1-66th Armor Regt., IPs look for local recruits

Photo By Spc. Cal Turner | CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and 303rd Tactical Operations Company, attached to the 1st BCT, talk to Iraqi youth Sept. 5 in Hor al Bash along with an Iraqi police officer during a recruitment drive.  

TAJI, IRAQ

09.17.2006

Story by Spc. Cal Turner 

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

by Spc. C. Terrell Turner
4th Inf. Div. PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – As Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continue to assist the Iraqi Ministry of Interior in securing and stabilizing the region, Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the 303rd Tactical Operations Company, which is attached to the 1st BCT, accompanied Iraqi police forces into Hor al Bash Sept. 5 for a police recruitment drive.

As plans move forward to build an Iraqi police station near the town, MND-B Soldiers are looking for local recruits to help reassure the people of Hor al Bash, said 1st Lt. Peter Calvello, platoon leader, 2nd Platoon, 1st Bn., 66th Armor Regt.

"We're here to inform and convince people of the validity of the Iraqi police and to encourage them to volunteer and answer any questions they may have," he said. "It's our goal to get them to participate in the drive and urge them to volunteer to help their community."

The 463rd Military Police Company, which is also attached to 1st BCT, accompanied an Iraqi police patrol to Hor al Bash to demonstrate the teamwork and cooperation between MND-B Soldiers and the Iraqi Security Forces. The 303rd TOC and Co. B, 1st Bn., 66th Armor Regt., walked around the village and local market to discuss the opportunity and find volunteers. The mission also received support from local council members.

"We talked to the sheik's son, who is a local council member. He's helping us find volunteers," said Staff Sgt. Frederick Hartz, team chief, 303rd TOC. "The goal is to have more diversity in the police force and more balance between the Shia and Sunni. Having more Sunni police from this area will allow there to be more peace and cohesion in the area."

Interested volunteers from the ages of 21 to 35 years old were able to bring their documentation: a valid identification, proof of completion of intermediary school and a birth certificate to a local official in Hor al Bash that day for approval before applying for the job.

"Things are changing here slowly with the nahias getting involved by bringing civil affairs projects, fixing things, providing generators and health and welfare operations," said Hartz. "There are a few people who say they are interested, and most of the people are friendly and open to talk to us. We are trying to get everyone more involved in their communities."

• Date Taken: 09.17.2006
• Date Posted: 09.18.2006 13:47
• Story ID: 7767
• Location: TAJI, IQ