Photo By Sgt. Daniel Schneider | An Iraqi Special Operations soldier practices new video camera skills during a...... read more read more
BAGHDAD – In keeping with the U.S. military's advisory role in Iraq, American Soldiers assisted with a class on Victory Base Complex May 10 that taught Iraqi Special Operations Forces the benefits of providing truthful information to the people of Iraq.
A small team of U.S. public affairs personnel from Special Operations Task Force Central, based in Baghdad, Iraq, provided guidance to ISOF Soldiers at their request as they learned basic still photography, video camera operations, media relations, news writing and ethics skills during a two-week course.
"We're trying to encourage Iraqi Security Forces to work with the media and inform the public," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tim Nosal, public affairs officer for SOTF-C.
Classes were taught by both Iraqi and U.S. instructors. All of the lessons covering photography and videography were taught by an ISOF master sergeant who is a veteran combat cameraman. U.S. forces taught the sections on media operations, public affairs ethics and basic release writing to set new standards for Iraqi public affairs personnel.
"The ultimate goal of our training is to get ISOF able to contribute toward a prosperous Iraq," said Nosal. "We want them to engage local media while being smart about it; what information they should put out to the public while protecting their own operational security."
The students were a mix between officer and enlisted Iraqi soldiers.
A first sergeant with 2nd ISOF Brigade spoke about the benefits of the information he plans to take back to his soldiers and how it can be used to discredit violent extremist organizations.
"We've learned from our American friends and [the instructor] the importance of getting the complete and honest story to the public," he said about his first class in the public affairs field. "If we can feed the media truth and honesty, they will begin to trust our information more than the insurgents."
Spc. Victor Ayala, a public affairs specialist with SOTF–C, witnessed positive results among the third class provided to the ISOF by his unit since arriving earlier this year.
"The Iraqis in the class have a great eagerness to learn," Ayala explained. "There are lots of discussions between the class and the instructor. They seem to have the aptitude and enthusiasm to perform the public affairs mission on the same standard as U.S. forces."
Ayala has learned some things while teaching the lessons.
"I enjoy the experience and chance to share what I know with these ISF members," said Ayala. "I get the chance to learn a new culture and see these Iraqis show the aptitude to become great public affairs officials."
With U.S. forces on schedule to draw down bases and force structure in Iraq in accordance with the Security Agreement, Iraqis are taking more of an active role in leading themselves. These classes are expected to help the ISF protect their people and keep them informed with the truth of what they are accomplishing, said Ayala.
"I'm proud to be a part of enabling Soldiers of Iraq to defend and inform their country as the U.S. plans to leave Iraq."
| Date Taken: | 05.10.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2010 03:12 |
| Story ID: | 50038 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 233 |
| Downloads: | 159 |
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