Joint police force works toward a more secure Iraq

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Butler | Sgt. Christopher Benjamin, 3rd Platoon, 127th Military Police Company watches as Iraqi policemen handle the flow of traffic at a checkpoint south of Baghdad, March 22. Benjamin, a native of Tampa, Fla., is visiting the checkpoint as part of his platoon's mission as a police transition team.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

03.29.2007

Story by Staff Sgt. Marcus Butler 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. Marcus Butler
4th BCT (ABN), 25th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq – The future security of Iraq starts at the ground level with the Iraqi security forces. In order to prepare the Iraqi's for this responsibly, U.S. Soldiers in transition teams have been working around the clock all over Iraq.

Soldiers of the 127th Military Police Company are ready for this challenge.

Based out of Forward Operating Base Kalsu, the headquarters for the 127th MP has platoons throughout the battle space for the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

One in particular, 3rd Platoon "Wolf Pack" is operating in Iskandaryiah, Iraq, home to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th BCT (Airborne), 25th Inf. Div. The Wolf Pack arrived at FOB Iskan approximately four months ago, fully knowing their mission.

"Our mission as a police transition team is to make sure the (Iraqi police) are fully trained and qualified to take on the mission of securing their country and keeping the citizens safe," said Staff Sgt. Johnny Colon, squad leader and Guayama, Puerto Rico, native.

This mission is of the highest priority, not only to the IPs that are training, but also to the civilians they are training to protect.

"In our area of operation, the important thing is that more of the local population is beginning to trust the IPs," said 1st Lt. Nathan Diaz, platoon leader for the Wolf Pack. "The people are happy to see the IPs going through their villages and towns, patrolling the area, and there is a large increase of information being given to the IPs to help combat the insurgents in the local areas."

"In the short time that we have been here, the human intelligence has grown dramatically," said Diaz. "We are getting more and more tips on events that could harm Iraqi security forces and coalition forces in the local neighborhoods."

The relationship between the police and the civilians is not the only one that matters. Soldiers of Wolf Pack work daily with the IPs of the local area, helping them to become more proficient at their jobs and building bonds in the process.

These bonds will lead to lasting impressions for both the IPs and the Soldiers.

"Moving from unit to unit, you have to start from scratch, building trust with the people that you are working with. We have different personnel that work with the leadership of the IPs to help in a specific area," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael King, platoon sergeant for the Wolf Pack. "Whether that area involves investigations, accountability of weapons, or training, we have built a strong relationship with all of the stations that fall with in our AO."

Progression of the IPs is sometimes compared to the police forces in United States but that is inequitable.

"One of the things, when looking at progress of the IPs, is that you can not look at them as law enforcement in the United States for the simple fact that the threat in Iraq is much greater," said King. "That causes unique challenge for the IPs. I have noticed an increase in professionalism as well as proactive efforts."

These Soldiers will not only grow from the experience of working with IPs but also from working with the paratroopers of 1st Battalion, 501st PIR.

"It has been a very unique experience for me to work with paratroopers for the first time. I have made life long bonds with many of them, and I know that I can count on them no matter what," said Colon.

"The paratroopers of 1-501st PIR welcomed us in with open arms. Whenever we needed something to happen, there was never any issues with getting it done," said King.

After the end of the tour, the Soldiers of Wolf Pack MPs and the IPs they worked with will be better for the experience.

"Our Soldiers will take with them a lasting positive impression on what they have learned during their time here, and I know our IP counterparts will feel the same," said Diaz.

• Date Taken: 03.29.2007
• Date Posted: 03.29.2007 10:35
• Story ID: 9666
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ