505th Panther Association

Multi-National Division – Baghdad

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, continue to transition with their 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, counterparts in Baghdad; they will partner with the Iraqi security forces and local government officials during its 12-month deployment to Iraq.

For the Soldiers of the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn Div., the transition began to take shape by assisting local Iraqi officials during a reopening ceremony on Dec. 23 for the Motasum Elementary School in eastern Baghdad.

The ceremony gave leaders of the 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., a chance to introduce 5th Sqdn., 73rd Cav. Regt. leaders to local district and school administrators.

The shift of the two brigades is a great process between the organizations, said 1st Lt. Bradley Wilson, the assistant fire support officer for the 5th Sqdn., 73rd Cav. Regt.

“It has been a smooth transition between us and [10th Mtn. Div.] They have been very helpful in advising us on what is going on in the area,” he said. “We look forward to continuing what the 10th Mtn. Div. did here and assist the ISF if needed.”

The shift is also helping the new Soldiers adjust to life in a combat environment. For many this is their first deployment, and they are looking forward to helping the ISF, said Sgt. Steven Keller, a member of the personnel security detachment for the 5th Sqdn., 73rd Cav. Regt.

“They are very excited and eager to help, and they are starting to feel more relaxed in their surroundings,” he said.

For Soldiers of the 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., their yearlong deployment comes at an historic time for the Iraqi people. The Iraqi government has scheduled provincial elections for Jan 31. National elections are also scheduled for later in the year.