BAGHDAD, Iraq (June 29, 2015) -- The 82nd Airborne Division took command of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command - Iraq, or CJFLCC-I, from the 1st Infantry Division during a transfer of authority ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, June 28.
The building partner capacity sites, established during 1st Infantry's time, will be the lasting effect of their nine-month deployment, said Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, outgoing commander, CJFLCC-I.
"We are building depth in [the Iraqi military's] organization," Funk said. "We are reestablishing their honor. The whole reason you train is to build confidence in yourself, your equipment, your leaders and your doctrine."
Nine months after the start of Operation Inherent Resolve, approximately 3,550 U.S. service members and 1,500 coalition partners are assigned to more than a dozen coalition nations, which are helping to train and equip, as well as advise and assist, Iraqi security forces, or ISF, to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.
The focus of the 82nd Airborne Division will remain on enabling the ISF in the fight against ISIL, said Maj. Gen. Richard Clarke, incoming commander, CJFLCC-I.
To date, more than 10,000 Iraqis have completed training through one of these sites, with another approximately 3,500 currently in training.
"We are firm in our resolve to defeat Daesh and remain committed to training and advising and assisting our Iraqi partners," Clarke said.
The 82nd Airborne Division brings with them more than 300 paratroopers to join the coalition in helping the Iraqi government improve security and stability.
"I place my full trust in their abilities to join this coalition and help the government of Iraq implement lasting solutions for the complex problems that face the Iraqi people," Clarke said. "We are honored to serve alongside each and every one of you."
Social Sharing