Today, Gen. Ray Odierno, U.S. Army Chief of Staff returned from a visit to Kuwait and Iraq. He met with Army senior leadership, conducted troop engagements, and met with the U.S. diplomatic team and the Iraqi senior leadership.
While in country, Gen. Odierno discussed the current assessments with all U.S. Forces, to include, U.S. Army Central Command (ARCENT), the 1st Infantry Division (1ID) and Special Operations commanders who are currently on the ground advising the Iraqi Security Forces in their current campaign against ISIL.
Below is a statement attributable to Gen. Ray Odierno:
"I am extremely pleased with the dedication of our conventional and special operating forces as they work to advise and assist the Iraqi Army and Peshmerga Forces. There is still much work to do, but steady progress is being made against ISIL. As I've stated before, the fight against ISIL is a long-term one that will require a strong international coalition."
"This visit with our Soldiers and Leaders here in Iraq has reinforced for me the adaptability of men and women in uniform and provides another example of the diverse capabilities of our Army to simultaneously respond to multiple contingencies around the globe."
This is the second trip back to Iraq for Gen. Odierno as Chief of Staff.
For further questions, please contact, Lt. Col. Kathleen Turner at Kathleen.t.turner.mil@mail.mil or 703-693-4961/3083.
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