Southwest Asia –
Across Iraq and Syria, the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve works by, with, and through our partner forces to ensure an enduring defeat of Daesh (ISIS). Training, mentoring, advising, and assisting are key components for building our security partners’ capacity to defeat Daesh remnants and create regional stability. Highlights from around the Coalition are included below:
• In Kurdistan, 57 Peshmerga soldiers become trained instructors, increasing self-sustainability
• Australian Army Reservist says deployment to Iraq offers him a rewarding opportunity
• French TF Narvik trains ICTS medics to tend to wounds during combat operations
Peshmerga soldiers graduate Advanced Instructor Course
Fifty seven Peshmerga soldiers completed the Advanced Instructor Course and graduated from the Atrush and Sulaymanyia training centers across the Kurdistan region. The 16-week training course prepared Peshmerga soldiers to become instructors in a wide range of topics in an effort to increase the self-sustainability of the Kurdistan Security Forces.
During the ceremony, Italian Col. Giuseppe Levato, Kurdistan Training Coordination Center commander, explained the graduation was a result of the excellent synergy between the Coalition and the Peshmerga and he urged the newly graduated soldiers to be proud of their accomplishments while wearing their uniform proudly.
The Coalition troops conducting training at the KTCC include personnel from the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.
(Source: Italian Public Affairs Office/KTCC)(Photo Courtesy Italian PAO/KTCC)
Australian Reservist keeping Defence members safe in Iraq
Australian Army Private Peter Skinner, a Reserve rifleman with 1st/19th Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment, is currently deployed in Iraq as a member of Task Group Taji 9’s Quick Reaction Force. While in Iraq, the QRF has a wide range of tasks including responding to base threats such as indirect fire, unmanned aerial systems, unexploded ordnance and casualty situations.
“The QRF role is unique as we train for a wide range of scenarios,” Skinner said. “We have to always be ready to respond at short notice so it can be a very rewarding and challenging role.”
He also mentioned he is grateful to have the opportunity to deploy and represent his home unit as a reservist. This is Skinner’s first overseas deployment since joining the Australian Army Reserve in 2014.
(Source: TG Taji 9 Public Affairs Office/ https://news.defence.gov.au/people/reservist-keeping-defence-members-safe-iraq) (Photo by Australian Army Corporal Nunu Campos)
French TF Narvik trains ICTS medical support members
French Task Force Narvik instructors trained Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service medical support members during a workshop at the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism School in Baghdad, Iraq. The training simulated open wounds in the field. ICTS medics are regularly on the ground with their fellow ICTS units and must be able to administer first aid during combat.
During the workshop, trainees were able to practice proper techniques with suturing wounds during operations. The Iraqi medics play a crucial role during the ICTS counter-terrorism operations. Their ability to quickly and effectively manage open wounds, and therefore heavy bleeding, increases the chances of survival of their injured. Suture techniques are complementary in operation and are subject to constant and rigorous training.
(Source: https://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/actualites2/chammal-la-task-force-narvik-entraine-les-equipes-medicales-des-forces-speciales-aux-techniques-de-sutures?fbclid=IwAR0k3le-vTpepg7J0nXD9h0vUqoBkkD75fL-Qtyy8MEOYcib-AiQF_8vrBU) (Photos courtesy of Op Chammal PAO)
