U.S. Army Trains Iraqi Soldiers in Traffic Control to Secure Elections

Strategic Insights -

Iraqi soldiers with the 7th Iraqi Army Division received training on setting up and operating traffic control points (TCPs) in preparation for the national elections. The 10-day course, led by U.S. Army engineers from the 82nd Airborne Division, focused on principles of traffic control operations, including site selection, design, and materials calculation. The training aimed to equip the Iraqi soldiers with skills to teach others, with some students already applying their new knowledge by instructing their own comrades at night. The 7th IA Division is responsible for securing travel routes across Al Anbar province, and effective vehicle search capability is crucial for a safe flow of commerce and personnel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Army trained 25 Iraqi soldiers in traffic control operations in preparation for the national elections.
  • The 10-day course, led by U.S. Army engineers, focused on principles of traffic control operations, including site selection, design, and materials calculation.
  • Iraqi soldiers from the 7th Iraqi Army Division are responsible for securing travel routes across Al Anbar province between Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.
  • Effective vehicle search capability is crucial for a safe flow of commerce and personnel from the border into the heart of Iraq.
  • The U.S. Army plans to upgrade two of the top seven priority TCPs as defined by the 7th IA Division Commander, with Iraqis leading the planning, resourcing, and execution.
  • The training was tailored to the situations the Iraqi soldiers face on a day-to-day basis at their checkpoints.
  • Several students were eager to apply their knowledge and were teaching their own soldiers at night before the class concluded.

Statistics:

  • 25 Iraqi soldiers received training in traffic control operations.
  • 10-day course duration.
  • 7th IA Division responsible for securing travel routes in Al Anbar province.
  • 2 TCPs to be upgraded, as defined by the 7th IA Division Commander.

Sources:

  • U.S. Army (no date)
  • Capt. Kurt Zortman, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist) (no date)