Mission first

As many folks back in Cassville are lying down to bed at night, members of the 1175th Military Police Company in Samarra, Iraq are already beginning the next day's work. (Note: Samarra, Iraq time is 8 hours ahead of Cassville). Since May, the 1175th MP CO from St. Clair, MO,(which also has attachment soldiers from the 1137th MP CO and 1138th MP CO), has been in Samarra, working with local Iraqi Police (IP) agencies. The main objective in the first days and weeks were to visit our local IP stations and assess their needs. Through the 120 degree plus heat, many hours have been spent talking to station chiefs about the essentials needed for the station.

The primary goal of this mission is not only to project a positive presence to the local citizens but also to improve the Iraqi Police presence and pro-active stance in the areas they serve: the ultimate achievement would be that these stations would be completely functional by the time the 1175th leaves in early 2009. The 1175th is responsible for several IP stations, covering many miles throughout the Al Sal-Adin province in central Iraq and a platoon element is also working near Mosul. Members of the 1175th have spent many hours working with and teaching the Iraqi Police techniques used by police agencies in the United States.

Of course, with anything new, there will be issues to work out. However, the 1175th have met these head on and is making great strides in working with the local Iraqi's. As the large trucks roll down the city streets, the soldiers are met with smiles and waves from adults and children alike. US Soldiers are also happy to see that many citizens are taking initiative to clean up their city, and try to return their lives to "normal".

Just as in the United States, one of the most important of the activities is dismounted "foot" patrols thru the neighborhoods. Speaking with citizens and shop owners creates a positive work environment for US Soldiers as well as the IP's responsible for the area. Building rapport with the citizens was another of the major tasks laid before the 1175th -- however, as the Army saying goes, they have "adapted and overcame."

The 1175th still has several months here in Samarra, and much work is left to do. The soldiers work hard every day to complete tasks vital to the success of the Iraqi Police. Although a National Guard unit, the 1175th is displaying the motto "mission first" with great pride and passion.