Iraq - What has been accomplished in the last year.

• Multi-National Force – Iraq was established 15 May 2004 and on the one year anniversary there were 26 countries participating in the Coalition. Also in May 2005, the force consisted of more than 160,000 troops from all the coalition nations. More than 37 countries have participated in the coalition since its inception.

• Security Council Resolution 1546 outlines the framework for international involvement in Iraq. The aim of this involvement is to prepare for a democratically elected government and to ensure full Iraqi control of the country and its resources. The only way to achieve this is to re-establish stability. The UN resolution imposes a responsibility on the entire international community for the development of Iraq. This will require close cooperation with the Iraqi authorities.

• The Security Council has given its full support to the Interim Government. The transfer of power last June and the holding of the National Council last August were important steps towards a democratic government. The next milestone will be the writing of the constitution by August 15 as the road to long-term stability goes through democratic political processes.

• The following countries contributed forces to Multi-National Force – Iraq, and served in Iraq since the inception of MNF-I. This list does not include efforts and contributions from the many other countries that have provided political backing to the coalition, donated money, provided supplies and provided out-of-country training or other support:

** Albania ** Armenia ** Australia ** Azerbaijan ** Bulgaria ** Czech Republic ** Denmark Dominican Republic ** El Salvador ** Estonia ** Georgia Honduras Hungary ** Italy ** Japan ** Kazakhstan ** Latvia ** Lithuania

• On March 8, 2004, the “Law of Administration for the State of Iraq for the Transitional Period” was signed. This law governs Iraq until a constitution is drafted and ratified in 2005.

• The Iraqi people took responsibility for their government with the transfer of sovereignty and the establishment of the Interim Iraqi Government on June 28, 2004.

• The Transitional National Assembly met for the first time on March 16, 2005.

• There has been 16 governorate councils, 78 district councils, 192 city or sub-district councils, and 392 neighborhood councils established, allowing more than 19 million people to engage in local policy discourse.

• There has been more than 660 community associations in 16 governorates established as part of a campaign targeting grassroots democracy.

• The National Olympic Committee of Iraq was re-established through a long process of free, secret ballot, democratic elections through 450 sports clubs, every provincial Sports Federation, and every National Sports Federation. The election of the NOCI’s Executive Board was supervised and validated by the International Olympic Committee and Iraq was readmitted to membership of the IOC on 27th February 2004.

• Iraq qualified and participated in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Iraq competed in seven Olympic sports: Soccer, Athletics, Boxing, Swimming, Taekwondo, Judo, and Weight Lifting. Iraq first sent a delegation of athletes to the 1948 London Olympic Summer Games and has competed in every Summer Games since. Iraq has yet to participate in the Winter Olympic Games.

• Nearly 25% of the Iraqi population either attends a school of, or is directly employed by, the Ministry of Education. With a budget of $984 million, the ministry oversees more than 20,000 schools, administrative offices, and educational facilities nationwide. The MoED provides the oversight and training needed to support 300,000 teachers in their work with more than 6 million K-12 students.

• As of 15 May 2005, and despite years of neglect by the Saddam regime, an insurgency intent on intimidating teachers and students, and the damage caused by war, 3,105 schools have been renovated and another 950 schools are currently under rehabilitation.

• The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR) consists of 21 universities, 46 institutes or colleges within the Community College system, two commissions and two research centers.

• There are two Ministries of Education in the Kurdish region comprised of three universities and nine institutes. They receive no budgetary support from the MHESR. There is a small number of private colleges in Iraq that are not managed by the MHESR.

• Healthcare spending is up more than 30 times its prewar levels; more than 3 million children have received life-saving vaccinations.

• Iraq's Ministry of Health (MoH) on 4 September initiated the first polio immunization program in the country since the start of the war to topple Saddam Hussein in March 2003, in an effort to protect 4.7 million children from the infectious disease. With support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU), who contributed over US $2.5 million, the Iraqi authorities succeeded in immunizing the vast majority of children in the first three days of the campaign, UNICEF said. A total of 25 million doses of vaccine were purchased with help from a $3.2 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Multi National Security Training Corps – Iraq assists the Iraqi government in the organization, training, equipping, and advising of Iraqi Security Forces, as well as in the rebuilding of security force bases, training academies, border forts, and other facilities.

The following list highlights accomplishments in the development of the ISF over the past year.

• Since 2004, Iraqi forces have fought alongside Coalition Forces in Najaf, Samarra, Fallujah, Baghdad, North Babil, Mosul, and a host of other locations. More than one thousand Iraqi Security Force members have also lost their lives serving their country since the transfer of sovereignty. Although Iraqi forces have endured casualties, have been attacked multiple times each day, and have suffered losses through brutal intimidation attacks, there remains no shortage of volunteers. In fact, there are currently more than 12,000 soldiers and police officers currently in training.

• The Ministry of Defense forces now number 75,820; with 75,110 in the Army, 190 in the Air Force, and 110 in the Navy.

• There are thirty-six (36) Army Combat ‘National’ Battalions and forty-four (44) Iraqi Army Battalions (former National Guard).

• Iraq’s Navy is now operational, with five 100-foot patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels, and a Marine regiment that defends the territorial waters and oil platforms.

• Iraq’s Air Force has two operational squadrons equipped with two reconnaissance aircraft that operate both day and night, and three US C-130 transport aircraft. Squadron 2 was stood up in April with four UH-1 helicopters and a Squadron of Bell Jet Rangers will be stood up this summer.

• Iraq’s Special Operations Forces now include a superb Counter-Terrorist Force and a Commando Battalion, each of which has conducted dozens of successful operations.

• Iraq’s 1st Mechanized Battalion and 1^st Tank Battalion became operational in mid-January and the beginning of May, respectively. Both are operating as Task Force elements conducting route security and traffic control points along with coalition forces.

• Iraq’s two Military Academies reopened in mid-October and a total of 91 graduated from the two pilot courses. Currently, 206 cadets attend Zahko and 299 attend Rustimiyah.

• The Ministry of Interior has over 92,000 trained and equipped members. Of the 92,000, over 61,000 are trained and equipped regular police officers and the other approximately 31,000 are assigned to Police Commando, Public Order, and Mechanized Police Batallions.

• Of the over 35,500 police officers who have been trained in the last seven months, over 13,000 were former police who underwent three-week transition course trianing and over 22,500 were new recruits who underwent eight-week basic training.

• Seven basic police academies are now operational; together, they produce over 3,500 police officers each month from the ten-week course, a course designed to better prepare the police for the challenging environment in which many will serve. Several other regional academies are under construction that will conduct sustainment training.

• Iraq’s National Police Emergency Response Unit is now operational and its elements have conducted operations in Baghdad, Fallujah, and Mosul.

• Iraq’s Third and Fourth Special Border Force Battalions recently completed training and will join the First and Second Battalions as they patrol the Syrian and Jordanian borders in western Anbar Province.

• Thirteen provincial SWAT teams have been trained and equipped, three more are in training, and for more are scheduled to complete training by August 2005.

Members of the NATO Training Mission-Iraq are helping to advise and train the Iraqi staffs of the National Joint Operations Center, the Ministry of Defense Operations Center, and the Ministry of Interior Operations Center, as well as the Armed Forces Joint Headquarters and Ministry of Defense. NATO trainers are also assisting the cadre of the Iraqi Military Academy. NATO trainers are helping Iraq reestablish its Staff College and War College. A number of NATO nations have already provided equipment for Iraqi Security Forces and have offered a host of training opportunities in NATO countries, with many additional offers being coordinated in the wake of the February 22, 2005 NATO Summit. Additionally, NATO is helping the Iraqis develop a “lessons learned” center for their professional military.

• Enormous amounts of equipment have been delivered to Iraqi Armed Forces since 1 July 2004:

• Over $1.95 billion has already been committed in construction and reconstruction projects for Iraqi Security Forces. Projects include four multi-brigade installations, hundreds of police stations and border forts, countless headquarters and barracks, a number of training centers, and many operating bases.

• Oil revenues from start of January 2004 to June 2004 were estimated to be $8.1 billion. From June to December oil revenues were $9.9 billion totaling around $18.1 billion for the full 2004 year. From January 2005 to May 2005 oil revenues were estimated to be $7.1 billion.

• Iraqi dinar is stable at 1470 dinars to the US dollar because it is a fixed exchange rate; however press reports and observers note that money markets in Iraq do not necessarily adhere to this rate. Currently there are 19 banks trading.

• Established by interim law number 74 dated April 19, 2004, the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened for trading on June 24, 2004.

• Iraq’s National Debt is estimated at between $119 – $135 billion prior to debt forgiveness initiatives, and an expected $50 billion of reparations for war damages.

• Currently, about 161,000 Iraqis are employed under reconstruction efforts, working on schools, clinic, roads and numerous other infrastructure projects.

• Using its Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft detachment, the Australian National Headquarters coordinated and facilitated the movement of the 48 member Iraqi Olympic Team from Baghdad to connecting flights to enable the Team’s participation in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Australia provides 450 troops with the Al Muthanna task force to provide security and humanitarian aid in the Al Muthanna Province and the city of As Samawah.

• The Ukraine 2nd Brigade Combat Team captured seventeen mortars and 26 RPG launchers and destroyed over 60,000 captured bombs, shells and mines. Their medical facility treated over 4,500 personnel. They completed more than 70 civil affairs projects including the reconstruction and renovation of medical, civil and cultural facilities and the repair of the road, water supply and power supply systems in Wassit province.

• The Republic of Korea Division (3332 soldiers) conducted over 60 civil and humanitarian assistance projects in their area of operations. They opened a hospital in November capable of treating 100 outpatients a day and operated an internship program for local doctors and nurses and opened 10 literacy schools around the Irbil district. They also provided local security forces with communication, investigation and facility protection equipment.

• The Japanese Logistics Group conducted humanitarian and reconstruction support operations in the vicinity of Camp Samawah including the establishment of 4 hospitals, the purification of approximately 70,000 gallons of water per day and the completion of numerous reconstruction projects involving water treatment plants, schools, roads and public parks.

• The El Salvadorian Battalion donated equipment and medicine valued at over $30,000 to several Iraqi health centers in their Area of Operation. They initiated over twenty-five civil infrastructure repair projects including the renovation and repair of water treatment plants, school reconstruction and road repair. The Salvadoran Battalion has 380 soldiers conducting patrols in their Area of Responsibility South of Al Hillah, camp security at Camp Charlie, Convoy Escorts and other CIMIC activities.

• The Slovakian Engineer Company carried out de-mining operations and destroyed over 200,000 units of captured munitions, cleared more than 400,000 square meters of land as well as performing field expedient engineering work (trench digging and ground leveling) in support of Iraqi civil authorities.

• The Romanian contingent has been involved with OIF since June 2003 and currently has a 870 personnel in Iraq. The Romanian Infantry Battalion has conducted more than 3,000 patrols, convoy movements and escort missions. The Engineering Detachment conducted more than 300 missions in their AOR ensuring the freedom of movement for Coalition Forces. The military police have ensured and maintained the security environment, increased population support and trusts in coalition forces and trained and monitored local Police activities. The medical team provided medical support for the detainees and military personnel. Finally, in May the Romanians will provide security to the UNAMI Office and escort UN convoys.

• The Polish contingent staffed the headquarters of the Multi-National Division Central South and provided a Brigade. The Division captured over a quarter million artillery shells, all capable of being converted into IEDs, as well as 87,000 mortar rounds and 22,000 rockets. They also supported Iraqi authorities in the restoration of essential services and key infrastructure to include 72 schools, 51 hospitals and 55 water and/or sewage treatment systems in their Area of Operations.

• The Italian Task Force captured and destroyed over 3,000 mines, over 100,000 grenades of various sizes, over 5,000 rockets and 750 kg of TNT. They also conducted more than 175 civil reconstruction projects to include the construction of several primary schools, the electrical substation for a maternity and children’s hospital, and the construction of a new pharmaceutical store.

• The Danish Battalion has provided Security and border enforcement from Basra to Al Qurnah. It has supported and conducted Iraqi Security Force training and reconstruction activities in MND-SE, and as part of the NATO Training Mission is training Iraqi Military officers and police forces. They have conducted numerous reconstruction activities to include schools and medical facilities.

• Lithuania is providing infantry platoons to both MND-SE and MND-CS to conduct security missions, convoy escort duty and MSR Security.

• The Czech Republic is providing an MP company to MND-SE which has been engaged in training Iraqi police forces since its arrival. The company also engages in security patrol and escort duties.

• Albania has 120 Soldiers deployed to and provides security for Mosul Airfield. The Company provides base security, Quick Reaction Force, and conducts interior / exterior patrols. They are an integral part of the entire base defense of Forward Operating Base Diamondback and have conducted more than 450 joint patrols with soldiers from 10th Special Forces Group.

• The Azerbaijan Company composed of 150 soldiers, maintains local security of Hadithah Dam by manning security check points, conducting interior patrols, and deploying a Quick Reaction Forces (QRF) when required. The Battalion provides 24 hour security and has developed a strong working relationship with the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, their parent unit.

• The 32 Estonian soldiers at Camp Liberty have conducted over 300 combat patrols into Baghdad and Western Abu Ghraib. The platoon has been directly responsible for the capture of over 75 detainees and several significant caches of weapons, munitions and bomb making material.

• Georgia is contributing more than 850 soldiers to the coalition in two regions of Iraq. The 111th Battalion’s 298 forward deployed soldiers are deployed to MND-NC and provide 24 hour security to two Forward Operating Bases and the Diyala Bridge. Their sister battalion the 113th has a strength of 558 soldiers and provides 24 hour middle ring security to the International Zone located in MND- Baghdad.

• The Macedonian contingent (SOF Platoon sized unit of 32 soldiers currently) conducted more than 300 missions which resulted in the capture of large amounts of explosive, rockets, weapons and IED’s. The Macedonian contingent detained more than 100 AIF and significant amount of anti-coalition propaganda material. They also toke part in training of Iraqi Army units in Taji.

• The Armenian Transportation and Demining Contingent located largely in Al Hillah at Camp Charlie provided transportation support to the northern sector of Babil Province in the Multi-National Division Center-South area of responsibility. Their Demining Section conducted extensive area clearing operations, destroying tons of unexploded ordnance in the former Iraqi Army Ammunition Supply Points within their area of responsibility.

• The Bulgarian Infantry Battalion provided security for the southern sector of the Multi-National Division Center-South area of responsibility. They conducted over 2,000 mounted and dismounted patrols, over 200 convoy escort missions, provided perimeter security for Camp Echo in Ad Diwaniyah, and provided forces for nearly 50 quick reaction force missions.

• The Kazakhstan Engineer Contingent located in Al Kut at Camp Delta destroyed or rendered safe over 100,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance within their area of responsibility. Additionally, they have initiated training Iraqi Security Forces on basic engineering tasks at the Al Kut Regional Training Center.

• The Latvian Infantry Company provided security for the northern sector of Babil Province in the Multi-National Division Center-South area of responsibility. They conducted over 1,000 mounted and dismounted patrols, over 100 convoy escorts and confiscated nearly 100 illegal weapons.

• The Mongolian Infantry Company provided continuous perimeter and interior security of Camp Charlie located in Al Hillah within the Multi-National Division Center-South area of responsibility. Additionally, in keeping with their active security posture, the Mongolians conducted four cordon and search operations in the vicinity of Camp Charlie resulting in the detention of suspected insurgents and the capture of small-arms and RPGs.

• The United Kingdom has conducted a wide variety of stability and peacekeeping operations in MND-SE, based in Al Basrah. Their Mechanized Brigade provides control over the AOR assigned, along with the members of the coalition embedded to it.

• Netherlands provided, during 2004, and up to April 2005, an air mobile group of 1,380 soldiers. This unit was embedded to the British mechanized brigade in MND-SE and conducted security, patrols, convoy escorts, and other peacekeeping operations in the AOR. The Dutch unit ended their mandate in March 2005, and have departed late April, leaving staff officers behind in support of MNF-I.

• The Iraq Relief & Reconstruction Fund ($2.5 billion) and supplemental Appropriations ($18.4 billion) have been committed to the re-building of Iraq. As of May 2005, $15.3 billion has been obligated and $7 billion has been disbursed.

• Since June 2004, over 2,500 construction projects have been started. During the same period, over 1,000 projects, valued at $1.3 billion, have been completed.

• $8.7 billion has been focused on providing reliable essential services (electricity, water, transportation, telecommunications, and oil). Over 700 essential service projects are either completed or underway.

• Electricity. A total of over 2,000 megawatts of power have been added to the grid (enough to service 5.4M Iraqi homes). Over 1,400 electrical towers and 8,600 kilometers of transmission lines have been installed. After a significant drop, the average daily load of electricity has bounced back to 92,467 MWh, comparable to the level when the transfer of power occurred. Fifty-eight electricity projects have been completed, and more than 100 are still in the works.

• Sixty-five water treatment projects have been completed, with almost 100 still in progress; 21 sewer projects are complete, with 15 still working.

• Health. Construction is underway on 142 new primary health care facilities across Iraq and one has been completed. Under the Accelerated Iraq Reconstruction Program, an additional two facilities are under construction and eight have been completed.

• Health care services are growing: 750 people passed their maternal and child health services training on to more than 2,000 primary healthcare providers.

• Security projects completed: 61 Port of Entry or Border facilities, 82 police stations, 17 academies and branch schools, 96 unit headquarters, and 19 fire stations.

• Telecommunications. Since the transfer of sovereignty, the number of landline communications subscribers has risen from 794,198 to 997,675; Internet subscribers have more than doubled; and cell phone subscribers have jumped from just 488,966 to almost 2.5 million.

Commander’s Emergency Relief Program Funds. The Commander’s Emergency Relief Program Funds has resulted in more than 34,512 projects to build and improve infrastructure, provide for the welfare of the citizens and support education. A sample of the degree of work includes:

• Baghdad – 1,029 total CERP projects - $80 million (773 completed; 246 in progress; 10 additional projects planned)

• Basra – 27 total CERP projects - $5.8 million (21 completed; 6 in progress)

• Mosul – 341 total CERP projects - $16.8 million (160 completed; 132in progress; 49 additional projects planned)

• Fallujah – 289 total CERP projects - $12 million (216 completed; 71 in progress; 2 additional projects planned

• Samarra – 26 total CERP projects - $2.2 million (11 completed; 14 in progress; 1 additional project planned)

• Sadr City – 71 total CERP projects – $3.8 million (54 completed; 17 in progress)

Most importantly, we have created a Muslim state that's willing to fight Islamic terrorism from within - not just as government policy but also at the populist level.

Excellent job.

5 posted on 09/11/2005 11:13:29 AM PDT by SteveMcKing ("I was born a Democrat. I expect I'll be a Democrat the day I leave this earth." -Zell Miller '04)

Thanks for posting the statistics. You'll never see it in the msm, that's for sure. It's even more reason to be thankful for the quality individuals we have serving in our armed formces and to show appreciation towards them.

"• Iraq’s Air Force has two operational squadrons equipped with two reconnaissance aircraft that operate both day and night, and three US C-130 transport aircraft. Squadron 2 was stood up in April with four UH-1 helicopters and a Squadron of Bell Jet Rangers will be stood up this summer."

Give 'em some A-10s, I say. Discretely escorted for now by some F-16s, to make sure nothing "goes wrong."

We've got to start giving the Iraqis more firepower, in my opinion, and standing off more from the population.

7 posted on 09/11/2005 1:04:56 PM PDT by strategofr (What did happen to those 293 boxes of secret FBI files (esp on Senators) Hillary stole?)

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