Some may wonder why it is taking so long to get the Iraqi military up to speed. Well, there are lots of reasons, one of which is that the makeup and mindset of the Iraqi's has to change
MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq, April 11, 2007 — When Saddam Hussein's regime was in power the Iraqi army was run by only officers. It was considered disrespectful for Iraqi noncommissioned officers to wear their rank.
Since the fall of the regime, wearing the NCO rank has become a sign of pride and respect. To honor the rank, Iraqi NCOs attend the Iraqi Warrior Leader's Course (WLC). About 20 Iraqi soldiers from the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division graduated from the WLC at the Iraqi army compound in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, Appri 9.
"It is a great thing seeing the IA take on the role of an NCO," said Lt. Col. John Laganelli, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division deputy commanding officer and native of Worcester, Mass. "This is something new – they are seeing — the link between NCOs and officers.
During the graduation a senior American NCO spoke of what it was like to see the IA NCOs……
