First Class of Highway Patrol Academy Heads for Iraqi Streets

TAJI, IRAQ – With cheers and chants of loyalty to the new Iraqi government, 247 exuberant recruits picked up graduation certificates from the Iraqi Highway Patrol Academy April 7 and headed for new jobs guarding their country’s streets and thoroughfares.
This was the first class to graduate from the new academy. Before the ceremony even began, the first wave of highway patrol officers was celebrating their accomplishments with a patriotic march romp. They also waived an Iraqi flag as several hoisted instructor Gene Rapp on their shoulders and carried him around the gravel-covered grounds.
“We are steady,” they sang. “And we will protect Iraq.”
With both feet back on the ground, Rapp congratulated his students.
“The Iraqi people are proud of you; the American people are proud of you,” Rapp said. “The Iraqi people are depending on you. Go out there and make us proud.”
During the three-week course, students received training in weapons, driving, convoy operations, patrolling, searching buildings, first aid and anti-terrorism force protection from 13 instructors. The instructors were a mix of Iraqi officers, Coalition soldiers, international police trainers and international police liaison officers.
“Considering the short time frame and the fact that none of them have any prior experience, they’ve done an excellent job,” said Dave O’Brien, academy director. “They learned how to drive, shoot, (perform) defensive tactics and (have) the will to survive.”
U.S. Army Spec. Fred Ulshafer helped familiarize recruits with the AK-47 automatic rifle and Glock handguns before teaching them to use them on the shooting range.
“They’re really impressive, compared to when they first arrived,” Ulshafer said. “They really want to be here and do this. I think they’re going to do well out there.”
The graduates, who ranged in ages from 17 to 30, came from a variety of previous jobs. They were former students, bakers, painters, taxi drivers and even a grocery store worker. Through an interpreter, many said they’re ready to go out, serve their country, and defeat the insurgents.
“We will keep the classes in our hearts,” one man said.
Patriotism and practicality drew them to the highway patrol. As young men, they want jobs that pay enough money to build good lives, get married, and start families.
“We like the new Iraq,” said another man. “It feels good the direction we are taking.”