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by Spc Yolanda Moreno Leon
138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq –Military Transition Teams at Forward Operating Base Spear, Mosul, Iraq, are continuing their training of Iraqi Army officers and mentoring them in how to run daily operations of a Brigade.
The MITT is there to assist the IA so that when Coalition Forces leave Iraq the IA will be able to function on their own.
Each member of a MITT plays an important role in teaching their IA counterpart exactly what their duty is and how to properly accomplish that specific job
“It is my responsibility to teach our counterparts, the S-4 Iraqi Army Staff officer on how to procure class 9 [repair parts for vehicles],” said Major Michael Kelley, logistic advisor, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, MITT , and native of Madison, Ala. “I basically show them how to get supplies.”
The teams' task is to prepare the young Iraqi Army to take over the job of securing its own country. The units are made up from all areas of the brigade's job specialties. The MITTs focus on training the IA for independent combat operations.
The MTT has watched the IA request and procure ammunition, fuel, new equipment, and water trailers through the IA system without a lot of complications.
“They do an excellent job on getting things done when they need to,” said Kelley. “They are well prepared to do their jobs.”
A MITT will live and work with the IA, and will be available to their counterparts at all hours of the day and night. This is in case a question comes up and an immediate answer is needed that the IA Officers can not answer and needs MTT guidance.
“The IA are improving everyday and eventually will take total control of their operations,” said Kelley. “When they do take control, they will not have to rely on Coalition Forces and we will be able to go home.”