145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Sgt. Jeremy Pitcher

DIYALA, Iraq – The danger of working a checkpoint in Iraq has been a reality many have faced in years past. With enemy combatants working to easily blend into the civilian population, the check point too often becomes an easy target for insurgents.

For Iraqi police in the Diyala province a new class being offered on Forward Operating Base Warhorse is working to make these volatile situations safer for all.

The nine day class which focuses solely on operating check points came out of the Iraqi ministry of interior's request to strengthen areas of security that are already in place.

"All of these students have previously graduated from the basic course to become an officer. This is continuing education for them," said Police Advisor Lindrix Cooper, a lead instructor for the course.

The 18 Iraqi police which recently attended the fourth class held on Forward Operating Base Warhorse received training in an array of scenarios.

One of the most important classes taught in the course is the use of military working dogs and the benefits they bring to a situation like a checkpoint.

"There are many tools we are trying to give them during this training. This [working dogs] is a useful tool we want them to be comfortable with," said Sgt. 1st Class Troy Shaffer, 287th Military Police lead instructor.

The first scenario held by the U.S. working dog was hidden explosives in a vehicle. For this a small amount of explosive material was placed in the cracks of a large sports utility vehicle. Out of sight and with very little scent the working dog was able to pick up the exact location of the explosives and alert the handler.

The IPs watched and were explained the process the working dog was going through so that they too could understand the situation and see how the dog searched, identified and alerted.

The next step was demonstrating the effectiveness of the dog in personnel searches. The working dog acted as a guard for the handler as he searched the suspect. At the slightest sign of aggression they sprung and subdued the suspect.

For the final demonstration the working dog showed its discipline by attacking and retreating upon a single command.

Though the IPs watching and learning are not dog handlers themselves, with a strong infusion of more working dogs soon arriving in Diyala, these officers were there to learn how a working dog could help to keep themselves and the population safer.

"Officer safety is what we really try to hammer home. That is what this training is all about, keeping them safe," Cooper.

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