Iraqi Troops Ride Recon Off the Beaten Path

Defend America News ^ | Senior Airman Mark Woodbury

[SandRat]

Iraqi Troops Ride Recon Off the Beaten Path
Iraqi soldiers at Al Kasik learn motorcycle riding techniques for use in base reconnaissance and forward convoy scouting.
By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mark Woodbury Multinational Security Transition Command — Iraq AL KASIK MILITARY TRAINING BASE, Iraq, March 8, 2006 — Iraqi soldiers at Al Kasik are embracing a new mode of transportation for use in base reconnaissance and forward convoy scouting. The soldiers here are learning proper on and off-road motorcycle techniques from coalition forces that will allow them to access areas they could never reach using conventional vehicles. Before these riders can become fully certified motorcycle operators in the Iraqi Army, they must first go through a 15-day safety course that focuses on safe driving skills, personal protective gear and preventative maintenance. “When I graduate from the course I will be able to provide a very important job for the company. I will be able to go ahead of convoys and radio back to them if there are any potential problems ahead.” Iraqi Army Sgt. Maj. Foid The first five days of instruction focuses on proper riding techniques on paved roads. The next five-day phase focuses on proper off-road techniques. The final step requires soldiers to perform proper techniques on both surfaces, but with the addition of riding in full tactical gear. Safety and understanding how the bike works are the two most important lessons course instructors are trying to get across to students. “It is important that the soldiers understand every aspect of the motorcycle before they begin using it,” said Capt. Russell Waight, Coalition Military Assistance Training Team base defense advisor and motorcycle instructor. “The soldiers are not only going to have to understand safe operating techniques with the motorcycle, but they also need to know how to make small repairs if the bike shuts down in the field.” The Iraqi soldiers said they are excited to learn how to ride the motorcycles and believe they will be an asset to their company. For one soldier, being trained to become a motorcycle scout was a perfect match. “I have my own motorcycle at home,” said Iraqi Army Private Hussan, 4th Company Base Defense Detachment, through the aid of an interpreter. “With my prior experience in both	Iraqi Army Private Hussan, 4th Company Base Defense Detachment, receives instruction from Capt. Russell Waight, Coalition Military Assistance Training Team base defense advisor, on how to properly look through a turn while riding a motorcycle. Multinational Security Transition Command—Iraq photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mark Woodbury motorcycle riding and military tactics, this job is a perfect fit for me.” Another soldier said he was excited to learn how to ride so that he could be an additional asset to his company when they left the base on convoys. “When I graduate from the course I will be able to provide a very important job for the company,” said Iraqi Army Sgt. Maj. Foid, 4th Company Base Defense Detachment, through the aid of an interpreter. “I will be able to go ahead of convoys and radio back to them if there are any potential problems ahead.” Waight feels that by using motorcycles to patrol the perimeter of the base, it will demonstrate a heightened and pro-active approach to installation defense to the insurgency. “The enemy is always trying to watch what we are doing,” said Waight. “It has been a long time since we have had an attack on the base, and I feel the motorcycle patrols will be just another tactic that will make them think twice before they attempt to attack the base.”

[SandRat]

Iraqis do an Easy Rider Reconn!

[GOP_1900AD]

Time for my gratuitous dirt bike imitation: "Wanaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa........naaaaaaaaaaaa......naaaaaaa.....
(gets air) ...... blump ..... waaanaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa......"

:-)

[When do we get liberated?]

I was just listening to Neal Bortz earlier. He brought up a good point regarding the sectarian violence in Iraq. Did you notice that with all the violence we didn't lose any more soldiers than the usual IED attacks? What you won't hear reported is that the Iraqi Army quelled the violence for the most part, on their own. It was more effective to have indiginous troops control the streets than infidels.
HAVE YOU SEEN CODE PINK'S WEBSITE?!!!!!!!!!
AAAAARGH!

[GOP_1900AD]

I avoid looking at websites like that - bad for my anger management - LOL!

[SFC Chromey]

Almost like the bikes I rode in Iraq... ok the ones I rode were Russian copies dating back to the 60's, but close. :)

[martin_fierro]

Obligatory Crazy Frog link.

[Lurker]

When I graduate from the course I will be able to provide a very important job for the company. I will be able to go ahead of convoys and radio back to them if there are any potential problems ahead. Plus, the babes love it."

L

[E.G.C.]

BTT