Iraqis focus on Thunder Horse training

Courtesy Photo | American leaders from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, mentor Iraqi leaders in planning skills.  

TALLIL, IRAQ

02.26.2009

Courtesy Story

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Many U.S. Soldiers who are serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom would agree training is the key to mission success.

Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division recently traveled to the Muthanna Province to train the 3rd Battalion, 39th Brigade,10th Iraqi Army Division troops in maintenance and sustainment.

The Soldiers of Company D., 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, believe training their Iraqi counterparts in all areas of operations will be the key to preparing the Iraqi units to protect and defend their country.

The Iraqi troops already had the military tactics and techniques needed to suppress enemy forces. However, the other aspects of modern day combat quickly stole the limelight of Company D's military training.

The Iraqis learned vehicle maintenance techniques, first aid and intelligence gathering. They also became familiar with operations planning and supply tracking systems.

The American battalion, also known as 'Thunder Horse', sent its intelligence-gathering professionals to teach the Iraqi Military Intelligence troops how to work effectively and efficiently.

The lower echelon Iraqi leaders learned more about operational orders and troop leading procedures.

"I am very happy to be training with the American army," said 1st Lt. Ali, the commander of the Iraqi brigade's special operations company. "I am thankful for all that the U.S. Soldiers have done."

The Iraqi army's enlisted leaders received platoon-sergeant and squad-leader training, and learned more about pre-combat checks and inspections.

The American medics led combat-lifesaver courses to educate the Iraqis on how to use their first aid equipment better.

Although the Thunder Horse Battalion's Soldiers know they won't be the final group of Americans to pump fresh knowledge into the Iraqi army, their contribution has assisted the Iraqi unit to gain confidence in protecting the citizens of Iraq.

• Date Taken: 02.26.2009
• Date Posted: 02.26.2009 07:25
• Story ID: 30469
• Location: TALLIL, IQ