Posted on 12/28/2009 3:43:15 PM PST by SandRat
COS GARRYOWEN — The citizens of Iraq took a more independent role in securing their country with the signing of the Security Agreement, June 30. In support of this goal, U.S. Scouts are conducting joint operations and training with Iraqi Army Commandos.
The Scout platoon, from Headquarters & Headquarters Co., 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, is developing the 38th Iraqi Army Brigade Commando leadership through instruction on how to be more effective trainers for their Jundee (Soldiers). This will help the Iraqis to continue quality training after the drawdown of U.S. forces.
"I believe this is a great opportunity to develop our Soldiers by allowing them to instruct and mentor their Iraqi counterparts," said Staff Sgt. Adam Wilson, section sergeant from San Antonio, Texas.
The non-commissioned officers of the Scout platoon take great pride in this mission and know the importance of the training.
"Throughout the United States Army's history, non-commissioned officers have trained and taught not only their Soldiers, but Soldiers in foreign militaries, and I'm glad to be a part of it," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Salazar, section sergeant from Downey, Calif.
The Iraqi Commandos are not the only ones learning, as they teach classes to the Scouts on Iraqi Army-related subjects, such as the capabilities of the AK-47, the Commandos' primary weapon.
The knowledge obtained from the training is put to the test when the Commandos and Scouts conduct counter-indirect fire patrols.
They move in formations across the Maysan province in order to identify rocket launch sites and to deter any insurgent indirect fire operations. Between the classes and patrols the Commandos and Scouts have developed a strong relationship.
"I enjoy going over there; they always seem so happy and eager to see us," said Staff Sgt. Patrick Williams, from San Antonio, Texas. Together, the Commandos and Scouts have completed more than 10 classes.
As this partnership and training relationship continues to flourish, the 38th IA Commandos continue to secure their province with minimal assistance from U.S. Forces.
I worked on one of these MITT teams last year in Iraq and their army is a joke. None of them get along, they have no command and control (everybody wants to be somebody), they have a huge AWOL problem - larger than I’ve ever seen before, and training them is next to impossible. The minute we leave that country, civil war will break out. I say we build a giant fence around their country and then just leave it be.
Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!
Don’t sell yourself short. The second best armies in the world are the ones trained by the two best armies in the world: The British Army and the U.S. Army. The results take some time to show themselves, but it can happen. I’m sure that you have plenty of opportunities to excel.
I appreciate your vote of confidence, I really do. But you've never seen anything like this before. If it weren't so serious, it would be laughable. In their culture, everybody wants to be somebody important without earning it. So, just to get a barrier moved, they will sit and argue about it so long that we will just finally move it for them in order to finally get some sleep. But, I'm glad it's not me over there anymore. I'm at home with my kids and they are a bit more mature. It's hard to believe civilization began over there.
Roger, I have the T-shirt
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