By Pfc. Bradley J. Clark
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

Petroleum supply specialist, Sgt. Kelvin Dedrick, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, searches a car with an Iraqi Policeman during a recent raid outside of Qayarrah. The Akron, Ala., native has seen the confidence and professionalism grow in the IPs since the beginning of his unit's deployment over 10 months ago. Photo by Pfc. Bradley Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

During the 10 months of deployment, the 5-82 FA troops have seen the IP improve in their capabilities to conduct operations and ultimately secure Iraq.

“A lot has changed since the beginning of the war and the beginning of our deployment,” said Sgt. Kurt Schroder, artillery surveyor and dismounted patrolman. “The IP are doing better on their own and they are doing more on their own.”

Due to the size of area the artillery troops cover, the IP have had the chance to step up to the plate and do more without the help of Coalition forces.

“We have the largest battle space in [the brigade’s area of operation],” said Sgt. Kelvin Dedrick, petroleum supply specialist and dismounted patrolman. “We are always trying to establish our presence in those hard to reach areas. The IP can see that we get busy and they are taking up the slack, going out and doing operations on their own because they know it needs to be done.”

Even though the IP are doing more solo operations, they still go out with the field artillery Soldiers for many different reasons.

“Going out with them is better than going out by ourselves,” said Schroder. “They help out a lot and they are taking more initiative; you can see they aren’t scared.”

Dedrick agreed with Schroder and added, “They are more confident and more professional when we go out with them now as opposed to the beginning of the war and even the beginning of the deployment.”

Another reason why the IP and Coalition forces still conduct joint operations is to help with the perception the Iraqis have of their own policemen.

“The Iraqi population likes to see us working together with them,” said Schroder. “When they see our confidence in IP, it builds their confidence in them as well.”

Getting the local populations confidence up when it comes to their security forces is an accomplishment that will help reach our goal of leaving Iraq in a safe and peaceful state.

“The leadership has taken the appropriate measures to fight the insurgency here,” said Dedrick. “That’s the biggest step to secure Iraq so the locals, tribal leaders, and every other citizen can take control of their country and live in peace.”