The second 2025 NATO Mission Iraq Pre-Deployment Training concluded at NATO Joint Force Training Centre. Between 30 June and 11 July, over 150 future members of the mission participating in the virtual phase, and nearly 100 participants of the residential training received their final preparation for their anticipated mission.
The two-week training programme, consisting of the virtual phase at the beginning of the event, and the residential, practical training in its second part, provided the trainees with all they needed before deploying to Iraq. The first week delivered foundational knowledge on the specifics of the mission and the situation in Iraq. Thanks to live chats, it also created an opportunity for interactions with key leaders from theatre. The second week, held residentially at the NATO Joint Force Training Centre in Bydgoszcz, Poland, allowed the participants to practise the acquired knowledge.
As strong teams are key to success of every mission, the event also promoted team building. For most participants, the training at the NATO Joint Force Training Centre was the first opportunity to meet their future comrades and leaders. Brigadier General Robert Gellner, the NATO Mission Iraq Deputy Commander, as well as his successor, Colonel (promotable) Eric Wieland, joined the training to meet their future staff members and to assist them in their preparation. The trainees were also involved in a number of activities, which helped them build foundations for future cooperation in the theatre and a smoother start once in Iraq.
Knowing and understanding the Iraqi perspective is essential for future members of the NATO Mission Iraq. Two senior Iraqi military representatives arrived at NATO Joint Force Training Centre to support the training. Rear Admiral Omar Al-Sharooh and Colonel Moatasem Al Zaidi from the Iraqi Ministry of Defence shared their knowledge and expertise during briefings and interactive training sessions.
Execution of such comprehensive and demanding training would not have been possible without support of experts with up-to-date experience. Many of subject matters experts who augmented the event arrived at JFTC from NMI Headquarters in Baghdad. Their first-hand expertise was invaluable for future NMI members.
“NATO Mission Iraq Pre-Deployment Training is more than just training. It is mentorship. Subject Matter Experts from the theatre were here for you to offer their knowledge and experience. They will also welcome you in Iraq, take care of you, and mentor you at the beginning of your mission, ensuring you can transition smoothly upon arrival in Baghdad,” said Brigadier General Petr Svoboda, NATO Joint Force Training Centre Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, during the closing ceremony. He also thanked his staff for the professional execution of the training, and recognised all those who had supported the event at all its stages.
As every NATO pre-deployment training, also this event was planned, prepared and executed in close cooperation between various NATO commands. Professionals from the NATO Headquarters, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, the Joint Force Command Naples, NATO Security Force Assistance Centre of Excellence, NATO Communications and Information Agency, and the U.S. Navy Reserve greatly supported the event. Arabic-speaking role-players and interpreters, who also augmented the training, added realism to the practical advisory sessions.
NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) is a non-combat advisory and capacity-building mission that assists Iraq in building more sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective armed forces and security institutions, so that Iraqis themselves are better able to stabilise their country, fight terrorism and prevent the return of ISIS/Daesh. The mission was launched at the NATO Summit in Brussels in July 2018, following a request from the government of Iraq, and established in October 2018.
Learn more about the NATO Mission Iraq here: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_166936.htm
