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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 091129-05
Nov. 29, 2009
Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0780-997-5063

81mm Mortar Live-Fire Exercise Ends with Graduation

AN NUMANIYAH, Iraq – More than 150 Iraqi army soldiers conducted their end-of-course live-fire exercise Nov. 22 at the An Numaniyah Multi-Purpose Range Complex, culminating the 21-day course here.

Iraqi army 1st Lt. Mulaazem Awwal Nabeil Fakhry, platoon leader, commanded the four-gun mortar section throughout the live-fire exercise as each gun position fired five white phosphorus rounds and 11 high-explosive rounds. 

“I’m impressed with the skill levels they’re displaying here today,” said Iraqi Staff Col. Hussain, 3rd Training Center commander, who was overseeing the exercise.

Following the live fire exercise, the students and their instructors conducted a graduation ceremony conducted by the training center’s weapon’s wing.  After Iraqi army Lt. Col. Muqaddam Ayat, commander for military occupational skill qualification, delivered the commencement address, 1st Lt. Nabeil Fakhry, platoon leader, was given special recognition for his leadership and technical knowledge.

The ceremony closed with students reciting the Iraqi soldiers’ creed. These soldiers now return to their home units to continue efforts for ensuring safety and security in Iraq.

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