K1 Transfer of Authority

Blackanthem Military News, KIRKUK, Iraq, July 09, 2006

In order to function, a military force relies on its supply channels to obtain the supplies soldiers need.

Until recently, the Iraqi Army had to rely on Coalition Forces for their supplies; be it clothing, ammunition or food. Now, however, IA Garrison Support Unit soldiers at Kirkuk’s K-1 Army compound are taking over their own logistical support, fully capable of sustaining the base on their own.

"We all know that all armies are dependent on their logistic support," said British Brigadier General Jamie Gordon, acting MNSTC-I commander. "This handover marks the first step in bringing the system alive and making the Iraqi Armed Forces fully self-sufficient."

The GSU was one of the last units coalition forces focused on while the growing the IA force. This is largely because fighting forces were needed in initial phases to ensure the country’s stability.

"Building the logistic concept and logistic forces has not been easy and it has been last in the force generation process," Gordon said. "That is not a reflection on its importance. It is more a reflection that the combat forces were needed first to fight the insurgents and terrorists."

The GSU will support the 4th Iraqi Army Division, soon to be headquartered at K-1, as well as all IA troops in the area.

"The logistic system has been designed so that the fighting troops do not have to be concerned about their support, because you are doing that thinking," Gordon said, "anticipating their needs and … giving them the support that they deserve."

The IA soldiers at K-1 will continue to work with Coalition Forces to further stabilize their position as a formidable force and, as many say, the benchmark for Iraqi Army units.

"Through the leadership of the new GSU Commander, Brig. Gen Younis," said Lt. Col. Brown, GSU senior advisor at K-1 "the strong leadership and professional staff of the GSU have the experience required to continue training to maintain K-1’s status as the best base in the Iraqi Army."

By Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

ADDITIONAL PHOTO:

Lt.Col. Brown, Garrison Support Unit senior advisor passes the guidon to Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Younis, new GSU commander. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Lyn Graves, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)