October 13, 2006

Iraqi Army Recruits Graduate at Steady Pace


The Iraqi Army’s newest soldiers march past an Iraqi and American audience during their graduation ceremony at Camp Habbaniyah Sept. 30.

By Lance Cpl. Ben Eberle 1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP HABBANIYAH — More than 300 Iraqi recruits graduated boot camp in a ceremony here Sept. 30.

The Iraqi Army’s newest soldiers endured five weeks of training to learn the fundamentals of marksmanship, urban patrols, search and clear operations, as well as how to make the transition to a military lifestyle.

A national recruiting initiative plans to bring in 30,000 soldiers by May 2007, said Col. Joel P. Garland, the basic combat training liaison officer for Multi-National Force – West.

“The goal is to get up to 1,850 soldiers per class,” said 45-year-old Garland , from Mission Viejo , Calif. , who added that a new training cycle will start every six weeks. Full Story

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