BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The commander of Wisconsin's 32nd Infantry Brigade said the security handover in Iraq will have no impact on its nearly 3,300 soldiers.

"We feel that the security is not degraded at this time. We are fairly confident that Iraq's made the right steps and they are doing a great job," said Col. Steve Bensend, 32nd Brigade Commander.

U.S. combat forces officially withdrew from Iraq's major cities, handing over security to Iraqi forces on Tuesday.

It means Iraqi police are also in charge of fighting the extremists and militants hiding there. American troops remain on standby but won't step in unless Iraqi forces ask for help.

Bensend said the 32nd's soldiers, including members of the 32nd military police, provide security and help train Iraqi forces.

The 32nd is working with its Iraqi counterparts to help protect the justice system and what's known as the International Zone.

"Most of our soldiers on the 32nd brigade are doing different missions around Iraq, but are not considered major combat forces," Bensend said.

Bensend spoke with WISC-TV via satellite Tuesday morning live from Baghdad in an interview provided by DVIDS, a service of the Department of Defense.

He said he does not anticipate significant changes in the security of Iraqi cities and is fairly confident that the Iraqis can handle taking over control.