NATO Training Mission – Iraq

The NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) was established in 2004 at the request of the Iraqi Interim Government under the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1546. The aim of NTM-I was to assist in the development of Iraqi security forces training structures and institutions so that Iraq could build an effective and sustainable capability that addressed the needs of the nation. NTM-I was not a combat mission but was a distinct mission, under the political control of NATO's North Atlantic Council. Its operational emphasis was on training and mentoring. The activities of the mission were coordinated with Iraqi authorities and the US-led Deputy Commanding General Advising and Training (DCG (A&T)), who was also dual-hatted as the Commander of NTM-I. The mission came to an end in December 2011.

NTM-I delivered training, advice and mentoring support along three main lines of activity:

The challenge for NTM-I was in the transition from being a training provider to becoming a mentor of trainers and ultimately establishing the capability for Iraq to autonomously organise and direct security force training as part of a broader strategic relationship with NATO. 2010 was a significant year in Iraq, as the United States continued to withdraw their combat forces, and the Iraqi Armed Forces and Ministry of Interior took on further security responsibilities. The main activities during transition were the standardisation of Iraqi Officer Education and Training (OET), the training of the Iraqi Federal Police, and the assistance to the Directorate of Border Security.

Through its activities NTM-I helped pave the way for a long-term relationship between the Alliance and Iraq under a Structured Cooperation Framework.

NTM-I operated in four different areas in theatre:

23 NATO member countries and one partner country contributed directly to the training effort through the provision of personnel, funding or equipment donations. The NTM-I footprint was a small tactical force of around 170 NATO/Partnership for Peace personnel, representing 13 member nations (as at August 2010).

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