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CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Leaders and soldiers of 12th Iraqi Army Division conducted a final live fire exercise in preparation for Operation Lion’s Leap, April 19.
Operation Lion’s Leap, a full-spectrum training demonstration showcasing the Iraqi military’s combat prowess, is scheduled to take place at Mahgoor Training Site in Kirkuk province, Iraq, later this month.
The successful live fire rehearsal at Mahgoor Training Site integrated maneuver elements from 12th IA Division’s Commando Battalion, Iraqi Special Operations Forces and fire support from 47th Brigade’s 120mm mortars as well as Iraqi air force support from Mi-17 helicopters.
Training for the operation started months ago as several agencies within the Iraqi government brought together a plan to demonstrate the Iraqi Security Forces’ independence and readiness to take full responsibility for the security mission in Iraq.
“The 1st AATF soldiers have done an excellent job advising, training, and assisting the 12th IA,” said Capt. William Viegas, maneuver planner, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division. “But this is really the 12th IA’s plan and they took ownership of it right from the start.”
Leaders of 12th IA Division created a scheme of maneuver that coordinated ground, air and artillery assets to complete the simulated hostage scenario, said Viegas, a St. Louis native.
The final exercise at Mahgoor represents the third phase in the four-tiered training operation of Lion’s Leap, which incorporates multiple IA assets to demonstrate tactical expertise and maneuver capabilities while maintaining communications with and receiving instructions from commanders.
“The 12th IA is the youngest division in the Iraqi army,” said Viegas. “This exercise gives them a chance to showcase how capable of a force they really are.”
Their performance at the live fire was indeed impressive, he said.
Viegas said by conducting Operation Lion’s Leap, Iraqi military leaders hope to prove to the Iraqi people that national security forces have the knowledge and skill to maintain the security of the country against external military threats.
The scenario for Operation Lion’s Leap requires 12th IA Division soldiers to respond to violent extremists taking over the village of Mahgoor.
Division leaders demonstrated their planning ability to observers by briefing a full operations order explaining their plan to retake the village, said Staff Brig. Gen. Ayad, chief of staff for 12th IA Division.
“During the train up for Lion’s Leap the IA has demonstrated an enduring capability,” said Viegas. “I have every confidence it will be conducted safely and effectively.”
Commando battalion troops seized a series of three objectives during the live fire rehearsal. Mortars from 47th Brigade suppressed the enemy on the first two objectives before the commandos moved in to assault.
At the final objective, Commandos determined that hostages had been taken by the enemy. At that point, the Commandos called to Iraqi special operations forces to liberate the hostages neutralize the enemy after flying in with the awaiting Mi-17 helicopters.
Division leaders were also required to resupply their units with ammunition and evacuate casualties off the battlefield.
During the rehearsal, soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 1st AATF, 1st Infantry Division, advised the Iraqi units as observer-controllers, but the U.S. role in the final exercise will be more limited, said Staff Sgt. Derek Ross, squad leader, Company B.
“In the past we did a lot of hands on work with the Iraqis,” said Ross who observed the Iraqi mortar men during the exercise. “Right now we are sitting back and they are taking charge of everything while we just perform safety checks.”
Ross said after watching the Iraqis, he is confident the 12th IA Division and the ISF are ready, willing and able to take responsibility for the mission of protecting the people of Iraq.
“We are ready, we have a plan, and it is a good one,” said Lt. Col. Abdul-Khalic, a staff officer for 12th IA Division as he observed the action during the live fire rehearsal. “There may be challenges, but as a unit, we are ready for this.”
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2011 04:39 |
| Story ID: | 69225 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION WARRIOR, IQ |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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