Warhorse troops conduct commo training with Iraqi counterparts

Photo By Spc. Sharla Lewis | Spc. Anthony Wilson from Mosheim Tenn., with 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team "Greywolf," 1st Cavalry Division instructs two Soldiers with the 6th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division on their new single channel ground and airborne radio system on Forward Operating Base Marez July 8.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

07.08.2009

Story by Spc. Sharla Lewis 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

MOSUL, Iraq — Coalition forces throughout Ninewa are continuing to support their Iraqi security force counterparts through integrated training events.

Troops with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team "Greywolf," 1st Cavalry Division operations section trained the 6th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division communications team on the installation and operation of their new vehicle radio communication systems July 8 on Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul.

The single channel ground and airborne radio system is a reliable, secure, easily maintained combat net radio. These radios will provide the IA unit communication between one another and to coalition force units.

Two IA soldiers from the communications section of their unit were chosen to participate in the training, and two Greywolf troops were chosen to conduct the training, which took place near the 3rd Bn., 8th Cav. Regt. tactical operations center.

"The SINCGARS is a very good radio and it benefits us to get this type of equipment," said 2nd Lt. Abdul Gheni, the communications officer with 6th Bde., 2nd IA Div.

"This training increases their capacity for tactical communications other than cell phone communication, which has been their primary communication system," said Sgt. 1st Class Clayton Vanlangendonck from Baycliff, Texas, with the 6th Bde., 2nd IA Div. Military Transition Team.

Designed to allow better communication, command and control for the Iraqis, the training included the installation and operation of the radios.

"They will get a better understanding of what the SINCGARS radio brings to the fight [from this training]," said Capt. Victor Carerras-Mont, signal officer for 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment. "It's the difference between secure communications and non-secure cell phones."

• Date Taken: 07.08.2009
• Date Posted: 07.09.2009 14:15
• Story ID: 36169
• Location: MOSUL, IQ