M-16s replace AK-47s for some Iraqi troops

http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/17319405.htm

M-16s replace AK-47s for some Iraqi troops
By Scott Canon
McClatchy Newspapers


BAGHDAD, Iraq - The U.S. military in Iraq has begun issuing American M-16 rifles to some Iraq troops in exchange for their AK-47 rifles, the cheap and sturdy weapon that currently hangs from the shoulder of virtually every Iraqi soldier, police officer, insurgent and militiaman.

U.S. military officials describe the switch, part of a $2 billion arms purchase for the country's fledgling security soldiers, as a modernization and a vote of confidence in Iraqi troops. The M-16 requires more care than the rugged and familiar AK-47, and demands a better-trained soldier.

That confidence extends only so far, however. With Iraq's security services infiltrated by both Sunni Muslim insurgents and Shiite militias, the U.S. military is requiring that each Iraqi soldier turn in his AK-47, take four days of training, and be photographed with the serial number of his new M-16.

Because the two weapons use different size ammunition, U.S. and Iraqi military leaders hope the change will staunch the flow of ammunition to bad guys. No one, though, thinks the AK-47 or its bullets will vanish from the war-torn Iraqi landscape any time soon.

"The different ammunition will prevent stealing," said Haida Mahmoud, a 31-year-old member of an Iraqi army quick response team in Wasit province southeast of Baghdad. "Now we only get half of the ammunition we should because the other half is stolen."

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Where the FUCK have I heard that before??? :grr:

Arms to Iran for hostages? Col. fuck head??

I'm tripping...having a flash back.... ~~~

I CAN'T STAND IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anymore!!


IMPEACH!!!!!!!!!!!! :nuke:

Yeah keep wasting our money Georgie Boy!:grr: