Photo By Spc. Cal Turner | CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi medics from the 1st Mechanized Battalion, 2nd Tank Brigade,...... read more read more
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by Spc. C. Terrell Turner
1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi army soldiers from the 1st Mechanized Battalion, 2nd Tank Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, continued their combat medic training Friday during a battlefield training exercise here overseen by Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
The training operation was designed to prepare the Iraqi soldiers to provide medical aid to Iraqi soldiers and civilians injured by terrorist forces.
"This is the culmination of four months of training, and it's a way for us to gauge their (IA medics) progress," said Capt. Jeffrey Witherspoon, advisor, Headquarters Support Company, 1st Mech. Bn. Military Transition Team. "We started them from scratch in the classroom with hands-on lessons through translated lesson plans."
Witherspoon, a quartermaster, is in charge of providing the training for all the units falling under the HSC.
The Iraqi medics trained while they continued their mission rotations, which included working at their battalion aid station, manning checkpoints in their area of operations and shifts at the Taji Medical Clinic. Their area of operations encompasses the area south of Camp Taji and north of Baghdad.
Sgt. Robert Griffin, battalion medical advisor, 1st Mech. Bn. MTT, works with the medics on a daily basis.
"The medics just completed their drivers training on their track vehicles this week," he said. "This training simulates a combat patrol where the medic must treat wounded soldiers on the scene. They learn how to deal with a situation requiring initial stabilization before moving them."
Griffin, a trauma noncommissioned officer with 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st BCT, said he sees the Iraqi soldiers making progress in their training.
During the mission, the medics treat their fellow soldiers with prefabricated wounds and must respond accordingly while Griffin makes on-the-spot corrections with the help of an interpreter.
"I train 16 medics right now. There is approximately one Iraqi medic per 40 to 50 soldiers," said Griffin. "These guys have really stepped up as platoon leaders. I try to put as much work and responsibility on them as I can so that eventually they can run their own sections."
The Iraqi medics said they are motivated and enjoy the training. Their medical supplies are provided by the Iraqi Ministry of Health.
"I've been in the Army for two months. Before this, I was a doctor for six years," said Warrant Officer Abid Ali, medic, 1st Mech Bn. "This training is very good and will help us when we go out on the battlefield. It is tougher than I expected."
Witherspoon said he sees the medics making steady progress in their training and eventually sees them serving as instructors for other medics while helping to save lives on the battlefield. Their training also takes them into the community to work alongside MND-B Soldiers during Community Health Outreach Program operations.
"I love this job, and I try to do my best," said Pvt. Fanan Hussein, medic, 1st Mech Bn. "When I go out and help the people, they tell us how much they appreciate us and what we are doing for them. I enjoy being a medic."
Griffin said he sees the potential in his medics.
"They did real good," he said. "There were some bumps that we'll work through, but they have a good understanding of what's happening on the battlefield and what they need to do. I think they can effectively help a person wounded on the battlefield."
| Date Taken: | 10.04.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 10.04.2006 13:17 |
| Story ID: | 7921 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 66 |
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