BAGHDAD — More than 1,000 former Sons of Iraq (SoI) recently completed their first phase of training at the al Furat Iraqi Police (IP) Training Center here.
To kick off the program, 608 SoI registered for the training Oct. 31. Now with the first phase of training completed, 1,031 SoI are integrated into the IP training program. The second phase of training began Nov. 3, with the inclusion of 19 female recruits preparing themselves to be future Shurta (Police).
“We have seen a great abundance of pride from the former Sons of Iraq and now IP recruits,” said Staff Sgt. Jacque Hayes, non-commissioned officer in charge, IP training center, who facilitates the training program with IP.
“I am impressed with the willingness of the recruits to learn and train as they train to become future Shurta,” added Hayes, a native of Louisville, Ky., who serves with the 233rd Military Police Company, 18th Military Police Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
The SoIs will continue to train for the next three weeks as they take on the challenge to become certified Police.
Throughout the four-week basic recruit training, the recruits are trained in basic police skills. The first week’s sessions taught the recruits the basics of what a police officer stands for and included an orientation on how the Iraqi Police is organized and basic drill and ceremony techniques.
“We taught the students classes on human rights,” said IP Lt. Sejed Swadde, an instructor. “It is important for the recruits to know when they are Shurta that all people are created equal and race or religious background should not mix with enforcing the law.”
Throughout the course, the recruits will also be instructed and trained on basic marksmanship techniques, arrest tactics, to include how to conduct proper checkpoint operations, search of vehicles and personnel, as well as Rule of Law background and community policing techniques.
The SoI program was organized by Coalition forces in recent years, but the Iraqi government assumed responsibility over the program Oct. 1, in order to integrate the SoIs into the Iraqi Security Forces.
The SoI program has been very successful. SoI members paid a heavy price as they assisted Coalition forces in defeating the terrorists. The integration of the SoI into the Iraqi Police force demonstrates a positive commitment of reconciliation to the SOI by the Iraqi government.
(By Lt. Col. Michael Indovina, 18th Military Brigade)