COB SPEICHER — As a sign of increasing Iraqi participation in infrastructure and facility construction projects, the U.S. Air Force Facility Engineer Team (FET) recently led the way for an Iraqi FET to take over base engineering design and construction management here.

“We are transitioning the efforts here to provide a more active role for Iraqis in infrastructure projects,” said Lt. Col. Jennifer Kilbourn, commander, FET-1, Joint Base Balad (JBB). “This initiative gives engineers more experience, and allows them to train their own laborers, so when Coalition forces leave the country, they will be able to tackle their own problems.”

With the help of the 211 Readiness Support Group, the Iraqi engineers completed their transition to this location in February 2009.

FET-1 has taken an active role for project development on this base by providing technical engineering support during the garrison weekly project validation meetings. Mr. Mustafa, the FET-1 civil engineer and project leader, said he is proud to work with U.S. forces and provide support to COB Speicher.

“We are slowly rebuilding our country to make it a safer place,” Mustafa said.  “We have learned a lot from the Air Force FET and the garrison about how to develop and plan projects.  We will be able to rebuild Iraq.”

The 555th Engineer Brigade, headquartered at JBB, has begun replacing military engineer teams with Iraqi FETs. Leaders believe this initiative will provide vital skills for Iraqis as well as free military engineer support for other critical missions.

The Garrison City Planning Office, led by Maj. Norman Morton, manages the day-to-day operations at COB Speicher.  The team noted the change from Air Force to Iraqi engineers is having a positive effect on contractor projects, and resolves issues early in the project process.

“The Iraqi FET is teaching Iraqi contractors about quality construction methods ensuring the base receives the best possible project”, said Master Sgt. John McKinney, City Planning office.  “We’re not going to be in Iraq forever.  This is one of the ways the Iraqis are working together to make their country better.”

Mr. Khattab, a construction inspector with FET-1, has also seen positive improvements in the conditions in Iraq.  “Iraq has turned a corner and it is better,” said Khattab.

“When we leave, it’s going to be the Iraqis who need to provide engineering services, construction management, and facility maintenance.” Morton said.  “This is their country, their home, their community.  The whole focus is to train the Iraqis in facility development and management.  We want to leave them with skills they can bring back to their communities and make a difference.”