The deployment commenced 3 June, following recent formal confirmation from the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, that the Australian deployment received final approvals in the EU.

The EU Advisory Mission in Iraq was established 2017 on an invitation by the Iraqi government to provide strategic advice to the reform of Iraq's civilian security sector.

Australia becomes thus the fourth non-EU Member State to currently send experts to civilian CSDP Missions. Long-standing partners Switzerland, Canada and Norway deploy presently experts to civilian EU Missions in Kosovo, Ukraine, Mali and Palestine.