Regional Guard Brigade recruits integrate into Iraqi Army

Photo By Chad Menegay | New Regional Guard Brigade recruits learn how to handle an AK-47 assault rifle as part of an Iraqi Army-led Basic Combat Training course at the Camp Taji Training Center Dec. 12.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.11.2011

Story by Sgt. Chad Menegay 

United States Forces – Iraq, Deputy Commanding General (Advising and Training)

BAGHDAD - Protecting civilians, securing the Iraq-Iran border and fighting Al-Qaeda in the Diyala province’s Khanaqin city, which is near the border, is the mission awaiting recruits with the 4th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Regional Guard Brigade.

First, however, the new soldiers are working to integrate into the Iraqi Army at the Camp Taji Training Center’s Basic Combat Training.

The RGB has been training with the Iraqi Army at the Taji Training Center for more than two years, said Iraqi Army Capt. Aaska Ali Akbar, a deputy commander with the 4th Infantry Battalion.

“We come here to train with the Iraqis and be part of them,” Aaska said.

The new recruits are learning basic infantry skills, training with weapons, working on their physical fitness, marching, etc.

“These new soldiers in the RGB, never have been trained on professional soldier skills, how to deal with the weapons, how to fix them, ranks, discipline, how to deal with officers,” Aaska said.

It is important to qualify these soldiers to carry weapons and to teach them how to interact with civilians, as they will be manning checkpoints in Khanaqin, Aaska said.

“This is a great coordination between the Peshmerga Ministry and Iraq Ministry of Defense, and I believe it is professional and will really improve relations,” said Iraqi Army 1st Lt. Salar Abd Salam, a company commander with the 4th Infantry Battalion.

In two months the RGB Soldiers will train in Sulaymaniya, Iraq in advanced, job-specific, soldier skills.

• Date Taken: 01.11.2011
• Date Posted: 01.11.2011 06:01
• Story ID: 63349
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ