News 3 Special Assignment: Iraq

Posted: 11:30 am CST February 3, 2004

Anchorman John Karcher and Photojournalist John Wacker spent eight days in Iraq. They kept a daily online journal on Channel 3000 and sent back digital photos. Now, their packages are airing on News 3 all this week. You can send them a message, using our online forum here.

After decades of fear, unrest and corruption under Saddam Hussein, the 32nd Military Police unit is restoring law and order. There is no military job in Iraq more important right now.

Words from their commander in chief keep them motivated: "We will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail," the fourth platoon wall-hanging reads and epitomizes the soldiers' feelings.

Dozens of new Iraqi police officers spend 12 hours a day learning how to do their job in Baghdad. What these people call "Saddam's Thugs" are gone. They say it's time for liberty and peace on the streets.

Members of the 32nd teach the new officers how to do their jobs. About 25 members of the 32nd are police officers or deputies in Wisconsin.

"Hardly any of the police were showing up for work," said Ssg. Brian Snyder of Beloit. "They were terrified to come back to work. Over the years, being Saddam's little puppets ... there was no trust in the police force. The biggest thing was getting them back to work, starting to train them."

Now, they are eager to work, eager to learn, eager to earn $15 a day as a police officer. They earned pennies under Hussein.

"A lot of them, in the beginning, were depressed because they weren't getting paid even from the Iraqi government -- their bosses would steal their pay," said Sac. David Salsbury.

When they qualify with the sidearm, they get to keep it. Some admit to selling the pistol for hundreds of dollars. But for most, it's a tool of the trade they'll cherish as much as the badge they'll wear and the hours of seminars they attend.

"We work with the Iraqi police and show them, 'No, you can't beat suspects to get confessions.' And, 'No, it's not right to take bribes,'" said Ssg Brad Lawler.

Simona Marinescu, a senator from Romania, saw her country go through the same thing. She told News 3 that providing security and help is important now.

"After significant military operation, what is equally important is to have an effective social policy here," Marinescu said. "They need social measures."

First, they need peace in the streets. Some fear it may never come, fearing Hussein loyalists and terrorists will continue to target U.S. troops who daily travel the streets, seeing thumbs-up and hearing chants of "U.S.A."

It is that grass roots interaction and rebuilding a community police force with willing workers that keeps the 32nd motivated and pleased to serve.

"We're very happy, honored," said Capt. Scott Harold Southworth. "It's a great moment in history. And to be here to do this intense mission for a Wisconsin National Guard company, it's the best thing we can ask for as National Guardsmen."

Since May, 600 Iraqi police have been killed by an enemy that considers them no different than the Americans.

For the 32nd, that's not good as they travel and work with the Iraqi police in all the small towns.

Coming Up WEDNESDAY:

Live At Five: Karch gets a workout with the 32nd Military Police Unit. Despite the 14 hour days 7 days a week, many of the troops take time to work out. See their "health club" in the war zone.

On News 3 @6: We'll bring together a husband and wife as they live without each other. Hear Lori Prieur and SGT Ken Prieur talk about how the war is impacting their marriage.

On News 3 @ 10: We'll visit the Living Quarters for the 4th Platoon and see what the accommodations are like. It's not the best in a war zone.

John Karcher will be on Triple M at 730am with Jonathan and Kitty Wednesday Morning.