National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Directorate Builds Capabilities
By Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq, Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
Jun 25, 2009 - 7:41:08 PM
Blackanthem Military News
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Defusing munitions is a delicate proposition. To build Iraqi security forces' confidence and capabilities to do so, the National Police Training Team established the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal School.
As Iraqi Security Forces prepare to asSume full control of security within cities June 30, the training team recognizes the importance of this specialization toolkit.
To meet a need to expand national police enablers, the ISFF is funding the JEOD School. The project began in March with 10 contracts awarded and valued at $10.4 million.
This project gives the National Police the capability to conduct independent full spectrum operations, counterinsurgency operations, specific operations as route clearance, building and area search, demolitions, route sanitation, excavation and force protection across the entire country.
The National Police are much like an expeditionary force. They are employed to supplement or complement the Iraqi Police, when called upon.The National Police maintain specialized skill sets and are deployed around the country.
The NP EOD School will graduate its second class June 26 with 33. This includes 10 Iraq Counter Explosive Team personnel, 5 Iraqi Army EOD and 18 National Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians .
The training is based on a required United Nations standard to have recognized explosive ordnance disposal technicians.
The Security Agreement signed by the United States and Iraq mandates the allied relationship that exists between the two nations.This agreement defines how U.S. Police Training Teams and Iraqi Security Forces will work together to ensure a professional and credible force is available for the overall internal security and the attainment of Police Primacy.