Iraqis, 'Talons' fight terrorists together

Photo By Michael Molinaro | Sgt. Paul Swanson, squad leader, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, with the help of interpreter Maitham, tutors Iraqi Sgt. Abbas Sadon Hadi, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, on the M203 rifle at Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah Jan. 4. Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, are training their Iraqi counterparts on basic rifle marksmanship, movement formation techniques and other combat-related tasks to enable Iraqi soldiers to conduct operations independently. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Michael A. Molinaro, 2nd BCT PAO, 4ID)  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

01.14.2006

Courtesy Story

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By Pfc. Michael A. Molinaro
2nd BCT PAO, 4ID

FOB KALSU, Iraq -- Enabling Iraqi soldiers to operate independently is one of the key tasks of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment.

The "Talons" of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, wasted no time getting to work with their Iraqi counterparts, coaching and mentoring them even as they engage terrorists together.

"We fight shoulder to shoulder," said Capt. Colin Brooks, commander, Company B, 2-8 Inf. "The goal by the end of the year is total self-reliance so these guys can fight and win on their own. They are already fairly close."

Soldiers drill Iraqis in formation movement, rifle marksmanship, cordon security and Military Operations in Urban Terrain situations.

"This area is very dangerous," said Iraqi Sgt. Tahseen Ali Ghano, executive battalion sergeant, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division. "This teaching gives us a lot of confidence. We hope to take more responsibility away from the Americans. We want to get more experience and secure this area."

Sgt. Paul Swanson, squad leader, Company E, 2-8 Inf., said he has seen a performance improvement in the Iraqi soldiers since his previous deployment 1.5 years ago.

"We are out there with them on missions," said Swanson. "I am very confident in their abilities."

The 2nd BCT is in the phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom where there is a deep partnership between the two armies, said Brooks. Company commanders and other leaders from both armies meet several times a week to plan missions, operations and train together.

"They are no longer huddled in a command post," Brooks said. "They are taking the fight to the terrorists."

The units live in close proximity to each other, allowing them to learn more about each other's cultures and strengthen the bond that is forming from conducting missions together.

"We play soccer with them," said Swanson, grinning. "We are trying to teach them how to play basketball, but that may take a while."

Soldiers from both Armies agree that there are challenges that need to be overcome to ensure the success of the Iraqi Army's development.

The Iraqi Army is much further ahead tactically than they are logistically, said Brooks. Other elements in the 4th Inf. Div. will train Iraqis on managing personnel and logistics.

Getting more Iraqis to join the military is another test at hand for the IA, said Lt. Asad, commander, 4th Company, 8th IA Div.

"We hope to someday get on the same level as the Americans," Asad said. "We are trying to end terrorism in Iraq. As Iraqis, we need to save each other."

• Date Taken: 01.14.2006
• Date Posted: 01.14.2006 13:05
• Story ID: 5110
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ