Pacesetters Partner to Build a Future

NASIRIYAH – At the start of the New Year, soldiers of the Pacesetter Bn, 3rd Bn, 29th FAR, were hard at work in Iraq, ensuring that the IA continues to succeed after the U.S. advise, train and assist mission is complete.

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Immediately upon arriving at Camp Adder, located near Nasiriyah, the Pacesetters started working closely with the IA. “We're here to help them prepare for the future,” said Capt. Donald Mills, battery EO. This assistance culminated in the construction of the 10th IA Div. Training Center. Capt. Brenden McNichol served as the primary U.S. advisor during the construction. The center is capable of housing 600 Iraqi soldiers, while they train on multiple skills including first aid, tactical engagement skills, and urban combat skills. The training site is also equipped with weapons ranges, a land navigation course, and mortar and artillery live-fire ranges. "This project was definitely a large undertaking from the start, but the IA engrs rose to the challenge and did an outstanding job,” said McNichol. The most impressive aspect of the training center’s construction, according to McNichol, was the enthusiasm with which the Iraqi’s undertook the project. “The IA leaders on the ground were able to maintain an aggressive timeline, utilizing all heavy machinery assets available,” he said. The training center was designed by retired IA Staff Maj. Gen. Abbas, Iraqi senior advisor, and was constructed by Iraqi contractors, and soldiers. While the involvement of the Pacesetter Bn was far from over at that point, McNichol felt a sense of satisfaction. “Not only was this a worthwhile project to build, but the Iraqis really took the lead on this, designing the camp, providing the workers that built it, and providing all sorts of specialty engr assets. I was just there to help guide them,” said McNichol, with a sense of satisfaction. IA units started training at the center in early Jan., with 25-day rotations for an entire battalion at a time. The first 2 weeks focus on honing combat skills, and the rest of the time the Iraqi soldiers exercise those skills in simulated combat scenarios. The training model is similar to a National Training Center rotation U.S. soldiers go through before deployment. "This camp will be able to provide an excellent area to train, and what we learn here with our American partners we'll be able to build upon in the future," said retired IA Gen. Abbas.

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