ISW Webcast with Col Flynn and Maj Brooke Part 8

Part 8. ISW President Kim Kagan talks with Colonel Charles A. Flynn and Major Matthew W. Brooke of the 1BCT, 82nd Airborne about their recent experiences in Iraq. Colonel Flynn and his brigade, which returned from Iraq in August, were stationed at Tallil Air Base, roughly 15 miles southwest of Nasiriyah. They were initially responsible for theater security operations in southern, central and western Iraq securing the ground lines of communications (an essential component for the safe passage of supply convoys coming from Kuwait along Main Supply Route Tampa). These lines of communications had been contested by Special Groups, Coalition Forces, and Iraqi Security Forces. Special Groups sought to hinder Coalition and Iraqi movement by planting EFPs and IEDs; while U.S. convoys sought to secure the towns and highways from these extremist groups.
In April 2008 the brigade's focus shifted to Southern Iraq, and they participated with Iraqi Security Forces in the clearing of Amarah. They partnered with Iraqi security forces and watched over three southern Iraqi provinces. They worked with provincial government to create long-term Iraqi self- reliance. The 1BCT / 82nd Airborne worked closely with the Iraqi Highway Patrol and the Iraqi Army. During their time in Iraq, they also saw a drastic reduction in attacks, and an left an overall security situation that is stable.
During the interview, Colonel Flynn and Major Brooke present their assessment of the southern provinces - the security that they and their Iraqi partners achieved, as well as the long-term political, economic, religious, and military challenges that remain.

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