Combat Training to Combat Troops – The Advise and Assist Mission of Task Force Al-Taqaddum
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christian Cabaniss, the commander of Task Force Al Taqaddum and deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, speaks with Italian police officials about the current and future training plans for the Iraqi police and military forces on Al-Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq, April 27, 2017. Deploying U.S. Marines into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to conduct combined military training with our partner nations’ security forces strengthens our vital relationships with partners in this strategically important region. This training is part of the overall CJTF-OIR building partner capacity mission by training and improving the capability of partnered forces fighting ISIS. CJTF-OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua S. McAlpine)