Army Boosting Efforts To Lure Trainers For Iraqi Forces

[rodeodance]

Source: Associated Press


http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=dcb9a14e-05e9-4ab1-99d7-ad678583cc23
Army Boosting Efforts To Lure Trainers For Iraqi Forces
Many U.S. officers attempt to sidestep transition-team duty

By Lolita C. Baldor , Associated Press Writer
Published on 10/28/2007



Fort Riley, Kan. — Army Capt. Matthew Foster, like many officers, was not thrilled to hear he had been assigned to a training team destined for Iraq to work with the national police.

The job is a growing need as U.S. forces try to prepare the Iraqis to secure their own country and is considered by many in the U.S. ranks as high risk, with little reward. At the same time, commanders at Fort Riley said that as the demand for more trainers increases in Iraq and Afghanistan, they will be able to quickly ramp up their schooling and send even more solders over as advisers.

Still, they and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Michael Mullen, said Wednesday they understand that many soldiers are not sold on the program. They also said they are working to ensure that troops on training teams get the rewards and promotions needed to make the assignment more attractive.

“I was told to come here,” said Foster, who had lined up with his teammates to talk to Mullen as he toured the training facilities as part of his two-day visit to Army bases in Oklahoma and Kansas. “I had no choice at all. I wasn't happy.”

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Read more: http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=dcb9a14e-05e9-4ab1-99d7-ad678583cc23

[jody]

1. Teach Iraqis what? Our strategy/tactics don't work for us so why should they work for Iraq? n/t