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Iraqi Police in Ferris receive burst of motivation

by Lance Cpl. Bryan Eberly

Regimental Combat Team 5 gave the Iraqi police stations in Ferris and Ameriyah a big push towards success Nov. 11.

A combined-force convoy of 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 300th Police Transition Team members and Iraqi Police snake their way to Ferris Nov. 10. The convoy began the PTT's mission of assessing training in Ferris and Ameriyah and to bring much needed gear to newly recruited Iraqi policemen. Coalition forces periodically visit Iraqi Police in Ferris and Ameriyah since forces pulled out in May. (photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Eberly)

A combined force of Marines, soldiers and Iraqi Police from RCT-5 gave two police stations a nudge of motivation with new trucks, weapons, uniforms, and a hefty paycheck.

"We delivered 12 new trucks, 60 new uniforms and 28 weapons," said Army Staff Sgt. Brian S. Leslie, the 30-year-old Police Transition Team chief from Crystal River, Fla.

"This will give the stations a huge step forward," said Army 2nd Lt. Jill M. Glasenapp, the 23-year-old PTT platoon leader from Mauston, Wis. "It's really exciting"

Coalition Forces delivered the gear and pay due to a disconnection with Iraqi Police District Headquarters in Fallujah.

"Coalition pulled out of the area in May, breaking the interaction between the stations and Fallujah," Glasenapp explained. "The Iraqi Police have been too afraid to travel down here themselves."

Since Coalition Forces pulled out of the area, the IPs have suffered countless threats from insurgents and warring tribes from Fallujah, she said.

"The trucks were the priority," Leslie said. "Half of Ferris' and Ameriyah's fleet have been destroyed since May."

"Pay was also a big problem," Glasenapp added. "There was no real way to securely deliver the pay for the last two months."

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