A Guide to U.S. Troop Levels in Iraq

[figures from Baker-Hamilton Report, 2006; Center for American Progress, 2008]

- current US total: approximately 140,000;

- proposed withdrawal of combat brigades not necessary for force protection: 1-2 per month through summer 2010;

- residual force left in place for counter-terrorism, advisors, trainers, etc.: 10,20,000 instead of current 3-4,000;

- at a typical force protection ratio of three-to-one for a residual force of 15,000: 45,000;
- 15,000 + 45,000: 60,000;

- possible number of US private security contractors left after withdrawal of combat troops: 50,000 est. [current est. 100,000]

- total number of US military personnel after combat troops are withdrawn: 100,000 estimated.

This is what counterinsurgency looks like.

Comments

[LizM]

11:20 PM on 02/29/2008

Actually, that's a recipe for all-out civil war which would extend well beyond the borders of Iraq. I sure hope somebody comes up with a viable and comprehensive strategy to promote and facilitate a sustainable political settlement in Iraq...based on federalism and the Iraqi constitution...which would attract the support of an overwhelming and unprecedented majority of Republicans and Democrats in Congress, and the endorsement of the permanent members of the UN Security Council and, most importantly, bring on board the majority of Iraq's sectarian leaders...

...wait a darn second, here...somebody has already taken care of ALL of that...when are y'all going to start paying attention. You guys are killing me! Somebody... shoot me and put me out of my misery.