RAMADI, Iraq – An echo resounds through the courtyard as a wooden door slams open, the response of a commando’s boot heel kicking the door’s center. Boots scuffle on the concrete as the elite police force rushes through the doorway, rifles raised.
Commandos with the Iraqi Police Abu Risha Brigade participated in close-quarters combat training at the Abu Risha Brigade headquarters July 19. Soldiers with the 194th Military Police Company travel to the headquarters in Ramadi three times every week to conduct training with the commandos. This block of instruction covered room entry and clearing procedures.
“They are learning how to gain successful entry into a room and to control the violence of entry with no losses to the [Iraqi Security Forces],” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Toler, a squad leader with the 194th, and native of Washington. “At the same time, they will apprehend subjects and gain control of evidence.”
This training is a precursor to crime scene exploitation training, which will teach the commandos how to maintain a crime scene without contaminating evidence, which can lead to the arrest and conviction of the individuals involved.