The Iraqi Army, officially known as the Iraqi Ground Forces, is the land warfare component of the Iraqi Armed Forces.
As of 2024, it stands as a significant military force in the Middle East, having undergone substantial changes and challenges since its reformation following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.12
The current state of the Iraqi army in 2024 is marked by ongoing efforts to combat IS insurgencies, improvements in military training, and enhancements in the navy, army, and air force configurations.
The security situation remains challenging, with a high risk of terrorism, but the Iraqi military continues to adapt and strengthen its capabilities.
This article will delve into the key aspects of the Iraqi army, including its navy, army, and air force, as well as the broader security situation.
Current Structure and Size
The Iraqi Army has an estimated strength of 180,000 active personnel as of 2023 2 . Its structure includes:
Three Special Forces brigades
A ranger brigade headquarters overseeing one ranger battalion
The 9th Armoured Division (2 armored brigades, 2 mechanized brigades)
The 5th, 8th, and 10th Divisions, each with four mechanized infantry brigades
The 7th Mechanised Division (2 mechanized infantry brigades, 1 infantry brigade)
The 6th Motorised Division (3 motorized infantry brigades, 1 infantry brigade)
The 14th Motorised Division (5 motorized and infantry brigades)
Several infantry divisions (1st, 11th, 15th, 16th, 17th) with varying numbers of infantry brigades
The independent 17th Infantry Brigade
The Prime Minister’s Security Force division (3 infantry brigades)
Equipment and Capabilities
The Iraqi Army has a mix of equipment, including:
Light infantry brigades equipped with small arms, machine guns, RPGs, body armor, and light armored vehicles
Mechanized infantry brigades with T-54/55 main battle tanks and BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles
77 Soviet-made T-72 tanks, donated by Hungary and refurbished to battle-ready condition
Plans to receive 280 M1A1M tanks between 2010 and 2013 1
Training and Development
The Iraqi Army has benefited from significant U.S. assistance in training and equipment. Between 2004 and 2014, the U.S. provided approximately $25 billion in training and equipment, in addition to funds from the Iraqi treasury 1.
This investment has aimed to transform the Iraqi Army into a modern, capable force.
Counter-Insurgency Focus
Following the Iraqi insurgency that emerged after the 2003 invasion, the Iraqi Army was redesigned as a counter-insurgency force.
This shift in focus has shaped its tactics and operations, emphasizing local security provision through infantry-led dismounted patrols 1.
Challenges and Ongoing Issues
Challenges and Ongoing Issues:
Despite its progress, the Iraqi Army faces several challenges:
Integration of militias: The army has struggled with the demobilization and integration of powerful Shiite militias that formed during the fight against the Islamic State3.
Political instability: Ongoing tensions between various political and ethnic groups in Iraq continue to affect the army’s operations and effectiveness3.
Sectarian balance
Efforts to integrate Sunni fighters into the predominantly Shiite force have been challenging but are crucial for national reconciliation5.
Logistical limitations: While the army has improved its tactical and operational capabilities, it still faces logistical constraints and lacks certain enablers5.
International Cooperation
While most foreign troops have withdrawn from Iraq, a small U.S. contingent of about 2,500 troops remains to train, advise, and assist the Iraqi military in fighting domestic terrorism. This ongoing cooperation aims further to enhance the Iraqi Army’s capabilities and effectiveness 1 3.
Future Outlook
The Iraqi Army continues to evolve and adapt to the changing security landscape in the region. Its future development will likely focus on:
Enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities
Improving logistical and support functions
Addressing sectarian balance within its ranks
Strengthening its ability to operate independently of foreign assistance
As the Iraqi Army marks its recent 101st anniversary, it stands at a crucial juncture in its history. With the formal conclusion of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq on December 31, 2021, the army now bears the primary responsibility for safeguarding the country’s security4.
The increasing efficiency and battle-readiness of the Iraqi armed forces, including state-allied paramilitaries, have been evident in recent years, particularly in the fight against the Islamic State group.
This improvement has contributed to maintaining relative peace in Baghdad and much of Iraq, despite ongoing challenges.
While the Iraqi Army has made significant strides, it continues to face complex challenges4.
These include balancing the integration of various militia groups, addressing sectarian tensions, and maintaining operational effectiveness in a volatile regional environment.
The army’s ability to navigate these challenges while continuing to develop its capabilities will be crucial for Iraq’s long-term stability and security.
In conclusion, the Iraqi Army of 2024 is a force in transition, building on its recent experiences and striving to bec
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