Departmentof Interior Affairs leaders visit Kirkuk Oil Police Training
By Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq, NATO Training Mission - Iraq
May 20, 2009 - 7:33:38 PM
Blackanthem Military News
KIRKUK, Iraq - U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mike Milano, deputy commanding general, Department of Interior Affairs, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq made a visit to the Kirkuk Oil Police Training Site on May 19.
Milano offered the Iraqis training aids for their use. The Iraqis expressed a need for life support help, such as barracks for police recruits to sleep in and dining areas.
"With good help and support, this training site can be very good," said Iraqi Staff Maj. Gen. Same Othman, commander of the Kirkuk Oil Police training site. "Our new obstacle course helps our recruits to learn the basics of moving and shooting while conducting operations."
"Our recruits are learning special training that will enable them to protect over 180 kilometers of oil pipeline," he added. "Any incident that occurs, we will be ready."
The training that the Iraqi Oil Police are going through includes lectures, physical training, drill and ceremonies, weapons training and movement techniques, according to Othman.
The parade field was filled with recruits going through drill and ceremonies and they looked very professional. With chants and cadence filling the air, the distant oil towers were burning with intensity and gave a preview of the sites that these same recruits will be charged with protecting.
The Oil Police training has coalition forces assisting with all aspects of the training and will continue in accordance with the Security Agreement between the United States and Iraq.