BAGHDAD, Iraq, Aug. 2, 2004 — Lead elements of the Iraqi Army’s 5th Battalion deployed to a base in western Baghdad this week for force protection operations at the base as part of the Iraqi government’s continued effort to provide security to the nation, according to Office of Security Transition officials.

The unit had previously spent several months in training at the Kirkush Military Training Base, 70 miles east of Baghdad. The force joins two battalions from the Iraqi Intervention Force - the army’s counterinsurgency force - deployed to the city in July. There are now three fully trained and equipped Iraqi army battalions conducting operations in the Baghdad area.

“They’re here to continue the forward movement of trained battalions and provide security for those units continuing to train,” said Army Col. Jim Mulvenna, Coalition Military Training Assistance Team Chief of Staff.

The unit will work with coalition forces also garrisoned at the base in force protection, perimeter security and security operations in the area outside the post.

“Iraqi forces are providing the lion’s share of force protection to Iraqi bases, enabling the ongoing, effective generation of well-trained Iraqi battalions,” Mulvenna said.