In January 2010, Kurdish cadets joined a training program at the Iraqi
Special Training Police Academy, Middle East Newsline reported. Officials said 40 Kurds and Arabs began an
intensive nine-week NATO course conducted by Italy's Carbinieri paramilitary
force.
This marked the second NATO course with the Kurds in as many months. The
first group of 40 Kurds graduated in December 2009.
"We are very encouraged to see this program continue," Isidori said.
Under the program, the Arab and Kurdish cadets have been taught enhanced
weapons and shooting skills. Officials said the Italian Carabinieri course
would
also include high-speed arrest, intelligence, counter-insurgency and
operational
planning.
Officials said the Kurds would be eligible to become trainers for the
Iraqi security forces. They said the Kurdish recruitment marked a NATO
requirement as part of the efforts by the Western alliance to establish a
non-sectarian force in Iraq.
"This Train-the-Trainer approach aims to establish a self-sufficient
non-sectarian training apparatus that will continue to replenish the Iraqi
Federal Police," a U.S. military statement said.
