JOINT SECURITY STATION SHAHEEN, Iraq – In a secure future for Iraq, the increased capability of the Iraqi Federal Police’s Shurta (police officers) to maintain security and order for their country is essential.
At Joint Security Station Shaheen, the Soldiers of D “Demon” Company, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment are seeing to that task.
Continuing their “advise and assist” mission with month-long rotations at JHS Shaheen (Arabic for Falcon) in the Federal Police Brigade Headquarters, the Soldiers provide security for the compound and simultaneously develop and execute training plans. The proximity of the JSS to the Federal Police Brigade allows for daily interactions and training. In the past month, Soldiers conducted first aid, navigation, check point operations, and vehicle maintenance training. Federal Police Soldiers learned much from the training.
“The IP (Iraqi Police) officers paid attention to medical training and learned a lot,” said Spc. Noah Girmay an armor crewman from Rockville, Md.
Each Soldier brings something different to the table that assists in this mission and strengthens the bonds between the Iraqi and American forces. The opportunity to work directly with the Iraqi forces was gratifying, said Pfc. Gray Pearson, an armor crewmember from Holdrege, Neb.
“I enjoyed training the FP (Federal Police) and working with them, and helping Demon Company at the tip of the spear,” he said.
Sgt. Anthony Greer, an armor crewman from Odessa, Texas, expressed satisfaction at getting to see the impact of their efforts on the ground. “We assisted the Federal Police Transition Team, and Delta company trained and advised the Federal Police,” he said, “and we were able to see in person what all the hard work amounted to.”
Through these efforts by “Demon Company” Soldiers working at both JSS Shaheen and Contingency Operating Site Garryowen, the Iraqi Federal Police are getting the experience and expertise that will be essential in gaining the respect and trust of the Iraqi people.
