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    Iraqi army engineers conduct weapons training for U.S. Army partners

    Iraqi army engineers conduct weapons training for U.S. Army partners

    Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Reginald Scott, a construction and asphalt equipment operator with...... read more read more

    BAGHDAD, IRAQ

    08.17.2006

    Courtesy Story

    16th Engineer Brigade Public Affairs

    by Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Ballog
    16th Engineer Brigade PAO

    CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — Multi-National Division-Baghdad's 16th Engineer Brigade Soldiers often function as instructors and advisors for the 6th Iraqi Army Division engineers as part of their many in-theater engineer assignments.

    Recently, however, the Soldiers took advantage of an opportunity to reverse roles and became the students during weapons familiarization classes taught by the IA Soldiers.

    Nearly 80 Soldiers participated in four classes as part of the 16th Eng. Bde.'s on-going Shadow Program, which is a training partnership between the two engineer units designed to further integrate the IA engineers while paving the way for future joint missions.

    Engineers from 6th IAD and Explosive Ordnance Disposal instructors taught the students how to assemble, disassemble, and safely load and clear the Iraqi army's Russian-made AK-47s, RPK light machineguns, BKC medium machineguns and were provided insight into each weapon's operational capabilities.

    The weapons familiarization is a key element to both organizations' ability to conduct successful joint engineer missions, said Maj. David Smith, operations officer, 16th Eng. Bde.

    "As we move together outside and back into the wire, it's critical from a safety and security standpoint for each of our Soldiers, and specifically our truck commanders, to understand each IA weapon's capability, how they function and how to correctly clear each one."

    The students also had the opportunity to inquire about common malfunctions and under what conditions each weapon performs best.

    "The weapons training was really good, and in addition to helping us on joint missions, I think it will also help us react better outside the wire as the insurgents also have these weapons," said Staff Sgt. Reginald Scott, a construction and asphalt equipment operator with Headquarters Support Company, 62nd Eng. Bn.

    "Being able to understand how the weapons function will help us develop better techniques, tactics and procedures to protect ourselves. For example, if we take fire while out on a mission, knowing the range and capability of the rounds coming at us will help us determine whether to return fire or not."

    Sgt. Willie Curry, a platoon Sgt. assigned to the HSC, said he felt the training was indicative of the progress being made with the Iraqi army.

    "Participating in this training lets me know that change is definitely taking place and reinforces to me that we're moving closer to the ultimate objective of the Iraqi army taking the lead, said Curry.

    "We're so used to being the subject matter experts on everything that it was nice to be able to have the IAs reach a point where they're training us and sharing their knowledge."

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.17.2006
    Date Posted: 08.17.2006 10:12
    Story ID: 7458
    Location: BAGHDAD, IQ

    Web Views: 258
    Downloads: 203

    PUBLIC DOMAIN