Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 080909-01
September 9, 2008

MNSTC-I DCG and IA general visit Kirkuk to discuss training measures

Kirkuk, Iraq – The Deputy Commanding General of Multi National Security Transition Command - Iraq and Staff Lt. Gen Hussain, Joint Headquarters Deputy Chief of Staff for Training, met with leaders at the military training base in Kirkuk on a battlefield circulation trip Aug. 26. 

The purpose of the visit to the site, known as the K-1 Regional Training Center, was to discuss the tightening of training standards for Basic Combat Training. The Iraqi Army wants to lengthen BCT from five weeks to eight weeks. Hussain discussed the need for the centers to organize extended training so the soldiers and instructors can sustain their skills. “The RTC’s must continue to train Soldiers for the IA or the instructors are going to lose their edge, “said Hussain.

The proposal is to start an eight-week BCT during the next cycle, which is the 12th cycle at K-1. Hussain is working with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Finance to fund the cycle which would involve Soldiers arriving for one week of administration and preparation and six weeks of training, plus one week of vacation.

Also discussed were supply plans for the Iraqi Army to provide equipment and uniforms to different units, Regional Training Centers and Division Training Centers. The Iraqi Army is taking over more and more of the logistics involved with equipping their army. “The IA is taking responsibility for the supplying of uniforms to the IA Soldiers,” said British Army Brig. Torrens-Spence.

Hussain and Torrens-Spence visited K-1 as part of a two-stop trip. Earlier, they visited the military academy in Qualachulon.

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