about Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF)? If you're like me and the other reporters on the phone yesterday morning with Capt. Michael Zamesnik, USN, MNSTC-I, not very much.
Still we didn't get to hear much beyond "like other special forces units, they're kicking a--." We might get to hear more later. We might not.
But I thought it would be interesting to do a little research to see what the Internet knows about ISOF.
Turns out, not much. I can't find much about the ISOF that's recent -- in websites, news, or weblogs. Can you? If so, put it in the comments!
Here's an informational report from May 2006, Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq (PDF):
The Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) are composed of approximately 1,600 trained and equipped personnel organized into the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Task Force (ICTF), the Iraqi Commandos, a support battalion, and a special reconnaissance unit. The ISOF will complete force generation by the summer of 2006. The ICTF and Commandos continue to conduct reconnaissance and direct action missions throughout the nation, demonstrating their high level of expertise, reliability, and effectiveness in accomplishing their mission. The ISOF continue to operate primarily with U.S. equipment, including the M4 carbine, M240 machine guns, M2 heavy machine guns, and up-armored HMMWVs. These forces are fully equipped for performing diverse combat missions, although they require some Coalition support to enable them to deploy rapidly nationwide.
The training program for these personnel has remained a rigorous and intense process that includes an extensive assessment and selection program prior to indoctrination. Coalition units continue to mentor and provide guidance to these highly skilled and motivated forces, increasing their growth and professionalization.
Here's a CENTCOM press release from this time last year: IRAQI SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES CONDUCT OPERATION IN BAGHDAD
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Soldiers from the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 1st Iraqi Special Operations Forces Brigade, conducted a coordinated operation in northeast Baghdad March 26 to capture and detain insurgents responsible for kidnapping and execution activities.
A few other links:
Turning Iraqi Recruits into Commandos
SOCCENT Warrior - Leading the Fight in the Hot Spots: Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa
Iraqi operators train with best
--Sean Meade
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