Posted on 12/21/2007 9:25:26 AM PST by DJ Elliott
The Real Surge in Iraq – the rapid expansion of the Iraqi Security Forces – continues. The Iraqi Security Forces is expanding with the Iraqi Army now growing to 61 planned brigades in 15 divisions while the Iraqi Special Operations Forces becomes the defacto 16th division. The latest "Measuring Security and Stability in Iraq" quarterly report was publicly released on December 18, 2007. What follows is some of the key developments of Iraqi Security Force.
(Excerpt) Read more at longwarjournal.org ...
Does anyone know if the succesful surge is resulting in fewer Iraqi Army desertions?
Excellent read. Thanks for posting.
Harry Reid sez we're losing. Since he's here and they're over there, I believe him.
/s
Not the surge but, the changes in Iraqi laws governing military justice passed in Sep/Oct. Before that the IA had no effective legal way to punish desertion. Too early to see the impact.
The IA is training ~104,000/yr. They lost 18,000 to all causes in 2006. Annual attrition numbers for 2007 are not out yet but, probably in the 20-25,000 range.
This means the IA is still gaining approx 80,000 a year. By comparison, the US Army maintains a force of 500,000 by recruiting 80,000 per year (those that stay in more than 90 days). That gives you an idea of the scope of the IA training program.
And that does not include MoI...
Good question, CM. What do you hear, DJE?
re: comment 6.
Haven’t seen change reported but, I have seen major returns to duty during the summer. 1st Div in Anbar had 1,001 AWOLs return to duty in May in one incident (2-1 Bde). This was before the Iraqi Military Law changes passed in Sep/Oct.
People like to be on the victorious side.
And the Military Law changes first went to parliament in May.
Many IA AWOLs started returning during the summer to join the winning side and avoid the punishment that would be available after the law changes went into effect.
I haven’t seen updated stats on IA attrition but, 18,000 from all causes in 2006 is not bad considering there were no legal provisions for enforcement and the IA is entirely voluntary. 2006 was a rough year...
The number for 2007 will probably be simular despite the 80% increase of the IA.
I do believe that when the tide turns the truisms about sunshine patriots are only too obvious.
They made the one week in four leave official policy so they could take the pay home. 25% on leave at any given time.
That is why they are intentionally manning formations at 120% now. This policy was ordered in May. Originally it was announced to be 110% in Nov.
That way they have more than 85% on hand.
Until they build an automated banking system nationwide, this is going to be an issue...
Nice article with very good news!
Thanks, DJ, and thanks for the ping, senor.
Rush is right...Iraq will not be an issue during the 2008 elections.
Thanks for the ping E, and the updates DJ. All kinds of positive indicators continue to pop up to illustrate they may be able to run their own show in a few years.
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