<B> FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq </B>- A Soldier, in full battle gear with his M-4 rifle in hand, stands in front of the formation, demonstrating firing techniques, as another Soldier moves through the ranks. Row by row, the latter Soldier watches, stopping beside any member of the ranks who appears to be having trouble correctly performing the techniques his battle buddy in front of the group is demonstrating.
The student listens and watches as the Soldier grabs his AK-47 rifle, bends his knees slightly, demonstrating a correct firing stance. The student retrieves his weapon, repeats the Soldier's actions properly and turns to the Soldier, smiles and says, "Shukran," Arabic for "thank you."
This event was part of the training of 3rd Federal Police Division by members of Task Force Marne's 3rd Federal Police Division Transition Team stationed at Forward Operating Base Marez in northern Iraq, Dec. 18.
After briefly quizzing the policemen on the four-step firing process they learned the previous day, the Soldiers showed the group of policemen how to properly execute the firing positions step-by-step, while also explaining the importance of having disciplined and uniformed firing positions.
Master Sergeant Todd Bacon, 3rd Federal Police Division Transition Team and noncommissioned officer in charge of the training, said that the training would definitely be helpful to the policemen while on duty.
"Today, we taught them correct reflexive firing positions," he said. "We taught them how to turn, pivot left, right, or to the rear and fire. I also made sure to tell them to always position their armor toward the enemy, and that while it may be more comfortable to fire from the side, that leaves more of their body that is not protected exposed."
Sergeant First Class Edwin C. Frates, 3rd Federal Police Division Transition Team, said that the policemen soaked up the training with ease.
"The guys listened to the interpreter as he translated Master Sgt. Bacon's words; they followed orders really well," said Sgt. 1st Class Frates. "Hopefully, they will take some of this training home with them, practice it, and apply it when they are out on patrol."
Sergeant First Class Frates also said it made him feel good that he and the other Soldiers could be involved in something so productive for both the U.S. Army and the IFP.
"With this training, these guys will be more effective at what they do," said Sgt. 1st Class Frates. "They will be able to protect their citizens and ensure safety in Iraq. This only helps get us all closer to the mission here in Iraq - to stabilize Iraq's security forces and its people."
After practicing the firing stances, the IFP ran through an obstacle course then moved down to the range to test out their newly learned training.
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