COMBAT OUTPOST NORTH, AL QA'IM, Iraq -- Much can be said of Marine Corps training. Rigorous, intense and comprehensive are a few descriptions that help construct the profile.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division, are not only engaged in a constant training cycle with Marines at Combat Outpost North, Al Qa’im, Iraq, they are also excelling at it.
Amid the brisk winter breeze, Military Transition Team members partnered with Marines from Weapons Company, Task Force 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, integrated key Iraqi Army soldiers into their execution of several reactionary drills.
Iraqi Army soldiers observed and then participated in immediate action and break contact drills with the Marines, so they could, in turn, teach their junior soldiers the same tactics and procedures.
“It’s very important to integrate our training,” said Staff Sgt. Charles D. Cox, a section leader for Weapons Company. “If we don’t integrate, and it comes time for us to do a joint operation, not everyone will be on the same sheet of music. Should something happen, everyone needs to know how to react.”
Training side by side while stationed together at COP North, the Marines and Iraqi Army interact with each other on a daily basis.
“The closer we live, the faster they learn and the better they pick up on our techniques,” said Cpl. Aaron Missey, a squad leader with Weapons Company. “It’s only a matter of time until we can all go home, and they can be secure in the fact that they have enough knowledge to stand on their own against oppressive forces.”
The Iraqi Army at COP North has gained the respect and admiration of their Marine comrades and continue to excel at their training.
“These guys we had out here today did exceptionally well,” said Cox. “They were hand picked by their company as some of their best shooters and top (noncommissioned officers). Now it’s on them to go back to show the rest of their men and teach them how to use these procedures.”
The Marines consistently observe the progress and proficiency of the Iraqi Army, confirming the effectiveness of the training they undergo.
“The following days after an (Enhanced Marksmanship Program), we could tell that they continued to practice while we were away,” said Missey. “We’re not just firing off blank rounds. The things that we’re teaching them in training, they’re actually incorporating into their military tactics.”
After a hard days training, the Iraqi Army soldiers were extremely pleased with the new techniques and tactics they learned from MTT.
“The training was very good, very useful,” said one of the soldiers. “We’re 100 percent happy.”
With some Marine Corps training and a strong desire to rid Iraq of the remaining terrorist elements in the region, the Iraqi Army soldiers from 1st Bn., 3rd Brigade, have all they need to achieve their mission.