...The United States is pinning its hopes on units like the 2nd Battalion. If the Iraqi army and police forces can take control of the country from the insurgents, American troops can gradually go home.
The U.S. military has put a huge emphasis on training and working with the Iraqi army and police to develop them into effective security forces. But questions remain: What do they need? How long will it take?...
In Fallujah, the 2nd Battalion is advised by MiTT team 4, part of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment.
The team has 11 members, commanded by Maj. Mike Motley of New Jersey. It is supplemented by a handful of other Marines farmed out from neighboring units that also are patrolling Fallujah.
As the various Iraqi units get better, they take over "battle space" from Americans. The 2nd Battalion owns a large chunk of northwest Fallujah, aided by Motley's crew.
"These guys are good," Motley said in a chat on the rooftop of the Marine compound. "I've seen them go on raids and develop intel (military intelligence). They just about rival American units. They have no fear."
"They're good in their way," said Capt. Michael Butler, the team's operations officer. "They find Iraqi solutions to Iraqi problems. We could leave tomorrow and they would be fine, but logistically they still need us."
The biggest obstacle facing the 2nd Battalion, and indeed the entire Iraqi army, is logistics...
On Patrol With a New Army in Fallujah
Bookmarks