Comanche Troop Soldiers help recruit new Iraqi police officers

Courtesy Photo | Capt. Drew Webb, a native of Monterrey, Calif., listens for abnormalities of the heart during the Iraqi police recruiting drive at Combat Out Post Falahat, northwest of Baghdad, Oct. 30, 2008. Soldiers from Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment "Strykehorse," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, hosted a recruiting drive for Sons of Iraq members who wish to transition into the IP force. Webb is a physician assistant assigned to 2nd Sqdn. 14th Cav. Regt.  

TAJI, IRAQ

11.05.2008

Courtesy Story

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Cpl. Cerone Waddy
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment "Strykehorse," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, hosted a recruiting drive at Combat Out Post Falahat, northwest of Baghdad, Oct. 30, 2008, for Sons of Iraq members.

Since the government of Iraq took control of the SoI, many of its members look to pursue positions with the local Iraqi police or elsewhere within the Iraqi security forces.

Coalition forces, along with the GoI, came to an agreement to transition many SoI guards into ISF positions. Local leaders were asked to select potential candidates for the selection process.

"We asked the sheiks to select their best men for IP positions based on health, physicality and background." said 1st Lt. Daniel Yun, a native of Potomac, Md., executive officer for Troop C.

Approximately 200 applicants showed up to the COP Falahat to apply for an IP position. The screening process was completed with five different stations. The first and last stations were processing stations. Here, applications went thru a quality assurance and quality control screening to ensure all entries were filled out correctly.

After completion of their paperwork, the applicants moved on to a medical screening.

The medical exam was to ensure none of the applicants had any ailments which may preclude them from performing their duties as an IP, said Capt. Drew Webb, a native of Monterrey, Calif., who is a physician assistant assigned to 2nd Sqdn. 14th Cav. Regt.

Once screened, all applicants were put through a rigorous physical fitness test consisting of pushups, sit ups, a 100 meter sprint and a 1,500-meter run.

"I think, overall, we were really impressed with the results of the fitness test," said Sgt. Kristobal Takawo, a native of Palau, who serves as the forward signal support non-commissioned officer for Troop C. "I underestimated the grit and determination a lot of them had."

After the applicants finished the screening process; everyone celebrated the success of the drive.

"The local area sheiks and leaders did an outstanding job with selecting their applicants," said Capt. Travis Shain, a native of Victoria, Texas, commander of Troop C. "There was a tremendous showing of support from the local leaders and sheiks from the immediate area as well as the surrounding communities."

• Date Taken: 11.05.2008
• Date Posted: 11.05.2008 08:01
• Story ID: 25943
• Location: TAJI, IQ