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    Detainee Operations: A Soldier's View on Cropper Theater Internment Facility Handover to GoI

    Detainee Operations: A Soldier's View on Cropper Theater Internment Facility Handover to GoI

    Courtesy Photo | An Iraqi corrections officer proudly displays his patch during an emergency action...... read more read more

    CAMP CROPPER, IRAQ

    07.12.2010

    Courtesy Story

    49th Military Police Brigade

    1st Lt. Maria Mengrone
    United States Forces - Iraq PAO

    CAMP CROPPER, IRAQ – U.S. forces are continually making great strides in the responsible drawdown of U.S. troops across Iraq. Perhaps the most delicate task rests in the hands of the boots on ground soldiers assigned as guard force in the historical transfer of detainees to the Iraqi government at the Cropper Theater Internment Facility.

    “This turnover marks the last major detention facility to be turned over to the government of Iraq. What was started here in 2003 will officially be handed over to the Iraqi Correctional Service,” said Lt. Col. Warren R. Wintrode, Cropper TIF commander and 105th Military Police battalion commander from the North Carolina National Guard.

    “I want the soldiers in this battalion to know that this transition is historic, and they made it happen. I appreciate their hard work and I am proud of them,” said Wintrode.

    Detainees transferred to the Iraqi government must have a conviction, arrest warrant or detention order, as conditions set forth by the Security Agreement. Along with the Cropper facility, the ceremonial transfer held July 15 signified the transition of approximately 1,500 detainees to inmate status within the Iraqi corrections system.

    Much of the legwork that has made the turnover possible has been credited to the hundreds of soldiers and sailors who have served on Cropper TIF as guard force personnel throughout the years.

    Final completion of the detainee operations mission in Iraq has fallen primarily on guard force soldiers of the Texas National Guards’ 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

    “Working with detainees on a daily basis is demanding work, not only providing the basic needs of the detainees, but doing so while treating them with dignity and respect,” said Maj. Diana E. Stumpf, Cropper TIF operations officer, 105th MP Battalion.

    “The soldiers who stand 12-hour shifts in the facility every day, working face-to-face with the detainees are the reason the Cropper TIF has run so effectively,” said Stumpf.

    Working on Cropper TIF brings many challenges to the soldiers performing their daily duties; extended exposure to the searing Iraqi heat, prolong standing and roving on catwalks, overcoming language and cultural barriers, and utilizing effective interpersonal communication skills when dealing with detainees’ and Iraqi guards are just a few obstacles that guard force personnel must overcome.

    “We constantly hear ‘chief, chief’ because detainees want soccer balls, pens, pencils or gloves to clean,” said Spc. John S. Simon, Company C, 72nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion.

    “I have my own way of communicating with the detainee big chief; I don’t worry about what they did to get here; I don’t get friendly with them or speak harshly to them; I just don’t ever let my guard down,” said Simon.

    “Catwalks are not fun, it was tough getting used to being on your feet for so long,” said Texas guardsman Spc. Kenneth E. Dooley, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery, 72nd IBCT from Chico, Texas.

    Aside from dealing with the day-to-day demands, soldiers have to remain vigilant and compliant with all standard operating procedures.

    “Consistency is the most important element in detainee operations, consistency in conduct, in enforcing the rules, and the treatment of detainees,” said Master Sgt. Mark Provost, Cropper TIF noncommissioned officer- in-charge, individual augmentee and native of San Diego.

    Provost added that the soldiers mentoring and advising Iraqi guards play a vital role that will serve as a model for how Iraq could operate a successful prison system.

    The transfer of the Cropper TIF has taken a more symbolic meaning to some soldiers that believe detention operations have served a greater purpose.

    “I never thought I’d be face-to-face with people that made IED’s and possibly hurt U.S. soldiers, I am grateful to be here because I think of the other soldiers that didn’t make it home, I am here to make sure detainees are treated with dignity and respect because it does save lives,” said 22-year-old, Spc. Cindy Garces, Company D, 536th BSTB, 72nd IBCT, native of Stephenville, Texas.

    “I hope Iraq continues to move forward to where the whole country is happy, not just certain provinces or religious groups; I want Iraq to be able to work past their differences,” said Sgt. David A. Franco, Company D, 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry, 72nd IBCT from Fort Worth, Texas.

    Franco said, “the mission has to get done; it’s not glorifying but at the end of the day we follow our orders, and we serve our purpose as professional guard force for the future of Iraq.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.12.2010
    Date Posted: 08.02.2010 22:36
    Story ID: 53851
    Location: CAMP CROPPER, IQ

    Web Views: 686
    Downloads: 62

    PUBLIC DOMAIN