PARATROOPERS of IRAQ

UNITS, HISTORY, and ORGANIZATIONS

Historical Development

The original Iraqi airborne cadre completed their first Paratrooper Course in England on 7 April 1954, prior to the 14 July Revolution. After the Revolution, all airborne training courses were conducted in Iraq, with instructors coming from the original cadre.

The First Parachute Squadron (Independent) was established in 1956, and this grew to become to the Independent Paratroop Group on 18 July 1958.

In order to meet the manpower training requirements of the Paratroop Group it became necessary to establish the Parachute Training Wing. This was following the ending the of the practice of sending cadets abroad for training. Since 1959, the Parachute Training Wing has been the only Iraqi organization responsible for the airborne training. The Wing was attached to the Independent Paratrooper Group. Subsequently, the First Paratroop Battalion was established on 9 March 1960 and the Parachute Training Wing was expanded to become the Parachute Training School.

In 1964, the Commando Training Courses' Command was created. Here, a special team of officers and NCO instructors, who had completed a training program in the Sinai Desert, were assigned at the training cadre. One of the initial objectives of the Command was the liberation of Palestine.

Following the development and training operations of the Commando Courses, additional operational formations were created to handle the increased flow of trained manpower. On 1 May 1965, the First Commando Battalion was created and on 2 July 1967, the 2nd Parachute Battalion was established.

After the 17-30 July 1968 Revolution, these forces quickly grew in prominence. The new government established the 17th Independent Parachute Brigade on 1 December 1969. This new Brigade encompassed the existing 1st and 2nd Parachute Battalions and the 1st Command Battalion. In addition, the Commando Courses Command and the Parachute Training School became part of this new Brigade.

Under Saddam Hussein, additional units have been formed (no detail provided); modern up-to- date firing ranges were built, training exercises were introduced to the Army and newer weapon systems were purchased. Iraqi military also began attending training courses in foreign nations. The Parachute Forces formed a freefall Parachute Team which has completed internationally.

The Commandos are tasked with ambushes, raids and special missions, and any tactical or strategic missions which may be assigned. They are provided helicopter and transport carriers to complete these missions. Tactical aircraft are also provided to the airborne forces as required.

The Commando forces have been involved in the mopping up operations of the insurgent elements in northern Iraq and in northern and southern Lebanon. The airborne and commando forces participated in the 1973 War against Israel fighting in the battles of Tel Antar, Ain Shanis and Sannien in addition to the battle at the Gates of Kunaitera.

The Command has also trained other forces such as the Eritrean Revolutionary forces, Lebanese organizations, the Palestine Resistance Forces, etc.

These elite forces include paratroop and naval commandos and units armed with nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. This information was from an edited version of the official historical Chronology prepared by the Republic of Iraq Ministry of Defense for 'C&D member Antonio E.S. Carmo.

Iraqi 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.

Information about the Kurdish military forces occupying northern Iraq can be found here.