Securing Democracy: The U.S. Military and Iraq’s 2005 Referendum

Strategic Context: A Nation at a Crossroads

Iraq’s Historic Inflection Point

By October 2005, Iraq stood at a historic inflection point. The constitutional referendum, scheduled for October 15, would determine whether Iraqis would ratify a new national charter—a crucial step toward democratic governance and stability. But this path to political transition was anything but secure.

Col. Joseph DiSalvo (left), commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, consults with an Iraqi Army officer about security measures near a polling site in Adhamiya on October 15. Iraqi soldiers took the lead in securing the referendum vote, while U.S. soldiers from Task Force Baghdad provided support by securing the outer perimeter

A Brewing Storm of Violence

Insurgent groups, particularly al‑Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), had vowed to disrupt the vote. Their goal was not only to undermine the political process but also to deepen sectarian divisions and discourage Sunni participation. Intelligence warned of impending attacks on polling sites, election workers, and voters themselves. As the date approached, violence surged across western Iraq, especially in hotbeds like Anbar Province and Mosul.

Coalition Commanders Brace for Impact

U.S. military and coalition commanders recognized that the referendum’s legitimacy hinged not just on the outcome—but on the ability of Iraqis to safely cast their votes. Protecting that process required a show of strength across the country.

From Baghdad to remote river towns near the Syrian border, American and Iraqi forces launched synchronized operations to root out insurgent cells and secure key infrastructure. According to U.S. Marine Corps sources, the effort called for a fusion of ground forces, aviation support, and local partnerships, all working toward the singular objective of a secure election.

Iraqi Security Forces laid barbed wire and, alongside U.S. Army soldiers, prepared polling sites with booths and checkpoints ahead of the October 15 Constitutional Referendum.

Joint Forces in Action

The U.S. military deployed thousands of troops, including Marines from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division’s 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Units like 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division partnered with Iraqi forces—including the 1st Mechanized Brigade of the 9th Iraqi Army Division—to conduct vehicle checkpoints, sweep neighborhoods, and protect polling centers.

In the air, MAG-26 helicopters provided rapid mobility and overwatch for ground troops, while Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 (MWSS-272) maintained critical logistical operations. Meanwhile, Iraqi Army and Special Forces took the lead in many regions—bolstering national legitimacy while gradually shifting operational responsibility from American hands to Iraqi command.

Clearing the Ground: Operations Ahead of the Vote

In the weeks leading up to the referendum, the U.S. military executed operations such as Operation River Gate, Iron Fist, and Liberty Express. These missions were designed to dismantle insurgent infrastructure across the Euphrates River Valley—especially in Anbar Province—to secure polling stations and disrupt militant supply chains.

Iraqi Army soldiers stayed alert near an Adhamiya voting site on Oct. 15, securing polling locations as citizens across the country participated in the historic referendum

Units on the Front Lines

Regimental Combat Team 2: Clearing the Way

Regimental Combat Team 2 (RCT‑2) from the 2nd Marine Division played a pivotal role in securing key towns such as Haditha and Barwana. Their operations focused on clearing insurgent strongholds and disrupting enemy supply routes. Working closely with Iraqi Army units, RCT-2 helped isolate insurgent elements and ensure safer conditions for the constitutional referendum by cutting off critical insurgent pathways.

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing: Lifeline from the Skies

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) provided essential aerial support throughout the referendum period. Under Operation Liberty Express, Marines flew helicopters and transport aircraft that airlifted Iraqi poll workers, ballots, and critical supplies to remote and hard-to-reach polling sites. Many aircrews worked grueling 18-hour shifts, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the democratic process could proceed unhindered.

Ballots for Iraq’s Constitutional Referendum were stacked on a table as U.S. Army soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces worked together to set up polling booths, security checkpoints, and rehearse for the October 15 vote

Marine Aircraft Group 26 and Aviation Support

Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG‑26), along with other aviation units, conducted a range of critical missions including reconnaissance, close air support, and troop transport. Their efforts were instrumental in supporting both U.S. and Iraqi ground forces by securing remote polling locations and responding rapidly to insurgent threats during the referendum.

Ground Support by Marine Wing Headquarters and Support Squadrons

Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, both components of the 2nd MAW, played vital roles providing ground logistical support and maintaining security throughout the referendum. Their work ensured that aviation assets could operate efficiently and that coalition forces maintained a secure environment for voters.

Iraqi citizens lined up outside a polling site in a Baghdad neighborhood during the first hour of voting on the Constitutional Referendum. Around 15.5 million people were registered to vote at one of the 6,230 polling centers across the country

U.S. Army Aviation Support: Day and Night Operations

Complementing Marine aviation efforts, U.S. Army aviation units also contributed significantly. Apache attack helicopters and Black Hawk transport aircraft from the 82nd Airborne Division conducted operations during both daytime and nighttime to secure polling sites. Their presence helped deter insurgent attacks and provided rapid mobility and firepower in volatile areas during the referendum.

Iraqi-American Cooperation

Joint Security at the Polling Sites

On election day, U.S. troops and Iraqi security forces worked side by side at polling stations across Iraq. Together, they patrolled streets, manned checkpoints, and maintained a vigilant presence to deter insurgent attacks. This collaborative security effort was crucial in creating a safe environment where Iraqi citizens could cast their votes without fear.

Lt. Col. Christopher Gibson, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, speaks with a crowd in Tall Afar, Iraq, about the importance of voting in the country’s constitutional referendum on October 15, 2005

Multinational Force West and Joint Readiness

Multinational Force West, under the command of Maj. Gen. Stephen Johnson, played a key role in orchestrating coalition and Iraqi efforts, particularly in volatile regions such as Anbar Province. Emphasizing strong joint readiness and cooperation, the force prioritized integrated operations that leveraged both American capabilities and the growing competence of Iraqi military and police units. This partnership marked an important step toward transferring security responsibilities to Iraqi forces.

Operation Liberty Express: Coordinated Support

Operation Liberty Express highlighted the depth of Iraqi-American cooperation by bringing together Marine and Army units with over 300 Iraqi poll workers each night. This mission exemplified the coordinated logistics and planning that ensured timely transport of ballots and election personnel, even into remote or contested areas. The seamless integration of coalition forces with Iraqi counterparts underscored the increasing trust and operational synchronization between the two.

Iraqi citizens cast their ballots today during the constitutional referendum election near Kadamiyah

Political Challenges and Sectarian Divides

The Sunni Arab Boycott Threat

Leading up to the referendum, Sunni Arab political groups voiced concerns over the draft constitution, claiming it unfairly favored Shiite and Kurdish interests. This threatened to reduce Sunni voter turnout and deepen sectarian divides, which insurgents exploited to fuel instability.

Kurdish and Shiite Mobilization

In contrast, Kurdish and Shiite factions mobilized heavily in favor of the constitution, seeing it as a critical step toward securing autonomy and political power. Their robust participation helped offset Sunni reluctance and lent legitimacy to the overall vote.

An Iraqi Police officer frisked a local resident before he entered a polling station to vote in the Constitutional Referendum on Oct. 15

The Referendum as a Catalyst for National Dialogue

While the vote was contentious, it sparked renewed discussions among Iraq’s diverse communities about power sharing, federalism, and minority rights. The military’s role in providing security helped create the conditions for this fragile but necessary political dialogue.

Voter Turnout and Security Success

Overcoming the Threat of Violence

Despite ongoing insurgent threats and sporadic acts of violence, the Iraqi people demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Many voters defied intimidation tactics and persisted in making their voices heard. Security forces’ efforts to protect polling stations and key routes played a vital role in minimizing disruptions on election day.

Voters lined up early at a polling center in Kirkuk this morning for the constitutional referendum, while Iraqi police conducted security checks to keep the site safe

Strong Participation Across Diverse Regions

Turnout was notably strong in Kurdish and Shiite areas, where communities largely supported the referendum. Encouragingly, Sunni regions also saw significant voter participation despite being hotspots for insurgent activity. This broad-based turnout reflected a collective commitment to Iraq’s democratic future.

International Observations and Media Reports

Reports from outlets such as NBC News and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty highlighted the courage and resolve of Iraqi voters. Observers noted the critical role that coalition and Iraqi security forces played in enabling this democratic exercise under difficult and dangerous conditions. The successful security operation was widely regarded as a key factor in the referendum’s relative success.

An Iraqi soldier spoke with local residents waiting outside a Baghdad polling station before voting on October 15

Lessons Learned: Security Operations and Transition to Iraqi Control

The Evolution of Iraqi Security Forces

The referendum highlighted both progress and challenges for Iraqi security forces. While U.S. troops provided critical support, Iraqi Army and police units increasingly took on front-line responsibilities, showcasing growing capability and confidence.

Coordination and Intelligence Sharing

Joint operations during the referendum underscored the importance of intelligence sharing between coalition and Iraqi forces. Real-time coordination enabled rapid response to threats, helping to prevent attacks and secure vulnerable areas.

An Iraqi police officer guarded a polling site while local residents lined up to be searched before entering to vote on October 15

Preparing for Future Elections and Stability

The lessons learned in protecting the constitutional referendum informed security planning for subsequent elections and political events. The transition toward Iraqi-led security signaled a key milestone in the broader effort to stabilize the country and reduce dependence on coalition forces.

Outcome and Impact

A Clear Mandate for the Constitution

The referendum concluded with a decisive victory, as a clear majority of Iraqi voters approved the new constitution. This landmark result signaled broad support for the country’s political roadmap and offered a foundation for building a stable, democratic Iraq.

An Iraqi man beams with victory moments after casting his vote in the Oct. 15 Constitutional Referendum in Baghdad’s Tissa Nissan district

Military Contributions to Success

The success of the referendum was closely tied to the extensive planning and security measures executed by U.S. and coalition forces. Their ability to secure polling stations, protect voters, and deter insurgent attacks was crucial in creating a safe environment for the vote.

Laying the Groundwork for Iraq’s Future

Passing the constitution was a significant milestone in Iraq’s democratic transition. It paved the way for subsequent political processes, including parliamentary elections and the establishment of sovereign governance structures. The U.S. military’s role in safeguarding this process underscored its commitment to supporting Iraq’s long-term stability and self-governance.