Transition to USF-I Marks Significant Step

COB BASRA – Though the name has changed, the aim remains the same. On Jan. 1, all U.S. command groups merge into U.S. Forces-Iraq. While the new configuration is significant as far as HQ elements are concerned, the intent of transitioning to a full fledged Iraqi force remains the goal.

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As part of the reconfiguration, MNF-I, MNC-I, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, Joint Area Support Group-Central, TF 134 – which oversees detainee ops and the Gulf Region Div., will be rolled into USF-I. The merger is more than a name change. It reflects the first solid step to a responsible drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq. According to projections, the U.S. will reduce the number of troops in the country to 50,000 by Aug. 31, from a current level of 115,000. Comparably, ISF have grown to more than 600,000. To comply with the Security Agreement with Iraq, U.S. forces are exchanging combat ops for stability, advisory and assistance assignments. Lt. Col. Christopher Larrabee, dep. chief of plans for the 34th ID, which commands U.S. Div. South, formerly MND- South – said the transition will ultimately mean a 40% reduction in HQ personnel. As BCTs decrease in strength, the HQ and command and control functions are streamlining nationwide. Nevertheless, the security and solidity of Iraq remains the top priority, Larrabee said. "We'll continue with the mission we've embarked on, which is to provide aid and assistance to the Iraqi forces," he said. U.S. run PRTs maintain a vital role in Iraq's provs. and still depend on the presence and dispersion of U.S. forces to function. The new U.S. forces HQ still help connect the provs. and the central govt, aiding the GoI. Overseeing the new org. is Gen. Raymond Odierno, head of MNF-I, who takes on the mantle of USF-I cmdr. Likewise, when MNC-I cases its colors Jan. 1, Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby Jr., MNC-I cmdr, will become dep. comm. gen. of USF-I. Officials said that in the following months, the 2nd phase of the drawdown will continue until target goals are met.

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