Free Iraqi Forces

An FIF soldier in an American camouflage uniform
Flag of the Free Iraqi Forces (FIF), seen on Free Iraqi Forces militiamen’s uniform as a flag sleeve patch, and sometimes flown during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Free Iraqi Forces (FIF)
LeadersAhmad Chalabi
Dates of operation2003
CountryIraq
Allegiance :Multi-National Force - Iraq Iraq
MotivesOverthrow of the government of Ba'athist Iraq
StatusDissolved
Part ofIraqi 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.

Composition

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. Recruitment, however, fell well below the target number, and were of dubious military utility, ranging from ages 18 to 55.

Operations

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. The units were also seen as undisciplined and pro-Shia and anti-Sunni, and engaged in looting.

Free Iraqi Forces (FIF) desert battle dress uniform with insignia (Private collection of P-E / Militariabelgium)

This page was last updated at 2024-01-17 08:23 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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