Is This a Good Idea?

Saddam officers by the thousands respond to recruitment offer
From World Tribune

BAGHDAD — Officers who served in Saddam Hussein's military forces have been flocking to join the Iraq Army.

U.S. officials said that over the last month, thousands of Saddam officers have applied to join the Iraq Army. They said after a screening most of the applicants were accepted.

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In October, the Defense Ministry called for junior and mid-level officers of Saddam's army to apply for jobs in the new military force. Officials said the campaign was meant to overcome a serious shortage in experienced junior and mid-level officers in the Iraq Army, which now numbers about 100,000.

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Officials said the recruitment effort has sought officers ranking from lieutenant to major. They said members of the Special Republican Guards or Baath Party members from Level 4 and above would not be accepted. Full details.

Is this a good idea? I don't know for sure. Comments anyone? At any rate, the fact that they are not allowing members of the Special Republican Guards or Baath Party members from Level 4 and above is a good idea.