Former Iraqi militants graduate border guard training
RABIAH, Iraq (August 28, 2003) – Two hundred and eleven Iraqis will soon relieve soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment (Rakkasans) guarding the Syria/Iraq border after graduation from Initial Border Guard Training August 26.
IBGT is an eight-day course. It covers the basic skills needed to be a border guard, including patrolling, handling of detainees, physical fitness and basic marksmanship, said Maj. Colinh Fortier, operations officer, 3rd Bn.
“The guards’ job is to maintain the integrity of the border,” Fortier said. “One of their main jobs is to check for smuggling of any kind.”
This is the second IBGT class to graduate, the first finished Aug. 7. Both graduation ceremonies were held in the city of Rabiah, less than a mile from the border.
Soldiers from B Co., 3rd Bn., led by 2nd Lt. Luke Servido and Sgt. 1st Class Johanings Mier, trained both courses,. Ninety-one Iraqis graduated the first class, which was held specifically for the border guard leaders, from platoon sergeant to battalion commander. One hundred and twenty graduated the second class, Fortier said.
Rakkasan soldiers will continue manning the border until Sept. 6, when the third class is expected to be completed, Fortier said.
“After this class, we’ll be able to hand over duties to the Iraqis” he said.
Ten leaders from the first class will become instructors in future classes, Fortier said.
“Their goal is to be able to train themselves, to start a strong foundation,” he said.
Monthly pay for the guards ranges from $150 to $320, varied by rank. Division Jobs Program ensures their paycheck.
Shortly before the graduation ceremony Tuesday, graduates of the first class received their first check, bringing financial comfort to the already prided guards.
“Basically, this augments the coalition forces and gives these folks jobs, relieving our job in the area” said Capt. Patrick Costello, in charge of distributing the money to the guards.
Under the instruction of Rakkasan soldiers, the Iraqis were given the opportunity to continue certain traditions and methods learned in prior military experience, one of which being marching, Fortier said.
“It’s kind of a British style,” Fortier said of the Iraqi march, his long arms flapping at his side, “with the arms way up in the air.”