Security forces begin transfer of mission to Iraqis

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kristina Barrett
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  The 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron has begun the transfer of its mission to the Iraqi government.

Following the transfer of authority to the Iraqi Army by the U.S. Army in April, security forces Airmen here are now shifting their combat patrol mission of the base defense zone to the Iraqi army, Iraqi police and security infrastructure battalion.

“The security forces mission here is evolving,” said 1st Lt. Justin Banez, flight leader. “Ultimately we want to ensure Iraq’s independence lies in the hands of the Iraqis.

“We have moved from the Air Force and Army controlling movement around the base to performing an ‘over-watch’ role in their operations, providing direction and guidance for their forward defensive measures,” he said.

In performing this role, Iraq’s government will be able to completely take over its own operations with the help of the United States. Airmen in the 506th ESFS have taken an active role in the transfer of authority for the area of operations.

”We conduct joint and combined patrols with members of the Iraqi army, Iraqi police and the 101st Airborne Battalion,” said Capt. Michael Borders, security forces operations officer. “Eventually, they will be conducting patrols themselves, which allows Iraqi citizens to put their faith in their government. This paves the way for full independence in Iraq.”

Until the transfer is complete, the 506th ESFS still patrols the base defense zone, maintaining a presence in this Kurdish-dominated region.

“We ... provide a reassuring presence and interact with the locals,” Lieutenant Banez said. “We get to know the people and talk with them about what’s happening in the area and take into account their sentiments.”

Showing a presence denies freedom of movement for insurgent activity, Captain Borders said.

“Insurgent activity cannot be addressed with air strikes,” he said. “It must be done by developing a relationship with the town and denying insurgents the passive support they need to conducts attacks on the airfield.”

The relationship they have built with the townspeople will now extend to the Iraqi government, which will allow the citizens to rely on their infrastructure.

“This transfer of operations allows Iraqis to take care of Iraqis, which paves the way for the eventual U.S. withdrawal from the area,” Lieutenant Banez said. “We will see an independent Iraq, and the Airmen of the 506th ESFS will have a part in that.”