Hellraiser mortar platoon conducts training with Qayyarah Oil Refinery Protection Force

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Robert Baird gives a basic first aid class to Oil Protection Force soldiers in Qayarrah during the week of Sept. 7. The class included treatment for burns, fractures, minor and major cuts, and treatment for shock.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

09.07.2009

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division North East

MOSUL, Iraq — The "Maniac" mortars platoon of Hellraiser Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment conducted training during the week of Sept. 7, with the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior's Oil Protection Force, stationed at the Qayyarah Oil Refinery.

The focus was to build on basic skills that the OPF uses on an everyday basis and work with the OPF leadership on planning and operations for security posts.

The Maniacs worked through a series of training courses involving basic traffic control point operations, contingency operations at fixed security checkpoints, basic first aid and a medical first responder's course.

"These guys catch on pretty quick. They are eager to learn and continue to develop their skills that they've picked up in previous training", said Staff Sgt. Josh Philbeck, a mortars section sergeant. "What we're doing now is running through different scenarios with them for what could happen at an [entry control point] or how to search a vehicle safely, thoroughly and expeditiously."

Maniac Platoon also provided the OPF non-commissioned officers responsible for each checkpoint with an 8-hour medical first responder's course. Maniac's medic, Spc. Robert Baird, taught the Iraqis about treatment for burns, fractures, minor and major cuts, and treatment for shock.

"We wanted them to be able to do quick triage for a wide assortment of injuries that could happen in the course of a normal day at a refinery," said Baird. "The focus here isn't just [about] insurgents' attacks, but also on what they would need to do if there was a flash fire."

As the non-commissioned officers attended the medical first responder's course, the OPF executive officer, Capt. Ahmed, worked with 1st Lt. Ephraim Garner and Sgt. 1st Class Mike Sherman on contingency planning for fixed checkpoints.

The group looked at specific checkpoints and how they could be better protected against different threats while still allowing for accessibility for daily commerce. They also discussed the shift rotations and emphasized the need for good communication during shift changes to ensure continuity of information.

"The fixed site security is well emplaced and they have a good foundation of knowledge needed for day to day operations," said Garner. "Now we need to look ahead to the future and try to plan out, as best we can, the different types of scenarios they might face."

When asked about his thoughts about future training with the OPF, Garner said that they are a disciplined unit and that he was certain they had what it took to succeed.

• Date Taken: 09.07.2009
• Date Posted: 09.13.2009 06:29
• Story ID: 38699
• Location: MOSUL, IQ