What Is the Training of the Iraqi Army?

After Saddam Hussein's regime ended in 2003, Iraq, with support provided by the United States, decided to create the New Iraqi Army. Its purpose was to maintain peace at the borders, secure the roads and remove the mines and bombs left after the war.

Training Plans

• The U.S. military has taken the responsibility to provide the Iraqi Army (IA) with military equipment and training on the ground, in the air and for medical purposes. By March 2010 there were eight training centers, a combat training center and 11 schools covering different areas of learning. These include administrative affairs, military tactics and logistics, and medical training.

Ground & Aviation Training

• The IA infantry troops learn to handle M-16 rifles to replace the older AK47s used during the war. The artillery soldiers train on the American M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks. Under the direct supervision and counseling of U.S. air advisers, Iraqi pilots began training in 2010 on the T-6 Texan II aircraft to become instructor pilots for their own troops.

Medical Training

• Medical training is also important for the IA. In October 2010, assisted by the U.S. medical personnel, the first 12 combat medics for the Department of Border Enforcement (DBE) received their certification. The medics are able to perform a variety of medical interventions ranging from the treatment of superficial cuts to resuscitation and stitching.