Free Iraq Forces

Ahmid Izzat, a colonel in the Free Iraq Forces, hoists the new Iraqi army flag on a U.S. special forces vehicle. The Americans are beginning to train Iraqi volunteers for what may become the new army of Iraq. (Don Bartletti / LAT)

Sept. 15, 2014 6:08 PM PT

As soldiers of Hussein’s regime melt away, the U.S.-funded Free Iraq Forces hope to fill the vacuum.
April 13, 2003

After a night in a bomb-damaged building that’s become his new home, Fahad Ismael, 32, cleans up before training at a base near Nasiriyah, Iraq. The unemployed Baghdad resident said he was tempted to join up by the $150 per month salary. (Don Bartletti / LAT)

At the Free Iraq Forces base near Nasiriyah, raw recruits squat in place and read a list of regulations. (Don Bartletti / LAT)

A new Iraqi recruit obediently falls to the ground as a demonstration “suspect” in a checkpoint drill. A U.S. Army Special Forces instructor, left, looks on. (Don Bartletti / LAT)

Soldiers who have joined the Free Iraq Forces practice checkpoint assembly on a base near Nasiriyah. (Don Bartletti / LAT)

New recruits in mismatched uniforms of the Free Iraq Forces make their first attempt at marching in formation at Imam Ali Camp near Nasiriyah. About 700 volunteers have signed up so far for what is expected to be the new army of Iraq. (Don Bartletti / LAT)

U.S. Army Special Forces instructors get their first look at another batch of volunteer recruits for the Free Iraq Forces. (Don Bartletti / LAT)