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News | Jan. 18, 2017

Combined Joint Operations Center-Baghdad brings Coalition together for Operation Inherent Resolve

By U.S. Army Spc. Anna Pongo CJTFOIR

The Combined Joint Operations Center -- Baghdad (CJOC-B) brings together Coalition members of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command -- Operation Inherent Resolve, in an international partnership to assist the Iraqi Security Forces in the on-going effort to defeat the Islamic State of the Levant in Iraq. 

U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Tillman, CJOC-B Air Advisor, discusses logistics with Iraqi Brig. Gen. Mustafa, Iraq Air Director, in the Combined Joint Operations Center -- Baghdad, Jan. 7. The multi-national Coalition provides assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces in the ongoing effort to defeat the Islamic State of the Levant.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Tillman, CJOC-B Air Advisor, discusses logistics with Iraqi Brig. Gen. Mustafa, Iraq Air Director, in the Combined Joint Operations Center -- Baghdad, Jan. 7. The multi-national Coalition provides assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces in the ongoing effort to defeat the Islamic State of the Levant.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Tillman, CJOC-B Air Advisor, discusses logistics with Iraqi Brig. Gen. Mustafa, Iraq Air Director, in the Combined Joint Operations Center -- Baghdad, Jan. 7. The multi-national Coalition provides assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces in the ongoing effort to defeat the Islamic State of the Levant.
The Combined Joint Operations Center -- Baghdad (CJOC-B)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Tillman, CJOC-B Air Advisor, discusses logistics with Iraqi Brig. Gen. Mustafa, Iraq Air Director, in the Combined Joint Operations Center -- Baghdad, Jan. 7. The multi-national Coalition provides assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces in the ongoing effort to defeat the Islamic State of the Levant.
Photo By: Spc. Anna Pongo
VIRIN: 170118-M-LM227-001


The CJOC-B, located on Union III, Baghdad, Iraq, is the control center where Iraqi and Coalition leadership come together in a single operations center. It joins collect military expertise of American, French, Spanish, Italian, British, Australian and Iraqi militaries under one roof to foster effective communication between each section's Coalition and their Iraqi counterparts. 


"It's the one place that brings together the international Coalition and the Iraqi's operational leadership to fulfill what the CJFLCC is working to do with their 'Advise and Assist' mission," said U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Christopher Troy Cable, deputy director, CJOC-B. "We are here to advise and assist the Iraqi Security Forces in the successful liberation of their country and the defeat of ISIL. CJOC-B allows (the Coalition) to stay connected at the operational level with the Iraqis. This is really the Iraqi's plan, their country and their execution. It is their forces that are fighting. So it's really up to them how they do this." 


Iraqi Cpt. Rami Imad Abed Al Hadi, media operations officer, War Media Cell, agreed that the greatest benefit of the CJOC-B was synchronization.
"(The CJOC-B) provides coordination between the Coalition forces and us," said Al Hadi. "The Coalition provides a big help for the Iraqi Security Forces in order to help us liberate Mosul." 


The ISF have increased their capabilities as a fighting force through Coalition-led training at multiple locations around Iraq. 
The Coalition is able help the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) by increasing their capabilities in almost all functional warfighting areas including: planning, operations, surveillance and reconnaissance, intelligence and logistical operations.


Through daily meetings between liaison officers, a successful and timely coordination is made possible said U.S. Marine Cpt. Stephen Mulcahy, battle captain, CJOC-B.


"(The partnership) absolutely increases my ability to do my job," Mulcahy said. "My job is to battle-track all friendly force positions throughout the area of operation, and one of the most important things that the Iraqis do is provide the Iraqi perspective."
All sections work together to provide advice to ensure that the needs of the ISF aligns with what the Coalition is able to support. 
Those needs range from the planning and execution of the day-to-day kinetic strikes, to supporting the combat operations - all the way down to daily equipment maintenance.


In addition to tangible value added through collaboration, are the bonds and friendships that are being formed through the exchange of culture, language and shared experiences.


"The relationships that are being built inside this building will extend far beyond the campaign plan," said Cable. "I hope that it establishes a long lasting relationship between the Coalition and Iraqi forces that allows for an enduring partnership ... We want to help stabilize this region and provide to the Iraqi people the freedom to choose their own future."