‘Saber’ Squadron focusing efforts on advising, assisting Iraqi Federal Police partners

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col Cameron Cantlon, right, commander of 6th "Saber" Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division - Center, takes notes during a discussion with Iraqi Federal Police Maj. Gen. Baha'a, commander of the 4th Iraqi Federal Police Division, on areas in which "Saber" Squadron can assist the 4th IFP Div., March 24. The two units have been working together on a variety of training events, missions and other tasks as a way to grow the experience and expertise of the 4th IFP. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Daniel Elmblad)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.24.2011

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

By 2nd Lt. Daniel Elmblad

BAGHDAD—Troopers with the 6th “Saber” Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center have been working closely with their Iraqi partners, the 4th Iraqi Federal Police Division, and have conducted many combined patrols since deploying to Iraq last month.

“The 4th Federal Police is already a great unit,” said Lt Col. Cameron Cantlon, commander, 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. “Its commander, Staff Maj. Gen. Baha’a, understands U.S. forces’ capabilities, and requests our help in areas that he still wants to see some improvement.”

Recently, “Saber” Squadron soldiers visited the 4th IFP Div. to instruct its members on generator maintenance.

“It was a privilege to offer our assistance and expertise to the 4th IFP Div., so that they could successfully integrate these generators into their power system,” Cantlon said.

The cooperation between “Saber “Squadron and the 4th IFP Div. is not limited to generator maintenance. Sgt. Maj. Richard Burnette, command sergeant major of 6th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., and IFP Sgt. Maj. Wassim, sergeant major of the 4th IFP Div., discussed coordinating for weapons ranges and training, vehicle maintenance, drivers training, map reading and medical training among other skills during a lunch they had together.

“(The 4th IFP members) must be proficient in these basic tasks,” Burnette said. “If they are not proficient in these areas, it will be very difficult for them to accomplish their mission.”

Currently, the cavalry soldiers are working closely with the 4th IFP Div. to build that proficiency level.

“We can go a long way in assisting the 4th IFP Div. in their ability to successfully accomplish their mission while we are here now and when we eventually leave,” Burnette said.

• Date Taken: 03.24.2011
• Date Posted: 03.28.2011 07:37
• Story ID: 67850
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ