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Obama Poised to Approve Deployment of Hundreds of US Training Personnel to Iraq

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Obama administration is considering authorizing an increase of under 500 US troops to Iraq, aiming to boost the capacity of the Iraqi army and Sunni tribal fighters to counter the Islamic State group's gains. The addition of hundreds more US training personnel comes as recent IS victories in Ramadi and Syria's Palmyra have thrown into doubt Obama's strategy of relying on US airpower and Iraqi ground forces. In response, the Pentagon has drawn up plans to augment the existing US mission, focusing on training more Iraqi security forces, particularly Sunni volunteers, who are crucial to winning the war in Ramadi and the surrounding Anbar province.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Obama administration is considering deploying under 500 additional US trainers to Iraq to augment the existing US mission.
  • The US training effort will place a particular emphasis on training Sunni tribal fighters, who are key to victory in Ramadi and the surrounding Anbar province.
  • The current US mission comprises roughly 3,000 advisers and trainers, with a plan to increase the number of training sites from four to support a larger deployment.
  • The training will aim to produce more Sunni volunteers who are able to fight against the Islamic State group.
  • Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's government has struggled to provide enough recruits for courses and ensuring units show up properly equipped.
  • The US-led coalition has trained 8,920 Iraqi troops so far in basic combat skills and 2,601 are currently undergoing courses.

Statistics:

  • The US mission in Iraq currently comprises roughly 3,000 advisers and trainers.
  • The US-led coalition has trained 8,920 Iraqi troops so far in basic combat skills.
  • 2,601 Iraqi troops are currently undergoing training courses.
  • The existing US mission includes four training sites.
  • IS fighters have captured the western city of Ramadi, which fell to them on May 17.

Sources:

  • National Security Council spokesman Alistair Baskey
  • Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven Warren
  • US President Barack Obama
  • Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi
  • News Point, June 10
  • AFP

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