Iraqi Soldiers train on detainee operations

Photo By Sgt. Rodney Foliente | Soldiers from the 8th Iraqi Army Division, transport an unruly Pvt. Tony Steward, a Military Police with the detainee control point, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, during detainee operations training at the 8th IA Div. headquarters March 11. Steward hails from Fort Worth, Texas.  

DIWANIYAH, IRAQ

03.18.2009

Story by Sgt. Rodney Foliente 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP ECHO, Iraq – Military Police of Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted detainee operations training for Soldiers from 8th Iraqi Army Div., at the Iraqi division's headquarters March 11.

The class, a refresher course for some of the Iraqi Soldiers and initial training for others, was an effort to bring them all to the same level so they can train their fellow troops.

"The purpose of today's training was to provide the Iraqis with basic detainee operations training," said Staff Sgt. Robert Roady, Camp Echo's detainee control point non-commissioned officer-in-charge, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, STB. "With the change in the [Security] Agreement, the Iraqis now have the primary responsibility for handling detainees captured during military operations. My job is to train them to make sure they safely, securely and humanely handle all aspects of processing the detainees."

"The [Iraqi army] seems to be coming a long way from when I started working with them," said Roady, a Roseburg, Ore. resident. "They definitely seem like they are committed to going out there and making a difference."

"It's very important training, learning how to properly capture and treat detainees," said 1st Sgt. Sajad, with the 8th IA Div. "We knew a lot about detainee operations, but we also learned much today - some big things, some little things, but all are important."

"This knowledge and practice will help to keep innocents and fellow Soldiers safer when handling detainees," continued Sajad. He said the proper techniques of checking for hidden weapons and threats will be especially helpful. He and the Soldiers who participated in the training will in turn become the trainers for other IA Soldiers.

Sajad has been in the IA for six years and joined "to protect our country and its innocent citizens. We will continue to improve the country and the security situation and stop the terrorists from harming the innocent people and our country."

"I expect a good future for Iraq and the Iraqi security forces will continue our efforts to get this country there," said Sajad. "The security situation is good and will get better, even after the withdrawal of coalition forces. Every true Iraqi hopes for a better future. We fight to protect their hopes and their future."

• Date Taken: 03.18.2009
• Date Posted: 03.18.2009 03:44
• Story ID: 31277
• Location: DIWANIYAH, IQ