NATO Joint Force Training Centre concluded the 2024 series of the NATO Mission Iraq pre-deployment training events. The third, and the last, of this year’s iterations took place between 14 and 25 October. Over 100 soldiers and civilians, representing more than 20 NATO and partner nations worked hand in hand for the success of the allied mission in Iraq.
“No matter what mission there is ahead of us, training and preparation that allow us to achieve readiness are always key” – said Major General Bogdan Rycerski, NATO Joint Force Training Centre Commander summarising the event during the closing ceremony. Addressing the training audience, he added: “I am impressed by your skills, knowledge and commitment I had a chance to observe during the interactive training sessions. Thank you for your professionalism and dedication.”
The main goal of every NATO Mission Iraq Pre-Deployment Training is to provide the mission commander with cohesive, uniformly trained personnel, able to function effectively from day one of the mission. To achieve that, the events consist of two phases, executed over two weeks. The third 2024 iteration was no different.
The first, virtual phase of the training, held between 14 and 18 October, was steered by the team of experts from the NATO Joint Force Training Centre, and was conducted online in different time zones. It provided the participants with the necessary knowledge on the specifics of the mission and situation in Iraq. The training audience engaged with key leaders from theatre through live chats.
The second, residential phase, held at JFTC in Bydgoszcz, Poland, between 21 and 25 October, built upon the knowledge of the mission, and allowed participants to put the acquired skills and information into practice. It was also a unique opportunity to deep dive into the Iraqi perspective of the mission through direct interactions with high-ranking Iraqi representatives - Major General Pilot Saleem Abdulhameed Hasan from Chief of Staff Presidency and Colonel Ban Adulsada Mohammed Salman from the Military Training Directorate. They arrived in Bydgoszcz to meet with the training audience, share their insight and to support the training.
Teambuilding was an important aspect of the training. For most participants, the training at the Joint Force Training Centre was the first opportunity to meet their future comrades and leaders. Brigadier General Robert Gellner, the designated NATO Mission Iraq Deputy Commander, joined the training to meet his future staff members and to assist them in their preparation. The participants 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.
The execution of such extensive and complex training would not have been possible if it had not been for the support of experienced Subject Matter Experts. The group included current members of the NATO Mission Iraq Headquarters who personally supported the event in Bydgoszcz, experts from 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, who provided their expertise. Finally, there were also role players and interpreters, whose work added realism to the practical advisory exercises.
A non-combat advisory and capacity-building NATO Mission Iraq was launched in 2018. It aims at assisting Iraq in building more sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective armed forces and security institutions, so that Iraqis themselves are better prepared to stabilise their country, fight terrorism and prevent the return of ISIS/Daesh. As the NATO key venue for pre-deployment training, NATO Joint Force Training Centre was a natural choice to finally prepare soldiers and civilians deploying to augment the mission. This task has continued since 2019.
