Free Iraqi Forces (FIF) | |
---|---|
Leaders | Ahmad Chalabi |
Dates of operation | 2003 |
Country | Iraq |
Allegiance | Multi-National Force - Iraq Republic of Iraq |
Motives | Overthrow of the government of Ba'athist Iraq |
Status | Dissolved |
Part of | Iraqi National Congress (2003) |
The Free Iraqi Forces (FIF) were a militia made up of Iraqi expatriates, who served in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and its aftermath, under the control of Ahmed Chalabi's Iraqi National Congress government-in-exile. The specifically paramilitary branch of the program was also known as the Free Iraqi Fighting Forces (FIFF), while other elements served as interpreters or on civil affairs projects. [1] [2]
The original intent of the American Office of the Secretary of Defense was to recruit and train 3,000 Iraqi expatriates in Taszar, Hungary in preparation for the war. [1] Recruitment, however, fell well below the target number, and were of dubious military utility, ranging from ages 18 to 55. [3]
The program was seen as unsuccessful, with at one point some US$63 million spent to recruit and train 69 troops for the FIF, and the program was dissolved in April 2003. The FIFF never numbered more than 500 troops. [4] The units were also seen as undisciplined and pro-Shia and anti-Sunni, and engaged in looting. [5]
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The Iraqi Armed Forces are the military forces of the Republic of Iraq. They consist of the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi Air Force, and the Iraqi Navy. Along with these three primary service branches, there exists the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service and the Popular Mobilization Forces. The President of Iraq acts as the supreme commander as outlined by the constitution.
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