CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq, June 21, 2011 -- Soldiers of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted ambush training with troops from 1st Battalion, 10th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Iraq, June 9, 2011.
As Iraqi Army, or IA, soldiers moved tactically with their squads, U.S. trainers advised them on how to properly set up ambush points and remain unseen by enemy forces.
Iraqi trainees worked with the cavalry troopers to hone individual skills and collectively build defense capabilities.
Once IA soldiers successfully demonstrated setting up an ambush point, U.S. Soldiers taught their Iraqi counterparts how to conduct and react to an ambush.
"Ambush is an element of surprise," said Sgt. Josue Nunez, a cavalry scout assigned to Troop C, 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. "We're preparing them for every situation possible."
As part of the Iraqi Ground Forces Command's initiative called Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All-Inclusive Training, Iraqi soldiers sharpen their infantry skills at the training center, starting at the squad level and ending with a culminating battalion live-fire exercise.
At the conclusion of the month-long training cycle at GWTC, 3rd IA Div. soldiers are slated to join Iraqi Police and 3rd Federal Police Division units during Operation Iron Lion, an ongoing series of exercises demonstrating the collective abilities of Iraqi Security Forces.
"It's important that the Iraqi Security Forces show the local populace they have the ability to defend and uphold their country," said Nunez, currently on his third deployment.
First Lieutenant Adel Gorji, a platoon leader assigned to 1st Bn., 10th Bde., 3rd IA Div., said the training will make his soldiers more proficient and the Iraqi Army a stronger force. In his four years of serving in the Iraqi Army, Gorji trained with U.S. Soldiers twice.
"The way we train now will greatly benefit us in the future. Ambush training is good because it gives us an advantage over the enemy," said Gorji.
Gorji said his soldiers are now ready to independently defend Iraq from threats.
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