Iraqi Special Forces making an impact in Mosul

Photo By Lt. Col. Terry Conder | Iraqi special forces Humvees parked in perfect alignment reflect the pride and professionalism of the 7th Regional Commando Battalion.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.18.2010

Story by Lt. Col. Terry Conder 

Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command - Iraq

MOSUL, Iraq -- Some people just have it. Call it charisma, leadership, presence. Whatever you call it, the commander of Iraq's 7th Regional Commando Battalion has it.

Ask a U.S. Special Forces advisor about the 7th RCB and you'll get a smile and a thumbs up.

"[Iraq Special Operations Forces] ops are hot and heavy here," the U.S. advisor said. "They are getting out the door a lot!"

And the numbers back up his enthusiasm. Data shows a 90 percent drop in terrorist activity over the past year in the 7th RCB's area of responsibility.

"Last year during this week there 117 [significant activities] reported," the advisor said. "The same week this year there were only 12."

Members of the U.S. Operational Detachment Alpha credit the7th's leadership and training for the success.

"The RCB commander here is extremely competent; he's a good leader," a U.S. SF advisor said.

Another SF advisor explained the importance of keeping a balance between training and operations. "Combat advisory is our main mission," he said. "We're always targeting; we're always looking. But op tempo is dependent on targets presenting themselves. The goal is to get as much training as we can without hurting op tempo."

Iraq's Counter Terrorism Command asks a lot of ISOF. So the training is geared to get soldiers ready for the toughest missions.

A typical day for an ISOF soldier starts before sunrise. After an inspection, soldiers do group physical fitness and individual combative training. Breakfast is followed by personal time. Soldiers play pool, read, or work out. The RCB then heads to the range for weapons training or shoot-houses to practice close-quarters combat in an urban environment. The day ends with classes on the rule of law or treatment of detainees.

"They're very good at what they do," said a U.S. SF advisor who was on his second tour working with the 7th RCB. "I was here a year ago, and they are making progress, especially in Mosul. The RCB, Regional Coordination Center] and [Regional Reconnaissance Troop] work together real good. That makes my job as an advisor easy."

At a briefing for Maj. Gen. Al Ghani (commander of Iraq's Counter Terrorism Command) and Brig. Gen. Patrick Higgins (commander of Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command –Iraq) the 7th RCB's commander spoke with confidence and authority.

"The 7th RCB conducts special operations to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism and insurgent activities in defense of a stable and secure Iraq," he said. "We take pride in our medical sections that are specifically trained to deal with IED attacks."

He also said ISOF is developing extensive intelligence networks. He explained that these networks are used to do things such as position sniper teams to counter terrorists who plant IEDs.

"We are creating programs to improve command initiative so that we can move quickly on targets," the commander said. "And we are developing officers and NCOs who can lead the 7th RCB."

After the briefing, the 7th's commander took Al Ghani and Higgins to meet with rank and file ISOF soldiers. Passing by HMMWV's parked in perfect alignment, they entered a climate-controlled barracks filled with young warriors. But this was no "dog and pony" show. Reflecting their commander's confidence and willingness to show initiative, soldier after soldier asked the senior leaders serious questions. A U.S. SF advisor who accompanied Al Ghani and Higgins into the barracks said the Q&A session was a good sign.

"These guys are becoming a lot like American soldiers in their outlook," he said. "They aren't afraid to address their leaders or speak their minds. You would have never seen something like this a few of years ago."

(Except for high-ranking officers, the names of Special Forces personnel are not released to the media.)

• Date Taken: 05.18.2010
• Date Posted: 06.08.2010 11:22
• Story ID: 51067
• Location: MOSUL, IQ