| Submit your comments on this article |
| Sec. Rumsfeld with Kazakhstani Peacekeeping Contingent |
| 2004-02-26 |
| RUMSFELD: Iâm anxious to hear their thoughts. ALTYNBAYEV: Let me ask the commander of the group, LTC Smagulov. SMAGULOV: While in Iraq, we dealt with two major problems. The first was disposal of explosives, and the second was getting water. During our stay, we destroyed 522,563 dangerous objects. The Kazakhstani peacekeepers proved to be professional peacekeepers and military specialists, ready for any contingency. During our time in Iraq, we gained from the experience of all the other military detachments that worked with us, particularly with the soldiers of the United States who were our âolder brothers,â who were always ready to help. During our Mission, we received full cooperation from the Americans, and we are ready to work with them any time. ALTYNBAYEV: If I may I would like to say a few words. Not only did these guys get serious experience, which demonstrated their high degree of readiness, and in practice they carried out all the tasks set them, and didnât allow a single infraction of military discipline, nor any lapse of professionalism, and they came back safe and sound to Kazakhstan. Mr. Secretary, this was the first experience of a peacekeeping operation for the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan, for the Ministry of Defense, for the Headquarters (HQ) staff. Considering that we encountered unanticipated problems in the conduct of this mission, we formed a task force in the staff of the HQ that worked around the clock to surmount the new problems. There was a lot of preparatory work required, we were working blind, not aware of what lay in store. But when we were preparing the second contingent, we were able to work purposefully. And the half of the contingent that stayed on was a great help training the new arrivals. Iâm saying this for the benefit of everyone here. It was not easy for us here (in HQ), or me personally as Minister, I had to answer numerous tough questions from journalists, parliamentary deputies. There were many different opinions about whether to do this, or not. I insisted that this experience was necessary, and that we should do this work, and we will continue this work. And their families, and wives, too, bore up well under this challenge, waiting patiently for them for a long six months. Let me take this opportunity to thank you, and through you, the American soldiers in Iraq for everywhere providing security for the work of our people, as well as for logistics and supplies; their work was flawless, and for this I thank you very much. The rotation of our troops was precisely organized on the part of U.S. transport aviation, the first and second detachments were delivered as scheduled, and the first was returned home successfully. While they were in Iraq, very important decisions were taken here regarding the future of our Armed Forces. I would like to inform you, as well as our soldiers, that we have formed a Committee of the Chiefs of Staff, separate from the Ministry, similar to what exists in America. The President has made a decision to switch over from an army based on obligatory military service, to a professional contract service. We want to have about 70-80 percent such units this year. These first peacekeepers will be valuable and much-needed instructors for training the volunteers of the new force. We are moving from universal military obligation to a voluntary army. Contracts will be for 3-, 5-, or 10-year periods. After the initial 3-year contract, volunteers will have the option to reenlist for 5 years, or leave the service. Mr. Secretary, we are also introducing what is for us a new concept, that of an NCO corps, with sergeants of several levels â first sergeant, regimental sergeant, brigade sergeant, etc. By the time we complete the transition to an all-volunteer force, we will also finish a rearming program. Our more professional forces will be able to handle more sophisticated, more advanced weapons. The number of soldiers in our Armed Forces will be smaller, but they will be more mobile and better trained. RUMSFELD: We currently have 115,000 Americans leaving Iraq, and 115,000 Americans going into Iraq. I landed in Shannon, Ireland, for refueling on the way over here, and I happened to run into an airplane with 225 Oklahoma National Guardsmen en route to Iraq. They were eager to do it, proud of their assignment, all people who volunteered to do it. Iâll say to you what I said to them. Peacekeeping is noble work. Youâll look back in 20 years on what youâve done in Iraq, and be proud of it. You will have contributed to the liberation and freedom and opportunity for some 25 million Iraqi people. I thank you for it. Your countrymen should thank you for it. And 25 years from now, the Iraqi people will thank you for it. Thank you. |
| Posted by:Chuck Simmins |
| #1 So they're moving from a Soviet model to the US model. Good for them! The NCO corps will be especially important. |
| Posted by: rkb 2004-2-26 7:21:01 PM |