The Free Iraqi Forces (FIF) were a militia made up of Iraqi expatriates, who served in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and its aftermath, under the control of Ahmed Chalabi's Iraqi National Congress government-in-exile. The specifically paramilitary branch of the program was also known as the Free Iraqi Fighting Forces (FIFF), while other elements served as interpreters or on civil affairs projects.[1][2]
| Free Iraqi Forces (FIF) | |
|---|---|
 Flag of the Free Iraqi Forces (FIF), seen on Free Iraqi Forces militiamen’s uniform as a flag sleeve patch, and sometimes flown during the invasion of Iraq. | |
| Leaders | Ahmad Chalabi |
| Dates of operation | 2003 |
| Country | Iraq |
| Allegiance |  Multi-National Force - Iraq Republic of Iraq |
| Motives | Overthrow of the government of Ba'athist Iraq |
| Status | Dissolved |
| Part of | Iraqi National Congress (2003) |
Composition
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The original intent of the American Office of the Secretary of Defense was to recruit and train 3,000 Iraqi expatriates in Taszar, Hungary in preparation for the war.[1] Recruitment, however, fell well below the target number, and were of dubious military utility, ranging from ages 18 to 55.[3]
Operations
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The program was seen as unsuccessful, with at one point some US$63 million spent to recruit and train 69 troops for the FIF, and the program was dissolved in April 2003. The FIFF never numbered more than 500 troops.[4] The units were also seen as undisciplined and pro-Shia and anti-Sunni, and engaged in looting.[5]