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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 091029-03
Oct. 29, 2009
Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0780-997-5063

Mortar Course Graduates 106 Soldiers

AN NUMANIYAH, Iraq – One hundred and six soldiers from the 6th and 8th Iraq Army divisions combined to conduct a live-fire exercise at the An Numaniyah Multi-Purpose Range Complex Oct. 22.

The live-fire exercise is the culminating event of an intensive 21-week course in 81mm mortar training. The 81mm mortar course is a premier training opportunity for the Iraqi security forces and has the personal attention of the Iraqi Minister of Defense.  In recognition of the effectiveness of this course enrollment has tripled from 40 soldiers per cycle to 120 soldiers per cycle.

Training in the 81 mm mortar course is comprised of three functional areas; Fire Direction Center, Forward Observer, and Mechanical (Gunners). The FO transmits target data to the FDC. The FDC converts target data into gunner data. Gunners receive the gun data, sight the weapon system and engage targets.

The live-fire exercise allowed the students to see how indirect fires can effectively conceal troop movement, , suppress enemy forces, and destroy targets. Student Platoon leader, 1st Lt. Mulaazem Awwal Nabeil Fakhry, who commanded a four-gun mortar section, noted that his men were becoming more proficient in conducting 81mm mortar training with each passing day of the live-fire exercise. 

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