Iraqi Army prepares for Operation Lion’s Leap

United States Division-North
Story by Spc. Andrew Ingram

Date: 04.10.2011
Posted: 04.13.2011 11:00
News ID: 68676
Iraqi Army prepares for Operation Lion’s Leap

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – U.S. and Iraqi Army leaders began planning and rehearsal for the 12th Iraqi Army Division’s capstone training exercise, Operation Lion’s Leap, during a preparation meeting at Mahgoor Training Site, Kirkuk province, April 10.

Col. Michael Pappal, commander, 1st AATF, and members of 12th IA Div. Stability Transition Team observed rehearsals as Iraqi soldiers practiced for the full spectrum live fire exercise slated to take place, April 24.

Iraqi leaders plan to showcase the division’s tactics and progress made during Operation New Dawn as mortar crews, forward ground troops and air assets all integrate to assault an “enemy” objective.

While U.S. forces give suggestions and support during the preparation phase, Iraqi forces will conduct the live fire operation completely on their own, said Lt. Col. John Poppie, 12th IA Div. STT chief, 1st AATF.

“We are trying to give them some assistance now during the train-up,” said Poppie, who hails from Spokane, Wash. “But when it comes to the exercise itself they will handle everything on their own.”

Iraqi leaders said the goal of Lion’s Leap is to build trust in Iraqi military forces and boost national pride for Iraqi citizens.

“Overall, this training is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Iraqi Army,” Poppie said. “It is important for the people of Iraq to understand that they can rely on their army to keep them safe.”

Iraqi soldiers also benefit from the live fire exercise because many different military assets will work together to accomplish a common objective in a realistic training environment, explained Poppie.

“Mortar teams will fire live rounds as the commandos and special forces units fulfill their objectives using live AK-47 rounds,” he said. “Iraqi soldiers, like any soldiers, love to shoot, and they are very excited about this event.”

Many Iraqi soldiers benefitted from the train-up for Operation Lion’s Leap, said Warrant Officer Mubrad, Commando Battalion, 12th IA Div.

“We have been working hard to get ready for the demonstration,” said Mubrad. “Already our soldiers have learned a lot, but I believe they will learn much more during the demonstration when they have live ammunition and the mortars are firing because it will show the soldiers how to operate in real combat.”

Iraqi and U.S. military leaders attending the demonstration will be impressed with the speed and efficiency the commandos display as they accomplish their mission, Mubrad said.

Large scale training events like Operation Lion’s Leap are vital to the growth of both the soldiers on the ground and the Iraqi leadership, said Pappal.

“They are doing more than just training,” he said. “They are learning how to train; knowing how to train is an integral part in the development of a new military force.”

Iraqi soldiers are slated to begin Operation Lion’s Leap exercises, April 18, and culminate the event with the live fire exercise before graduating at the end of the