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I visited a new construction project this morning. According to the project packet, it is officially called the Baghdad Police College – North (Mosul). I’m not sure why Baghdad has to be in the name, but I’m not the one paying for it. Anyway, this was an early morning visit; we hit the road at 0430. I made sure to get in a cup of coffee before departing so I wouldn’t be so grumpy. The project has just started, and the contractor is doing a lot of foundation work at this point.

Foundation and Columns

This facility will eventually house 1000 police recruits and 100 instructors and provide classrooms and other training facilities. Today we saw a lot of cement, blocks and rebar. The contractor awarded this $18 million contract is an Iraqi construction company. So far, I’m very impressed with the company. It’s nice to see an Iraqi company with the resources to handle such a large project. I think Mugs’ Dad would appreciate all of the labor involved in tying the rebar.

Rebar

As we were walking around, Mike F stopped to light a cigarette. The sun was rising above the horizon, and I thought it looked like a Marlboro Man advertisement.

Mike F - Marlboro Man

Don’t tell his wife he’s smoking again. He’ll probably get in trouble.