The reviews would include the feasibility of deadlines for a U.S.
withdrawal stipulated in SOFA. Under the accord, U.S. troops, now reported
at 150,000, would leave Iraq at the end of 2011.
"I expect us, frankly, right now, to be out with our military forces by
2011," Odierno said.
In a briefing on Dec. 13, Odierno, who did not cite figures, said U.S.
troops involved in training and mentoring would remain in Iraqi cities. The
general said they would not be required to leave by July 2009.
"But what I would say is we'll maintain our very close partnership with
the Iraqi security forces throughout Iraq even after the summer," Odierno
said.
Officials said the Defense Department has been awarding contracts to
prepare all elements of the Iraqi military and police to function without
direct U.S. involvement. They said American consultants were drafting plans
for the army, navy, air force and police to operate independently by 2012.
"We're helping to bring U.S. warfighters home by laying out a plan that
will position, and properly equip, the Iraqi air force to operate on their
own with regard to air sovereignty," said Charlie Bell, an engineer from
Mitre Corp., a contractor assigned to help pave the way for Iraqi military
independence.
The first major mission in 2009 would be to secure provincial elections
in January, officials said. Odierno said the U.S. military presence would be
important
to maintain security amid the threat of Al Qaida and Iranian-sponsored
attacks.
"It's important that we maintain enough presence here that we can help
them get through this year of transition," Odierno said. "We don't want to
take a step backward, because we've made so much progress here."
