Newly elected SaD Provincial Council members visit 3IBCT

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, TIKRIT, Iraq - Amidst the whir of band saws and the hum of generators, the Salah ad-Din Province deputy governors and more than 30 newly-elected members of the Provincial Council and their guests learned how U.S. Soldiers and Iraqis are working together for peace and prosperity in the province here April 20.

The visit included a tour of the Iraqi Based Industrial Zone, the Joint

Expeditionary Forensic Facility, and the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Brigade

Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. Coalition personnel showcased the progressive

development of the province through the partnership of Coalition forces and the

Provincial Government.

The day was designed to open the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team's door to

the new leaders of the Salah ad-Din province and to establish a good working

relationship between Coalition forces and the newly elected legislators.

The tour first stop was at the IBIZ facility, where council members received a

brief introduction to what the program is doing to improve the lives of local citizens in

Iraq.

"The program here brings in local Iraqi workers from the community to a safe

environment to learn, work and be taught carpentry, plumbing, electrical, wielding,

heating and air condition repair during their six month time here while being paid as

apprentices," said Capt. Adam McCombs, officer in charge of the IBIZ , 25th Special

Troops Battalion 25th Inf Div

"This is a great program that provides necessary skills for the Iraqi men in

rebuilding their towns, villages, Salah ad-Din Province and eventually all of Iraq," said

Lt. Col. Eric Angeli, commander, STB, 25th Inf Div,. "Eventually these skills will enable

them to open up businesses throughout all Salah ad-Din and provide essential services

to the people of Iraq," he continued.

The tour groups experienced a brief, advanced forensic technique session at the

JEFF Lab 4, where the Iraqi Police Colonel who processes forensic evidence for Salah

ad Din explained the training Iraqi Police are receiving in using fingerprints to convict

criminals in Iraqi courts.

The anticipation continued to build as the tour transitioned to the brigade

headquarters where Soldiers explained different weapon systems displayed for the

guests. Two mine resistant ambush protected vehicles were also on hand for the

visitors to learn about and experience being inside with the help of U.S. Soldiers.

Council members appreciated the access granted by the brigade as Soldiers

explained their mission to the local leaders. The council was so impressed by the

forensic lab that they are researching options to create one in the province, said a

council leader.

At the end of the day, council members departed knowing that the brigade is

working hard to support their governance, economic and essential service plans.

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