Camp Taji
Encyclopedia
Camp Taji is a military installation, also known as Camp Cooke used by coalition forces
Multinational force in Iraq
The Multi-National Force – Iraq was a military command, led by the United States, which was responsible for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Multi-National Force – Iraq replaced the previous force, Combined Joint Task Force 7, on 15 May 2004, and was later itself reorganized into its successor, United...
near Taji
Taji, Iraq
Taji, At Taji or Tajidiyah is a town approximately 20 miles north of the city of Baghdad, and is located in the Al-Faris district of the Salah ad Din Governorate. Taji is the location of a large U.S.-controlled military base.-History:...
or Al Taji , Iraq. The camp is located in a rural region approximately 20 miles (32.2 km) north of the city of Baghdad
Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
in the Baghdad Governorate.
History
Al-Taji airfield, in the volatile Sunni Triangle, was originally an Iraqi Republican GuardIraqi Republican Guard
The Iraqi Republican Guard was a branch of the Iraqi military during the presidency of Saddam Hussein. It later became the Republican Guard Corps, and then the Republican Guard Forces Command with its expansion into two corps....
base during the Saddam era. It was once a center for the manufacture of chemical weapons
Chemical warfare
Chemical warfare involves using the toxic properties of chemical substances as weapons. This type of warfare is distinct from Nuclear warfare and Biological warfare, which together make up NBC, the military acronym for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical...
. UNSCOM found at Taji 6,000 empty canisters designed to be filled with chemical weapons for use in 122mm rockets.
According to the Gulf War Airpower Survey, there was a Sector Operations Center located at Al Taji. The airbase is served by a 5500 feet (1,676.4 m) runway. Taji was also the largest tank maintenance facility in Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
.
Taji was heavily bombed during Operation Desert Fox
Operation Desert Fox
The December 1998 bombing of Iraq was a major four-day bombing campaign on Iraqi targets from December 16–19, 1998 by the United States and United Kingdom...
in which 13 different targets in the Camp were hit during the December 1998 air strikes.
The base came under American control following the 2003 invasion of Iraq
2003 invasion of Iraq
The 2003 invasion of Iraq , was the start of the conflict known as the Iraq War, or Operation Iraqi Freedom, in which a combined force of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Poland invaded Iraq and toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein in 21 days of major combat operations...
.
2003-2004
The camp was originally occupied by the Division Artillery (DIVARTY) of the 4th Infantry Division. The Mayor Cell during this time was provided by the 44th RAOC.2004-2005
In February 2004 the 4th ID DIVARTY handed the camp over to elements of 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division1st Armored Division (United States)
The 1st Armored Division—nicknamed "Old Ironsides"—is a standing armored division of the United States Army with base of operations in Fort Bliss, Texas. It was the first armored division of the U.S...
. 3rd BCT had been in the process of redeploying, some of its elements having already moved to Kuwait, when it was informed that it would have to assume control of Camp Taji until units from 1st Cavalry Division arrived in March. 3rd BCT deployed 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery, the 70th Engineer Battalion and elements of 1st Battalion 69th Armor Regiment to Camp Taji to fill this six week gap. While under the control of 1st Armored Division, the Camp was renamed Camp Cooke, in honor of the 1st Armored Division Command Sergeant Major who was killed during OIF I. 3rd BCT was relieved at Camp Taji on 24 March 2004 by 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery, an element of the 39th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
1st Cavalry Division elements stationed at Camp Taji included:
- The 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (BCT) from the Arkansas National GuardArkansas National GuardThe Arkansas National Guard comprises both Army and Air components. The Constitution of the United States specifically charges the National Guard with dual federal and state missions. In fact, the National Guard is the only United States military force empowered to function in a state status...
. - The 1st Cavalry Division Support Command,
- 4th Brigade (Aviation), 1st Cavalry Division, including the 1st Battalion (Attack), 25th Aviation Regiment from the 25th Infantry Division
- 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment69th Infantry Regiment (United States)The 69th Infantry Regiment was a Regular Army infantry regiment in the United States Army.-History:There have been three different lineages started under this number: The Famous 69th Infantry Regiment , and two under the Federal designation....
which was assigned to the 256th Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana National GuardLouisiana National GuardThe Louisiana National Guard consists of the:*Louisiana Army National Guard** includes the U.S. 256th Infantry Brigade*Louisiana Air National Guard-External links:*** compiled by the United States Army Center of Military History...
. - 51 RAOC, South Carolina National GuardSouth Carolina National GuardThe South Carolina National Guard consists of the South Carolina Army National Guard and the South Carolina Air National Guard . American law specifically charges the National Guard with dual federal and state missions. In fact, the National Guard is the only United States military force empowered...
which functioned as the Mayor Cell and supported the BDOC - 28th Signal BN from the 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National GuardPennsylvania Army National GuardThe Pennsylvania Army National Guard, abbreviated PAARNG, is part of the United States Army National Guard and is based in the U.S. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania...
Early in the 1CD rotation (OIF II), an order was issued by MND-B that all Forward Operating Bases would have Arabic names, so Camp Cooke reverted to Camp Taji and the new Dining Facility at Camp Taji was renamed in honor of CSM Cooke.
The 39 BCT controlled the Area of Operations surrounding Camp Taji at this time. The 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery of the 39th BCT along with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery of the Rhode Island National Guard
Rhode Island National Guard
The Rhode Island National Guard consists of the:*Rhode Island Army National Guard *Rhode Island Air National Guard ** 102nd Information Warfare Squadron** 143d Airlift Wing** 281st Combat Communications Group** 282nd Combat Communications Squadron...
where the main base defense force in 2004 to include gate security, QRF, as well as convoy escort and the inherent Field artillery mission. The 1-206th FA and A/1-103rd FA supplied a Military Assistance Training Team to train, live with and fight alongside the 307th Iraqi National Guard Battalion.
The 593rd Corps Support Group was also headquartered at Camp Taji at this time.
The basic units stationed at Camp Taji have remained the same:
- At least one, and up to three Brigade Combat Teams;
- The Combat Aviation BrigadeCombat Aviation BrigadeA Combat Aviation Brigade is a multi-functional brigade-sized unit in the United States Army that fields military helicopters, offering a combination of attack helicopters , reconnaissance helicopters , medium-lift helicopters , heavy-lift helicopters , and MEDEVAC capability.- History :Combat...
Supporting Multi-National Division - Baghdad (MND-B); and, - The Sustainment Command supporting MND-B
2005-2006
The 39th Brigade Combat Team was relieved by 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division in March 2005. This was the same Brigade that had been relieved by 1-206th FA in March 2004. 3rd BCT, 1AD deployed in 2005 as an element of 3rd Infantry Division which was assigned as the Multi National Division - Baghdad headquarters for OIF III. The 1-118th Field Artillery Battalion, of the 48th IBCT, Georgia Army National Guard was attached to 3rd BCT, 1AD during this time. The 4-1 FA relieved 1-206th FA of the Base Defense and Field Artillery Support missions at this time. 51 RAOC was relieved of Mayor Cell responsibilities by 1st Battalion, 151 Field Artillery Regiment, Minnesota National GuardMinnesota National Guard
The Minnesota National Guard is composed of approximately 14,000 soldiers of the Minnesota Army National Guard and Airmen of the Minnesota Air National Guard, serving in 63 communities across the state. The Constitution of the United States specifically charges the National Guard with dual federal...
.
4th Infantry Division elements stationed at Camp Taji included:
- 4th Sustainment Brigade.
- Crusader Battery 1-377 FAR, deployed from Fort Campbell Kentucky,attached to the 4th Sustainment Brigade.
- Various other units.
2006-2007
3rd Brigade, 1st Armor Division was relieved by elements of the 4th Infantry Division in 2006. 1st Battalion, 327 Field Artillery served as the Mayor Cell during this period.In November 2006, the 4th Infantry Division was relieved, and 1st Cavalry Division was once again in control of the base. The Mayor Cell was supplied at this time by 786th Quarter Master Battalion from the Virgin Islands National Guard
Virgin Islands National Guard
The U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard consists of the:*Virgin Islands Army National Guard *Virgin Islands Air National Guard ** 285th Combat Communications Squadron...
. The Base Defense Operations Center was operated by members of 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division.
2007-2008
In December 2007 the 1st Cavalry Division relinquished control and Camp Taji was occupied by multiple brigade sized elements from a variety of units, until they were relieved by the 4th Infantry Division. The 621st Troop Support Command, Alabama National GuardAlabama National Guard
The Alabama National Guard comprises both Army and Air components. The Guard is part of the Alabama Military Department, seemingly overseen by the Adjutant General of Alabama....
acted as the Garrison Command Cell (formerly known as the Mayor Cell) from October 2007 through March 2008 when it was relieved by 1-206th FA. Force protection duties were performed by a number of units, including elements of the California Army National Guard's 1-143rd FA.
2008-2009
In March 2008, 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery returned to Camp Taji, this time as the Garrison Command Cell (formerly known as the Mayor Cell. At this time the Base Defense Operations Center was operated by 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, a part of the 25th Infantry Division, which was assigned to 4th Infantry Division for the deployment. the 2-11 FA was responsible for securing a security contract to provide over 900 private contractor security guard to provide gate and tower guards for Camp Taji, relieving two National Guard Companies of these responsibilities and decreasing the need to mobilize units for these duties in the future. 1-206th FA was relieve by the 949th Brigade Support Battalion, Texas National Guard, in December 2008. 2-11 FA was relieved of the BDOC mission by 1st Battalion, 108th Field Artillery Regiment of the Pennsylvania Army National GuardPennsylvania Army National Guard
The Pennsylvania Army National Guard, abbreviated PAARNG, is part of the United States Army National Guard and is based in the U.S. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania...
in January 2009.
2009-2010
In April 2009 the 4th Infantry Division was relieved by the 1st Cavalry Division. The 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT), Mississippi National GuardMississippi National Guard
The Mississippi National Guard is Mississippi's component of the United States National Guard.The Constitution of the United States specifically charges the National Guard with dual federal and state missions. In fact, the National Guard is the only United States military force empowered to...
, assumed the dual role of Garrison Command and Base Defense Operations Center in July 2009, relieving both the 949 BSB and the 1-108th FA. As of March 6, 2010 The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Tennessee National Guard) officially took charge of Camp Taji Garrison Command, relieving the 155th. The Garrison Commander was COL Franklin McCauley. The 278th also assumed a dual role of Garrison Command and Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC). During the tenure of the 278th, many changes took place as the 278th had the initial role of downsizing Camp Taji. On May 1, 2010, The 278th Garrison Command took over the role of Law and Order and Military Police functions left vacant by the 26th Military Police Detachment. On July 20, 2010, the 256th BCT (Louisiana National Guard) officially took charge of the Camp Taji Garrison Command and BDOC with LTC Eric Rivers as the Garrison Commander. The downsizing continued and the far north section of Camp Taji was turned over to the Iraqi Government in December 2010.
A joint base
Camp Taji is now known as one of many United States camps that also house members of the new Iraqi Army and the Iraqi National Guard. It is also being used to train the newly established Iraqi Air Force. Camp Taji is broken up between two Camps that are joined by a joint Iraqi/US gate. The Iraqi side, called Camp Bennet, is where the Iraqi troops, as well as the Transition Teams live. There is great controversy over the fact that the camp is divided, between "US and them". Much has been written on the subject, but with a simple look at the two camps one can see that there is a great difference in the quality of life on the two sides of the camp.Facilities
In December 2004 and until October of 2010, Camp Taji reportedly boasted the largest PXBase exchange
A Base Exchange is a type of retail store operating on United States military installations worldwide...
facilities in Iraq, with Subway
Subway (restaurant)
Subway is an American restaurant franchise that primarily sells submarine sandwiches and salads. It is owned and operated by Doctor's Associates, Inc. . Subway is one of the fastest growing franchises in the world with 35,519 restaurants in 98 countries and territories as of October 25th, 2011...
, Burger King
Burger King
Burger King, often abbreviated as BK, is a global chain of hamburger fast food restaurants headquartered in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. The company began in 1953 as Insta-Burger King, a Jacksonville, Florida-based restaurant chain...
and Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is an American restaurant chain and international franchise that offers different styles of pizza along with side dishes including pasta, buffalo wings, breadsticks, and garlic bread....
franchises. Until October of 2010, the food court also included Taco Bell
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is an American chain of fast-food restaurants based in Irvine, California. A subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., which serves American-adapted Mexican food. Taco Bell serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, other specialty items, and a variety of "Value Menu" items...
, Popeye's Chicken, and Seattle's Best/Cinnabon
Cinnabon
Cinnabon is a chain of American baked goods stores and kiosks, normally found in high-traffic areas such as malls. The company's signature item is a grande cinnamon roll. As of July 2009, over 750 Cinnabon bakeries are in operation in over 30 countries around the world...
. These concessions are now gone. Although the PX facility is large, it remains poorly stocked in comparison to Baghdad and Balad
Balad, Iraq
Balad is a city north of Baghdad in the Salah ad Din Governorate Iraq. It is located within the borders of the so-called Sunni Triangle; however, Balad is a primarily Shiite town of approximately 100,000...
due to supply issues. In late May 2011, the Green Beans Coffee Shop re opened. Of some 106 bases used by the United States in Iraq, Camp Taji is considered one of 14 "enduring" bases.
Civilian contractors
Camp Taji is served at any one time by up to 2500 civilian defense contractors in addition to its military personnel. The Basic Life Support Contract (Food, Laundry, Water) is supplied by KBRKBR
KBR can stand for:* KBR - American engineering and construction company* Key-based routing* Royal Library of Belgium* The ISO 639 linguistic identifier code for the Ethiopian language Kaffa ....
.
The Maintenance and Base Support Contract (Roads and Grounds, Building Maintenance, Construction Services) is held by RMS, a wholly owned subsidiary of IAP Worldwide Services, Inc.
A significant service was provided by over 430 Iraqi translators who were working with companies such as TITAN, L3 and GLS. A large number of local interpreters were killed in action, as well as murdered by terrorists.
Significant events
On 24 April 2004, Camp Taji came under rocket attack, resulting in 4 killed in action, all members of the 39th Support Battalion, an element of the 39th Brigade Combat Team. April 24 was the highest single day casualty total for Arkansas soldiers since the Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
.
On August 15, 2007, nine rockets hit Camp Taji, including one at the PX immediately next to the Pizza Hut booth. Two US Soldiers and two non-Iraqi civilians were killed and five US soldiers and five Iraqi civilians were wounded. One US contractor was hit by shrapnel but not injured.
.