Iraqi Armed Forces

Iraqi Armed Forces
Name	Iraqi Armed Forces
Native name	القوات المسلحة العراقية
Founded	1921
Current form	2003
Branches	Iraqi Army, Iraqi Air Force, Iraqi Navy, Iraqi Air Defense Command
Headquarters	Baghdad
Commander-in-chief	Abdul Latif Rashid
Minister	Thabet al-Abbasi
Chief of staff	Abdul Amir al-Shammari
Age	18
Active	193,000
Reserves	80,000
Budget	$7.6 billion (2023)
Percent GDP	3.5%
Domestic suppliers	Military Industry Commission
Foreign suppliers	United States, Russia, South Korea, France
Related articles	Peshmerga, Popular Mobilization Forces

Iraqi Armed Forces. The military forces of the Republic of Iraq, tracing their origins to the early 20th century under the Kingdom of Iraq. They have been fundamentally reshaped following the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the subsequent dissolution of the Saddam Hussein-era military. Today, they are a key institution in the nation's security, engaged in counter-terrorism and maintaining sovereignty against internal and external threats.

History

The modern military's foundations were laid after World War I and the establishment of the British Mandate for Mesopotamia. The original Iraqi Army was formed in 1921 and saw early action suppressing tribal revolts. It participated in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War and was overthrown in the 14 July Revolution of 1958. Under the Ba'ath Party, the military grew into a massive force, engaging in the Iran–Iraq War and the Gulf War. Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq led by a U.S.-led coalition, the forces were formally disbanded by the Coalition Provisional Authority, leading to a period of insurgency. The new Iraqi military was rebuilt from scratch, playing a major role in the Iraq War and the subsequent fight against the Islamic State during the War in Iraq (2013–2017).

Structure and organization

The forces are subordinate to the Ministry of Defense and are headed by the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Armed Forces. The main service branches are the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi Air Force, the small Iraqi Navy, and the Iraqi Air Defense Command. The army is organized into several divisions and special operations units. Operational command is divided among five regional commands, including the Baghdad Operational Command and the Nineveh Operations Command. Their chain of command is separate from the Ministry of Interior forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces, though they sometimes conduct joint operations.

Equipment

Since 2003, the primary supplier of major equipment has been the United States, including M1 Abrams tanks, Stryker armored vehicles, and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Other significant suppliers include Russia with Mi-28 attack helicopters, South Korea with T-50IQ trainers, and France with CAESAR artillery systems. The domestic Military Industry Commission produces small arms, ammunition, and light armored vehicles. The navy operates patrol boats like the Swiftships-class, while air defense utilizes systems like the S-300 and Panstir-S1.

Personnel and training

Active personnel number approximately 193,000, with an additional 80,000 in reserve. Conscription is not currently practiced. Key training institutions include the Iraqi Military Academy in Rustamiyah and the Al-Nida Officer College. Much institutional training, particularly for officers and Iraqi Special Operations Forces, has been provided by the United States Armed Forces through missions like NATO Mission Iraq and the former Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. Joint exercises, such as those with the Jordanian Armed Forces, are also conducted to enhance interoperability.

Role and deployments

The primary role is defending Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity. Their most significant deployment was the nationwide campaign against ISIL, including pivotal battles for Mosul, Ramadi, and Tikrit. They conduct continuous counter-terrorism operations in regions like the Hamrin Mountains and the Iraqi desert. While largely focused internally, elements have deployed for training missions abroad, and the government has discussed potential roles in regional security frameworks. They also provide support during national emergencies and natural disasters.

Challenges and reforms

Major challenges include overcoming sectarian divisions within the ranks, reducing corruption, and achieving full logistical independence from foreign partners. The relationship with the Popular Mobilization Forces and the Peshmerga of the Kurdistan Regional Government remains a complex political and security issue. Ongoing reforms, often advised by the United States Department of Defense, aim to improve intelligence capabilities, streamline procurement through the Ministry of Defense, and develop a professional non-commissioned officer corps. The long-term goal is a unified, capable force that can ensure stability without external assistance.

Category:Military of Iraq Category:National security of Iraq