Airmen Train Iraqi Soldiers on Base Defense

Airforce Base
Originally uploaded by Sydney Weasel.

By Air Force Senior Airman Brian Ferguson, U.S. Central Command Air Force Public Affairs

AR RASHEED BASE, Iraq -- When most Airmen think of base defense, they may think about security forces checking ID cards at the gate. However, a U.S. team in Iraq is showing that base defense means much more.

A group of five security forces Airmen and their Army commander have combined to form a base defense unit, or BDU, team. They are tasked with training and advising the Iraqi Army on base defense tactics at Ar Rasheed Base, an Iraqi post on the outskirts of Baghdad.

“The mission of BDU team 3602 is to mentor and guide our Iraqi counterparts on how to do a base defense mission,” said 1st Lt. Frank C. Bigelow, assistant team chief.

The Airmen are filling what are normally Army positions, training the 1st Iraqi Army Division/Iraqi Intervention Forces. The positions are called “in-lieu-of” positions. The six service members are the only Americans on the base.

“I came here because I didn’t want an Army guy who has already been to Iraq four times to have to come back,” said Master Sgt. Tony Pesson, NCO in charge and tactical operations center liaison. {Click on image for details}