Iraqis step forward to serve in blue

by Lance Cpl. Bryan Eberly

Regimental Combat Team 5 assisted 40 Iraqis to sign the dotted line and serve their country as Iraqi policemen Nov. 7.

Navy Seaman Bradley L. Jones, 22, of St. Louis and a hospital corpsman for the recruiting drive Nov. 7 in Fallujah, examines an Iraqi's ear during the medical screening. The Iraqi applicants endured medical screenings to ensure they're healthy enough to be trained. The Iraqis were sent to Jordan for the International Police Training Course if deemed qualified. (photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Eberly)

A combined force of Marines, soldiers and Iraqi policemen came together under RCT-5 in Fallujah in an effort to recruit new members for Iraq's police force.

"We need more Iraqis to become responsible for the stability of their country," said Lt. Col. Rob B. Roberson, a 42-year-old police implementation officer, from Stafford, Va.

Forty Iraqis showed up for the recruiting drive, despite the insurgents' recent targeting of Iraqi Police for attack. Insurgents have attempted to mount murder and intimidation campaigns over the last couple months, Roberson said.

Since September, several pertinent Iraqi police officers have been murdered, and countless threats have been issued to any Iraqi considering joining the forces, he explained.

"It's getting better though," said Maj. Brian M. Lippo, a 34-year-old Fallujah police transition team officer-in-charge. "The IPs have been working hard at advertising today's drive, and we know the people want to help their city."

The 40 Iraqi men showed up to the drive filled with enthusiasm for helping Fallujah.

"I want to help my family and my people" said one Iraqi Police recruit through an interpreter. "I can't take the violence any longer."

"I need a job, and this one will help my country," another said.

"These are very brave men to do this in the light of the dangers," said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Josh D. Watson, a 25-year-old hospital corpsman from Virginia Beach, Va.

Watson was one of two who medically screened applicants to be sure they're physically able to become policemen.

When the applicants show up, they were put through several stations to ensure they were qualified. First, medical screenings and a physical fitness test were administered. Afterwards, the men took a reading test, and authorities working with Marines performed background checks.

"The physical fitness test lets us know if the men are trainable," Lippo said. "The reading test ensures they are capable of learning."

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