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Combat Operating Post Falcon opens new Civil Military Operation Center

Multi-National Force-Iraq

Thursday, 28 December 2006
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20061228-12

Dec. 28, 2006

Combat Operating Post Falcon opens new Civil Military Operation Center
Multi-National Force – West PAO

AR RAMADI, Iraq – Tuesday morning began a new era in civil affairs for the residents in south central Ramadi as the grand opening of a new Civil Military Operation Center began servicing the local population.

1st Lt. David J. Potter of the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion from Tulsa, Okla., said the new CMOC will provide the local Iraqi residents with needed items such as generators, heaters, and food items. Potter’s unit works for the U.S. Marine Corps’ 4th Civil Affairs Group.

Potter said the center will work with the local civil authorities in the water and electric districts along with any civil servants that may come to the CMOC to coordinate needed repairs in the, such as broken water mains or electricity issues. Local government representatives may also be on hand to talk with the people.

On any given day the CMOC will meet with 15 to 20 local nationals, he said. The center also provides a way of compensating civilians who sustained damage to personal property such as buildings or vehicles which may have occurred during a military operation, Potter said.

The new center provides a safe waiting room while individuals are helped in the privacy of separate cubicles in another room, he said.

Potter said the local population is informed about the CMOC through loudspeakers and flyers placed throughout the city, as well as by word-of-mouth.

“Considering the area of operation that we are in, the numbers that come in is pretty impressive, and it makes us feel good that we are providing a service to the community” Potter said.

Marine Chief Warrant Officer Christopher J. Wright said that another task of the civil affairs team is to train and mentor the local Iraqi Army and Iraqi police as they set up in the area so they can take over this war when we leave.

The engineers in the area are about 95 percent complete on a water pumping station that will lower the standing water that has accumulated due to the winter rains in the city by pumping it into the canal making streets and buildings accessible again, Wright said.

“The CMOC that we are standing in today is the first truly functioning stand alone center that was built for the purpose of civil affairs” Wright said.

It’s all starting to come together. The structure will show the population that we are here for the long haul and we intend to stay and make sure they are taken care of, he said.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTINATIONAL FORCE – WEST, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER BY E-MAIL AT mnfwcepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil