Photo By Master Sgt. Mark Burrell | New Albany, Ind., native, Pfc. James Ballard, right, an infantryman enters a mock room...... read more read more
BAGHDAD — After a strenuous five-day course, 23 Iraqi army soldiers stood tall for graduation from the Maad'in "Cold Steel" Academy, at Combat Outpost Carver, here, Aug. 12.
The paratroopers of 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, who teach the academy, aren't just training Iraqis from the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 45th IA Brigade, 11th IA Division—they're also training comrades and the future generation of security in Iraq.
"We see the same guys outside the wire and at checkpoints," said Staff Sgt. Jamaal Kennedy, an infantry squad leader from Worcester, Mass., assigned to 1st Bn., 505th PIR. "The more guys that go through the class, the more we recognize out there. The same guys that we go on mission with are the same guys we teach."
To begin each day, the Iraqi soldiers join the paratroopers for early morning physical fitness training. On day one, they learn classes on counterinsurgency, troop leading procedures, operational orders and patrolling.
Most of the information the paratroopers gave to the IA soldiers was refresher training, said 2nd Lt. Ali Safi Lehebi, a platoon leader from 2nd Bn., 45th IA Bde., 11th IA Div.
"This information added to the information we already have and will make us better soldiers."
After another early morning of sweating and yelling, day two continued with improvised explosive devices and basic rifle marksmanship training. Both classes are imperative to know as a Soldier.
"Its life or death — you get hit by an IED or ambushed, you're going to need to know what to do," said Pfc. Brian Gallagher, an infantry machine gunner from Newburgh, N.Y., assigned to 1st Bn., 505th PIR. "Everyone needs to know it because anyone could get hit."
The training is definitely sinking in, added Kennedy, who noted this is the fifth iteration of Cold Steel Academy.
"When we go to their headquarters, before they used to hold their weapons sideways and whatever way they wanted," Kennedy explained. "Now they pay attention to muzzle awareness and do what they're supposed to do."
Under the camouflage canopy on the firing range, day three brought excited Iraqi soldiers eager to compare shot groupings and qualification targets with one another. Occasionally, the Iraqi soldiers would get the U.S. paratroopers to join them in clapping or mimicking a song to help pass the hot day.
"We try to be quiet professionals, but also try not to be robots," said Kennedy with a faint smile. "What helps is trying to joke around with them, but when it's time to work, it's time to work. They sense that in us — we take our job pretty seriously."
Foam-insulated tents provided protection from the relentless sun for the most part of the fourth day of training. The reflexive fire and cordon and search classes were taught inside before being put to the test out on the range.
"I like the classroom instruction, then being able to practice it outside," said Ali, agreeing with the tempo of the academy.
In the sand outside, the paratroopers set up an outline of a room to be assaulted and cleared and demonstrated the method for the Iraqis.
"Don't run! Slow is smooth; smooth is fast," yelled a paratrooper from the side.
On the fifth day, the Iraqis wore clean uniforms in preparation for their graduation, unknowingly to be soaked in sweat and soiled before they could receive their certificates.
The final day began with a checkpoint exercise, then first aid training and concluded with a practical exercise putting everything together as a team.
"This training adds tools to their toolkit," said Spc. Cesar Lopez, a combat medic from Miami assigned to the 1st Bn., 505th PIR. "The medic portion benefits them greatly because injuries and casualties are a part of combat."
One of the most important gains is the unit cohesion and the chance to work with the Iraqis on a personal basis, Lopez added.
"We build a relationship teaching the classes," agreed Kennedy. "And then when they see us outside the wire they get excited ... and they have no problem helping us out and pulling security."
"I see them at checkpoints now and they have much more awareness on what to look out for now and possible threats," added Lopez. "Any training that makes them better soldiers and better prepared is good for the community."
Lopez also noticed that the confidence in the Iraqi army is being built up because they are being trained by his fellow paratroopers.
"We see these guys on a regular basis," explained Lopez. "On the streets when we dismount and see a tourniquet on their uniform, we know they know how to use it and it makes us feel good."
"These classes are great to teach us and we like working together with the Americans," said Ali. "When we ask them questions, they give us the perfect answers."
"They're all about it. They come to Cold Steel to learn," said Lopez, the main instructor for the medical portion. "I give them an opportunity to stay after and ask me a few questions and they usually do."
After successfully going on a mock patrol, taking fire and caring for their wounded comrades, the sweaty and dusty Iraqi army soldiers brushed themselves off, drank water and chatted cheerfully in preparation for their graduation.
With a new "All-American" combat patch, a diploma and renewed sense of pride, 23 graduates proudly stood for their national anthem with the newly-acquired knowledge on the fresh in their minds.
"This is one of our main missions here," said Lopez, who's been a combat medic for three years. "It's definitely a priority to teach these classes. It's nice to see positive results from our efforts — I haven't been disappointed yet."
With the new knowledge that the IA soldiers bring back and pass on to their battalions, they will continue to yield positive results for the "All-American" paratroopers and the rest of Iraq.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.14.2009 08:28 |
| Story ID: | 37485 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 182 |
| Downloads: | 139 |
This work, 'All American' troopers pass on tools in Cold Steel Academy, by MSG Mark Burrell, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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