BAGHDAD – Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, NATO Training Mission – Iraq Commander, announced Nov. 23 that the three National Operations Centers in Baghdad: the Prime Minister’s National Operations Centre; the Ministry of Interior National Command Centre; and the Ministry of Defence Joint Operations Centre have all achieved the Self Sustaining Capability.
This milestone result was announced during a ceremony held at The Prime Ministers National Operations Centre.
“It is vital that we recognize the outstanding professionalism and commitment demonstrated by all Operational Centers’ Staff and the support provided by NTM-I SSAMD, without which, this achievement would not have been possible”, said General Barbero.
The ceremony was also attended by Lt. Gen. Hussein Jassim Salim Dohi, Iraqi Deputy Chief of Staff of Training; Maj. Gen. Claudio Angelelli, NATO Training Mission – Iraq Deputy Commander; Brig. Gen. Hadi Thajil Yassin, MoI NCC Director; Brig Gen. Raad Talib MoD JOC Director; Mr. Hussain Mohammed Abdul, Prime Minister NOC Director; Col. Ion Cioaba, Strategic and NTM-I Security Advisors and Mentoring Division Head other Iraqi and NTM-I delegates.
“The development of our Operational Centers to this point would have not been possible without your strong and persistent efforts, bearing in mind that Iraq must have a modern, developed Command and Control system, managed by efficient and trained Officers”, said Hussein.
“NATO support has been continuous and an extremely good team work between the Iraqi and NATO Officers has been carried out. As we appreciate your efforts and role, we hope that the cooperation and communication between us will continue in order to achieve our common goals”, continued Hussein.
Having now completed the rest of the original tasks and addressed those additional ones identified earlier this year, Self Sustaining Capability is a significant milestone which acknowledges the professional results and outstanding progresses that has been achieved over the past years by the three Operational Centers.
Two significant events for the Iraqi Command and Control structures and organizations regeneration include: The centre’s reaching Full Operational Capability in July 2009, and the support that they provided to the Government of Iraq during the elections in March.
Moreover, the achievement of SSC recognizes the continued incorporation of Standard Operating Procedures and processes based on NATO Publications, Directives and Doctrine that enable an effective, sustainable, command and control which, in-turn, leads to improved operational results.
“Building an operational capability that is effective, sustainable and supports the Iraqi National Security Infrastructure while addressing the security needs of the Iraqi people, has been a significant challenge,” said Barbero.
“All three Operational Centers were, and still are, playing a crucial role in the continuous reconstruction and development of Iraq and its Institutions,” said Barbero.
“Keeping the ‘momentum’ is essential to achieve many more successes as Iraq continues to rebuild and regenerate its military capability,” said Barbero.
“The leadership of each Operations Centre’s is fully aware of their responsibilities and, without exception, knows when, what and where they must act to keep this ‘momentum’ and to continue the Operational Capability development,” said Barbero.
The Iraqi Ops Centre’s have the tools they need to support an Iraqi run and led security organization that can deliver tangible and measurable effects.
“2010 has been a significant one in Iraq, but, with the achievement of SSC by the Operations Centre’s, this goal have set a precedent for others to follow and will ensure that 2011 will be even better,” continued Barbero.