10th Iraqi Army Division exercises command, coordination

Photo By Christopher Jelle | Maysan Iraqi Police gather together for a group photo before beginning their mission as part of an integrated Command Post Exercise held by the 10th Iraqi Army Division on Camp Sparrowhawk, Dec. 30, 2010.  

MAYSAN PROVINCE, IRAQ

12.30.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Christopher Jelle 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

MAYSAN PROVINCE, Iraq – The Maysan Operations Center, led by 10th Iraqi Army Division, conducted its first Command Post Exercise at Camp Sparrowhawk, Amarah, Iraq, Dec. 30, 2010.

This is the first exercise involving every faction of the Iraqi Security Forces in the Maysan province, including the 10th Division staff, two Iraq army brigades, the Provincial Joint Communications Center, the 10th Department of Border Enforcement Brigade and Federal Police, said Maj. Christopher Adams, of the 10th IA security transition team, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.

But the exercise was more significant than just that.

“Not only did this exercise help integrate the Iraqi Army, Department of Border Enforcement, and Iraqi Police, it marked the first time I have ever seen a linkage and coordination with the civil defense elements in the province [fire department and emergency medical services],” he said.

Involving all of these organizations in the exercise, including the oil police, a privatized faction of security, demonstrates just how many elements are involved in the security of the province.

The exercise was intended to increase the communication and coordination throughout the ISF while reacting to crisis management situations, designed to replicate the current threats found throughout Maysan.

There are many areas of responsibility within Maysan where the ISF elements overlap, said Adams, making the need for effective communication and coordination essential in conducting security operations.

Where there was once skepticism and lack of trust, there is now a developing dialogue and cooperation between the ISF elements. That is one of the most significant takeaways of exercises like this one.

“The Iraqi army has made a lot of progress,” said Col. Ron Rose, chief of the 10th IA security transition team, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. “Since we’ve been here we’ve seen a lot of teamwork and integration of all the ISF partners within the Maysan province.”

The planning and preparation stages for the exercise began in November with the assistance of U.S. advisors assigned to 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., currently stationed at Camp Garry Owen.

The Maysan Operations Commander and Commanding General of the 10th Iraqi Army Division, Maj. Gen. Habib developed the exercise as part of the division’s commitment to training while simultaneously providing security for the province.

The Provincial Council Chairman, Abd al- Hussein Abd al-Rida al Saadi, other provincial council members, military leaders, and members of the local media attended the opening briefs of the exercise.

“What I experience with the province is that I wish everyone to be like the 10th Division IA, the NCO's and officers, and to take the same path, for loyalty and the hard duty for this division to protect the country in the right way,” said Abd al-Hussein. “I’m impressed by the hard work of the 10th Division IA, and that’s what we noticed from this division. I wish for our army to set the right example for the future.”

Habib plans to use the information and lessons learned from the training exercise to help coordinate future operations throughout Maysan.

• Date Taken: 12.30.2010
• Date Posted: 01.05.2011 07:12
• Story ID: 63033
• Location: MAYSAN PROVINCE, IQ