"Fully Capable"

General George Casey, the MNF-I Commander, caught a lot of flak this past week in the news for testifying the the number of "fully capable" Iraqi Battalions has dropped from 3 to 1.   In light of the resulting carping from people back in the US about this "regression."  I would like to explain the difference between "fully capable" and "operational" and explain what "operating with US support" means as far as the reality on the ground based on my experience.  My experience includes conducting joint operations with Iraqi units as a member of a US unit and acting as a US adviser to Iraqi units conducting operations here in Baghdad.

When I first arrived here back in January, 2005, all sectors of Baghdad were "controlled" by US Forces.  Very few operations other than manning checkpoints were conducted by Iraqi Security Forces(ISF - This is an umbrella term that covers both the Iraqi Army and Police).  In the initial months of our operations here, most major raids and searches were conducted jointly by an Iraqi unit with an equivalent-sized US unit, a company with a company or a battalion with a battalion.  US units were still in the stage of carrying their Iraqi counterparts through these operations as the Iraqis still had a reputation for cutting and running if enemy contact got hairy.  Support for Iraqi units was needed in almost every area; mobility, communications, logistical support, tactical employment, training and intelligence.  Training continued, and change has occurred over time.

Now, 9 months later, the way many Iraqi units require US support has changed significantly.  Battalions and companies are seldom, if ever matched with US battalions and companies for "strike operations" - raids, searches, etc.  Many Iraqi Battalions operate with a small US MiTT(Military Transition Team) that is squad-sized (9-15 men).  The MiTT advises, rides along, and provides limited training, logistical and communications support.  Note:  One of the biggest hurdles still yet to overcome is the horrible state of communications infrastructure not only within the ISF but within Baghdad as a whole. This condition predates the US invasion - more on this later. 

To further clarify, picture an Iraqi Battalion (500-800) and a US MiTT (9-15) working together.  The Iraqis constitute over 95% of the manpower on any operation, and no longer cut and run from enemy fire, even after sustaining casualties.  The US MiTT helps to coordinate to overcome logistical snarls to ensure, that food, water, ammunition, and latrines are sufficient for the Iraqi unit.  The MiTT also provides communications infrastructure to link the Iraqis with other Iraqi units and the US higher command.  Finally, the MiTT, through their superior communications ability coordinates for attack-helicopter support and MEDEVAC when necessary to enhance the ISF units' lethality and survivability.  Metaphorically speaking, the MiTT is the father running along side of his child riding without training wheels for the first time to scoop the child up if the child crashes.  One additional note:  MiTT's are also there to make sure that Iraqi Soldier do not engage in any detainee abuse, which was the standard operating procedure under Saddam.

As I write this, two sectors of Baghdad are controlled by Iraqi Army Brigades (4000-5000) assisted by a platoon-sized (30-40) MiTT.  The number of Iraqi Battalions operating with only a small MiTT adviser group as I described is in the dozens, and that is only here in the Baghdad area.  I assume it is the same or better in other, quieter areas of the country. 

Are they fully capable by US standards?  Perhaps not.  The military forces of most of the rest of the world do not meet that standard.  Are they operational and hunting down arhabi every day? - You Betcha!

Comments

[PebblePie]

Oh it's nice to read something in "civi" terms.

I just finished reading American Soldier by: Tommy Franks, it was a difficult read for me, but I did finish every last word.

Sounds like you guys (and girls) are doing a fine job, getting the new Iraqi troops ready to handle their own country. I wish them much success. It will be a glorious day when Iraq is free from terrorist activity and can be a shining example to all their neighbors.

It will happen... will be a few years or more, but sooner or later it will be a peacful place, with a tourist market ta boot. I know I'll want to see it.

[Ruth]

Major K
Thank you for clarifying the Iraqi military situation. If one does not listen to catch the right terminology you come away with the idea that the General is saying one thing in one interview and another thing in another interview.
Things are not as grim as the MSM make it out to be.
Thank you for your serivce.

[SSG W's Wife]

That's the reason I read blogs and get all my info from our boots on the ground. I've learned early on that media coverage sucks and is always negative.
I'm glad they're learning to "stand up for themselves" over there and sure hope our boots on the ground will be pulled out in the next few years.
Good work and a salute once again!

[Jay]

Keep up the good work, Major K. I had a chance to watch some friends in an advisory role with the Saudi Arabia National Guard, and I've seen firsthand some of the things you guys are dealing with, culture-wise. It's not easy, but we're proud of the progress you guys are making.

[Big Bad Crawfish]

Dittos Major K. I watched the MSM having at the reports (including Senator McCain who is becoming a MSM proxy), and found it difficult to understand the reduction in preparedness. You have provided the rationale!

Bless you and the rest of the troops!!

[devildog6771]

Maybe I am not a brain surgeon, but it would seem to mean that as each of these units becomes proficient at a given level , they would then be advanced to the next level of independance, gaining more responsibility, but losing their high proficiency level until they meet the gooals of this new level.

This can be be simplistically compared to the levels of the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. As you leave one level you have masterd and advance to the next level. This provides a structured training program that in the end makes for a highly trained expert unit. It also removes the feeling of being overwhelmed by what one doesn't know yet.

Instead of doing as Saddam did and using fear of death, lack of concern for collateral damage, self image, and pride, you are instilling all these good qualities in these men and women. You are building up their self pride in their country and themselves. You are creating an Army that is loyal to the defense of their country that also respects the rule of law. You are also undoing years of programming to be irresponsible, cruel, murderers and thugs that have the fear of their coiuntrymen instead of the pride and respect you are helping them achieve now.

Of course I could be nieve here but I think I am on target. Does this amke sense to anyone else or am I just rambling?

[Lucy K]

Thank you for the detailed explanation..I am so proud of you!!

[Keith, Indy]

Good explaination of what's going on with training there Major K...

I would recomend anyone with further interest in this to check out the breifing given Friday by Rumsfeld and General Casey. They went into this in detail, and tried to steer the reporters towards the important bits of the story.

The fact is a units readiness does not remain static. Even with US units, they are not rated and those ratings put on a shelf. They are re-rated constantly.

The varying ratings with the Iraqis it was also a function of changing the standards to what is important, training and equipment.

http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/2005/tr20050930-secdef4002.html

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2005/050930-D-6570C-001.jpg

[Keith, Indy]

devildog - you are correct, and that is one of the main reasons for "disbanding" the Iraqi Army after major operations concluded.

We had to overcome years of abuse and neglect of soldiers and officers, as well as societal prejudices and practices (like bribes or familial relations helping determine rank) in creating a new force.

We also had to overcome the historical use of the Iraqi Army as a tool for abusing and tyranizing the populace.

I don't see how we could have done this with just putting a new head on the snake. A lot of people think it was the wrong thing to do, but I certainly don't. If all we wanted was "OUR TYRANT" or a puppet government in power in Iraq, then leaving the pre-existing military force, and government would have been sufficient for those purposes.

But, we want to do it right this time by creating a government and security force that protects everyones rights, and isn't going to abuse the citizens.

[sam sheep]

congratulations

[tmg]

Thank you and God bless.

[Wild Thing]

I hope you really know how much it means to be able to read the things you write. To be able to learn from someone that is not giving a slant to things ....someone truly in the know. You do sooo much for all of us. Not only do you take the time to have a blog and share things we can read and learn about but you serve our country in the most important way possible.
Thank you so much and stay safe!

[devildog6771]

I am sorry Major, I didn't mean to not say thank you. God bless you and your men and the families of you all. Your sacrifices are beyond measure.

[Anna]

Thank you is totally inadequate to convey my gratitude for our fighting men and women.

Stay safe!

[Richard]

Hi
I could not understand why two generals gave conflicting stories. Thanks for clearing this up. I find increased use of Iraq troope very incouraging. I guess thats why MSM did not explain. Keep up good work and thanks for being there.
Richard

[Bob Mc]

Thanks for your hard work from the bottom of my heart!