Baghdad –
Defense attachés from more than 20 Global Coalition countries participated in a defense attaché forum here March 17, 2022, hosted by Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, at the British Embassy in Iraq.
“There are inherent complexities for which we must develop simple solutions. Developing these solutions requires many brains,” said British Army Brigadier Karl Harris, the Deputy Commanding General of Combined Joint Task Force – Inherent Resolve. “At this forum we are drawing on different perspectives to inform how we continue to help our partners take steps forward.”
The invited defense attachés discussed topics related to maintaining the enduring defeat of Da’esh, including CJTF-OIR’s updated campaign plan, regional security, and competition in the information environment.
“The competitive nature of the information environment in this region requires a collaborative approach,” said Canadian Army Col. Ryan Jurkowski, the director of the CJTF-OIR Directorate of Strategic Communication. “We recognize that success in this realm depends on efforts by all our partners.”
The forum also served as relationship-building opportunity for Global Coalition members to share information and provide feedback on future opportunities, security posturing and maintaining viability in the information environment.
“We completed combat operations last year and have shifted to an advise, assist and enable mission to develop our partner forces to sustain security and maintain the defeat of Da’esh,” said British Lt Col Richard Cave, the chief of strategy and plans for CJTF-OIR. “We are but one line of effort by the Global Coalition; there are other organizations in the region that help maintain the defeat of Da’esh, and there needs to be synergy among us.”
The event complements the upcoming CJTF-OIR Ambassador’s Day and supports future collaborative planning among Coalition members.
“This forum draws on the solidarity that comes from serving in the profession of arms,” Harris added at the conclusion of the event as he thanked the participants for investing their time and sharing their thoughts.
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