IP's graduate from first academy in Diyala

Courtesy Photo | Iraqi policemen breathe a sigh of relief, as they stand in formation at their graduation ceremony held at Multi National Divison North Regional Training Academy, May 15, 2008.  

ASHRAF, IRAQ

05.16.2008

Courtesy Story

4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

By 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

ASHRAF, Iraq – Four hundred and thirteen Iraqis graduated May 15, 2008 from the Multi National Division Regional Training Academy. The Iraqis attended a four week course in order to become Iraqi police.

"The training the IP received was top notch training, and it's going to help them when they go out to their stations and start doing the job of taking care of the Iraqis and providing their security," said Sgt. Richard Forbes-Watkins 202nd Military Police Company.

The graduation of IP's is a huge step forward for Iraq, said Sgt. Maj. Gerald Stegemeier, 728th MP Battalion. The Iraqi people are now one step closer to taking over the job of providing security for their nation.

"The IP's I've met have been very professional and have taken the responsibilities that their job entails very seriously," said Stegemeier.

The newly graduated IP's will now go out to their duty stations and man their post, said 1st Sgt. William Finch with the 202nd MP Company.

The main goal for the newly trained IP is to replace the American forces in the role of providing security for the Iraqi people, said Finch.

The IP's are very excited and dedicated to the idea of taking over their country, said Finch.

"The Iraqis are eager to provide security for their nation," said Stegemeier. Currently there is a ten-thousand- person back log of Iraqis who want to go through the IP training.

• Date Taken: 05.16.2008
• Date Posted: 10.02.2008 04:11
• Story ID: 24399
• Location: ASHRAF, IQ