American troops work, train, live side-by-side with Iraqi security forces

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Aaron Fletcher of Shirley, Ind., takes on a Department of Border Enforcement Soldier in a game of ping-pong during the first ever JSS Umm Sa’ah Ping-Pong Invitational Aug. 11. (Photo by 1st Lt. Will Swearingen)  

JOINT SECURITY STATION UMM SA’AH, IRAQ

08.24.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By 1st Lt. Will Swearingen
4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

JOINT SECURITY STATION UMM SA’AH, Iraq—Officers from the 10th Iraqi Army Division, 41st Iraqi Army Brigade, and 10th Department of Border Enforcement Brigade, recently met at Joint Security Station Umm Sa’ah in Maysan province, Iraq, for the grand opening of the 10th Iraqi Army Division Joint Coordination Center.

Over the past few weeks since the JCC’s inception, Comanche Troop, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, has partnered with the 41st IA and 10th DBE and the JCC to effectively plan and execute joint missions to further provide safety and security to the Iraqi people within the province.

In addition to planning and operating out of the JCC, the IA and DBE soldiers assigned to JSS Umm Sa’ah live and take part in all activities at the JSS along with their U.S. counterparts.

In terms of training and mission proficiency, Comanche soldiers ensure that every 41st IA and 10th DBE soldier living at JSS Umm Sa’ah is proficient in map reading, weapons, vehicle maintenance, and physical training.

“It’s their mission now. We are working [closely] with the Iraqi security forces to ensure that they are properly trained to protect the people of Iraq when the U.S. no longer has a presence here,” Sgt. Alex Stubbs, squad leader, of Savage, Minn.

And as the units work and train together, they also take time for recreation. On August 11, 1st Platoon, Comanche Troop and 10th DBE soldiers participated in a day of friendly competition. The 1st Platoon soldiers teamed up with 10th DBE Soldiers to compete in map reading and weapons assembly.

Each team was timed as they worked through the language barrier to speak a common military language. In addition, each individual soldier raced against the clock to disassemble and reassemble an AK-47.

At the request of Comanche Troop soldiers, Maj. Hassan, 10th DBE company commander and Capt. Hameed, 10th DBE, JCC operations officer, taught an introduction to Ramadan class that covered the history of the holiday as well as the daily schedule for the Iraqi soldiers during the month.

“It is very important for the U.S. soldiers to learn about the traditions and customs of Iraqis during Ramadan. This way, the U.S. forces have a good understanding of what to expect from their Iraqi partners during this very important holiday,” said Hassan.

These events continue to strengthen the relationship between Comanche soldiers and Iraqi security forces. This increased partnership allows for better communication and coordination while conducting joint training and missions within Maysan province.

Due to the success of the training partnership between Comanche Troop, 41st IA and 10th DBE of the JCC, the ISF are increasing their capabilities to provide safety and security to the people living in Maysan, said Stubbs.

• Date Taken: 08.24.2010
• Date Posted: 09.10.2010 11:10
• Story ID: 56020
• Location: JOINT SECURITY STATION UMM SA’AH, IQ