Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Despite billions of dollars worth of U.S. equipment, Iraq has been unable to secure much of the country.

Officials said the Iraqi military and security forces failed to properly use U.S. combat platforms and munitions to quell Al Qaida.

They said the government of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has not provided the logistics and planning required to absorb the U.S. military equipment.

“ISF [Iraqi security forces] have been unable to stem rising violence in part because they lack mature intelligence, logistics, and other capabilities, and still require substantial assistance to integrate newly-acquired equipment,” Defense Intelligence Agency Michael Flynn said.

In testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Feb. 11, Flynn said the Iraqi military and security forces remain undermanned and unable to defend against either Al Qaida or external threats.

The DIA chief said the military was also “increasingly challenged” by Sunni insurgents in the Anbar and Nineva provinces.

“Iraqi military and police forces lack cohesion, are undermanned, and
are poorly trained, equipped, and supplied,” Flynn said. “This leaves them
vulnerable to terrorist attack, infiltration and corruption.”

The assessment was presented to Congress as Iraq prepared to receive
advanced U.S. aircraft. The administration of President Barack Obama has
been arranging for deliveries of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and the
F-16 multi-role fighter to Baghdad in 2014.

Over the last year, Iraq received the C-130J air transport as well as 30
Bell-407 armed helicopters. In November 2013, Russia delivered attack
helicopters, while Iraq concluded a deal with South Korea to procure the
FA-50 attack aircraft.

“However, we expect it will take several years for Iraqi military
strength and capabilities to improve substantially,” Flynn said.

  Bell-407, C-130J, DIA: Iraq and its multi-billion-dollar U.S. platforms ‘unable to defend’ against Al Qaida, Michael Flynn, Nouri Al Maliki, Senate Armed Services Committee