Maj. Joseph A. Musacchia, participated in the DoD Bloggers Roundtable on April 17, 2009. TSgt Monique Randolph provides an account of the discussion below. Click the link above for an audio transcript, as well as more information about Bloggers Roundtable.

Maj. Musacchia is currently deployed as the deputy director of the special staff for the Ministry of the Interior transition team in Iraq. Members of the transition team serve as mentors to the Internal Affairs and Inspector General divisions, and assist with the court systems legal branch. One of his team’s major roles is to assist with anti-corruption efforts within the ministry, which includes the Iraqi police force.

To gain the trust of the Iraqi people, the Iraqi police force must identify and eradicate corruption within its ranks. Major Musacchia referenced an article that divides police corruption into two categories: meat-eaters and grass-eaters. Simply put, the meat-eaters are the police officers who go out looking for bribes, while the grass-eaters are those who will accept bribes if offered.

Both types of corruption must be met with appropriate levels of discipline and punishment, the Major said, and the officers on the police force have to know that “there is no rule that should not be followed.” Iraq’s police force is essentially trying to catch up with years of technological and moral police evolution.

Major Musacchia said he’s had nothing but positive encounters with members of the departments he mentors, especially the younger members. They are enthusiastic and eager to learn and help move Iraq into the international community and modern world of law enforcement, he said.

“These are the people you see the fire in their eyes,” he said. “These are the young men who want to bring Iraq forward. [They want] to create transparency in their government; to show that they’re fair, not corrupt. That they’re ethically driven.”

The major said their enthusiasm does not surprise him. In fact, it helps to restore his hope as the U.S. prepares to return the country over to Iraqi control. Major Musacchia said his team’s focus is to teach them how to “fish” at this point.

Air Force professional military education has been invaluable in that process, the major said. He and the other Air Force security forces members on the transition team have begun incorporating problem solving skills and leadership training taught in Air Force professional military education in their mentoring of ministry personnel.

“It may sound like I’m towing the party line, but I truly believe in what I’m saying,” Major Musacchia said. “I have learned and applied more of my Air Force squadron officer school and Air Command and Staff College training in this assignment. And if you truly take what the U.S. Air Force teaches you in their PME, you embrace it, you internalize it; it is something you can use in any assignment, but in particular here.”

The U.S. has made significant progress in the Iraq theater, Major Musacchia said.

“We’re making that stride to where we can set this country up to be successful,” he said. “The desire is there. It’s our job to capture that desire, and to channel that effort. And to teach them the essential tools and skills they need to be a successful nation in the modern world. I believe in my heart of hearts that the people here want that to happen. They want to learn, and we’re willing to teach them.”

by TSgt Monique Randolph, AFPAA