Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release No. 080510-01
May 10, 2008
Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0790-194-0270

Iraqi Army receives delivery of over 100 specialty vehicles through Foreign Military Sales

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Iraqi Army received a shipment of more than 100 specialty vehicles at Old al Muthana Vehicle Warehouse through the Foreign Military Sales program here May 8.

The delivery included 19 Chevrolet Integral Ambulances, 74 International™ 5-ton cargo trucks, 12 Heavy Equipment Transports with 60-ton trailers, as well as a number of 1-ton utility trailers and 2,000 liter water trailers.

The transportation equipment, which cost over $14 million, was paid for through FMS, a program where the government of Iraq purchases defense equipment and supplies with Iraqi funds. The FMS program in Iraq is managed by the Security Assistance Office within the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq.  The function of the Security Assistance Office is to help the Iraqi government build its defense capability through the purchase of defense equipment and services.

Now that the vehicles and accessories have arrived, it is the responsibility of the Iraqi Ministry of Defence to decide what units will receive the vehicles. This delivery is part of an on-going effort to furnish the Iraqi Army with much needed equipment, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Keith Muschalek, MNSTC-I SAO FMS case officer.

Currently, the Old al Muthana Vehicle Warehouse has 57 2,000 liter water trailers, 282 1-ton utility trailers, 179 international 5-ton cargo trucks, 33 Chevrolet ambulances, 12 60–ton HETs, 49 gazelles, three wreckers, and two motorcycles on hand for distribution. Many of these units have been delivered just this week.

The 19 ambulances delivered today, along with shipment that arrived May 7, are part of the initial order of 33 ambulances placed in July, 2007.  This is the first set of ambulances that the Government of Iraq has paid for with FMS funds.

“These vehicles are made to order, they were produced specifically for the Iraqi Army,” said Muschalek.

“Once the vehicles arrive, the next step is training the Iraqi force on how to use the equipment,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Brett H. Hicks, MNSTC-I Health Affairs medical logistics officer. 

“When the ambulances get to the clinics, the Iraqi personnel will receive training on them from our medics,” said Hicks.

The Iraqi people are preparing to take the lead and with this new equipment and the training that will follow, the Iraqi people will have the resources and capabilities to succeed, he added.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT the MULTI-NATIONAL SECUrity TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ Public Affairs office by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at Dsn: (318) 852-1332 or Iraqna: 0790-194- 0270.  for more information about our organization visit:  www.mnstci.iraq.centcom.mil.