Iraqi Special Operations Forces soldiers perfect convoy skills

Photo By Spc. William Hatton | A group of Iraqi special operations forces soldiers completed the convoy security course and demonstrated their weapons training during a graduation in Baghdad, Iraq, March 7.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.07.2009

Story by Sgt. Jeff Ledesma 

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula

BAGHDAD – Iraqi special operations forces are entrusted with skills of effectively protecting convoys after graduating from the convoy security course, March 7.

The ceremony held at a local firing range graduated 37 ISOF soldiers, who are now trained to protect and defend all manner of convoys operated by the elite unit.

This is the 14th group of graduates to go through the Iraqi-led convoy security course. According to a corporal with the 3rd Battalion, the training required both physical and mental discipline throughout.

"Being fit is important to be able to carry out our physically demanding missions," said the 3rd Battalion medic. "Because most of our training is executed with live rounds, we also had to be mindful, careful [and] precise at all times."

The ISOF support battalion conducted the month-long course and focused on two phases of training: convoy and personnel security.

With oversight from the ISOF instructors, the month of training was filled with shooting, conducting security and reacting to wounded soldiers.

The soldiers also polished their marksmanship fundamentals and mastered firing their weapons from a variety of shooting positions. They perfected firing their weapons from the knee, standing and from a moving vehicle.

The soldiers' training was also aimed at making them more proficient in the maintenance and handling of an assortment of weapons.

In addition, each soldier familiarized themselves with the roles and responsibilities of each man in the humvee. This enables every soldier to fill in at a moment's notice any position in the vehicle whenever the situation dictates.

The 20-year-old medic in the class said he was "100 percent" confident in his ability to take on the many dangerous situations that Iraqi soldiers in tactical convoys may find themselves on the streets of Baghdad.

"The pride you get from being in uniform stems from knowing you are protecting your family [and] yourself by fighting for your country," said another graduate. "It's a beautiful feeling."

Others in the audience agreed.

"There is no doubt that this class has proven it is capable of getting the mission done," said a coalition forces senior enlisted advisor.

• Date Taken: 03.07.2009
• Date Posted: 03.20.2009 07:18
• Story ID: 31365
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ