Soldiers from the 8th Iraqi Army Division subdue and place flexi-cuffs on Pvt. Tony Steward, a U.S. Military Policeman, during detainee operations training at the division’s headquarters, March 11. Photo by Sgt. Rodney Foliente, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs.

The class, a refresher course for some of the Iraqi Soldiers and initial training for others, was an effort to bring them all to the same level so they can train their fellow troops.

“The purpose of today’s training was to provide the Iraqis with basic detainee operations training,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Roady, Camp Echo’s Detainee Control Point non-commissioned officer-in-charge.

“With the change in the [security] agreement, the Iraqis now have the primary responsibility for handling detainees captured during military operations,” Roady continued.  “My job is to train them to make sure they safely, securely and humanely handle all aspects of processing the detainees.

“The [Iraqi Army] seems to be coming a long way from when I started working with them,” said the Roseburg, Ore. resident. “They definitely seem like they are committed to going out there and making a difference.”

“It’s very important training, learning how to properly capture and treat detainees,” said 1st Sgt. Sajad, with the 8th Iraqi Army Division. “We knew a lot about detainee operations, but we also learned much today - some big things, some little things, but all are important.

“This knowledge and practice will help to keep innocents and fellow Soldiers safer when handling detainees,” continued Sajad. He said the proper techniques of checking for hidden weapons and threats will be especially helpful. He and the Soldiers who participated in the training will in turn become the trainers for other IA Soldiers.

Sajad has been in the IA for six years and joined “to protect our country and its innocent citizens. We will continue to improve the country and the security situation and stop the terrorists from harming the innocent people and our country.

“I expect a good future for Iraq and the Iraqi Security Forces will continue our efforts to get this country there,” continued Sajad. “The security situation is good and will get better, even after the withdrawal of Coalition forces. Every true Iraqi hopes for a better future. We fight to protect their hopes and their future.”