Iraqi engineers move three steps closer to independence

By Sgt. Catherine Graham
926th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division-Baghdad

BAGHDAD – A partnership between the 890th Engineer Battalion and the 6th Iraqi Army to educate and integrate the Iraqi engineers into route clearance patrols in Baghdad has developed into a very successful step in the road to the Iraqi army conducting independent route clearance operations as of Oct. 3, 2008. This is another step forward in the ability of the government of Iraq to provide its citizens the security and safety of an independent Iraq.

The successful three-phase process, spanned over two months, began with the fielding of two pieces of route clearance equipment called Badgers. The addition of the Badgers brought the fleet total to four. The Badger is the Iraqi army's route-clearance vehicle that is currently used to conduct improvised explosive device removal. It has a ferret arm attachment that is used to interrogate suspected IEDs.

The first phase of the integration started with classes to train–the-trainer. Training began with teaching Iraqi soldiers how to perform proper maintenance of the equipment by conducting preventive maintenance checks and services on their newly fielded equipment. The 6th IA Soldiers received training in checking Badger fluids, blowing out air filters, and external inspection after each mission, which will significantly prolong the vehicles life expectancy. The Iraqi soldiers also learned how to manipulate the ferret arm in interrogation of IEDs, the concept of route clearance, IED identification, tactical procedures and patrol movement. By the end of the first phase, the Iraqi soldiers learned enough to teach other soldiers for future expansion to their patrols.

The second phase stressed collective formation and force protection; this is experienced by conducting ride-alongs with the 890th Eng. Bn. This allowed the Iraqi engineers to receive firsthand experience by joining two of the 890th Eng. Bn. route clearance companies, the 688th (MAC) and 836th (Sapper), and observing how to conduct route clearance missions. Iraqi soldiers also became familiar with how to perform dismounted operations, vehicle trouble shooting, and vehicle recovery and casualty evacuation procedures.

The final phase integrated the Iraqi army's Badger into the formations of the 688th (MAC) and 836th (Sapper) scheduled missions. Before each mission, the 6th IA rehearsed IED interrogation to become more proficient in the usage of the ferret arm. The 890th then let the Iraqi soldiers take the lead by conducting all interrogations during the missions.

A mission conducted on Oct. 1 was a primary example of the partnership making a mark on the community. The Badger was positioned as the fourth vehicle in the patrol; this position caused high visibility and gathered a lot of attention. IA Soldiers, Iraqi police and local citizens looked surprised and waved as they passed giving the "thumbs up" and smiled at the integration of the Iraqi equipment into coalition forces' formations.

"The Iraqi soldiers were eager, receptive, and motivated during the entire process. The 890th will continue to train, mentor and utilize collaborative efforts to train the IA in becoming fully functional in the route clearance mission." said Maj. Richard Weaver, 890th Battalion Operations Officer, "This partnership overall has been a great success and a reflection of the 890th Soldiers ability to lead and mentor."

Because maintenance and repair parts remain a concern of the 6th IA; the 890th Eng. Bn. Forward Support Company provided their mechanics to help aide the 6th IA. They sent a team of mechanics to teach the 6th IA how to repair common problems with the vehicle.

Sgt. Almont Ashley, the teams lead mechanic is very proud to be a part in helping the Iraqis become independent by teaching them how to fix their vehicles.

"The Iraqi soldiers are quick learners and are hard workers," said Ashley. "It has been a privilege to be a part of this experience."

The 6th IA Soldiers are very motivated and eager to begin their own route clearance patrols. However, since the IA resources are limited they will continue to join the 890th Eng. Bn. in route clearance missions until other resources become available and they can begin independent missions, said the battalion commander.

"The 890th Engineer Battalion has enjoyed success in our partnership with the 6th IA Engineer Regiment; we must continue to work toward total and sustainable independence for these Iraqi soldiers," said Lt. Col. Joe Hargett, commander, 890th Eng. Bn.. While I am very proud of the achievements of the Iraqi soldiers conducting route clearance missions, there is still much work to be done.

"I see our next challenges as those that involve focusing on deliberate planning and sustainment operations, these two areas are critical in assisting the 6th IA Engineers move toward the ability to conduct independent Route Clearance missions in the future. The 890th Eng. Bn. Soldiers are dedicated to the principles of building capabilities within the Iraqi army."