Iraqi ArmyEdit
The Iraqi Army is the principal land component of the Iraqi Armed Forces, tasked with defending the country's sovereignty, supporting civilian authorities in times of emergency, and contributing to regional security through counterterrorism and stabilization operations. Reconstituted in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion, it operates under the authority of the Ministry of Defense (Iraq) and coordinates closely with other security agencies, including the Counter-Terrorism Service and the Iraqi Federal Police. In recent years it has been central to Iraq’s efforts to defeat insurgent networks, restore governance across war-torn areas, and pursue modernization and professionalization through partnerships with Western allies and neighboring partners. Its development has been shaped by a combination of national priorities, external support, and the political realities of a diverse, post-conflict society.
Whatever the field manual says, the Iraqi Army’s practical challenge is to combine capability with legitimacy: to deter aggression, secure populations, and operate under the law while maintaining unity in a country with multiple communities and regional sensibilities. The force has benefited from foreign training, equipment, and advisory support, notably from the United States and allied nations, while trying to build a sustainable, self-reliant capability. Critics warn that heavy foreign influence can complicate reform or fuel perceptions of external control, but supporters argue that credible international backing is essential to defeating violent extremism, deterring regional rivals, and creating the conditions for durable political and economic development. The army also must navigate the political dynamics surrounding other security institutions, such as the Counter-Terrorism Service and the Popular Mobilization Forces, which reflects the broader challenge of building a cohesive national security framework in a country with diverse communities and competing loyalties.
History
Origins and post-2003 reconstitution
The modern Iraqi Army traces its roots to the pre-2003 period, but the force as it exists today was fundamentally reconstituted after the overthrow of the Baathist regime. Following the 2003 invasion, the Coalition Provisional Authority dissolved the old army and set in motion plans to rebuild a conventional land force capable of conducting joint operations with coalition partners and operating across Iraq’s varied terrains. Over time, new units were stood up, recruitment broadened beyond former patronage networks, and initial doctrine stressed interoperability with international partners. The early years were marked by turbulence and insurgent resistance, underscoring the need for robust training, logistics, and leadership development.
The fight against ISIL and modernization efforts
From 2014 onward, the Iraqi Army formed the core of a national counterterrorism campaign against the Islamic State, operating alongside the Counter-Terrorism Service, the Iraqi Federal Police, and international partners within a multinational coalition framework. The campaign to retake major population centers and reclaim territory culminated in significant operations, including the liberation of key cities such as Mosul and other liberated zones. This period highlighted both the gains achievable with disciplined forces and the gaps that remained in logistics, intelligence, and sustained professionalization. In the years since, the army has pursued modernization programs to improve command and control, aviation support, armored mobility, and sustainment, while expanding its training pipelines and leadership development. The intention has been to create a more capable force that can deter aggression, respond to instability, and operate with greater autonomy while maintaining civilian oversight.
Recent developments and ongoing challenges
In the wake of territorial defeat of non-state extremist networks, the Iraqi Army has faced the task of stabilizing liberated areas, conducting peacekeeping duties, and rebuilding infrastructure in concert with civilian authorities. Reforms have focused on improving merit-based promotion, reducing corruption, and expanding representation within the leadership to reflect Iraq’s demographic diversity. The relationship with outside partners remains a central element of capability development, even as there is insistence on preserving national sovereignty and preventing external actors from shaping domestic security policy beyond its legitimate constitutional framework. The integration of diverse security actors—both state institutions and, in some contexts, non-state groups—continues to be a sensitive political issue, with ongoing debates about balance, oversight, and accountability.
Organization and structure
Leadership and command
The Iraqi Army operates under the overall direction of the Ministry of Defense (Iraq) and is commanded through a hierarchical structure that includes regional and sectoral commands designed to project national defense while enabling rapid response to local contingencies. The leadership emphasizes professional development, adherence to military law, and clear civil-military boundaries to prevent politicization of the ranks. The army’s chain of command is intended to be cohesive across diverse regions and communities while maintaining unity of purpose in defense of the state.
Major components and roles
As part of the Iraqi Armed Forces, the ground forces work in concert with the Iraqi Ground Forces establishment, logistic units, engineering units, and aviation support that enable mobility and reach. The force engages in conventional warfare, counter-insurgency, and stabilization operations, often in coordination with the Counter-Terrorism Service and the Iraqi Federal Police. In addition to conventional infantry and armor components, specialized units and training programs emphasize reconnaissance, mountain and riverine operations, and urban warfare to address a wide range of threats. The army maintains working relationships with international partners to facilitate training exchanges, maintenance support, and doctrine development reflected in military doctrine updates and ongoing modernization programs.
Training, doctrine, and professionalization
Training pipelines stress combat readiness, leadership, and adherence to the laws of armed conflict. Partnerships with United States Army trainers and other coalition contributors have helped to standardize procedures, improve logistics, and strengthen non-commissioned officer development. Doctrinal changes emphasize combined arms operations, intelligence-driven targeting, and risk management in complex environments. The goal is a professional, capable force that can operate effectively in conjunction with civilian authorities to restore public safety and support governance.
Equipment and modernization
The Iraqi Army’s equipment profile reflects a mix of legacy platforms and modernized systems procured through international cooperation. Western-supplied armor and mobility platforms have complemented existing equipment and have supported improved operations in urban and rural environments. Ongoing maintenance, supply chains, and local industrial capacity remain central to sustaining readiness. The modernization program aims to improve air-ground integration, mobility, fire support, and communications to enable faster decision cycles and more effective action on the ground.
Controversies and debates
From a pragmatic security perspective, the Iraqi Army’s trajectory involves trade-offs between sovereignty, security effectiveness, and political legitimacy. Proponents argue that a capable, professional army is essential for deterring aggression, stabilizing liberated areas, and enabling Iraq’s broader political and economic reform agenda. They contend that sustained foreign training and equipment are necessary to build credible deterrence and compel respect for Iraq’s territorial integrity.
Critics, however, point to concerns about corruption, mismanagement, and sectarian influence that can undermine public trust and impede reform. The integration of non-state security actors into a national framework remains fraught with political sensitivities and questions about accountability. Debates also surround the balance between external support and national autonomy, with some arguing that outside power dynamics should not shape core security policy, while others maintain that targeted, rules-based cooperation is indispensable for defeating extremist networks and stabilizing the country.
There are ongoing discussions about human rights and civilian protection in counterinsurgency and stabilization operations, and the importance of transparent oversight to sustain legitimacy. Proponents of a strong security posture often respond that successful counterterrorism and stabilization require disciplined forces, clear rules of engagement, and robust professional standards, even if those measures invite critique from opponents who emphasize civil liberties or alternative political visions. In this framing, the focus remains on achieving durable security, national sovereignty, and a stable environment in which Iraq’s democratic institutions and economy can flourish.