BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi unit boundary and hierarchical changes have caused 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division - Center to become partnered with new units.
Most recently, 1st Mechanized Brigade has become attached to the 4th Federal Police Division. In an effort to increase cooperation and aid the brigade, the squadron\'s B Troop has conducted several training courses with their new counterparts. The latest such effort was a map reading course, conducted on April 25 and 26.
The course, covering basic map reading and plotting, was taught to key leaders from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the Maintenance Battalion of the brigade. These leaders will in turn train subordinates, increasing the brigade's overall capability. This will allow the 1st Mech. Bde. better navigate and conduct counter indirect fire operations and also increase relations with the unit.
"We've already built a good relationship with 1st Mech. Bde. and this training only acts to strengthen that cooperation. We hope to do what we can to increase the expertise of an already highly competent unit," said 1st Lt. Aaron Guaderrama, a platoon leader with B Troop.
Map reading is one of the more difficult courses to teach due to the difficulties of describing the grid system and reading maps with a difference in language and reading direction. However, the Iraqi Soldiers quickly started understanding the material, assisting each other, and asked questions to further their understanding of the material.
"It was nice to train in something 1st Mech. wanted and the Soldiers were attentive to," said primary trainer Staff Sgt. Jason Beaudre, platoon sergeant also with B Troop.
Through methods such as "train the trainer" it has been possible for Saber Squadron to further the training of its partner units.
"With this training, they are better prepared for when we are not around to help them," said Staff Sgt. Jose Rosa.
With operations in Iraq closing down, Saber Squadron continues to ensure that its partner units are fully prepared to conduct missions without United States support. B Troop's efforts and the subsequent comprehension displayed by the 1st Mech. Bde. Soldiers suggest a successful future for Iraq.
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