Ground Forces: Compulsory conscription will be a shift in army numbers, and we have brigade-sized troops for the first time

BAGHDAD-INA

Ground Forces Command announced Friday that 80% of Baghdad’s areas are under the control of the police forces, while noting that a new batch of weapons will arrive next week, it stated that the compulsory conscription law will be a shift in the preparation and capabilities of the Iraqi army.

 The commander of the ground forces, Lieutenant-General Qassem al-Muhammadi, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The army and ground forces are controlling the outskirts of the cities towards the outside towards the desert and the international borders."

He added that "80% of Baghdad areas are under the control of police units," noting that "the main mission of the ground forces is to support the units operating on the borders, as the units spread from western Nineveh over a large area to the entrance to the Tigris in the Fishkhabur area and to the Tarifawi areas in the south, and in Rutba."

 He continued, "We have brigade-level units for the first time in the history of Iraq whose mission is to support the border forces," explaining that "the ground forces support the border forces with arbitration and documentation of barbed wire and towers that are witnessing great development."

 Regarding armament, Al-Mohammadi said that "there is a development in armament, and many purchase contracts have been reviewed ," explaining that "a batch of weapons will arrive in the country this week, and another section has been shipped on ships coming to Iraq."

He pointed out that "the parliament reassured us about the legislation of the compulsory conscription law this year, and this was confirmed and approved by the government," noting that "during this year, four brigades of units were formed, and we have units that were sent to Basra, Al-Amarah, Kirkuk and Salah al-Din."

 Al-Mohammadi stressed that "the Defense Industries Commission will be the supporting arm in terms of manufacturing weapons, ammunition and vehicles , and therefore the growth process is proceeding in a manner befitting the reputation and history of the Iraqi military institution."

 Regarding the Military College, Al-Mohammadi stated that "the Military College receives for the first time since 2003 more than 2,250 officers and students graduating with the rank of lieutenant," explaining that "our army needs officers from the Military College graduates and greater preparation than the Staff College."

 He continued, "We insist that the brigade and unit commanders be graduates of the Staff College and the officer, and it is preferable that they have a master's degree in military sciences."