Cavalry Soldiers let Federal Police take over training at TF Nassir

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Sabin | Iraqi federal policemen with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Federal Police Division, attending the Task Force Nassir Training Academy start the run portion of their physical fitness test at Contingency Operating Station Cashe South, March 27.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

04.06.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sabin 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

BAGHDAD — Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 89th Cavalry Regiment, conducted their final session as primary instructors for a training center, known as Task Force Nassir, at Contingency Operating Station Cashe South.

The Soldiers' final class began, March 20, and concluded, April 1. Following the session, all primary instructors for the training center will come from the federal police.

Task Force Nassir is a training center for the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Federal Police Division designed to train new recruits in operations ranging from weapons skills to basic police work.

"When we got here, it was pretty much 90-percent American led and 10-percent federal police cadre led," said Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Bakehouse, mortar platoon sergeant for 1-89 and the TF Nassir non-commissioned officer in charge. "In this last class, we have gone to where they teach every class. We are just here to help with any problems they have or just give tips on how to do it better."

Police recruits must maintain physical fitness by conducting platoon physical training and regular physical fitness tests consisting of pushups and sit-ups for one minute each, and a timed one-mile run.

"We plan the training time to build the skills of our Soldiers so they will be good in the field," said Lt. Abid Al Majeed Ahmad, training commander for 3-3-1 Iraqi FP. "This is our goal for our Soldiers — to make them the best of the best."

The entire training cycle spans 13 days and includes drill and ceremony to maintain discipline and pride, and leadership skills.

"We teach them to teach their Soldiers because we don't want to teach them and have it stop there," said Spc. Juan Sandoval Jr., a mortarman for 1-89 Cav.

The recruits also receive classroom work, hands-on training at marksmanship ranges, room-clearing drills in buildings and foot patrols before culminating with a field exercise. Bakehouse said, while the training is extensive, every step is critical for the Iraqis.

"I believe by the time we leave here," said Bakehouse, "they will be able to continue on with this course themselves and continue at the same standard that we have set."

• Date Taken: 04.06.2010
• Date Posted: 04.06.2010 11:13
• Story ID: 47745
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ