Blackfoot Soldiers train Department of Border Enforcement at JSS Minden

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Casey Milsop conducts a four-kilometer dismounted patrol alongside troops from the 9th Brigade, 4th DBE Region as they return from a training mission. Milsop is assigned to Troop B, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, which is currently attached to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd AAB, 4th Infantry Division. (Photo by: Pfc. Jesse Vint)  

JSS MINDEN, IRAQ

02.10.2011

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By: Spc. Joshua McBride

JSS MINDEN, Iraq — The soldiers from Troop B, 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, recently hosted a training course at JSS Minden for the 9th Brigade, Department of Border Enforcement.

Attached to to 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, the cavalry troopers invested a tremendous amount of time, hard work and dedication, which all came together during the first day of training at JSS Minden.

The training was designed specifically to increase the capabilities of the DBE in the eastern most point of the Basra province.

“Training the Iraqis in our own backyard allows us to go into detail and spend time on topics that would be difficult to teach [elsewhere],” said Spc. Eduardo Zamora from Denver, Colo.

The instruction included first aid, map reading, patrolling, and vehicle and personnel searches. The “Blackfoot” troopers integrated real-life scenarios into training which allowed for a deeper understanding of the material. The cavalry troopers tested their DBE counterparts with practical exercises at the end of each training day.

“The Department of Border Enforcement handles personnel and vehicular traffic on a daily basis. Instructing them on how to search for contraband in uncommon locations allows for a more secure border and ultimately a safer Iraq,” said Pfc. Sterling Murphy from Fredericksburg, Va.

The training event concluded with the trainees planning and executing a dismounted patrol to establish an overnight observation post near the Shat al Arab Waterway. The trainees exercised troop leading procedures, map reading techniques, and the fundamentals of patrolling to complete their mission.

Spc. Joshua Forbes, from Casey, Ill., said he was excited to see the DBE troops take such initiative and apply everything they learned during the final mission of the training course.

Following a cold February night of patrolling, the trainees executed a four-kilometer march back to JSS Minden to conduct a graduation ceremony.

“Even after a long night the trainees were motivated and proud to have been a part of the pilot class of training at JSS Minden. I think everyone looks forward to the next iteration of training,” said Forbes.

• Date Taken: 02.10.2011
• Date Posted: 02.18.2011 02:13
• Story ID: 65636
• Location: JSS MINDEN, IQ