IPs graduate from IPDC in Ramadi

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch | Iraqi policemen stand at attention during the graduation ceremony, Feb. 2, at the Thayala Iraqi police station in Ramadi, Iraq.  

RAMADI, IRAQ

02.11.2008

Story by Spc. Ricardo Branch 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

Spc. Ricardo Branch
1st BCT Public Affairs

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – The 100 Iraqi policemen had only one step left to complete their training – graduation.

The new officers graduated, Feb. 2, in a small ceremony at the Thayala Iraqi police station in Ramadi, Iraq.

"This is a great day for the men," said Lt. Col. Adnan Dayeh Darb, Thayala Iraqi police chief. "They worked hard for this day and it makes me happy to see their hard work and dedication paid off in the end."

The Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery instructed the policemen at their station instead of at the Ramadi training center.

"We started sending a mobile training team to the stations during the fall of last year," said Maj. Stephen Thrasher, 1-41 FA battalion executive officer. "By us sending a team out, more policemen are able to be trained."

During the training, the Iraqi police built upon their weapons skill through reflexive-fire training, learned different search procedures, practiced gathering intelligence and learned different ways to set up checkpoints.

Since the mobile training team started their mission, more than 1,500 policemen have been trained at their stations.

"It's pretty rewarding for the team when you have seen them at the beginning to the ending stage – It's a real big difference to us," said Sgt. 1st Class Troy Moore, 1-41 FA mobile training team.

He said that the main change in the policemen is the boost of confidence from when they start the training to the graduation.

"They feel a lot better about themselves," Moore said. "You see it when they walk across and receive their certificate. They are more confident when they get the paper because they are then certified policemen of the city."

During the graduation, Ramadi police chief Gen. Khalil spoke about the efforts of the policemen standing before him.

"From this training, you all improved your ability to be representatives of the law," he said. "You are the executers of the law, so remember what you learned when you're on the streets doing your duty."

Khalil reflected then about the efforts of the men in front of him and those before who gave their service to the people.

"You see a big difference in Ramadi over the last two years," he said. "Iraqi police are now able to provide security and serve the people."

Khalil added, "Teach others what you learned because your peers can learn from you and become more familiar with the law as they work on the streets of the city."

The graduation was the final step of the police training. They now go out protecting and serving the people of Ramadi as police officers.

• Date Taken: 02.11.2008
• Date Posted: 02.11.2008 18:06
• Story ID: 16255
• Location: RAMADI, IQ