Baghdad, February 02: A group of sixty-five Iraqi women last Wednesday began a basic combat training course to learn fundamental military skills such as basic weapons handling and marching.
These women are just the third group of trainees to participate in the 45-day course, which begins with significant amounts of administrative processing, issuing of uniforms, and other essential equipment – just the same as their male counterparts would experience.
Although some in the group had security concerns about revealing their identity, others were so proud of their service in the Iraqi Army, they wanted to tell their stories despite the risks.
“I lost my husband and my son in an explosion,” said one female soldier. “I have no one to take care of me and this gives me a job.”
Unemployment is a major issue in Iraq and opportunities for women are few. It’s not easy to find a job in the Iraqi Army, but the opportunity is there for those who are persistent. “There is a long list of people who want to get jobs in the army,” said one of the youngest soldiers.
Although many currently hold administrative and personnel positions in the army these women will also help provide security in the upcoming elections. “They will be responsible for searching females at check points as well,” said an Iraqi Army official.
Since the first course was conducted in June, 2009, 125 females have completed the training.
–Agencies–