Progress In Iraq

I've said it before, but apparently it bears repeating.

One absolutely cannot be considered to be supporting the troops without supporting their mission.

It just doesn't work and our troops know it even if their "supporters" do not.

 

It's not complicated.

Whatever mission they are assigned. All the time. No exceptions.

 

http://www.defenselink.mil/home/dodupdate/iraq-update/Handovers/index.html

The goal of U.S. security strategy in Iraq is to develop the Iraqis’ capacity to security their country while carrying out a campaign to defeat the terrorists and neutralize the insurgency.

1. Coalition Forces Continue to Transfer Responsibility for Security in Provinces to Iraqis.
On April 18, 2007, responsibility for maintaining the security of Maysan Province in southeastern Iraq was officially transferred to Iraqi authorities. It is the fourth of eighteen Iraqi provinces where security control is now principally in the hands of Iraqis, with Coalition forces standing ready to provide assistance if needed. Iraqi authorities assumed responsibility for security in An Najaf Province on Dec. 20, 2006; in Al Muthanna Province on July 14, 2006; and Dhi Qar Province on Sept. 21, 2006. Several other provinces are close to meeting the criteria necessary for security independence.

2. Iraqi Forces are Increasingly in the Lead.
In June 2004, no Iraqi Army units were in the lead, capable of coordinating, planning, and executing security operations independent of Coalition forces in their own areas of responsibility. By September 2005, 11 Iraqi battalions participated in Operation Restoring Rights in Tal Afar, controlling their own battlespace, and outnumbering Coalition forces for the first time in a major offensive operation. As of April 2007, 94 Iraqi Army battalions were in the lead in more than half of Iraq’s territory, with Coalition forces providing assistance in certain key roles such as logistical support. As shown in the included maps, the growth of the Iraqi Army in 2006-2007 has been significant.

3. Iraqi Forces Continue to Grow in Number.
In September 2004, there were only 96,000 trained and equipped Iraqi Security Forces. By November 2005, there were more than 212,000. As of April 2007, there are approximately 334,000 trained and equipped Iraqi Security Forces.