Iraqi special operations force black uniform
The Iraqi Special Operations Force was created in 2003 and trained by U.S Special Forces and coalition troops after OIF. They have been involved in heavy fighting against terrorist groups like ISIS and are ranked the 13th most experienced Special Forces group in the world. This black uniform is a staple of the I.S.O.F and is used as a psychological tactic to strike fear into their enemies and to differentiate them from the regular Iraqi soldier. It shows their opponent that they are fighting Iraq's best and most elite fighting unit.
PRE ISIS (2003 - 2013): YES
WAR ON ISIS (2013 - 2019): YES
POST ISIS (2019 -): YES
This is the standard ISOF black uniform. They are imported from China, hence the yellow tag, and are in the style of the US ACU uniform. They have velcro on the shoulders and chest for patches, and the pants have a good array of pockets. Overall, they are of good quality and can withstand the harsh conditions of Iraq, as tested during the War on ISIS.
PRE ISIS (2003 - 2013): YES
WAR ON ISIS (2013 - 2019): YES
POST ISIS (2019 -): yes
This black uniform here is a peculiar one. It does not have the usual yellow chinese import tag seen on the majority of black ISOF uniforms and is noticeably cheaper in quality. It's construction is crude and it is missing the velcro strips above both slanted pockets on the front. The pants have reinforced knee pads, which is uncommon, and 2 pockets on the pants were removed by the soldier and possibly moved to the rear. The tags suggest the uniform is chinese made, but that cannot be confirmed.
This was sourced out of Iraq in 2019
This was sourced out of Iraq in 2019
PRE ISIS (2003 - 2013): No
WAR ON ISIS (2013 - 2019): Unknown
POST ISIS (2019 -): YES
This is a custom tailored ISOF officer's uniform made of ripstop and with exposed button pockets sourced from Iraq in July 2023. Similar ones have been exhibited in use during the past year or so.
PRE ISIS (2003 - 2013): No
WAR ON ISIS (2013 - 2019): YES
POST ISIS (2019 -): YES
Here's another custom tailored ISOF black officer's uniform, this time in a very small size and with covered buttons sourced from Iraq in July 2023. Similar tailored uniforms have been used for many years prior.