BESMAYA — The Iraqi Army (IA) implemented the Warrior Training Program in July 2008, when one IA unit participated in a battalion-level exercise. Since then, six other battalions have conducted warrior training exercises, and currently five battalions are engaged in exercises throughout Iraq.

This steady increase demonstrates a dedication to unit training, increasing both individual and collective skills. 

The 28-day course is being conducted in Besmaya, Habbaniyah, Numaniya, Kirkuk and Tallil, with nearly 2,800 IA Soldiers in training.

The goal of the program is to improve the war fighting skills of every battalion in the IA. The training plan progresses from individual skills through squad, platoon and company, culminating with battalion-level exercises.

Advisors from Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq’s Joint Headquarters Army Advisory Training Team have noticed the change in the Soldiers at the end of the training. 

Advisors say individual Soldiers are more proficient and confident in their abilities.  While the Soldiers are conducting individual training, the staff is improving their planning skills.  Leaders are also better able to plan missions and provide adequate command and control of their units.

The planning and execution of the Warrior Training Program is led by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and Army leadership, with support from JHAATT.

The Iraqi Ground Forces Command nominates which units will come out of the fight and the Basic Tactical Training Directorate provides the training centers and staff to assist.

The areas of focus for the trainers are planning and resourcing, training execution and After Action Reviews.  All Warrior Training exercises conclude with graduation ceremonies and include demonstrations of the skills the units have learned.

To date, 4,115 IA Soldiers from seven units have taken part in the program.