NATO C-IED support to Iraqi security forces’ train the trainers initiative

Szöveg: Hoyo de Manzanares | 2017. március 20. 9:03

Once again the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence (C-IED COE) rapidly responded to the NATO request for a training support in the framework of NATO in-country cooperation with Iraq.

Instructors of C-IED COE on daily briefing.

A Mobile Training Team from the C-IED COE has conducted a four weeks train-the-trainers course on the fight against IED in Besmayah (Iraq). During the course, Iraqi experts coming from the Armed Forces, Counter Terrorism Service and Police have enhanced their trainers’ abilities, which will contribute to Iraq’s capacity to provide better quality C-IED training to their own personnel.

Seven experts from the COE reinforced by its Sponsoring Nations from the Czech Republic (1, leading the team), Spain (4) and the USA (2) deployed last January to Besmayah. The performed course has focused on how to reinforce the Iraqi knowledge and skills on training their personnel to effectively counter the IED threat they face every day.

Theory lessons.

This cooperation also shows Iraq’s continuous commitment to strengthen their capacities. Recent successes in the fight against Daesh forward the Iraq security forces to focus on post-conflict tasks with a growth need of cleaning IED contaminated areas and the consequently rise of C-IED education programmes.

The framework for this training initiative is NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS), a NATO policy tool that enhances cooperation and dialogue with all partners. The SPS Programme provides funding, expert advice, and support to security-relevant activities.

Field Training.

This first NATO training support in Iraq has served NATO as an exploratory and pilot involvement, where NATO will take lessons and facts from; today, NATO has better experience in planning and strongly urging nations for incoming training support to the benefit of the Iraqi struggle against IED threats.

Graduation Ceremony. Group picture.

The C-IED COE Mobile Training Team has received the support of the Middle East Stabilisation Force in Iraq’s troops in Besmayah. The experience has allowed them to share methods and approaches to support Iraq in its fight against terrorism. This successful cooperation has to be consolidated in the future with strong common plans to effectively support the Iraqi requirements. For the C-IED COE it has been another mission in support of training improving its capacity to further support other partners, when it becomes necessary.