Iraqi Troops Plug in to Computer Course

By Sgt. Michael Tuttle

An introductory computer course taught at the K-1 Iraqi Army Base in Kirkuk provides Iraqi soldiers with the basics of using a computer.

Some say they are intimidated. Others are afraid of the damage they may cause. The Iraqi army soldiers are not referring to a dangerous enemy but the box housing a motherboard, microprocessor and RAM whose use many of us take for granted.

As computer use becomes more common throughout their army, 4th Iraqi Army Division soldiers are getting plugged in during an introductory course, the first of its kind at any Iraqi training center, according to Lt. Col. Gerry Snell, the senior advisor with the Coalition Military Assistance Transition Team. The CMATT works as advisors to the Iraqi army at the K-1 Iraqi Army Base here.

Since the course began in September, the 24 seats available in each class have filled quickly in both the three-week introductory course and the one-week leaders' course.

Capt. Samy Kadar is a supply officer at K-1 and said that he knew very little about operating computers before the class. He has been keeping the supply records for his battalion by hand.

"I wanted to take the class with an instructor because I want to learn, but was a little intimidated," Kadar said. "We didn't use computers in the old army. When I used to look at it, it seemed complicated and I didn't want to break anything. Now I feel more comfortable and can use it."

Most Iraqi army soldiers are nervous about using computers when they first come to the class, said Sgt. Ali Hussein, one of the two course instructors. But after completing the course, they will be able to bring the knowledge to the rest of their units.

"We start with the basics, including turning the computer on and creating a file," Hussein said. "We lead into teaching them how to use PowerPoint and Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel."

Hussein has helped five classes complete the course so far. He said it's important for the entire Iraqi army to be able to use computers.

"Too much time was wasted before," Husein said. "But soon the whole army will be using computers."

judythpiazza@gmail.com

   _   _