JSS HOR AL BASH — Now that the Sons of Iraq have transitioned to Government of Iraq control, many will head to jobs in the Iraqi Army and Police, and recruiting drives are helping to make that a possibility.

The most recent recruiting drive occurred Nov. 4 in Hor al Bash, northwest of Baghdad, thanks to the efforts of Soldiers from Company B “Hammer,” 52nd Infantry, attached to 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

On the recommendations of Sawa sheiks, 186 Sons of Iraq members traveled to here to see if they had what it takes to be an Iraqi Policeman (IP). Some came dressed in their casual attire, while others came in full uniform, ready to make their impression felt.

Local leaders in the area had a list of prerequisites prior to selecting IP candidates. Some of the requirements were their ability to read and write Arabic, age, physical ability and a clean criminal background.

“What we asked is that whoever shows up has to understand the commitment they are making to the government of Iraq,” said Capt. Darrell Tran, the Hammer commander and a native of Bridgeport, Conn. “The sheiks then had to carefully choose the most qualified persons based on the criteria set before them.”

Applicants arrived at JSS Hor al Bosh around 8 a.m. As they arrived, they were immediately given a packet to fill out before the initial processing station. The applicants also provided their medical history.

“We performed a thorough triage on every applicant.” said Capt. Drew Webb, physician assistant for 2nd Squadron 14th Cav. Regt., who is a native of Monterrey, Calif. “If we detected, say, abnormal blood pressure, then we’d check again and a third time if necessary. These guys have an enormous task ahead of them, and it’s our responsibility to ensure there are no liabilities.”

Once medically cleared, applicants embarked on a physical fitness test that consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, a 100-meter sprint and a 1,500-meter run. Next came the interview portion with the Iraqi Police chief.

A total of 186 applicants showed up for the IP drive.

“This event recognizes the influence and the efforts of the Sons of Iraq in that the IP are looking to recruit them first,” Tran said. “It also further legitimizes the government of Iraq’s efforts towards stability in the area.”