Estonian army chief: Americans are adopting Estonian unit's solutions in Iraq
12.03.2008
TALLINN, Mar 12, BNS - US units in Iraq have learned from and adopted tactical solutions of the Estonian infantry platoon serving in that country, the commander of the Estonian defense forces says.
Lt. Gen. Ants Laaneots met on Tuesday with the chief of Multinational Force Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, and commander of Multinational Corps Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin, military spokespeople in Tallinn reported.
"Gen. Petraeus and Lt. Gen. Austin were frank and direct when speaking about the operational situation and plans for the future," Laaneots said. "Both generals were very well informed about the operations of the Estonian platoon."
Senior officers at various levels of allied forces appreciate the training and skills of the Estonian infantry platoon, the army chief noted and mentioned that US units have learned from and adopted tactics and procedures used by the Estonian contingent.
The security situation in Iraq has considerably improved, Laaneots said, mentioning in particular a 70 percent drop in the level of violence and the fact that nine out of Iraq's 12 provinces have been transferred to Iraqi control. The United States intends to reduce the strength of its contingent in Iraq this year.
During his trip to Iraq the army chief examined the Estonian platoon's area of responsibility and checked the unit's action in a motorized and foot patrol of villages outside Sab al Bor.
The infantry platoon ESTPLA-16 is serving in Iraq as part of the US 1st Cavalry Division. The 34-strong unit is deployed in the area of Sab al Bor near Baghdad.
Estonian military have been participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom since June 2003.
Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8814, sise@bns.ee
 
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