Soldiers with the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 225th Engineer Brigade, are almost finished with construction of a Joint Operations Center. The center will serve as a workplace for both U.S. soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment and their counterparts with the 11th Iraqi Army Headquarters. 
"In order to be more hands-on, we must share everything including work space," said Maj. Kevin Wallace, the 46th Engineer's executive officer. "Our workspace will mirror their workspace, even down to how many desks are in each office."
Since the Security Agreement calls for the closing of smaller combat outposts and joint security stations throughout Baghdad, engineers have been diligently working to create work and living spaces outside the city.  
Constructed in an abandoned warehouse hangar, the 4,300 square foot center will provide ample work space for both staff sections. It will have 10 secured offices, a conference room with computer workstations and a combined working area for battle tracking. 
"Every day the Iraqi general comes over asking if we need any help," said Staff Sgt. Gary Butler, the construction project noncommissioned officer in charge.  "He even let us borrow his pressure washer and a few of his soldiers to help clear the surface of debris and dirt before we began construction."
Once completed, the facility will increase operational capabilities and integration with the Iraqi Army partners. Joint facilities such as these are critical as the Iraqi Security Forces take the lead in securing peace and stability in Baghdad.