 Military News
Recently, Sgt. Brian Helpap of Saginaw, Mich., and Spc. Mario Luna of Wichita, Kan., instructed an Iraqi reconnaissance and surveillance platoon from the 4th Iraqi Army Division on land navigation and communication procedures. On the first day of training, Iraqi Soldiers, known as Jundi, learned how to read a map. After a few days of training, Soldiers were successfully negotiating a four-point land navigation course. In addition to using a map, compass and protractor, Soldiers also became proficient using GPS systems to navigate. “It’s a great opportunity to share our knowledge with our Iraqi counterparts,” Helpap said. The training didn’t end with land navigation; Luna instructed Soldiers in the basics of communications, everything from the use of tactical radios, and proper radio procedures to non-verbal skills such as hand and arm signals. The training culminated with Soldiers creating and manning an observation post while communicating with only hand and arm signals. The Soldier students then established radio communications with their higher headquarters while observing and reporting on the activities of 3rd platoon Soldiers who were role-playing as the enemy. After land navigation and communications training, the Iraqi reconnaissance and surveillance platoon will use their newly acquired skills as they secure the Salah ad-Din province. Additional Iraqi Army units are scheduled to come through the course offered by U.S. advisors, and 3rd platoon Soldiers are ready to continue. “It’s pretty cool training a Soldier from another country,” Luna said. “It’s definitely a different experience.” |
