Iraqi Police officers graduate leadership course

Photo By Spc. Courtney Marulli | Maj. Steven G. Yamashita, a native of Guam and the battalion operations officer for 759th Military Police Battalion, congratulates the graduating class during a ceremony from the Iraqi Police Leadership Course at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah in eastern Baghdad, Oct. 25.  

RUSTAMIYAH, IRAQ

11.05.2007

Story by Spc. Courtney Marulli 

2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

By Spc. Courtney E. Marulli
2nd BCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq — For a week, Iraqi police officers from Rusafa in eastern Baghdad learned leadership, teamwork, and law enforcement skills.

It was all part of a course based on the U.S. Army's Warrior Leadership Course, which hones the skills of new and future sergeants.

The Iraqi course was overseen by Soldiers of the 759th Military Police Battalion, in conjunction with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, while contracted police advisors taught the classes. On Oct. 25, the Iraqis graduated following their final class, pistol training.

Maj. Steven G. Yamashita, battalion operations officer for 759th MPs, said the leadership training is one small part of developing a police force.

Yamashita, a native of Guam, said Iraqi police officers are brought to Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah so they can be relaxed and not have to worry about their bosses.

"Right now, they are doing quite a bit of investigating," Yamashita said. "There is a misconception that they're not doing investigations. They're doing it."

Army 1st Lt. Lara J. Suarez, the chief of police services for 759th MPs, said the program was designed to train mid-level officers and non-commissioned officers. The program has improved from the first course, she said, as graduating officers have given feedback when they leave.

Suarez, a native of Monroe, N.Y., said the Iraqi police officers are operating at a good level, but will continue to refine their skills.

"This program is very beneficial to the IPs," Suarez said. "It also helps us to get a grasp on their leadership skills and how they define themselves as leaders."

Army 1st Lt. David A. Bell, a platoon leader in the 759th MPs, said the leadership classes started five months ago, and this current class is the second one to graduate. The police in this current course were from New Baghdad, Mada'in and Ahdamiyah Districts.

Bell, a native of Knoxville, Tenn., said the class has been great and everyone was very attentive. He said there was also a lot of group participation in the classes.

Bell said the focus was put on communication and team building.

Many Iraqi police officers didn't realize they could communicate with each other about the mission and make decisions on their own without having to go to higher command levels. Bell said they learned how to build teams on a small level, such as a patrol, to a larger level, such as a shift. They also learned how to handle weapons safely and had to qualify on their Glocks.

They were also taught about Iraqi law, including the Iraqi penal code and basic laws by 1st Lt. Mazin, one of their fellow classmates. "It should have been a refresher because they have already gone to the academy," Bell said.

Bell said he could see improvement through the actions of the policemen themselves. He said they discussed what they learned with each other and asked a lot of questions.

"That shows me they've taken something from this," he said.

The civilians who spend time training the IPs have also noticed an improvement as well.

Gary M. Reilly, an international police advisor, worked with the police sergeants and said the main emphasis was put on communication skills. They worked on how to give proper supervision, stay in control and keep the flow of information going to all involved.

Reilly, a native of Manchester, Conn., said he also showed the police officers how to maintain control during tactical situations. He also showed them how to keep safety in the forefront of their minds during the live fire exercises.

"I've seen some improvement," he said. "One fellow was doing things grossly unsafe and I corrected him, and he's been doing it correctly. That's a small victory."

Rob P. Rumfelt, an international police advisor, was in charge of the live fire Glock range. Rumfelt, a native of Lakeport, Calif., said the policemen did very well and did a proficient job handling their 9 mm handguns.

"They actually did very well," he said. "They all shot well within center mass."

Chuck Reynolds, the acting team leader for FOB Rustamiyah international police advisors, worked with the officers and taught them management theory, management styles and team building skills.

"They learned that they had to communicate with each other and get feedback from all the members of the team," said Reynolds, a native of Macon, Ga.

• Date Taken: 11.05.2007
• Date Posted: 11.05.2007 11:25
• Story ID: 13631
• Location: RUSTAMIYAH, IQ