Photo By Lt. Col. Brett Walker | Policemen from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, enter an...... read more read more
Subscribe
By Capt. Brett Walker
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – The "Warriors" of 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, achieved a significant goal in July by officially transferring authority of a sizeable portion of the Rashid district to their Iraqi security force counterparts.
In doing so, the Warriors, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, facilitated the transition of responsibility from coalition forces to ISF, and supported the MND-B mission to set conditions for transition in Iraqi security self-reliance.
"Transitioning authority to the Iraqi Security Forces in accordance with MND-B goals has been a top priority," said Maj. Mark Olin, a native of Apple Valley, Calif., and the operations officer for the 2nd Bn., 4th Inf. Regt.
The area houses an estimated 50,000 residents and is home to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi National Police Division.
The two forces have been together in the Doura neighborhood for more than eight months.
The two units have also conducted joint training, shared intelligence, and executed combined missions since the Warriors assumed responsibility.
"When we first started working with [the NPs] they were just loosely banded together," said Pfc. Neil Hafter, an infantryman from Syracuse, N.Y. "Now they are organized and do their own patrols ... even the way they handle their weapons has improved."
Hafter provided a succinct synopsis of the three-step, train-the-trainer process his platoon implemented to improve the capabilities of the NP battalion.
"It was always us teaching them; them seeing us do it, and then them doing it themselves," Hafter said.
Although the official transition did not take place until July, the national police had voluntarily taken responsibility for much of Doura well before that, said Hafter.
"Normally, if we get a call, the national police will be there first," he added.
The Soldiers of the 2nd Bn., 4th Inf. Regt., assumed an over watch role which allows them to continue to supervise, mentor and assist the 2nd Bn., 7th Bde., 2nd NP Div., and to ensure the enduring success and enhancement of current capabilities, said Capt. Parsana Deoki, commander of Company C, 2nd Bn., 4th Inf. Regt.
"As we continue forward to over watch, our roles as observers increase," said Deoki, a native of Queens, N.Y. "We are there to support the National Police as needed, but give them the freedom to conduct their daily mission."
Hafter said his company still patrols in the portion of Doura that was transferred to ISF authority, but do so only as an occasional supplement to the regular NP patrols responsible for the security in those neighborhoods.
"Earlier in the process, the national police followed the coalition forces patrols," Deoki noted. "But as their proficiency increased they have taken more of the lead, and we follow their patrols."
"The 4th Company within the 2nd Bn., 7th Bde., 2nd NP Div., leads the patrol," Hafter added. "They take us on patrol with them."
By providing a 24-hour presence throughout Doura, the NP mollified the district's renowned sectarian violence and coordinated, complex attacks by 78 percent from April 2007 – 2008, said Olin.
Additionally, the national police of the 2nd Bn., 7th Bde., 2nd NP Div., were able to demonstrate the ability and willingness to perform independent patrols.
As the Shiite dominated NP demonstrated increased proficiency in Doura, some of the local Sunni security militias began inviting them to share duties at their checkpoints, said Deoki.
Shortly thereafter, the national police began performing dismounted patrols in the neighborhoods of northeast Doura to familiarize themselves with the local residents, he added.
"The National Police were seen as a Shiite militia operating in a Sunni neighborhood by the local nationals," Deoki said. "Through months of hard work, coaching, teaching and mentoring, the policemen from the 2nd Bn., 7th Bde., 2nd NP Div., and the Soldiers of "Creek" Co., have broken down those stereotypes."
The residents of northeastern Doura reported great satisfaction with the capabilities and professionalism of the Iraqi national police battalion assigned to protect their neighborhoods.
Hafter said he saw instances where the local residents brought out breakfast to the policemen while they conducted patrols in the early morning.
Lt. Col. Timothy Watson, the commander of the Warrior Bn., ordered his Soldiers to withdraw from certain neighborhoods leaving them completely under NP control.
"Ultimately, this transition will embolden the national police and increase self-sufficiency and reliance on themselves instead of coalition forces," Deoki stated. "Ultimately, transition will embolden the national police in the eyes of their constituents and foster a positive relationship between the Iraqi security forces and the local nationals."
"[The NPs] can handle it themselves if they choose to," Hafter concluded. "They have the knowledge and the capabilities."
| Date Taken: | 08.08.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2008 10:10 |
| Story ID: | 22265 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 62 |
This work, Warriors transfer portion of Doura to ISF, now provides tactical over watch, by LTC Brett Walker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
