Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service Successes on Ground and in Recruiting

Photo By Sgt. Mitchell Ryan | An Iraqi special operations forces sniper provides cover for Iraqi special operations forces soldiers during a field training exercise in Baghdad, May 15, 2017. This training is part of the overall Combined Joint Task Force– Operation Inherent Resolve building partner capacity mission by training and improving the capability of partnered forces fighting ISIS. CJTF–OIR is the global Coalition to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mitchell Ryan)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.17.2017

Story by Sgt. Joshua Brownlee 

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve   

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service’s victories on the ground translated to recent recruiting victories when they launched an online recruitment campaign May 10 and they received over 300,000 applications.
The CTS opened up online applications to those willing to fight in its elite ranks and the large, immediate response was surprising.
“Many young Iraqis are enthusiastic about being part of an elite force that counters terrorists,” said Iraqi CTS Maj. Gen. Falah Al Mohamedawi, Special Operations Academy Director.
Volunteers submitted more than 780 applications within the first hour of site activation. After two hours, that number grew to more than 6,300. Finally, when the application period closed after three days, the application list grew to over 300,000, far surpassing the recruiting campaign’s goals and creating a massive recruiting pool.
“The huge response to the CTS’ recent recruiting drive shows that their non-sectarian, politically neutral nature, along with their significant contribution to defeating ISIS, have made them one of the most popular forces in Iraq,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Patrick Roberson, the Deputy Commanding General for Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. “Their hard work fighting ISIS is clearly understood and appreciated by the Iraqi people,” said Roberson.
SOJTF-OIR Iraq is comprised of Coalition Special Operations Forces who advise and assist the CTS in their fight against ISIS.
In the operation to liberate Mosul from ISIS, the CTS liberated more than 54 percent of the city, totaling over 100 square kilometers of dense urban terrain. The CTS, backed by Coalition forces’ training and advising, have proven to be one of the most formidable Iraqi forces.
CTS will now choose the best applicants to continue through an intense selection process. Those selected will be trained and tested during 23 weeks of basic and specialty training, culminating in a large field training exercise ensuring the best candidates enter the CTS ranks. New CTS members will be integrated into their units and go on to Defeat ISIS and provide the defense for the country of Iraq. ISIS is the current target but we are helping to build the ISF for the long-term defense.
“The academy graduates 4,500 fighters annually,” Al Mohamedawi said. “Perhaps this number looks small, but our academy is in the business of forming an elite force. Our recruiting program encourages young Iraqis to join the Counter-Terrorism Service; we publicize these programs online on Facebook, YouTube and over the air on Iraqi satellite stations.”
The Iraqi instructors do the majority of the training and Coalition forces are there to advise and assist CTS trainers. The success of the efforts on the ground and the recruiting campaign, highlight the evolution of the Iraqi and Coalition partnership in the ultimate defeat of ISIS.

• Date Taken: 05.17.2017
• Date Posted: 05.21.2017 11:01
• Story ID: 234581
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ