re: newly trained? Not always well. The veterans? A lot better.
The first group into Basra was the 52nd Brigade from the 14th Iraqi Army Division. They didn't have much experience--I think it was only about a month after they had finished basic training.
They didn't do too well, and Iraq responded by rushing in a more experience brigade, and some police and Special Forces. The U.S. and Britain began providing air support. The Iraqi Air Force handled logistics.
Iraq troops (don't know the experience levels) did much better in surrounding towns, including Najaf, having very little trouble securing them.
At this point, Sadr threw in the towel.
You are going to learn very little from MSNBC.