Dhi Qar Iraqi Police learning how to guard VIP's

By Capt. Robin Worch, 2nd Battalion, 12 Cavalry Regiment, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div.December 10, 2008

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Long Knife Soldiers trained an Iraqi Security Forces' transportation security unit and a personal security detachment at Contingency Operating Base Adder to improve how the units escort their leaders.

The training conducted by Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division focused on several areas to improve the effectiveness of Dhi Qar province's Iraqi Police.

American civilian law enforcement professionals served as subject matter experts for the training. "This is training that we asked for and needed," said IP Maj. Khalid, commander of the transportation unit. "We are very happy that the Americans and U.S. civilian law enforcement professionals could help us with this training."

U.S. Soldiers taught the police officers how to protect distinguished visitors and respond to any threat in an appropriate and measured way.

"This type of training helps move the Iraqis forward in their ability to do all operations without U.S. help or oversight," said Capt. Chris Kelshaw, Company B commander.

"Every Iraqi unit we have worked with is enthusiastic and more than willing to learn so they can take the lead in all operations, which is everybody's goal," he continued.