US reorganises its Iraqi commands
Photo: AFP
THE US military mission in Iraq underwent a significant organisational change on 1 January as the five major command groups in the country were consolidated into a headquarters command called US Forces Iraq (USF-I). The intent is to streamline the command structure and reduce the footprint of the various organisational headquarters operating in Iraq as the overall drawdown of US forces there continues. Based on security agreements between the two governments, US troops in Iraq are to number about 50,000 by 31 August 2010 and be withdrawn entirely by the end of 2011. US troops will still be led by General Ray Odierno, who took over command of USF-I during a ceremony on 1 January during which his former command, Multi National Force Iraq (MNF-I), was deactivated, the army said in a 2 January statement. Speaking from Diyala, Gen Odierno said on 2 January that the consolidation and withdrawal were all proceeding according to plan. Subordinate commands were also deactivated in the same ceremony and their responsibilities now fall under the aegis of USF-I. These groups include Multi National Corps Iraq (MNC-I), which served as the operational level headquarters ; Multi National Security and Transition Command Iraq (MNSTC-I), which organised, trained and equipped Iraq's military and police forces; and Task Force 134, which conducted detainee operations in theatre. The commands were established in 2004 with MNF-I holding authority over all strategic-level operations for coalition forces. Charles Musante, then MNF-I's strength management chief, said in December 2009 that the new USF-I headquarters will oversee all operations throughout Iraq. The consolidation of commands is essentially the "headquarters drawdown", he explained. About 112,000 US troops are currently in Iraq and officials have said they plan to have around 100,000 personnel there to provide security during national elections scheduled for March. Source: Janes Defence Weekly
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