They miss the things you would expect them to miss.

Sgt. Jasen Barcklay misses his wife.

Spc. Brian Miller misses his family and his girlfriend.

Sgt. Lionel Gonzalez misses his kids and his wife. And good Mexican food.

But they also think the role they play as military police officers in Iraq is important.

These members of the 860th Arizona National Guard are training Iraqi police officers who will try to keep order in their country when the U.S. troops eventually leave.

In an interview Thursday from their station at Camp Liberty in western Baghdad, the three Arizona men spoke of the courage of the officers they are training.

"We have body armor," said Barcklay, 36, of Gilbert. "These guys have minimal stuff. They go out in their own neighborhoods. They are policing their own people. They are very brave."

Insurgents in Iraq have routinely targeted police officers whom they view as traitors.

Just two weeks ago, a suicide bomber rammed his truck into a Baghdad police station, killing 25 people.

The Arizona soldiers seem at least as concerned about their Iraqi peers as they are for themselves.

"There is a brotherhood in law enforcement," said Gonzalez, 30, of Phoenix. "You can say it's fraternal. It's dangerous, but they believe in what they are doing."

Each day soldiers from the Arizona National Guard work with Iraqi police officers, training them in weapons, tactics and the law.

Critics of the U.S. operations in Iraq say the country remains in turmoil and argue the Iraqi army and police are nowhere near being able to take control of the country.

The soldiers see progress in the police officers they train.

"I think they have come a long way," said Miller, 24, of Gilbert. "I have noticed a distinct change in how they do their job, their tactics."

The 860th has been in Iraq for about six months. Last month they were treated to two weeks back home, but now they are back in Baghdad for at least another half-year.

They believe strongly in their mission; it helps them through the hard times within the fenced American compound.

"Before I leave the wire, I always think of the big picture," said Miller. "Sometimes it is hard to remember that, but I know why we are here."

Barcklay said the idea of liberating the Iraqis is a noble reason for being in Iraq. "It's pretty encouraging to see that people here are really trying to make things better after they have been down for so long."

"We are actually making a difference," said Gonzalez.

In the meantime, they long for their family and friends.

"I miss my wife," said Barcklay. "But I've been doing this a long time. She understands."

Gonzalez misses his wife and kids. "It was wonderful to see them (on leave). My wife and my family. And I miss their food. My wife is an awesome cook. Great Mexican food."

Miller thinks of his friends and family, and his girlfriend. "People worry, especially my mom and sister. But they know we are all looking out for each other. I know they are sending up their prayers, and God is listening."