Iraqi exiles end US training

Iraqi exiles end US training

The volunteers have not been trained to fight

More than 50 Iraqi volunteers have completed training at a US airbase in Hungary so they can help coalition forces in non-combat duties in any war against Iraq.

The men were the first group to complete the four-week course, and will now be sent to take their places in US army units closer to Iraq, in preparation for a possible war.

The first batch of Iraqis came mostly from the United States, giving up comfortable lives for an indefinite period to volunteer for this mission.

There are millions and millions of kids back in Iraq who suffer and can never smile

Hakim, Iraqi volunteer

"I was satisfied in the States," said Mohamed, 47, who has worked for seven years as a salesman at a computer department in Los Angeles, California.

"I have a nice home, two cars, a beautiful daughter at school.

"But I want to go to Iraq. We need educated people in Iraq.

"Those who were educated have either been killed by the regime or fled the country."

Another volunteer, 55-year-old Hakim, said he signed up because of his feelings towards his children.

"When I remember their smiling faces, I cannot but recall that there are millions and millions of kids back in Iraq who suffer and can never smile," he said.

Ethnic mix

The volunteers have been trained in self-defence, the use of small arms, first aid, landmine detection and in a range of liaison skills between US forces and the civilian population.

Wearing the insignia of the FIF, the Free Iraqi Forces, the men expect to be deployed some way back from the front lines.

The average age of the first group is 38. Their US trainers stress they reflect a wide range of ethnic and religious groups in Iraq, including Kurds, Shia Muslims Sunni Muslims and Christians.

No women has been recruited so far, but the base was ready to receive and train them, said Major General David W Barno, the base commander.

"But I have not seen any indications that there are any women among the future trainees out there," he said.

Hungary has allowed the US to bring 1,500 trainers and up to 3,000 Iraqis for training at the Taszar air base, provided the volunteers do not receive combat training.

On leaving here, the men are expected to be assigned to US forces in Turkey or the Gulf.

A second group of trainees has recently arrived.