Dedication and Courage: Coalition soldiers enable Partner Force commandos through training

Photo By Sgt. Alec Dionne | Commando cadets observe a live-fire range with Coalition trainers in Syria, July 20, 2019. Coalition operations, like this partner capacity training, are continuing; these include its advise and assist roles, air support missions and equipment divestments. Our Mission hasn’t changed. We continue to work by, with, and through our partners to ensure an enduring defeat of Daesh. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alec Dionne)  

SYRIA

07.20.2019

Story by Spc. Alec Dionne 

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve   

Dedication and Courage: Coalition soldiers enable Partner Force commandos through training
By Spc. Alec Dionne

(Southwest Asia) – Armed riflemen line up outside the house as the sun crests through the burned-out buildings. They approach the stone entrance, which is scoured black by Daesh’s attempted scorched earth retreat. Then men enter the house, kicking down the door, and, with disciplined fluidity, storm the rooms. These are Syrian Democratic Force (SDF) commando cadets, undergoing training from Coalition trainers.

The Coalition against Daesh has been providing training to SDF commando cadets throughout a 2019 summer training cycle. The resolve of the SDF to remove violent extremism from their homeland has remained strong since the rise of Daesh.

“This training will challenge your mind and your body”, said a Coalition instructor while giving feedback during training. “It will teach you how to fight well under stressful conditions”, he added.

The SDF is an alliance of local fighters who hail from many backgrounds. The Coalition’s training contributes directly to the enduring defeat of Daesh by training a lethal Partner Force that can keep the river valley clear of violent extremists.

In a combat situation you will be hungry, thirsty and tired, preaches one Coalition trainer to the commando cadets before a live fire exercise. “On a lot of missions you will get tired and it will go to your head, but we want you to be able to calm yourself down and shoot accurately.”

Initial storming of the burned-out houses starts slowly. Instructors begin by teaching the cadets room-by-room. As with any learning process, there are mistakes, and moments of frustration, but the commando cadets do not appear discouraged. As a result, the commando cadets are ready to try a house on their own the end of the morning.

As the cadets progress, feedback from the coalition trainers keeps them motivated to improve despite setbacks.

The commando cadet team makes their final approach in through the hallway, as dark figures. The door to the apartment bursts open as they enter and the cadets rush in. In seconds, they eliminate their targets, and the rooms are secure. Their hard work has paid off, and they exit the day’s training proficient in their combat drills, one step closer to graduating as realized commandos.

They will be back early tomorrow for more, for another class with their Coalition trainers.

• Date Taken: 07.20.2019
• Date Posted: 09.20.2019 12:06
• Story ID: 342597
• Location: SY