[RightWhale]

9,000 former Iraqui soldiers on the payroll

Still Iraqi. That number needs to be augmented considerably, the quicker the better. Two benefits: frees up American enlisted men for other duty; and puts Iraq further along the road to self-rule.

[dixiechick2000]

At this point, there may be more Iraqis involved.

I agree with you, totally, on the benefits of such a program. It would be nice to make them self-sustaining ASAP, and start giving our guys some much needed R&R. Plus, it appears our guys may be needed in other parts of the world...maybe soon.

[mikenola]

Only problem is that the Iraqi soldiers have almost zero credible military training or soldierly discipline. Perhaps they can re-doctrinated over time, but for now consider the Iraqi former military a dead letter.

Seems to me a good solution would be to draw replacement troops from Germany and Bosnia/Kosovo. If the Europeans don't give a hoot about our security and won't help us with troops in Iraq, then piss on helping them in Europe.