CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq " Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, cased their colors, transferring the authority of their mission to the expanded Combined Security Force, Aug. 6.
“Thunderhorse” Battalion culminated its yearlong mission of enhancing the tactical and technical prowess of “Golden Lions,” eCSF in Kirkuk, with a Transfer of Authority Ceremony on Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq.
Established in late 2009 as a protection and peace keeping force for the elections, the eCSF, comprised of Kurdish Regional Guard, Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police, partnered with U.S. Forces to secure the city of Kirkuk and the Combined Security Area.
After the Thunderhorse Battalion arrived in 2010, the eCSF began taking a more security-based posture and executing operations to increase security and stability in Kirkuk Province.
“This transition ceremony, today, where you have a U.S. battalion and a combined battalion of our Iraqi Security Forces arranged side by side is no small feat,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Holland, Thunderhorse commander. “This is indeed a monumental occasion of which everyone here should be proud.”
Holland said the audience was witnessing the culmination of many months of training, resulting in the Golden Lion Battalion, under the command Col. Salah, competently assuming the mission of the Thunderhorse Battalion.
Under the guidance and advisement of Thunderhorse Soldiers, the Golden Lions, which started as a company-sized element, grew to a battalion-sized element able to train and supervise its own soldiers.
“The Thunderhorses have been an integral part of developing and growing this battalion from a company that relied upon them to a battalion that can stand alone,” said Col. Michael Pappal, commander, 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div.
Pappal said the eCSF always represented a symbol of unity for the people of Iraq.
“You are not only a symbol between the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and Kurdish Regional Guards,” said Pappal, a Creekside, Pa., native, “but you’re also a symbol for every different ethnic segment of diverse population of Kirkuk because that population is what you are beholden to protect.”
As Thunderhorse Soldiers retired their colors and responsibilities in Kirkuk, Holland said they trust the eCSF will remain steadfast and diligent in their progression.
“While there is still work to be done, I wish the very best for Col. Salah and the leaders of our Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army and KRG in Kirkuk who will support the fine men of the Golden Lions,” said Holland.
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