BAGHDAD,
Iraq, June 28, 2015 – The 82nd Airborne Division took command of the
Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command – Iraq, from the 1st Infantry
Division during a transfer of authority ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, June 28.
The building partner capacity sites established
during 1st Infantry’s time will be the lasting effect of their nine-month
deployment, said Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, outgoing commander, CJFLCC-I.
“We are building depth in (the Iraqi military’s)
organization,” Funk said. “We are reestablishing their honor. The whole reason
you train is to build confidence in yourself, your equipment, your leaders and
your doctrine.”
Nine months after the start of Operation Inherent
Resolve, approximately 3,550 U.S. service members and approximately 1,500
coalition partners are assigned to more than a dozen coalition nations that are
helping to train and equip, as well as advise and assist, Iraqi security forces
to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
The focus of the 82nd Airborne Division will remain
on enabling the ISF in the fight against ISIL, said Maj. Gen. Richard Clarke,
incoming commander, CJFLCC-I.
To date, more than 10,000 Iraqis have completed
training through one of these sites, with another approximately 3,500 currently
in training.
“We are firm in our resolve to defeat Daesh and
remain committed to training and advising and assisting our Iraqi partners,”
Clarke said.
The 82nd Airborne Division brings with them more
than 300 paratroopers to join the coalition in helping the Government of Iraq
improve security and stability.
“I place my full
trust in their abilities to join this coalition and help the Government of Iraq
implement lasting solutions for the complex problems that face the Iraqi people,”
Clarke said. “We are honored to serve alongside each and every one of you.”