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thedrifter
01-10-08, 07:22 AM
NBCSanDiego.com
Marines 'Taking Training Wheels' Off Iraqi Troops
Decrease In Attacks, Casualties Lead To Increased Focus On Training

POSTED: 9:20 pm PST January 9, 2008
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- A Marine Corps general taking over command in Iraq's Anbar province said Wednesday that the decrease in insurgent attacks and decline in casualties is allowing U.S. troops to focus more attention on training of Iraqi security forces.

"We want to work ourselves out of a job," said Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly, who is scheduled to take command of Marines in western Iraq.

Kelly said the Iraqi army has been successfully patrolling and escorting convoys in the Anbar province without the support of U.S. troops.

"Basically, we are taking the training wheels off," the general said shortly after a ceremony was held as part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force command's preparation for deployment to Iraq. "As we step back from the Iraqi security forces, we'll stand ready to support them, if needed."

Kelly will be replacing Maj. Gen. Walter Gaskin, who has been heading up operations for the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force on the ground in Iraq.

Kelly has served two tours in Iraq -- during the initial invasion of Iraq and then again in 2004 in Fallujah.

Ellie