thedrifter
02-24-08, 08:03 AM
Stalder: Security improved in Iraq
KEVIN FORSYTHE
2008-02-24 00:29:00
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Increased troop numbers, upcoming deployments, combat technologies and status of the global war on terrorism were all on the agenda Saturday morning, as Lt. General Keith J. Stalder addressed attendees of a retired military breakfast at Camp Lejeune
"I'm honored to be in the company of great Marines and great patriots," said Stalder, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force. "Today's Marines are the best in the world and they get that from those like you who went ahead of them," he said.
In giving the large group of active and retired military personnel attending an update on several issues, Stalder started with comments about the coming increase in end power.
"We need to grow to keep up with the tempo of activity in the world," Stalder said. He went on to say that adding troop strength is something that requires an enormous amount of planning and preparation.
"There's lots of moving parts involved in building the force. A significant part of that (troop buildup) is coming here to Camp Lejeune," he said.
Stalder acknowledged there has been a waggle shift in the placement of troops deployed to fight the global war on terrorism. He said the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and a battalion from the West Coast are soon to deploy not to Iraq, but Afghanistan.
"That area (Afghanistan) needs additional forces at this time," Stalder said.
Part of the shift in deployment strategy is because of success in tactics and security within Iraq, he said.
"Security in Iraq, where the Marines are, has improved tremendously. We've (Marines) done a great job of getting the local population to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem," Stalder said.
"Advisor training, partnering with local military and police forces, is something the Marine Corps is very engaged with and is something we are doing very well. ... We couldn't be prouder of the Marines, they've done a tremendous job," he said.
"However," Stalder added, "the Iraqi government itself still has some work to do."
The general also said rotation of local Osprey squadrons will take place this spring. He said plans call for two more rotations of V-22 squadrons - after which, the Osprey units are expected to begin attachment to Marine Expeditionary Units.
"Things are going well not only in performance of the aircraft, but, Marines use the plane with great effect," Stalder said. "The airplane has done just an absolutely fabulous job. It's a great new very forward-thinking technology."
Stalder reported that another success story out of Iraq has been the effort to combat the enemy's use of improvised explosive devices - a primary weapon used against coalition forces.
While he could not discuss many of the technological advances in this area, Stalder did say the results have not just been technology driven.
"Training and tactics have played big roles in improving the situation. It's like night and day from a few years ago," he said.
Stalder also took part in presenting two Hardcore Warrior citations - presented to veterans who served in three wars: World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.
Receiving the designation of Hardcore Warrior from Stalder were retired Marines Staff Sgt. William Yarnall and Sgt. Maj. William Sloan.
Contact Kevin Forsythe at kforsythe@freedomenc.com or 910-353-1171, ext. 8449. Visit www.jdnews.com to comment on this report.
Ellie
KEVIN FORSYTHE
2008-02-24 00:29:00
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Increased troop numbers, upcoming deployments, combat technologies and status of the global war on terrorism were all on the agenda Saturday morning, as Lt. General Keith J. Stalder addressed attendees of a retired military breakfast at Camp Lejeune
"I'm honored to be in the company of great Marines and great patriots," said Stalder, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force. "Today's Marines are the best in the world and they get that from those like you who went ahead of them," he said.
In giving the large group of active and retired military personnel attending an update on several issues, Stalder started with comments about the coming increase in end power.
"We need to grow to keep up with the tempo of activity in the world," Stalder said. He went on to say that adding troop strength is something that requires an enormous amount of planning and preparation.
"There's lots of moving parts involved in building the force. A significant part of that (troop buildup) is coming here to Camp Lejeune," he said.
Stalder acknowledged there has been a waggle shift in the placement of troops deployed to fight the global war on terrorism. He said the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and a battalion from the West Coast are soon to deploy not to Iraq, but Afghanistan.
"That area (Afghanistan) needs additional forces at this time," Stalder said.
Part of the shift in deployment strategy is because of success in tactics and security within Iraq, he said.
"Security in Iraq, where the Marines are, has improved tremendously. We've (Marines) done a great job of getting the local population to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem," Stalder said.
"Advisor training, partnering with local military and police forces, is something the Marine Corps is very engaged with and is something we are doing very well. ... We couldn't be prouder of the Marines, they've done a tremendous job," he said.
"However," Stalder added, "the Iraqi government itself still has some work to do."
The general also said rotation of local Osprey squadrons will take place this spring. He said plans call for two more rotations of V-22 squadrons - after which, the Osprey units are expected to begin attachment to Marine Expeditionary Units.
"Things are going well not only in performance of the aircraft, but, Marines use the plane with great effect," Stalder said. "The airplane has done just an absolutely fabulous job. It's a great new very forward-thinking technology."
Stalder reported that another success story out of Iraq has been the effort to combat the enemy's use of improvised explosive devices - a primary weapon used against coalition forces.
While he could not discuss many of the technological advances in this area, Stalder did say the results have not just been technology driven.
"Training and tactics have played big roles in improving the situation. It's like night and day from a few years ago," he said.
Stalder also took part in presenting two Hardcore Warrior citations - presented to veterans who served in three wars: World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.
Receiving the designation of Hardcore Warrior from Stalder were retired Marines Staff Sgt. William Yarnall and Sgt. Maj. William Sloan.
Contact Kevin Forsythe at kforsythe@freedomenc.com or 910-353-1171, ext. 8449. Visit www.jdnews.com to comment on this report.
Ellie