Dept. of Border Enforcement executes first-ever map and communication exercise

Courtesy Photo | Iraqi Army soldiers provide support during an Iraqi forces situational training exercise at the 4th Department of Border Enforcement Headquarters, Basra, Iraq. Iraqi forces conduct training exercises to build on their skills and multiple forces cooperation in order to better prepare them for real world situations. Soldiers of 1st Infantry Division were on hand to provide advice and assistance in support of Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael L. Casteel)  

CAMP BASRA, IRAQ

10.05.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Sgt. David Dasilma

CAMP BASRA, Iraq – In coordination with the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Customs Police, and with the advisory support of Task Force Blackjack, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and Security Transition Team Janus, the Fourth Region Department of Border Enforcement conducted a staff and leader focused map and communication exercise, Oct. 5.

Dubbed “Iron Fist,” this was the first DBE-orchestrated, joint security forces effort during Operation New Dawn and the first-ever exercise of its kind conducted in Basra province.

The exercise served to train DBE leaders to more effectively command and control subordinate units, while improving cooperation and communication between DBE, IA, and IP in order to counter any threats to Iraq’s sovereignty and security.

“The security and sovereignty of Iraq is totally dependent on the ability of the individual ISF organizations to control their area of operations and, more importantly, their ability to work together toward a common goal,” said STT Chief, Col. Steven Scioneaux, a native of New Orleans, La. “Events such as this exercise stress the importance of cooperation as well as improve the ability of the ISF to do their job right, thus providing security for the Iraqi people.”

The exercise was executed without combat forces and consisted of a training scenario based on a fictional set of insurgent smuggling operations in the 4th DBE area of operation.

“Our primary role was to help the DBE achieve their desired end state and training results by offering our advice, experience, and assistance,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Engen, the TF Blackjack commander.

“Along with the Team Janus advisors, we reviewed and provided feedback to the exercise directive, and offered suggestions from our own command and control exercise experience,” said Engen. “The DBE leaders and staff were very receptive and appreciative of our collaboration.”

Iron Fist participants from both Iraqi security forces and U.S. forces capitalized on the opportunity to strengthen their readiness and gain planning experience. During the day-long exercise, the DBE reacted to different situational training scenarios designed to improve speed of response, mission effectiveness, interoperability and unity of effort.

This type of integrated and combined training helps to ensure the right mix of forces and equipment at the right place and time and builds a cadre of inter-agency leaders working together for a safer country with self-sustaining security forces. It also served to identify any communication and coordination issues between the IA, IP, and DBE, which allows the U.S. advisory forces to focus training the ISF on any deficiencies.

Speaking to the U.S. forces involved with the exercise, Staff Brig. Gen. Dhafar, commander, 4th Region DBE said, “I’m appreciative of the staff and U.S. forces’ efforts and am looking forward to the DBE working up to the next level of capability and coordination. I encourage you to share your opinions with the DBE staff as a means to improve.”

“The key outcome of this exercise is improved communication and coordination between the ISF as well as the establishment of confidence in the abilities of the 4th Region DBE,” said Scioneaux.

• Date Taken: 10.05.2010
• Date Posted: 10.20.2010 12:26
• Story ID: 58495
• Location: CAMP BASRA, IQ