Friday April 1, 2005
Francis J. Harvey, Secretary of the Army, recently briefed the Pentagon press corps on his recent trips to Iraq and Afghanistan. Following are some of his remarks on Iraq and some highlights of the progress of Iraqi Security Forces.
Francis J. Harvey, Secretary of the Army (bio) (transcript)
- U.S. forces in Iraq continue to play a central role in providing security, facilitating stability and reconstruction, and increasing the performance of Iraqi Security Forces.
- Although there are still significant security challenges in Iraq, there is no doubt the country is moving the right direction.
- Iraqis are on their way to a free and democratic society.
- The strategy of building Iraq's armed forces so they can take the lead in fighting the insurgency is well underway.
To date:
- More than 145,000 Iraqi security personnel have been trained and equipped.
- Another 50,000 Iraqis are either in or awaiting training, and the army is having no trouble recruiting.
- Battalions are engaged in operations throughout the country - both independently and with Coalition forces.
- An Iraqi brigade recently assumed responsibility for a large portion of Baghdad. This is a significant milestone for the new army.
Iraqi Security Forces Training
- With the graduation of nearly 1,500 soldiers at the Kirkush Military Training Base on March 20, all 27 battalions of nine brigades in the new Iraqi Army are now operational. (article)
- The graduation and the completion of the force generation that began last summer is a new turning point for Iraq's Army, Iraqi Gen. Am Jad, deputy chief of staff for training for the Iraqi Army said at the graduation. The general told his troops they would protect the integrity of their country.
Source: DoD
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[O]ur soldiers are well-led, well-trained, and well-equipped. They continue to play a central role in providing security, facilitating stability and reconstruction, and increasing the performance of Afghan and Iraqi security forces. (Transcript)
Dr. Francis J. Harvey
Secretary of the Army
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