You think too much, #2... Now, what do you want for dinner?
Posted on 02/15/2006 3:53:45 PM PST by SandRat
The 73 graduates completed 52-weeks of intensive military training in order to become the Iraqi army’s newest officers.
AL RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq, Feb. 15, 2006 — The first class of cadets for the new Iraqi army graduated from the Iraqi Military Academy Al Rustamiyah under the year-long Sandhurst-modeled curriculum Jan. 19.
The 73 graduates completed 52-weeks of intensive military training in order to become the Iraqi army’s newest officers. The training included 2,490 hours of lesson time and 14 field training exercises.
The cadets’ training focused on basic soldier skills, small unit tactics, communications, decision making and developing leadership skills suitable for an officer in the army.
"I am very proud of myself and the other graduates. Today is also a great day for the Army."
Iraqi Army Lt. Raad
The event, attended by Minister of Defense special advisor retired Iraqi Lt. Gen. Dahim Awad and U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James L. Jones, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, was an opportunity for the cadets to celebrate their training and accomplishment over the past year.
“I am very proud of myself and the other graduates,” said newly commissioned Lt. Raad through the aid of an interpreter. “Today is also a great day for the army.”
During the ceremony, the graduating cadets passed the senior class flag on to the junior class. The graduates then recited the officer’s oath of allegiance.
The highlight of the ceremony for one cadet was responding to role call with the rank of lieutenant for the first time.
“I feel now I am ready to serve and lead in the Iraqi army,” said Lt. Sadik, through the aid of an interpreter.
The senior class celebrated their induction into the officer ranks with the traditional buttoning of new lieutenant epaulets on their uniforms while seeking their first salutes from the noncommissioned officers who have trained them for the past year.
Instructors at the academy said they are proud of the new officers.
“These soldiers have set the bar high for the next class,” said U.S. Army Maj. Joseph Brunetti, academy assistant chief instructor. “Today’s graduates are truly ready to be leaders in the Iraqi army.”
The soldiers will now join units throughout Iraq to fill junior officer appointments in all branches of the Iraqi army.
Graduating Class of New Iraqi Offiers, first class.
You think too much, #2... Now, what do you want for dinner?
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