FPs, Soldiers celebrate graduation after culmination exercise

Photo By Kimberly Hackbarth | Policemen with the Iraqi Federal Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Directorates stand in formation during a graduation ceremony held for them after completing the final event of Violator EOD security training course at Forward Operating Base Prosperity, Baghdad, Dec. 31. Soldiers with 2nd Platoon, Company F, 52nd Infantry Regiment attached to 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division created the course and taught the policemen the skills needed to complete the course.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.31.2009

Story by Pfc. Kimberly Hackbarth 

4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

BAGHDAD — Like a family reunion, Soldiers with 2nd Platoon, Company F, 52nd Infantry Regiment and Iraqi Federal Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal directorates greeted each other with hugs, laughter and eccentric handshakes.

While a normal welcoming for the two groups, there was a sense of excitement Dec. 31 as the five trainers from 2nd Platoon, Company F, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division prepped their eight EOD FP trainees for a culmination exercise leading to the first graduating class of Company F's Violator EOD Security Training Course on Forward Operating Base Prosperity.

After three weeks of training, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Gomez, a platoon sergeant with Company F, said he and his Soldiers are confident in the skills of the EOD FPs.
"[My Soldiers] trained them to the point where they can actually feel comfortable fighting side-by-side with these guys," said Gomez, a Denver native. "I wouldn't have a problem doing a joint mission with those guys."

The EOD FPs showed their eagerness and willingness to learn every day of the course by training long hours and even staying later to make sure they learned all they could. They regularly asked the 2nd Plt., Company F Soldiers to teach them more.

Training began with roping off sections of the platoon's area with 550 cord and engineer tape but progressively evolved into an intricate training exercise around FOB Prosperity.
The final exercise included such tasks as reacting to enemy contact — mounted and on foot — and clearing buildings.

The EOD FPs kicked in doors, eliminated enemy threats and disarmed a suicide bomber as a part of the exercise.

During a react-to-enemy-contact scenario and a flank exercise lane, a policeman was required to perform first aid on a fellow policeman by placing a tourniquet around his gunshot-wounded leg.

Pvt. Laith Mohammed, a policeman with the EOD FP, said he'll miss training with the 2nd Plt., Company F, 52nd Inf. Regt. Soldiers, who are attached to 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, but he is happy with the new skills and lessons he learned.
"My favorite part was reacting to an ambush and maneuvering because of the teamwork with security and EOD," said Laith.

At the end of the exercise, after the EOD FPs successfully completed their tasks, everyone regrouped at the platoon living area and held a graduation ceremony, where the 2nd Bn., 12th FAR commander, Lt. Col. Kevin Murphy, spoke.

"This is the first class, but there will be many more," Murphy said, adding that the success of the first class has paved the way for future classes to be given by the Company F Soldiers.

"The bottom line is they came in here with a little bit of skills," said Gomez, "and now they're leaving here three weeks later feeling more confident in themselves and their ability to handle any situation that they may encounter out in sector."

• Date Taken: 12.31.2009
• Date Posted: 01.04.2010 08:48
• Story ID: 43433
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ