Iraqi Army Now Conducts More Security Mission than Coalition

December 2005 marked a milestone for the Iraqi Army. Since December 2005, the Iraqi Army has been conducting more independent operations than US led Coalition forces in Iraq.

According to Middle East Newsline,

The Iraq Army has surpassed the U.S.-led coalition in independent operations.

Officials said that in December 2005 the Iraq Army conducted more independent operations than the coalition. They termed this a milestone in the development of the Iraqi military.

"In December, the Iraqi armed forces had more independent operations than did the coalition forces," Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said.

Officials said the one Iraq Army battalion has been deemed completely independent. There are more than 120 Iraqi battalions.

This little reported milestone speaks volumes for the success of the Iraqi War. While the insurgency is still active, the US is beginning to be less and less needed to keep and maintain order in Iraq. 2006 should begin to see reduction in US forces as the Iraqi Army is able to control more battlespace.