Advisers in Iraq put their lives on the line

The United States has sent 300 advisers to Iraq to bolster Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) battling the invading ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) militant group. ISIL is known for its brutal violence directed at Shia Muslims and Christians. The offensive by ISIL has caused many of ISF to flee their posts and allowed ISIL to control of major parts of northern and western Iraq through force or fear. In recent events, ISIL has gained control over Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, and has issued an order for Christians in the 1,600-year-old Christian community to "convert to Islam, leave, or die." Baghdad is their goal, and the group has grown from 3,000 to 20,000 soldiers who impose Sharia law and is rebranded as the "Islamic State." To stem the tide and strengthen ISF to repel the invaders, the aim of advisers is to make the ISF capable of conducting independent counterinsurgency operations, tactically, operationally, and logistically.

So, what exactly is an "adviser?" Well, my research has revealed a succinct and accurate description: "The combat adviser mission requires U.S. officers and NCOs to teach, coach and mentor host nation (HN) security force counterparts. This enables the rapid development of our counterparts' leadership capabilities; helps develop command and control and operational capabilities at every echelon; allows direct access to Coalition Forces (CF) enablers to enhance HN security force counterinsurgency (COIN) operations; and incorporates CF lethal and nonlethal effects on the battlefield."

Having been an adviser (2004-2005) to an Iraqi infantry company, I think the definition is right on. Being embedded with the Iraqis allowed us to mentor Seventh Century Bedouins to the technology and civilization of the 21st Century. No easy task. Some of the boys had never worn shoes or boots, let alone live with running water. That being said, in training and on missions my Iraqi soldiers were just like ours in spirit, aggression, and actions. I think the hardest part of our adviser mission was teaching the Iraqi soldiers to fire single, well placed shots with their AK-47, and not shoot in full auto, which burns 30 rounds in less than 5 seconds. If you run out of ammo in a firefight you will be in deep doo-doo!

The best known advisers in America are from our army's Special Forces "A" Teams. There are also Marine and Army Embedded Training Teams (ETT). Teams can be deployed around the world to fulfill the training mission specific to that area. Teams can range for 3 or 4 to the squad size of 12. Green Berets "A" teams are well known for training of Montagnard tribes in Viet Nam. Teams configure as needed, according to a team member who wishes to remain anonymous. Calling him Sarge, he explained that teams are typically six to eight members, with specialties to meet the training criteria. They usually have a weapons specialist (like Sarge), medical, engineer, communications, and intelligence. All team members receive intensive language and cultural training within their area of deployment. He said the teams are "force multipliers" to build rapport with the locals and train them in unconventional warfare.

There are currently seven Special Forces groups, each with an area of responsibility such as South America, Horn of Africa, and Okinawa. Of the seven, two are National Guard Special Forces Groups. The 19th headquartered at Draper, Utah, and the 20th headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.

Being an old infantry grunt, working with "A" teams in Iraq was quite inspiring. After taking our three battalions through basic training, we moved the brigade 300 kilometers northwest from Kirkush near the Iranian border to Al Kisak, near the Syrian border. Both Iraqi army bases were built by Saddam Hussein and some of our soldiers served in his army. Our Sergeant Major, named Sajat, was a sniper for Saddam. He really liked my M-4 carbine and is a very good shot, but I wouldn't trade him for his AK-47. "A" teams took over direct training and we were reallocated as Mission Training Teams (MITT's) to mentor and support our brigade. Working closely with the teams to gather intelligence and plan missions, we prepared our Iraqis for combat, mentoring them in the process of mission planning. We would go on regular missions with 50 or so Iraqis and a couple of Hummers, while the teams would take them on special operations. Shortly before we left in 2005, our last combat death was SFC Bob Derinda who was KIA along with Green Beret SFC Walden in a IED attack. Bob was in my squad and had a bit of a temper but would have made a great "Green Beret."

Of special note, Hayden's 455th Engineer Company is back home from its 11-month combat tour in Afghanistan. Welcome home troopers. You guys ROCK!

Jack Evensizer is a resident of Dalton Gardens.