Posted on 04/20/2010 6:53:48 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD – U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces conducted an exercise here at Contingency Operating Station Falcon, April 15, incorporating an array of techniques the ISF can utilize in future situations.
The Soldiers, from 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, and members of the 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Division, demonstrated their ability to assault an objective, perform first aid, evacuate casualties by either air or ground and perform riot control procedures.
"Today we had a capabilities exercise demonstration where we brought together all the partners from 2nd [FP]," said Maj. Michael Sullivan, operations officer for 5th Sqdn. "We wanted to show [Iraqi generals and dignitaries] how our partnership has evolved since we took over the mission of partnering with 2nd FP.
"We've been working on this since we started partnering with 2nd Federal Police," Sullivan continued. "It has really been a great learning experience for both forces."
The exercise included dog teams and robots that were employed as part of the brigade's explosive ordnance disposal team, static displays and a hands-on, non-lethal class that covered rubber bullets and lasers.
"The greatest benefits for showcasing these capabilities are so Iraqi Federal Police officers have a better understanding for the skills and technology we can assist them with," said Capt. Jonathan Heist, 5th Sqdn., 7th Cav. Regt. assistant operations officer.
The capabilities exercise was aptly named, as the FP, working jointly with U.S. Soldiers, were able to impressively demonstrate their newly-acquired skills. Soldiers who have returned to Iraq for another tour say they are impressed with how the two forces are now working together.
"To come here six years after my first trip to Iraq – I'm just amazed at how far we've come in partnering and combined operations," said Sullivan.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.