Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 090219-01
February 19, 2009
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DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0790-194-0270

Fort Benning Mortar Training Team trains Iraqi Army mortar cadre at Besmaya Range Complex

BESMAYA, Iraq - Three members of the Fort Benning, Ga. based Infantry Mortar Leaders Course recently deployed to Besmaya Range Complex to train the initial cadre for the Light Artillery Wing of the Iraqi Army Artillery School. 

The Mortar Training Team brought more than 23 years of combined experience in the training and use of U.S. mortar systems, including training foreign national Soldiers in the proper methods of emplacing mortars and utilization of the most modern methods for fire direction and control.   U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Burnette, one of the MTT members said, “The course provides the Iraqi Army with an excellent learning opportunity and the skills to utilize their mortar systems in the most effective manner."

Burnette, Sgt. 1st Class Richard Toms, Jr. and Sgt. John Bennett arrived in Besmaya in mid-January to conduct a Train-the-Trainer course for Iraqi Army cadre, Coalition advisors, and contract instructors to enhance their expertise in the latest fire control and fire observation procedures. 

Upon completion of the initial training of the advisors and contract instructors, the three MTT instructors transitioned to an ‘overwatch’ of the ten  advisors and instructors as they taught the same program of instruction to the 15 Iraqi mortar cadre.  When all classroom and hands-on training is complete, all coalition and Iraqi personnel will conduct a mortar live fire under the MTT cadre supervision.

Once trained in these skills, combined with the mortar direct-lay skills already learned during training in Serbia, the 15 Iraqi Army cadre will form the core of the Light Artillery Wing of the Iraqi Army Artillery School. 
Iraqi Army Capt. Osamma Mohammed Joad, the senior Iraqi cadre member, stated, "The training in Serbia was good on the [mortar] systems, but I feel more confident in my fire direction and fire observation skills from the training we are receiving now.  The training pace here has been much better, allowing us the time to understand the procedures."  With assistance from the Coalition advisors and contract instructors, the Light Artillery Wing will train future Iraqi mortarmen when the Iraqi Army begins fielding their operational 81mm and 120mm mortars in Jun. 2009. 

In addition to this tour in support of Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq training requirements, Toms is a veteran of three combat tours in Iraq and one to Afghanistan.  Burnette is a veteran of two each combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Bennett has one each combat tour in Afghanistan and Iraq.  All three NCOs trained Afghan National Army and Police personnel, as well as Iraqi Army personnel, in basic mortar skills.

The MTT’s crucial assistance in the development of this training program for the Iraqi Army is a key step forward in professionalizing the Iraqi military.  This is a vital step towards ensuring Iraq’s self-sufficiency during the critical transition from coalition to Iraqi-led operations in support of the Security Agreement between the Government of Iraq and the United States.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1332 OR IRAQNA: 0790-194-0270.  FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT:  WWW.MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL.