Petraeus Says Troop-Reduction Plan Has Solid Military Backing (Unlike RATs Plan)

American Forces Press Service ^ | Donna Miles

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2007 – Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, commander of U.S. Central Command, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff fully support Army Gen. David H. Petraeus’ proposal for reducing troops in Iraq to pre-surge levels by mid-July, Petraeus told Congress today.

The recommendation, which President Bush must approve for it to be put into effect, would reduce the U.S. force in Iraq from 20 to 15 combat brigade teams next summer.
Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees today that coalition and Iraqi forces have made significant security progress since the surge began. “As a result, the United States will be in a position to reduce its forces in Iraq in the months ahead,” he said.

Petraeus recommended no replacements for two units that make up the surge force: a Marine expeditionary unit to redeploy later this month, and an Army brigade combat to redeploy in mid-December. He also recommended that four additional brigade combat teams and two surge Marine battalions redeploy without replacement during the first seven months of 2008.

“Five Army brigade combat teams, a Marine expeditionary unit and two Marine battalions represent a very significant force,” he said. “They are the force, in fact, that have helped us substantially in achieving some of the recent gains that our troopers have fought so hard to achieve.”

Petraeus said his proposed timeline for a drawdown of these surge forces reflects a careful consideration of conditions on the ground, successes made to date, and what’s needed to maintain and build on those successes.

Petraeus said the plan represents a careful balance of important factors. Among them, he said, is the fact that political progress in Iraq will take place only if there’s enough security. Meanwhile, he said, he recognizes that force reductions as the surge runs its course will benefit the long-term viability of U.S. ground forces.

In developing his proposal, he said, he factored in operational requirements as well as demands on the force. He said he’s “very aware” of strains on the force, particularly among ground troops.

Based on these considerations, Petraeus said, he and Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, worked through the “battlefield geometry” to come up with the plan.

“I believe that this is the approach to take to sustain the gains that we have achieved, to build on them, to transition to Iraqi security forces as quickly as we possibly can,” he said.

Petraeus said it’s too soon to determine how quickly additional troop reductions can take place.

“I do not believe it is reasonable to have an adequate appreciation for the pace of further reductions and mission adjustments beyond the summer of 2008 until after mid-March of next year,” he said.

He cautioned against withdrawing troops too quickly. “There are no easy answers or quick solutions. And though we both believe this effort can succeed, it will take time,” he said.

Petraeus said his assessment underscores the recognition that a premature drawdown of U.S. forces would have devastating consequences.

“Lieutenant General Odierno and I share this assessment,” he said. “(We) believe that the best way to secure our national interests and avoid an unfavorable outcome in Iraq is to continue to focus our operations on security the Iraqi people while targeting terrorist groups and militia extremists, and, as quickly as conditions are met, transitioning security tasks to Iraqi elements.”

Biographies:
Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA

Related Sites:
Report by General Petraeus to Congress
Slides Accompanying General Petraeus’s Report

Related Articles:
U.S. Ambassador Presents Iraq Progress Report to Congress
Petraeus: Surge in Iraq Works; Reductions Could Begin by Summer 2008

[SandRat]

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[alloysteel]

The Democraticans have a plan?

“Scream and shout, dash about, fall down writhing on the floor!”

That might be a plan.

[oneamericanvoice]

But the RATS will claim any reduction in forces as a victory due to their efforts. If I was president I’d keep the levels current for as long as the RATS clamor. To hell with them!

[The Forgotten Man]

Patreaus proves once again, democrats are all bark and no bite....

[oneamericanvoice]

A friend of mine deploys tonight at midnight for his third tour. He signed up for it! This means that he will actually deploy on 9/11. God bless Mike!

[SandRat]

They're plan

[SandRat]

May GOD and his Angels watch over Mike and Keep Him Safe.

[mortal19440]

Did anyone hear his response to the A-hole Wexler from Florida? Wexler was so disrespectful and loud and just as the General went to answer him they cut away from the hearing.

[GoldenPup]

The traitorous, rat-bastards should view world events from behind bars at Ft. Levenworth !!! Free Speech, MY BUTT !! SCREW THEM !!!

[oneamericanvoice]

I’ll pass it along! Thanks! He signed up as a Forward Observer to get closer to the action. He has a beautiful, devoted wife, and two wonderful children.

[umgud]

I listened to this as much as possible today and make this observation; We have to address Iran and Syria’s meddling and supporting of the insurgents if we ever want to get things under control in Iraq.

[Sun]

Duncan Hunter’s reply to Lantos, in part:

http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/5f0841c2-64a5-49f0-b6d9-e41eb986567f

[SandRat]

Prayers For Our Soldiers

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day-by-day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils, which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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Prayer For Absent Family Members

O God, whose fatherly care reaches to the uttermost parts of the earth: We humbly beseech you graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body, and grant that both they and we, drawing nearer to you, may be bound together by your love in the communion of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Bedtime Prayer

Before I lay me down to sleep...And fall into a slumber deep... Hear this little prayer of mine...Hope it gets to you in time... Bless those on land and sea and air...Who fight for freedom here and there...Send special blessings from above...Protect them with your shield of love...Return them safely, we humbly pray...To the land of the free...And the Home of the Brave...

[LibLieSlayer]

Tell him I said THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!!!!!

LLS

[Freee-dame]

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