U.S. officials have begun training Iraqi Ministry of Defense employees to administer polygraph exams, part of a program intended to strengthen security and background checks of ministry employees.

The six-month-long training program is one of several measures U.S. officials are taking with Iraqi ministries, which have been accused of corruption and sectarian agendas within their ranks.

The training began on June 4, officials said in a news release. At the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, for instance, applicants are now being screened with a biometric system called a "JumpKit." That system involves collecting fingerprints, iris scans and other information for people who are seeking employment or weapons cards.

The Ministry of Interior oversees the Iraqi Police, in addition to other security forces.

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