Iraqi soldiers compete for top honors, promotion [Image 6 of 6]

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.16.2008

Photo by Sgt. Geoffrey Ingersoll 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

An Iraqi army non-commissioned officer sends hot metal downrange during the marksmanship portion of the "Iraqi Army NCO and Soldier of the Year" competition, Oct. 16, 2008. Competitors awoke early first to complete an Army physical fitness test; sit-ups, push-ups and a 2-mile run, all timed. The soldiers then strapped on their Kevlar helmets and flak vests, slung their rifles, and took off on a six-kilometer run to the rifle range. No sooner did they reach the finish line then they broke into groups, loaded their rifles, and shot the Iraqi army marksmanship test; five rounds in the prone position from 75 meters, five in the kneeling from 50 meters, and then 10 in the standing from 25 meters. The competitors, although pushed toward exhaustion, moved on to demonstrate graded practical applications for the field dressing, splint and tourniquet. The competition concluded as each soldier showed he could clear, disassemble and reassemble an AK-47. Army proctors scored each competitor. Perfect was 500 points. The winner came away with a meritorious promotion and an invite to the Iraqi Army Sergeants Major Symposium, scheduled for next week.

• Date Taken: 10.16.2008
• Date Posted: 08.19.2011 14:47
• Photo ID: 123279
• VIRIN: 081017-M-8187I-004
• Resolution: 2700x1800
• Size: 1.99 MB
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ