FORT DRUM, N.Y., March 21 (UPI) -- The commander of a U.S. division of troops set to relieve a unit in Iraq says continuing the security progress is his biggest challenge.

Army Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, commander of the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, N.Y., is scheduled for deployment to Iraq in May relieving the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division. Oates says units like his rotating to Iraq have the tall order of continuing the U.S. military surge momentum that defense officials say has created a more stable environment in Iraq, the American Forces Press Service reported.

"We want to build on the security environment that (the 3rd Infantry Division) has created," Oates said in a statement. "The question is, how can we continue to advance the ball? The areas that we need to work on are additional employment, additional economic development and in the capacity of the local governments."

Critics say despite the security gains achieved by the troop surge will only be undermined if progress is not made by Iraqi government officials. Oates says his security is the key to making any real lasting progress in Iraq and that despite a recent lull in violence, U.S. troops have to remain on guard.

"The conditions under which they find themselves will dictate how they act," Oates said. "There can be a real challenge if you go into a situation thinking that sweetness and light has broken out. You lower your guard. We won't do that."