BAGHDAD — Iraq's military has rapidly expanded and sent forces throughout the country in an effort to ensure security for the Jan. 30 elections.

Iraqi and U.S. officials said that over the last six months the Iraq Army has grown in size and capability. They said that from a nascent force in July 2004, the army now operates nine divisions throughout Iraq, Middle East Newsline reported.

Over the next few weeks, officials said, a range of new units would be launched in both the army and air force. So far, the Iraq Army and Intervention Force consist of 18 battalions, a major increase from one battalion in July 2004.

By late February, nine additional military battalions were scheduled to become operational, officials said. They said several of the battalions would be ready in time for national elections, scheduled for Jan. 30.

"It's a difficult mission, but we will do it," Prime Minister Iyad Alawi told army cadets on Jan. 6. "You brothers, members of the army forces, will face crucial challenges, but I am confident of your ability to overcome them with your heads up."

One of the leading military units include the Muthanna Brigade. The brigade, originally formed to secure Baghdad, now has three battalions in operation, officials said.

Officials said the Muthanna brigade has deployed a battalion each in Baghdad, Faluja, and North Babil. An additional battalion was undergoing training.

The Iraqi National Guard would be incorporated into the regular army, officials said. Officials said the ING has been comprised of 42 operational battalions, increased to 65 battalions over the next few months.

"It [ING incorporation into the army] will ensure unity of command and effort to meet the security challenges we currently face," Iraqi Chief of Staff Gen. Babakir Al Zibari said.

The Iraq Army has also increased its special operations forces. They include Iraq's Special Operations Brigade, with a counter-insurgency force and a commando battalion.

Over the next week, Iraq's first mechanized battalion would become operational, officials said. They said the remaining elements of the 1st Mechanized Brigade would be trained and equipped by the summer of 2005. In all, 4,000 soldiers were undergoing military training.

The Iraqi military has been trained by 2,000 soldiers from the United States and other coalition members in cooperation with the Iraqi Defense Ministry. Officials said the trainers were developing both combat and support elements of the Iraqi military.

"We are building an entire infrastructure," Lt. Gen. David Petraeus, responsible for training Iraqi security forces, said.

Iraq has also been expanding naval and air capabilities. Officials said Iraq's Coastal Defense Force, or navy, contains five patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a naval infantry regiment.

The Iraq Air Force has two operational squadrons equipped with nine reconnaissance aircraft that operate at all hours. Officials said that over the next week two additional squadrons would be formed — one comprised of three U.S.-origin C-130E air transports and the other that would consist of two UH-1 utility helicopters. They said the air force would also receive 14 additional UH-1s and four Bell Jet Ranger helicopters.