Baqubah police participate in training, with 'attitude'

Photo By Sgt. Armando Monroig | A tactical SWAT team member shoots on the move during training conducted at Forward Operating Base Gabe near Baqubah, Iraq, March 22. The training session was conducted by International Police Liaison Officers and members of the 571st Military Police Company from Fort Lewis, Wash.  

BAQUBAH, IRAQ

04.03.2007

Story by Sgt. Armando Monroig 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

By Sgt. Armando Monroig
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAQUBAH, Iraq – The Iraq police's Tactical Strike Team and SWAT team participated in weekly training in Baqubah, March 22, at Forward Operating Base Gabe.

The training was conducted by members of the Iraqi police force, the 571st Military Police Company, from Fort Lewis, Wash., and International Police Liaison Officers.

They practiced individual movement techniques, marksmanship and the searching and clearing of rooms.

According to Jerry Taylor, an IPLO and expert in SWAT tactics and techniques, such law enforcement organizations are needed in Baqubah to respond to terrorist threats.

"You've got to be arrogant and deliberate," he said to members of the Baqubah SWAT team during the training session. "You've got to come through that door with that attitude."

For several hours, members of the SWAT team worked on developing confidence as they moved through a mock building called a shoot-house. They practiced individual movements and their role in the squad.

This was the fifth training session for the teams. Although their members are improving, they are a work in progress, said Taylor. The attitude required to be a member of the SWAT and TST had to be learned said Staff Sgt. James Stark, from the 571st MP Co.

The SWAT team has shown marked improvement, said Stark. It is no longer timid when attacking an objective.

"Last week, we did a cordon and search with the SWAT team over in the New Baqubah area. They went through pretty fast," said Stark. "They were pretty accurate."

Sgt. Kurt Stroude, also with the 571st MP Co., has seen improvements in the TST's performance, as well.

"Our convoy was struck by an IED in February. We were about to have them dismount – they were already doing it," he said. "They had the right side of the street covered. They were behind cover, watching the rear. They had guys on the other side of the street watching the flanks. So, yes, they're doing pretty good."

Stark said that he's noticed an improvement in marksmanship, too.

"They (were) shooting from 25 meters and not hitting anything on the target," he said. "Now we've got some guys out there that are actually really good shots."

While Stark and Stroude agree that such improvements can be attributed to the training itself, they also agree that the positive attitudes of team members have helped increase their efficiency.

"These guys take their training seriously. They care," said Stroude. "They're getting a lot better.

They're not scared. They know we're here to help them but they know we're not here to do their job for them."

• Date Taken: 04.03.2007
• Date Posted: 04.03.2007 09:40
• Story ID: 9742
• Location: BAQUBAH, IQ