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Local man portrays Iraqi at military training camp

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Contributed by: Army & Air Force Hometown News on 6/17/2008

Training in simulated village prepares soldiers for duty

By Michael Tolzmann, Army & Air Force Hometown News

FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- At first glance, the son of a Wheat Ridge woman looks nothing like what you'd expect of an American soldier. He wears long, loose-fitting Arab clothing, a scarf-like head cover, grows facial hair and lives in the desert in a small Arab village. He stands with Iraqi natives as Arabic calls to prayer can be heard over loud speakers.

Army Spec. Brian J. Hessler, son of Susan Bassler, of Wheat Ridge, is a highly specialized American soldier living in the Mojave Desert here as an Arab for the exclusive benefit of other soldiers who are preparing for duty in Iraq. Hessler and the 1,300 "opposing forces" from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, along with 250 Arab-speaking Iraqis, test and challenge soldiers for the likely situations they'll face in the war zone.

"We have a duel mission here. When we're conducting Army training for our own benefit, then we play Iraqis. Sometimes we're anti-American and sometimes pro," said Hessler, a 2005 graduate of Wheat Ridge High School.

Hollywood makeup artists use their industry's most convincing fake blood on amputee actors to add to the realism of simulated roadside bomb attacks by role-playing enemy insurgents. Hessler takes his Arab acting seriously with the goal of providing learned experiences that could help save American lives in Iraq.

"It's important for these soldiers to come here and practice their skills so that when they go down range to Iraq, they'll know what to look for and have a bit of confidence. I hope the units that come here learn from their mistakes, because it's not laser tag when they get to Iraq," said Hessler.

The Army's National Training Center at Fort Irwin is well suited to duplicate the natural environment in Iraq. Situated near Death Valley, the center has 1,200 square miles of nothing but desert wilderness where approximately a dozen simulated Arab villages have been built. Each village has a different look and feel, providing different situations to learn from for the soldiers who will soon be walking village streets in Iraq.

"It's a hot desert here. I think it's about the closest thing we have to actually being in Iraq. The towns we have are very realistic," said Hessler.

For the moment, Hessler will work as an Arab civilian or enemy combatant, but he has a traditional Army background. Hessler, an infantryman, has been in the Army for nearly three years.

At first glance, Hessler's family or friends may not recognize him in Arab wear, but his efforts as an actor are likely to help save lives of fellow American soldiers.

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

Submitted By: Tom Meiers

posted on 6/18/2008 @ 10:02:18 PM

Rated Story

My family is apart of group called the Patriot Guard Riders, and we want to Thank You for your time and dedication to serve our country. We really do appreciate it! Thank YOU!

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Submitted By: Tom Treloar

posted on 6/17/2008 @ 5:13:37 PM

Rated Story

Thank you Brian for your service.

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