Coastal Guard trains near Iraqi seaport

Photo By Staff Sgt. Cody Harding | A "smuggler" is detained by Coastal Border Guard Soldiers after his boat simulated firing upon a CBG ship during a training exercise in the Um Qasr Port region.  

UM QASR, IRAQ

05.17.2010

Story by Sgt. Cody Harding 

1st Infantry Division

UM QASR, Iraq – The Iraqi Coastal Border Guard, a part of the 4th Region Department of Border Enforcement is tasked with patrolling the waterways against smugglers and insurgents around the port of Um Qasr. Using tactics and equipment provided by U.S. Forces, the CBG plays a vital role in ensuring security for this necessary trade route and the country.

The CBG conducted an exercise May 11, in the waters off Um Qasr to hone their skills in smuggling interdiction, detaining smugglers and evacuating casualties. The exercise tested skills learned from the U.S. Transition teams that work with the Iraqis to test their preparedness and equipment.

Iraqi guards boarded onto patrol boats from the dock after they received a report of smugglers in the area. After patrolling the waterway, they located the vessel, which fired on the Iraqi boats, injuring a Soldier during the mock scenario. The smugglers were then subdued, detained and their boat was confiscated for a quick return to the base.

The goal of the involved training is to help protect the border of the country and stop terrorists from entering the country, said Brig. Gen. Abdul Hadi, commander of the Costal Border Guard for the 4th Region DBE.

"The most important thing today is that the soldiers know their level," Hadi said. "They know where they are now, they know their preparedness for their missions, and they know what they'll do if they have any problems."

Though the Iraqis could always use more training, their performance and ability has improved over the months, said Master Sgt. Randy Sink, a member of the 4th Region DBE Border Transition Team..

"There's still room for improvement," said Sink, a resident of Virginia Beach, Va. "But from where they were when we got here today, there's been a vast improvement."

The training is another necessary step for the Iraqis to ensure the country's stability, said Hadi.

"We have a saying in Iraq," he said. "The training here will reduce the blood on the battlefield. As long as we keep this training up, we'll prevent the casualties and improve the skills for other soldiers."

Sink agreed, saying that repetition allows competence in the Iraqi forces.

"Once you know you can do something, and when you feel confident you can do it, you'll be ready to assume the mission," Sink said "Every time we allow the Iraqis to do the mission on their own and they're successful, it builds confidence in the Iraqi security forces across the nation."

As the U.S. drawdown continues and Iraqi Forces assume more control over operations, the CBG continues to train to become a reliable unit in the Iraqi security forces

"I wish we can improve the CBG," Hadi said. "And I wish that this unit will represent Iraq and protect the waters of Iraq."

• Date Taken: 05.17.2010
• Date Posted: 05.17.2010 10:05
• Story ID: 49803
• Location: UM QASR, IQ