Iraqi border police train with Blackfoot

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Matthew Voight, a cavalry scout with Troop B, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment from Lubbock, Texas, works through an interpreter to instruct a class on dismounted patrolling techniques with Iraqi forces from 2nd Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Department of Border Enforcement Brigade. (Photo by 1st Lt. John Nikiforakis)  

PATROL BASE MINDEN, IRAQ

09.17.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

PATROL BASE MINDEN, Iraq - The 9th Brigade Department of Border Enforcement enhanced their skills on patrolling and security operations thanks to the advice and assistance of the "Blackfoot" troopers of Troop B, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Some of the key points of the training were react to contact drills and setting up observation points, critical skills for a unit responsible for controlling what and who flows into and out of Iraq.

“The Department of Border Enforcement is a motivated organization eager to work with U.S. forces. Soldiers of the Department of Border Enforcement take great pride in defending the Iraq-Iran border and enduring the hardships of remote checkpoints in order to ensure national security,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Naylor of Calif., a platoon sergeant with Troop B, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., from Los Angeles.

Trainers from Troop B are selected based on knowledge and experience after collaboration between Department of Border Enforcement and ‘Blackfoot’ leadership.

Since July, the cavalrymen have trained two companies of the 9th Department of Border Enforcement Brigade and are scheduled to begin training a third company this month.

“Enhancing the skills of the 9th Brigade Department of Border Enforcement will enhance security in United States Division-South and ultimately all of Iraq. We look forward to continuing training. Our actions directly affect the citizens of the Basra province,” said 1st Lt. Thomas Jones, a fire support officer with Troop B, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., from Alexander City, Ala.

• Date Taken: 09.17.2010
• Date Posted: 09.17.2010 06:56
• Story ID: 56461
• Location: PATROL BASE MINDEN, IQ