Strategic Security Advisory & Mentoring Division
In coordination with JFC Naples and USF-I, SSAMD assists ISF through mentoring and advising, supporting continued development of the National C2 system and contributing to the development of a self-sufficient, sustainable and effective Security Force. This aligns with the desired end state for a self-sustaining training process that produces functioning and adaptive National Operations Centre's (Prime Minister's National Operations Centre (PM NOC), Ministry of Interior National Command Centre (MOI NCC) and the Ministry of Defence Joint Operations Centre (MOD JOC)) with structures that meet the present and future security challenges.
To date, this has been achieved by focusing on the training development of staff skills (through use of in-country and out of country courses) and professional competencies that are required to enable effective communication and build confidence in the decision-making process. SSAMD have also supported the Operation Centre's during Iraqi planned and executed national-level Command and Control exercises, improving capability and enhancing information exchange at national, strategic and operational levels. These individual elements led to the declaration of Full Operating Capability in July 2009 and have contributed to the successful conduct of the Government of Iraq elections in March 2010 and the achievement of Sustaining Capability.
SSAMD has already completed the majority of directed tasks. However, ongoing analysis has identified some additional elements (training plans and processes which enable sustained self-sufficient development, in country C2 education and functioning information sharing networks) that are required before Self Sustaining Capability can be achieved. Once completed, SSAMD will have created the conditions to declare mission success and redeploy assets as directed or required.
After 5 years of providing the Iraqi Operations Centres with direct and focused training, the Commander NATO Training Mission-Iraq declared on 23 November 2010 that they had achieved a Self-Sustaining Capability at a short ceremony in the Prime Minister's National Operation Centre. The ceremony was attended by key representatives from all three Operations Centres.
With effect 1 December 2010 until 31 March 2011, the NATO Training Mission – Iraq will now deploy the 3 remaining SSAMD advisors as Liaison Officers to the National Operations Centres to continue to monitor that progress is being maintained and to assist in the establishment and development of Enduring partnerships with other Crisis Management centres within Europe and the Region.
