Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
16 July 2007
AUSTRALIA TRAINS TROOPS FOR BAGHDAD OPS
Soldiers of the OBG(W)-3 have provided advanced training in urban operations for an Iraqi Army battalion that is scheduled to deploy to Baghdad in August to support security operations.
Australian soldiers from Combat Team Sabre and the Divisional Training Centre - North ( DTC -N) provided a one week training package for the 1 st Infantry Battalion(Bn) of the 3 rd Brigade from the 10 th Division of the Iraqi Army, in July.
The 750 soldiers of the 1 st Bn will support Iraqi Army brigades and US Forces conducting Operation Phantom Thunder, the main security operation in Baghdad.
OC DTC-N, Major Rod Clavan, said the training program conducted by the Australians will help the Iraqi Security Forces develop their capacity to stabilise the security situation.
"The comprehensive five day training program has equipped the soldiers of the 1 st Bn 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 weapon training included instruction by Australian soldiers on marksmanship skills using the Kalashnikov AK-47 and the DShK 12.7mm heavy machine-gun.
Major Clavan presented certificates of achievement to the Iraqi soldiers who successfully completed the course which was conducted at Camp Mittica , in Dhi Qar province, in July.
The success of the training package can in part be attributed to the Australian military's "hands-on-style" of mentoring, which appeals to the Iraqi soldiers.
The Australians trained the troops of the 1 st Bn, one company at a time, which allowed the Diggers to mentor and monitor each Iraqi soldier.
The Australians would explain drills and tactics using maps and diagrams, demonstrating them using their own troops, and then mentor the Iraqis as they conducted their drills.
SGT John Smallcomb said the lecture he gave on patrolling in urban terrain would be particularly useful for the Iraqi soldiers when they commence security operations in Baghdad .
Sgt Smallcomb, of Combat Team Sabre, said "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 when they deploy to 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, the 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.
"The Geneva Conventions may not apply as a matter of law to all operations that the Iraqi Army is undertaking, but it is important that they understand and apply the core principles of the laws of armed conflict," he said.
The training today consisted of practical scenarios designed to reinforce the message that tactical operations can be conducted successfully whilst at the same time ensuring respect for civilians, the wounded and surrendering, and the inherent rights of all individuals in accordance with common article 3 of the Geneva Conventions."
The Iraqis were highly impressed with the training and the level of professionalism.
OC 4 th Coy, Lt Ali Khafaji, told Army News that "the advanced infantry skills course was ideal preparation for the deployment to Baghdad .
"The training the Australian soldiers provided was very good and we are now ready to conduct a range of challenging security tasks in Baghdad ."
OC 2 nd Coy, Abdullah Ahmir, said "the extra training has been very good for the Iraqi soldiers."
CO OBG(W)-3, Lt-Col Jake Ellwood, said the 3 rd Brigade's successful security operations in An Nasiriyah in June demonstrates that the Iraqi Security Forces are developing their capacity to stabilise the security situation. Australian training programs like that provided for the 1 st Battalion in July, are supporting the Iraqi Security Forces as they develop their capabilities
The Iraqi Security Forces will play an important role in helping the country achieve political and economic stability, which will lead to the day when Iraqis can take control of their own future.
| 20070707army8500215_003 The Commanding Officer of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3, Lt-Col Jake Ellwood, congratulates Lt Ali, the commander of Delta Company, for successfully completing the advanced infantry skills course conducted by the Australian Army. (Date taken: 07 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070707army8500215_011 Warrant Officer Steven Boye demonstrates how to aim a rifle during a lecture on marksmanship during a training program at Camp Mittica, in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 07 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070707army8500215_012 Warrant Officer Steve Boyes shows Iraqi soldiers how to improve their marksmanship skills during an advanced infantry skills course at Camp Mittica, in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 07 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070707army8500215_018 Two Australian soldiers mentor an Iraqi soldier during marksmanship training at Camp Mittica, in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 07 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070707army8500215_019 Private Hyder, of the 4th Company, 1st Battalion, shows his AK-47 assault rifle to Captain Tim Maariyants, of the Military Training Team during marksmanship training at Camp Mittica, in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 07 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070707army8500215_020 Iraqi soldiers from the 4th Company, 1st Battalion, rest in the shade during a lecture on patrolling in complex urban terrain. (Date taken: 07 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070707army8500215_021 Warrant Officer Wayne Lampard keeps an eye on Iraqi soldiers as they load their AK-47 rifles during marksmanship training at Camp Mittica, in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 07 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070707army8500215_026 Warrant Officer Wayne Lampard helps an Iraqi soldier steady himself while taking aim with an AK-47 rifle during marksmanship training at Camp Mittica, in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 07 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070707army8500215_028 An Iraqi soldier fires his AK-47 at a target after receiving marksmanship training from Australian soldiers at Camp Mittica in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 07 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070707army8500215_032 Members of the 4th Company, 1st Battalion, pose with the certificates of achievement that they were awarded by the Australian Army after completing an advanced infantry skills course in preparation for their deployment to Baghdad. (Date taken: 07 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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