Former Sons of Iraq make history at Furat

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jessika Greendeer | Maj. Gen. Kadhim, the commander of the Provincial Directorate of Police, and Col. Byron Freeman, commander of the 8th Military Police "Watchdog" Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and in command of all of the Military Police within the country who's mission is to provide oversight of the Iraqi police; arrive at the graduation of the first class of former Sons of Iraq integrated into the Iraqi security forces at al Furat Iraqi Police Training Center Dec. 2.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.03.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Jessika Greendeer 

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Staff Sgt. Jessika Malott
8th Military Police Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Only one month ago, 1,031 former Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq) signed on to become Iraqi police recruits at the al Furat Iraqi Police Training Center. After completing weeks of police training to include proper checkpoint procedures, arrest tactics, community policing techniques and marksmanship qualifications, these recruits have earned the title Shurta or certified Iraqi police officers in their graduation ceremony Dec. 2.

Although there have been many previous graduates of the center these recruits are unlike any before them; they are the first complete group of former SoI to enroll in the program.

Beginning Oct. 1, the SoI program, which was previously organized by coalition forces, became the responsibility of the government of Iraq to fully integrate the personnel into the Iraqi security forces or other forms of civilian employment.

The pride beaming from the hearts of the men and women standing in formation was evident, as some of the most profound words and demonstrations were displayed and shared with an audience of Iraqi forces and citizens as well as coalition forces.

The ceremony began with the playing of the Iraqi national anthem, followed by a passage from the Quran and a moment of silence for fallen comrades.

The host of the ceremony, Iraqi police Maj. Gen. Kadhim, the commander of the Provincial Directorate of Police, through an interpreter said, "Today's graduation and this training is for Iraqi's and Iraqi soldiers. These men and women stood up for Iraq. They put their lives on the line. They are heroes."

Coalition forces were impressed with the progress that the IPs have made in recent history.

"This is a great day for the Iraqi people. We need to keep moving forward. We are making progress and this is a great day for them," said Col. Byron Freeman, commander, 8th Military Police "Watchdog" Brigade, Multi-National Division – Iraq. If you think back to four years ago, we were training Iraqis, and now there are Iraqis training Iraqis"

Ameel, who made her dreams of becoming an IP a reality, was one of three recipients of a gift presented by Kadhim. She received the award for best shooting during the marksmanship portion of the course.

"I am very happy," said Ameel, one of the 19 newest female Shurtas, through an interpreter. "Words cannot express how proud I am today, all of my family is very happy. I thank the coalition forces for transferring the SoI and for making this opportunity."

Another class of all SOI will begin training at the al Furat Iraqi Police Training Center. Approximately 1,100 more recruits will train to become Shurta fulfilling the government's promise to transition the SoI.

• Date Taken: 12.03.2008
• Date Posted: 12.03.2008 00:48
• Story ID: 27110
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ