FORWARD OPERATING BASE GARRY OWEN, Iraq- In the new “advise and assist” phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Coalition forces train Iraqi Security Forces to conduct combat operations as opposed to conducting unilateral combat operations. Each day this training helps Iraqi Police in the Maysan Province take another step toward autonomy. In 2005, the Ministry of Interior founded an IP Academy to begin training district, emergency response and federal police in the province.
“Right now the IP Academy is focused on training police that are already employed. The IP never had an initial training program integrated so everyone in the province has a different level of skill.
The (Basic Recruit Training) class will give these (police officers) the foundation to succeed and an opportunity for advancement, an option that wasn’t available a year ago,” said 2nd Lt. Thomas Gossweiler, a tank platoon leader from Long Island, N.Y. assigned to Company C, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment. July 30 marked the second IP graduation the 4th Bn. has been invited to. Even with the language barrier, the proud looks of the nearly 875 graduates in attendance was difficult to miss. With the band keeping a marching rhythm similar to our own Army bands, the ceremony was rich with Iraqi culture and pride. Not long ago, the course was an eight-week program designed to teach mostly discipline and marching. The current program is four weeks and focuses on tactics and strategy. The class was shortened due to the Iraqi instructors’ increased effectiveness.
Lt. Col. Ghazi, Commandant of the Maysan IP Academy has sought out training from U.S. Army personnel.
“They always ask us to show them how the Americans do it. (Ghazi) has requested protective security detail, crime scene investigation and combat lifesaver training from American units. The training is great for both nations,” said Sgt. 1st Class Sean O’Connor, a tank platoon sergeant from Scranton, Pa., assigned to Co. C, 4th Bn., 6th Inf. Regt.
Leaders of the 4th Bn., 6th Inf. Regt. are optimistic regarding the future success of the Maysan police force. The mission ahead will not be an easy one, but it is necessary nonetheless. Lt. Col. Robert L. Menist Jr., 4th Bn., 6th Inf. Regt. commander from San Francisco, leads his Soldiers in their mission to advise and assist the Iraqi Police in northern Maysan province.
“Now that security rests solely on the Iraqi Security Forces, it is imperative that we have and maintain a trained, professional and proficient police force. The IP Academy is an instrumental part in making that happen,” said Menist.
