Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 081125-03
November 25, 2008
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DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0790-194-0270

Battalion from Iraqi Army 8th Infantry Division completes warfighter training

AN NUMANIYAH, Iraq — The 2nd Battalion, 30th Brigade, 8th Infantry Division, the fourth Iraqi Army battalion to undergo the Warfighter program, celebrated its graduation with a ceremony here Nov. 25.

The Warfighter program, initiated this year in Taji, takes an operational battalion from its usual battle-space to train in collective tactics, beginning at the squad level and moving all the way to maneuver of company-size elements.

The program is revolutionary in the Iraqi Army in that most Soldiers attend Basic Combat Training and then go to a unit either already in the fight or one being generated through Unit Set Fielding. Once in the field and making contact with the enemy, there is little time to come back to the training base. The 21-day Warfighter program builds on skills learned the hard way and gives Soldiers and their leaders a chance for more training.

“What it shows you is their [Iraqi Army] capability to do combat operations, sustainment and fielding at the same time,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Lovings, Chief of Plans and Exercises from the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq’s Coalition Army Advisory Training Team.

Before the ceremony, the battalion commander, Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Samir, conducted an after-action review, a process used to identify what went well and what can be improved about the training.

Samir provided an overview of the training accomplishments, discussed problems they encountered and offered his recommendations for improvement.

Iraqi Army Staff Brig. Gen. Mohammad, deputy commander, Tactical Training Command, added that the issues raised in the AAR would lead to better training. “The training center and location command will get better and benefit from your [Samir’s] comments,” he said.

During the ceremony, the battalion was recognized for its achievements during the training.  “The 8th Division and the people of Iraq are proud of you as you all gained new equipment and training.  Keep your weapons and training high so that you can defeat the terrorists once and for all,” said Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Jamil, 8th Infantry Division Deputy Commander.

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