Training Iraq's Future Leaders

Photo By Sgt. Dennis Gravelle | Brig. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger, commander, Coalition Military Assistance Training Team (right), Lt. Col. John Norris, battalion commander, 4th Bn, 23rd Inf. Rgt. and Iraqi Lt. Col. Yaseem, who is the IA commandant for the Hammam Al Alil Regional Training Center, discuss the furture growth and capabilities of CMATT. CMATT is responsible for the Iraqi Army's training in Iraq. The Al Alil RTC is one of six training centers that he is responsible for.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

02.22.2006

Courtesy Story

345th Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle and Spc. L.C. Campbell
138th Mobile Public Affairs detachment

MOSUL, Iraq (16 Feb. 06) --The future of a successful Iraq begins with the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police. Having them trained properly is an important step in accomplishing that goal.

The Hammam Al Alil Regional Training Center provides that first major step in helping the IA and IP gain the confidence they need to professionally handle any emergency situation.

The training center, designed for centralized training of the IA and IP held a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of the RTC.

"What has been accomplished over the past several months has been unbelievable, it would not have been possible without the help of the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army, and also the citizens of Mosul," said Lt. Col. John Norrris, battalion commander, 4th Bn, 23rd Inf. Rgt.

During an Iraqi Soldiers career he will attend different stages of learning at the training center. One of those stages is the Junior Officer Development Course which lasts 24 days. It combines basic Soldier skills, leadership training, and intense physical training, raising the overall effectiveness of platoon leaders. Upon completion of the course, platoon leaders will return to their assigned units better trained and more proficient.

In January, 21 Soldiers graduated from the first squad leaders course held at RTC. The course is designed to teach Iraqi soldiers how to conduct basic military skills such as drill and ceremony, basic Soldier common task skills, basic rifle marksmanship, military operations in urban terrain and training on improvised explosive devices. The Soldiers endured an intense six-week course of military training before returning to their assigned units.

Also at the RTC, Iraqi Police will receive a Police Basic Skills Course that will train recruits on basic law, human rights, detainee and basic police operations.

Iraqi Army medics will attend a 30 day training course teaching Soldiers their basics in treating injuries on the battlefield. Throughout the course each Soldier is trained how to control bleeding and shock, CPR, airway management, how to treat a chest injury, and administering an IV.

All of the courses taught at the RTC are designed to give the IA and the IP the professional skills needed to take the next step in securing Iraq's future as a new nation free from terrorism.

• Date Taken: 02.22.2006
• Date Posted: 02.22.2006 11:26
• Story ID: 5464
• Location: MOSUL, IQ