66th MPs train, graduate 36 Iraqi policemen in election security

Photo By Sgt. Kenneth Bince | An Iraqi policeman wands a fellow student with a metal detector, Feb. 3, during the...... read more read more

Photo By Sgt. Kenneth Bince | An Iraqi policeman wands a fellow student with a metal detector, Feb. 3, during the five-day 'on the FOB training' held at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq.  see less | View Image Page

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, IRAQ

02.20.2010

Story by Sgt. Kenneth Bince 

49th Military Police Brigade

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq — Soldiers of the 66th Military Police Company graduated its first class of 36 Iraqi policemen from a five-day election security class here Feb. 4.

The Fort Lewis, Wash., based MP company, nicknamed 'War Eagles', recently arrived in theater early January to conduct Police Transition Training, which consists of training, guidance and mentorship to their Iraqi equivalents.

In addition to the PTT mission throughout the Diyala province, the 66th MPs took ownership of the 'on the FOB training' mission, from the 287th MP Company. "We hit the ground with our boots running," said Capt. Ranjini T. Danaraj, 66th MP Company commander. "66th Soldiers were training IP from the province before our TOA (transfer of authority) ceremony."

Second platoon, 2nd squad was tasked with operating 'on the FOB training'. "In the month of February, with the assistance of International Police Advisers, we changed the training from crime scene investigations to election security," said 1st Lt. Rachel Morgan, 66th MP Company, 2nd platoon leader.

"The first of the five days of training starts off with an overview of what will be covered during the entire five days," said Sgt. 1st Class John Meuret, 66th MP Company, on the FOB training, director." During that day, the instruction includes, policing in a democracy and human rights classes."

"The IPs here are very motivated and willing to learn, said Meuret. " When they come here in the morning they are ready to start, it's probably because their sergeant major accompanies the policemen all through the five days of instructions."

"So that IPs attending the classes here have a command structure within their training group or ranks," explained Meuret. "That's very similar to the way the US military is setup.

"Not only do the training classes have internal Iraqi command and control, the sergeant major marches his policemen to and from the dining facility for lunch," said Sgt. David Patterson, 66th election security class non-commissioned officer in charge. "We all eating lunch together, which is a good time for the instructors to establish a rapport with the IPs and their sergeant major."

The second day of instruction consisted of the different types of searches that will be conducted at the polling sites, along with responsibilities of each officer at the different search stations. "Personal searches, hand wanding with metal detectors and the importance of each of the different search stations," said Patterson. "And how it is very critical to watch and control the individuals search stations."

The third day of training is a consolidation of the individual skills that were learned in the previous two days. "Here we put everything together, said Patterson. "The training always starts off with a walk through, or at half speed, and then we move up to full speed," said Patterson. "Once the full speed is achieved, scenarios are added and changed up."

The fourth day is the testing day for the class of Iraqi policemen. "All stations of the polling place are observed and tested. From the individual search stations to the command and control of the whole polling site, are graded and evaluated, "said Patterson.

"Once the IPs achieve the standard, the IPA, MP trainers, and Iraqi police conduct an AAR (after action report)," he said, "That's where the instructors and IPA give and take opinions from the IPs on how effective the course was, and to provide feedback on how to improve the course for future classes."

The last and final day is the class' graduation day. Lt. Col. Aaron Metz, 3rd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, chief, Provincial Police Transition Team, addressed the class of IPs saying, "What you have done here is set the foundation for a safe and fair election. We have shared a lot of concepts with you, and a lot of techniques that you can take back to the force, but I ask that your instruction doesn't stop here."

He continued, "I need you to take back what you learned here to your district headquarters, your local police stations where you work. I need you to share what you have learned with your fellow officers and policemen in the force. "

"This is the Iraqi's election, we are going to be as hands off as possible, the IP will run their election, secure their polling sites, count their own ballots and ultimately electing their own leadership," said Maj. Scott Harbison, 3rd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, provost marshal.

Once the Iraqi parliamentary election is held March 7, the 66th MPs will once again return to teaching advanced criminal investigation techniques.