CJFLCC-I leaders assess BPC program, ISF development

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Charles Bailey | Coalition members participate in a building partner capacity conference at Camp Taji, Iraq, July 22, 2015. The conference brought together senior leaders to assess Iraqi security force training programs at BPC sites across the country. It allowed them to discuss topics like length of instruction, capturing lessons learned and leadership development as they apply to the Iraqi security forces trained at the sites. Through advise and assist and BPC missions, the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve’s multinational coalition has trained approximately 11,000 Iraqi security force personnel to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charles M. Bailey/Released)  

TAJI, IRAQ

08.04.2015

Story by Sgt. William Reinier    

82nd Airborne Division

Sgt. William Reinier

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Since January, more than 60 coalition partners from around the world have joined Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve to help Iraq defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

On July 22, leaders from the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command – Iraq, a component of CJTF-OIR, came together to assess the current training model for Iraqi security forces, and to develop lasting solutions in the building partner capacity mission.

Among the topics discussed were the length of instruction, capturing lessons learned in training through a comprehensive assessment program, and leadership development.

For an army currently engaged in a war, the opportunity to send units for longer training isn’t easy. Iraqi leaders have to balance keeping troops available to fight ISIL, and sending them to train at one of the five coalition-led BPC sites across Iraq. This places more importance on capturing lessons learned from combat and training to improve the readiness of the ISF.

It’s also why it was one of the most important topics discussed by coalition leaders at the BPC conference. The long-term effects of a full assessment program would be self-identification of issues and being able to positively accept criticism to improve.

“An effective assessments regime is the mark of a healthy learning organization,” said a coalition officer who oversees ISF development. “Any gains we make in the field of assessments, especially when it directly involves our Iraqi partners, is a step in the right direction.”

Units must have the ability to look back on the training and identify strengths and highlight areas for improvement. This allows leaders to tailor future training to the needs of the unit.

But, in order to do that, the ISF must be able to identify and certify leaders within their army. To address that need, CJFLCC-I leaders discussed methods to empower the noncommissioned officer corps, and also make their officers more professional, capable leaders.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Green, command sergeant major of CJFLCC-I, said that leadership comes with an obligation.

“Anybody assuming a position of authority or responsibility has to meet the competencies required of that position,” Green said. “The most important part of enhancing leadership is providing an example of 'what right looks like,' and mentorship.”

One of the ways that CJFLCC-I accomplishes this mission is by pairing ISF leaders with coalition leaders during training.
“By way of example and coaching, we look to enhance leadership skills,” Green said.

The conference highlights are just one of the ways CJFLCC-I is strengthening its commitment to the BPC mission in Iraq as security forces fight to defeat ISIL. Nearly 11,000 ISF and Peshmerga forces have been trained at the BPC sites with approximately 1,100 currently in training. The goal is to be able to hand off that responsibility to soldiers who have already gone through the training.

“Long term, there will also be comprehensive 'train the trainer' courses that seek to leave the Iraqi army with a high degree of self-sufficiency and confidence,” a BPC leader said.

“But the need to 'defeat Daesh now' is the current focus.”

• Date Taken: 08.04.2015
• Date Posted: 08.05.2015 05:03
• Story ID: 172192
• Location: TAJI, IQ