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New Role for US Troops in Iraq

Plan would boost soldiers' role training Iraqis as some troops withdraw

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2007 3:55 AM CST
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(Newser) – US combat brigades in Iraq may soon be given an expanded role in training and supporting Iraqis, reports the New York Times. Under the plan, not yet finalized, a quarter of US troops would be withdrawn next July but others would stay behind to help transfer more of the security role to Iraqis—while safeguarding gains made during the surge.

Soldiers in hot spots would continue their combat role. The plan is likely to be sharply opposed by war critics, who have demanded a far more rapid withdrawal of troops. The plan could also be undermined by the fact that Iraqis don't yet have enough officers and are still too weak in unit training to take on a critical security role.

A U.S. soldier of the 3rd Brigade combat team, 101st Airborne Division, left, looks on as an Iraqi soldier, right, searches the front yard of a house Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. US combat brigades are to be given an expanded role in training and supporting the Iraqi security forces....
A U.S. soldier of the 3rd Brigade combat team, 101st Airborne Division, left, looks on as an Iraqi soldier, right, searches the front yard of a house Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. US combat brigades are to...   (Associated Press)
U.S. soldiers from the 3rd Brigade combat team of 101st Airborne Division are silhouetted against the sun during a patrol mission as part of operation Marne Courageous in the town of Owesap, Iraq, 20 kilometers (about 12,4 miles) south of Baghdad, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007. US combat brigades...
U.S. soldiers from the 3rd Brigade combat team of 101st Airborne Division are silhouetted against the sun during a patrol mission as part of operation Marne Courageous in the town of Owesap, Iraq, 20...   (Associated Press)
A U.S. soldier from the Multi-Functional Team from the 525 Battle Field Surveillance Brigade attached to 3rd Brigade combat team of 101st Airborne Division searches a suspicious house for insurgents materials, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007. US combat brigades are to be given an expanded role in training and supporting...
A U.S. soldier from the Multi-Functional Team from the 525 Battle Field Surveillance Brigade attached to 3rd Brigade combat team of 101st Airborne Division searches a suspicious house for insurgents materials,...   (Associated Press)
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