DTN News - IRAQ DEFENSE NEWS: Iraqi Army Full of "Ghost Soldiers", Over 50K Troops Total Fiction!

DTN News -  IRAQ DEFENSE NEWS: Iraqi Army Full of "Ghost Soldiers", Over 50K Troops Total Fiction! 

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Overpasses For America

(NSI News Source Info) HONG KONG - December 5, 2014:  Iraqi Prime Minister said recently that the country’s army has been paying salaries to at least 50,000 soldiers who do not exist, the latest sign of corruption in a force that the U.S. hopes to help contain the Islamic State militant group.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told the country’s Parliament that the practice was revealed as part of a preliminary investigation, and that further probes would likely show “more and more” false names.

“Ghost soldiers” refer to people whose names appear on military rolls and who are paid salaries, but are not in military service. The Washington Post reported that the practice is often carried out by officers, who pretend to have more soldiers on their books then they really do and pocket the extra salary.

The Post reported that an entry level soldier in the Iraqi army receives a salary of approximately $600 per month. If the 50,000 figure is accurate, the “ghost soldiers” are costing Iraq’s treasury at least $350 million per year. However, Iraqi officials say that the true number of false names could be far greater than al-Abadi reported.

“It could be more than triple this number,” Hamid al-Mutlaq, a member of the parliamentary defense and security committee, told the Post. “The people who are responsible for this should be punished. Iraq’s safe has been emptied.”

Widespread corruption and mismanagement in the Iraqi army under former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has been blamed for the collapse of four of its divisions this summer in the face of an Islamic State offensive that overran Iraq’s second-largest city, Mosul.


The Pentagon has already requested $1.2 billion from Congress to better train and equip Iraq’s army to improve its performance against the militants. U.S. officials told the Post earlier this week that the military hoped to build up nine new brigades that could work with Kurdish and Shiite fighters against the Islamic State.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Overpasses For America
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DTN News - IRAQ DEFENSE NEWS: Iraq Sending 4,000 Volunteers To Help In Ramadi

DTN News - IRAQ DEFENSE NEWS: Iraq Sending 4,000 Volunteers To Help In Ramadi

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources airforcetimes.com 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 12, 2014: (BAGHDAD) — Iraq is airlifting some 4,000 volunteers to an embattled city west of Baghdad to help bolster government forces locked in a running battle with Sunni militants there, authorities said Saturday.

Around 2,500 of the volunteers arrived in Ramadi, located 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of the capital, on Friday and are to be joined by the remaining 1,500 on Saturday, said Gen. Rasheed Flayeh, the commander of operations in Anbar province. The men are being ferried out to Ramadi from Baghdad by helicopter, he added.

The vast majority of volunteers are Shiites who have answered a call from the country's top Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, to defend Iraq from the militants who have overrun of much of the country's north and west over the past month. The Sunni militant blitz is led by the Islamic State extremist group, which has unilaterally declared the establishment of an Islamic state ruled by Shariah law in the territory it controls straddling the Iraq-Syria border.

The government's reliance on Shiite militias — who have deployed in sizeable numbers to several cities across the country — to help counter the threat from Sunni militants has ramped up sectarian tensions, and helped fuel fears that Iraq could return to the wholesale sectarian bloodletting that engulfed the country in 2006 and 2007.

There are already worrying signs of such violence.

Human Rights Watch said Friday that Iraqi security forces and government-affiliated militias appear to have killed at least 255 prisoners in six cities and villages since June 9. It said five of the mass killings took place when security forces were fleeing as militants advanced, and that the vast the prisoners killed were Sunni.

Most members of the security forces and militias are Shiite. The six incidents appear to be aimed at avenging the deaths of Shiites captured and killed by the Islamic State group, Human Rights Watch said.

There is also evidence the militants have carried out mass killings. The Islamic State group posted graphic photos online last month showing the militants killing dozens of police and soldiers. The Iraqi military confirmed the photographs and said around 170 soldiers were killed. Human Rights Watch put the number between 160 and 190.

Ramadi is the capital of Anbar, an overwhelmingly Sunni province and one of the most active battle fronts in Iraq. The Islamic State group and other Sunni militant groups seized control of the Anbar city of Fallujah and parts of Ramadi in January. The government has since reasserted its control of Ramadi, but Fallujah remains in insurgent hands.

The militant onslaught over the past month has touched off Iraq's worst crisis since the last U.S. troops left in 2011 and sapped public — and international — confidence in Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

The Iraqi leader's opponents, and even many of his former allies, accuse him of trying to monopolize power and alienating the Sunni community, and are pushing him to step aside and not seek a third consecutive term. Despite the pressure, al-Maliki has vowed not to withdraw his candidacy for the prime minister's post, and points to his State of Law bloc's capturing the most seats in April elections to claim he has a mandate.

Iraq's new parliament is scheduled on Sunday to hold its second session since the elections amid hopes that lawmakers can quickly decide on a new prime minister, president and speaker of parliament — the first steps toward forming a new government. It failed to make any progress in its first session, and postponed its second session until Sunday.

On Saturday, the U.N. special envoy to Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov, warned that failure to quickly elect new leadership "risks plunging the country into chaos."

"It will only serve the interests of those who seek to divide the people of Iraq and destroy their chances for peace and prosperity," he said. "Iraq needs a team that can bring people together. Now is not the time for mutual accusations, now is the time for moving forward and compromising in the interest of the Iraqi people."

He urged lawmakers to attend Sunday's session and succeed in choosing a new speaker of parliament.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources airforcetimes.com 
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DTN News - HUNGARIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Hungary To Sell Soviet Military Hardware

DTN News - HUNGARIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Hungary To Sell Soviet Military Hardware

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP/Defense News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - July 6, 2013: Hungary announced Monday plans to sell off its old Soviet-made tanks and fighter planes, saying they were in “very good condition” but expensive to maintain.

Zoltan Borbiro, state secretary for the defense ministry, said MIG 29 fighter jets and T-72 tanks, military equipment and clothing would all be up for sale later this year.

“Since Hungary’s transition from communism in 1990, the army has been organized on a professional and modern basis, and a part of our military inventory is no longer compatible with NATO requirements,” he said.

“It won’t be an easy sale,” he admitted.

Hungary scrapped conscription in 2004 and now maintains an army of some 19,000 soldiers, down from around 140,000 during the Warsaw Pact era.

Hungary sold 77 of its stock of 180 T-72 tanks to the newly formed Iraqi army in 2005.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP/Defense News
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Iraqi Army Exhibits Show Of Strength

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Iraqi Army Exhibits Show Of Strength

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DVIDS

(NSI News Source Info) BAGHDAD, Iraq - November 29, 2010: Iraqi Army soldiers conducted training, Aug. 30, at Joint Security Station Deason in Baghdad, exhibiting their capability to secure a more stable and sovereign Iraq.

About a dozen major media outlets captured footage of Commando Battalion, 17th Iraqi Army Brigade, clearing a target building on a timed assault and moving quickly through an obstacle course. In the raid scenario, the IA 17th Bomb Disposal Company, Baghdad, identified an improvised explosive device and deployed a robot to remove it. IA soldiers also fired M-16 rifles and answered questions from the media about how they will work to secure Iraq during Operation New Dawn. Iraqi security forces are able to provide security and are progressing, said Iraqi Army Maj. Gen. Ali Jassim Mohammed Hassen al-Frejee, commanding general of 17th IA Division. Al-Frejee said he believes terrorists have no place in Iraq, and that one day they will be out of the country. “In this environment, the way that you measure success is in progress,” said Brig. Gen. Ralph O. Baker, deputy commanding general-east for United States Division – Center, during a press conference earlier that day at USD-C headquarters at Camp Liberty, Iraq. “I personally think that we’ll be able to look back and say things were successful here in hindsight and not based upon any particular event.” Some members of the media asked how Operation New Dawn would be different from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Gen. Terry Wolff, commanding general of 1st Armored Division and USD-C, said the main difference is an end in U.S. combat operations. He said Iraqi security forces have effectively taken ownership and displayed competence and confidence in day-to-day missions throughout Iraq. “They tell us that they can provide security on a daily basis,” Wolff said.

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DTN News: Iraqis Take Control As U.S. Troops Leave Cities

DTN News: Iraqis Take Control As U.S. Troops Leave Cities *Sources: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) BAGHDAD, Iraq - June 30, 2009: Iraqi forces prepared to take control of towns and cities nationwide on June 30 as American troops withdrew in a milestone for the country's recovery six years after the U.S.-led invasion. Iraqi army tanks take part in a parade in Baghdad's Green Zone, June 30, 2009. U.S. combat troops left the last of Iraq's cities on Tuesday, restoring to the country a proud sense of sovereignty that many applauded even though some fear it may leave them more vulnerable to attacks. Baghdad's streets were quiet and traffic much lighter than usual as people stayed at home for a national holiday to mark the June 30 pullback, ahead of a complete U.S. withdrawal from Iraq by the end of 2011. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the nation's joy at the handover was mixed with sorrow for "beloved friends and relatives" who had been "targeted by terror." But he also took aim at critics of the Iraqi security forces, saying the nation's army and police were up to the task of defending the country in the wake of the U.S. pullout. "It is a big mistake for people to think that the Iraqis will not handle the security issue," Maliki said. "It is an offence to the Iraqis. The people who said that the foreign troops would never withdraw and would keep permanent bases in our country were giving a green light to the terrorists to kill civilians." Iraqis had celebrated into the night on June 29, but soldiers and police were out in force to prevent insurgent groups spoiling the party as American troops left their posts in urban centers. President Jalal Talabani, meanwhile, thanked U.S. forces for the sacrifices they made in overthrowing now executed dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, and in the years of violence that followed. "They bore the burden and dangers against the most cruel regime and against the mutual enemy - the terror," Talabani said on state television. The handover coincided with a U.S. Army announcement that four of its soldiers died from combat-related injuries on June 29, taking to 4,321 the number of American troops killed since the invasion. The pullout is part of a landmark security agreement signed in November between Baghdad and Washington covering the fate of the 133,000 U.S. troops still in Iraq. In the wake of bombings that have already killed more than 200 people this month, all leave for Iraqi security personnel has been canceled. Motorcycles, a favored form of transport for several recent bombers, have also been banned from the streets. Across Baghdad, tanks and armored vehicles manned by soldiers and police were decorated with artificial flowers, flags and banners, as nationalistic songs and popular music played. "We are happy to receive the security responsibilities and we are able to totally protect our citizens," said policeman Ibrahim al-Mashhadani. Abu Mustapha, a carpenter, added: "I believe that the security of the nation will improve when the U.S. forces leave." On Monday, the former defense ministry building in the capital, taken over in the wake of the invasion, was handed back to the Iraqi government. "This marks the end of the rule of the multinational force," said Gen. Abboud Qambar, the head of Baghdad Operation Command. The security shake-up was celebrated by huge crowds in Baghdad's largest park on the evening of June 29. Revelers had to undergo three security checks to enter but no one seemed to complain amid a jubilant atmosphere, where an onstage banner declared that Baghdad's sovereignty and independence had been recovered. Even policemen joined in the fun, dancing with the partygoers. Maliki warned earlier this month that insurgent groups and militias were likely to step up attacks in the run-up to June 30 in a bid to undermine confidence in Iraq's own security forces. There have been several huge bombings since, the deadliest near the northern oil hub of Kirkuk on June 20 when a truck loaded with explosives was detonated, leaving 72 people dead and more than 200 wounded. Only a small number of U.S. forces in training and advisory roles will remain in urban areas, with the bulk of American troops in Iraq quartered elsewhere. The Status of Forces Agreement, which set the pullback deadline, says U.S. commanders must seek permission from Iraqi authorities to conduct operations, but American troops retain a unilateral right to "legitimate self-defense."

DTN News: US Army Delivers Armored Trucks To Iraqi Army

DTN News: US Army Delivers Armored Trucks To Iraqi Army

*Sources: DTN News / Defense Media

(NSI News Source Info) BAGHDAD - June 24, 2009: Iraqi troops in northeastern Baghdad have a new weapon in their arsenal, thanks to U.S. soldiers here. Soldiers from 115th “Muleskinner” Brigade Support Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team delivered five up-armored Ford F-350 trucks to the 11th Iraqi Army Division at Joint Security Station Rasheed here June 19. The upgraded trucks offer significant protection and maneuverability for Iraqi Staff Maj. Gen. Mizher Shaher Lateef and his men to move about in his area of operations, said Army Capt. Peter Bogart, the brigade’s provost marshal. “It was a project that highlights the partnership we have with the [Iraqi army],” Army Maj. Michele Reid, the battalion’s executive officer, added. Soldiers on Mizher’s personal security detachment will use the trucks to escort the general during his daily operations. The detachment’s officer in charge will be held responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicles. Soldiers from the 115th BSB’s B Company armored the trucks by increasing the amount of protective layers inside and outside the vehicles. After 37 days and about 60 work hours per truck, the trucks were complete and ready for delivery to Mizher. “The soldiers in the service and recovery shop worked extremely hard on these trucks,” said Army Chief Warrant Officer Staceyann McNish, the battalion’s service and recovery chief. “They spent numerous manhours perfecting the construction of these turrets and gunner’s boxes. The end result was breathtaking.” Other than determining the best way to complete the armor, the project went quite smoothly, Reid said. “We did have to consider the added weight of Kevlar and metal to how it would affect the trucks,” she explained, “along with considering road conditions.” The beds of the trucks now contain a gunner’s box made of armor plating and Kevlar for maximum protection while on patrols. The seats are lined with Kevlar and were re-upholstered to cover it. “We are very grateful to the United States military for all their help,” said 2nd Lt. Salem Ibrahim, a platoon leader for the 11th Iraqi Army Infantry Division. “It has been a great opportunity to work this closely with the coalition forces.”

DTN News: Iraq TODAY May 14, 2009 - Iraq's Building Its Military Capable Of Defending The Country With U.S. Assistance

DTN News: Iraq TODAY May 14, 2009 - Iraq's Building Its Military Capable Of Defending The Country With U.S. Assistance

(NSI News Source Info) BAGHDAD, Iraq - May 14, 2009: Iraqi army tanks stand on display after a military exercise in Latifiyah, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of Baghdad, Iraq.

The fall in oil prices is threatening Iraq's efforts to build a military capable of defending the country, raising the possibility that the Iraqis will need substantial U.S. help for years after the Americans leave by 2012.

U.S. Forces Handed Over Hundreds Of Humvees To Iraqi Counterpart

U.S. Forces Handed Over Hundreds Of Humvees To Iraqi Counterpart

(NSI News Source Info) May 7, 2009: Joint expeditionary tasking Airmen and Soldiers here are currently working to arm Iraqi forces with more protective means of transportation. As U.S. forces change over to the M1151 Humvee, they turn in the older M1114 vehicles to the Taji Redistribution Property Assistance Team here as a means of salvaging the vehicles.

The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) is a military 4WD motor vehicle created by AM General. It has largely supplanted the roles formerly served by the M151 1/4 ton MUTT, the M561 "Gama Goat", their M718A1 and M792 ambulance versions, the CUCV, and other light trucks with the United States military, as well as being used by a number of other countries and organizations.

Overall, the team processes M1114 up-armored Humvees prior to distribution to Iraqi army and police. "We receive M1114s from all over Iraq," said 1st Lt. Victoria Smith, assigned to the 732nd Air Expeditionary Group and the RPAT officer in charge.

"We are the central hub or depot point for the receiving and transferring of M114s over to the Iraqis." The team then accounts for each vehicle turned in and performs an initial safety inspection, storing them until they are ready to be picked up for processing to the next staging point.

"We take these vehicles in from various companies, various battalions, and whoever is in need of turning them in," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Dietz, the RPAT yard boss. "Instead of scrapping these vehicles, we use kind of like a recycling program. "In turn, we continue to improve our relationship with the Iraqi government by selling these vehicles to the Iraqi government for a much lower price than they are standard," added the sergeant deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

"Then, the Iraqi government takes (the Humvees), does a little work to them and puts them out in their army and police force for better protection (of their forces) against (improvised explosive devices), insurgents, things of that nature."

Once the M1114s are accounted for and have passed their initial inspection, U.S. Soldiers assist in turning the vehicles over to the Iraqis for the next step in the redistribution process. During a typical pick-up, 150 Humvees are taken to the next stage in the process.

"The Iraqi army along with U.S. Soldiers come over to pick up the vehicles to take them to their next staging point," said Sergeant Dietz, a native of East Islip, N.Y. "We will transfer the M114 to (Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq). They will, in-turn, sell it to the Iraqi (government)."

MNSTC-I is a command that is responsible for helping Iraq organize, train and equip its military and police forces and develop Iraqi security institutions capable of sustaining security with reduced coalition involvement.

While in the hands of MNSTC-I personnel, the vehicles are repainted and any necessary maintenance is performed before they are turned over to Iraqi soldiers and police. Assisting in the redistribution process, Iraqi soldiers take the vehicles to MNSTC-I for processing, and help bring the Humvees one step closer to being distributed for use on their daily patrols.

"I am so thankful for these vehicles," said Hakem, an Iraqi army private stationed here. "I'm proud to be a part of the process to get them to our Iraqi soldiers and police. These Humvees will help keep them safe." "This process is really important," said Lieutenant Smith, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., deployed here from Holloman AFB, N.M.

"It is important what we are doing in this country as far as helping rebuild the infrastructure. (This will) help get Iraq back on its feet and get them to the point where they can provide everyday security on their own streets." "We are helping the nation stand on its own," Sergeant Dietz said. "It feels good."

$83.4 Billion For 2009: The Last Supplemental? / $83.4 Billion Sought For Anti-Terrorist Efforts / Obama Requests $83.4 Billion For Wars

$83.4 Billion For 2009: The Last Supplemental? / $83.4 Billion Sought For Anti-Terrorist Efforts / Obama Requests $83.4 Billion For Wars

(NSI News Source Info) April 11, 2009: Vowing that it will be the last wartime supplemental, U.S. President Barack Obama sent Congress an $83.4 billion bill April 9 to cover the costs of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan for the second half of 2009. Money for four more F-22 stealth fighters is included in the request, but these are expected to be the last purchased by the U.S. In a speech Monday, Gates outlined his plans for the 2010 budget. Understandably, the headline item was his decision to buy only four more F-22 fighters. Designed to counter a Soviet plane that never got built, it flies high and fast, but is useless down low. Gates told Congress last year it hadn't flown a single combat mission in Afghanistan or Iraq. Most of the sum - $75.5 billion of it - is for the U.S. military. The rest is for other agencies, including the departments of State, Energy, Interior, Agriculture and Justice. Defense Secretary Robert Gates predicted easy passage by Congress. "I believe that there is very broad bipartisan support in the Congress for the decisions the president has made with respect to both Iraq and Afghanistan," Gates said during a press conference. Congress voted in 2008 to spend $65.9 billion on wars during the first half of 2009. In a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Obama asked for quick passage of the bill and for lawmakers to "keep extraneous and unnecessary projects out of this legislation." Obama said that war funding after this will be included in the regular defense budget. The annual defense budget receives much more scrutiny on its way through Congress than wartime supplementals have. "After seven years of war, the American people deserve an honest accounting of the cost of our involvement in our ongoing military operations," Obama said. The biggest chunk of the supplemental is $38 billion to cover the cost of combat and stabilization operations. The bill provides $11.6 billion to repair or replace equipment that is worn or damaged in the two wars. Included in that is $2.4 billion to buy four more F-22 stealth fighters. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said April 6 he wants those to be the last four. He wants to end production after that. In addition to the stealth fighters, the $2.4 billion is to buy additional missile-firing Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles and various upgrades for F-16s, C-130s, C-17s and C-5s. The Army would receive $8.1 billion to buy equipment, including $1.7 billion for combat vehicles such as Strykers and upgrades to Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M1 tanks. Other Army equipment to be funded ranges from communications gear to UAVs, night-vision systems, mine-clearing vehicles, chemical and biological weapon sensors, and soldier protection equipment. The bill includes $1.5 billion for continuing to develop defenses against improvised explosive devices. A separate provision in the bill would make $2.7 billion available for buying mine resistant ambush protected vehicles. The Air Force would receive $1.8 billion to buy security and tactical vehicles, communications equipment, and various combat support items. The Marine Corps would be allocated $1.6 billion for weapons and equipment, including armor for Humvees, upgrades to light assault vehicles, bomb disposal gear, and other arms and equipment. There is $601 million for the Navy to buy MH-60 and UH-1Y helicopters and to upgrade F/A-18 fighters and CH-46 and CH-53 helicopters. Classified activities would receive $3.1 billion. The bill would provide $3.7 billion for foreign assistance and operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. In his letter to Pelosi, Obama said such funding "reflects the reality of our day and age. We need to use all the elements of our power, economic and diplomatic as well as military, to confront threats to our security." This is the 18th supplemental sought for funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The total allocated so far is $822 billion. In his letter to Pelosi, Obama said, "After years of budget gimmicks and wasteful spending, it is time to end the era of irresponsibility in Washington." Past supplementals have been controversial because members of Congress have added spending to them that is not directly related to the two wars. V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft and F-35 Joint Strike Fighters have been funded through supplementals, even though V-22s were not used in the wars until recently and the F-35 is still far from operational. In 2007, lawmakers added Iraq withdrawal timetables to a supplemental bill, prompting President George W. Bush to veto it.

Iraqi Army Prepares To Field M1A1 Main Battle Tank / M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks With Iraqi Army Marking

Iraqi Army Prepares To Field M1A1 Main Battle Tank / M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks With Iraqi Army Marking

(NSI News Source Info) April 1, 2009: The Iraqi Army continued on its path toward a more professional and capable Army when IA armor students fired their first main gun shots while training on the U.S. Army's main battle tank, the M1A1 Abrams at the Besmaya Combat Training Center located east of Baghdad, March 21.

The Iraqi Army purchased the 140 Abrams tanks through the Foreign Military Sales Program from the United States and they are scheduled to be delivered by August 2010.

The M1 Abrams is a main battle tank produced in the United States. The M1 is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of US military forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. It is a well armed, heavily armored, and highly mobile tank designed for modern armored ground warfare. Over 8,800 M1 and M1A1 tanks have been produced at a cost of US$2.35–$4.30 million per unit, depending on the variant. The Iraqi Army has requested 140 M1A1M tanks as of 2009. 700 may be planned.

The purchase of this sophisticated tank will greatly improve the Iraqi Army's capability to defend the country and defeat its enemies. The M1A1 tank is a vast improvement over the old Soviet-era tanks still in use by the IA.

In preparation for operating and maintaining these tanks, the Iraqi Army students have been in training with their Coalition forces counterparts and the Military Professional Resource Incorporated civilian instructors at Besmaya range since Jan. 24.

Each student is trained in a variety of skills on the Abrams including how to drive, load, fire and perform basic maintenance. To be proficient in all areas of the Abrams the students will rotate between the four different positions on the M1A1 to learn the different skills needed to run the tank. Previously Iraqi soldiers were only trained on their primary position and knew little to nothing about the other soldiers' skills.

"We teach them the basics of tank maintenance, how to shoot, move, and communicate" said William Dunbar, the MPRI tank team manager. "Once they finish the training, these students will be the subject matter experts for the IA."

Another big difference in the training of the tank crews is the inclusion of a fourth man in the tank. Previously the Iraqis used the Soviet-designed T-72 which incorporated an auto loader that would load a new round after every fire. The M1A1 does not use an auto loader, instead relying on a crewman to load the rounds.

"The Iraqis show lots of potential, and with this training they could be really good," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Romano, from St. Petersburg, Fla., a noncommissioned officer and instructor in the Multi-National Support Team - Center. "What they need now is repetition to build muscle memory."

The Iraqi students' training will be broken up into two phases. Currently they are in the first phase of their training in which they learn from the Coalition Soldiers and contracted instructors. In the second phase of the training the students will take the role of the instructor and will train a new group of Iraqi Army soldiers in the use of the Abrams tank. This is a train the trainer concept important to the IA especially with Coalition forces leaving Iraq in the near future.

"This is about more than selling and buying tanks," said Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, commander of the Joint Headquarters Army Advisory Training Team, while speaking to the Coalition Soldiers instructing the students at Besmaya. "This is about building the relationship between the Coalition forces and the Iraqi Army."

GD Wins Funds For Iraqi Order For 140 M-1 Tanks / Pentagon Contract Announcement

GD Wins Funds For Iraqi Order For 140 M-1 Tanks / Pentagon Contract Announcement

Iraq To Receive 140 Abrams Tanks: U.S.....Defence Technology News March 7, 2009

(NSI News Source Info) March 20, 2009: General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Mar. 5, 2009, a $33,182,318 a no fee cost contract for material for the Iraq program to purchase 140 M1A1 Abrams vehicles, with an estimated completion dates of Sept. 1, 2009.

Iraq wants to buy 140 M1A1M Abrams tanks, along with over a hundred support vehicles (for maintenance and transportation, like 35 tank transporters). The request includes training and technical support. The total contract cost would be $2.16 billion. Iraq would not be the first Arab country to operate the M1 tank. Egypt, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia already operate over 1,600 of them, and Egypt has built hundreds of them (mainly using components imported from the U.S., but with some locally made parts). Neither Iraq nor the U.S. Army has revealed the details of the "M" version of the M1A1. All the other Arab users have at least some of the latest model (M1A2 SEP). The Arab users of the M1 have been very happy with their American tanks. This satisfaction increased when they saw how the M-1 performed in Iraq. While most Arabs deplored U.S. operations in Iraq, Arab tank officers and M-1 crewmen were quietly pleased that their tanks appeared invulnerable, and able to assist the infantry in any kind of fight. Iraqi army officers have spoken to fellow Arab officers who have used the M-1, and were told this was the way to go.

One bid was solicited and one bid received.

TACOM Contracting Commands, Warren, AMSCC-TAC-AHLC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).