RECRUITING THE NEW IRAQI ARMY

Recruiting for Iraq's new army, meanwhile, began at three enlistment centers across the country, in Baghdad, Basra and Mosul. More than 300 potential recruits had registered by the end of the day. In Baghdad, recruiters ran out of applications by 2 p.m.

Under rules of new enlistment, former soldiers accepted for training will be stripped of rank and enter the army as the equivalent of privates, Riley said, though some may later be promoted. Elite soldiers of the previous regime and top Baath Party officials will be excluded.

Enlistees will initially receive $60 a month, be outfitted with light arms and will take over the country's border patrol, checkpoints and eventually other tasks.