Iraq Assistance Group
The Iraq Assistance Group (IAG) was a U.S. military command underneath Multi-National Corps-Iraq that coordinated military transition teams assigned to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) including the Iraqi Army, Federal Police, Department of Border Enforcement, Ports of Entry Directorate and provincial police. These teams provide partnership, mentoring and training to assist their ISF partners in achieving full operational effectiveness and facilitating the transition of internal security to Iraqi control. The Iraq Assistance Group itself was a joint command formed from the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division and composed of mostly Army soldiers but also including a sizable contingent of sailors, airmen and marines as well as members of foreign militaries.
| Iraq Assistance Group | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 2005–2009 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | Joint Command |
| Size | ~150 |
| Part of | Multi-National Corps - Iraq |
| Headquarters | Camp Victory, Baghdad |
| Engagements | Iraq War |
| Decorations | Joint Meritorious Unit Award |
The setup and mission of the Iraq Assistance Group was similar to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) and Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) that sent American military advisors to train, advise and mentor members of foreign militaries in Indochina, specifically the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), Republic of Vietnam Marine Corps, Republic of Vietnam Navy and the Republic of Vietnam Air Force.
The Iraq Assistance Group and the transition teams it supported played a pivotal role in the success of the coalition strategy in Iraq which has made possible the planned redeployment of all US forces in Iraq in accordance with the U.S.-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement.
Dissolution
As the security situation in Iraq improved along with the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces, the primary focus of coalition forces shifted from combat operations to partnership and mentoring. As a result, it was decided to merge the Iraq Assistance Group back into its parent command. On 3 June 2009, the Iraq Assistance Group cased its colors and its functions and personnel were merged into Multi-National Corps-Iraq.
Training
Currently all Army Military Transition Teams (MiTTs), receive training at Fort Riley, Kansas and Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Marine Corps MiTTs receive training both at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, CA and the Advisor Training Group on Camp Pendleton, CA. Both the Army and Marine Corps teams then conduct their final in-theater training at what was formerly the Phoenix Academy located in Taji, Iraq before they are assigned to their Iraqi Army, Police or Border units. As of early 2009 the Phoenix Academy has merged with the former COIN CFE (Counter Insurgency Center for Excellence) to become COINSOC (Counter Insurgency Stability Operations Center).
Commanding Generals
- Major General John P. McLaren – Commander 2005 to 2006
- Brigadier General Dana J.H. Pittard – Commander June 2006 to 30 June 2007
- Brigadier General James C. Yarbrough – Commander 30 June 2007 to July 2008.
- Brigadier General Keith C. Walker – Commander July 2008 to June 2009, when unit conducted the casing of colors.