‘Bombs,’ tense talks part of Hohenfels training for Iraq

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry stand guard outside a building where commanders from the 2nd Brigade 1st Armored Division are meeting with mock provincial Iraqi leaders during a mission aimed at preparing the brigade for its upcoming deployment.


‘Bombs,’ tense talks part of Hohenfels training for Iraq
By John Vandiver, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Thursday, November 15, 2007

HOHENFELS, Germany — Inside the heavily guarded building, the provincial leaders squabbled like a divisive city council.

“Brothers, please keep silent. Everyone will get his time,” said Omar Yassin, playing the role of a Salah Ad Din province deputy governor.

But the various leaders, speaking through their interpreter, spouted off from all corners. They battled with each other and questioned a group of commanders from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division about the limitations of help to be offered.

The council of leaders wanted to know: Could the commanders apply some pressure and get the province a better shake from the central government?

“I don’t trust the Baghdad government,” one of the sheiks said.

At the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team continued to be tested Tuesday as it prepares for its deployment to Iraq in early 2008.


Rest of article at: http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50284



uhc comment: Previous thread on Hohenfels --> http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=259&topic_id=6176