Iraqi soldiers complete 'Scorpion' course

Under the watchful gaze of their instructors from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment (The Poachers) the Iraqi soldiers, or Jundi, spent seven days being trained in tactics and leadership. The course culminated in a passing out parade attended by their Commanding Officer, Brigadier Bilal, of the 51st Brigade, Iraqi Army. He said:

"This is the first course of Al Aqrab from 51st Brigade our soldiers have completed, giving them knowledge and experience to pass on to other soldiers. We will make good use of the upcoming courses to build our forces to a high standard in order to conduct their duties and take this ground experience with them throughout their battalions and units."

The 51st Brigade is an element of the 14th Infantry Division, which, with the help provided by UK troops in Basra is developing into an effective military force. It has already demonstrated its ability to plan, execute and sustain operations which has led to a vastly improved security situation in the region. These improved conditions are providing the opportunity for much needed reconstruction and economic activities to take place to improve the lives of all Basrawis:

"We would like to thank the Coalition and the British Forces for their efforts supporting the Iraqi Army and bringing our soldiers to this high level," Brigadier Bilal continued. "To be honest, the Iraqi Army needs this experience as the British Forces are one of the best armies in the world and we too want our army to have a great history of discipline."

The course itself took place in a disused naval college which provided the perfect backdrop to conduct the demanding training scenarios. A 24 hour battle exercise on the final day gave the soldiers an opportunity to demonstrate the skills they had learned over the previous six days. This included a range of scenarios including a night patrol and vehicle ambush.

The Poachers continue to mentor Iraqi units in the city in their role as Military Transition Teams but they will continue to oversee the upcoming courses. However, an initiative set up by the course designer, Maj Bev Allen, will see the top two students from each course invited to return as assistant instructors.

"The Iraqi soldiers have picked up the skills really quickly, bearing in mind they have just learned these skills, they have thrown themselves into this with huge amounts of vim and vigour," said Major Allen.

This latest development follows the opening of new Joint Security Stations for the Iraqi Police Service and Iraqi Army, from which the two forces will conduct joint patrols, in the al Hussein area of Basra recently. The creation of the Joint Security Stations marks a new period of co-operation and closer working between the two security forces. The stations will provide community bases from which the Iraqi Police Service and Iraqi Army will plan and conduct security patrols together, enabling a sustainable and permanent security solution for the people of Basra.