command and control multiple maneuver elements, while effectively coordinating combined operations with the Iraqi Police and Border Defense Forces,” said Lt. Col. Jason Q. Bohm, commanding officer, Task Force 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, attached to RCT-2.
Bohm noted that the operations, “combined with the brigade commander’s personal engagement with the local community, resulted in an increase in the trust and confidence of the Iraqi Army in the eyes of the local populace.”
Muhammed said his main focus going forward will be working to curb the sectarian violence and Al Qaeda terrorism that is tearing his country apart.
"One Iraq, one united Iraq, nothing else matters,” Muhammed said.
The 11th (east Baghdad), 12th (Salahdin) and 14th (Basrah) IA Divs have not been established yet.
thanks for a great post !!
NOTHING ...BUT NOTHING will ever be “good enough” for the Libs except us leaving Iraq in 10 days. Good God I hate the Dems and Libs for their narcissistic, immature and stupid attitude.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.