Professional training academies and other key institutions in Iraq are developing well and are playing an instrumental role in making the transition to a self-policing state, insists the Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq (MNSCTI).

Army major general James Milano, deputy commander of the MNSTCI's interior affairs directorate, said that the task force is striving for 'police primacy', where Iraqi forces will have primary control of internal security.

To achieve this, the MNSCTI has helped to establish training academies across the country that are providing a steady stream of civilian police, with the Kirkuk training academy holding responsibility for building an oil police force, which will protect the country's rapidly expanding oil infrastructure.

Cadets have recently been involved in naval training sorties to protect Iraq's southern ports, which will become a hub for oil exports.

Looking forward, Milano told a Pentagon press conference: "My advisors and I are fully committed to continuing to build police capacity and a capable Ministry of Interior."

Global Education and Training event: Getenergy for Iraq