Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 091120-05
Nov. 20, 2009
Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0780-997-5063

Kirkush Infantry Officer Basic Course Graduates its Third Class

KIRKUSH, Iraq – Three hundred seventy-eight students graduated as cycle 15 of the infantry officer basic course at the Kirkush Military Training Base here Nov. 15.

The six-week IOBC course, which prepares officers to lead at the platoon level, is an indication of the Iraqi army’s continued efforts to train and develop military leaders and professionalize its forces.

The IOBC curriculum covered all aspects of small-unit leadership and tactical skills. 
The culminating event for this course was a mounted combat patrol live-fire exercise.  The students were divided into eight platoons and rotated through various training scenarios.

At the graduation ceremony, Iraqi Maj. Ahmed Hashim Lafta was recognized as the top student, and spoke at the ceremony. Lafta said, “Now I will take my newly learned skills back to my unit and continue training future leaders of our army.” Two others were also recognized as honor students.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Training, Staff Lt. Gen. Hussain, was the principal speaker at the graduation ceremony. He challenged the IOBC graduates to be effective leaders and to earn the respect of those in their platoons, and to take care of their soldiers. He spoke highly of non-commissioned officers and said that the platoon leaders need to respect and train NCOs well. He told everyone to remember that they represent Iraq and the Iraqi army. 

Other speakers included Tactical Training Director, Staff Maj. Gen. Samir, and Staff Col. Mahamood, infantry school commander.  

These soldiers will now return to their units and continue with their efforts for stabilizing the security of Iraq.  

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1332 OR IRAQNA: 0790-194-0270.  FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT:  WWW.MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL.