SECURITY STATION CHILAT, Iraq – At a spartan outpost along the Iraq-Iran border, medics from 3rd Battalion, 11th Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement Brigade are improving their capabilities.
In partnership with the U.S. Army Border Transition Team “Scimitar” in Maysan province, 3rd Bn., 11th DBE Bde. has transformed their medical capabilities in just six short months into the necessary resources to provide good medical care for their personnel.
BTT “Scimitar,” attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, conducted a medical assessment of 3rd Bn., 11th DBE Bde. when they first arrived in theater. The assessment revealed the battalion lacked proper medical resources. In fact, what the DBE identified as a medical section was merely a first aid kit.
“The battalion had an ambulance that did not have the required supplies necessary to treat serious injuries,” said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Brown, medical advisor from Cameron, Texas. “Very few Shurta (Iraqi National Police) had formal medical training or the knowledge of how to use the few medical supplies on hand.”
The team presented the results of their medical assessment to the commander of 3rd. Bn., 11th DBE Bde., Col. Bader Mohammed. He expressed his desire to have a medical clinic with formally trained personnel.
The team immediately began to teach key medical classes such as basic first aid and combat lifesaver training. The training focused on the “Train the Trainer” concept so they would be able to sustain their own training without U.S. Forces. The training has been a success, and many Shurta want to attend the medical training.
With training complete, BTT and 3rd Bn., 11th DBE Bde. counterparts began construction of a medical clinic. The construction started in March and concluded in July. The Shurta now have a safe building with the required supplies and trained personnel to provide good medical treatment.
“Because of the clinic, we will not have to travel for hours to get treatment for minor injuries,” said Mohammed.
Their pride in the clinic is evident. At the entrance of the building, there are posters of tranquil waterfalls and Abraheim Gabar, the senior medic, welcomes visitors and patients with a genuine smile, indicating pride in his work and the clinic.
“I am happy with the clinic,” said Gabar. “We now have a place and supplies to treat our injuries.”
