Coalition Forces work to improve Iraqi army tactics and training

Courtesy Photo | A soldier from 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, teaches Iraqi soldiers how to...... read more read more

Courtesy Photo | A soldier from 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, teaches Iraqi soldiers how to perform snap tactical control points throughout their area of operation in south Baghdad.  see less | View Image Page

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.30.2006

Courtesy Story

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By 2nd Lt. Reid Farmer
2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div.

BAGHDAD - The Soldiers of 2nd Platoon, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, have been attached to, and serving with, the engineers of Company E, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, since Jan. 21.

While with Co. E, the platoon's Soldiers have also worked on a daily basis with the Iraqi soldiers of 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.

It is a job that perhaps seemed daunting at first, considering the culture and language barriers, but has been rewarding with the help of some very skilled interpreters and motivated Soldiers on both sides.

The platoon's mission includes three primary tasks. The first is to supervise force protection at an Iraqi army static traffic control point, which monitors the flow of several thousand Iraqi civilian vehicles a day.

The TCP has proven to be a valuable addition to the Widowmaker force. Civilians passing through the TCP have reported seeing roadside bombs along the highway to the IA soldiers on several occasions. The IA soldiers inform members of the platoon, who pass the information to the necessary U.S. forces.

"The long-term goal is that some day, the IA will be able to receive the civilian tips and be able to investigate and dispose of the roadside bombs by themselves," says Sgt. Steve Sakoda.

The Soldiers" second task is to train the IA forces in a variety of individual and small-unit skills.

"We have been very pleased with the IA soldiers" enthusiasm and motivation to learn new skills. Earlier this month, we taught them how to conduct snap TCPs," said Pfc. Bryce Banks, a forward observer.

During the following week, IA soldiers successfully conducted several snap TCPs by themselves. More recently, the platoon presented lessons on room-clearing procedures in which they constructed a glass house inside the IA patrol base. The IA soldiers immediately donned their equipment and formed four-man stacks to clear the house.

"In this manner, the platoon is constantly improving the IA tactical skill set," said Spc. Timothy Peterson, platoon medic.

The third task of the Soldiers is to support the IA on combined operations. During the past two weeks, IA soldiers have searched every Iraqi home within a 16-square kilometer area while the Soldiers helped provide local security.

"These cordon and knock operations, as we call them, are an important step in preparing the IA to operating in the area on their own. Building strong relationships and trust with the Iraqi civilians is an essential part in fighting the insurgency," said Spc. Antoine Leblanc.

After each of these operations, the platoon noncommissioned officers and officers conduct an after action review with the IA leadership. Like any AAR, they discuss which skills performed by the IA need to be sustained or improved upon.

"Our current focus has been on convincing the IA officers to step back from the front in order to stop micro-managing the unit. The goal is to boost the officers" trust in their NCOs as well as the NCOs confidence in themselves," said Pfc. Mark Speakman. "We are reinforcing this confidence by shifting toward a train-the-trainer lesson plan in which we provide classes to the IA NCOs, who then pass the knowledge on to the lower enlisted soldiers while we supervise the training."

In a little more than a month, the mission to train the IA has gone from being a tough task to the mission of choice for all of the platoon's Soldiers.

"We have formed strong relationships with many of the IA leadership," said Pfc. Ryan Landers. "We see the progress being made as a necessary step in turning the defense of this country back over to the Iraqi military - as well as a trip home for our Soldiers."