U.S. Congress Delegation visits Camp Dublin

Courtesy Photo | Members of a US congress delegation, led by Rep. Joe Wilson, pose with Iraqi Federal Police officers after observing a training demonstraiton at Camp Dublin, Feb. 22.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.22.2011

Courtesy Story

Allied Joint Force Command Naples     

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A U.S. congressional delegation, led by Rep. Joe Wilson, met with NATO Training Mission-Iraq deputy commander, Italian army Maj. Gen. Claudio Angelelli; and the Gendarmerie Training Division Commander, Italian Carabinieri Col. Fausto Vignola during the delegation's visit to Camp Dublin here, Feb. 22.

This visit marks the second time a U.S. Congress Delegation has met with the Gendarmerie Training Unit this year, the previous visit was, Feb. 2.

During their tour NTM-I staff briefed the delegation on their mission, tasks, organization and the results they have achieved in training Iraqi Security Forces. They also conducted a training-range tour where the US Congress representatives were able to observe building clearance and crime scene investigations drills performed by a team of Iraqi Federal Police.

Upon the conclusion of the tour Wilson expressed his personal satisfaction to the Iraqi Federal Police personnel and Carabineri.

Iraqi Federal Police

One of the biggest projects that NTM-I carry out is the training of the Iraqi Federal Police. The Gendarmerie-type specialised course is designed to provide future training to the IFP to enhance the skills taught at their basic training centres. Police officers attending the Carabinieri course study operational planning, police procedures, police intelligence skills, weapons and combat skills. The course also places special emphasis on police ethics and Human Rights.

Over the last three years the Carabinieri have slowly been transitioning training responsibilities to Iraqi Federal Police instructors who now carry out over 40 percent of the instruction. Over 8800 IFP have been trained to date and 130 IFP T3[1] and over 20 T5[2] trainers have been certified as instructors. Furthermore, over 200 Zerevani Forces of the Kurdish Regional Government have completed this training as part of a plan to integrate them with Iraqi Federal Police forces. This goal of integration serves both to improve security and reduce Arab-Kurd ethnic tensions.

As a result of the work of the Carabinieri, the Iraqi Federal Police are now a highly respected, professional, apolitical security force and this training by the Carabinieri is an example of how NATO training activities have assisted in the professionalization of the Iraqi Security Force.

• Date Taken: 02.22.2011
• Date Posted: 02.28.2011 07:20
• Story ID: 66205
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ