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Troops in Iraq Face Final Challenge: Moving Out

US military prepares to remove equipment from Iraq

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 16, 2009 12:43 PM CDT
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(Newser) – As the US military reduces its presence in Iraq, it faces the logistical challenge of moving all the equipment it brought to the country during the nearly six-year war effort, the Los Angeles Times reports. Unlike personnel, much of the equipment used in Iraq will remain in the region, stored in huge warehouses in Kuwait and Qatar in case the military needs it again.

The equipment left behind “will be primarily the big gear, stuff like MRAPs, tanks," said a US Central Command official. Other bulky items, like Humvees and generators, will be given to the Iraqi army. "If it doesn't make sense to bring it home, we are looking at opportunities to help the Iraqis stand up their units," he said. Also, some equipment will be sent to US forces in Afghanistan.

In this June 19, 2008, file photo, a Marine takes cover behind an Iraqi Army Humvee during the beginning of combat operations in Amarah, Iraq.
In this June 19, 2008, file photo, a Marine takes cover behind an Iraqi Army Humvee during the beginning of combat operations in Amarah, Iraq.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban,. File)
In this Nov. 28, 2007, file photo, a US soldier from the 3rd Brigade combat team of 101st Airborne Division directs a Humvee vehicle 20 kilometers south of Baghdad, Iraq.
In this Nov. 28, 2007, file photo, a US soldier from the 3rd Brigade combat team of 101st Airborne Division directs a Humvee vehicle 20 kilometers south of Baghdad, Iraq.   (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, file)
In this Aug. 29, 2008, file photo, a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle is seen beyond a US Army soldier standing guard in Baghdad, Iraq.
In this Aug. 29, 2008, file photo, a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle is seen beyond a US Army soldier standing guard in Baghdad, Iraq.   (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
scottaco
Mar 17, 2009 6:32 AM CDT
In how many hours after the official evacuation do you think that very large quantities will come up missing? Are they serious? Send it ALL to Afghanistan. At least then they'll have a chance of being properly equipped.
US • World

 
Iraq • Afghanistan • Iran • Middle East • Humvees • Qatar • Kuwait • tanks • MRAP • Iraq war • Central Command

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