http://billroggio.com/archives/2005/10/training_the_ir_1.php
The issue of the number of “fully operational Iraqi Army units” has
raised its ugly head yet again. The “news” that the number of “fully
operational” Iraqi battalions dropped from three to one has created
quite a stir in media and political circles, however the
hyperventilation over this issue is misplaced. Iraqi security forces
rated as Level 2 or 3 units are fully engaged in the counterinsurgency
effort.
This issue is not new to longtime readers of The Fourth Rail. In June,
we discussed the meaning of “fully operational” and the media’s
misrepresentation of this term. This article was followed with
information obtained from Austin Bay’s visit to Iraq, which verified
that the media’s definition of fully operational is seriously flawed.
In August, we discussed the meaning of Levels 1 thru 4, which define the
operational readiness of the Iraqi security forces, explained that Level
2 and 3 units are fully engaged in the fight, and discussed the Iraqi
Army’s efforts to create their own logistical capabilities.
Two days ago, Lieutenant General David Petraeus, the recent commander of
Multi-National Security Transition Command in Iraq [the man responsible
for training the Iraqi security forces], gave a detailed briefing on the
state of affairs in the training program and the progress of the Iraqi
Army [well worth reading in full]. He summarized the status of the Iraqi
security forces and defined the meaning of the level designations...
Level Number of Battalions at Level Definition of Level
1 1 Units are completely
independent; Units do not
require air, armor,
artillery, logistical
support (supplies).
2 36 (estimate) Units are capable of
independent operations,
requires some level of
logistical or heavy weapons
support.
3 about 80 (estimate) Units are capable of
conducting combat
operations alongside
Coalition forces.
4 Undefined Units currently in
training, not in combat
Total 115
[many links in text]
--
Fred Stone
aa# 1369
"If they want to have peace,
they have to accept to be governed by Islam."
- Abu Bakar Bashir
.
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