EAST BAGDAD, Iraq - The vignette ‘Charge of the Braves 2’ took place at the Besmayah Training Centre (BETC) in mid-May 2025, marking the conclusion of a month-long team-training course for elite infantry platoons of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). During the final exercise, participants integrated all the tactics, techniques, and procedures learned over four intensive weeks, into one cohesive scenario.
Since 16 April 2025, two specialized infantry platoons have received extensive instruction in the diverse procedures required for successful urban combat operations. Spanning all ranks, from private to platoon leader, both individual and collective skills were developed and refined. The training programme also extended beyond combat fundamentals to include vital topics such as medical assistance, negotiation tactics, and the use of NATO Allied Procedural Publication (APP-6 related to joint military symbology). The Director of BETC and NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) advisors observed not only significant progress among the trainees, but also the exceptional dedication of the Iraqi instructors. From individual combat techniques to operational planning, the course represented a major achievement for BETC.
The exercise itself was further enhanced by the involvement of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Medical School units, which added a layer of complexity to an already demanding scenario. Yet, all participants, support elements, and trainers demonstrated that they were more than capable of meeting the challenge. During the vignette, BETC leadership and NMI advisors observed a range of activities including building evacuation, counter-IED procedures (C-IED), Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), and hostage rescue operations. These highlights displayed the alignment of unit performance with NATO-standard practices.
Once again, the Besmayah Training Centre proved itself as a premier training hub. While the trainees and BETC instructors were the central figures of this success, such an exercise would not have been possible without the centre’s outstanding infrastructure. BETC’s facilities, ranging from classrooms and urban training complexes to live-fire ranges and aviation zones, enable almost limitless training possibilities within a single location.
With plans in place for BETC to be relocated to Camp Tash, both BETC personnel and NMI remain committed to maintaining training excellence. It is hoped that the infrastructure at the new site will match the current standards, ensuring that this high level of training continues uninterrupted.