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This morning I went on a site visit to an Iraqi Army (IA) compound on the west side of Mosul. One of the local Military Transition Teams (MiTTs) requested some engineering assistance. A MiTT is a team of US Army advisors assigned to work with an IA unit. Periodically we oversee construction projects to renovate IA facilities. So the MiTT asked if I could have a couple of Engineers take a look at the Combat Outpost (COP) occupied by their newly assigned IA unit. I tasked Alda and Mo to visit the site with the MiTT, and then I decided to tag along.

We rode with the MiTT in their up-armored HMMWVs (humvees). Two of my security team members also came along to get a look at the compound for future visits. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Unfortunately, things got much worse as we took a closer look. The IA Battalion Commander was very excited to have us assess his compound in the hopes of getting some assistance in fixing it up! He walked us through his unit area pointing out his key concerns. The biggest issue is that the septic system is completely backed up. But that’s enough bad news. He was very proud to show us his battalion store.

It makes me appreciate the PX on Diamondback that much more! Of course, we ended the visit just like we started the visit, sipping a cup of chai in the commander’s office.

Once again, the TV was never turned off.