MICHAEL APPLETON

IRAQ: IRAQI ARMY

The training of a standing Iraqi Army is an integral component of the United States' strategy in Iraq. More specifically, the success of this training will be a major factor in the gradual withdrawal of U.S. forces. While the process has been much slower than expected, small steps have been made. One such example is an elite unit of Iraqi soldiers in Ba’Quabah who are being taught the skills they will need to one day independently provide security for their country.

An elite squad of Iraqi Army soldiers march in formation at their base in Ba’Quabah.
   
Martial Arts training for an elite unit of Iraqi soldiers.
   
Martial Arts training for an elite unit of Iraqi soldiers.
     
  
Iraqi army soldiers go through basic training at their base in Diyala Providence.
   
Soldiers lineup for weapons training.
  
Iraqi Army soldiers set up razor wire outside a polling station in Tikrit on the eve of Iraq's national election.
     
  
Iraqi men crouch blindfolded as they are guarded by Iraqi Army Soldiers in Samara. The men were found with large amounts of medical supplies for trauma treatment during a raid on the houses of suspected insurgents.
   
Children sit huddled in their home in Samara, as an Iraqi Army soldier searches for weapons and explosives.
   
A masked Iraqi Army soldier stands guard outside a polling station in Tikrit on the eve of Iraq's national election.