Battle Staff training prepares Soldiers for different culture

Photo By Sgt. Sarah Scully | Randy Williams, MPRI Battle Staff instructor, explains Iraqi customs and politics to Soldiers with Third Army/U.S. Army Central Special Troops Battalion. Dozens of Soldiers assigned to the STB attended the Battle Staff training at Camp Buehring's Training Village.  

04.25.2007

Story by Sgt. Sarah Scully 

40th Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt. Sarah Scully
40th Public Affairs Detachment

KUWAIT— Dozens of Soldiers stationed in Kuwait joined hundreds of their comrades by experiencing the same training on Iraqi customs during a Battle Staff class at Camp Buehring's Training Village.

Although members of Third Army/U.S. Army Central's Special Troop Battalion are stationed at Camp Arifjan instead of Baghdad, they benefit from seeing the big picture of what is happening in the hearts and minds of Iraqi people.

And their knowledge can help spread to other subordinate units through meetings, training and interactions.

"All the news reports can get confusing, and the battle staff helps the Soldiers see the big picture and how all the pieces fit together," said Randy Williams, MPRI Battle Staff instructor and retired Army colonel.

By understanding the threat environment in Iraq, the Soldiers can understand how to handle national sensitivities and succeed in the Global War on Terror.

"It's good, topical Army warrior training," said Lt. Col. Robert Cassidy, STB commander. "Some of these folks have been to Iraq and some haven't – this war being what it is, we all will some day."

Hundreds of service members have left the class with a greater understanding of what to expect in the Middle East.

By gaining appreciation of differing cultures, the Soldiers can move forward with knowledge and purpose.

"It will help us as a whole," said Williams.

• Date Taken: 04.25.2007
• Date Posted: 04.25.2007 12:28
• Story ID: 10117