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

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 090223-01

January 23, 2009

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DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0790-194-0270

Iraqi M1A1 Tank Program Managers visit Besmaya Range Complex

BESMAYA, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Coalition partners traveled to Besmaya Range Complex Feb. 23 for an update on the new M1A1 Abrams training program underway here.  U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Salazar, commander, Joint Headquarters Army Advisory Training Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, accompanied Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Hazim, Col. Razzaq, and Col. Abdul Ameer, program managers for the M1A1 Abrams tank fielding for the Iraqi Army.

The visit consisted of a tour of an M1A1 Abrams tank, a question-and-answer session with the top Iraqi student, Lt. Husham Jamel Ali, and finally an exhilarating ride in the M1A1 designed to demonstrate the speed and maneuverability of the weapons platform.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Timothy Renshaw, Coalition Senior Advisor - Besmaya Combat Training Center, briefed training scenarios and the objectives of the intense tank training to the program managers.  Detailing the steps involved in completing the course, he said, “They first learn how to operate the main gun, and then advance to acquiring multiple targets.”

Husham, currently a student in the train-the-trainer course, was asked about his impression of the training to-date.  He replied, “The combination of hands-on training and classroom training is very effective.  The training is difficult, but we are dedicated to completing each training scenario.  We do not leave the training area until the mission is complete, no matter if it is past normal duty hours.”

The Iraqi M1A1 Abrams students have the opportunity to train with simulators to familiarize themselves with the operations of the weapons system.  Husham said, “We cannot tell the difference between training in the simulators (on the weapons systems) compared to the real thing.  Using the simulators is an effective way to learn the weapons system and gain confidence before live-fire training.”

Mr. Mark Bangsboll, JHAATT M1A1 Project Officer/Advisor, stated, “Currently, the first four American tanks are at Besmaya Range Complex, with another 18 to be delivered within the next month. The 22 tanks will be used to train 11 Iraqi tank crews in each of thirteen future 45-day rotations.  Iraq has purchased 140 M1A1 Abrams tanks, scheduled for delivery in August 2010.”

Salazar added, “We currently have 30 Iraqis in the M1A1 Train-the-Trainer course for the first phase of the process. The second phase will involve these new instructors training the new crews.  They are committed to providing the best possible training to the Iraqi Army before they receive the first new tanks.”

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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 .