 | In 2004, then-Captain Robert Dixon of the United States Army was charged with a crucial task: helping to train an Iraqi Army battalion. He was tasked as an advisor with Iraq's 3rd Brigade, of the new Iraqi Army. To complete his mission, Dixon helped develop over 30 instructional programs for the Iraqis. Using the approach of "training the trainers", Dixon helped instruct 140 officers and non-commissioned officers who were then placed in positions to better educate 900 soldiers in the battalion. He mentored their leadership in the daily grind of army routine, helping them teach their soldiers everything from marksmanship to military operations in urban terrain. His actions during the formative phase of the unit proved invaluable to them when they later hit the front lines to fight the insurgency and protect their fellow Iraqi citizens.
But Dixon's support didn't end with the formation of the unit. He also assisted the unit during their operational deployment by helping the battalion plan and direct missions against insurgents.
Captain Dixon's efforts to get the brave men of the Iraqi Army operational and trained to the highest standards possible were invaluable. His achievements earned him the Bronze Star. Photo and information courtesy of US Army / Dept. of Defense |
