COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE – OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE PUBLIC AFFAIRS
More than 10,000 Soldiers in Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) have been trained by multinational security forces in an effort to defeat Da’ish.
This milestone was achieved in June 2015 with the graduation of 700 personnel from the Iraqi Army’s 16th Division. The class completed a six-week brigade-level training course specifically designed to train, equip and regenerate combat power in the ISF to defeat terrorists. The completion of training was an important step toward meeting operational needs in Iraq, said Brig. Gen. Ali Khalid Abdullah, commander of the 76th Brigade.
“Our Soldiers picked up good experience through this training with new weapons and techniques to get ready for any fight or battle — especially inside buildings. We studied the enemy strategy, especially Da’ish strategy, and the way they fight,” Gen. Abdullah said. “I want to thank the Australian and New Zealand forces for all that they have done to train my Soldiers. I felt there was a great relationship between the trainers and the Soldiers, and there was a type of brotherhood relationship. I cannot describe it in one word, but it was really great.”
Abdullah said officers trained alongside their Soldiers, raising confidence in their ability to fight as a unit. The ultimate goal was to enable Iraqi forces to counter Da’ish, solidify Iraq’s borders and retake lost terrain, thereby restoring regional stability and security.
“The graduation of this many Soldiers who have been armed with the newest weapons represents a huge force against Da’ish,” Abdullah said. “The brigade is ready with all the training, supplies and all the weapons to engage the enemy.”