Practice makes perfect: IPs learn from MP mentors

BAGHDAD - Training Iraqi Security Forces is an ongoing effort to continually make them better at what they do. Practice, as they say, makes perfect.

Military policemen with 810th MP Company, 91st MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, a U.S. Army Reserve unit based in Tampa, Fla., are doing their part to further improve the capabilities of Iraqi Police at a train-the-trainer course at Camp Fiji on Victory Base Complex here.

"Our main mission out here is [Police Transition Team] training," said Sgt. Amaury Perez, from Miami, a military policeman with the 810th MP Co., 91st MP Bn., 8th MP Bde. "Basically what we do is train the trainers so when they have a class, they can go ahead and teach the IPs instead of having us teach them."

The training consists of several areas including hand-to-hand combat, room clearing, investigation and searching techniques over a five-day period. The MPs fill a supervisory role, overseeing the training, which is conducted by civilian contractors.

When necessary, the MPs provide an example of proper techniques, according to Cpl. Andy Kostera, a Cape Coral, Fla. native assigned to 810th MP Co., 91st MP Bn., 8th MP Bde. "We just try to help out in whatever way we can," he said.

A seemingly small facet of the course, encouragement, has far-reaching results, Perez explained.

"By us being here and training them and telling them, 'Hey, good job,' that's going to boost their confidence," he said. "So eventually these guys will go back to their stations and impart that to their fellow IPs by training them and building them up."

In addition to training, the 810th MPs also provide logistical assistance. "Every day, we bring in breakfast, lunch and dinner so these guys can get fed," said Perez. "We also provide training aids as well as certificates when they graduate."

The MPs work the Camp Fiji training in rotating shifts, conducting patrols and other security operations when they're not training IPs. For Pfc. Daniel Craig, from Memphis, assigned to 810th MP Co., 91st MP Bn., 8th MP Bde., the exercises at Camp Fiji are a welcome change of pace from foot patrols. "When I'm out here, it feels almost like a day off," the former University of Memphis baseball player said.

IPs participating in the training offered at Camp Fiji walk away with a better understanding of police procedures that they, in turn, can teach their comrades. With a little help from the MPs, Iraqi Security Forces will be able to more effectively defend their country.