Spanish soldiers from the Legion and Regular Forces reinforce the training of snipers in Iraq

•  They have been trained in observation, target acquisition, and fire control as part of the Train the Trainers course

Spanish units deployed in Iraq—as part of the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI)—have played a key role in the practical phase of the “Train the Trainers” course for precision shooters, with their direct participation in training and live-fire shooting sessions for Iraqi army personnel.

The course lasted four weeks and aimed to train future instructors in the use and teaching of precision shooting techniques, an essential skill for ensuring the efficiency of military units in combating any threat, including terrorism, against the population.

This training activity has been led by two Spanish military officers assigned to the NMI: a colonel, as project manager, and a major as chief instructor, who are responsible for the technical and methodological coordination of the program.

On this occasion, the training of future military instructors in Iraq has been carried out by sharpshooters from the IV Bandera ‘Cristo de Lepanto’ of the 2nd Tercio ‘Duque de Alba’ and the Tabor de Regulares No. 54 ‘Tetuán’, whose operational and technical experience has enabled the development of observation, target acquisition and fire control exercises; as well as providing a high-level professional reference for the Iraqi participants. These instructors, who have a high level of operational training, are part of the Force Protection unit of the NATO mission in Iraq.

Finally, this collaboration contributes decisively to consolidating the capabilities of the Iraqi Land Forces Command, within the framework of the institutional strengthening project led by the NMI, while highlighting the professionalism and commitment of the Spanish Armed Forces to the stability and security of Iraq.

Spain's participation in Iraq

Spain participates in the two international missions deployed in Iraq: the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) and Operation Inherent Resolve, led by the International Coalition to Fight Daesh.

The NATO mission in Iraq aims to help strengthen Iraqi security forces and military education institutions by training and advising defence and security officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and military schools and institutions. NMI fully integrates civilian and military personnel, with the aim of multiplying the effectiveness of NATO's efforts and maximising cooperation with other entities on the ground. Currently, the Spanish contingent provides the most personnel to NMI.