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Tuesday, 03 October 2006

Defence News

The Iraqi officers get to grips with the NATO course. Photo taken by Maj. Steinar Sveinsson.
The Iraqi officers get to grips with the NATO course. Photo taken by Maj. Steinar Sveinsson.
A British Army officer serving with the NATO Training Mission Iraq has been helping the Iraqi Army to train the next generation of Army officers.

Colonel Jon Mulroy, who leads the NATO Training Team at the Iraqi Military Academy Al Rustamiyah (IMAR) near Baghdad, has been overseeing the training of officers who served with the former Iraqi Army.  Mulroy has been helping them to reintegrate into military life as part of the new Iraqi Army.

Mulroy recently had the privilege of witnessing more than 80 new officers graduate from the 3-week intensive Returning Officers' Course.

"From our perspective this has been a training success," explained Mulroy.

According to Mulroy, the aim of the course was, “to provide former officers with a period of ‘Military Refresher Training’ in order to ease their re-integration into officer appointments in the new Iraqi Army.”

The course came about as a result of the Iraqi Defence Minister, Mohammed Jasim al-Obeidi's recent appeal to former officers of the old Iraqi Army to re-join the new Iraqi Army and assist in the provision of security in Iraq.

"I was delighted with my Team, and also with the sterling performance of our Iraqi colleagues in putting together such a comprehensive testing course at such notice," said Mulroy.

Returning Officers undergo training in 'room clearing' using a mock-up of a house made with mine tape laid out on the ground. Photo taken by Maj. Steinar Sveinsson.
Returning Officers undergo training in 'room clearing' using a mock-up of a house made with mine tape laid out on the ground. Photo taken by Maj. Steinar Sveinsson.
The Returning Officers' Course was a balanced mix of both field and classroom training. Officers were given a reasonably detailed introduction to the organization and deployment of the new Iraqi Army. They were also trained in counter insurgency operations, weapon handling and firing of personal weapons, command and leadership, rules of engagement, and the military decision making process.

"We had no idea as to the military background or experience of any of the returning officers; therefore we had to ‘aim off’ and produce what turned out to be pretty general training course,” said Mulroy.  “What was most important, however, was that we gave these former officers a real idea as to what should be expected from an officer in the new Iraqi Army; leadership, responsibility and accountability.”
 
Colonel Mulroy added that the returning officers had worked hard throughout the course, had fully engaged in all activities, and would have a tremendous amount to offer the new Iraqi Army.
 
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