CAMP SPARROW HAWK, Iraq - The cornerstone to sustaining any fighting force is effective training. Every military unit in the world trains to fight. This is why 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment has partnered with the 38th Brigade, 10th Iraqi Army Division to bring Maysan Province one step closer to self-sustainment.
When 4th Bn., 6th Inf. Regt. paired with the Maysan Stability Transition Team assigned to develop the 38th Iraqi Army Brigade, Lt. Col. Robert L. Menist Jr. chose Capt. Jeffrey L. Giltzow, an infantryman and Alpha Company “Apache” Commander, from Caldwell, N.J. to execute this crucial task. The goal is to professionalize the Iraqi Army, starting at the brigade level. In order to do this, Maj. Cristian Drew Keels, the STT Chief, and Giltzow have been working closely with the Iraqi brigade’s deputy commander and operations staff.
“We want the Iraqi Army to see the advantages of this type of training cycle so they will continue it after we leave,” said 2nd Lt. Elliot Emerich, from Flower Mound, Texas.
The 38th IA Bde. is conducting many successful missions throughout the day and night, recovering enemy weapons caches and arresting individuals wanted for various terrorism crimes on a daily basis. With the high operational tempo, it is difficult for them to conduct training to enhance their military skills. To help the IA with balancing operations and training, Giltzow is developing the Iraqi’s ability to plan long-range training, resource it and execute it.
“The 38th was very proficient in planning and executing short-range training, so we wanted to expand their capabilities by showing them the benefits to a long-range training calendar,” said Giltzow.
The 38th Bde. has begun to develop and implement the training cycle plan. Every week, two platoons will be pulled off mission cycle for five days of refit and training. To begin the cycle, the Soldiers of Apache Company will teach classes to Iraqi platoons. At the Iraqis’ request, the classes will consist of checkpoint operations and personnel searches.
The majority of IA operations are conducted at checkpoints, which are set up in order to catch the smuggling of weapons into and through Al Amarah. The collective goal for this training cycle is to have the Iraqi Soldiers planning, resourcing and conducting their own training.
“The Iraqis possess all the abilities, knowledge and potential to be successful, they just need the inspiration to achieve that potential. That’s what Alpha Company and 4th Bn., 6th Inf. are here to do; Inspire,” said Keels.
