COB BASRA, Iraq – Soldiers of Border Transition Team 10613 have spent six days a week since March training Iraqi Border Police on basic combat drills and maneuvers to help them better protect their country from smugglers.
The team spends all day with a small group of Iraqis teaching them skills that the American Soldiers learn while going through Basic Combat Training, such as weapon clearing, the low ready, building clearing and vehicle searches.
“We are here to train, assist and advise the border police,” said Maj. James Tully, BTT 10613, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
The Soldiers of BTT 10613 taught the Iraqis drills they had never seen before. Working through the language barrier made it difficult at times, said Tully, a St. James, N.Y. native. “The training is similar to quick reaction force training. This helps because they are small in number.”
Knowledge in QRF tactics helps them get out quickly and stop smugglers in the act, Tully added.
The team shows the Iraqis different ways of executing battle drills so they have a better feel of what different scenarios may call for, said Sgt. 1st Class August Nacino, BTT 10613 operations non-commissioned officer in charge, 4th Brigade, 1st Cav. Div.
“Today’s training started with close-quarters combat,” said Capt. Ken Nguyen, BTT 10613 operations office in charge, 4th Brigade, 1st Cav. Div. “It’s a new concept to them.”
“We came to an agreement with their commander that the training will be six longer work days,” explained Nguyen, a San Francisco native. “The hands-on training they get is good for them because it shows them how to do it.” The team isn’t going to make them perfect, said Nacino, but they are making them better prepared to protect their country. “I love my job, training Iraqis,” said Nacino, a Vallejo, Calif., native. “I am really thankful for what I am able to do here and I am proud of what I am doing.” “If we can make these guys better and they can protect their country,” he continued, “then we have done our job.”
