First Iraqi sergeants major course graduates

Photo By Master Sgt. Paul Villanueva II | An Iraqi army instructor lectures about the M-16 rifle during the weapons familiarization portion of the first Iraqi sergeants major course at Taji Military Base, Iraq on Nov. 22. The course consisted of military history, leadership and weapons familiarization.  

TAJI, IRAQ

12.01.2008

Story by Master Sgt. Patricia Freeland 

U.S. Air Forces Central, Baghdad Media Outreach Team

TAJI, Iraq -- The Iraqi Sergeants Major Academy graduated its first course for sergeants major from various branches of the military and security forces here Nov. 25. Attendees included 43 Iraqi sergeants major from the Iraqi army, air force, special forces and the Iraqi national police.

The students completed a rigorous three-week course that immersed them in military history, leadership and mentoring skills, and the basics of firing a weapon. The course was taught by Iraqi enlisted leaders assisted by advisors from NATO Training Mission-Iraq, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, the Iraqi Assistance Group and the Iraqi Ground Forces Command.

The new Iraqi army stood up nearly five years ago and up until now, no such training existed for Iraqi army senior non-commissioned officers.

"The way has been paved for continuing courses to train sergeants major to carry out their commander's intent," said Command Sgt. Maj. William High, Coalition Army Advisory and Training Team Command Sergeant Major.

"They've had many Iraqi general officers come in and talk to them and tell them they are the backbone of the Iraqi army and that they have their support to continue growing and nurturing the Iraqi Army NCO Corps," he said.

Air Force Master Sgt. Shawn McMillian, deployed to MNSTC-I from the 49th Force Support Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., is the senior enlisted advisor to Iraqi army Sgt. Maj. Hannoon Saskbor Arian Al Taai, Taji Location Command's command sergeant major. Sergeant McMillian, had been mentoring Sgt Maj. Hannoon on various leadership principles even before the course started.

"This came at the right time. The senior leadership in Baghdad felt it was time to get their sergeants major more education and more involved with their army."

Although a bit skeptical at first, Sgt. Maj. Hannoon was happy he was invited to attend the course.

"This course is great because it's from America and other countries and it's about different processes," said Sgt. Maj. Hannoon. "I learned how to be a good leader and now I'm ready to be a real leader for any level."

• Date Taken: 12.01.2008
• Date Posted: 12.01.2008 09:27
• Story ID: 27006
• Location: TAJI, IQ