Photo By Maj. David Olson | TAJI, Iraq -- The graduation class cycle 22 salutes during the Iraqi national anthem...... read more read more
Maj. David Olson
1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - A new crop of trained soldiers joined the ranks of the 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) after completing basic training Tuesday at the Taji Training Center.
At a ceremony filled with fanfare, pageantry and British drill and ceremony, 83 new Jundis (privates) graduated from the five-week basic training academy here.
"I order you, brave sons of the great Iraq, to strike with an iron fist anyone who would dare disturb the security of your country," Iraqi Capt. Hamed Baker, the assistant commander of the Taji Training Center, charged the new graduates in the commencement speech. "You are to be the shield against terrorists. Congratulations for this. Your honor will be mentioned in our history for many years to come."
A number of distinguished guests were on hand to view the ceremony, including Iraqi Col. Alla Ahmed, post commander for Camp Taji. Ahmed presented certificates to four expert marksmen, recognizing their accomplishment.
"We started the basic training class with 86 personnel," explained Staff Sgt. Michael Munoz, the operations sergeant for the basic training academy, "but we finished with 83. Almost all of the training was conducted by the Iraqi army instructors." Soon the academy will be turned over completely to the Iraqi army.
The Jundis, new recruits, have done a lot of things that they had never seen before and learned to do things outside the base, such as manning check points and clearing rooms. They also learned first aid tasks, rifle marksmanship, and drill and ceremony.
"All these graduates belong to the 9th Iraqi Army Division," said Sgt. 1st Class Marvin Green, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the basic training academy. After the graduation ceremony, the new graduates check into their units. Afterward, they go on leave to spend some time with their families.
One of the Jundis commented afterwards that he was thankful for completing the training and that he's happy now and is looking forward to going home to see his family.
Another of the Jundis said the recruits thank everybody in the academy for the excellent training from the instructors and great experience they received from the American advisors.
In closing, Ibraheem thanked many who had supported the basic training academy. "A special thanks to the Americans for giving us unlimited support."
| Date Taken: | 02.26.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 02.26.2006 10:20 |
| Story ID: | 5517 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 30 |
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