Approximately 900 Iraqi soldiers from the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division graduated from basic military training at Al Kasik Military Training Base, Jan. 16. In addition, 13 soldiers at the base completed a medical training program.
After four months of challenging basic military training, soldiers added their names to the list of those who wish to serve their country and can now call themselves soldiers in the Iraqi Army.
Iraqi Army 3rd Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Khursheed Saleem Hassan said “God and our people will be loyal and faithful to our mission and country,” and that Iraq’s soldiers “defend Iraq against all its enemies to the last drop of our blood.”
Upon completion of its initial training phase, 8th Brigade will join the 3rd Division and begin tactical operations in support of election security within Ninewa Province. The 3rd Division consists of three infantry brigades; two have now completed initial training and are operating in northwestern Iraq.
The medical soldiers were trained in field medical techniques and basic combat lifesaver skills. They will return to their units to provide frontline medical support to the 3rd Division of the Iraqi Army. The course, developed by U.S. Navy Corpsmen at Al Kasik, has been recognized by the Minister of Health as a model for medical training in each Iraqi unit.
Graduates each received medical aid bags as tangible symbols of their new responsibilities and advanced medical training.
