Iraqi Security Force Update: November 2009

Montrose Toast ^ | 2 November 2009 | DJ Elliott

[DJ Elliott]

This Iraqi Security Force Update provides a summary of changes to the ISF during October 2009. The Iraqi Security Force Order of Battle as of 31 October 2009 is published at Montrose Toast.

Joint Special Forces Strike Teams [Battalions]

In late 2007, Prime Minister Maliki announced plans for “elite” quick reaction force (QRF) battalions in the Iraqi Army. These battalions were to be equipped with the most modern light armor and used for counter-insurgency.

During the same time-period, eight battalions worth [336] of BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers were ordered via US Foreign Military Sales. The BTR-3E1s were cancelled in 2008 before delivery. However, the counter-insurgency requirement for eight battalions of light armored vehicles [like the BTR-3E1] remained.

Also, the QRF battalions were not formed. Those personnel were needed as experienced cadre for the rapidly expanding Iraqi Army: The “Real Surge” from 10 Iraqi Army divisions with 35 subordinate brigades to the current 14 divisions with 57 brigades.

In October 2009, the first reports that those planned “elite” QRF battalions were finally starting to form was released.