Posted on 04/05/2010 4:34:28 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD – U.S. Soldiers here gave Iraqi Army students a chance to apply their new combat lifesaver skills during a demonstration at Contingency Operating Location Constitution, March 31.
The IA Soldiers engaged in the event as a culmination of their five-day combat lifesaver course administered by Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.
"Combat lifesaver is a basic skill that is stressed upon enlisted Soldiers," said Pfc. Derek Miller, a combat medic with HHC. "I know when we went to basic, it consumed a majority of [basic combat training] because it's such an important task."
The team of medics assigned to HHC conducted the combat lifesaver class for the Iraqi Field Artillery Directorate at Constitution in which approximately 15 Iraqi Soldiers participated. The class kicked off with several blocks of instruction, including detailed presentations and practical exercises, a final demonstration led by the Iraqis in a simulated combat environment, and the final exam.
Initially, U.S. forces were a bit concerned about the language barrier that would persist in the classroom environment, said Miller. The Iraqi interpreters sat down with the instructors for briefings on class objectives each day, enabling the class to run smoothly and efficiently.
"We've been able to show the Iraqi students exactly what's required of them in a combat situation to save their friends' lives and to save their own," said Sgt. Michelle Shorb, a native of Huntington Beach, Calif., and combat medic also with HHC.
This joint training provided the Iraqis with solid groundwork on which to build on attained skills and become more knowledgeable in the medical field, said Capt. Paul Jachimek, the physician assistant with HHC and native of Tampa, Fla.
"They took in what the medics instructed them on [and] did a wonderful job," said Jachimek.
With the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment from here, it's imperative for the Iraqis to know these life-saving skills. When U.S. troops leave Iraq, many of the current medical clinics and operations spread across Iraq will go with them, said Jachimek. U.S. Soldiers are preparing the Iraqis so they remain standing with countless capabilities and skills.
"This makes me so efficient and a very active Soldier to save my friends on the battlefield," said Juma'ab Alwan Thahir, a student in the combat lifesaver course.
The training the Iraqis obtained during the course is something they can continue to practice with each other, train other Iraqi Soldiers, and successfully apply in real situations, said Jachimek.
"Everything that [U.S. forces] do is to help them build a stronger, better, safer Iraq," said Jachimek. "One of the most important skills for efficiency is being able to save lives."
"We've never been through these classes, so it's something very good for us, and it's going to lead us into the future," said Juma'ab.
The students successfully completed the life-saving tasks given to them by the U.S. Soldiers, who were very pleased with the outcome.
"If I'm able to teach what I know to someone else, that's possibly a life I may save in the future by sharing my knowledge with them," said Miller.
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