Courtesy Photo | A group of newly graduated Iraqi non-commissioned officers with 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi...... read more read more
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Marine Sgt. Jess Kent
Multi-National Corps-Iraq Public Affairs
MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq -- At a time when coalition forces are focused on training Iraqi security forces, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq deputy commanding general visited an Iraqi army compound in Mahmudiyah July 5 to witness a testament to their success.
Maj. Gen. James Simmons handed out certificates and personally congratulated 17 Iraqi army soldiers who graduated from a Warrior Leader Course for Iraqi junior soldiers and non-commissioned officers.
The leadership course was administered by Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, who serve on an internal military transition team for 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.
"There are only two other brigades that administer this course," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher McElveen, an operations advisor with the 6th Iraqi Army Division. "It is a leadership course designed to build leaders within the Iraqi security forces."
The three-week class, equivalent to the Army's course for junior Soldiers and NCOs, presents an opportunity for Iraqi soldiers they did not have as part of a regime controlled by Saddam Hussein.
Formerly, advanced warrior skills and tactics courses were reserved for military officers.
Prior to the course, Iraqi soldiers conducted numerous missions alongside coalition forces. During many of those operations, Iraqis took the lead. As they continue to wage war against their enemies, they are taking their newfound skills to the streets of Baghdad.
Army Col. Michael Kershaw, commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, said the Iraqi unit is already widely known for its successful operations.
"All Iraqis take pride in the accomplishments of 4th Brigade," he told the new graduates. "Today, you join the ranks of its leadership. Your brigade commander has told you what he expects of you as a leader of this brigade. The demands are tough."
After each graduate accepted the presented certificate and proudly marched across the room, head held high, Kershaw left the soldiers with another mission. While the Iraqis are expected to teach the skills they have learned, Kershaw said there is one more important task for them to accomplish. They must teach their subordinates that although there are different units, locations and tribes for Iraqi soldiers, they have to overcome the differences and put their country first.
"This is a tough road in a war-torn country," Kershaw said. "Soldiers will only do what the leadership asks of them. It is now up to you to lead the soldiers of your country."
| Date Taken: | 07.13.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.13.2007 00:28 |
| Story ID: | 11247 |
| Location: | MAHMUDIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 119 |
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