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What is NTM-I?

The NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) was established in 2004 at the request of the Iraqi Interim Government under the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1546. The aim of NTM-I is to assist in the development of Iraqi security forces training structures and institutions so that Iraq can build an effective and sustainable capability that address the needs of the nation. NTM-I is not a combat mission but is a distinct mission, under the political control of NATO's North Atlantic Council. Its operational emphasis is on training and mentoring. The activities of the mission are coordinated with Iraqi authorities and the US-led Deputy Commanding General Advising and Training (DCG (A&T)) who is also dual-hatted as the Commander of NTM-I.
 
NTM-I delivers its training, advice and mentoring support along three main lines of activity:
  • Support to the Iraqi Command and Control structure.
  • The professionalization of Iraqi Armed Forces Officers training and education and the professional development at the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy both within Iraq and abroad. Complementing institutional education is the NTM-I role in developing Iraqi doctrine. Finally, supporting this line of activity is NATO out-of-country training which has seen over 1800 members of the Iraqi security forces attend specialized training abroad since 2004. 
  • Professionalization of the Iraqi Federal Police through the Carabinieri-led training.
The challenge for the future of NTM-I rests in the transition from being a training provider to becoming a mentor of trainers and ultimately establishing the capability for Iraq to autonomously organise and direct security force training as part of a broader strategic relationship with NATO. 2010 will be a significant year in Iraq, as the United States continues to withdraw their combat forces and the Iraqi Security Forces take on further security responsibilities. The future main activities will be the standardisation of Iraqi Officer Education and Training (OET), the training of the Iraqi Federal Police and the assistance to the Directorate of Border Security.
 
Through its activities NTM-I is also helping pave the way for a long-term relationship between the Alliance and Iraq under a Structured Cooperation Framework.