Military Transition Teams Improve Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Role players lay strewn on the ground as smoke billows from a simulated vehicle borne improvised explosive device during a training session. Bastogne Soldiers try to achieve realism in the training to better prepare their counterparts for the real thing.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

03.14.2006

Courtesy Story

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Spc Barbara Ospina 1st BCT PAO 101st ABN DIV

KIRKUK, Iraq - Military Transition Teams (MiTT) from the Bastogne Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division are using staff-level and individual soldier-level training exercises, meetings with local business leaders, as well as combined operations to improve the abilities of Iraqi Security Forces so they will be able to stand tall in the defense of their country and fellow citizens.

Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) set up a battalion-level situational training exercise designed to prepare their Iraqi counterparts to handle a variety of security situations. Detonations were followed by smoke as Iraqi soldiers reacted to simulated vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED). Role players lay strewn on the ground as the soldiers simultaneously checked them for injuries and administered first-aid, all the while providing security for each other.

Another of the Bastogne MiTTs conducted a week-long course on brigade supply and logistics for soldiers from the 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade. During the course, Iraqi Logistics Officers and Supply Sergeants learned to use their own supply system to order and track the equipment needed by their brigade. The MiTT also took advantage of the time with these soldiers to help them build rapport in the community and improve the quality of education at the same time. The trainees visited several schools in the area handing out supplies to the children. The Iraqi Army Brigade reaped an unexpected educational benefit of their own as they were given permission to use one of the facilities for their own classes.

"We are not just training Iraqi Security Forces to defend their fellow countrymen from terrorists," stated Major Greg Bishop, spokesman for the 1st Brigade. "We are also working with community leaders and key businesses in order to build a more stable economy. A strong defense combined with a stable economy will ensure quality of life for every citizen of this country."

Recently, Col. David Gray, Commanding Officer for the 1st Brigade, met with representatives of the Northern Oil Company, the Iraqi Air Force, OPLC, EPSS, and OPF. The leaders addressed efforts to increase infrastructure security as well as ways to improve communication and coordination between the various units involved in the infrastructure's security.

"Coalition Forces are in Iraq to work with and train the leaders of this country," Gray said. "Our goal is not just to help them protect themselves, but also to enable and empower them make changes and improvements for themselves."

Following the meeting, Bastogne leaders from 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment established a partnership with Iraqi leaders in the Strategic Infrastructure Brigades (SIB). Through the partnership, Coalition Forces will work with the SIB staff on a daily basis, guiding them through the growing process of staff cohesion, supply and personnel shortages, and any other issues.

The training and dedication of the Bastogne Brigade is paying off. Cordon and search missions with Iraqi Police in the Kirkuk region have resulted in the capture of more than 20 terrorists since the beginning of the month.

• Date Taken: 03.14.2006
• Date Posted: 03.14.2006 15:52
• Story ID: 5725
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ