Photo By Spc. Adam Blazak | In a training environment an Iraqi policeman pulls 1st Lt. Michelle Weinbaum, the...... read more read more
By Pfc. Adam Carl Blazak
11th Public Affairs Detachment
TAL AFAR, Iraq – In late May, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near the palace grounds in Tal Afar in Northern Iraq. A handful of local civilians died and scores more were injured from the blast. Chaos ran rampant over the scene as Iraqi police attempted to cordon the area over the wailing sirens of police cars and fire engines and the screams of mourning relatives.
That was a month ago. Now, Iraqi police from around Tal Afar have been converging on Forward Operating Base Sykes to learn better cordoning techniques during an emergency.
"For many of the IP's, this is their first formal training," said 1st Lt. Michelle Weinbaum, the executive officer for 116th Military Police Company, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, referring to the second round of IP's who were finishing their last day of training, June 24.
Starting just a couple weeks ago, the training was still in its infancy stage, yet the MP's understand its importance
"We're trying to help correct the practices of the IP's," said Staff Sgt. Aaron J. Kellum, a squad leader for 116th MP Co.
"The training tests the IP's reaction to initial critical response," said Sgt. John M. Marshall, a team leader for 116th MP Co.
The first day of training is a mixture of classroom instruction and a walk-through, basic cordon. The second day the MP's bump it up a notch by adding more scenarios to the equation. On the final day, the IP's run through multiple, full-blown scenarios, Marshall added.
During the training's latest iteration, Tal Afar's Iraqi Police Brig. Gen. Fawaz Mahmood Essa Al Jouburi attended the final scenarios to see what his police had learned.
"I see them working together as one team," he said. "They are becoming more proficient. We have to keep going with this kind of training."
During a short break between scenarios, Fawaz addressed the police officers telling them they "have to take care of their country," and they must "treat everybody the same."
Kellum also mentioned "Throughout the training, we've seen improved initiative on their part."
After three days of training, the IP's learned valuable training techniques, which will be implemented at their own police stations across the Western Iraq city of Tal Afar, near the border of Syria.
"We have learned different techniques to help secure the area of civilians if something happens," said Khudir Mohamed Obeed, a Tal Afar policeman.
"This (training) is a benefit for both IP's and civilians," said Loqman Mohamed Hussen, another Tal Afar IP who took part in the training. "It will help us better secure our people."
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2008 07:19 |
| Story ID: | 20830 |
| Location: | TAL AFAR, IQ |
| Web Views: | 293 |
| Downloads: | 259 |
This work, Faux scenarios, efficient techniques to assist Tal Afar police, by SPC Adam Blazak, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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