Heavy hitter: Sgt John Smallcombe conducts a clearance drill with the DShKa 12.7mm heavy machine-gun during an advanced infantry skills course for Iraqi soldiers at Camp Mittica. Photos by Capt Michael Brooke
OVERWATCH Battle Group (West) 3 soldiers provided advanced training in urban operations for an Iraqi Army battalion that deployed to Baghdad to support security operations last month.
Troops from Combat Team Sabre and the Divisional Training Centre – North (DTC-N) provided a one-week training package for 1 Inf Bn, 3 Bde, from the Iraqi Army’s 10 Div.
The battalion’s 750 soldiers are supporting Iraqi Army brigades and US forces conducting Operation Phantom Thunder, the main security operation in Baghdad.
OC DTC-N Maj Rod Clavan said the training program would help the Iraqi Security Forces develop their capacity to stabilise the security situation.
“The comprehensive five-day training program has equipped the Iraqi soldiers with the advanced infantry skills they require to conduct security operations in complex urban terrain,” he said.
The advanced infantry skills course consisted of counter-IED training, dismounted patrols in an urban environment, vehicle check points, cordon and search operations, base security and sentries, combat first aid and weapons skills.
The training included instruction on marksmanship skills using the Kalashnikov AK-47 and the DShKa 12.7mm heavy machine-gun.
Maj Clavan presented certificates of achievement to the Iraqi soldiers who successfully completed the course, which was conducted at Camp Mittica, in Dhi Qar province.
The Australians explained drills and tactics using maps and diagrams, demonstrating them using their own troops, and then mentored the Iraqis as they conducted their drills.
Sgt John Smallcomb, Combat Team Sabre, gave a lecture on patrolling in urban terrain.
“The Iraqis showed great enthusiasm for learning new tactics and techniques. They are very keen to improve their professional military skills, which will benefit them greatly in Baghdad,” he said.
The Australians taught the Iraqis many important tactics for urban operations, but one of the important topics related to adherence to international humanitarian law.
Capt Gerard O’Shea, OBG(W)3 lawyer, said the purpose of the training was to equip the Iraqi soldiers to win the moral as well as the tactical victory.
