Blackanthem Military NewsAL ASAD, Iraq – Training took to the air as Iraqi Special Operations Forces turned their focus to helicopter operations, April 1 in Al Asad, Iraq, in order to increase their capabilities in the region.”Al Anbar borders three different countries and the borders are as far as 500 kilometers from here,” said the commander of Al Anbar’s 9th Battalion, ISOF. “We must be able to reach those places. It takes helicopters and planes to reach them.”Through a collaborative training effort with U.S. Special Operations Forces, the 9th Battalion moves closer to being completely self-sufficient in maintaining the safety and security of western Iraq.USSOF advisors tailored the helicopter operations training to address the unique requirement of the region. By using helicopters for insertion, the soldiers will be able to reach objectives much faster in the outlying Al Anbar province. “Our capabilities are unique to the area,” said the battalion commander. “The terrain in Al Anbar is difficult to send people into on foot. The insurgents know that and they can move from place to place after attacks.” With these new aerial abilities, ISOF soldiers will be able to reach those far-reaching objectives in difficult areas.”[In Al Anbar], we have the only force that can go after so many targets, so we are happy to have [aerial capabilities],” said the ISOF commander. Leaders acknowledge that military training must be coupled with community leadership in order to ensure long-term success and security in the region. The ISOF commander said that in recent meetings with local and tribal leaders, ISOF and community leaders agree that in order for peace to thrive, they must form and nurture a partnership.”[The leaders] have shown cooperation and a willingness to work together,” said the ISOF commander.ISOF leaders are combining military capability with these community partnerships to achieve the common goal of maintaining a safe and secure Iraq.By U.S. Army Sgt. Brandon Pomrenke, Special Operations Task Force – West Public AffairsPhotos:
Iraqi Special Operations Forces Soldiers hone their fast-roping skills during helicopter operations training at Al Asad, Iraq. "Our capabilities are unique to the area," said the commander of Al Anbar's 9th Battalion, ISOF. "The terrain in Al Anbar is difficult to send people into on foot. The insurgents know that and they can move from place to place after attacks." (Photo by Army Sgt. Brandon Pomrenke)
Iraqi Special Operations Forces soldiers simulate security while another fast-ropes during helicopter operations training at Al Asad, Iraq, April 1. Soldiers worked into the night improving their ability to properly use helicopters to reach difficult objectives. (Photo by Navy Chief Eric Lippmann)
The Iraqi Special Operations Forces soldiers practice fast-roping during helicopter operations training. (Photo by Army Sgt. Brandon Pomrenke)
A 9th Battalion, Iraqi Special Operations Forces soldier simulates security while another fast-ropes. (Photo by Army Sgt. Brandon Pomrenke)