Posted on 02/21/2006 3:17:37 PM PST by SandRat
BAGHDAD, Feb. 20, 2006 — The year 2006 is already shaping up to be a decisive year for Iraq. In 2005, Iraqis formed the basis for a free country through multiple elections, the writing and ratifying of a constitution and denying safe havens to terrorists. In 2006, the Iraqi people will reap the benefits of that hard work by taking back more and more control of their country, while seating a democratic government. At this moment 43 Iraqi Army battalions, 10 brigade headquarters and two division headquarters control their own battlespace. To put that in perspective, Iraqi Security Forces are now responsible for security in roughly 460 square miles of Baghdad and more than 11,600 square miles in other provinces of Iraq. That is an increase of more than 4,000 square miles since October. To go with that new territory, over the last three months the number of ISF independent operations exceeded the number of coalition force independent operations. ISF independent operations have increased by 24 percent since May.
What has made this dramatic increase in ISF forces possible? Tough, realistic training and thousands of brave Iraqi men and women volunteering to be part of the police and military forces has made current force levels possible. In turn, this allows Multinational Force-Iraq to field high quality units at a rapid pace. However, this is not a factory. Organizing, equipping, and training each battalion, and then determining if and when it is capable of controlling its own battlespace differs from unit to unit.
The Coalition is on pace for about 75 percent of the Iraqi Army brigades to take the security lead by late fall. As the number of trained and effective ISF increases, often the question about a timetable for coalition withdrawal arises. While the transition of Iraqi battlespace is a key indicator of Iraqi Security Force success, it is only one of several conditions determining coalition forces presence and at what levels. Factors such as the threat level, the ISF's continued capability to secure their areas of responsibility and key ministerial capacity for agencies such as Interior, Defense and Finance are just some of the factors that influence any future reductions.
How much the new Iraqi government is seen as a "unity" government will have a great effect on how quickly Iraq can move forward in this decisive year of 2006.
Through it all, the ISF will be taking the front line in battling the insurgency while ensuring a stable, secure, normal daily life for many peace-loving Iraqis who want to realize their great country's potential.
Iraq Security Forces Take Lead - PING!
BTTT
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