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Two-thirds of all college students now graduate with debt, and owe an average of $24,000, as student loans are quickly becoming the only way many Americans can afford a college education. As a result, thousands of young people -- who are also facing high unemployment -- are forced to tackle mountains of debt immediately after graduating, and many are uncertain about their futures. Shannon Johnson, who has been a lawyer at a small, family-owned firm in North Dakota for two years, said she owes more than $150,000 from her undergraduate degree and law school. "Because of my choice to attend...

Obama: Graduates said 'Yes we can'Published: May 16, 2011 at 2:14 PM MEMPHIS, May 16 (UPI) -- Commencement at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis was a celebration and a chance to prove the naysayers wrong, President Obama said Monday. "Every commencement is a day of celebration. But this one is especially hopeful," Obama told the graduating class during its graduation exercise. "That's because some people say that schools like BTW just aren't supposed to succeed in America. You'll hear them say, 'The streets are too rough in those neighborhoods.' Or 'The schools are too broken.' Or 'Those kids...

BANGALORE, India—Call-center company 24/7 Customer Pvt. Ltd. is desperate to find new recruits who can answer questions by phone and email. It wants to hire 3,000 people this year. Yet in this country of 1.2 billion people, that is beginning to look like an impossible goal. So few of the high school and college graduates who come through the door can communicate effectively in English, and so many lack a grasp of educational basics such as reading comprehension, that the company can hire just three out of every 100 applicants. In India, Doubts Gather Over Rising Giant's Course India projects...

For increasing numbers of young college leavers, getting a foot on the career ladder means taking an unpaid internship, with no guarantee of a permanent job at the end. Is this all about opportunity or exploitation? Five graduates tell Jane Phillimore their experiences

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release December 27, 2010 Executive Order - Recruiting and Hiring Students and Recent Graduates EXECUTIVE ORDER RECRUITING AND HIRING STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 3301 and 3302 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. The Federal Government benefits from a diverse workforce that includes students and recent graduates, who infuse the workplace with their enthusiasm, talents, and unique perspectives. The existing...

First, let me apologize for the gap between posts. I’ve been immersed with other members of the VisibleEconomy crew developing videos that combine the best of news and education. In a month or two we are going to roll out a line of news videos entitled VisibleCareers–short, fast-paced news videos focusing on key events and changes in the economy that young job seekers should know about (the VisibleCareers site will be up soon). As part of that effort, I’ve been developing new job market indicators. One question that people often ask: Where are the new jobs being created? But they...

Two weeks after graduating from Butler University in May 2009, Tom Otero moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the television and film industry. He sent out 250 job applications in five months and got one call-back, which turned out to be a pyramid scheme. By then, he had exhausted his savings and was forced to return to Indianapolis. After holding a full-time position here for seven months, he was laid off, and has since been juggling three part-time jobs—working in a bookstore, operating a camera at sporting events, and developing an interior design website—often punching consecutive 16-hour...

There is an old Pennsylvania Dutch proverb that goes, “We grow too soon old and too late smart.” Some colleges still have a youthful outlook. “In the last few years, however, a cottage industry has sprouted up in academe to measure whether students are actually learning and to reform classes that don’t deliver,” Robin Wilson wrote in the September 10, 2010 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education. “Accreditors now press colleges to show that they are teaching what students need to know.” It’s an uphill battle. “Faculty rewards have nothing to do with the ability to assess student learning,”...

Ten months after graduating from Ohio State University with a civil-engineering degree and three internships, Matt Grant finally has a job — as a banquet waiter at a Clarion Inn near Akron, Ohio. “It’s discouraging right now,” said the 24-year-old, who sent out more than 100 applications for engineering positions. “It’s getting closer to the Class of 2010, their graduation date. I’m starting to worry more.”

Ugh. What a depressing woman. Michelle Obama brought down the house literally at George Washington University’s graduation. The First Lady gave one of the most depressing speeches on record. What a downer. Good luck finding a job, kids!(Video at link)

The unemployment rate dropped last month for men and women, blacks and whites, lifting hopes that the long dry spell in the jobs market may be coming to an end. But for recent college graduates and other young adults, the labor situation didn't just remain dire -- it got worse. For 20- to 24-year-olds, the jobless rate rose four-tenths of a percent to 16% in November, even as unemployment nationally slipped to 10% from 10.2%. And data from the Labor Department show that the unemployment figure for college graduates in that age group was 10.6% in the third quarter --...

Members of the Iraqi Police hold Iraqi flags during a graduation ceremony at the Furat Police Training Center in Baghdad, Oct. 29. Photo by Sgt. Kenneth Bince, 49th Military Police Brigade. BAGHDAD — A training milestone for the Iraqi Police (IP) was reached when more than 1,600 new IP officers graduated the Furat Iraqi Police Training Center’s Basic Recruit Training Course, Oct. 29. The 100-yard-wide courtyard was filled with multiple company-sized formations of graduating IP. In front of each separate group, one IP proudly displayed the unit's colors. Surrounding this massive formation, dozens of uniformed guards wielded four-foot by six-foot...

America is turning out plenty of science and engineering grads, a university study concludes, but many of the best are taking jobs in finance and consulting. U.S. colleges and universities are graduating as many scientists and engineers as ever, according to a study released on Oct. 28 by a group of academics. But that finding comes with a big caveat: Many of the highest-performing students are choosing careers in other fields. The study by professors at Rutgers and Georgetown suggests that since the late 1990s, many of the top students have been lured to careers in finance and consulting. "Despite...

Moshe Kai Cavalin, 11, graduates with honors from East Los Angeles Community College this week, but just don't call him a genius. 11-Year-Old Graduates From LA College Watch Video Moshe Kai Cavalin, 11, is graduating with honors from East Los Angeles Community College this week. "I consider myself a regular kid who works hard and does his best," says this only child of a Taiwanese mother and an Israeli father. When Cavalin started college at the age of 8, he may have been the youngest person in class, but he ended up tutoring some of his 19- and 20-year-old classmates...

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., April 9, 2009 – The Marine Corps is relatively small compared to the other branches of service. But for a former high school principal here, it couldn’t get any smaller. Left to right, 2nd Lt. Michael J. Bradley, Pfc. William M. Chester, and Col. Brian T. Oliver show off the emblem of Freedom High School in Morganton, N.C., at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 7, 2009. Oliver was the principal at Freedom from July 2004 until he was activated from the reserves in January 2009. Bradley and Chester are both Freedom...

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army (IA) and Air Force (IqAF) officers, plus one Ministry of Defense (MoD) civilian, will embark on a career in Public Affairs (PA) after completing the three-week long Iraqi Joint Headquarters PA Course taught at the Ministerial Training Development Center (MTDC) here, April 1 The 16 newly minted PA officers will return to their respective divisions and brigades to pursue PA activities and advise their commanders on interacting with the media. The course is part of the MoD’s strategy to enhance the information flow across the country by having qualified PA staff embedded at the division and...

The first seven weeks of Barack Obama's presidency have been notable for the use of our economic turmoil as an excuse for showering money and favors on the interest groups that worked to put him in office. The education establishment was one of those groups. If there had ever been the slightest doubt that Obama would see to its care and feeding, it was erased by his Feb. 24 speech. Operating in his usual central planning mode, Obama stated that the country is underperforming on education and will face trouble unless we put more people through college. "Right now," he...

BAGHDAD — A major milestone was reached recently in rebuilding Iraqi infrastructure, as the first class of firefighter managers graduated from the Iraq Joint National Fire Academy. The class was made up of 10 Civil Defense Corps and seven Iraqi Air Force firefighters from all over Iraq. This course, along with basic fire and rescue training, will produce a professional firefighting force to serve the people here. First Lieutenant Rad Badr, with Civil Defense Corps, is the manager of the Fire Academy. “The Iraqi Air Force was founded two and a half years ago and their firefighters are inexperienced. So...

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 26, 2009 – The first class of National Military Academy of Afghanistan cadets graduated yesterday in a ceremony here, becoming what the Afghan president called “the heartbeat of the entire nation.” An Afghan cadet shakes hands with Afghan President Hamid Karzai during a graduation ceremony at the National Military Academy of Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009. U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tim Newborn  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “I am very proud to be a part of this ceremony, which is a very important and vital step toward a stable...

DIYALA — Jubilant Iraqi Police graduates jumped with joy as they graduated from the Ashraf training center here, Sept. 17. There were 704 graduates, including 21 females who were the first women to graduate from the Ashraf facility and join the Iraqi Police. “They were incredibly happy, jumping and singing about Diyala,” said Scott Johnson of AFN, who helped cover the ceremony. “This is one of the happiest days of my life. I have always dreamed of becoming an Iraqi Policeman,” said Ali, one of the graduates. Iraqi Police Maj. Gen. Abdul, acting provincial director of police in Diyala, congratulated...

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan , Aug. 11, 2008 – After completing a 10-day basic training course followed by three years on-the-job training, Afghan National Auxiliary Police officers can convert to be regular Afghan National Police officers. Their last hurdle is to complete a three-week continuation course taught by coalition Police Training and Advisory Team instructors. Gen. Abdul Jalal, the police chief of Konar province, Afghanistan, and Konar’s education minister, Abdul Zahir, salute the new Afghan National Auxiliary Police officers graduating from the Police Training and Advisory Team program at Camp Wright, Konar, Afghanistan. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image...

BAGHDAD — 1,698 officers, the largest class ever, graduated from the Ministry of Interior’s Baghdad Police College here July 20 and took the loyalty oath to uphold the rule of law and protect the citizens of Iraq. The new course is known as the 1st Qualification Course. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki spoke of this initiative during Basrah operations as a means to promote both reconciliation and new jobs for former government employees and other recruits who met the qualifications. To become lieutenants in the police force, the graduates must complete the retraining and certification in the four-month course. Most were...

Carpentry students at the al-Kut Vo-Tech center work on a project May 12. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel T. West. FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — Sixty students at the al-Kut vocational technical center graduated May 12 after a two-month course of instruction. The graduating classes included 40 students from a sewing class and 20 students from a computer-repair class.The Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team provided starter kits for the students at the graduation ceremony to assist them with their transition into the work force.“The kits are meant to minimize the requirements to start working,� said Capt. Caroline Pogge, of Danbury,...

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2008 – America needs dedicated public servants now more than ever, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told graduates at the Virginia Military Institute, in Lexington, Va., today. Gates congratulated the 246 graduates of the state military college on their accomplishments and said the institute has taught them lessons on the importance of public service and duty to their fellow citizens. “For generations, VMI has graduated young people ready to raise their right hands and defend their homeland,” the secretary said. “This is something to be grateful for in any time period, but never more so than in...

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2008 – More than 300 former members of “Sons of Iraq” graduated to Iraqi policemen during a ceremony at Kirkuk Police Academy on May 15. A Kirkuk Police Academy instructor straightens the beret of an Iraqi police recruit before a graduation ceremony, May 15, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson, 1st Battalion, 10th Mountain Division   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The students graduated after eight weeks of training here. “The Kirkuk province has shown tremendous progress in the last year. Events like this prove we are taking the necessary steps...

BAGHDAD, May 15, 2008 – A program aimed at teaching Iraqi citizens valuable career skills, with the added benefit of rebuilding their community, graduated its first class of students May 8 in a ceremony at Patrol Base Stone in Hawr Rajab, south of Baghdad. The 42 graduates, many of whom had been part of the “Sons of Iraq” group that helps in the local security effort, spent the past three months learning plumbing, electrical and construction skills at the “Village of Hope” training facility. They will continue their training outside the classroom by renovating structures in the area. Al-Qaida in...

CAMP CLARK, Afghanistan, March 7, 2008 – A graduation ceremony for a new breed of Afghan National Army soldiers was held here Feb. 27 as a sign of a renewed shift of focus to the part of the fight against insurgents in Afghanistan that doesn’t involve combat. Newly graduated Afghan National Army Information Dissemination Operations soldiers hold their certifications after the graduation ceremony at Camp Clark, Afghanistan, Feb. 27, 2008. Photo by Spc. Micah E. Clare, USA  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. More than 30 Afghan army 203rd Corps soldiers graduated from a 14-day course called Afghan Information...

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq, Feb. 28, 2008 – More than 80 Iraqi soldiers and policemen graduated from Task Force Marne Noncommissioned Officer Academy training here Feb. 25. Iraqi soldiers find cover during a training exercise at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Feb. 23, 2008. The soldiers were part of the second class to graduate from the Task Force Marne Noncommissioned Officer Academy. U.S. Army photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. For two weeks, they participated in foot patrols, Humvee combat patrols, rifle ranges and classroom lectures to increase their skills and ability to lead in combat. “You...

BESMAYA — A graduation ceremony filled with music, marching and speeches marked a tremendous step for Iraq when the Iraqi Army’s 3rd Brigade, 14th Division graduated here, Feb 13. The brigade is fully equipped and trained to battle enemies of Iraq because of ‘Unit Set Fielding’, a process that takes an entire Army brigade and gives the Soldiers the equipment and training they will need to fight. Iraqi Army Gen. Babakir, commanding general and chief of staff, Iraqi Joint Forces, attended the event and delivered a compelling speech to the graduates of the brigade. “I am proud to stand before...

Graduating cadets hug after an emotional graduation ceremony at the Iraqi Military Academy Dec. 29. The academy graduated 229 students from training, which lasted one year. Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Frost. RUSTAMIYAH — The Iraqi Military Academy at Rustamiyah graduated 229 newly commissioned officers for the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Air Force, Dec. 29. This class is the second group to attend the one year instruction, which is broken into three blocks: junior, intermediate and senior. Each block lasts approximately 15 weeks. The first block introduces the cadets to basic officer training and teaches them to...

White House press secretary Tony Snow delivered the May 12 commencement address at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.. During the speech, he offered five tips for students to follow toward leading a "whole life." His transcript follows: 118th Annual Commencement Address: "Reason, Faith, Vocation"Tony Snow, White House Press SecretaryBasilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate ConceptionThe Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.May 12, 2007Your excellency Archbishop Wuerl, President O'Connell, members of the board of trustees, members of the administration, distinguished faculty and staff, graduating students — and families who paid for [their education] — honored guests, Dr....

CBNNews.com - Virginia Beach, Va - Before the celebrating came the turning of tassels and accepting this charge: "I want you to strive for greatness through service," said CBN founder Pat Robertson. The largest class in Regent's history sang a hymn bowed their heads in prayer. "Father," prayed Pastor Jack Hayford. "We come with hearts of gratitude for each of these graduates." {snip} Some say they were initially skeptical about having a Mormon address a Christian audience. "There were some people who were alarmed," said Regent graduate Cassy McLauchlin. "I was surprised because I just didn't think he was the...

Graduates of the Preparatory Iraqi Nursing Course take a moment to smile for the camera after receiving their certificates of training at the Civil Military Operations Center at the Victory Base Complex, Feb. 19. There were 18 Iraqi females who graduated from the PINC. VICTORY BASE COMPLEX -- Eighteen Iraqi women have successfully graduated from the first Preparatory Iraqi Nursing Course at the Civil Military Operations Center located in the Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, Feb. 19. “This is a happy day for me,” said Amel Hadi, a PINC graduate. “I always wanted to be able to help people and...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2007 – U.S. soldiers assisted in the removal of a makeshift bomb near Baghdad after Iraqi police seized the devise along with a weapons cache during a raid on Jan. 13, U.S. military officials reported. The weapons cache included 60mm mortars, 81mm mortars, a 60mm mortar launcher, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and nine rockets, explosive formed charges, a 120mm artillery round, 107mm rockets, blasting caps and timers, officials said. Also on Jan. 13, a ceremony was held in recognition of Ramadi Iraqi police graduates. A total of 58 Iraqi police officers graduated from their weeklong advanced training...

By Maj. Raul E. Marquez3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO An Iraqi Police officer receives his IP patch from Maj. Mason W. Crow, Task Force Blue executive officer, during the graduation ceremony, Dec. 24. TF Blue is responsible for training and equipping the Iraqi Police. Official U.S. Army photo. BAQUBAH -- About125 Iraqi Police officers assigned to various units in the Baqubah area, graduated from the first IraqiPolice Training Academy in Baqubah, conducted under the guidance of coalition forces from Task Force Blue and the International Police Liaison Officers, Dec 24. “Officers from the Emergency Ready Forces, the Quick...

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- The first Special Warfare Combatant Craft (SWCC) class for the new rates of Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) and Special Warfare Operator (SO) graduated during a commencement ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado Nov. 9 The new ratings replace previous source ratings, which had been used to distinguish SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) and SWCC by job classifications, and will allow SEALs and SWCC to take advancement exams relating to their own rating. All active-duty graduates of Basic Underwater Demolition School and Basic Crew Member School officially became SOs and SBs Oct. 1. The changes for Navy...

Women graduates challenge Iran By Frances Harrison BBC News, Tehran The number of women graduating from Iran's universities is overtaking the number of men, promising a change in the job market and, with it, profound social change. In some subjects 70% of Iran's graduates are women Twenty postgraduate students are sitting in a plush modern classroom listening to a lecture on environmental management at the Islamic Azad University - a private institution with 1.6 million students across Iran. The room is darkened so the students can watch the lecturer's slide show comparing energy consumption around the world. Three quarters of...

It used to be, well, perhaps it still is, that Indian students did their darndest to come to the US to go to grad school, learn business, or master the technology of the computer. Now, there has been a turn. American college grads are opting to go to India. A stint working in India can be quite an addition to a young worker's resume. India's high-tech and banking companies need skilled workers. A company like Infosys, which has grown from 500 workers to 50,000 workers in the past dozen years, has hired many young Americans. Of course, the biggest obstacle...

Jack Welch gives advice on how the new graduate can succeed in American companies. It seems to be good advice to succeed in any company -- anywhere. His number one piece of advice: OVERDELIVER - This is very un-American -- and very un-student-like. In school, students learn to meet certain objectives -- answer certain questions within certain time parameters. In the workforce -- it's not that way anymore. To get an A+ in business, Welch says, a person -- 22 years old or 62 years old -- needs to: 1. Expand the organization's expectations of what you can do --...

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 1, 2006) – Comparing the Global War on Terror to the Cold War, President George W. Bush told 861 U.S. Military Academy graduates May 27 that they will face a more elusive enemy – global terrorists. Comparing the years after World War II to the years following 9/11, he said the dedication of President Harry S. Truman helped the U.S. build a stronghold against its challenges. “By the actions he took, the institutions he built, the alliances he forged and the doctrines he set down, President Truman laid the foundation of America’s victory in the...

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2006 – The U.S. will triumph over murderous extremists because of the daring and ingenuity of its people and armed forces, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said in his commencement address at the U.S. Air Force Academy today. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld delivers his commencement speech to the 2006 graduating class of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 31. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, USN  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. "Violent extremists are trying to terrorize and intimidate free people into submitting to their will,"...

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2006 – America will take the fight against terrorism to every battlefront with an unrelenting determination that will not cease until terrorists are defeated, President Bush said today in West Point, N.Y. Cadets celebrate at the conclusion of graduation exercises at the U.S. Military Academy, May 27. Those graduating represent approximately 72 percent of the cadets who entered West Point almost four years ago. U.S. Army photo   "Against such an enemy, there is only one effective response: We will never back down; we will never give in; and we will never accept anything less than complete...

Iraqi Signal School students salute the Iraqi flag during a graduation ceremony at the school in Taji, Iraq, May 13, 2006. Students from all Iraqi services and the Ministry of Defense attend the school to learn communications skills. Multiational Security Transition Command—Iraq photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Rick Brown Iraqi Signal School Graduates Latest Class A move to a larger facility this summer will enable the school to expand its class size from 120 students at present to as many as 300 students. By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Rick Brown Multiational Security Transition Command—Iraq CAMP FALLUJAH,...

Many 20-somethings find themselves moving home to live with Mom and Dad, just like the movie 'Failure to Launch.' Blame it on the inertia -- and some very real challenges.

Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Mohammad Mangal (right) congratulates Afghan National Army Col. Fatah, who graduated from the intermediate-level operator and field-level tactical radio maintenance class. Fatah also was recognized as an exceptional performer. Courtesy photo Afghan Army Graduates Radio Operator Class The class was taught in English, but the Afghan soldiers – aided by interpreters and student leaders – led the class in team exercises and design problems. By Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan, April 12, 2006 — The Afghan National Army recently graduated 28 students from its first intermediate-level operator and field-level tactical radio maintenance class at...

RAMADI, Iraq, March 25, 2006 – One newly graduated 196-member Iraqi police unit returned here for duty yesterday, while another group -- about 220 Iraqi police recruits -- left here and arrived safely at the Baghdad Iraqi Police Basic Training Academy yesterday. The Iraqi police unit, made up of 196 Iraqis known as the Sons of al Anbar, successfully graduated from the Baghdad Police Academy on March 23. This Iraqi police class left Ramadi for the Baghdad Police Academy on Jan. 13, and they represent the first trained group of Iraqi police officers to graduate and secure the neighborhoods of...

3/16/2006 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- This was the final test. An underwater compass and a buddy harnessed three feet from their bodies provide direction. A 25-pound breathing device strapped to their chests provides vital oxygen while underwater without making surface bubbles. A 50-pound rucksack and weapon weighted on their backs are the tools they’ll need to infiltrate the beach when they get there. These teams of two kick underwater in murky water more than 2,000 yards to reach the shore. They have to hit a precise, targeted objective there without being spotted by anyone on boat...

Iraqi police graduates demonstrate procedures used to secure and transport suspects for the audience attending their graduation ceremony in Najaf, Iraq. U.S. Army photo Iraqi Police Graduates Demonstrate Abilities 167 Recruits graduate from the Najaf Police Academy. By U.S. Army Cpl. Michael Molinaro 2nd Brigade Combat Team FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq, March 6, 2006 — The Iraqi police force continues to grow in strength as 167 recruits graduated from the Najaf Police Academy and joined their brothers in arms. "Today marks another step in the journey towards a safer, independent Iraq, and the graduates of the Iraqi Police...

In addition to their graduation certificates, students leave with a starter kit of supplies or tools needed to work in their respective fields. QALAT, Afghanistan, Feb. 24, 2006 — More than 30 students graduated from a basic computer class at a new vocational school Jan. 18 at the Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team base in Zabul Province. "The Qalat [Provincial Reconstruction Team] believes this vocational school is moving the Afghan work force forward. There is a … willingness from the youth of Zabul Province (to take) a substantial interest in the future of themselves as well as Afghanistan." U.S. Army Lt....

The 73 graduates completed 52-weeks of intensive military training in order to become the Iraqi army’s newest officers. AL RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq, Feb. 15, 2006 — The first class of cadets for the new Iraqi army graduated from the Iraqi Military Academy Al Rustamiyah under the year-long Sandhurst-modeled curriculum Jan. 19. The 73 graduates completed 52-weeks of intensive military training in order to become the Iraqi army’s newest officers. The training included 2,490 hours of lesson time and 14 field training exercises. The cadets’ training focused on basic soldier skills, small unit tactics, communications, decision making and developing leadership skills suitable...