Iraqi Army combat engineers and bomb disposal validate

Photo By Spc. Leigh Campbell | Iraqi Army bomb disposal and combat engineer Soldiers learn how to set up electrical detonation systems at the Al Kindi training facility, Mosul, Iraq. This is part of a seven day training course, were IA Soldier are taught advanced marksmanship and tactics by Iraqi non-commissioned officers.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

05.02.2006

Story by Spc. Leigh Campbell 

138th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq - The Iraqi Army bomb disposal and combat engineers validated their explosive skills with help from U.S. forces, at the Al Kindi training facility in Mosul, Iraq.

U.S. forces worked with IABD and combat engineer leadership to validate all the skills necessary to fight the insurgency. Iraqi Army bomb disposal and combat engineers showed there skills in electrical detonation systems.

"I was assigned to this mission to validate the Iraq Army Bomb Disposal, and to validate the training they received in Basra," Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Ellette, response non-commissioned officer technical escort, 752nd Explosive Ordinance Disposal. "This includes basic fuse identification, and basic demolition."

According to Ellette, the class started by validating them on basic demolition procedures and non-electrical systems. The class then was validated on identifying unexploded ordnance and using UXO identification guides. The IABD was then validated on electrical systems and larger demolition.

"Our primary mission here is to train the IA engineers and to work hand and hand with explosive ordinance disposal to train the Iraqi bomb disposal company," said Staff Sgt. Jody Mills, 562 Engineer Company, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

According to Mills, at the beginning of the course U.S. Soldiers work hard with Iraqi Army officers and non-commissioned officers. There goals was to get the IA leadership to take control of the training, with guidance from the U.S. Soldiers.

"Engineers and EOD work with demolitions. They have specifically different types of missions, but they both work with explosives," said Mills. "It's a good fit for us to teach basic electrical systems to both groups at the same time, so they can share their training experiences to become a stronger team."

According to Ellette, their main goal is to get the IABD working independently. We want them to be able to respond to any situation at any time of the day. The IABD works throughout Mosul and the north-western part of Iraq.

"As EOD and engineers work together they will learn what each others capabilities are," said Mills. "Its all about a team concept and helping them know their role."

• Date Taken: 05.02.2006
• Date Posted: 05.02.2006 09:22
• Story ID: 6209
• Location: MOSUL, IQ