Iraqi Police members receive SWAT training

By Sgt. Tony White

An Iraqi Police officer rams his shoulder into a door, breaking it open. Seven more officers rush through the opening, weapons at the low ready. They instantly bunch up as someone stands between them and the first room. Almost immediately the trainer yells, "Stop!"

Iraqi Police officers practice manuevering tactics during Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training Tuesday at Forward Operating Base McHenry near Hawijah, Iraq.

For three weeks each action by these eight Iraqi Police officers has been repeatedly analyzed and corrected during Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training conducted at Forward Operating Base McHenry near Hawijah.

Leading the two-month advanced police training are two International Police Liaison Officers (IPLO) and a squad of Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery Regiment, Wyoming National Guard.

The officers are being taught techniques to properly clear a room, first aid, proper shooting techniques, close quarter combat skills and maneuvering and patrolling techniques.

"(The officers) are here to learn," said Jim Barnett, IPLO. "(The SWAT team members) are learning so much and they are trying to do it quickly but they can't forget the little things.

"They will make some mistakes, but that is alright as long as it is here during the training," he continued. "But if they make those mistakes out there (in Hawijah) they are going to get killed."

The eight officers, interviewed and picked from a police force of 300 to 400 men, are taking the lead in Hawijah, said Sgt. Jayson Woody, squad leader, 2-300th Field Artillery Regiment.

"We are teaching them techniques at a higher level than they are receiving at their academy so as to conduct themselves and keep themselves alive during operations that go on in Hawijah," said Woody, a native of Casper, Wyoming.

Two Iraqi Police officers simulate clearing a room during Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training Tuesday at Forward Operating Base McHenry near Hawijah, Iraq.

The training is important, but it is even more important that it is being led by actual police officers with real world experience, Woody said.

"With the civilian officers here, they are learning the law enforcement aspect of it. It's not just the military training them," Woody continued. "They are getting police techniques, stuff that has worked for (the IPLO in their past experiences)."

During previous training sessions other Iraqi Police officers lost their focus and simply went through the motions, Woody said. These eight officers however have broken that trend.

"We are on our third week of training here and they are not bored or quitting on us," Woody said. "These guys are really interested in what they are doing. They are still focused and they are happy about coming to the training everyday."

Ultimately, the trainers hope the officers will go back to the Hawijah police force to help shape and influence it, Woody said.

"The goal here is to train the trainer," Woody concluded. "These guys are going to get back and train the rest of the officers. This will better their police force if they stay focused on what they are learning and doing here."

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