Coming together for Kirkuk

Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | A combined security unit soldier, fires at a range near Kirkuk, Iraq Jan. 27. This soldier is being trained by Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Ga., also known as the "Gators."  

IRAQ

01.27.2010

Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq — For nearly a century three different Iraqi security organizations, operating in the Kirkuk province, have historically been at odds with each another. However they have joined forces in hope of creating a secure Iraqi parliamentary election and a safer Kirkuk province, according to Lt. Salam Muhammad Amen, Kirkuk Combined Security Force, 4th platoon leader.

The Kirkuk Combined Security Force, also known as the "Golden Lions," was recently formed and consists of Kirkuk Iraqi Police, Peshmerga and Iraqi army soldiers.

The Golden Lions currently have more than 100 soldiers and have been training with Alpha "Gators" Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Marne, for two weeks, and they are expected to graduate within the month.

The Gators are 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Ga.

According to Staff Sgt. John King, a Belueville, Ill., native, and a squad leader with the Gators, the Golden Lions are trained similar to the U.S. Army's basic combat training.

The training the Golden Lions are receiving from the Gators includes; room clearance, basic rifle marksmanship, buddy and squad movement, medic training, proper searching techniques and convoy operations, according to Lt. Salam.

"I am very impressed with the level of training my soldiers are receiving and how quickly they are picking it up," Lt. Salam said.

The Golden Lions' leaders are not the only ones impressed by their soldiers' teamwork, their Gator partners are also very satisfied with the results they are seeing.

What is being done by the Gators is incredible. They have brought three of Iraq's strongest forces together, and they have them excelling in every training element that is presented, King said.

"For example, today we have these soldiers out at the range, shooting their AK-47, something we have been training them on for a few days, and they are already moving down the range in buddy teams, engaging the target," King said.

King added that the Gators have very high expectations for combined security force soldiers and the Gators are putting everything into training these soldiers, expecting them to lead the way in security for the Kirkuk province.

• Date Taken: 01.27.2010
• Date Posted: 02.05.2010 10:21
• Story ID: 44979
• Location: IQ