Bastogne Soldiers Train Iraqi Platoon

Photo By Sgt. Barbara Ospina | Spc. Justin Prince, Bastogne Soldier from the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment and native of Clifton, Texas, checks a target during training with Iraqi soldiers in Hawijah, Iraq. Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division have been training the Iraqi Army since arriving in Iraq in November of last year.  

HAWIJA, IRAQ

03.31.2006

Courtesy Story

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Sgt. 1st Class Paul Schultz

HAWIJAH, Iraq - More than 60 Iraqi Soldiers, from three separate units, graduated platoon-level training in Hawijah this week, increasing the effectiveness of the Iraqi Army in the War on Terror, and taking another step toward autonomy in protecting citizens of the region.

Bastogne Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 101st Airborne Division, currently stationed in northern Iraq, are using a series of week-long classes to teach Iraqi soldiers how to use a variety of weapon systems as well as room clearing techniques used during cordon and search missions. The Platoon Training Course gives the Iraqi soldiers confidence in their ability to work as a cohesive unit, as well as experience at performing the tasks they will perform in the defense of the country.

"The soldiers show up a little apprehensive, and maybe even a little intimidated," stated Major Greg Bishop, spokesman for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, stationed in Kirkuk, Iraq. "But, with the Bastogne Soldiers encouraging them, their motivation and performance improve once they start catching on."

Thirteen platoons from the 5th Iraqi Army Battalion have completed Phase 1 of the Platoon Training Course, and six platoons from the 1st Iraqi Army Battalion have completed Phase 2.

• Date Taken: 03.31.2006
• Date Posted: 03.31.2006 16:28
• Story ID: 5920
• Location: HAWIJA, IQ