Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Benoit | CAMP JUSTICE, Iraq -- Master Sgt. Linda Litchfield from Carencro, La., chief legal...... read more read more
Spc. Erin Robicheaux
256th Brigade Combat Team PAO
CAMP JUSTICE, Iraq -- They were the first, but if they have their way, they won't be the last.
On July 16, a group of determined and proud female Iraqis took a step in creating a new world for Iraq, and gave little girls across their country positive role models to look up to. They became the first all-female class to graduate from the Iraqi Army basic training, coming from separate battalions of the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade.
The training, taught entirely by Iraqi instructors, consisted of weapons qualifications and physical fitness development. This was also a first, said Command Sgt. Maj. Hassan Abid Khadim, senior non-commissioned officer for the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade.
"In addition to being the first all-Iraqi staff, it is also the first time we (Iraqi leadership) trained Soldiers on our base," he said.
The courses are usually held at a U.S. Army camp with Coalition Forces helping to some degree.
Hassan said the females learned various skills of the Army, regardless of their specified job.
They most often serve in an administrative capacity, but are called upon at times to accompany the infantry on missions, in case they are needed to search females.
A 19 year-old military intelligence sergeant said this was one of the proudest days of her life.
"I joined because all I have left are my brother and sister, and I wanted to defend them and my homeland," she said.
The group of women said they were happy they made it through the course, and can now start focusing on their future.
"It feels good that we can almost touch the spirit of Iraq," said one graduate. "We're Soldiers who will defend our country."
Brig. Gen. Jaleel Khalaf Shawail, commander of the 1st IA Bde., said the mothers, daughters, and sisters in Iraq played dual roles; taking care of the kids, family, and home, and fighting terrorism in the streets with their brothers-in-arms.
"These men (terrorists) don't dare wear this uniform, but the women do," he said. "We should salute these brave women for their contribution to democracy and freedom."
Jaleel said women make up 60-65 percent of the Iraqi population, and have the right to be part of it in all facets of life.
"We cannot exclude such a huge percentage," he said.Master Sgt. Linda Litchfield from Carencro, La., chief legal non-commissioned officer for the 256th Brigade Combat Team Staff Judge Advocate, and several females from the 256th BCT attended the graduation.
They supported their sisters-in-arms and following the ceremony, displayed their pride as they walked through the ranks of the formation to congratulate each Soldier individually.
"I was very proud to be there, because women have always played such an important role in society," Litchfield said. "I thought it was great that they were making such a huge step in their country, and I was very proud of them."
Litchfield said she heard several stories of the Soldiers" lives, and how they came to be members of the Iraqi Army. She said one woman, in particular, stood out to her'the Soldier's husband had been killed and she now had eight children to support.
"The majority of these women have kids and families to take care of, and I just think it's awesome that their families are so supportive," said Litchfield.
The women said their families were proud of them, and some even have husbands, brothers, sons, and fathers in the Iraqi Army as well.
However, one female said her family's prior service in the military did not influence her decision to enlist one way or the other.
"This is something I wanted to do for my country, and I would be here no matter what," she said.
| Date Taken: | 07.26.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 07.26.2005 15:12 |
| Story ID: | 2514 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 291 |
| Downloads: | 51 |
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