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Iraqi Army battalion increases operational capability with new facilities

Multi-National Force-Iraq

Saturday, 27 December 2008

Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office
Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release No. 081227-03

December 27, 2008

Contact: pao@iraq.centcom.milThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

DSN: 318-852-1332

IRAQNA: 0790-194-0270

Iraqi Army battalion increases operational capability with new facilities

AL HAMIEA, Iraq —The Iraqi Army’s 3rd Light Infantry Battalion, 33rd Brigade, 8th Division, began setting up operations on a new site here Dec. 17.

The $17 million facility is one of four ongoing Government of Iraq-funded projects to establish permanent operational Iraqi Security Force bases across southern Iraq.

The Director General of Infrastructure, Iraqi Ministry of Defense, assigned engineers to each project to assist in the management of the projects. These engineers report to the Director of Military Works and provide feedback to both the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq’s J7 (Engineer) and site management on construction-related issues.

“This project is one of several currently under construction to expand the Iraqi Army’s operational footprint and capabilities, and J7 is turning this vision into reality” said U. S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Wilt, Program Manager, MNSTC – I J7. “This particular project provides the 8th Division with permanent facilities to house a single light infantry battalion, enhancing their quality of life and solidifying their long-term presence in the area.”

As the final project completion documents were being signed on Dec. 18, the battalion began moving into the facilities. “We forward our gratitude and thanks to the Coalition Forces for what they have done to support the Iraqi Security Forces,” said Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Basim. “This project moves our unit out of tents, significantly improving Soldier morale and enhancing duty performance. It also returns our previous site back to the Ministry of Electricity and allows expansion from our current size of 600 Soldiers to an expected future population of approximately 1,000 Soldiers.”

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT PAO@MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1332 OR IRAQNA: 0790-194-0270. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT: WWW.MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL .