2009.01.16
16JAN09--Commando Training, Day 3: Clear Building
The commando training went from clearing a simple room the past two days to clearing a building today. The layout was not particularly easy and included stairs.
The brigade commander came to watch the day's final training event, in which the Iraqis cleared the building, took a casualty, gathered intelligence and searched detainees. Not only was the commander pleased, but the team is pleased with their progress. The company is much better prepared now to operate as an independent unit.
Iraqis prepare to clear the building.
Iraqis clear the stairs, as an American sergeant watches.
These tactics sure beat just running up the stairs and throughout the building.
After the training, I lead the discussion of the after action review. The Iraqis are catching on to the concept of improving through discussion strengths and weaknesses.
