Iraqi police see new police trucks as symbols of progress

Photo By Michael Molinaro | CAMP DUKE, Iraq--An Iraqi police officer directs the flow of IP vehicles out of the Crucible training complex here July 17. The vehicles were donated to the IPs from the U.S. government. IPs continue to receive enhanced police training from Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the International Police Liaison Training program. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Michael Molinaro, 2nd BCT PAO, 4ID.)  

IRAQ

07.21.2006

Story by Michael Molinaro 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Cpl. Michael Molinaro
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. PAO

FOB DUKE, Iraq " Iraqi police in the Najaf province gain new confidence and skills every day, whether it's on the job patrolling the streets or training with Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Recently, Multi-National Division " Baghdad presented them an additional boost to their capabilities when it provided them 40 brand-new police trucks to the fleet of IP vehicles in the Najaf province July 17 at the Crucible training complex at Forward Operating Base Duke.

The trucks, acquired through a U.S government program, were manufactured in the United States. They are three-quarter ton, four-wheel drive police vehicles which can seat six people and handle almost any situation.

"The trucks are more than just vehicles," said Maj. Gen. Abbas, Najaf provincial police chief. "They symbolize the future of the holy province of Najaf. When people see these on the roads, they will know that their streets are safe and secure."

IPs in Najaf previously used smaller, less-equipped trucks while on patrol; the new, modern vehicles come with many accessories vital for a police force to provide security for its citizens. Front-end bumpers were installed to assist citizens when their vehicles may break down, along with a trailer hitch on the rear bumper to tow stranded automobiles.

"This signifies more than pieces of equipment being given from Coalition Forces to the Iraqi Security Forces," said Maj. Tim Knowles, executive officer, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT. "It signifies the relationship the Coalition has with the leaders and the people of Najaf."

Numerous lights, a loud siren-and-speaker system, and enhanced radios are also new to the IPs.

"These new trucks are very nice," said Lt. Sahaam. "Immediately, our confidence is high knowing we will be patrolling our streets with these new trucks."

The donation coincides with the continued training of Iraqi police at the Crucible by Soldiers from 3-16 FA and the International Police Liaison Officer program. Approximately 150 IPs complete the program every two weeks. Thus far, more than 1,000 have graduated, said Knowles.

"The trucks are modern and well-prepared, just like the Iraqi Security Forces," said Mark Davison, provincial reconstruction team leader and a representative from the U.S. state department.

IPs from Karrar, Al Ghari, Manathera, Radhwiya and other regions and towns from the province were presented the keys to the vehicles, briefed on the trucks capabilities and then drove them off to their respective IP stations. The trucks will immediately be put into use as the IPs continue to strive to keep the streets of Najaf safe from terrorism.

IPs have been embraced by the people of Najaf, said Assad Sultan, governor of Najaf. The area is revered throughout the Islamic faith and is a tourist haven for Shiites. The progress the ISF have made in the region has made it a mecca for both tourists and transplanted Iraqis from other areas of the country.

"People are coming to Najaf because they see people living without fear," the governor remarked. "That is attributed to our security forces and their professionalism. These new trucks are another symbol of the new, great Iraq that is our future."

• Date Taken: 07.21.2006
• Date Posted: 07.21.2006 10:29
• Story ID: 7261
• Location: IQ