Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080512-09
May 12, 2008

Punisher 3 conducts skill training with Dhi Qar IHP

By 1st Lt. Kyle Schreifer
1st BSTB, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BALAD, Iraq – Combat Outpost 9’s Punisher 3 Route Security Team’s continued partnership with the local Iraqi Highway Patrol has been an advantage to area security with the mission aimed at enhancing the skills of the local Iraqi Highway Patrol.

Punisher 3 RST, comprised mostly of military police, conducted classroom training and practical exercises beginning May 2. The five-day course involved more than 50 of the Iraqi Highway Patrol’s noncommissioned officers.

The NCOs were trained in basic leadership principles, pre-combat inspections,operation orders, traffic control point operations, vehicle searches and personnel searches.

“These are the skills they use every day, and seeing how much they have improved, I feel much more confident about being out on the MSR (main supply route) with them,” said Sgt. Derek DeVeau, Punisher 3 RST NCOIC.
“I felt better finally being able to put a name to all the Iraqi faces I see at the checkpoints every day. It makes it easier to trust them to watch my back,” said Pvt. Christopher Freeman, a gunner with Punisher 3 RST.

During the fourth day of training, Punisher 3 RST Soldiers had lunch with the IHP. First Lt. Hanni, a shift commander with the IHP, took the opportunity to thank all of the Soldiers.

“All of my men want you to know how much this training means to them,” Hanni said. “For many, it is the first formal training they have received, and it has made them
much more confident in their ability to help protect the Iraqi citizens and American convoys that travel the road each day.”

At the conclusion of the training, all the Soldiers shook hands with the IHP members and promised them the training would continue on a weekly basis. All of the
IHP members who attended the training were presented with a certificate of achievement signed by the COP 9 commander and first sergeant.

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