YEAR IN REVIEW (January -September 2011)

DCG (A&T) DCG (A&T) DCG (A&T) FinalDCG Edition(A&T) DCG (A&T) DCG (A&T) DCG (A&T) DCG (A&T) Final Issue Special edition Final issue Introduction A monthly publication of the United States Forces-, DCG (A&T) Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr., USA In This Issue: As we near the twilight of Operation New Dawn, it is important to keep an eye on the horizon and also Public Affairs Officers 1 Introduction to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished to build future Iraqi success. We’re proud of what our Lt. Col. Mark R. Cheadle, USA team of teams has achieved, and we look forward to continuing our progress. This final edition of the Advisor Maj. Brandon Lingle, USAF magazine chronicles what we’ve accomplished in 2011 with an eye toward the future. When Operation New Dawn began on Sept. 1, 2010, U.S. Forces-Iraq transitioned from conducting combat Advisor Editors and Layout Design operations to performing stability operations with partner Iraqi Security Forces. Since then, we have clearly Staff Sgt. Edward Daileg, USA increased the focus on transition and reposturing efforts, as we begin the final stage in development from a Sgt. Joseph Vine, USA military-led to a civilian-led mission. Mr. Scott Knuteson, USAF From the start of Operation New Dawn, the role of U.S. Forces-Iraq was intended to support the transition to the Department of State and the Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq. In accordance with the Security Arabic-Edition Content Editor 2-10 A “by- Framework Agreement, the goal has always been to transition our mission and reposture our forces as the ISF L. Merogi the-numbers” grew stronger and more capable. The Iraqi Security Forces have moved toward the next level of competency Linguist look at the and confidence. They are successfully completing training on multiple levels and are training their trainers to Garrison Taha Advising deliver the same high quality training into the future. The ISF have moved beyond basic force development and are now focused on force enhancement. And, The Advisor is an authorized publication for and Training members of the U.S. Defense Department and U.S. Forces continue to achieve during one of, if not the most, significant logistics move in the history of the multinational and Iraqi partners. mission modern military. Right now, the transition is in full swing. In September 2010, we had more than 50,000 U.S. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of the U.S. troops in Iraq, today, we have about 12,000, and that number is decreasing according to the plan. government or multinational partners of the U.S. Department of Defense. 12-29 The drawdown of U.S. Forces further demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. to the Security Agreement Direct questions and comments to: DSN: 318-239-5886 A month- with the government and people of Iraq. We will honor this commitment and ensure the safety of our service by-month members and civilians at the same time. The partnership we share with our Iraqi counterparts is not ending. breakdown of The partnership is enduring under the auspices of the Strategic Framework Agreement. Find us on Facebook: As United States Forces-Iraq draws down and the Office of Security Cooperation stands up, we’ll continue http://www.facebook.com/USFI.AandT Iraqi military to empower our Iraqi partners. The hard work is done and the harder work remains. As with any major milestones change, transitions are challenging. We’re confident in the ISF and our ability to rise up to meet these challenges. 30 The future We are very proud to watch the men and women of our military and civilian team stand shoulder to of the ISF and shoulder with the Iraqis and observing, guiding and training their counterparts. You should take great pride to be an integral part of this historic mission as the Iraqis make themselves stronger. On the Cover the Advising Graphic by and Training -With Honor and Success Staff Sgt. Edward Daileg Mission USF-I DCG (A&T) PAO Advisor Editors 30 16 Thirty and 52 certifiedcontrollers Iraqi Airmen are air traffic training. Control Traffic in Air are more The operates 16 Intelligence, 16 Intelligence, operates Iraqi Force Air The an on aircraft and Reconnaissance Surveillance, sorties of three per day. average 6 75 The Iraqi Air Force currently boasts 75 fixed wing aircraft and is slated and is slated wing aircraft boasts 75 fixed currently Iraqi Force Air The 18 purchased also recently Iraqi goverment The 78 in 2012. have to aircraft. F-16 fighter Out of the 5,528 Iraqi mission Airmen 206 are pilots and 47 are ready instructor pilots. Six C-130Js are scheduled for delivery for scheduled to in 2012-2013 Six C-130Js are in the Iraqi Force Air currently C-103Es the three augment inventory. 5,528 10 Ten Iraqi pilots are in the U.S. for for U.S. the in Iraqi are pilots Ten and training fighter multi-role an aviation attending are two leadership program. the BY numbers Air Force 54 Fifty-six of 1,026 M113 1,026 M113 of Fifty-six carriers personnel armored De- Taji. Camp at are of and handover processing be to all M113s is scheduled 2012. March by completed 140 56 Fifty-four M198 Howitzers have been have M198 Howitzers Fifty-four Forty-one are Taji. Camp to delivered the Iraqi to be transfered to ready Army. 24 140 M1A1 Tanks have arrived at FOB at arrived have Tanks 140 M1A1 de-processed 123 are and 85 Hammer, the . to been transferred have The Iraqi Army IraqiArmy The more has currently than 190,000 Soldiers5,162 and Special Operation Forces. Security Forces. 190,000 16 are ready for use by the Iraqi use by for ready 16 are M109A5 self-propelled Howitzers; Howitzers; M109A5 self-propelled The U.S. Army has deprocessed 24 has deprocessed Army U.S. The 18 Eighteen of 21 M88A2 recovery vehicles have been have vehicles of 21 M88A2 recovery Eighteen the Iraqi Army. to transfered

the BY numbers Army 60 The Iraqi Navy and Marines are operating more than 60 more Iraqi NavyThe operating and Marines are territorial waters. Iraq’s protect to vessels 80 The Iraqi Navy has command and control of the Al Basra Oil Basra of the Al Iraqi and control NavyThe has command will They waters. of their territorial securing 80 percent Terminal, the end of 2011. by responsibility 100 percent have 150 26 The Iraqi Navy used twenty-six defender Iraqi NavyThe used twenty-six defender Oil the Al-Basra secure to class boats Terminal. Iraqi Navy currently has 150 mechanics, electricians, mechanics, has 150 Iraqi Navy currently facility ship repair in a year-long training and welders course. The Iraqi Navy currently has five SWIFT-class SWIFT-class has five Iraqi NavyThe currently conducting its in missions are that boats Patrol expected to are more Seven territorial water. in the near future. arrive 5 The Iraqi Navy has more than Iraqi NavyThe has more Sailors 4,163 Marines. and in are Eightystudents 650 than and more training 30 different from graduated in 2011. date to courses 4,163

theThe BY numbers Navy / MARINES 23 175 Twenty three Counter-Explosive Teams have been have Teams Counter-Explosive three Twenty Iraqiestablished with a $23 million Security Forces will be teams more Seventeen funding initiative. 2011. December established by One hundred seventy-five armored support armored vehicles seventy-five hundred One and 80 Police Federal to the been fielded have by 2012. will be fielded more 10 The Iraqi Criminal Evidence Iraqi Criminal Evidence The 10 labs with will have Directorate five capability, full comparatives labs with chemistry forensics labs with and four capability, ability DNA forensics 1,000 485, 471 More than 1,000 Oil Police personnel received personnel received than 1,000 Oil Police More 38 inception; since training oil police advanced the train-the-trainercompleted course. 485,471 Iraqi Police are currently currently are 485,471 Iraqi Police conducting security internal operations Iraq. throughout Border police police Border presently 3,631 enforce kilometers of sovereign Iraqi Border. 4,389 3,631 4,389 Police Officers are Officers 4,389 Police ranging in training currently specialty to basic recruit from training. and advanced the BY numbers Police B ISF Primary Training Sites Y the numbers 5 19

Iraqi Army Aviation currently Erbil has 22 training helicopters. Including 19 Bell Jet Rangers and three Bell T-407. Kirkuk Training Center

Army Avi a tion 62

Kirkush Training Center

2,486 International Zone Taji Training Center

Iraqi Aviation Command Habbaniyah Training Center

currently has 2,486 personnel with four operation squadrons , three activating squadrons and Besmaya two flight training squadrons.

Iraqi Aviation Command has 62 operational mission aircrafts, 22 are Mi-171s.

The Iraqi Army Aviation Command Basrah had a monthly average of 1,169.48 Umm Qasr Naval Training Center flight hours in 2011. The average month hours is an increase of flight hours from the previous two years of flying. 1,169 will provide the Iraqi Army Aviation Command with facilities to conduct maintenance on their rotary- wing aircraft, protected from A month of ‘Firsts’ the harsh environs of Iraq and January will provide them with needed office space and a simulator room in which to train their 2011 kicked off with high-profile Kelvin N. Dixon, ITAM-Navy director. 1988 graduate of the school. “English is pilots,” said U.S. Army Maj. events for both the U.S. Advising and The firsts continued with the Iraqi the international language of aviation. John Stover, officer-in-charge Training mission and the Iraqi Security Air Force’s first real-world Intelligence, This computer laboratory will increase the of the U.S. Army Corps Forces to include Lt. Gen. Michael Surveillance and Reconnaissance support level of learning by 25 percent or more, of Engineers Gulf Region Ferriter assuming command of United mission to approximately 4 million immediately.” Division’s Taji project office. States Forces-Iraq deputy commanding The Iraqi Air Force acquired As January continued, general of Advising and Training. a European Organization for the ITAM–Army helped open the During the change of command “I’m eager to Exploitation of Meteorological Satellite to Al-Ghuzlani Training Center ceremony, Ferriter said, “I’m eager to help create an deliver weather and climate data, images with a training exercise for help create an even stronger partnership and products 24-hours a day to Iraqi 560 Iraqi Army Soldiers as between Iraq, the U.S. forces and the U.S. even stronger meteorologists. part of “al-Tadreeb al-Shamil,” Embassy; one that sets the conditions for partnership “This system provides real-time or collective training. a successful transition and a stable Iraq for aviation weather information as the basis between Iraq, the “We’re teaching them years to come.” for decision support for all meteorological techniques used by American The day after the change of command, U.S. forces and the support activities spanning Iraq,” said Three Iraqi physical therapists attend a six-week training course working with amputees and fighters,” said U.S. Army 1st U.S. and Iraqi forces celebrated Iraqi U.S. Air Force Maj. James Bono, ITAM- prosthetic specialists at Walter Reed Medical Center. (Courtesy photo) U.S. embassy.” Lt. Sean Mitcham, platoon Armed Forces Day Jan. 6, the 90th Air’s senior weather advisor. leader with Troop C, 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. IqA Jundi Anwar Hakim Khidher Al- anniversary of the Iraqi Army. The Iraqi pilgrims during the Arba’een pilgrimage. January also saw the start of the The Iraqi Police Day celebration was a Regt. “Once the training is complete, Janabi, a tank commander with the 9th Navy marked the occasion by completing Also, the Iraqi Air Force Training School first Iraqi-ran depot-level maintenance big success, said Police College they’ll be able to mold it into their own Armd. Div. its first 24-hour-patrol of Iraqi territorial at Taji completed its first Language operations at the Joint Base Workshop Dean Maj. Gen. Riyadh Abdul Baki system to make it work for them.” Iraq’s Ministry of the Interior hosted waters, including the Al Basrah Oil Training Course for pilot candidates while in Taji. Also in Taji, the Iraqi Army Air Salman. ITAM-Army also kicked off the M1A1 the 89th Police Day Ceremony followed Terminal, in Patrol Boat 301. Iraqi Navy the Ministry of Defense installed English Command received the first two of 24 In addition to military and security Abrams Main Battle Tank Modernization by the graduation of 2,350 police Lt. Abdul, the ship’s captain, said the language labs at the Air Force College on Euro Copters equipped with laser-guided training, three Iraqi biologist and chemist Program with M1A1 familiarization lieutenants including 80 females. During historic patrol marks a great moment in Contingency Operating Base Speicher missiles and opened the largest free-span medical officers received specialized classes for 140 tank crews. the ceremony, members of Iraq’s police the development of the Iraqi Navy. and at the Iraqi Language Institute in the building in the Middle East–a 15-meter training in research in the U.S. and three “We focus on driving M1A1s to drive services marched across the Baghdad “It was a significant day, especially International Zone in Baghdad. tall and 76-meter long Mi-17 helicopter physical therapists attended a six-week Iraq forward into the future and for the Police College’s parade field rendering since the patrol was a part of Iraqi Armed “Aviation is different than ground hanger. training course working with amputees betterment of the people of Iraq,” said salutes and chanting “Long, live Iraq!” Forces Day,” he said. skills,” said Staff Brig. Gen. Ali Hasan, “The completion of the Mi-17 hangar and prosthetic specialists at Walter Reed “The crew has been conducting Iraqi Air Force College commander and and squadron operations building Medical Center in D.C. training since September,” Iraqi Army 2nd Lt. Ali Nsaif said said United Kingdom he benefited from the expertise of the Royal Navy Lt. Richard hospital’s physical therapists and has Hurman, a Coalition learned new exercise techniques he Naval Advisory Training plans to use with his patients in the Team advisor. Iraqi Army. He said, “they [Walter The Iraqi Navy also Reed] are focused on the patient and took delivery of patrol are there through the whole process of boats 302 and 303 from recovery.” U.S. Forces. “The arrival of the Iraqi Army Soldiers train on the M1A1 Main Battle Tank at the Besmaya new swift-patrol boats training center in Baghdad. ITAM- embodies the continued Army helped open the Al-Ghuzlani expansion of the Iraqi training center and kicked off Navy in an effort to patrol the M1A1 Abrams Modernization their territorial waters and program with M1A1 familiarization protect important pieces classes for 140 tank crews. (DCG A&T of national infrastructure,” Iraqi Mi-171 Helicopters fly in formation during Iraqi Armed forces day Jan 6, Baghdad. (DCG A&T Public Affairs photo) said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Public Affairs Photo) Strengthening the February force The steady progress of an esprit de corps; a pride in more firsts in February with Center. This was the first the Iraqi Security Forces service appearing to come the opening of a new $5.7 M1A1 operator course continued throughout back,” he said. million Iraqi Air Operations featuring Iraqi Army Soldiers February. From patrol boats ITAM-MoI strengthened Center on Hawk base, and as primary instructors. in Umm Qasr to humvees the start of the first Ground “In the future, we will at Taji or broadcasters Support Officer class at COB train other Iraqi Soldiers and network operators in “There is Speicher for 136 officers. about this tank,” said Iraqi Baghdad, the signs of a “ITAM-Air’s advisors Army Capt. Mouhaned, strengthening force were a definite have made progress by a student in the M1A1 visible throughout Iraq. pride exposing Iraqi leadership to operator course. ITAM-Navy certified the philosophy that joint The M1A1 unit Iraqi Navy crews in Swift returning integration between forces is maintenance course patrol boats 302 and 303 the modern way to effectively covered material ranging for operational tasking, and to the Iraqi assist security operations,” from diagnosing and workers finished construction said U.S. Air Force Maj. troubleshooting malfunctions of the Ship Repair Facility Navy.” Pete Schnobrich, ITAM-Air to performing on-board in Umm Qasr. There is a Advisor. “This concept is support on the turret system. definite pride returning to the Iraqi MoI’s vehicle new to the Iraqi military, “The UMNET course the Iraqi Navy, said U.S. fleet by transferring 430 particularly when it comes to will teach them how to Zeravani Police demonstrate hand-to-hand combat skills as part of graduation ceremony activities following a specialized Carabinieri Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard non-tactical vehicles, 320 the operational and tactical maintain the M1A1,” said training course at the Federal Police Special Training Academy at Camp Dublin. (DCG A&T Public Affairs photo) Jones, an engineering officer humvees and 40 flatbed employment of forces.” U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class for the U.S. Army Corps of trailers to Iraq, through the Iraqi Soldiers began Jose Rodriguez-Barajas, an be turret mechanics.” Iraq’s first Computer and Relations Department. ISF. Engineers. U.S. Equipment Transfer M1A1 operator and ITAM-Army operations For the Italian Carabinieri Information Technology “This advanced class “It was rewarding to share “Through my interaction Program. maintenance training at noncommissioned officer. of NATO Training Mission- Training Network Course at is filled with all the information with the Iraqis,” with the Iraqi Navy, there is The Iraqi Air Force had Besmaya Combat Training “[It will] teach them how to Iraq, February marked the the MoD’s Development and requirements for videography said U.S. Air Force Maj. Joe graduation of nearly 650 Training Center. Cardenas who helped teach students from their Iraqi “This is another step in “...Joint the course. Federal Police Dignitary what I know will be a good Later in the month, Protection and Personal investment in the people integration ITAM-MoD Intelligence Security Course at Camp who are going to take care advisors conducted new Dublin in Baghdad. of the technology that will is the equipment training and Instructors trained the carry the Iraqi military capstone exercises for graduates on specialized far into the future,” said modern the 1st, 7th and 12th close-distance protection U.S. Air Force Col. Tina Iraqi Army Division techniques and advanced- Harvey, director of USF-I’s way to Intelligence, Surveillance driving techniques, said J-6 Iraq Communications and Reconnaissance teams staff Lt. Gen. Husayn Jasim Coordination Element. effectively certifying them capable of Muhammad al-Awadi, Iraqi Other ISF communication providing tactical intelligence Federal Police commander. enhancements included U.S.- assist support. The graduation of this Iraqi information-sharing security For the ITAM-Police personal security detachment symposium and MoD’s first Federal Police Transition training shows the positive Advanced Broadcasting and operations.” Team and the Iraqi Federal development of the Iraqi TV production workshop. Police, preparing and National Police special- “We now have media training for the “Day of Swift Class Patrol Boat 302 passes by the pier during Iraqi Navy Day in Umm Qasr, Iraq. The crew of Patrol Boat 302 was certified for training institution, al-Awadi units in the Iraqi Army, in and photography,” said Brig. Rage,” one of the largest operational tasking February, 2011. (DCG A&T Public Affairs Photo) said. each unit or division,” said Gen. Ali Muslih al-Jeboury, protests Iraq has seen, was a Also in Baghdad, 30 Qais Subhie Mustafa, a director of Media Relations crucial real-world test. students graduated from member of the MoD’s Media for the Chief of Staff of the an actual altitude chamber for initial training in order to fully understand “The INL what can happen to a pilot during emergency situations. team of In March, MoI streamlined their recruiting process with an online system experts will Milestones Achieved to aid in selecting the best-qualified March police and officer candidates while provide In March, Iraqi training and capacity Baghdad via live video feed from an Hellfire missile–this capability is key to eliminating corruption and fraud continued to grow. From language labs orbiting King Air 350 surveillance the Iraqi Air Force’s ability to provide during the hiring process. sophisticated to Hellfire missiles, forensics equipment plane, while an Iraqi Forward Air internal security and external defense,” ITAM-Police’s fifth and final group to trauma care, the breadth and depth Controller at the Aziziyah range 50 he said. of 350 Explosive Ordnance Disposal tools and of ISF capabilities expanded as U.S. miles away controlled the shot. The first Iraqi Air Force pilot Technicians,100 Federal Police Officers advisors and trainers continued to “This is a great day for the Iraqi Air completed T-6 instructor pilot training and 240 General Counter-Explosive modern enhance ISF abilities. Force,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. and began teaching Iraqi T-6 students. Directorate Officers graduated from the The Iraqi Air Force’s successes Anthony Rock, ITAM-Air director, Iraqi Air Force Lt. Col. Hamid International Mine Action Standards techniques to continued with the demonstration of who observed the mission from an ISR “Godfather” Hussein, Squadron 203 Level-4 Counter-Explosive Training their first solo Hellfire missile launch monitoring station at New Al-Muthana commander, flew a training mission course. improve the... with integrated ground control from Air Base in Baghdad. with an Iraqi student pilot further Also, MoI’s High Institute Iraqi Special Operation Forces March “From the Iraqi forward air developing self-sustaining airpower. He for Security and Administrative Iraqi police....” 23. The Iraqi Air Operations Center controllers coordinating with the attack said with determination, motivation Development labs at Erbil, Mosul and director commanded the mission from aircraft, to the arming and release of the and attention to detail, any Iraqi Basra gained capability to conduct student pilot is capable of doing great digital exploitation forensics training, things for the Iraqi Air Force. enabling investigators to collect “I think it is important for them evidence from electronic devices. MoD to focus on the future of the Iraqi intelligence officials also gained capacity Air Force,” Hussein said. “I also urge in electronic evidence collection by them to learn from examples set by the procuring 140 documentation and instructors they fly with... as they begin media exploitation kits that will help preserve captured hard and electronic data. An Iraqi Army Explosives Ordnance and Bomb “...focus on Additionally, the MoD installed Disposal School student threads a rope through language labs in Taji and Rustimiyah a pulley during an exercise at an EOD range. where members of the ISF, MoI and (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher the future of MoD will be able to learn English and Frost) the languages of other countries who work with Iraq’s government. to identify Iraqi military health needs,” management, leadership and advanced the Iraqi Air In efforts to increase medical said Dr. Adel N. Hansen, the medical policing skills and encourages knowledge throughout the country, advisor and liaison with ITAM-MoD’s community policing – promoting 12 Iraqis completed Biomedical Strategic Advisor Group. detection and prevention of crime in Force.” Maintenance Training and the U.S. By the end of March, more than partnership with the community,” U.S. DoD Institute for Medical Operations 10,500 Iraqis had graduated from MoD State Department officials said. to develop their instructional style and Mobile Education Team taught a Training and Development Center “The Iraqi police have made techniques.” Nurse-Trauma course to 57 MoD, programs and 2,500 completed ethics substantial improvements during the The Iraqi Air Force gained a low cost MoI and Ministry of Health healthcare training at the Center for Military past seven years as we provided the alternative to sending pilots outside providers. Values, Principles and Leadership training and equipment to establish a of Iraq for recurring altitude chamber “The course focuses on emphasizing Development programs. basic foundation of law enforcement training by installing two Reduced the primary things you must focus One glimpse toward the future skills,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Oxygen Breathing Devices. The devices on for a trauma victim to ensure a also came in March, when the State Michael Smith, director of ITAM- simulate hypoxia so pilots can recognize successful outcome – airway, breathing, Department announced that it would Police. “I look forward to continue symptoms of oxygen deprivation in circulation and cervical spine,” said continue efforts to increase Iraqi civilian working with Assistant Secretary time to take proper action. U.S. Air Force Col. Liz J. Bridges, police capacities through the U.S. Brownfield and his INL team…” said “This machine reduces the risk of instructor of the course. “We are going Bureau of International Narcotics and Smith. “The INL team of experts will Law Enforcement Affairs. provide sophisticated tools and modern An Iraqi Air Force pilot inspects an AGM-114 Hellfire missile loaded onto an AC-208 decompression sickness because it through every aspect of trauma care, “On October 1, the State techniques to improve the capabilities Cessna Caravan for an operational exercise March 23. Iraqi Air Force pilots from Squadron doesn’t affect the entire body,” said U.S. going through all the systems, breaking and professionalism of the Iraqi police 3 hit a ground target with guidance and direction from Iraqi Special Operations Forces Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Flecker, them down and bringing them back Department, in partnership with the forward air controllers on the Aziziyah Training Range, south of Baghdad.(U.S. Air Force aerospace operational physiology together.” Government of Iraq, will begin a while earning the trust and confidence photo by Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau) technician. She added that all pilots and “Every year we work with the Iraqi civilian Police Development Program of the Iraqi people.” aircrew members will continue to go to Ministry of Defense’s Surgeon General that focuses on strengthening organization of different communication technologies–such as radio, Internet and telephone–into their own specific frequencies to avoid interference and ensure seamless communication. “Where the Iraqi Army, Navy and Lion’s Leap Air Force are going in communication April is to the next level,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Hank Bond, director of USF- I’s J-6 Communications Directorate. April saw the largest and most Combat Training Center on how to “This school, and the focus on spectrum anticipated event of the year so far–Lion’s operate and maintain the M88A2 management, shows the United States Leap. The ISF demonstrated their full Hercules, a vehicle designed to recover that you are becoming experts in a broad range of capabilities during the joint- the M1A1. part of complex communications.” training exercise, which began operations “We’re trying to build an Iraqi Army ITAM-MoD imagery and Mapping at the Besmaya Combat Training Center that is a viable, and has a sustainable Directorate advisors also provided in late April. The 10-day 4-phase exercise conventional defense capability,” said displayed Iraq’s ability to provide security U.S. Army Lt. Col. David C. Beachman, for the Iraqi people and maintain ITAM-Army senior advisor at BCTC, “Iraq is even stability throughout the region. “soldiers can be trained on how to From planning to execution, ISF maneuver a tank, but if it breaks down were in the lead. All four phases of the and they are unable to tow it back to stronger integrated combined-arms exercise were a maintenance facility to fix it, the conducted at training centers across Iraq, platform won’t be an effective combat including Besmaya, Baghdad, Mahgoor multiplier.” today than and Khor Az-Zubayr. Lion’s Leap In Umm Qasr, the third and final culminated a year of planning and served U.S. based Patrol Boat Training class as a major step in the development of the graduated April 8, and the Iraqi Navy before.” An Iraqi Mi-171 helicopter prepares to drop Iraqi special operations forces personnel into the middle of Exercise Lion’s Leap April 26. ISF. Training Team took the reins for training The demonstration held near Baghdad was just one of several ongoing, multi-phase exercises designed to further integrate the Iraqi geospatial support, imagery and mapping “You (ISF) have achieved your all future patrol boat crews. air force, Iraqi Army Aviation Command and Iraqi army. It was also an opportunity for the Iraqi military to showcase its capabilities. training to the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism goal and Iraq is even stronger today Having the right gear and training (Photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman) Command and Counter-Terrorism than before,” said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. is only part of the battle; professional Service in Baghdad. This training will in the continuing effort to build Officer Daniel Hill and U.S. Army Michael Ferriter, former USF-I deputy militaries also need the technology building upon what we teach, not only help ensure counter-terrorism forces are Iraq’s evidence based legal system in Maj. Kevin Ferner from the 721st Air commanding general for Advising and to support their operations. One way for proficiency, but for safety as well.” at the right place at the right time. accordance with the Rule of Law. Expeditionary Advisory Squadron began Training, when addressing Iraqi troops ITAM-MoD helped Iraqi MoD in this Iraqi Army Aviation Command took To further enable Iraqi investigators For the Iraqi Air Force and Army training more than twenty pilots from during the exercise. “Lion’s Leap ’11 aspect in April was with a Spectrum another step forward after Iraqi T-407 the ability to collect evidence, ITAM- Aviation Command, the first Joint- IqAAC’s Squadron 21. set a template for future Iraqi training. Management course. Spectrum helicopter instructor pilots flew their first Police advisors installed various forensics Crash Rescue exercise at Sather Air Base The planning and execution phases management is the regulation and mission without U.S. advisors April 28. equipment throughout the country involved UH-60s, a Huey 2 and an Mi- of the exercise tested the leadership The T-407 milestone came four 17 helicopter in conjunction with several capabilities of the Iraqi Army, Navy, Air months after U.S. Army Chief Warrant Iraqi Air Base fire departments further Force and Army Aviation Command to illustrates Iraq’s ability to provide crash plan and conduct Iraqi Combined Arms and fire rescue services. U.S. advisors also operations.” hosted a joint coordination exercise at All exercise operations gave positive Kirkuk Regional Air Base. signals and indicate that Iraqi military “This exercise was a stepping stone combat and support is moving forward toward more complex exercises using live in terms of capabilities development, fire in the future,” said U.S. Air Force said Iraqi Army Gen. Babakir Badr-Khan Master Sgt. Sean Beasley, a firefighter Shawkat al-Zibari, chief of staff of the from the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron. Iraqi Armed Forces. “It’s important for the Iraqis to keep ISF members are doing “an honorable task in providing security for the country An Iraqi Commando scans his area during and combating terrorism,” said Iraqi a Joint-Exercise, Lion’s Leap April 26. The Army staff Maj. Gen. Abass Fizza, the exercise was just one of several ongoing, exercise’s deputy director. “In order for multi-phase exercises designed to further you to surpass your peers, you have to integrate Iraq’s Military - the Iraqi Air train and fight professionally.” An Iraqi UH-1 Huey lifts off from the battle scene carrying simulated casualties during Force, Iraqi Army Aviation Command and For one group of Iraqi Army Soldiers, a joint demonstration near Baghdad, April 18. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Randy Iraqi Army came together for a successful April included a course at Besmaya Redman) mission. (Courtesy photo) U.S. and Iraqi Airmen signifying the completion of the Joint Base opened an armory and Workshop integrator effort. To bolster the conducted a joint-base efficiency of the JBW, Iraqi Army Soldiers defense exercise at Ali completed seven months of technical and Base. With help from Lessons learned mechanical M1114 humvee skills training, U.S. Air Force Tech. which will help the ISF maintain their fleet Sgt. Jason Ross, base May of humvees. transition team member, Also at Taji, Air Advisors facilitated Iraqi airmen spent three Throughout May, ISF agencies which make sustained combined arms the grand opening of sheet metals, metals months setting up a performed after action reports, evaluating operational capability possible.” technology and welding shops. The shops secure armory. their performance during Lion’s Leap. This While ISF reviewed their performance, will help in the maintenance of helicopters “In order to provide review process is critical in developing a to planes. force protection they world-class military. The lessons learned will “This accomplishment significantly need weapons and with help the ISF hone future operations and “Our Iraqi advances the Iraqi Army Aviation that, a place to secure further professionalize their organizations. Command’s organic structural-repair their weapons,” said “The Ministry of Defense conducted partners have capability to enhance overall fleet readiness,” Ross. “Right now they informal and formal After Action Reviews explained U.S. Air Force Maj. Claudio have a section of base and is feeding lessons learned into their embraced the Covacci, 721st AEAS maintenance officer. that belongs to them, doctrinal training model cycle to achieve “Over the last several years, the IqAAC and it’s their proving their goal of conducting sustained planning importance sheet metal and machine shop technicians grounds. It’s a big step.” and training execution,” said U.S. Army Lt. have been incrementally growing to Iraqi MoI’s recruiting Gen. Michael Ferriter, deputy commanding of character maturity,” he said. “The newly acquired directorate tested their general for Advising and Training. The repair facilities provide a state-of-the-art online job application MoD “determined, during their assessment development.” capability that builds trust and confidence process that was of Lion’s Leap ’11, the need to develop their U.S. advisors turned over the Small Arms in Iraqi flying operations.” originally implemented strategic logistics and sustainment planning Repair Facility at Camp Taji to the MoD, Construction milestones continued when in March resulting Iraqi Oil Poilice learn riot control techniques from a member of the Italian Caribinieri at a training center in more than 82,600 in Baghdad. Iraqi Oil Police now have their own training center at the Al Dura Oil Refinery. (Courtesy submitted applications photo) for more than 18,000 Counter-Explosive Directorate and the Oil The Federal Police assumed control of openings. Police. the Federal Police Sustainment Brigade ITAM-MoI continued the efforts to The Oil Police also gained their own Facility at Salman Pak, which will be the enable ISF by issuing nearly 570 vehicles training center at the Al Dura Oil Refinery, main logistics hub for the fore. valued in excess of $95 million to the MoI where they will be able to train on-site And finally, May 31 was an important headquarters and various elements of the to protect Iraq’s most abundant natural day for the MoD Character and Ethics Federal Police Sustainment Brigade, General resource. Center as a ceremony, marked the official end of mission for the school’s American advisors. “The ethics center has grown from an idea in 2005 to a self-sustained and self- reliant school that has already trained 2,500 Iraqi soldiers,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Willie Themes, Deputy Chief of ITAM- MoD’s Special Projects Division. “The center continues to be a shining example as it grows course offerings and forges strategic alliances with international humanitarian organizations.” “Our Iraqi partners have embraced the importance of character development in a professional army,” said George Litzsey, ITAM-MoD advisor.

An Iraqi Policeman prepares to throw a simulation flash grenade into a range house as part of a demonstration at the Ministry Iraqi mechanics at the Taji National Maintenance Depot perform maintenance on humvees that will be refurbished and turned of Interior’s National Police Special Training over to the government of Iraq from the United States. The humvees go through numerous tests and checks before the transition Academy at Camp Dublin, Baghdad. (Photo by to ensure the vehicles are ready for the Iraqi Security Forces. (DCG A&T Public Affairs photo) U.S. Army Spc. Timothy Koster) “The ECM is an extremely important for Lt. Hassan, the future will hold interest. “The hope is that in the future defensive system for the aircraft and its a long and successful career as an At MoI’s Training and Qualifications it will be used for regional security aircrew,” explained U.S. Air Force Tech. officer and pilot in the Iraqi Air Force Institute’s Basic Recruit Training course, conferences, as well as in-country senior Sgt. Travis Calmez, avionics and ECM providing peace and stability for his 174 female Facilities Protection Services national security professional education advisor. country.” officers graduated, further diversifying training,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Still going strong “The King Air mission is one of the From fixed-wing trainers to Iraq’s civil service. Christian Ortego, Iraq International June most important airpower missions here,” operational helicopters, the first In a change of scenery for 15 Iraqi Academy program manager. In June, ITAM-Navy / Marines than the previous ledger system and explained U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John analysts, ITAM-MoD’s Director General ITAM-MoD also helped close the advisors witnessed a successful final mitigates discrepancies and chances for Melloy, commander of the U.S. King of Intelligence and Security Advisors contract on the Iraqi MoD Medical evaluation of Swift patrol boat crew corruption. Air advisory squadron. “The King Air facilitated a human-intelligence training Training Institute providing the MoD 305 by the Iraqi Navy Training Team in ITAM-MoI continued their progress “They are is a critical aircraft the Iraqi Air Force course in Romania. The out-of-country Surgeon General’s Office a state-of-the- Umm Qasr. The event marked another with the Civil Defense Directorate [has used] on a daily basis to protect the course reinforces Iraq’s foreign relations art training facility for all Iraqi military milestone in the Iraqi Navy’s efforts working in conjunction with the Bureau population and infrastructure. Now they and diversifies the Iraqi analysts’ medical personnel. to be a self-sustaining force, able to of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and doing great have the capability to maintain and train foundational knowledge. The DCG A&T Public Affairs conduct unilateral patrols. ITAM-Police to teach and eight-day the next generation of technicians.” The GoI made a formal commitment Office hosted an ISF media relations Iraqi leadership with the support arson investigation course to Iraqi The first Iraqi T-6 First Assignment during this to the Iraq International Academy’s roundtable in an effort to foster a of ITAM-Log, directed the issue of firefighter-trainers. Instructor Pilot, Lt. Hassan Ali Al Saedi, future by forming a joint committee to partnership and initiate communication parts-push packages to the medium and “They are doing great during this began teaching Iraqi pilot candidates. develop stronger academic standards. between media relations officials from field workshops to streamline the parts course,” said Mark Bergstresser, an ATF course.” The FAIP program allows new pilots to ISF and the government of Iraq plan to different elements of the GoI, USF-I requisition process. The push packages agent and course instructor. “They are immediately enter training to become joint-exercise with the Iraqi Army Air educate military and civilian personnel and NTM-I, which included members included M1114 humvee parts, picking it up; they are all firemen, and instructors without waiting years to gain Command and Iraqi Special Operation in public administration, management, from the Iraqi MoD, Iraqi Ministry of International truck parts and weapons- they have been firemen for years, so they operational experience. This capability is Forces took place at FOB Bennett to logistics, strategic planning and analysis, National Security and the Iraqi Counter cleaning kits. This was a major step in get it.” essential for rapid airpower growth. bolster inter-service relations. rule of law and governance at the Terrorism Service. distributing repair parts to the points- The Iraqi Air Force also had several “As one of the Iraqi Air Force’s For the Iraqi Police K9 program, school. The academy will also provide a U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Cheadle, of-use and keeping parts in reserve in firsts in June. U.S. Air Force advisors first T-6 FAIPs, Lt. Hassan is going discovering a large cache of mortar centralized location and state-of-the art DCG A&T public affairs officer said, national warehouses. certified the first King Air ISR Mission to rapidly gain experience flying and rounds, rockets and explosively formed facilities for conferences and executive “The goal is to share information MoI’s “eMinistry”–a computer-based System Operator and also certified instructing future pilots--his potential projectiles, is just another day at work. seminars for the government of Iraq and between organizations. We all have the human resources and payroll system– two Iraqi airmen as maintenance is limitless right now,” said U.S. Air The seized cache exemplifies Iraq’s its global partners. same goal of a stronger, united Iraq. came online as the ministry’s payroll instructors on the King Air’s electronic Force Maj. Kent Bolster, training flight growing K9 and police capability. The “It is very important to us because we Speaking with one voice, we are very system. This system is more efficient countermeasure systems. commander and air advisor. “Hopefully, K9 program is nearly two years old put all of these schools here in one area,” powerful.” and will eventually boast more than said Iraqi Staff Maj. Gen. Jasim Saleem 320 working dogs ready to sniff out Hussein Al-Hammadi, National Defense everything from explosives to persons of University president.

Garry Argent, a maintenance contractor, prepares a T-6 Texan II aircraft for for a trainnig mission between the 52nd Expeditionary K9 Handlers School students and explosive detection dogs train together at the Baghdad Police College. The K9 Handlers course is Flying Training Squadron and the Iraqi Air Force Squadron 203, at Camp Speicher, Iraq. The Iraqi training squadron has 11 instructor a two-month class where Iraqi Master K9 Trainers provide training and certify select Iraqi Police as designated explosive-detection pilots trained and ready to carry the torch. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Meares) dog handlers. (DCG A&T Public Affairs photo) Taji’s Air Force Training School. Their Iraqi Army Division for train-the-trainer certifications cemented patrolling marshland in a self-sustaining English training faculty the Maysan Province. and marked the official turnover to the The deliveries didn’t Iraqis. U.S. Advisors also turned over stop there. ITAM-Police The transitions begin control of the Iraqi Air Force College at completed distribution July COB Speicher. of $4.5 million worth of In addition to formal English training aids to Training instruction, some U.S. air advisors Qualifications Institute With the U.S. drawdown just five Border Guard Sailors on small-boat volunteered their time to teach Iraqi centers throughout Iraq months away, transition efforts became operations and the U.S. Marine Training airmen the international language of providing police trainers more apparent in July. Examples of the Team began various types of training with aviation. the capability to sustain ongoing transition effort were apparent the Iraqi Marines. their instruction efforts. throughout Iraq. On territorial waters, in In an exercise between the Iraqi Navy ITAM-Police advisors English language and forensics labs and in and Kuwaiti Coast Guard, the two “It’s the also distributed 1,470 various other Iraqi training facilities, U.S. forces united to foster cooperation when Crime Scene Investigation advisors continued their mission to build dealing with illegal fishermen in territorial Kits to the Iraqi Criminal ISF capacity and capability in the midst of waters, was successful in strengthen their culmination Evidence Directorate, what some considered the largest logistical bonds. This exercise was the first entirely which will enable move in U.S. military history. orchestrated by Iraqi and Kuwaiti forces, of years of properly trained crews The U.S. Navy began transitioning while the U.S. Navy served as observers, to gather evidence in responsibility for Al Basra Oil Terminal said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Aaron Hoff, effort... It’s a support of evidence-based security and the remaining 20 percent of U.S. liaison to the Kuwaiti Coast Guard, prosecutions. Iraqi territorial waters to the Iraqi Navy. who watched from aboard an Iraqi patrol “There is no doubt in This progression marks the culmination boat. victory.” my mind that the Iraqis An Iraqi Judicial Investigator observes latent prints on a water bottle through laser excitation during a of the joint efforts between ITAM-Navy “It’s the culmination of years of effort have it in their capabilities / Marines, Command Task Force-Iraqi to encourage the Iraqi Navy and Kuwaiti training session at Camp Victory. U.S. advisors distributed 1,470 Crime Scene Investigation kits to the Iraqi “What we are doing in the classroom to be successful,” said Criminal Evidence Directorate. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Charlene Mendiola) Maritime and Navy Central Command. Coast Guard to improve their operability,” is volunteering our time to help them U.S. Army Maj. Chris Also on the Iraqi waters, the U.S. said Hoff. “It’s a victory.” learn (conversational) English and Heberer, Iraq forensics ITAM-Air Advisors facilitated a joint- In another first, Iraqi Airmen began Coast Guard began training Iraqi Coastal And while U.S. Sailors continued to technical English because it helps us director and officer-in-charge of the Joint combined communications exercise with the Iraqi Air Force Weather Support help ISF throughout in our mission,” said U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Forensics Facility 3. several Iraqi units at Camp Taji. Technicians Course. Iraq, a group from Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Dent, advisor and the U.S. Naval Post- maintenance superintendent at Camp Graduate School’s Taji. “More important than that, we are Mobile Education Team U.S. ambassadors. The most important graduated 42 participants thing that we do over here, besides from the Iraqi MoI, the obvious training and assisting, is Kurdish MoI and the we are representing our country. The Ministry of Peshmerga relationships we build with the Iraqis are from the Iraq Defense far reaching.” Resources Management In its continuing efforts to modernize Senior Leader Training information technology systems, Iraqi in Erbil. The graduation MoD set up and implemented the first completes the strategic electronic voting system for officer planning series that promotions mitigating lost ballots and ITAM-MoI developed corruption in the process. and implemented over The National Ports of Entry Transition 15 months. Team completed the Smiths Detection In other education Systems Project, which included installing efforts, the transition 69 systems at 20 different land, sea and of courses into Iraqi air ports-of-entry and oil refineries. The control continued in July detection systems assist Iraqi security as the final 28 teacher- personnel in keeping the country’s ports- candidates completed of-entry safe. their U.S. Defense In late July, ITAM-MoD and Iraqi Iraqi Navy Sailors operate Defenders, small patrol craft, Language Institute An Iraqi Army Aviation Command, Squadron 21 ground crew member salutes a Bell-407 helicopter taking off at Taji Air Base, Iraq, July 12, during a joint exercise with the Kuwaiti Coast Guard in the Joint Headquarters facilitated delivery of 2011. Assigned at Taji Air Base, the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron trains, advises and assists Iraqi pilots and maintenance English-Teaching Persian Gulf, July 25. (DCG A&T Public Affairs photo) six Zodiac boats from USF-I to the 10th personnel, focusing on sustainability, reliability and interoperability. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Meares) Certifications at Camp Civil Customs and Oil Police to screen limited to the T-6s at COB Speicher as to a information technology contract cargo, ITAM-Police shipped the first eight U.S. forces transferred control of the to provide the school with a computer of 10 Rapiscan GaRD trucks to their IqAF’s Hellfire missile inventory and network, lab, multi-media centers, VTC Toward a strategic various ports-of-entry. munitions storage to the GoI. U.S. forces conference room, and campus-wide While protecting waterways and also transferred 44,000 square miles security system. partnership borders is crucial to security, so too is of airspace to the Iraqi Civil Aviation And from the classroom to the August maintaining air sovereignty. ITAM- Authority and Air Traffic Control service workshop, the Iraqi Army inducted the Air continued to help the IqAF build began at the Baghdad Area Control first humvees on the repair line at the Joint capability and capacity to secure their Center. This transition aids in the airspace Base Workshop in Taji. JBW crews can skies. Three IqAF T-6 pilots from normalization process for the Government refurbish six humvees a month. Squadron 203 at COB Speicher passed of Iraq. “This is a major accomplishment their instructor pilot check rides, “I am very optimistic about our Iraqi considering that two months ago the IA completing their 17-month pilot and partners’ ability to move forward and had no plan of how to request for assets instructor pilot upgrades with ITAM- closer to independence by providing a safe, to support the depot for continuous Air instructor pilots. Squadron 203’s expeditious flow of air traffic operations production sustainment,” said Donald commander, Lt. Col. Hamid “Godfather” throughout the country,” said Senior Evans, a JBW wheel maintenance advisor. Hussein, became the first IqAF T-6 flight Master Sgt. Anthony Stovall, 321st EOSS “At the Wheel Depot, we don’t just evaluator and gave his first check ride to chief controller who helped facilitate the fix-up the humvees, we overhaul them the seventh T-6 IP. Not long after their transfer. inside and out,” said Col. Jasim, the Joint upgrades, these Iraqi instructor pilots From the seas, borders and skies to Base Workshop Wheel Depot commander. jumped into instruction with the start of the classroom, ITAM-MoD launched the “We started this two years ago and now first class of Iraqi student pilots without Iraqi Armed Forces Logistics Professional we are a team; we work together to make previous flight experience. Military Education program. And the everything go smoothly.” ITAM-Air’s accomplishments weren’t MoD Medical Training Institute agreed

U.S. and Iraqi Air Force pilots fly in formation during one of the last training flights for the 52nd Expeditionary Flight Training Squadron and Squadron 203 over Iraq. Advisors from the 52nd EFTS turned over flight training operations to the Iraqi Air Force Squadron 203. The training program takes 18-month to qualify and certify an instructor pilot. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Placie) With the U.S. reposture efforts in maintenance at their newly constructed navy’s capability to effectively patrol and full swing, U.S. and Iraqi officials took and equipped ship repair facility.” defend their territorial waters and critical large strides toward an enduring strategic “Ships need to be on patrol in order oil infrastructure,” said U.S. Navy Rear partnership between the two nations. U.S. to provide security,” said Bell. “Speedy Adm. Kelvin Dixon, director of ITAM- and Iraqi officials finalized the F-16 multi- N/M. role fighter jet letter of agreement content “We are trying “The Iraqis have really done an review. The purchase by Iraq will help outstanding job with the limited assets create a long-term relationship between they had,” said Bell, “The addition of these Iraq and the United States. to build up their two very-capable patrol boats will greatly The Iraqi Navy’s progress continued in enhance their ability to carry out their Umm Qasr. The successful dry-docking capabilities...” assigned missions.” of Swift Patrol Boat 301 marked a step Iraqi Navy commander, Rear Adm. Ali, forward in the IqN’s self-sustainability. repairs mean more ships are available to said that the delivery was an important “This event was very significant patrol. The Swift boat docking capability day for the Iraqi Navy. for Iraqi naval self-sustainment,” said puts a ship back to sea quicker because the Not long after the vessels’ arrival, the U.S. Navy Cmdr. Quintin “QB” Bell, docking and repairs are done at the Iraqi Iraqi Navy certified 306’s crew and ship commanding officer of the ITAM – N/M navy base. It dramatically decreases the ready for operational duty. at Umm Qasr. “It demonstrates that the amount of time that a boat is unavailable From Iraq’s maritime border to Iraqis can dock their own Swift Patrol to the Iraqi navy for patrols.” the country’s borderlands, the ITAM- boat without having to rely on a foreign The Swift patrol boat fleet grew by two MoI logistics transition team gave the shipyard. They’ll save time and money when vessels 304 and 306 at Umm Qasr. Department of Border Enforcement nearly Maj. Mark Gray, 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Group director of maintenance, meets with other advisers to help teach the by doing it themselves, and they will “The delivery of the U.S. built Swift Patrol 3,300 pairs of binoculars to strengthen English language two hours a day, four days a week, to the Iraqi maintainers at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq. (Courtesy photo) also be able to conduct the follow-on Boats 304 and 306 increases the Iraqi their security efforts. And, in order for the Office of Security Cooperation - Iraq September OctoberU.S. Army Lt. Gen. Robert L. New Dawn’s twilight Caslen Jr. assumed command of September marked significant changes as U.S. Forces from Camp Taji to BCTC and placed them at strategic spots the NATO Training Mission –Iraq continued transition and reposturing efforts. The month saw throughout the range. from U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael the completion of many U.S. projects as well as more program “We tried to find the largest number of vehicles with the Ferriter in a change of command handovers. Notably, the government of Iraq finalized the proper silhouette and an emphasis on tanks and armored ceremony at Forward Operating contract to purchase 18 F-16 multi-role fighter aircraft. While vehicles that the Iraqis forces would most likely encounter in Base Union III, Oct. 1. the F-16 purchase is a high-profile Foreign Military Sales combat,” said 1st Lt. Justin Schultz, a senior engineer advisor The ceremony also marked effort, hundreds of other FMS cases have helped the ISF gain with ITAM-Army. a transfer of authority for the and keep their forward momentum. “The newly placed tank hulks resemble the real shape of Deputy Commanding General One such example is the Iraqi Air Force’s T-6 trainer a tank or armored vehicle from a distance,” said Luis Perez, - Advising and Training and the program, a central piece of future Iraqi airpower, including ITAM-Army range control advisor. “This improves the official activation of the Office of the F-16. “They are the foundation of the Iraqi Air Force training for the Iraqi army because they can identify a real Security Cooperation-Iraq. pilot training,” said Lt. Col. Andy Hamann, 52nd EFTS target and not just a large piece of metal.” The OSC-I will continue the commander. U.S. instructor pilots stepped back from their September’s accomplishments weren’t limited to BCTC. security assistance and cooperation advisory role in September. In Baghdad, 33 students graduated from the three-month responsibilities with Iraq to assist “The standard we’ve held here as we trained the Iraqis is the Baghdad River Police Training Center’s Dive, Search and the Government of Iraq with same standard we use in our Air Force pilot training as well Recovery Course. With the course’s high standards and even advising, training, assisting and as the instructor pilot training,” Hamann said. “I’m confident higher physical demands, the BRPTC graduated 94 percent of equipping their security forces. they are able to take this mission. its original class size. “We welcome a significant General Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, United States Forces Iraq, hand the NATO Training Mission-Iraq colors to milestone in our Iraq campaign by Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, USF-I deputy commanding general Advising and Training, during a change of command Another key FMS case, and linchpin to the Iraqi Army’s “That’s pretty good,” said McGinty. “This course is very ceremony for USF-I DCG (A&T) on FOB Union III, Baghdad, Oct. 1. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph Viry) success, is the M1A1 Abrams tank. September saw the challenging and some of these guys couldn’t swim when they activating the OSC-I,” said U.S. Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, deprocessing of the final shipment of M1A1 Abrams tanks at first got here.” commander, United States Forces - military leadership with Iraq.” Besmaya Combat Training Center. The delivery included the This was the ninth and largest class that graduated from Iraq and reviewing officer of the ceremony. Caslen, takes command with multiple responsibilities as the last five of the 140 tanks ordered by the Iraqi government. the Dive, Search and Recovery Course and the last that had “As we continue to honor the security agreement by drawing commander of the NTM-I, USF-I deputy commanding general “The tanks are the latest digital tanks coming out of the American civilians acting in the advisory role. “Our job is to down our security forces, OSC-I will become the core of our (advising and training) and the chief of OSC-I, to continue United States,” said John Hutchings, ITAM-Army desk mentor the Iraqis,” said George McGinty, a civilian advisor for enduring military-to-military relationship with Iraq over the the training and advising mission as USF-Iwithdraws from officer. “They are the most modern M1A1s in the Middle the BRPTC. “They’re doing it all on their own now.” years to come,” he added. Iraq by the end of this year in accordance with the security East.” On the water in Umm Qasr, the Iraqi navy celebrated its “Today’s establishment of the Office of Security Cooperation framework agreement signed in 2008 between the U.S. and Iraq “We are training the Iraqi Army so they can train, maintain 74th anniversary during the Navy Day ceremony Sept. 14 –Iraq and the transfer of the NATO Training Mission marks a governments. and sustain all the tanks they have received,” said U.S. Army where they showcased their accomplishments and capabilities. significant transition and the progress of our mission in Iraq as “I am honored to serve as commander of the NATO Mission Lt. Col. Mark Bliese, senior training advisor for BCTC. “The “Only a few years ago, the Iraqi navy did not have any well as the commitment of the United States and the NATO as we orchestrate training and professional military education for M1A1 tanks provide the Iraqi army with the capability of ships,” said Rear Adm. Edward G. Winters, executive partner countries for a strategic and enduring relationship with Iraq’s leaders and its security forces,” said Caslen. defending its borders to protect the sovereignty of Iraq.” director of DCG A&T. “They embarked on a rapid fleet the government of Iraq and its people,” said Caslen. As the ceremony drew to a close, Caslen highlighted the role A central part of M1A1 gunnery training is live-fire modernization program and today have over 60 vessels and During the symbolic and time-honored tradition of the of NTM-I and OSC-I and their importance to the development practice, and U.S. advisors found an ingenious solution more than 4,000 Sailors and Marines.” passing of colors to represent the transfer of responsibility of the of Iraq and the Middle East. to a lack of targets… abandoned tank hulls. U.S. advisors Also in Umm Qasr, U.S. Marines from Iraqi Marine Corps mission, Ferriter handed the NTM-I colors to Austin, passing “Iraq’s partnership with NATO is significant, this relationship transported 21 tanks and 29 armored-personnel carriers Training Team 03 led training courses for Iraqi Marines on over his command of NTM-I and his duty as the DCG (A&T). not only provides Iraq with superb trainers and educators, but combatives, first aid and vehicle check points. Austin presented the colors to Caslen, the new NTM-I it also provides legitimacy among the 28 NATO nations in a As U.S. Forces prepare to depart, the training conducted by commander. Caslen then returned the NTM-I colors to acting unique status within the Middle East region as a partner in the IqMTT-03 improves the Iraqi Marines’ abilities. The training NTM-I Senior Enlisted Advisor, Sgt. Maj. Emanuele Salvagnin, international community of nations,” said Caslen. helps them continue to develop the Iraqi Marines through to return to the color bearer, completing the symbolic change of “It is clear that a stable, secure and self-ran Iraq is not train-the-trainer programs that establishes their training command. only important for Iraq, but for the entire region,” he said. “I priorities and mission standards. After the passing of the NTM-I colors, Austin spoke highly of recognize the importance of both NTM-I and OSC-I to assist “The Iraqi Marines showed a lot of interest in the training,” Caslen and addressed the challenges ahead. Iraq in developing the necessary defense capabilities to secure said U.S. Marine Sgt. Skyler Feller, an IqMTT-03 trainer. “Lieutenant General Caslen’s proven talents as a leader, trainer this great nation.” and educator make him extremely well suited for this important “To the people and leaders of Iraq, I am honored to serve assignment,” said Austin. alongside each of you in this incredibly important mission not Iraqi navy sailors speed out to sea during Iraqi Navy Day in Umm Qasr, Sept. 14. “The task ahead will be challenging but I know that you are only for the sake of Iraq but also for this region,” said Caslen. The Iraqi navy celebrated its 74th anniversary during the Navy Day ceremony in “We must succeed and we will succeed.” Umm Qasr, Iraq, Sept. 14, in which they showcased their accomplishments and more than capable,” said Austin to Caslen. “I cannot think of a capabilities. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph Vine) better person to lead this organization into the next phase of our Nato Training Mission - Iraq he NATO Training Iraqi Federal Police (IFP) into Italian Carabinieri. out the vast majority of students’ mission – Iraq (NTM-I) a professional force capable of “I found that this course taught instruction, an important step was established in 2004, providing internal security in Iraq. me appropriate leadership,” said towards self-sustainability. at theT request of the Iraqi Interim Since 2007 approximately 9,500 Capt. Abd Al Masheed Rasheed NTM-I has also assisted in Government, and under the Iraqi Police officers have received Tajal, who works in Mosul. “The thoroughly modernizing Iraqi Army provisions of UN Security Council Carabinieri are very good trainers.” officer training and education at all resolution 1546. Since then, and In October 2010, NTM-I began levels, through on-site mentoring for the last seven years, this tactical- “The training the Iraqi Oil Police in order and Out-of-Iraq training. sized mission (of approximately to develop a cadre of professionals Since 2004 more than 2,300 160 military personnel) has assisted Carabinieri capable of protecting Iraq’s critical Iraqi students have participated Iraq in the process of creating oil infrastructure. Since then, the in a wide variety of OOI courses, effective, self-sustaining and multi- are very good Carabinieri have conducted five Oil conducted in such respected ethnic Security Forces. To achieve Police basic courses, with nearly one European military educational this, NTM-I has conducted the teachers.” thousand graduates. institutions as the NATO School training of Iraqi Armed Forces Today, Iraqi policemen who have in Oberammergau, Germany, the and Police personnel, provided qualified police training from the been certified as instructors carry NATO Defence College in Rome, advice and mentoring in Italy and the Centre of Excellence the development of Iraq’s – Defence Against Terrorism and training institutions and has the Partnership for Peace Training assisted with equipping the Centre in Ankara, Turkey. (Story Iraqi Federal Police climb a cargo net during a run at an obstacle course at Rustamiya, ISF. by Capt. Oleksiy Mazurin, NTM-I Iraq. The members of Nato Training Mission - Iraq have conducted the training of Iraqi During the years of PAO) Armed Forces and Police personnel since 2004. (NTM-I Public Affairs Photo) cooperation, Iraq and NATO have established close relations and have created a solid foundation for an effective future partnership. For seven years, members of the NTM-I team, drawn from many NATO Nations (presently 14 including a Partner nation) often operating in a complex threat environment and have worked side by side with their USF-I colleagues to overcome numerous difficulties to achieve significant strategic outcomes. Foremost among NTM-Is successes is the An Italian Carabinieri police trainer assists an Iraqi Policeman with his hand placement on NTM-I Advisor Maj. Alex Kirik helps Iraqi security forces plot a course of actiion for war games at the Noncommisioned officer school transformation of the a pistol during a live-fire training exercise at Camp Dublin, Baghdad. (NTM-I Public Affairs NCO school at Camp Taji. (NTM-I Public Affairs photo) photo)