Besmaya Range Complex

Besmaya Range Complex is a joint base controlled by the Iraqi Armed Forces. It was known as Forward Operating Base Hammer during American occupation.

Actually no. Besmaya CTC was an Iraqi Training center and former Republican Guard facility. Under US occupation, FOB Hammer was co-located nearby, but they were separate entities. A US coalition force of Military and approx 60 contractors was stationed on Besmaya within a separate cantonment area surrounded by the Iraqi garrison and were advisors to the garrison Commander COL Abbas and the tenant schools (Bomb Disposal and Combat Arms School (CAS)). We were not associated with FOB Hammer either OPCON or ADCON at all other than a location to fuel our vehicles and PX support. All support came direct to Besmaya coalition personnel through MNSTC-I.