CAMP YASSIR, AL ASAD, Iraq -- Like anything in life worth having, the title of Marine is hard earned. Recruits must endure a grueling 13-week training program before earning their eagle, globe and anchor. If successful, these few will graduate – becoming part of an elite group that accounts for less than 2 percent of the American populace.
Recruit training teaches these men and women the basics of being a Marine. By no means, however, has it prepared them for the rigors of war. To assume so would not only be foolish, it’d be dangerous.
Likewise, Iraqi Army Soldiers need more than just the basics before being thrust into battle. And yet, this is exactly what was in-store for them after boot camp – that is, until now.
Fashioned after the Marine Corps’ version, the IA School of Infantry is a 10-day course designed to train new Soldiers in a variety of advanced infantry tactics.
“Before this course, the IA’s were going straight to their battalions after boot camp,” said Staff Sgt. Aslan Altan, the IA SOI head instructor and founder. “They need this training to survive out there. Without it, it’d be suicide.”
Altan, a scout sniper by trade, has been with the II Marine Expeditionary Force military transition team here since October 2006.
The MiTT is comprised of Marines who imbed and train with Iraqi Army units. It’s their responsibility to make the Iraqi Soldiers a self sustaining force; one that’s capable of taking control of their area of operation.
He initially wanted the IA SOI to mirror the Marine Corps’ in length (39 training days), but the current money situation wouldn’t allow it.
“The IA’s work for 20 days and go on leave for 10,” explained Altan, a native of Steenbergen, Netherlands. “Right now, the only way of getting money back to their families is by hand-delivering it themselves.”
Material covered in the 10-day course included: convoy operations, foot patrols, escalation-of-force procedures, raids, personnel and vehicle searches, AK-47 and PKC Machinegun live-fire ranges and first aid techniques.
“The first time we did this, I taught all the classes while the IA instructors shadowed me,” Altan said. “Some of these guys were in the old Republican Guard for more than 15 years. But at the same time, they don’t know much about sharing knowledge with the younger troops – culturally, it’s a pride thing.”
Case in point, Warrant Officer Ali Kadhm. He served 18 years in the military under Saddam Hussein’s regime. Now, as the assistant chief instructor, he’s working to build a better Army by teaching the new guys from personal experience.
“They only learn the basics in boot camp,” Ali said. “Here, we can teach them more about the area they’ll be operating out of.”
As of right now, this training package is only for Iraqi Soldiers headed to 2nd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division. Within the Al Anbar Province, 2-7 IA’s area of operation, there are three battalions: 1st Battalion in Hit, 2nd Battalion in Haditha and 3rd Battalion in Baghdadi.
“It’s great to have the Marines here,” Ali said. “They truly care about us and want to see us succeed. But I’ve been doing this job for a long time. We know how to deal with our own Soldiers – it’s our responsibility to takeover the training and do it ourselves.”
In contrast, Pvt. Mohammed Hamid is a mere two months out of basic training. Like most Iraqi Soldiers, he’s in it to serve his country and protect his family from terrorists.
“I knew the dangers involved before I joined,” Hamid said. “Maybe I’ll die, but I’m not afraid. The cause we’re fighting for is worth the sacrifice.”
Hamid chose the Iraqi Army over the Iraqi Police because it affords him the opportunity to see other parts of the country that, otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to.
“This course goes much more in-depth than the stuff we were taught in boot camp,” Hamid said. “I learned a lot here.”
Ultimately, this training program is yet another step toward Iraqi sovereignty.
"The U.S. has been pumping money into this war since 2003,” Altan said. “The American people want to see some results. Training the trainers so we can go home – this is what it’s all about. This is a huge step in the right direction.”
The MiTT aboard Camp Yassir is part of Regimental Combat Team 2, a Marine Corps command responsible for more than 25,000 square miles and 5,500 Marines, Soldiers and Sailors in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province.