Special Operations.Com

Iraqi Special Forces

Focus Feature:

Iraqi Mountain Warfare Tactics

Introduction

Iraqi special operations forces (SOF) , after an early and uneven beginning during World War II and its immediate aftermath, seemingly had found a permanent place within the Iraqi military prior to the 1990-91 Gulf War. However, due to poor performance by the special operations forces during that war, these units have probably undergone a major reorganization. At this time it is unclear as to the priority and support that the regime will give to the special operations organization. This article discusses the history and organization of Iraq's Special Forces. A future article will describe in more detail the tactics, weapons, and special equipment of these forces.

Background

During World War II, Iraqi officers suggested the possibility of establishing special-purpose forces within the Iraqi armed forces, then serving under British authority. The Iraqi officers, many whom had served in the mountains of northern India, suggested a Special Forces organization called light mountain forces, which would complement Regular Army formations. However, the idea did not meet with any encouragement from the British Military Mission in Iraq.

In 1951, many officers and men were sent outside of Iraq to receive specialized strike/commando training. In December 1954, a select group from Army units was sent to Great Britain for commando training. Upon their return, a commando brigade and the first independent parachute company were formed. They were maintained until 1959, when the brigade was disbanded and the first parachute company was converted to a parachute battalion. In 1964 the idea of forming strike units in the Army was considered. Due to increased interest in these operations, commando experts were brought in from Egypt to assist in developing a training course. Training began in 1965, with the British Military Mission in Iraq administering the first training course in conjunction with Egyptian advisors. However, as time determined, training in strike and commando operations seemed to be at cross purposes. Since the tactics were essentially similar, it was decided to merge the two types of training and formations under the title of Special Forces or Special Forces Command. The term "strike force" continues to be used to designate a special mission. The Special Forces Command was converted in the late 1960s to brigade-size groups, and the Special Forces Administration was formed.

Definition of Special Forces

In the Iraqi Army, "special forces" has a different meaning from the term as used in Western armies. Western Special Operations Forces (British Commandos, Special Air Service, American Special Forces, and Rangers) perform hazardous missions normally limited to specific strategic targets. Iraqi Special Forces are highly trained light infantry, schooled in airborne, unconventional warfare and mobile tactics; they probably have a definite tactical objective in support of division or corps mission requirements. If tasked, the Iraqi SOF could accomplish a limited regional strategic requirement.

SOF Missions, Doctrine and Tactics

Over the years, Iraqi Special Forces have maintained four basic missions: the conduct of airborne and air assault operations, counterinsurgency and population control, unconventional warfare, and close combat. Additionally, Iraqi Special Forces are also used to conduct limited special operations, such as raids, reconnaissance, and ambushes behind enemy lines. The Iraqi Special Forces are dedicated to executing special missions within the context of, and in support of, regular conventional missions.

Iraqi SOF tactics, techniques, and procedures include a mixture of doctrines from various countries, but they have a distinctly British theme. This should not be considered unusual, considering the long-standing influence that the British Military Mission exerted on the Iraqi military before and immediately after World War II. Prior to the 1990-91 Gulf War, personnel assigned to perform a special operational mission were probably selected from all Special Forces organizations to form strike teams, special mission units, or deep reconnaissance units. Individuals assigned to these units were probably the best trained of all SOF personnel who had completed Special Forces training. The formation of specialized units required additional training tailored for missions that could include long-range reconnaissance or unconventional warfare, such as sabotage, assassination, and kidnapping.

The capability of the Iraqi Special Forces to conduct long-range special operations missions similar to those of U.S. or British Special Forces units is considered extremely limited. A decisive factor in any Iraqi Special Forces operation is the delivery, logistical, and organizational support systems that are critical to successful accomplishment of any Special Forces mission. In concert with these support systems, a battalion-size unit under the Special Forces Command specializes in air supply techniques. However, the effectiveness of this unit is in question, due to the U.S.- imposed no-fly zones and sanctions. These three support systems are a serious weak link in any projected Iraqi Special Forces mission. The poor showing of the Iraqi Special Forces in the 1990-91 Gulf War probably was more the result of insufficient leadership, misguided utilization, and inadequate support organization than of the incompetence of the soldiers themselves.

Conclusion

The Iraqi Special Forces, although downsized, will probably continue to receive regime support, especially in areas that could be interpreted as regime security involving the Republican Guard. However, the capability to project Special Forces operations to nearby countries or to interdict Western forces is extremely limited. The inability to provide high-mobility helicopter transport, overall logistical, and organizational support to critical special operations will continue to plague Iraqi Special Forces operations, whether carried out by the Republican Guard or the regular Army, in the near future.