Salah ad-Din provincial IP from the 3rd Emergency Response Unit (ERU) here increased their knowledge of these procedures to better serve the citizens of the province while training with U.S. Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Danger during the last week of April.

"The training was truly beneficial to me, because in these three days of training, I have learned things that I did not know before," said Rasool Khalil Esmail, an IP with the 3rd ERU.

The training provided the IP the opportunity to get hands-on instruction in three important areas: proper vehicle maintenance, basic first aid and behind-the-wheel training using the up-armored Humvee.

This IP force will be issued vehicles at a later time, according to 2nd Lt. Dan Smith, a platoon leader who helped organize the training.

"Upon receiving the vehicles, they will have a familiarization of how to operate these vehicles safely,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Sanford, one of the company's platoon sergeants. “They know what the abilities of the vehicles are, and also the limitations. This will enable them to use these assets to complete their missions in Tikrit."

During the medical training, the IP learned basic first aid skills in a manner similar to a first responder's course where individuals react to different medical trauma scenarios.

"It is important ... to explain not just how to perform the medical procedures but why — so I incorporate basic human anatomy into the course to increase their understanding on these techniques," said Spc. Brandon Shaffer, a medic who taught the first aid classes.

The IP remained enthusiastic throughout the training and showcased their aptitude in the final examination day of the course.

"This training is very useful because we will be capable of controlling situations that present themselves while we are performing our job," added Esmail.