Spanish protection teams ensure the security of movements of the NATO Mission in Iraq

• Sergeant Vallecillo, who heads this team of Spanish military personnel, emphasises that specialisation, discipline and anticipation are essential in the complex and demanding environment of the mission

Spanish protection teams, part of the NATO Mission Iraq Force Protection Unit (NMI), are responsible for ensuring the security of movements in the complex and demanding environment of this operation.

One of these teams is led by Spanish Sergeant Vallecillo, responsible for the security of military advisors during their movements. ‘Military advisors take responsibility for advising and training, while we ensure they can do their job in a protected environment. Without security, no mission is possible’, says Vallecillo.

This is a task that requires detailed planning and execution, which begins long before the displacement starts. ‘Nothing is left to chance. From the very beginning, we check vehicles, verify communications and review planned itineraries. Short before departing, we hold a briefing in which team members learn their assignments. Discipline and anticipation are our best allies,’ explains Sergeant Vallecillo.

‘Security escorts in Baghdad are not simple trips. Instead, these displacements are calculated in detail, influenced by factors such as the security situation in each sector, traffic conditions, and access to the so-called green and red zones. A split second of hesitation can make a difference,’ adds the Sergeant.

‘When it's time to return, there is still work to be done, as it is very important to perform a comprehensive analysis of the operation. There are always lessons to be learned. We review what went well, what can be improved and how to do it next time. This is the way to maintain a high and consistent level of preparedness throughout our mission,’ explains Vallecillo.

All in all, although his role is focused on security, the Sergeant acknowledges that these missions also leave a mark on a personal level, because ‘spending so many hours with the advisors, some of whom are Spanish, builds trust. A bond beyond the professional relationship  is established. They know that their security is in our hands and we value their work because, in the end, we are all here for the same goal: to help restore security in Iraq. We don't appear in the photos or reports, but we know that without us their work would not be possible, and that is our greatest motivation and pride.’

NMI Iraq

The NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) began in 2018 as a non-combat operation, whose primary purpose is to advise and strengthen Iraqi security institutions so that they can independently ensure the country's stability. Within these parameters, the aim is to help Iraq consolidate sustainable and professional armed forces capable of preventing the resurgence of terrorism while strengthening regional security.

In this context, Spain contributes to this mission with specialised personnel in different areas, from officers integrated into NATO Headquarters in Baghdad to instructors and advisors in various Iraqi schools. The Spanish contribution also comprises personnel for the protection teams belonging to the Force Protection Unit, responsible for ensuring the security of movements in such a complex and demanding environment.

This protection work requires intensive preparation. For this reason, Spanish military personnel deployed in the NMI receive prior to deployment specific training in tactical driving, incident response, combat casualty care, languages and multinational coordination.

Spain strengthens the cohesion of the Atlantic Alliance in a key scenario for the Middle East stability, thanks to the military personnel who take responsibility of their colleagues´s security. They are faithful to the motto ‘being an escort is to be a guardian, and being a guardian is to always be one step ahead’.

Spain's involvement in Iraq

Spain is involved in the two international missions deployed in Iraq: the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) and Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), led by the International Coalition to Fight Daesh, where Spain maintains a special operations task group (SOTG).