Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula

Courtesy Story

By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Heidi Davis
Special Operations Task Force – Central Public Affairs Office

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Patrolling the streets of Iraq in search of terrorists, they are conducting the most dangerous and most demanding missions. They are recognized by the Iraqi minister of interior and coalition forces leadership, as the elite, the most specialized policing force in Iraq.

Iraqi national emergency response brigade instructors initiated the 20th operator selection course, Dec. 20, in order to meet its growing needs as a newly established brigade.

As with previous classes, ERB instructors will take the lead as CF continue to move further into the advising and mentoring role.

"We will work to develop their skills so they can be a tough force," said an ERB instructor. "Then, they will join their companies and have that experience to build upon."

The brigade, which operates under the authority of the MoI, consists of a select few who are trained, organized and equipped to complete the most difficult, most specialized and most demanding security missions in the country, according to ERB officials.

"Prior to the first day, all candidates completed a physical training test, in-depth medical screening and personal interview with Coalition forces," said an ERB advisor.

As training moves forward, ERB instructors continue to scrutinize each candidate in search of the special few deemed elite enough to be special weapons and tactics operators.

"The primary goal for this class is to increase numbers [of personnel] in the SWAT units at Mosul and Tikrit, which have the lowest numbers in the Brigade," said an ERB advisor. "The secondary goal is to bring personnel numbers at the Brigade's 1st Battalion in Baghdad to 100 percent and increase numbers in its support battalion, also in Baghdad."

As their brothers before and those who will follow, these select few who complete the course will embrace the oath of allegiance to their country, swearing to protect it against criminals who are trying to disrupt safety and security in Iraq.

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