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Iraqi military seeking out continued U.S. training

Friday, August 7, 2009   E-Mail this story   Free Headline Alerts

BAGHDAD — The U.S. military continues to train Iraqi security forces despite tensions, following the June 30 redployment of U.S. forces.

Officials said Iraq has maintained training programs sponsored by the U.S. military in wake of the June 30 withdrawal by American troops from cities. They said the Defense Ministry and Interior Ministry, despite a near-cessation in joint operations, has sought to accelerate training programs.

"Right now, the training program is still very much alive because the Iraqis know they need a lot more of it," an official said.

On July 20, 590 Iraq Army soldiers completed a 20-day training program at a base in Numaniyah. The Warrior Training Program was described as an intensive 20-day exercise meant to train battalions in basic skills and urban warfare operations.

"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."

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