Unit’s new training reflects Iraq changes

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Unit’s new training reflects Iraq changes
By Will Higgins - The Indianapolis Star
Posted : Sunday Jan 13, 2008 15:46:54 EST

EDINBURGH, Ind. — When it comes to searching Iraqi homes, the “soft knock” is in for the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The “hard knock” is out.

The days of kicking down a front door and crashing through with rifles ready are mostly over. That approach has been widespread for much of the fighting in Iraq, but now the war has changed, and National Guard troops are changing with it.

As the men and women of Indiana’s 76th head to Fort Stewart, Ga., for their final two months of training, they’ll be preparing for an Iraq that appears to be less volatile though still far from stable.

They’ll be learning some Arabic and honing their soft-knock skills, relying on a simple rap or call from the street to open doors. When a soldier does enter, it will be without a bullet ready to fire in his rifle.

Such tactics could give any insurgents waiting in ambush an upper hand, but Lt. Col. Burt Owens of the 76th says the approach is key to winning the hearts and minds of Iraqis.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/01/gns_iraqtraining_080113/