Coalition drops hammer on CTS range improvements

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04.29.2016

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve   

In an effort to increase the marksmanship capability of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service, coalition advisors were able to secure a new line of funding called the Iraqi Train and Equip Fund, as a way to improve and upgrade ranges.

During a normal 31-week training cycle, nearly one million rounds are expended by each CTS class, causing wear and tear to the training facility.

“The berms are washing out and falling apart over time – and it makes it unsafe to shoot without having a large enough berm to stop bullets,” a coalition advisor said. “Funding is always an issue – typically CTS has limited funds to provide logistical support for training.”

Earlier this year coalition advisers stepped in to rehabilitate the ailing ranges and expand live-fire opportunities within the training program using a funding mechanism that supplements coalition training for Iraqi forces.

The first wave of ITEF money arrived at the training site in March, and $27,000 was spent to address range deficiencies.

Coalition project managers used the funds to hire a local construction company to rebuild the aging berms. They also created range dividers that added three additional small arms ranges at the training site.

A U.S. coalition advisor overseeing the construction said that once the project is complete later next month the additional ranges will significantly improve training opportunities for CTS candidates and operators.

“It gets rid of the bottlenecks in training where guys have to maneuver around training because of resource availability,” a coalition special operations advisor said. “Most importantly, it’s more time for the guys to shoot.”

The training site now has a total of 21 ranges, including eight other non-operational ranges, some of which are being rehabilitated through non-U.S. coalition funding or are planned for future ITEF funding projects.

U.S. advisors are also planning to use ITEF funds for several other enhancement projects at the site this year. These projects include a modular wooden house and procured equipment sets for advanced CTS specialty courses.

Once CTS operators graduate the final phase of their training they are assigned to Iraqi Special Operations Forces battalions to fight Da’esh across Iraq.

Recent victories in the clearance of the Euphrates River Valley highlight that rigorous training and advanced marksmanship skills have a direct impact on their ability to defeat Da’esh on the battlefield, according to a special operations forces advisor working with CTS.

• Date Taken: 04.29.2016
• Date Posted: 05.03.2016 07:02
• Story ID: 197125
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)