Multi-National Division Baghdad

Courtesy Story

By 2nd Lt. Palmer H. Batt

JOINT SECURITY STATION SHAHEEN, Iraq – In a prosperous future for Iraq, the increased capability of the Iraqi federal police's Shurta (police officers) to maintain security for their country is essential.

At Joint Security Station Shaheen, the Soldiers of D "Demon" Company, 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment are seeing to that task.

Continuing their "advise and assist" mission with month-long rotations at JHS Shaheen (Arabic for Falcon) in the Federal Police Brigade Headquarters, the Soldiers provide security for the compound and develop and execute training plans.

The proximity of the JSS to the Federal Police Brigade also allows for daily interactions and training.

In the past month, Soldiers conducted a variety of training, including first aid, navigation, check point operations, and vehicle maintenance training for the federal police. Federal police soldiers learned much from the training.

"The IP [Iraqi police] officers paid attention to medical training and learned a lot," said Spc. Noah Girmay an armor crewman from Rockville, Md.

Each Soldier brings something different to the training that serves to assist in the mission and strengthens the bonds between the Iraqi trainees and American forces.

The opportunity to work directly with the Iraqi forces was gratifying, said Pfc. Gray Pearson, an armor crew member and Holdrege, Neb., native.

"I enjoyed training the FP [federal police] and working with them, and helping 'Demon' Company at the tip of the spear," he said.

Sgt. Anthony Greer, an armor crewman from Odessa, Texas, expressed satisfaction over being able to see the impact of their efforts on the ground.

"We assisted the Federal Police Transition Team, and Delta company trained and advised the federal police," he said, "and we were able to see in person what all the hard work amounted to."

Through these efforts by "Demon" Company Soldiers working at both JSS Shaheen and Contingency Operating Site Garryowen, the Iraqi federal police are getting the both the experience and expertise essential to gaining the respect and trust of the Iraqi people.

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