Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080905-01
Sept. 5, 2008

IA soldiers learn route-clearing operations from 10th Mtn. Soldiers

Multi-National Division – North PAO

Kirkuk, Iraq – Thirty-two Iraqi Army soldiers from the 15th Brigade, 4th Division completed the “Iron Claw Academy” at Forward Operating Base Gaines-Mills near Kirkuk City Sept. 2.

The IA soldiers, taught by Soldiers with Company A, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division’s Sapper Platoon, learned how to conduct route clearance operations to help ensure local roads are secure for travel in a series of ‘left seat-right seat’ exercises during the two-week course..
 
“Iraqi Security Forces have been doing a phenomenal job lately of proving that they are ready to stand on their own and move forward as a new country,” said 1st Lt. Adam Pray, Co. A platoon leader from Camillus, N.Y. “This partnership we are experiencing as we share knowledge and experience is solid reassurance that everything will be OK as we, the Coalition force, gradually draw down.”
 
During the training, the IA soldiers learned how to react to an improvised explosive device, operate the arm bar of the Buffalo, an armored mine detection vehicle, as well as how to operate several other vehicles and special equipment designed for IED removal.

Several IA soldiers quickly grasped the work and did remarkably well.
 
“These guys impress us time after time – displaying a constant motivation to gain as much knowledge and experience as they possibly can – and they do it rather quickly,” said Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Way, Company A, 1st BSTB platoon sergeant from Oshkosh, Wis. “The atmosphere is almost always heartfelt and easygoing as we try to have fun learning from each other. They like to joke to us that the reason they learn so quickly is because of the Playstation 2.”.
 
 The 1st BSTB’s Iron Claw Academy occurs at a time when the world is hopeful that the continued progress in Iraq is a sign for better things to come.
 
“We are very proud to help lead our country forward with a new hope that we can be a free and democratic nation,” said Capt. Mustafaa, 15th Bde., 4th Div., IA. “We are grateful for our American brothers, but we are prepared to show the world that we can stand on our own.”
 
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