10th brigades increasing support in Iraq
U.S. forces pulled out of Iraqi cities more than a month ago, and since then American combat troops haven't received many requests for aid. But the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade and 10th Sustainment Brigade have been increasing operations in a new support role for U.S. and Iraqi forces.
The Sustainment Brigade, operating out of Multinational Division-Baghdad, soon will begin providing logistical support for an additional 20,000 troops stationed in one-third of Iraq. An additional 800 soldiers will fall under the unit's command before the brigade returns to Fort Drum in October.
"We've been given the mission to expand to the western side of the country and that has increased our organization," said Col. Mark E. Drake, commander of the Sustainment Brigade. "The numbers are staggering when you think about it, but I can't be more proud of what the soldiers are doing and accomplishing to make sure that everyone has what they need."
The Sustainment Brigade and Aviation Brigade have roles different from a traditional brigade combat team. While they are trained to fight, the units are supporting ground troops — providing air support and shipping supplies.
That is why the Status of Forces Agreement brokered in December calling for the pullout of combat troops from Iraqi cities by June 30 hasn't affected the 7,000 10th Mountain Division soldiers.
Instead, business has continued as usual.
"We are staying very relevant and very busy," said Col. Erik C. Peterson, commander of the Aviation Brigade, based outside of Kirkuk. "Our only significant change is that we are making a conscious effort to avoid direct over-flight of the cities as part of the agreement. We are staying clear of them."
Since deploying in October, the Aviation Brigade has been flying missions for both American and Iraqi forces. Now, it is being called on to assist the Iraqi troops with reconnaissance and security because the Iraqis don't have a well-established helicopter fleet.
Col. Peterson said his soldiers over the next three months will continue to train Iraqi ground forces in use of air support. He said the ground forces are growing at a much faster pace than the aviation counterpart, but his hope is to give the Iraqis the aviation skills.
Col. Drake said his troops are seeing only a subtle change in operation — instead of shipping equipment during the day, shipments are happening at night. That's to avoid clogging the roads with large American vehicles, he said.
"Our battle rhythm has stayed the same because we have to sustain the same number of forces," he said."
The number of soldiers in Iraq hasn't changed in the past few months, and around 37,000 soldiers are set to deploy over the next six months to replace forces already there. But a drawdown is expected by August 2010, which would leave 30,000 to 50,000 American troops in the country in an advisory role.
Col. Timothy R. Reese, a military adviser in Baghdad, said last week that the U.S. has overstayed its welcome and should consider pulling all forces out sooner than the December 2011 deadline. Officials have said the option to withdraw troops will be based on the security situation in the country. The decision to withdraw earlier than December 2011 could have an effect on the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams that will be deployed to Iraq over the next six months.
But for now, Col. Peterson isn't doing any speculating.
"The key thing is there is irreversible momentum here and they are clearly demonstrating their independence and their competence," he said. "It's a pretty important milestone."
The Sustainment and Aviation brigades will return to Fort Drum before Thanksgiving after 12-month deployments.
