TAJI, Iraq – Training of senior Noncommissioned Officers is one of NATO Training Mission-Iraq's most important responsibilities. Professionally trained by NTM-I specialists, Iraq's NCO Corps will become invaluable to commanders and form the backbone of the Iraqi Armed Forces. More importantly, after completing the Senior NCO Course these NCOs are ready to begin training their subordinates in an effective manner, another step in establishment of self-sustaining capabilities within the Iraq Security Forces.
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Senior NCO training is conducted in the Iraqi Army Infantry NCO School at Camp Taji, which is located about 30 km north of Baghdad. NTM-I's involvement is primarily with higher-level training, training selected senior NCOs and Warrant Officers for their role as command sergeants major.
The NTM-I Training Advisory Team permanently deployed at Camp Taji, under the leadership of Ukrainian Air Force Lt. Col. Alex Osmirko, is composed of three instructors from the United Kingdom, Estonia and Lithuania and two advisors from Ukraine. The team provides training, advice and support to the SNCO Course staff and students. The NTM-I advisors work alongside the United States Forces-Iraq's Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Army team at the NCO School. |
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TAJI, Iraq – Ukrainian Air Force Lt. Col. Osmirko presents a certificate of
achievements to a graduate of the e of the seventh SNCO Course March 30.
(Photo by NTM-I.) |
The school's success was recently highlighted by the seventh SNCO Course graduation ceremony March 30 for 37 course graduates. This course was second to complete the new 90-day format. Previous courses were 45 days, and the extended course affords instructors time to conduct higher-quality training. During practical and methodical studies the students develop their leadership skills; expand their knowledge of Information Technology and map-reading; learned the theory and practice of organization of physical training; and develop a better understanding for methods to conduct marksmanship training.
The completion of the SNCO Course is significant accomplishment in the military career for all senior NCOs. This was underscored by the attendance of important military representatives at the graduation ceremony.
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"We are all united in our common task as soldiers, and everything we do, every day counts,” said British Army Brig. Gen. Mark Pountain, NTM-I's chief of Training Education Doctrine Advisory Division, in his address to graduates and the staff. "Jointly, our efforts have been directed towards achieving a common goal. In today's complex operational environment, with a variety of threats to national and to regional security, we offer you our respect, and our admiration, as you face each day with great courage to work for the security and stability of your great country, and its future.”
Pontain's remarks were echoed by Iraqi Army staff Maj. Gen. Samir, as he expressed his appreciation for the assistance of NTM-I and USF-I advisors in the development of the NCO School's training process. |
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Taji, Iraq - British Army Brig. Gen. Mark Pountain presents a congratulatory
gift to a SNCO course graduate March 30. (photo by NTM-I) |
He also noted that Iraqi Army leadership was highly satisfied with the achievements of the NCO School's personnel in the training process, and pledged to continue to work to build the institution's capacity.
Infantry NCO School Commandant Iraqi Army Col. Hayder congratulated the graduates upon completing the course; praised the school's staff for the quality of their work; and thanked international military advisors for their assistance in organizing and conducting the course.
In addressing the graduates, Dutch Military Police Command Sgt. Maj. Van Holst, NTM-I's senior enlisted advisor, underlined that he has learned much from both soldiers and commanders throughout his military career. He charged his Iraqi colleagues to develop this ability, and to strive to be an excellent example for their soldiers.
The next SNCO Course is scheduled to start in April. It will herald another milestone in the development of a well-trained, professional NCO Corps within the Iraqi Armed Forces.
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NTM-I NCO/BST Training and Advisory Branch achievements:
Senior NCO Courses.
In 2010 two Senior NCO Courses were completed with 36 and 44 graduates respectively. 263
students have been trained so far in 7 SNCO courses. This year 84 students are planned to
finish the SNCO Courses.
Battle Staff Training Courses
7 courses, which are oriented on battalion level, have been completed since 2008 with total number of 212 students trained including 4 courses in 2010 with 94 graduates. One BST Coursecompleted in 2011 (K1 RTCKirkuk) 22 graduates. Three more 14-day BST courses are expected in this year with 85 students projected.
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Taji, Iraq - British Army Brig. Gen. Mark Pountain discusses the future
development of SNCO Courses with Iraqi Army staff Maj. Gen. Samir
before the graduation ceremony March 30. (Photo by NTM-I) |
Train-The-Trainer (T3) and Instructors Development Courses – two courses completed, with 98 graduates. Third T3 Course will start at 02 April 2011 and will last for 30 days. New program of instructions (POI) for T3 Course will be implemented. According to POI, the practical component will compose the 80 % of the studies. Thee 30-day length T3 Courses are planned in 2011.
Total150 students plannedT3 Coursein 2011.
The branch is looking for possibility to provide IA Taji NCO School with English Language Digital Lab in order to facilitate Basic Language training and support Iraqi Army NCO corps development and professionalization.
The NATO Training Mission in Iraq(NTM-I) was established in 2004 at the request of the Iraqi Interim Government under the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1546. The aim of NTM-I is to assist in the development of Iraqi security forces training structures and institutions so that Iraq can build an effective and sustainable capability that address the needs of the nation.
NTM-I is not a combat mission but is a distinct mission, under the political control of NATO's North Atlantic Council. Its operational emphasis is on training and mentoring. The activities of the mission are coordinated with Iraqi authorities and the US-led Deputy Commanding General Advising and Training (DCG (A&T)) who is also dual-hatted as the Commander of NTM-I. NATO has an enduring commitment to Iraq.