The Defense Department said Sunday the Iraqi Border Guard Force was formed to strengthen border security against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Members of the guard force underwent a program in which they were trained to use new equipment designed to support border security.
Officials said that the guard force was given over $300 million worth of pre-packaged shipping containers that each stored defensive barriers, first aid, metal detectors, a generator, a tent and vehicles.
“Coalition trainers at Besmayah Training Complex are instructing border guard units in the employment of this new system, which is scheduled for distribution along Iraq’s western border during the coming year,” said Col. Brian Ellis, partner force development director for the CJTF-OIR.
Training was led in cooperation with the Spanish Civil Guard.