August 4, 2015
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – With the ever-present threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, having a strong and capable fighting force to defeat them is a priority. The Iraqi army’s 7th Division, with the help of Combined Joint Task Force—Operation Inherent Resolve’s multination coalition forces, are at the forefront of that fight.
The building partner capacity mission, based out of Al Asad Air Base, is one of the locations where training efforts focus on refining, educating and prepare Iraqi security forces to transform into an independent military, capable of defeating ISIL and securing their country’s freedom.
“The ultimate goal is to have Iraqis training Iraqis,” said Danish army Maj. Christian Friis, Task Force Al Asad BPC officer in charge. “We want to make sure that they are capable of self sustainment. We also want to instill in them a warrior ethos that leaves a deep impression of what good soldiering is. If we can leave them with a feeling of pride and confidence that perpetuates a proactive and professional military culture, then we have accomplished our goal.”