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Intelligence is key to counterinsurgency

  • Published
  • By Maj. Edwina Walton
  • 370th Expeditionary Training Squadron
CAMP TAJI, IRAQ --  The second class of Iraqi air force intelligence operations students received their diplomas after completing a two-month course here today. 

Two officers and four enlisted members bring the total to 188 airmen; to include 153 officer candidates, enlisted airmen and students graduating from technical training courses from the Taji campus; as well as the 35 officer candidates graduating from the Rustimayah campus since August 2007. 

The students were taught intelligence techniques and procedures to aid the fight against counterinsurgency. 

"The 10-week course gives students the tools to perform in today's Iraqi air force," said Tech. Sgt. Brett Guimond, 370th Expeditionary Training Squadron intelligence instructor, who is deployed from the 31st Training Squadron, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. "This graduation denotes a positive step towards the goal of an independent Iraqi air force." 

"It is very interesting discussing theoretical abstract in another language. It's a new way of thinking and understanding for our students," said Maj. Brett Mers, deployed from Headquarters, Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. "While it was difficult teaching this course, you can imagine that it was even more difficult comprehending what was being taught in another language."
 
"Of all the classic indices in war: logistics, weapons, orders of battle, etc., there is no contest for intelligence. If I can teach my students to analyze their intelligence and information better than their opponents; they win, period," said Major Mers. "Intelligence is the key to counterinsurgency."

"This is a new experience for me," said the Iraqi class leader (whose name is withheld for security concerns), a 17-year Iraqi air force veteran. "The American way of teaching is different from what I am used to. Officers and enlisted teach alike. In the past, I would see enlisted airman and think they are stupid. I didn't respect them. Now, my thought is different. I understand that we all have something to learn from each other. The U.S. has helped us to make the connection with the enlisted force. It's not like it was in the past. I respect sergeants, and I respect women the same." 

Tech. Sgt. Guimond witnessed the change of attitude firsthand. "I was well received in the classroom," he said. "Additionally, when one of the privates fell behind in the course due to a family emergency, it was the class leader, a major, who took it upon himself to bring that person back up to speed with the group." 

Speaking on behalf of the 370th Expeditionary Training Squadron, Director of Operations, Lt. Col. Mark "Jed" Ponti told the graduates, "You all came to Taji from different families, different backgrounds, and different lives.  As intelligence officers, you will now take on the great responsibility in combating the forces who want to do harm to your nation and to your families. Your nation will rely on your skills. What you have learned here is just the beginning; you must continue to sharpen these skills from this day forward. Today, you have become a part of your nation's future."  

The Commandant of the Iraqi Air Force Training School, Brigadier General Abdul Kareem, told the graduates to apply the values and the skills learned at the school and to serve the Iraqi air force with great honor.