Captain Christian Solinsky served in Operation Iraqi Freedom II from early 2003 through early 2004 at Ba'qubah, Iraq. His main mission was to train the police although he had no experience as an MP prior to this assignment. Initial training provided to the Iraqis was very basic, though, so the on-the-job training Solinsky received at the time of his arrival was more than adequate. He quickly learned that there was a great deal of corruption in the police department under Saddam. The police forces really had no power under Saddam's rule, so these new recruits had to learn how to be leaders along with learning basic skills like marksmanship. The US provided computers and computer training for recordkeeping and payroll. Solinsky explained the training methods they used in detail, including the Transitional Integration Program (TIP) Academies, as well as screening processes to keep insurgents from infiltrating the force. Reconstruction projects included remodeling and updating the stations and training facilities. Solinsky and his unit actually lived in the police station along with the Iraqis, which provided an excellent opportunity to fully absorb and understand the Iraqi culture. The cultural training provided prior to deployment, in Solinsky's opinion, was just not realistic. He noted the importance of spending time with the Iraqis and sharing personal information as a means of gaining trust. He stated, "If I had a 12-month deployment and I said it took three months of just getting along and becoming friends, it was well worth it afterward because they would tell us anything, do anything for us, be there for us or anything we needed they gave us." Solinsky stressed the importance of building relationships with the Iraqis as key to gaining their trust and confidence, allowing the US to then train them and provide them the tools and skills they needed to begin taking responsibility for their own government.

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