Jaw-Dropping Pentagon/Repuke LIES, exposed. Our boys are dyin' for this? [View All]

[goodboy]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of U.S.-trained Iraqi security battalions able to operate independently of American forces has dropped from one to zero, while the number able to take the lead in fighting insurgents with U.S. help has grown, Pentagon officials said on Friday.

The Pentagon, in a mandatory quarterly report to Congress on Iraq, said the number of Iraqi battalions, containing 700 to 800 soldiers, able to take the lead in combat against insurgents, albeit with help from U.S. forces, had grown.

But Air Force Lt. Gen. Victor Renuart, director of strategic plans and policy for the military's Joint Staff, said the number of Iraqi battalions assessed as able to operate and sustain themselves with no U.S. help had gone from one to zero. Officials said that number last year had reached three.

The Pentagon downplayed the significance of the development. (GEE, YA THINK???)

"Considering the need for further development of Iraqi logistical elements, ministry capacity and capability, intelligence structures, and command and control, it will take some time before a substantial number of units are assessed as fully independent and requiring no assistance,"

(Translated: Plans? We don't need no stinkin' plans)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/24/AR2006022401533_pf.html