Courtesy Photo | A formation bearing the Iraqi colors passes in review before Iraqi Army commanding...... read more read more
FOB WARRIOR, Iraq -- Approximately 1,080 enlistees from four separate battalions assigned to defend Iraq's valuable infrastructure graduated from individual enlisted training (IET) September 1 at the Iraqi Army's K1 training facility near Kirkuk.
The graduates were comprised of four platoons from each of three of the IA's Strategic Infrastructure Battalions'the 1st, 2nd, 3rd battalions. About 475 soldiers from the 18th SIB also graduated.
The graduation ceremony attracted an impressive list of distinguished guests from both Iraqi and coalition forces including the IA's 4th Division Commander Lt. Gen. Aziz Abdul Al Rahman, 2nd Brigade Commander Maj. Gen. Anwar Hamed Amin, 2nd Brigade Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Ayad Mohammed Saleh, and Col. Jasim Ali Khalil, K1 Training Center commander.
Coalition guests included 116th Brigade Combat Team Commander Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart and Task Force 1-148 Field Artillery Commander Lt. Col. Russell Johnson.
Kirkuk Provincial Governor Abdulrahman Mustafa also attended and personally recognized the top IET graduate.
"This ceremony represents a milestone in the Iraqi Army's journey to becoming a fully trained and capable force," said Brig. Gen. Gayhart. "As the Iraqi forces continue to fill their ranks with trained soldiers, they are more prepared to defend the new freedoms all Iraqis enjoy."
The hour-long ceremony included music by an IA band, readings from the Koran, a speech by Training Center Commander Col. Khalil, a pass in review, passing of the colors, and awards for the top ten graduates.
Helping prepare the Iraqi Army to take full responsibility for the security and stability of the region is part of the 116th BCT's mission while deployed in north central Iraq. The unit's mission also includes assisting Iraq's new government, supporting economic development and facilitating communications.
The 116th BCT is comprised of headquarters and staff sections, two armor battalions, a mechanized infantry battalion, a support battalion, a field artillery battalion, an engineer battalion, and various intelligence, signal, and specialized units. The 116th BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.
| Date Taken: | 09.07.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 09.07.2005 12:35 |
| Story ID: | 2910 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 12 |
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