Iraqi batallions are materializing overnight! Maybe we can declare victory

[bigtree]

and leave now.


Here's Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Peter Pace, testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee Feb.8:

Pace said only one Iraqi army battalion is capable of fighting without U.S. help. That is the same number as in September, when U.S. commanders disclosed that the number of such highly trained battalions had dropped from three to one, prompting criticism from lawmakers.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/news/ci_3486910


here's U.S. Army Col. James Greer, chief of staff for the U.S. military command responsible for training Iraqi troops today, Feb. 14:


In an interview, U.S. Army Col. James Greer, chief of staff for the U.S. military command responsible for training Iraqi troops, said 40 of Iraq's 102 battalions have taken over security in the areas where they operate. A typical Iraqi battalion has 700 to 800 soldiers.

Greer said he sees the process speeding up, as in March 2005, there were only three battalions manning their own areas in Baghdad, he said. But now, Iraqi battalions are taking control in violent areas such as parts of Fallujah, Ramadi and Samarra.

http://www.washtimes.com/upi/20060214-104055-9071r.htm


Probably just WaTimes digging up some propaganda from their shill sources, but it's interesting how the number of 'ready' Iraqi troops is portrayed between these two commanders.

[papau]

1. When does the media note that in the last few "joint" ops 50% of the Iraqi

military did not show up?

Or is that a state secret?

Sure is treated as a state secret by our US Media.