NTM-I Introduces New Advisor for Training to Minister of Defence

Iraqi Minister of Defence Abdul Qader (right) greets Italian army Col. Giuseppe Clemente, incoming NATO liaison advisor to for training (left)

BAGHDAD, Iraq, 6th September 09 – A new NATO liaison advisor to the Iraqi Minister of Defense began duties Sept. 6 following an introduction by the commanding general of NATO-Training Mission-Iraq, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick.

Italian Army Col. Giuseppe Clemente replaced Italian Army Col. Giovanni Cantice in the high-level position as Advisor for Training.

Clemente arrives from an assignment as the Chief of the Cabinet for the Italian Under Secretary of Defence based in Rome. He also has worked at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium as a Policy Chief for the Mediterranean Dialogue Partnership Program with North Africa and Arabic countries.

In his position as Advisor for Training, Clemente is responsible for ensuring the Iraqi military understands NATO security doctrine and techniques that are being taught at the various Iraq military academies and institutions throughout the nation.

Cantice departs Iraq to command an Italian regiment based in south-central Italy.