A representative from Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq and an official from the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior conduct an inspection of the vehicles delivered to the Baghdad Police College. The Baghdad Police College serves as one of the staging facilities for vehicles and other materiel procured through the Foreign Military Sales program.

“We have waited for the arrival of these vehicles for a long time,” said Col Ishmel of the MOI.  “These vehicles are very important to us in the Ministry and for providing even better security.”

He said the vehicles are the first of many vehicles the MOI will receive in 2008.   In addition to receiving another 90 armored vehicles, the Ministry will receive more than 2,600 patrol cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks through the Foreign Military Sales program.  

The FMS Program is becoming a valuable procurement strategy for the Government of Iraq.  The FMS procurements by Iraqi ministries are delivered in a package concept.  If a country buys vehicles, then spare parts, training manuals, shipment and delivery of the vehicles are included.

Already this year, the MOI has received uniforms, ammunition and weapons through the FMS program.  There are 126 countries that participate in this program. 

Other FMS cases are planned to support construction and refurbishment of police and border stations and to provide for operation and maintenance of the Baghdad Police College and other police training centers throughout the country.