3rd Brigade takes control of northern Diyala

by Sgt. Zach Mott

Iraqis assumed control over a larger portion of their country during an Iraqis in the Lead Ceremony at Forward Operating Base Normandy Oct. 1.

Diyala Province Governor Ra'ad Rashid Mulla Juwad Al-Timimi speaks to the gathered Soldiers and crowd during an Iraqis in the Lead ceremony that saw the 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division take control over the northern portion of Diyala Province. The governor spoke about the important job these Soldiers continue to do and the role it plays in a secure future for this country. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

The ceremony symbolized the 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division's assumption of control of the northern region of Diyala Province in and around Muqdadiya. The region was formerly under the control of the 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Lightning.

A company commander from the 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division prepares to salute command group during a pass-in-review at the Iraqis in the Lead ceremony Oct. 1 at Forward Operating Base Normandy. During the ceremony, the 3rd Brigade assumed control of the northern portion of Diyala Province. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

Transferring of authority to our brigade is proof of the capability and high capacity that enable us to be at the lead of the military operations within the Muqdadiya area of operations, said Gen. Rahman Jerry Challab, commander of the 3rd Bde., 5th IAD, through an interpreter during the ceremony held in the middle of the holy month of Ramadan, a time of goodness and blessing.

The brigade was initially formed in Taji before coming to the Muqdadiya area. The 3rd Brigade is the final brigade of the 5th Iraqi Army Division to assume control of a portion of Diyala Province. Previously, the second and first brigades, as well as the division headquarters, conducted similar validation exercises and ceremonies in which the units assumed control of a portion of the province.

Col. Brian Jones, left, commander, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning, passes the Iraqi colors to Gen. Rahman Jerry Challab, commander, 3rd Brigade, 5th IAD, signifying the 3rd Brigades assumption of command of the northern portion of Diyala Province. The area used to be under the command of the 3rd HBCTs 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

While these Iraqi Soldiers are assuming a larger role in the future of their country, they will not be alone in the fight against terrorism.

Coalition forces stand ready to provide the full support of our resources in order to assist you in providing impartial security to the Iraqi people, said Col. Brian Jones, commander, 3rd HBCT.

While conducting operations with the Striker Brigade for the past 11 months, the 3rd Brigade, 5th IAD has been at the front lines defending the Iraqi people against forces which seek to destroy this young democracy.

After the successful missions conducted by our brave Soldiers in targeting terrorist locations we have achieved many victories against the enemy we were able to weaken and destroy their organized networking by detaining their leaders,? Rahman said. The 3rd Brigade has given many martyrs. These martyrs have left their heroic prints in the hearts of their brothers in arms who will stay loyal for Iraq.

To help in the fight against forces which seek to divide this country, the Government of Iraq has outfitted these Soldiers with new equipment, new weapons and new vehicles.

Members of the 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division march in formation during a pass-in-review at the Iraqis in the Lead ceremony at Forward Operating Base Normandy Oct. 1. The ceremony marked the 3rd Brigade's assumption of control of the northern portion of Diyala Province from the 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

But, it is the heart that beats strongly in every jeundi (Soldier) that makes this disciplined brigade powerful and feared by the terrorists, Jones said.

Sectarianism is something that threatens to pull the very fabric of this nation apart. However, Rahman assured the crowd that there is no place for that within his brigade.

We do not recognize or differentiate between Iraqis because we work for all Iraqis and not for one sect or one race, he said. Our ultimate goal is to provide security and maintain stability.

We promise you, and all honest Iraqi people, to be the first to sacrifice for the sake of Iraq and Iraqis and by the will of Allah we will defeat whoever tries to stop the progress or hurt Iraqis. Our doors and hearts are open for all honest Iraqis all the time.

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