Posted on 03/22/2009 10:34:38 AM PDT by SandRat
2nd Lt. Ghazwan Wafeaq Majed (center) proudly holds his diploma after being the first Iraqi Army officer to complete the Iraqi Junior Leader Development Course at Forward Operating Base Dolby, March 16. Photo by Spc. Kevin Holden, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs.
BAGHDAD — Iraqi Army (IA) 2nd Lt. Ghazwan Wafeaq Majed became the first IA officer to complete the Junior Leader Development Course at Forward Operating Base Dolby, March 16.
The goal of the training is to continue the improvement of the IA and prepare them to assume an ever-increasing role in providing for the defense of Iraq. The security situation here has dramatically improved and now the mission is to sustain the improved security environment as Coalition forces prepare to redeploy from Iraq in 2011.
During the 14-day course, Majed received training in counseling Soldiers, property accountability, patrolling, maintenance checks, mission planning, patrol briefs, rehearsals, pre-combat checks, and pre-combat inspections. These are responsibilities U.S. Soldiers take for granted, but are not part of the culture of the Iraqi Army.
“In the beginning of the course I observed American officers, learned the non-commissioned officer’s and Soldier’s role, and the responsibility of a second lieutenant in an operational unit,” said Majed.
There are similar programs being used by other U.S. units to train the IA officers, NCO’s, and Soldiers. The IA and Multi-National Division—Baghdad commanders work together to provide training, interaction, and experience to junior leaders in the IA.
“The Junior Leader Course is the most important operation we do, and working with junior officers before accruing time service with the IA is the ultimate goal,” said Lt. Col. Michael Mammay, commander, Task Force 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment. “Providing training for young officers who will be high ranking leaders in the IA is the Coalition forces’ priority.”
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