Old Eagle, I agree with you 100%. Right now I'd say there are two major efforts going on in terms of ISF development to support the "Alone and unafraid" MiTTs in Iraq. They are Transition Team Enhancement Packages (TTEPs) or Parterning. Both add value to the MiTTs and increase the training of ISF.

Transition Team Enhancement Packages basically adds a maneuver platoon to a MiTT. For example, 1st BDE decides they want to augment the MiTTs now attached to their Brigade. The Commander decides to commit one of this battalions to the TTEP mission. That battalion HQ serves as 1) the coordination cell for all the MiTTs and TTEPs and 2) conducts assistance training with the Brigade and Division level MiTTs. The platoons, however, is where the real benefits come from. As we discussed numerous times on this board, the current BN MiTTs are woefully undermanned. With only 11 soldiers on a team, every time they leave a FOB on patrol, almost the entire MiTT has to go along for the ride. Additionally, the 11 man MiTT does not have the personnel or resources to conduct both systems level training (logistics, personnel, planning, etc) AND the tactical level training of squad/platoon actions. With a 40 man platoon attached, the MiTT not only gains the value of additional security, but a robust, cohesive unit well versed in most levels of tactical actions. The MiTT then can focus on training the staff functions while the platoon can work with each line company.

A true Partnership relationship marries up one coalition battalion with one ISF battalion. In order for the partnership to pay off, there must be constant joint training, planning and execution of missions between the two. The MiTTs serve as the conduit between the two units providing communications and an honest assessment to the US units of what the ISF forces need work on. Everything from joining battalion staff training, to joint patrols at the platoon level. The ISF gets the benefit of watching/learning how the US forces conduct their operations and US units gain both the incredible HUMINT prowess and local understanding of the situation only an indig force can provide in a COIN fight.

Both methods can be effective, especially with the right leadership. Each has the potential to greatly enhance the utility/effectiveness of the ISF.

We (JCISFA) have an unclass paper floating around the BCTs and Divisions explaining in a little more detail the two approaches to partnering with the ISF, benefits and costs. Hopefully once I get some more feedback, I can throw the updated version here for all to see.