Security forces advisers provide advanced training for Iraqi airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman
  • 321st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
NEW AL-MUTHANA AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNS) --  Airmen deployed in support of Operation New Dawn recently trained a small detail of Iraqi security forces airmen to teach several advanced techniques for one-on-one confrontations.

Master Sgt. Grady Driver, a security forces adviser, is a member of the Iraqi Training and Advising Mission. He said that mission is to assess and advise the Iraq air force then to execute a plan of action to build a safe, credible and self-sustaining organization.

"This training is not intended to replace what the Iraqis currently do, but to possibly open their eyes to a different approach and give them ideas to making their job better and increase the security of the Iraqi air force resources," Sergeant Driver said.

The training focused on the use of an expandable baton, which is designed to end an altercation quickly without excessive injury.

Using a building-block method of teaching, the instructors began by simply explaining what the baton was. Then they gave examples of how to use the baton, and eventually led the Iraqis into defending themselves from the all-out assault of an attacker.

Staff Sgt. Jason Bronson, currently deployed as an expeditionary security forces member and combat arms instructor, said the training adds to the capabilities of the troops in the security forces field for the Iraqi air force.

"They learn skills that are not available to them -- taught in a simple, uniform manner that helps them look and act professionally in their daily operations," Sergeant Bronson said.

Back in the U.S., Sergeant Bronson stays busy with his day-to-day job as a civilian officer with the Fort Wayne Indiana Police Department. He said that he has seen firsthand the benefit and advantage that training like this can give someone who is confronted by an individual with superior size and basic-fighting skills.

"This definitely levels the playing field, and I am proud to pass this on to these men who are brave enough to enlist and serve their country just as I have done for mine," he said, adding that the training will have long-term effects on the quality of security forces personnel in Iraq.

"Training in this manner allows us to leave something behind, and we know that ... we, as a unit, can give something to the people that we will entrust with the security and safety of this country when we are gone," Sergeant Bronson said.

Tech. Sgt. Todd Barnett is a firefighter currently deployed as an adviser for the Iraqi air force. He volunteered to put on a padded suit and take a beating from the Iraqis. He said he feels the best part of the ITAM is being able to get away from his routine job tasks.

"In this case, it literally was outside of my 'comfort zone,' Sergeant Barnett said. "I had a blast helping my co-worker, Master Sgt. Driver and his crew of volunteers. It's always a good time training with any Iraqi air force airman, but this training has been the funniest yet. If you've never experienced gearing up in the Red Man suit ... I say go for it!"

To date, about 10 Iraqi air force members have received certification on the use of the baton, and Sergeant Driver said they plan to continue with classes in the future.

"I've been in country for eight months now ... I have built a very good working relationship with the Iraqis at several bases throughout Iraq," Sergeant Driver said. "Many Iraqis want to better their country for their families so they can live in peace. That's my motivation to train them to be able to defend themselves and their family if need be."