TIKRIT, Iraq, June 14, 2004 — Members of the 1st Infantry Division, local dignitaries and other guests were on hand June 10, 2004, for an Iraqi Civil Defense Corps Primary Leadership Development Course graduation ceremony, according to 1st Infantry Division officials.

The class was the first to graduate from the newly opened North Central Iraqi Civil Defense Corps Regional Training Center at Forward Operating Base Danger. After the graduation, the facility was dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new facility will also host basic training for Iraqi Civil Defense Corps soldiers.

Maj. Gen. John R.S. Batiste, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and Task Force Danger, and Brig. Gen. Abdul Kadar, deputy chief of staff of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, were guest speakers at the event. During his remarks, Batiste congratulated the graduates and thanked them for their service.

“The road to a peaceful and secure Iraq may take some time, but your commitment to law and order and to peace and freedom will make a significant difference in our journey towards this goal,” Batiste said to the graduates.

Twenty-four of the 231 graduates were recognized as honor graduates, and were presented certificates.

The coursework consisted of physical training, leadership classes, basic soldiering skills, drill and ceremony and human rights training.