BAGHDAD, July 31 (UPI) -- Iraqi national forces have improved their capabilities on a variety of fronts, from training to the vocational trades, U.S. military officials said.
A report released by the Multi-National Division Center, based in southern Baghdad, said there are more training centers for Iraqi military forces in the country than at any time since the U.S.-led invasion. U.S. Army training Capt. Steve Chadwick described the situation as "night and day" when noting the increased number of training facilities.
The report said training centers are manned mostly by Iraqi non-commissioned officers and civilian instructors rather than trainers affiliated with U.S.-led forces or military transition teams.
U.S.-led forces are now transitioning from a leadership position to a strategic advisory role, with military advisers serving as the "enabler" on many Iraqi missions.
"We make sure the Iraqis get the necessary training and advice, so that they may operate their own military properly," said military transition Capt. Thomas O'Brien.
U.S. military officials set out to increase the number of non-commissioned officers in the Iraqi military by boosting the capacity at recruiting centers and military academies.
There are 15 police academies and 24 military academies. Eight training classes will cycle through these programs by the end of the year. Of the 112,000 graduating recruits from these classes, 4,000 will be new officers, the report said.
