New Iraqi Army

New Iraqi Army
Unit name	New Iraqi Army
Dates	2003–present
Country	Iraq
Type	Land forces
Role	Conventional and internal security
Size	Variable

New Iraqi Army

The New Iraqi Army emerged after the 2003 Iraq War as the principal land force intended to replace the disbanded Iraq Army (pre-2003), to serve alongside the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service, Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Iraqi Ministry of Interior, and hybrid formations during the Iraq insurgency (2003–2011). Its formation intersected with multinational efforts involving the United States Armed Forces, United Kingdom Armed Forces, NATO, and regional actors such as Iran and Turkey, shaping its doctrine, procurement, and force structure across the post‑2003 security environment.

History and Formation

Planning for a reconstituted force followed the 2003 collapse of the Ba'ath Party (Iraq) regime and the subsequent dissolution of the Iraq Ground Forces Command (pre-2003). Initial efforts led by the Coalition Provisional Authority coordinated with United States Central Command and the Department of Defense (United States) to create a new cadre drawn from former members of the Iraq Police Service and local tribal militias such as the Sons of Iraq. Early organizational models referenced the historical Royal Iraqi Army and counterinsurgency lessons from the Vietnam War and Operation Enduring Freedom. Milestones included the first brigades trained at bases like Camp Victory and Al Asad Airbase, and the promulgation of new laws under the Iraqi Transitional Government (2005–2006) to define roles between civilian ministries.

Organization and Structure

The force adopted a divisional and brigade framework influenced by the United States Army and British Army structures, organized under the Iraqi Joint Headquarters and regional commands mirroring provinces such as Baghdad Governorate, Al Anbar Governorate, and Nineveh Governorate. Units encompassed infantry, mechanized, and armored brigades, with specialized elements analogous to brigade combat teams and logistics brigades. Commanders trained at institutions akin to the Iraqi Military Academy and collaborated with staff from Multinational Force — Iraq. Reserve components evolved from former Iraqi National Guard concepts and provincial security initiatives, while coordination with the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces influenced operational command relationships during crises.

Training and Recruitment

Recruitment emphasized voluntary enlistment, integration of former Iraqi Armed Forces (pre-2003) personnel, and vetting related to the de-Ba'athification process established by the Coalition Provisional Authority. Training pipelines included basic training centers, noncommissioned officer courses, and officer education modeled after the United States Military Academy and regional staff colleges. International trainers from United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, British Army Training and Advisory Team, Canadian Forces, Australian Defence Force, and NATO missions provided doctrine, infantry tactics, and counterinsurgency training, while select units received advanced instruction from the French Armed Forces and Egyptian Armed Forces.

Equipment and Capabilities

Equipment procurement mixed legacy systems from the pre‑2003 inventory—such as variants of the T-55 and T-72 tanks and BTR armored personnel carriers—with purchases and donations of M1 Abrams tanks, Stryker vehicles, M113 APCs, and light arms including the AK-47. Air defense and aviation assets drew on platforms like the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk and remanufactured helicopters provided through bilateral agreements. Capabilities developed in armored maneuver, motorized infantry, reconnaissance, and artillery, with logistics chains supported by contractors and partner militaries. Modernization efforts involved integration of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance concepts inspired by the U.S. Army Future Combat Systems debates.

Operations and Engagements

Units participated across major post‑2003 campaigns: counterinsurgency in Fallujah, security operations in Baghdad, operations against Al-Qaeda in Iraq, and later the War in Iraq (2013–2017) against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The Army fought in decisive battles such as the Battle of Mosul (2016–2017) in coordination with the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government forces and coalition partners. It also supported stabilization and humanitarian responses following the 2014 Northern Iraq offensive and engaged in border security operations along the Iraq–Syria border and Iraq–Turkey border.

Challenges and Reform Efforts

Persistent challenges included sectarian fragmentation, corruption within procurement and promotion systems, desertion, and integration of militias—issues compounded by the legacy of de-Ba'athification and competing patronage networks linked to political blocs like Dawa Party and State of Law Coalition. Reforms targeted professionalization, accountability, and civilian oversight through legislation debated in the Council of Representatives of Iraq and programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development and foreign military assistance. Efforts also addressed logistics, maintenance, and supply chain inefficiencies revealed during prolonged campaigns against ISIS.

International Partnerships and Support

International partnerships were central: the Multinational Force – Iraq provided force generation and mentoring early on; bilateral partnerships with the United States and United Kingdom continued through training, equipment transfers, and advising. Regional ties involved coordination with Jordan Armed Forces, Saudi Arabia Armed Forces, and security dialogues with Turkey and Iranian Armed Forces under complex political dynamics. Multilateral support came from NATO's training mission and United Nations security sector reform initiatives, while defense contractors from the United States Department of Defense and European firms underwrote modernization and sustainment programs.

Category:Military of Iraq