The first stage was meant to form an Iraqi military of 13 army
divisions — 12 infantry and an armored division. The effort was expected to
yield an Iraq Navy with 1,500 personnel, air force of 4,000 staffers and a
special operations force, termed Iraqi National Counter-Terror Force, of
5,750.
"The second stage of force generation will focus on the force
modernization and transition to a military force capable of defending Iraqi
territory against external threats," the report, "Measuring Stability and
Security in Iraq," said.
"This second stage is a longer-term effort and not the current focus of
activity," the report said. "Ultimately, the GoI [government in Iraq] will
decide force levels based on national security requirements and its fiscal
capacity to sustain a
significantly expanded force structure."
Over the last four months, U.S. weapons shipments to Iraq have increased
significantly. The report cited the delivery of more than 23,000 M-16 and
M-4 rifles as well as 2,500 VHF radios.
"Technical installation and programming is ongoing, and radio fielding
will continue monthly until delivery of all 13,000 radios is complete by the
end of May 2008," the report said.
Still, the Iraqi military and security forces remain inadequate in
support and sustainment capabilities. The Pentagon also determined that Iraq
lacks effective field commanders.
"As their readiness levels improve, Iraqi forces will be able to secure
Iraq with proportionally reduced coalition support," the report said. "Such
a transition remains constrained, however, by MoD and MoI [Interior
Ministry] leadership shortages at all operational and tactical levels, as
well as deficiencies in logistics, combat support functions and combat
enablers."
In 2008, the U.S.-led coalition plans to increase logistics
self-sufficiency, force expansion, enhance capabilities of Iraqi special
operations units and to develop the air force and navy. The report said 77
percent of Iraq Army units were rated as being able to plan, execute and
sustain operations with minimal or no assistance from the coalition.
"The Iraqis continue to face challenges to the change in life-support
procedures, though the implementation process has been able to provide
essential requirements for both operating forces and the institutional
training base," the report said. "This is a large effort and will continue
through most of 2008."
