Military

Coalition Joint Task Force 7 [CJTF 7]

Though originally overseen by the commander of ARCENT, Coalition Joint Task Force 7 replaced Coalition Forces Land Component Command around mid-June 2003 and began to report directly to the CENTCOM combatant commander. The commanding general of V Corps, Lt. Gen. William S. Wallace initially took over the unit until he was replaced by Lt. General Ricardo Sanchez in July 2003.

CTF 7 had operation control of all forces within Iraq, including a multinational forces of soldiers from England, Spain, Australia and other countries.

Initially CJTF 7 command staff was comprised of V Corps soldiers until enough additional personnel could be allocated.

On May 15, 2004 CJTF-7 was replaced by Multinational Corps Iraq and Multinational Force Iraq. The decision to disband CJTF-7 and to distribute its mission to two organizations was reportedly made roughly six months prior to the event, and was due to concerns that strategic and day-to-day concerns would receive better attention with different commanders than with one single commander.

The deactivation of CJTF-7 came just 11 months after its creation June 14. CJTF-7 conducted offensive operations to neutralize and secure the area for the establishment of government for the Coalition Provisional Authority. CJTF-7 was also responsible for organizing, training and certifying the Iraqi Armed Forces. With more than 130,000 troops from more than 36 countries around the world, CJTF-7 had led an international effort in Iraq.