Photo By Michael Molinaro | NAJAF, Iraq--Iraqi Army soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army...... read more read more
FOB KALSU, Iraq " Military transition teams throughout the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division's area of responsibility are training their Iraqi counterparts daily, providing them the knowledge and confidence that is required to secure and stabilize their country.
More than 130 Iraqi army soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, recently completed a two-week training cycle instituted by a Military Transition Team from the 3rd Bn., 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
MiTTs train units from the 8th IA Div., and the IA soldiers in turn take the lessons learned and refine those skills on their own. This MiTT did things slightly different from the way other teams across the Warhorse brigade conduct training.
The 3-16 FA MiTT team decided to train IA officers and noncommissioned officers before training the rest of the battalion. Once the training was complete, the officers and NCOs took over the role of instructing their comrades, a role typically executed by Coalition Forces. The team kept a keen eye on the training and were available to provide additional guidance, but the real training was conducted by IA leaders.
"This was a real test for the leadership abilities of the 2/1/8 IA officers and NCOs," said Capt. Christopher Waddell, commander, 3-16 FA MiTT. "We gave the leaders the chance to lead and, without hesitation, they took command of their soldiers."
IA soldiers endured intense early-morning physical fitness training and then proceeded to learn a variety of skills. Reflexive fire techniques, tactical movements and basic first aid were among the skills covered during the training.
A small graduation ceremony commemorated the accomplishments of the soldiers. Senior IA leaders commended the soldiers for their eagerness to learn, and six IA soldiers were recognized for their exceptional performance.
The success of this training lies within the ability of IA military leadership to once again independently prepare and conduct purposeful, relevant and effective training, Waddell said.
"The success of this IA training marks another step in the path towards an independent Iraq," said Iraqi Maj. Jasim Abadi Lalsalawi, executive officer, 2nd Bn., 1st Bde., 8th Div. "As the IA moves forward, so do the Iraqi people and soon we will reclaim our stake in a prosperous and free Iraq."
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2006 12:07 |
| Story ID: | 5682 |
| Location: | ISKANDARIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 190 |
| Downloads: | 131 |
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