Women in the Iraqi Army

A major breakthrough. In late January a group of 65 Iraqi women started army basic training; this is the same basic training that men take. One female soldier said that she had lost her husband and son in an explosion and needed a job so she could take care of herself. Unemployment is a major issue in Iraq, especially for women. Most of the women will be assigned to clerical positions, however, they will help provide security in the upcoming elections by searching females.