BAGHDAD ø Iraq has been steadily building its U.S.-trained military
forces and among its ranks are women soldiers.
On July 9, 40 Iraqi women
soldiers graduated from the Jordanian Royal Military Academy at the Zarqa
military training base in Jordan. This marked the second of three classes
for women scheduled to train at the academy.
[On Monday, the U.S. military launched an operation meant to halt the
flow of insurgents, funds and weapons from Syria to Iraq, Middle East Newsline reported. The mission,
entitled "Operation Phantom Linebacker," brought thousands of U.S. and Iraqi
troops to the Syrian border.]
British Army Col. Kim Smith, chief liaison officer for the Coalition
Military Assistance Training Team, said the coalition determined a
requirement for women in the Iraq Army. Smith said women soldiers could help
detect, track and search women insurgents, including suicide bombers.
"By having women in the army, we can deal gently, but firmly with
women, searching them in a way that is culturally sensitive," Smith said.
Baghdad, in cooperation with the U.S.-led coalition, has been training
hundreds of officers and forming battalions as part of an effort to complete
the first stage of its military. The new Iraqi interim government hopes to
form a military force of 35,000 soldiers organized into three divisions in
2005.
Over the next few weeks, Iraq plans to complete its first light
division. The military has already formed seven battalions, the latest of
which completed basic training this week at the Kirkush military training
base east of Baghdad.
The eight-week basic training program has comprised instruction in basic
soldiering skills. They included weapons, drill and ceremony as well as
physical training.
On Aug. 1, 723 soldiers from the new 7th Battalion completed the Iraq
Army's 3rd Brigade. This was the second battalion trained by Iraqi
commanders, who have replaced U.S. and British officers.
The Iraqi Army plans to organize 27 battalions within nine brigades and
three divisions. U.S. officials said the new Iraq Army was meant for
completion by early 2005, about six months behind schedule.
The U.S.-led Coalition Military Assistance Training Team, part of the
Office of Security Transition, has assisted the Iraqi government in
training, equipping and mentoring the Iraqi armed forces. U.S. officials
said Iraqi leadership cadres for the remaining 20 battalions were preparing
to accept recruits and conduct eight-week training courses at bases
throughout the country.
.
