Posted on 01/18/2006 3:29:21 PM PST by SandRat
AL ASAD, Iraq (Jan. 18, 2006) -- More than nine Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward)are members of the first Marine unit to begin training one of the two first Iraqi logistics regiments in the new Iraqi Army.
This small distinguished group is called a military transition team, and is responsible for training the new soldiers and officers of the new Iraqi Army for nearly three months to prepare them for the rigors of a logistics unit in a combat environment.
“We are teaching them standard convoy procedures, such as security, dispersion, security halts,” said Cpl. Jeff L. Jayne, a motor transportation operator, and MTT instructor.
The unit of the Iraqi Army that is being trained is called 2nd Motor Transportation Regiment, and for the past year has been trained by an Army MTT team.
Now the unit is being turned over to the Marines to complete their training on navigating the roads in Iraq, Layne said.
The Marines who are participating in the operation know that they are part of the history of the new Iraq, and forming a complete and self-sufficient Iraqi military.
“It feels good to be a part of Iraqi history,” Layne said. “It’s great to see them wanting to learn and have their own military.”
One thing the MTT instructors notice is the intuition of the Iraqi students and their willingness to try new things.
“They ask a lot of questions,” 2nd Lt. Kyle B. Opel said. “They really want to learn, and be good Iraqi soldiers.”
In the past, coalition forces have been largely responsible for training the ground combat side of the Iraqi military but now is they have began training the logistical side with CLB-8 at the forefront.
“If you don’t have logistics you can’t re-supply the infantry,” Opel explained. “This operation is one step closer to them operating independently.”
Having a self sufficient Iraqi military is one of the main goals to aid in the independent government of Iraq, he said.
“This Motor [Transportation] unit is pivotal to the success of their military,” Opel said. “Until now, coalition forces have had to act as the logistics for Iraqi infantry units.”
The looks on the faces of the Iraqi’s showed optimism that the success of the new government and Iraqi military is coming soon.
“They are really happy to be here,” Layne said. “I look forward to working with them even more.”
BTTT
“If you don’t have logistics you can’t re-supply the infantry,” Opel explained.
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