Iraqi Special Operations Forces training reaches new heights

Photo By Staff Sgt. Brandon Pomrenke | A 9th Battalion, Iraqi special operations forces soldier provides security while another fast-ropes during helicopter operations exercises at Al Asad, Iraq. Soldiers from Al Anbar's ISOF worked into the night honing their abilities to properly use helicopters to reach difficult objectives. The training is part of an intense regimen being conducted by U.S. Special Operations Forces advisors meant to prepare Iraq's security forces for coalition forces' withdrawal. "We are pleased with the improvement of training here," said the Al Anbar ISOF commander. "They will be more efficient at their jobs with this training." CF advisement in ISOF training will allow the soldiers the opportunity to improve their skills and abilities in regards to Iraq's safety and security. "Without help from friendly forces, this [improved training] would be difficult," said the commander. "We really appreciate the interest in getting us ready for our operations."  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

04.01.2009

Story by Sgt. Brandon Pomrenke 

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula

AL ASAD, Iraq — Training took to the air as Iraqi special operations forces turned their focus to helicopter operations, April 1, in Al Asad, Iraq, in order to increase their capabilities in the region.

"Al Anbar borders three different countries and the borders are as far as 500 kilometers from here," said the commander of Al Anbar's 9th Battalion, ISOF. "We must be able to reach those places. It takes helicopters and planes to reach them."

Through a collaborative training effort with U.S. Special Operations Forces, the 9th Battalion moves closer to being completely self-sufficient in maintaining the safety and security of western Iraq.

USSOF advisors tailored the helicopter operations training to address the unique requirement of the region. By using helicopters for insertion, the soldiers will be able to reach objectives much faster in the outlying Al Anbar province.

"Our capabilities are unique to the area," said the battalion commander. "The terrain in Al Anbar is difficult to send people into on foot. The insurgents know that and they can move from place to place after attacks."

With these new aerial abilities, ISOF soldiers will be able to reach those far-reaching objectives in difficult areas.

"[In Al Anbar], we have the only force that can go after so many targets, so we are happy to have [aerial capabilities]," said the ISOF commander.

Leaders acknowledge that military training must be coupled with community leadership in order to ensure long-term success and security in the region.

The ISOF commander said that in recent meetings with local and tribal leaders, ISOF and community leaders agree that in order for peace to thrive, they must form and nurture a partnership.

"[The leaders] have shown cooperation and a willingness to work together," said the ISOF commander.

ISOF leaders are combining military capability with these community partnerships to achieve the common goal of maintaining a safe and secure Iraq.

• Date Taken: 04.01.2009
• Date Posted: 04.14.2009 07:15
• Story ID: 32359
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ