AL AMARAH, Iraq (Army News Service, Jan. 5, 2010) -- For the past four months, Staff Sgt. Ryan Farrow and his squad of 14 Soldiers have been building a partnership with their Iraqi counterparts.
When first assigned to advise and assist Amarah's Explosive Ordnance Detachment Provincial Headquarters in August 2009, Farrow's squad of Soldiers from the 57th Military Police Company, which is attached to 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, took the reins on a station that had previously had little interaction with U.S. forces.
When Farrow and his Soldiers first began visiting the provincial headquarters, they knew they had their work cut out for them.
"When we first got here, the people would throw rocks at our trucks whenever we drove by," said Cpl. Kyle Slinker, a team leader. "Now they literally clap and cheer."
In a matter of months, the Soldiers made great strides not only with the community, but also in building a solid relationship with the Iraqi bomb squad.
"By building a friendship with the Iraqi EOD, we are showing them that we truly care about them and their mission as we guide them to be a stronger law enforcement unit," said Cpl. Adam Faatz, a team leader.
The U.S. Air Force EOD unit stationed at Contingency Operations Site Garryowen with the 57th MPs assists Farrow by conducting weekly training events. Staff Sgt. Josh Daley and Staff Sgt. Song Lee instruct and coach the Iraqi EOD personnel on disarming and clearing improvised explosive devices.
Shurta, or police officers, assigned to EOD units are a small but integral part of Iraqi Security Forces. The MPs strive to develop skills and leave an enduring professional impression on the Iraqi Police, said Farrow.
(2nd Lt. Len Rothermich writes for the 57th Military Police Company)
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