A Little More on What We Do…

Dear Family and Friends, 

I am now in Baghdad (1 month of a 6 month assignment).  I have made it to my Individual Augmentation assignment at the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I).  The MNSTC-I mission is to assist the Iraqi Government in the development, organization, training, equipping, and sustaining of Iraqi Security Forces and Ministries capable of defeating terrorism and providing a stable environment where individual freedom, the rule of law, and free market economy can evolve and, in time, will contribute to Regional Security in the Gulf Region.

MNSTC-I is located within the IZ, as well as my billeting area, Forward
Operating Base Blackhawk.  

Specifically, my responsibilities are to enable the Iraqi Ministry of Interior to defeat terrorism and provide a stable environment by constructing both national and local police infrastructure; police training academies; ports of entry; and interestingly, intelligence facilities.  My staff is small but very capable, comprised of personnel from the Army, AF, and contractor community.

Security at construction sites is among our greatest concern.  Sectarian influence and corruption are a constant threat.  The work is performed by Iraqi subcontractors and their safety is always at risk.

Progress is steady here and it is my hope that the Iraqi people will embrace the rule of law, and the concept of individual freedom.  Being here really magnifies the great blessings we experience in the United States.

God Bless,
Jim