Teacher's pets

Photo By Spc. Leith Edgar | An Iraqi National Policeman of 4th Brigade, 1st NP Division prepares to shave outside his barracks Dec. 1 in Baghdad. The renovation of the NP barracks is an ongoing project, which is completed in steps by Iraqi private contractors and is overseen by NP Transition Team.  

RUSTIMAYAH, IRAQ

12.05.2006

Story by Spc. Leith Edgar 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. L.B. Edgar,
7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP RUSTIMAYA, Iraq – The classroom has no desks, chairs or blackboards. The lesson never ends. The students speak Arabic. The instructors wear full camouflage fatigues. A pop quiz could mean life or death and the final exam will determine the fate of a nation.

Welcome to Rebuilding Iraq 101.

The Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, are not teaching their students, Iraqi National Policemen (NPs), in the classroom. They use the city of Baghdad, instead.

The daily lessons taught through translators to the NPs of 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, include the basics of rifle marksmanship, how to properly conduct checkpoint operations and the correct way to lead troops into battle, said Capt. Matthew Stuckey, company commander, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Division, attached to 2nd BCT, 2nd Infantry Div.

The Co. A "Commandos" plan on using their noncommissioned officers as positive examples to their NP counterparts, Stuckey said.

"We have a lot more really strong NCOs. I trust any of my squad and team leaders to accomplish a mission. If I give them a mission I know they are going to do it. The Iraqi military is not at that point yet. I think that is one of the big things we can bring to this mission," Stuckey, a resident of Temple, Texas, said.

The "Commandos" are also ready to lend a helping hand to their students.
"We're supporting them on their dismounted patrols through the muhallahs (boroughs or districts within Baghdad) and (also) helping them supervise their checkpoints, provide some additional training on their checkpoints and vehicle searches. Generally providing any additional assistance they need," the veteran of 11 years said.

To measure the NPs progress, the "Commandos" will monitor the NPs capacity to accomplish individual and small unit tasks, which builds into the NPs overall ability to provide security for their area of responsibility, Stuckey said.

The focus is on troop leading procedures with the ultimate goal an effective Iraqi National Police corps, said Capt. Kurt Ritterpusch, battalion operations officer, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt.

Though the security forces bear the brunt of security challenges, the civilian population has a mutual responsibility, the native of Cincinnati, Ohio, said.
"People have to stand up and say, 'Not in my town!' Apathy has to stop," the married father of four said. "By empowering the security forces and taking the necessary steps to secure the city, people should feel empowered to say 'Not in my town!'"

• Date Taken: 12.05.2006
• Date Posted: 12.05.2006 10:38
• Story ID: 8492
• Location: RUSTIMAYAH, IQ