Iraq -- Iraqi Soldiers receive the same combat medical training Marines take with them to the fight.
Sailors and Marines with Shock Trauma Platoon, 1st Maintenance Battalion (-) (Reinforced), 1st Marine Logistics Group, instructed the first local Combat Lifesaver Course to 32 Iraqi Soldiers here, Nov. 25.
"By teaching the CLS course, we're helping the Iraqi Army take one step closer in being able to operate on their own," said Cpl. Jose C. Lopez, 28, from Bronx, N.Y., a motor transportation operator with STP, 1st Maint. Bn. (-) (Rein.), 1st MLG.
The two-day course was taught using media presentations and hands-on training. At the end of the second day, the Iraqi Soldiers took the final exam, which consisted of four common combat medical scenarios. They had to assess the patient and provide immediate medical care while being evaluated on their skills.
Brig. Gen. Robert R. Ruark, 48, from Salem, Ohio, 1st MLG commanding general, and General Ali, Camp Habbaniyah commanding general attended during the final exam and graduation ceremony.
"The Iraqi Soldiers received a certificate of completion and a CLS (kit) with all the medical equipment and supplies they’d need to provide basic combat first aid," said Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron L. Giacoletti, 27, from Bisbee, Ariz., a corpsman with STP, 1st Maint. Bn. (-) (Rein.), 1st MLG.
Fourteen of the 32 Soldiers who participated in the class are Iraqi Army medics. They'll instruct the CLS course to their fellow service members throughout December. The Marines and Sailors with STP will return in a month to evaluate the Iraqi medics’ training skills.
"The overall goal is to see if this program can continuously be taught by Iraqis," Giacoletti said.