Iraqi Candidates Graduate From U.S. Navy Boat School
Baghdad, Iraq
The first group of graduates in an innovative new U.S. Navy Small Boat Course for Iraqi Policemen graduated last Wednesday. The First fifteen graduates from this program will help train additional Iraqi Policemen on how to operate and perform their mission on the Tigress River.
Brigadier General David Phillips, U.S. Army Civilian Police Assistance Training Team Deputy Commander attended the ceremony along with Iraqi Major General Ail, the Chief of Iraqi Patrol Police, Baghdad.
This is a very important day and a proud one for the Iraqi Police,” said Iraqi General Ali. “It is a important and great day for all Iraqi Citizens”
A working partnership with the Iraqi Police and the Coalition Police Assistance Training Squad led to the training. Instruction was given both by U.S. Navy instructors and Iraqi Police Training personnel.
“I am extremely proud of each of my students,” said Lieutenant Laith. Laith is one of the Iraqi Nationals on the Baghdad River Patrol, and an instructor at the new small boat course.
Lieutenant Laith is one of the members of the Iraqi Police that trained in Mississippi recently to help provide leadership in the program. Course material covered by the new training program includes boat mechanics, prevention of drug trafficking, terrorism prevention, international rules of the road, and navigation and small boat tactics.
The first graduation class began October 21st. Graduates included junior enlisted people in the Iraqi Army to mid level Officers with their forces. The training was comprehensive, and will assist in patrol operations for the Iraqi Forces.
