Iraq Strength Reductions Announced

The Army will not replace two brigade combat teams now scheduled to end their Iraq tours within the next six months, and the Air Force will not replace an F-16 squadron that returned home recently, the Defense Department announced March 8. The decision means U.S. strength in Iraq will decline by 12,000. In a related move, Great Britain announced plans to reduce presence in Iraq by 4,000 during the same time frame. The time and conditions are right for coalition forces to reduce the number of troops in Iraq, said Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq. The successful provincial elections demonstrated the increased capability of the Iraqi army and police to provide security.