U.S. task force trains soldiers in El Salvador for Iraq

Left: An El Salvadoran commando includes a picture of Jesus Christ on his identification card holder as he fights in the Muslim nation.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - A task force of 26 personnel from Joint Task Force Bravo traveled to El Salvador this month to conduct military-to-military training for Salvadoran soldiers deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

During the week-long training mission July 16-20, Salvadoran soldiers were instructed on driving military vehicles, convoy and perimeter security, communications, how to avoid improvised explosive devices, civilian and military cooperation, and emergency first aid...

"They are an extremely professional force," said Lt. Col. Greg Jicha, the task force commander and commander of Army forces at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. "They go into each day of training with ambition and the desire to learn. They understand the seriousness of the situation they'll face in Iraq."

El Salvador is the only country in Central America that provides personnel to support Operation Iraqi Freedom...

While in Iraq, Salvadoran soldiers will use American military equipment.

Read the rest at the Leavenworth Lamp

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