U.S. Forces Conduct Combined Range Operations in Camp Taji, Iraq

Courtesy Photo | An Iraqi Army soldier from the Guardian and Protection Battalion is pleased with his shooting scorecard after receiving training by the 211th Military Police Battalion, a unit subordinate to the 49th MP Brigade Tactical Command Post. During the range operations, the Iraqi Army soldiers shot the M4s, while the 211th shot the AK-47s on May 11. (U.S. Army photo by Spc.Laquita Shepard).  

CAMP CROPPER, IRAQ

06.03.2010

Story by Capt. Charon Camarasa 

49th Military Police Brigade

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – In preparation to turn over operations to the government of Iraq, the 211th Military Police Battalion, a unit subordinate to the 49th MP Brigade Tactical Command Post conducted joint range operations with the Guardian and Protection Battalion, an Iraqi Army unit with policing and security responsibilities, at Camp Taji, Iraq, May 11.

At the request of Col. Abdulwahed Jasem Al-Rubai Ali, commander of the Iraqi Army Battalion, the 211th trained Iraqi soldiers on range operations and use of the M-4 rifle. Ali's intent is to ensure his soldiers are properly trained, equipped and capable of supporting area security requirements and security of the outer perimeter of the former Taji Theater Interment Facility Reconciliation Center, which was successfully transferred to the government of Iraq in March.

"Ali was looking for help with training, and we saw a great opportunity to partner with him," said Lt. Col. Richard Johnson, commander of the 211th. "We had the idea in mind of conducting joint training operations as a part of our overall key leader engagement strategy. This partnership was not only great for our non-commissioned officers, but also for the long-term security transition here."

Since Johnson and Ali first met, both commanders have been working on developing a strategic relationship.

During the joint training, the Iraqi soldiers had a chance to shoot American M-4 rifles, and the U.S. forces used the Iraqis' AK-47s.

Sgt. 1st Class John Dankievitch is the detainee operations training NCO; Sgt.1st Class Sean Ready is the NCO in charge of the 211th intelligence section, whose experience as a police officer for the Pembroke Police Department in Massachusetts landed him a partnership police skills training assignment alongside Dankievitch. The two were the day's primary training officers for the range.

"The Taji Guardian and Protection Battalion's enduring mission is to secure all towers and entry control points in Camp Taji," said Sgt. 1st Class Dankievitch. "These are key access points that can be exploited at any time by the enemy. Iraqi soldiers must be prepared to take on responsibilities and capable of shooting with accuracy."

"Almost all the soldiers did well," said 1st Lt. Ahmad Jasam Muhmmad, a headquarters company commander. "They're very happy to be shooting with these kinds of weapons, and they are doing a very good job at hitting the target." Ahmad was recently assigned to help his unit meet the rifle marksmanship training standards.

"We stress the importance of the train-the-trainer concept. We're teaching the Iraqis how to teach their soldiers," said Dankievitch. "Once we feel they're comfortable with the training material, we pick one soldier to teach a class and pass on the knowledge."

"They've paid attention to our classes," said Ready. "It is a great sense of accomplishment to observe IA soldiers being so engaged in the training. Watching their faces as they learn is priceless."

"We appreciate the training from the 211th because they are working with us as friends," Ahmad said. "Anybody who teaches me something to better myself, I will respect them and love them."

After turning over the TIFRC, the 211th, continued its mission by focusing its efforts on partnering with the Iraqi security forces and providing base defense.

"We need to allow the Iraqi security forces to continue with a stable and safe environment and operate the prison and force protection missions," said Johnson. "That's where we are heading right now, with the training and our mutual partnership with the Iraqi army and Iraqi Correctional Services."

• Date Taken: 06.03.2010
• Date Posted: 06.03.2010 10:22
• Story ID: 50784
• Location: CAMP CROPPER, IQ