Iraqi Army and community members plan literacy classes for soldiers

Courtesy Photo | Iraqi Army officials from the 3rd Battalion, 3rd IA Brigade meet with local education committee members August 17 to discuss literacy training for their soldiers. (Photo submitted by Task Force 1-148 Field Artillery)  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

08.31.2005

Courtesy Story

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FOB WARRIOR, Iraq -- Some Iraqi Army soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division may soon be enjoying the opportunity to learn reading and writing skills as part of a joint initiative between their unit and the local education committee in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.

The initiative was discussed at an August 17 meeting between soldiers of the 3rd IA Brigade's 3rd Battalion and education committee members. The group plans to conduct the classes at the IA's Fermundi training site in Sulaymaniyah Province.

"Due to the previous regime's lack of focus on education, many soldiers are illiterate," said Capt. Matthew Godfrey, an operations officer with the 116th Brigade Combat Team's Task Force 1-148 Field Artillery who reported the meeting. "Continuous learning is how an army grows and develops itself. The 3rd IA Brigade is looking for ways to educate their soldiers."

TF 1-148 Field Artillery is currently helping to train the IA's 3rd Brigade in the Iraqi province of Sulaymaniyah. The IA's 3rd Brigade assumed responsibility for the province's security operations from the coalition forces in June, one of the first units in Iraq to assume regional control.

"This program is a good way for the community to give back to the soldiers who protect them," said Godfrey.

The IA battalion officers and the educators hope to have a program set up and in place by the end of the month.

Helping to train the Iraqi Army is part of the 116th BCT's mission while deployed in north central Iraq. The unit's mission also includes assisting Iraq's new government, supporting economic development, facilitating communications and improving security and stability in the region.

The 116th BCT is comprised of headquarters and staff sections, two armor battalions, a mechanized infantry battalion, a support battalion, a field artillery battalion, an engineer battalion, and various intelligence, signal, and specialized units. The 116th BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

• Date Taken: 08.31.2005
• Date Posted: 08.31.2005 16:37
• Story ID: 2879
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ