Gen.: Corps helps Iraq take training wheels off

[unhappycamper]

Gen.: Corps helps Iraq take training wheels off
By Chelsea J. Carter - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jan 10, 2008 6:18:41 EST

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — A Marine Corps general taking over command in Iraq’s Anbar province said Wednesday that a decrease in insurgent attacks and casualties is allowing U.S. troops to focus more on training 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 next month.

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 I 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 II Marine Expeditionary Force on the ground in Iraq.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_anbarmarines_080110/