Posted on 11/05/2008 4:42:03 PM PST by SandRat
CAMP TAJI — Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad (MND-B) hosted an Iraqi Police (IP) recruiting drive here at Combat Out Post Falahat for Sons of Iraq (SoI) members, Oct. 30.
Since the government of Iraq (GoI) took control of the SoI, many of its members look to pursue positions with the local IP or elsewhere within the Iraqi security forces (ISF).
Coalition forces, along with the GoI, came to an agreement to transition many SoI guards into ISF positions. Local leaders were asked to select potential candidates for the selection process.
“We asked the sheiks to select their best men for IP positions based on health, physicality and background.” said 1st Lt. Daniel Yun, a native of Potomac, Md., executive officer for Troop C.
Approximately 200 applicants showed up to COP Falahat to apply for an IP position. The screening process was conducted at five different stations. The first and last stations were processing stations. Here, applications went thru a quality assurance and quality control screening to ensure all entries were filled out correctly.
After completion of their paperwork, the applicants moved on to a medical screening.
Once screened, all applicants were put through a rigorous physical fitness test consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, a 100 meter sprint and a 1,500-meter run.
“I think, overall, we were really impressed with the results of the fitness test,” said Sgt. Kristobal Takawo, a native of Palau, who serves as the forward signal support non-commissioned officer for Troop C. “I underestimated the grit and determination a lot of them had.”
After the applicants finished the screening process; everyone celebrated the success of the drive.
“The local area sheiks and leaders did an outstanding job with selecting their applicants,” said Capt. Travis Shain, a native of Victoria, Texas, commander of Troop C. “There was a tremendous showing of support from the local leaders and sheiks from the immediate area as well as the surrounding communities.”
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