Iraqi National Police prepare to breach a building during a simulated scenario for distinguished visitors at the Carabinieri-trained National Police Course graduation, Dec. 18. The 450 National Police graduates are the first class to complete the eight-week Carabinieri trained course at Camp Dublin, Iraq. Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Erica R. Gardner.

The 450 graduates were commended by Iraqi Minister Bolani, Minister of Interior; Iraqi Police Maj. Gen. Hussein, Iraqi National Police commander; U.S. Army Lt. Gen. James Dubik, NATO Training Mission – Iraq commander; Italian Maj. Gen. Alessandro Pompegniani, NATO Training Mission – Iraq deputy commander; and U.S. Army General David Petraeus, Multi-National Force – Iraq commanding general.

Each of the speakers told the police graduates that the Carabinieri-trained National Police Course takes into account Iraq’s unique security concerns and the challenges of maintaining security for a free Iraq. The National Police must consider national, regional and local priorities when performing duties to protect citizens.

“You will face challenges that come with the mission of protecting citizens,” said Petraeus. “What you have learned will help you meet these challenges and deal with those who do not support your mission.”

The Carabinieri training represents a concerted effort by the Ministry of Interior to provide the Iraqi people the most professional law enforcement service possible.

Bolani expressed his support of the Carabinieri training for the Iraqi National Police, saying the training helps to improve the overall professionalism of the National Police, and builds upon the basic training skills already possessed.

The training is part of Bolani’s and Hussein’s program of continuous improvement of the National Police. The training will also make the National Police a better skilled, better led and a more responsive and caring force, they said.

“Our goal at NATO Training Mission – Iraq is to help the Iraqis build up a security structure that is self-sufficient and not dependent on foreign assistance,” said Pompegniani. “The key to this is a progressive approach from training to advising and then mentoring.”

Iraqi National Police graduates demonstrated a variety of the skills they learned for the attendees, such as crowd and anti-riot control, building breaches and vehicle searches, before dancing jubilantly in the streets to celebrate their recent mark on history.