Stryker Brigade News

The assessment was the first part of an intense course in advanced police tactics, the equivalent of U.S. SWAT training, to create an Emergency Response Battalion in Mosul and give the Iraqi police the training they need to do their job under difficult circumstances. Military Police from the 511th MP Company, 4th Platoon, assisted Allain and two other IPLOs, Eric Jiminez from San Antonio, Texas, and David Garrett from Austin, Texas.

Allain and his teammates evaluated the Iraqi police in four events: the rifle range, push ups, sit ups, and a one kilometer run, but also sought something less quantifiable; the warrior spirit. Garrett knew it when he saw one hardy police officer get down to do push ups while wearing his heavy body armor.

“This guy’s a warrior,” Garrett said. “He’s hard core.” Moments earlier, that police officer had shot a perfect score with his AK-47. He was in.

Capable, respected Iraqi police trainers are a force multiplier; they make it easier for Allain and his team to communicate with trainees, they provide more supervision, and they will set standards when the PTT moves on.

Others were clearly not going to make the cut. Some only did a few push ups. Some had low scores at the rifle range. They would still eventually go through the tactics course, but they would not become trainers.

Despite the demanding tasks that the team put the Iraqi police through, the PTT took time to help the candidates and explain what the tasks involved.

The team also created a positive atmosphere. During the physical assessment, the group cheered the police on, motivating them to press out one more push up or sit up. They also took time to praise everyone’s effort.

“They’re doing good,” said Spc. Nicole Haff, 511th MP Co.