Talking Transition with Troops
CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- Kristopher Padden, Detachment 1 base transition team communications advisor, asks Brig. Gen. Anthony Rock, Iraq Training and Advisory Team - Air director, about post-December possibilities during a commander's call at the base theater June 8. Detachment 1 is one of six BTTs aiding Iraqis at Kirkuk, New Al-Muthana, Tirkrit, Balad and Ali bases. The teams facilitate training with firefighters, security forces, communications and other critical skills needed to sustain air base operations as American military forces depart. Sergeant Padden is deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and is a Caledonia, Miss., native. (U.S. Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Jason Lake)