Hundreds of women have undergone recruitment and training for a range of
assignments in the Libyan security forces. The training was said to have
taken place at a military
compound in the rebel-held city of Benghazi throughout most of 2011.
NATO began assisting the women security training program in March,
which included weapons proficiency, martial arts and administration, Middle East Newsline reported. The
training was meant for the women to be employed by the National Security
Force, modeled after the U.S. National Guard.
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More than 200 women have graduated from the security training program at
the Technical Military Compound in Benghazi over the last six months.
Officials said several other training centers were established around Libya
with NATO assistance.
Officials said the women would not participate in combat against the
ousted regime of Col. Moammar Gadhafi. They said the women officers would
instead be deployed for internal security, including VIP assignments.
In the latest course, 36 women underwent training in Benghazi by
eight instructors. Officials said the women would receive $5,000 to start
their career in the military.