Posted on 03/31/2008 4:26:28 PM PDT by SandRat
HADITHA — An Iraqi police and provisional security force emergency response exercise was conducted March 26, in the Haditha Triad.
The exercise conducted by the IP and PSF, the second operation of its kind in the Haditha Triad, was executed to better prepare the Iraqi security forces for future unexpected events.
“This exercise is very important to make the people confident in the IP and PSF,” said Iraqi Col. Muhammad Shafur, the PSF battalion commander, through an interpreter. “It showed the people that the police are strong and serious about taking actions against the insurgents.”
“We have to be prepared and ready in case insurgents attack here,” said Iraqi police Col. Faruq Hardan, the Haditha Triad IP chief.
The IP and PSF planned and executed key training events for their men as coalition forces observed.
The exercise included establishing check points within the Triad, clearing abandoned buildings and checking all the individuals on the supervised release program, said Maj. Mark A. Lamelza, operation officer, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5.
The Iraqi forces are working hard to gain the trust of the people through these exercises and with their continual security presence in the community.
“Everything we do, including these demonstrations of strength, is very important,” said Lt. Col. Dave G. Bellon, commanding officer, 3rd Bn., 23rd Marine Regiment. “We’re still competing against the insurgents that are still trying to recruit people.”
The Iraqi security forces are trying to make it a clear choice of which side they want the people on.
“A man who plants an improvised explosive devise in the middle of the night compared to a policeman who looks professional and stands his post; any man would see one is a coward and the other is a professional,” said Bellon. “We’re making progress.”
The time that 3rd Bn., 23rd Marines has worked with the Iraqi forces has improved the capacity of the Iraqis capabilities.
“In each precinct, they know what to do and how to react to the different scenarios,” said Faruq.
“The more they rehearse and coordinate, they will know what to do, which prevents over reaction in the young force,” said Bellon. “It’s a great example of how far the IP have come.”
Coalition forces are continually transitioning control back to the Iraqi forces through the training of knowledgeable Iraqi leadership.
“It’s the best day: I have special forces sweeping the area, searching buildings and finding weapon caches, which is making us effectively accomplish our objectives,” said Iraqi police Lt. Col. Uwayad Khalaf, commanding officer of the Haditha joint command center.
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