Do not underestimate this aspect of ROE changes in "the Surge".
A lot of Iraqi units are spotty, but some are very good. And others are gaining confidence as we speak. NOTHING builds confidence more than engaging and succeeding. There's a bit of bragging going on in that Iraqi unit today, and it ought to be encouraged.
The Iraqi Army is still far too small. By the end of the year it will be at about 200,000 troops.
I personally think Iraq needs a 300,000 strong man Army. Before the war Iraq had half a million man force.
Bremer the idiot disbanded the Army and did a half assed job putting together a new one. We only got serious about it after he left Iraq.