Task Force Marne NCO Academy welcomes first full class
By Sgt. Jason Stadel, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO
Feb 18, 2008 - 2:18:11 PM
Blackanthem Military News
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| Iraqi Army noncommissioned officers salute during the playing of the Iraqi National anthem at the grand opening of the Task Force Marne NCO Academy at Forward Operating Base Kalsu Feb. 12. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Stadel) |
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq - The Task Force Marne Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Forward Operating Base Kalsu welcomed its first full class of Iraqi Security Force NCOs Feb. 12. It is the first division-level NCO academy for Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and National Police in Iraq.
Last month, 56 ISF NCOs graduated from the academy's test class, which was deemed highly successful.
The first official class welcomed 88 ISF NCOs to the two-week course.
Multi-National Forces - Iraq Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, was the guest speaker for the academy's grand opening.
He said the U.S. Army has thrived because of the dynamic leadership of NCOs. Hill said the Task Force Marne NCO Academy will do the same for the ISF. "It will produce a better-led formation of great Iraqi leadership."
Hill added a strong NCO corps in the ISF will be a powerful symbol of the "new" Iraq and will be strong in the fight against al-Qaeda in Iraq and other extremist groups.
"Our mission and your mission has not changed; we are here to protect and secure the population," he said to the three platoons of students standing before him.
Hill commended the students on their patriotism. "I salute your courageous decision to defend Iraq."
Mohamed Abud Obied was the honor graduate from the test class and will be an instructor during the first full class. The Iraqi policeman from the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Police Division said the ISF needs to take on the challenge of defending their borders. "This is our Iraq and we need to fight for it with our blood," Obied said.
During the two-week course, students will hone basic skills such as leadership, marksmanship, searching vehicles, combat patrols and other troop-leading skills.
Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, Multi-National Corps - Iraq commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola, MNC-I command sergeant major, Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, Multi-National Division - Center commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews, MND-C command sergeant major, were in attendance for the opening.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews, Multi-National Division - Center command sergeant major, speaks during the grand opening of the Task Force Marne Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Forward Operating Base Kalsu Feb. 12. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Stadel) |
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| The guest speaker at the grand opening of the Task Force Marne Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Forward Operating Base Kalsu was Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, Multi-National Forces - Iraq command sergeant major. The ceremony took place Feb. 12 and the class will contain more than 180 Iraqi Security Force students. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Stadel) |
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| Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, Multi-National Division - Center commander and Gen. Abud Kambar, Baghdad Operations Center commander speak after the Task Force Marne Noncommissioned Officer Academy grand opening Feb. 12 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Stadel) |
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| Iraqi Security Force troops salute as the Iraqi National anthem plays during the grand opening of the Task Force Marne Noncommissioned Officer Academy Feb. 12 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Stadel) |
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| Iraqi Army Soldiers, Iraqi Policemen and Iraqi National Policemen stand in formation at the grand opening of the Task Force Marne Noncommissioned Officer Academy Feb. 12 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Stadel) |
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