Wednesday, November 14, 2007

NP, CF Leaders Meet To Welcome New Brigade Commander

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY, Iraq – “My brigade must fight the enemy, communicate with the people of Salman Pak, and bring back public service all at once,” Col. A’amer Khamees Hameed, commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st National Police Division, said at a meeting with leaders from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Nov. 13.

“This meeting is the first step in all three directions,” Hameed said through a translator.

The leaders met at the 1st NP brigade headquarters in Salman Pak, to welcome the new commander. Hameed took command of the unit in early November, assuming command from Brig. Gen. Hassan.

“Our purpose here is to observe the transfer of authority,” said Lt. Col. Jack Marr, from Minneapolis, commander, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. “When Col. Hameed meets with his battalion commanders, he will get an impression of the readiness of his brigade.”

Maj. Steve Delgado, from Los Angeles, the executive officer of the 1-15th Inf. Regt., said the meeting also affords the regiment the opportunity to strengthen the rapport, communication, and trust with the unit’s Iraqi counterparts.

“Every joint effort improves our communication and helps us establish common standards when working together to disrupt and destroy insurgents and to secure the populace,” Delgado said.

“The more we communicate, the more we strengthen our personal and professional relationships. The more we do that, the better our joint operations become.”

During the meeting, the group discussed future joint operations involving Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.
Hameed’s battalion commanders encouraged their new boss and offered advice on how to run the brigade.
“Rely on God,” one NP battalion commander said. “Always do the right thing and you will be fine.”

Hameed said his plan is to isolate terrorists and separate them from the citizens of Salman Pak.

“Terrorists cause a lot of problems,” he said. “They interfere with the people’s personal lives, and they are always trying to recruit.”

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga. and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V since March.