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MOUT Training in Iraq
By Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA
Photo by Master Sgt. Joseph Iacovone Jr., 177FW/SF
TAG at Operation Jump Start
Staff Sergeants' Patrick Donohoe (facing right), Kevin Allmann (front), Gabriel Armstrong (left wall), and Senior Airman Tara Cullen (facing the door) practice room entry techniques.

MOUT (Military Operations Urban Terrain) Training In Iraq.
At first glance it seems a bit like overkill—knocking down doors, diving through windows, searching and clearing buildings utilizing heavily armed fire teams. But when you think about it, it only makes sense that when you are not actually performing security forces duties; you train in the same way in the same environment and conditions.
The security forces personnel assigned to the Quick Reaction Force spend a great deal of time training and preparing for various types of operations.

Master Sgt. Joseph Iacovone Jr., a member of the 177th Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron and QRF team leader at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, came up with the idea for a MOUT site at the base.

“The lesson plans and courses were developed based on the training we received at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., and our civilian law enforcement training and experience,” says Iacovone.  “I had plenty of assistance implementing this training from my squad members with special tactics experience.”

The course includes classroom lectures and practical applications on topics such as urban assault, active shooter, barricaded subjects and building clearing.
“After running our entire QRF team through the training, we invited other security force members to participate,” adds Iacovone.  “The unit leadership responded to our offer and we are currently training additional members of our squadron.”

That training is critical; some of the QRF’s responsibilities include performing unexploded ordnance sweeps after rocket and mortar attacks, security sweeps, casualty evacuations and serving as a blocking force in the event of an attack to the base or other threat situations. They also provide protection for civil engineer and other base personnel during base projects ensuring the safe completion of these missions, as well as providing protection for visiting U.S. and Iraqi dignitaries.

The individuals who attended the training, comprised of active duty, Guard and Reserves, provided positive feedback about the course and everyone who attended the course come away with some new ideas and tactics to be used in the future.

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Volume 32 Number 6
Staff / Information
     
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