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First Iraqi battalion completes Warfighter Training (Taji)

Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080715-05
July 15 2008

First Iraqi battalion completes Warfighter Training
Story by: Marine Cpl. Frances L. Goch
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

TAJI, Iraq – The first ever battalion of Iraqi soldiers graduated the Warfighter Training Course at Phoenix Academy in Taji, Iraq, July 10.

More than 800 soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) earned their warrior tab after completing the two-week course, which was designed to enhance the operational capability of Iraqi army infantry battalions, “to get them to that next level,” said Maj. Wayne Hertel, deputy future plans officer, Multi-National Corps – Iraq Iraqi Assistance Group.

Through this training, the Iraqi military personnel get a higher level of individual training in weapons systems, first aid and communications, leadership training in logistics, operations and intelligence, and small group collective training such as convoy operations and, room and building clearing.

Training support staff was provided by Taji regional training center and division training center, the Iraqi Army Armor School, the 36 Brigade Military Transitional Team staff and the 9thIA Div.

The battalion put its training into effect in the culminating event July 9, the final event before graduating. The exercise consisted of a battalion-sized cordon and search of a village, after which the group leaders, platoon sergeants and above, and instructors came together for an after-action review to evaluate the performance of the battalion during the exercise.

This event allowed 4th Bn., (Mech), to demonstrate their capability to conduct operations in an urban environment, execute casualty evacuation, and conduct detainee operations.

“I am so glad to see a mechanized battalion have this ability to execute missions as planned,” said Iraqi army Maj. Gen. Bashar Mahmood Ayoub, who was in attendance to observe the culminating event.

After the exercise, Iraqi soldiers commented on their experiences and how they think the training will help them.

“It [the training] was good. We’ve learned more information so we can use it in the field to defend our country and destroy the terrorists,” said a private with 4 Bn., 36th Bde., 9th IA Div.

This training is an important factor for the Iraqi army and for the people of Iraq, Ayoub said.

“Iraqi security forces have the people of Iraq, the state of Iraq and the government of Iraq behind them,” said Iraqi Maj. Gen. Jasim Nazal Qassim,,9th Iraqi Army Division Commander. “Therefore the terrorist cannot stand against them.”

One Iraqi soldier who graduated the course said he has a message for the criminals who terrorize the Iraqi people, “Don’t stay here, don’t be in Iraq, ever,” he said. The next Warfighter training course will be conducted in August.

More than 800 soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) earned their warrior tab after completing the two-week Warfighter Training course. “Iraqi security forces have the people of Iraq, the state of Iraq and the government of Iraq behind them,” said Iraqi Maj. Gen. Jasim Nazal Qassim, 9th Iraqi Army Division Commander. “Therefore the terrorist cannot stand against them.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR HIGH-RES PHOTOS, CONTACT THE MULTINATIONAL CORPS – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT: MNCIPAOVICTORYMAINJO@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL