"It was the best training that my unit has received as it tasked every
individual in his unit and required my men and staff to work as a team," an
Iraqi battalion commander identified only as Col. Hussein said.
The U.S. program was conducted for the Iraq Army's 8th Division and
introduced soldiers to GPS, tactical communications and counter-insurgency
operations. Soldiers were also instructed in platoon and company maneuvers.
"It was the first time we have ever seen an Iraqi battalion maneuver as
one element," Iraq Army Capt. Hameed Abass, 1st company commander, said.
"For that reason alone, the training was the best I have had since joining
the Iraq Army."
Officials said several military bases would host U.S. training of Iraqi
forces during the second half of 2009. They said Numaniyah would host its
sixth Warrior Training Program in September.
Training has also continued of the Iraqi Border Enforcement Department.
Officials said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was building alternative
energy systems for border security facilities and teaching Iraqis to operate
equipment.
"These efforts assist Iraqi border guards with an indirect capability
that helps with security," Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander of the U.S.-led
training mission, said.
In Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers continued to attend sniper courses provided
by the U.S. Army. The week-long course has been taking place at Forward
Operating Base Constitution as part of the "train-the-trainer" program.
"Trying to communicate what we expect of them is the biggest problem,"
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Lynch said. "With the help of some pretty good
interpreters we can pass this knowledge onto the Iraqi army."
