Iraqi Federal Police partner with Task Force Eagle

Courtesy Photo | A soldier, from Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, demonstrates to members of the Iraqi Federal Police the concept of a 10-digit grid coordinate on a GPS unit, familiarizing them with its different functions.  

AMARA, IRAQ

09.17.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By 1st Lt. Conor Trulsson

AMARA, Iraq – Soldiers of Task Force Eagle, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division recently instructed several classes in an effort to further assist the Iraqi Federal Police as they conduct operations throughout Maysan Province and potentially all of Iraq.

The federal police requested specific training from Co. A to facilitate their development and overall abilities. The U.S. soldiers responded with a series of training programs designed to meet the unique nature of the Federal Police mission in Maysan.

Sgt. Brian Koss, a medic with Co. A, taught the first class on medical treatment for casualties of vehicular accidents. The federal police were given a checklist of priorities as a way to assess the casualty. After learning to conduct an assessment and treat a casualty for various injuries, they learned to use a spine board to remove a casualty from a vehicle without creating further injury.

Following the medical training, the soldiers held classes on using handheld GPS units, map reading, and plotting grid coordinates on a map.

“This particular training is critical to facilitate effective synchronization between the Federal Police and U.S. forces,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Wistoski, a platoon sergeant with Co. A from Lakeside, Ariz.

Next, the American troops conducted checkpoint training, focusing on planning considerations for a checkpoint and search of vehicles and personnel. This instruction was specifically based on the importance of using only the appropriate amount of force necessary.

The FP conducted several search exercises with personnel and vehicles and did well thanks to their past experience, Wistoski said.

Task Force Eagle is planning additional training to cover battle tracking, check point operations, and troop leading procedures. The training is geared toward key leaders that visit the U.S. base in Amara.

“I was impressed with how quickly our Iraqi counterparts are learning everything they are shown,” said Capt. Carlos Flynn, commander of Co. A, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt. from Charlotte, N.C. “So far, the Federal Police seem to be eager learners and very grateful for all the classes they have received.”

• Date Taken: 09.17.2010
• Date Posted: 09.17.2010 19:55
• Story ID: 56510
• Location: AMARA, IQ