Trained in advanced operations, close quarters marksmanship, information gathering and taking action against possible threats, Iraqi commandos have a wide array of skills to teach and guide other Iraqi Army units on how to function in combat.
Now, thanks to special instruction from their US counterparts, Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 32nd Iraqi Army Brigade completed a week-long course and earned their Commando tabs Feb. 12. The 10 graduates will serve as both trainers in the Iraqi Army and a quick reaction force for the upcoming national elections.
The week-long course Aca,!" the first one of its kind conducted by Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Aca,!" instructs the commandos on medical training, land navigation, and physical training along with their combat knowledge.
Staff Sgt. Thomas Aeverman, a Cassville, Mo., native with Aca,!EoeComanche Troop,Aca,!a,,c says the Iraqi Army has improved significantly since his first deployment in 2003.
Aca,!A"What IAca,!a,,cve noticed is how quickly they adapt to the training,Aca,!A? said Aeverman. Aca,!A"ItAca,!a,,cs really amazing to see how fast they get it and how they act on it.Aca,!A?
The senior instructor, 1st Sgt. David Eastabrooks, said the Iraqi Commandos performed well during the course.
Aca,!A"TheyAca,!a,,cre very motivated, very willing to learn,Aca,!A? said Eastabrooks, who has served in the military in Africa and the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. Aca,!A"You can make small corrections, and theyAca,!a,,cll pick up on it immediately.Aca,!A?
The elections March 7 provide a different battle plan for the Soldiers and trainers of Comanche Troop, which is taking an advisory and support role for the Iraqi Army as they secure the country. Aeverman says that he believes the Iraqi Army will do well in securing the elections.
Eastabrooks, a native of Cornwall, N.Y., said his unitAca,!a,,cs training for the Iraqi Commandos is a strong step forward.
Aca,!A"WeAca,!a,,cre basically working ourselves out of a job,Aca,!A? he said. Aca,!A"This is what we wanted them to do. We want them to take charge and be motivated, so this is a step in the right direction.Aca,!A?
Another class of Iraqi commandos is scheduled to begin within a week to continue giving some of IraqAca,!a,,cs finest Soldiers the lessons needed to improve the abilities of the Iraqi Army as they take a larger role in defending their country.
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