Lionclaw Academy grads keep Iraq's roads safe

Photo By Spc. Josh Lecappelain | Iraqi army Soldiers traverse an exercise lane at Forward Operating Base Kalsu Sept. 3, 2008 during Lionclaw Academy training. The Lionclaw Academy teaches a four-phased course, designed to educate the Iraqi army Soldiers on how to successfully conduct route clearance operations.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

09.10.2008

Story by Spc. Josh Lecappelain 

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Spc. Josh LeCappelain
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – As the Iraqi security forces take the lead in patrolling and protecting more of their country, efforts continue to better prepare them for the road ahead – and any challenges it might present.

The Lionclaw Academy teaches a four-phased course, designed to educate the Iraqi army soldiers on how to successfully conduct route clearance operations and maintain the equipment used during these missions.

"The goal is to get Iraqi platoons trained up and prepared to go out and conduct patrols with coalition forces and then eventually, on their own," said 1st Lt. Eric Gentzel of 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, the Lionclaw Academy officer-in-charge. "They will be going out, conducting patrols and clearing the roads of [improvised explosive devices] – just like we do here."

Phase I teaches the principles of route clearance. During Phase II, the ISF and coalition forces conduct combined patrols. The IA Soldiers take the lead in Phase III, with coalition forces acting as advisers. Finally, in Phase IV, the IA Soldiers conduct route clearance operations independently in the local community.

The cadre at the Lionclaw Academy reviewed their lesson plan from the first iteration of classes and refocused their curriculum.

"It was a learning experience. We didn't know all the things we should teach in this class," Getzel added. "We added more things – recovery operations, map reading skills.

A new class recently began, getting their first hands' on experience during Phase I Sept. 3, 2008. The IA Soldiers traversed a training lane designed to replicate roadway conditions in Iraq and potential hazards they may encounter, such as IEDs.

Even without a lot of experience, the IA Soldiers are quickly grasping the concepts of route clearance.

"They're doing pretty well...it's a new concept to them," added Gentzel, a native of Norwalk, Ohio. "But they care about learning. Each day they improve."

Gentzel and his cadre are proud of their part in helping the IA improve in their capacity to maintain order in Iraq.

"It's gratifying to know that we are training them up to take the lead in their country," he added.

On Sept. 6, IA Soldiers graduated Phase I in the second class to attend the academy. Currently, the first IA Soldiers from the first class are in Phase III.

• Date Taken: 09.10.2008
• Date Posted: 09.10.2008 04:06
• Story ID: 23435
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ