RFG: NTM-I 2007 PERIODIC MISSION REVIEW

UNCLAS USNATO 000585 SIPDIS SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO RPM: CDAVY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: NATO PREL SUBJECT: RFG: NTM-I 2007 PERIODIC MISSION REVIEW ¶1. SUMMARY: This is an action request, see paragraph 4. The Autumn 2007 Periodic Mission Review (PMR) of NATO Training Mission - Iraq (NTM-I) has passed NATO's Military Committee (MC) and the Policy Coordination Group (PCG) will meet on November 9 to consider recommendations to the North Atlantic Council (NAC). Mission requests guidance for the PCG discussion on the PMR text. END SUMMARY. ¶2. The PMR has passed through the MC without a break of silence. (The PMR and attachments were e-mailed to EUR/RPM). The Iraqi Military Academy at Ar Rustamiyah (IMAR) is where NTM-I has focused its training efforts, with over 4500 Iraqis having been trained there and the Iraqi Joint Staff College and Iraqi Training and Doctrine Command having been established there. NTM-I always envisioned that its training mission would transition to a mentoring role, and this is set to happen at IMAR in August 2008 when the permanent NTM-I footprint will be removed. ¶3. However, some Allies are construing the success at IMAR to mean that the entire NTM-I mission is poised to move to its end-state. And unfortunately, the PCG cover letter, from the office of A/SYG Martin Howard, states: "NATO's mentoring role in Iraq can expect to conclude by August 2008 with the mission having reached its initial objectives." The PMR itself notes that a "political decision will be needed in spring 2008 as to whether the mission should terminate or continue to provide niche capabilities." The Iraqi government has made a number of requests for such additional niche training. ¶4. USNATO requests specific guidance on the draft PMR for the November 9 PCG meeting to enable post to shape the PMR to make it consistent with our long-term vision for NTM-I, ie. to preserve our option to maintain NTM-I and to be able to respond to any future Iraqi requests for training. NULAND