Draw down in Iraq continues with 3rd ID in the lead

[n2doc]

By Pamela E. Walck
With little fanfare or notice, thousands of U.S. troops and seven years of war equipment are slowly disappearing from the Iraqi landscape.

Far from the spotlight of the international media, U.S. commanders are holding change-of-command ceremonies at former forward operating bases and removing American flags and replacing them with Iraq's red, white and black banners. Some 36 bases in northern Iraq have closed or changed command in the last year alone.

And seven years after leading the Army's charge across the berm, the 3rd Infantry Division is now tasked with orchestrating a disappearing act of historic proportions.

"On Sept. 1, I am supposed to be at just under 9,600 soldiers," said Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, commander of the 3rd ID and the U.S. Division-North command, based in Tikrit, Iraq. "When I woke up this morning, I had about 10,400 soldiers, so we are awfully close.

"The bottom line is, personnel-wise, we are on track."

more

http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-08-08/draw-down-iraq-continues-3rd-id-lead

[RBInMaine]

1. Another Obama promise KEPT !

[MannyGoldstein]

2. So why will we be keeping 50,000 troops in Iraq? nt

[RBInMaine]

4. As I understand it, most of them will be out within the next year. Some support troops will have to

stay, but nothing like the 140,000 at peak levels, which are already down, as you note, to about 50,000. Do you appreciate PROGRESS, or are you such a purist that you exist entirely outside the realm of reality and only have time to moan and groan? Do you like anything about Obama and Dems? Have they done a single thing right?

[Scurrilous]

3. K & R

:thumbsup:

[armywife10]

5. Bring them home!!!

Send them home General!!! I want my husband back now, the
quicker he gets home, this quicker we get out of the 3rd
ID!!!!

[n2doc]

6. kick n/t