Iraqi army soldiers learn from MiTT

Photo By Staff Sgt. Karl Johnson | MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq - Sgt. Nicholas White of 2nd Brigade MiTT, 101st Airborne Division, pulls security as members of the 6th Iraqi Army discuss their next move during a Primary Leadership Development Course training exercise Jan. 12. The leadership course, which is the first of its kind in the Iraqi army, is designed to bolster the Iraqi NCO Corps. (U.S. photo by Spc. Karl Johnson, 363rd MPAD)  

MAHMUDIYAH, IRAQ

01.24.2006

Courtesy Story

363rd Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Karl Johnson
363rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq " The coalition mission with the highest expectations, the greatest visibility and the most responsibility is that of the Military Transition Teams.

The MiTT's challenging task is to prepare the young Iraqi army to take over the job of securing its own country. The Soldiers are also keenly aware that the American public watches their progress with interest and hope since a well-trained, well-run Iraqi army is necessary to the success of Iraq.

In Mahmudiyah, a city south of Baghdad, training is taking shape.

"It's a very challenging mission, but the more we stay with the Iraqi army, the better they become," said Staff Sgt. Arturo Delagarza, MiTT 2, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. "That way they can transition to taking over their area, and we can shift to another location or possibly even out."

The process of preparing the Iraqi army for the eventual turnover is one that requires the dedication of both Iraqi and American forces.

"They know we're not here to take over," Delagarza said. "We're here to help build, and they're working toward taking over for themselves."

To see the evidence of the MiTT's progress, you don't have to look very far.

The Iraqi army conducts raids, patrols and operates traffic control points on their own now, said Delagarza.

These examples of the ever-improving Iraqi army are reasons for hope and excitement, he said. And yet, there is still much that remains to be accomplished.

They've shown a lot of progress, Delagarza observed. "They're trying to get into the professional mode, and that's what we need them to do."

There will continue to be challenges facing both the MiTT and the Iraqi army, but together they've shown the ability to overcome adversity.

"They continue to shadow us, and hopefully that will begin to bolster their confidence," said Delagarza.

Along with partnered missions, the MiTT provides other types of training to the Iraqi army to help with their overall development.

"We've done a lot of tactical training with these guys," said Capt. Ryan Hartwig, officer in charge, MiTT 2, 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Division, "like entering and clearing rooms, close-quarters marksmanship and basic movement formations."

"Any support that we provide these guys, they seem to have an open ear to what we're saying," he said. "I think they have a lot of respect for our Army."

"I'm finding out that a lot of them have been in the army for a long time, and they've got some great ideas, said Capt. John Stroh, MiTT 2, 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Div.

One thing the experienced Iraqi soldiers cannot bring with them is the benefits of a strong NCO Corps, since it virtually did not exist.

There is a reason the United States has such a professional Army, said Hartwig. "We have an NCO Corps, and we're trying to build theirs."

One of the biggest steps taken to help build the Iraqi army NCO Corps is the establishment of the first Primary Leadership Development Course.

"We went over troop-leading procedures, how to do inspections, military values, officer and NCO relationships, map reading, patrols and convoy operations," said Staff Sgt. Justin Seimet, 2nd BCT MiTT platoon Sgt. and IA PLDC instructor.

In January 2005, the course graduated its" first students. Those graduates are just the beginning of the professional development plan under way for the Iraqi army. For two weeks following their graduation, those first PLDC students received the training necessary to begin teaching the course themselves.

"We hope that starting some time in February, they will take over the school," said Seimet.

The difference in the level of responsibility in the NCO Corps, from the former Iraqi army to the current one, is a significant obstacle the Iraqis are working to overcome.

According to Seimet, his students impressed him with their ability and eagerness to learn new information and then apply it in tactical situations.

With the Iraqi army making progress in its tactical and professional development almost every day, it's not hard to look forward to what the future might hold.

"My hope is that I work myself out of a job," said Stroh. "I would like to go down to the Iraqi army compound and they tell me they've got everything under control."

With the continued dedication of the MiTT Soldiers and the hard work of their Iraqi counterparts, that goal can become a reality.

• Date Taken: 01.24.2006
• Date Posted: 01.24.2006 11:26
• Story ID: 5185
• Location: MAHMUDIYAH, IQ