Posted on 12/27/2008 7:03:39 AM PST by SandRat
TALLIL — Transition and reintegration training was recently completed by 634 Iraqi Army non-commissioned officers at the Camp Ur Regional Training Center here.
The updated, eight-week course included training on squad and platoon tactics, and familiarization and firing of the AK-47 rifle.
The graduating NCOs will go to Iraqi Army divisions throughout Iraq and bring the total NCO graduates of this program to 2,093, or two percent of the total strength of the Iraqi Army.
Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Arif said, "You have spent eight weeks training as Soldiers to protect your country against its enemies. Continue to develop your skills and professionalism. During this course you have learned to be good Soldiers, marched, trained with the AK-47, and have learned drills and maneuvers. This has been a good course."
"I know most of you were against Saddam and the old regime, and some of you protested against him. Some of you returned to Iraq after 2003. I want you to serve and be loyal to your country, and defend Iraq with your experience and knowledge," said Iraqi Army Staff Lt. Gen. Hussain, Iraqi Joint Headquarters Deputy Chief of Staff – Training.
Other senior Iraqi officials in attendance were Brig. Gen. Samir, deputy commander, Tactical Training Command, and Brig. Gen. Majeed, commandant, Iraq Military Academy - Nasiriyah.
Giving the Iraqi Army a professional NCO corps is giving it something that it never had under the decades of Saddam.
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