Fellow Americans from Tennessee. Iraqi Armyu soldiers and Staff Sgt. Caver.

I recently was assigned duty of staying two days with the Iraqi Army and watching them train. We, myself and Staff Sgt. Tilo, left about 5:30 a.m. to join a convoy going out to resupply FOB O'Ryan. These supply runs are known to us soldiers as LOG packs. As we pulled out of LSA Anaconda, I noticed the children were already there waiting as the sun came up. We made it to O'Ryan without incident.

After a cup of coffee and eggs we met up with the Sergeants that would conduct the training for the next two days, we would observe and later sustain the training at our FOB Montini.

The incoming IA arrived late and this did not set well with the Americans that would be training them, after all, we are the ones that are known for "Hurry up and wait." As we watched them prepare for the day, I noticed all they brought with them were mattresses we had given them and some blankets from home. They clearly do not have the funding we do, and I hope that changes.

As they formed up into units one of their sergeants, Sgt. Sammi, was giving them a good butt chewing. I had our translator tell me the general context, and it was just your typical NCO keeping control of his men and telling them they were there to earn their pay. This was a good thing to see, it's like tough love. They also did some marching about for us and looked pretty good and sounded glad to be there. They had some pep to their step, and pride in their stride.

The IA was split into two groups, the leaders and the led, Sergeants and soldiers. I went with the group of Sergeants and Staff Sgt. Tilo went with the soldiers. The training for the sergeants was on the responsibilities of being a sergeant.

I thought the instructors gave great classes and stressed the need to put the welfare of your soldiers second only to the accomplishment of the mission. Now a good sergeant knows that if you prepare for the mission properly, then the soldiers are naturally taken care of, so the soldiers ARE always first anyway. The only concern I had was that a lot seemed to be getting lost in the translation, and it was. But to the credit of the guys from the midwest they figured this out and made the corrections. I must say these guys were a credit to the Army, displaying professional bearing, technical know-how and a genuine concern for the future of Iraq.

The Iraqi sergeants were courteous and showed an interest in learning what the Americans had to say and apply it to their Army. Again, I can't stress enough how the Army hasn't focused enough on our learning simple terms.

One of the things that was taught was what we call a SALUTE report. Each letter having a meaning. S-size, A-activity, L-location, U-uniform, T-time and E-equipment. The class was fantastic, the problem was the translation did not match the Iraqi word Salute letter for letter. But like I said, the instructors fixed the problem and went back to the old who, what, when, where and why format. This they understood. So in doing this the Americans accomplished the mission and took care of the troops.

I also had a chance to sit in on the battalion commander's briefing to the Iraqi leadership, just let me say it was inspiring. The basic message to the Iraqi leaders was: The old way of doing things is gone, the most powerful Army in the world is just a mob if not led by men of character. The old IA got beat quickly and badly because those in charge lacked character, they used their soldiers and did not put their well being first, this was wrong. The future of Iraq must be in the hands of the Iraqi Army, and it must have men of character this time. We all want to see our loved one's again, but will not leave until Iraq is ready to defend herself. Of all the factors that make for success on the battlefield, it is the spirit of the warrior and the heart of the lion that matter most.

That's pretty much the message and the attitude of those of us with the IA. I want to also take the time to remind all the readers that I speak only for myself and want to share "my" perspective and experience. Some may agree, some may disagree but it is my perspective.