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Last Updated:
Mar 16, 2010 - 6:07:37 PM |
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Iraqi corrections officers take aim at less-than-lethal range
By Multi-National Force-Iraq, Joint Task Force 134, Detainee Operations
Dec 7, 2009 - 6:39:24 PM
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Iraqi corrections officers fire the Mossberg 500 shotgun with less than lethal rounds December 3, 2009 at a familiarization range here. ICOs working with the immediate reaction force provide guidance and assistance as they lead the retraining. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Candace Mundt) |
CAMP CROPPER, Iraq - Iraqi corrections officers began participating in a series of familiarization and retraining classes on the less-than-lethal shotgun ranges here Dec. 3.
They fired the Mossberg 500, a pump-action shotgun with 10 to 12 rubber, torpedo-shaped point rounds, at point targets 25 meters away in order to refresh what they learned at the Iraqi Correctional Training Center for detention operations at Forward Operating Base Future.
The ICOs received classroom training that goes hand-in-hand with the range and theater internment facility procedures.
"The ICOs received a two hour block of instruction on the use and capabilities of non-lethal weapons and the rules on the use of force," said Sgt. 1st Class Steven Noreika, 192nd Military Police Battalion ICO integration noncommissioned officer in charge. "The compound guard force also helps train the ICOs while on duty."
"They have to know when they can and cannot use the non lethal force of the shotgun and the whole escalation of force is a process they have to go through," Noreika said.
In order to complete the training, the ICOs must reach a standard equivalent to that of the U.S. forces, which also use the weapon.
"The standard is being able to have the ability to utilize the weapon system properly and safely, to understand what its capabilities are and to understand the rules of engagement (and) rules of force," said Sgt. 1st Class Dan Kelley, B Company, 1-128 Infantry Regiment, immediate reaction force NCOIC.
ICOs working with the IRF led and advised their comrades during the range.
"They're awesome!" Kelley said about the ICOs leading the training. "We have very good groups of guys that are a select few out of the other ICOs."
"They did extensive training with our guys," he said. "(The ICOs) go through the same extent of training, giving classes to us, making sure they know all the weapons systems that are utilized and how they are utilized, to ensure that they properly teach the other ICOs."
All training the ICOs receive, whether it is on a range or on the job, brings the Camp Cropper TIF one step closer to being ready for its eventual turnover to the Government of Iraq.
"We're trying to get up to the standard of performance equivalent to a U.S. guard force member," said Lt. Col. Eric Mullai, 192nd MP Bn. commander. "This gives them the opportunity to use some of the equipment that we use and become familiar with it so they can use it when they do take over."
ICOs have recently taken refresher courses on other weapons and will begin more situation-based training in early 2010.
"We ran an FN 303 range in August and a taser range for 88 ICOs in September," Noreika said. The FN 303 is a semi-automatic weapon that uses paintball rounds for marking purposes.
"Next up for retraining is riot control," Noreika said. "We are hoping to kick that off in January."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| An Iraqi corrections officer shows a range safety ICO that his weapon is clear after firing at the range here December 3, 2009. Before the range, trainers gave a refresher course on the weapon and its capabilities, along with safety procedures. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Candace Mundt) |
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| Iraqi corrections officers working with the immediate reaction force motion to ICOs at the shotgun range to keep their weapons low to the ground. These ICOs are a select group picked from their peers. "What we look for is their basis of knowledge and retention and how they're able to be mentors to the other ICOs," said Sgt. 1st Class Dan Kelley, B Company, 1-128 Infantry Regiment, immediate reaction force NCOIC. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Candace Mundt) |
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