Posted on 07/23/2005 9:11:15 PM PDT by Wiz
WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The Iraq Army continues to be plagued by absenteeism and equipment shortages, but at a far lower level than that during 2004.
A U.S. Defense Department report said Iraqi military and security forces have achieved significant progress over the last year. The report said this has included the easing of equipment shortages and absenteeism.
"Although there is variance in the rate of absenteeism, AWOL [Absent-without-leave], attrition, and desertion among the Iraqi Army, rates have diminished significantly and are now around one percent for some divisions," the report said. "Still, unitsthat are conducting operations and units that relocate elsewhere in Iraq experience a surge in absenteeism."
The report said the Iraq Army has obtained 60 percent of its equipment authorization. The army has more than 100 percent of its AK-47 assault rifle requirements. In all, the army has 76,000 troops.
(Excerpt) Read more at menewsline.com ...
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