Photo By Sgt. Shantelle Campbell | Sgt. Brian Helpap, a Soldier with 3rd Platoon, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry...... read more read more
AL SINIYAH AIRBASE, Iraq — Soldiers of 3rd Platoon, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kan., are fulfilling a vital role of assisting, advising and mentoring their Iraqi army counterparts.
Recently, Sgt. Brian Helpap, of Saginaw, Mich., and Spc. Mario Luna, of Wichita, Kan., instructed an Iraqi reconnaissance and surveillance platoon from the 4th Iraqi Army Division on land navigation and communication procedures.
On the first day of training, Iraqi soldiers, known as Jundi, learned how to read a map. After a few days of training, Soldiers were successfully negotiating a four-point land navigation course. In addition to using a map, compass and protractor, Soldiers also became proficient using GPS satellites to navigate.
"It's a great opportunity to share our knowledge with our Iraqi counterparts," Helpap said.
The training didn't end with land navigation. Iraqi soldiers also learned about the basics of communications, ranging in everything from the use of tactical radios and proper radio procedures, to non-verbal skills such as hand and arm signals.
The training culminated with Soldiers creating and manning an observation post while communicating with only hand and arm signals. Then, they established radio communications with their higher headquarters while observing and reporting on the activities of 3rd platoon Soldiers who were role-playing as the enemy.
After land navigation and communications training, the Iraqi reconnaissance and surveillance platoon will be able to use their newly acquired skills as they secure the Salah ad-Din province. Additional Iraqi army units are scheduled to attend the course offered by U.S. advisors and 3rd platoon Soldiers.
"It's pretty cool training a Soldier from another country," Luna said. "It's definitely a different experience."
| Date Taken: | 01.09.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.09.2010 09:24 |
| Story ID: | 43599 |
| Location: | AL SINIYAH AIRBASE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 332 |
| Downloads: | 280 |
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