Posted on 03/09/2009 5:33:11 PM PDT by SandRat
Iraqi Policemen from the Dhi Qar province pull security during an air assault training event with U.S. Soldiers at Camp Cedar, March 2. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.
COB ADDER — Seven Iraqi Police (IP) jumped out of UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and hit the dirt at Camp Cedar’s landing zone during an air assault training exercise, March 2.
"I am very happy," said Maj. Gen. Sabah, Dhi Qar’s Iraqi provincial chief of Police. "With this training from the Coalition forces, my men are going to be able to use the air as well as the ground to go after the terrorists and arrest them. Without this we would not be as knowledgeable and trained as we are now."
During the exercise, the IP’s secured four buildings and detained three suspected criminals after exiting the helicopters. They also found a weapons cache, important documents and treated one injured Iraqi.
“We are always trying to increase their abilities to plan and conduct missions," said Capt. Christopher Kelshaw, a 1st Cavalry Division company commander. "They met all of our goals, but we will still train them to an even higher standard of tactical operations."
This training demonstrated the Iraqi’s abilities to issue warrants according to Iraqi law, develop target packets for high-value individuals and conduct air assault missions Kelshaw, from Wharton, N.J., explained.
"It shows the Iraqi Security Forces are one step closer to becoming independent," said Kelshaw, a two-time combat veteran with 14 years of military service. "Little by little, we are taking less of a direct role in this effort."
This is a first. First of the provincial paramilitary police reported to get AAslt training...
“Too scared to jump, too lazy to walk; Air Assault, Hooah!” :-)
:-)
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