Iraq – U.S. Drawdown – 5.19.10

Remember to send this file and .kmz to Kevin and Researchers when done.

Note: Good for reference: http://www.understandingwar.org/IraqOrderofBattle

I. U.S. Force - Iraq Bases

Note: These are the main bases for all bases see .kmz Google Earth file of geographic location of bases.

1. Victory Base Complex (VBC) Location: Surrounds Baghdad Int’l Airport (to the west of Baghdad)

a. Camp Victory (main component) Location: of USF-I headquarters Location: of III Corps headquarters Location: 256th BCT, LA National Guard (13th Sustainment Command) (Source)

b. Camp Liberty 199th Brigade Support Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Source) – VBC

command Location: U.S. Division – Center (Source)

c. Sather Air Force Base Location: 447 th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG ) - provides aerial port, command and control of

the military runway, aerial control, base operating support, combat Airmen and combat medical support. The group also supports U.S. and coalition forces with airlift, supplies and delivery of these forces and materials within the Baghdad area. The 447th operates a true joint environment, with Air Force aerial port Airmen working next to U.S. Army Soldiers. The airfield is a joint civilian-military airport, with a military ramp on the west side and a civilian runway and terminal on the other that is used for international civilian flight operations. (Source) Under 321st AEW – Camp Stryker, Victory Base Complex (Source) (Don’t know how this

fits into the 332nd being the only air wing in Iraq) The 447th Air Expeditionary Group's forces are organized under seven squadrons: civil

engineer, communications, logistics readiness, medical, operations support, security forces and force support. (Source)

The 447 AEG commander oversees all seven squadrons, is the Sather Air Base commander and the Senior Airfield Authority for the west side of BIAP. (Source)

2. Joint Base Balad (JBB) (also known as Camp Anaconda) (Source) Location: approximately 42 miles north of Baghdad in the southeastern corner of the Sunni

Triangle Largest Army Logistics Center in Iraq Busiest single-runway operation in the DoD

a. Location: USAF’s 332 nd Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW)

6 of 7 groups of the 332nd are located at JBB (7th at Kirkuk Regional AB) 332d Expeditionary Operations Group 332d Expeditionary Maintenance Group 332d Expeditionary Mission Support Group 332d Expeditionary Medical Group 332d Expeditionary Security Forces Group 732d Air Expeditionary Group

b. Location: US Army’s 3rd Sustainment Brigade (Expeditionary) Mission: To sustain U.S. Division-Central and U.S. Division-North with all

commodities, ranging from fuel to ammunition to food, maintenance parts, anything that the force needs to sustain itself and in addition to moving 7 years of equipment out of Iraq. (Source for this and below – provides good info on 3rd mission in regards to the drawdown)

6,000 soldiers Has 4 battalions: (Which are responsible for 72% of the sustainment and retrograde

operations in Iraq). Special Troops Battalion from Fort Stewart 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, out of Fort Benning 541st CSSB out of Fort Riley, Kan 373rd CSSB, a reserve unit out of Texas

3. Camp Speicher (also known as Al Sahra Airfield) Location: Near Tikrit in northern Iraq, approximately 170 kilometers North of Baghdad and

11 kilometers west of the Tigris River.a. Location: 3rd Squadron, 278th Amored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard

(Source)b. Location: U.S. Division – North (Source)c. Possible Location: 4 th BCT, 1 st Infantry Division (Source)

4. Camp Asad (Al Asad Air Base, Iraq) Location: 180 kilometers west of Baghdad and 12 kilometers southwest of the Euphrates

River in Anbar Province. (Source)a. Possible Location: Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Source)b. Location: 1 st BCT-A, 82 nd Airborne Division (Source) (Source 2)

5. Camp Taji (also known as Camp Cooke) Location: approximately 25 kilometers north of Baghdad

a. Location: A former U.S. detention facility that transferred over to Iraqi control on 3.15.10. (Source)

b. Possible Location: 278 th BCT, TN Nat’l Guard (Source)

6. Ali Air Base, Iraq (formerly known as Tallil Air Base; also known as Camp Adder by the U.S. Army)

Location: approximately seven miles southwest of the city of An Nasiriyah in south central Iraq

a. Location: 407th Air Expeditionary Group (subordinate to the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing, Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force (ITAM-AF).) (Source)

Mission of 321st (and thus 407th as a component) is: The mission of the 321st AEW is to train and advise the Iraqi Air Force and advance the fundamental airpower capabilities of Iraqi airmen. (Source)

The 407th are now reevaluating their numbers and, if needed, increase manning for the capability to mentor our Iraqi partners. (Source)

Squadrons under the 407th (Source): 407th Expeditionary Operation Support Squadron 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron 407th Expeditionary Communication Squadron 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron 407th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron Numbers: Approximately 700 active-duty Air Force, Guard and Reserve members are

assigned to the 407th AEG during any given Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation. (Source)

b. Location: 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, based at Fort Riley, Kan., (Source)

c. Location: 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron (A RED HORSE squadron is a self-sufficient Group, with its own Headquarters, Logistics and Operations branches consisting of mostly civil engineering skillsets, including supply, vehicle maintenance, medical and finance personnel, their own cooks, security forces and even a chaplain.) (Source)

7. Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraqa. 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Group (under the 321 AEW) –

consists of three advisory squadrons, two military training teams and a group staff operating at four locations in Iraq. (Source)

The group's mission is to advise and assist the Iraqi Air Force in developing credible, professional, and enduring capabilities. (Same source as above)

b. 506th Air Expeditionary Group was inactivated on 6/7/10 but before that was stationed here – this is part of the drawdown of USAF from Iraq (Source) (was subordinate to 332nd AEW at JBB) (Source)

On 5/28/10, the 506th transferred authority for base security to the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Troop Battalion. (Source)

The 506th became the first Air Force unit to fully withdraw from Kirkuk Regional Air Base since the build-up of forces. (Source)

8. Contingency Operating Base Basra (COB Basra) (also Basra Air Base) Location: around 20 miles outside Basra Located next to Basra International Airport (Source)

a. Location: Headquarters – U.S. Division-South (Source)

9. Major Airbases

II. Breakdown of USFI divisions AOR:

(This was confirmed through an email with USF-I Press Desk).

1. Salah ad-Din - North2. Diyala - North3. Ninawa - North4. Duhok - North5. Arbil - North6. Kirkuk (or At-Tamim) – North 7. As-Sulaymaniyyah – North

8. Baghdad – Central9. Al-Anbar - Central

10. Wasit – South 11. Maysan – South 12. Al-Basrah – South 13. Dhi-Qar - South14. Al-Muthanna – South 15. An-Najaf – South16. Karbala – South17. Babil18. Al-Qadisiyyah

III. Maps (6.30.10)

1. Need map of geographic breakdown of USF-I.2. Need maps plotting U.S. troop locations

a. Especially the following:b. Victory Base Complex, Baghdad c. Joint Base Balad d. Camp Speicher e. Camp Asad f. Camp Taji g. Major Airbases

3. Lowest priority – any other U.S. base locations.

Map of the main permanent military bases in Iraq:1. Al Qayyarah air base2. Camp Marez3. [ name unknown ]4. Camp Renegade5. Camp Speicher6. Balad air base7. Al Asad air base8. Camp Taji9. Taqaddum air base10. Green Zone11. Camp Falcon12. Camp Victory13. Patrol base Shocker14. Talil air basehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_military_in_Iraq

http://home.comcast.net/~djyae/pwpimages/USF-I%20legacy%20bases.JPG

More nuanced view of Joint Base Balad. 

http://home.comcast.net/~djyae/pwpimages/IraqBdeOOB3-100531.JPG

(Need to click on the link where you roll over the planes and a box will pop up and explain each base. http://www.fcnl.org/iraq/bases.htm

Detail of Camp Victory, Victory Base Complex (http://friendsofwdva.blogspot.com/2010/02/camp-victory-iraq-photo-tour.html)

http://www.dmzhawaii.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/09bases_map.jpg

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/images/iraq-fobs-2006mar01.jpg

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/images/baghdad-fob-2004jan01.jpg

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/baghdad-usa-map.htm

IV. Aviation Units (U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force)

A. U.S. Army Aviation units

12 th Combat Aviation Brigade (with the 1 st ID – Southern Iraq) They have National Guard Aviation units included – 2/285th Battalion HDQTS located at

Tallil Airbase, Iraq. Source. This source talks about Company C, assault Blackhawk helicopter company from ND National Guard. This company flies as many as 5 missions a day. Current primary missions include: passenger transportation and as the “Aerial Reaction Force,” a quick reaction team. Secondary mission include: casualty evac, transport ting high ranking military and civilians, and USO entertainers.

Seems like the 12th CAB started redeploying back to Germany in April. Source (p. 8)

Emailed a Sgt. with the PAO office.

25th Combat Aviation Brigade (northern Iraq) “Currently deployed again, August 2009, serving with 3rd Infantry Division as part of

Task Force Marne.” (This would but it back stateside in August 2010). (Source)

1 st Combat Aviation Brigade Commander: Col. Frank Muth Started deployment in March 2010 and will be staying a year (March 2011). Source According to Spc. Roland Hale, CAB Public Affairs, “The brigade is projected to be

the Army’s lone aviation asset in Iraq, and is already expanding across the country. The increased area of responsibility will increase the amount of work for 601st, the brigade’s only dedicated support battalion.” Source

Same source: “Army aviation, however, is also required to reduce its presence in Iraq – a dilemma that the Army is addressing with the formation of a single, larger-than-ever aviation brigade. The Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, which deployed to Iraq this spring, became United States Forces – Iraq’s corps-level aviation brigade June 7. The CAB, 1st Inf. Div. is scheduled to conduct several more such ceremonies this summer, becoming the Army’s sole aviation asset in the country by the end of August. The CAB, 1st Inf. Div. will become the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade (eCAB), and is the first Army unit to do so. The eCAB will command over 200 aircraft, seven battalions, and nearly 4,000 troops. The aircraft and the Soldiers that fly and maintain them will “conduct full-spectrum aviation operations across an area as long as California and as wide as Texas,” said CAB Commander Col. Frank Muth.”

Same source: Missions will be “route clearances and convoy security ... [and] continue to partner with helicopter units from the Iraqi Army.” Also are increasingly supporting Iraqi ground units as they lead ground combat operations.

Same source: “The CAB, 1st Inf. Div.’s assumption of the 38th CAB’s mission is the brigade’s first step towards becoming an enhanced CAB. In September, the only Army aviation unit with a birds-eye view of the country – the eCAB – will play a key-role in the start of Operation New Dawn.”

“The brigade is scheduled to remain in Iraq until next spring as the Army’s last active-duty aviation unit to support Operation New Dawn. It is scheduled to become the only aviation brigade in Army history to be dubbed an enhanced combat aviation brigade and will be responsible for all of the country’s Army aviation support by the end of this summer.” Source

B. U.S. Air Force Aviation Units

U.S. Air Force in Iraq Organization

I. U.S. Air Forces Central –

Note: This is some discrepancy between the 332nd and 321st AEWs. The 332nd says that they are the only wing operating in Iraq. However, the 321st is the command authority of the 407th AEG operating out of Ali Base, Iraq.

Could be that the 332nd is responsible for air operations and the 321st is responsible for training the Iraqi Air Force – this is the mission of the 321st.

A. 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) Commander: Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin Location: Joint Base Balad, Iraq 7 Groups & 30 Squadrons

1. 506th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) Commander: Col. Steven Slick Location: Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq 6 Squadrons underneath the 506th AEG (af.mil)

a. 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, b. 506th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, c. 506th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, d. 506th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, e. 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron, f. 506th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron,g. 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron

Don’t think the 506th Security Forces Squadron is activated anymore (af.mil)

2. 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group Location: Joint Base Balad, Iraq 3 squadrons (as of June 2009)

a. 332d Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron;b. 332d Expeditionary Medical Support Squadronc. 332d Expeditionary Aerospace Medicine Squadron.

3. 332nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group Location: Joint Base Balad, Iraq 4 squadrons (as of June 2009)

a. 332d Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadronb. 332d Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadronc. 332d Expeditionary Force Support Squadrond. 332d Expeditionary Communications Squadron

4. 332d Expeditionary Maintenance Group Location: Joint Base Balad, Iraq 2 squadrons (as of June 2009)

a. 332d Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

b. 332d Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron

5. 332d Expeditionary Operations Group Location: Joint Base Balad, Iraq 8 squadrons (as of June 2009) 700 + airmen This group seems to control the airspace over Iraq.

a. 332d Expeditionary Operations Support Squadronb. 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron or "Kingpin" is the primary

tactical command and control agency for Iraq.c. 332d Expeditionary Fighter Squadron executes the daily ATO in support of

Operation Iraqi Freedom by flying F-16 Block 30 Fighting Falconsd. 22d Expeditionary Fighter Squadron provides the CFACC a unique multi-role

capability that includes close-air support, offensive and defensive counter-air operations, interdiction, and suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses using F-16CM Block 50 Fighting Falcons.

e. 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadronf. 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadrong. 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadronh. 362d Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron

6. 332d Expeditionary Security Forces Group Location: Joint Base Balad, Iraq 2 squadrons (as of June 2009)

a. 332d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadronb. 532d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron

7. 732d Air Expeditionary Group Location: Joint Base Balad, Iraq 5 squadrons (as of June 2009)

a. 732d Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadronb. 732d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadronc. 732d Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadrond. 732d Expeditionary Intelligence Squadrone. 732d Expeditionary Support Squadron

B. 321st Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) - Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force Commander: Brig. Gen. Scott Hansen Location: Camp Stryker, Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq At least 2 Groups & 13 Squadrons

1. 407th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) Commander: Col. James Linder Location: Ali Base, Iraq Note: The 407th was transferred from the 332nd AEW to 321st AEW on 4/24/10

(af.mil) 700 Airmen 6 Squadrons

a. 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, b. 407th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, c. 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, d. 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, e. 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadronf. 407th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron

2. 447th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) Commander: Col. Bruce Taylor Location: Sather Air Base, Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq 7 Squadrons underneath the 447th AEG (af.mil) 750 Airmen

a. 447th Civil Engineer Squadronb. 447th Communications Squadronc. 447th Logistics readiness Squadrond. 447th Medical Squadrone. 447th Operations support Squadronf. 447th Security forces Squadrong. 447th Force support Squadron

U.S. Air Force squadrons (believe under the command of U.S. Air Forces Central – the air component command of U.S. Central Command)

332nd Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) – Joint Base Balad, Iraq (Source, Current as of May 2010)

Note: The 332 AEW is the only Air Force wing in Iraq (actually not entirely true as the 321 st operates in Iraq too – training the Iraqi Air Force) and consists of seven distinct groups, six of which are located at JBB:

Note: Of the more than 8,000 Airmen currently assigned to the 332d AEW, approximately 2,500 are attached to the three AEGs (which I believe are 506th, 407th, and 447th).

332d Expeditionary Operations Group - responsible for the total-force expeditionary flying operations of eight squadrons at 332d AEW, JBB, Iraq. The group oversees combat operations providing close-air support, air sovereignty, airbase defense, combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, tactical air control, unmanned systems launch and recovery, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance

capabilities in support of combined forces air component commander taskings and ground-force operations.

332d Expeditionary Maintenance Group - provides combat-ready aircraft and munitions; comprised of two squadrons responsible for on- and off-aircraft maintenance and sortie generation

332d Expeditionary Mission Support Group - provides expeditionary communications, services, civil engineering, personnel accountability, and logistics-readiness operations

332d Expeditionary Medical Group - comprises more than 350 professional and support staff from all four armed services working alongside civilians and contractors to provide state-of-the-art medical care. The medical group is the only Level III trauma and air-evacuation hospital in Iraq (INTERESTING) and provides a full spectrum of medical services for Coalition and U.S. forces throughout the Iraqi theater of operations.

332d Expeditionary Security Forces Group – defends Joint Base Balad 732d Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) – administratively and operationally controls

approximately 1,500 Joint Expeditionary Tasking (JET) Airmen who are tactically assigned to US Army, Marine, joint and special- operations units at more than 60 locations throughout Iraq. Overall, 732 AEG Airmen represent over 100 Air Force specialties.

506th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) – is located at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq. The 506 AEG secures the base, conducts safe flight operations and supports the nation builders in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and other US Air Forces Central and US Central Command contingency plans.

- The 506th AEG comprises six squadrons and more than 900 Airmen.- The 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron transferred authority for

base security to the 1st Special Troops Battalion during a ceremony here on May 28, 2010. (Source)

- 370th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, which helps run the Iraqi Flying Training School located at Kirkuk AB. The base hosts a total force of more than 4,000 personnel.

According Lt. Col. William Jay Martin (commanded the 82nd Expeditionary Air Support

Operations Squadron, Camp Liberty, Iraq, from April 2009 to January 2010) – “Depending on tactical requirements in-theater, this concept of boosting Air Force presence may or may not occur, but for the time being, the Air Force will stay in full force, and for good reasons—not the least of which is intelligence gathering.” Source

“…airpower will have to uphold its current role in counterinsurgency, do so across a vast battlespace, and conduct protective overwatch of convoys during the redeployment of ground forces and their equipment.” Source

The RAND Corporation says that the “Iraqi military lacks a functional air arm, which means the U.S. Air Force will be Iraq’s Air Force for many years.”

According to an AP article – “Under the U.S.-Iraqi Status of Forces Agreement, the Americans’ departure by the end of 2011 in theory spells the end of the U.S. Air Force’s

involvement here. But both Iraqi and American officers are increasingly talking about a “long-term partnership” in air operations that would stretch beyond that date.”

321st Air Expeditionary Wing, in Iraq, is in charge of training and advisory mission. “It’s not just pilot training, everything you need for an air force, we teach them,” Hanson said at the base. “Whether its maintenance, logistics, communications, crash and fire rescue, air traffic control — all the business of air power.” Source

The 321st AEW is located at Joint Base Balad. 250 Airmen will move under the 732nd Expeditionary Support Squadron. Source

The 321st “consists of three advisory squadrons, two military training teams and a group staff operating at four locations in Iraq. The group's mission is to advise and assist the Iraqi Air Force in developing credible, professional, and enduring capabilities.” Source

DJ Elliot, a retired US Navy Intelligence Analyst, writes that probably 6 USAF fighter squadrons will deployed to Tallil, Balad, and Al Asad to provide “training [for] the Iraqi Air force in air combat maneuvering and providing air defense until they are operational.” Source

V. Special Forces strength

1. (Daniel) What else is going to change? At most, these 6 AABs account for half the 50K troops slated to stay over. Obviously there are considerable logistical and support troops behind them -- as well as SOF, Intel, etc.

This UPI article states that Adm. Olson (SOCOM commander) said that the 4,500 Special Forces troops that have been in Iraq will still remain there beyond the August 2010 drawdown date.

This give some decent numbers of the drawdown. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100627/pl_afp/iraqusmilitarydrawdown

VI. Ground Forces

A. Questions need answered:

1. How many brigade combat teams (BCTs) are currently in Iraq, but expected to leave by deadline (9.1.10)?a. Out of 10 there currently, 6 plan on leaving before or shortly after the drawdown date (9.1.10).

They are the 4th BCT,1st ID; 2nd BCT, 10th MD; the 3rd and 4th SBCTs of the 2nd ID, the 1st BCT-A, 82nd Airborne Div., and the 1st BCT-A, 1st Armored Div.

2. How many BCTs are to transition over to Assistance and Advisory Brigades (AABs)?a. All of the BCT-As, currently in Iraq, will automatically transition over to AABs on 9.1.10. These 4

BCT-As are:1). 3rd BCT-A, 4th ID – South 2). 1st BCT-A, 3rd ID - Central3). 2nd BCT-A, 3rd ID – North 4). 3rd BCT-A, 3rd ID – South

and5). 1st BCT-A, 1st Armored Div. – North (but leaving Iraq beginning in July through Nov.)6). 1st BCT-A, 82nd Airborne Div. – Central (but leaving Iraq beginning in July and should be completed around the time of the start of Operation New Dawn.)

3. How many AABs are already in Iraq?a. None officially, although 4 of the 6 BCT-As there now will become AABs as mentioned above.

Also the brigades coming in will be AABs even if they have a different makeup now. 4. Currently scheduled return date of each BCT, SBCT, BCT-As?

a. North1. 1st BCT-A, 1st Armored – July-Sept./Nov. 20102. 4th BCT, 1st ID – June – August 20103. 3rd SBCT, 2nd ID – This summer 20104. 2nd BCT-A, 3rd ID – Dec. 2010

b. Central1. 4th SBCT, 2nd ID – this summer and fall 20102. 1st BCT-A, 3rd ID – Dec. 2010 (will be only AAB in Baghdad Province) (Source)3. 2nd BCT, 10th MD – Expected to be stateside in Oct. 20104. 1st BCT-A, 82nd Airborne – This summer 2010

c. South1. 3rd BCT-A, 4th ID – remain in Iraq until probably March-April 20112. 3rd BCT-A, 3rd ID – Dec. 2010

d. Security Brigades1. 72nd BCT, TX – Sept.–Nov. 20102. 278th BCT, TN – Winter 2010-20113. 256th BCT, LA - ??? (Deployed Spring 2010)4. 53rd BCT, FL - ??? (Deployed March 2010)

5. If they are slated to transition to an AAB?a. No, all of the BCTs (not the BCT-As) or SBCTs currently in Iraq will be transitioning out either

before or shortly after the drawdown date. All of the BCT-A will transition to AABs on 9.1.10 and all incoming BCTs, SBCTs, etc. will be renamed AABs.

6. How many AABs will remain beyond August? Which ones?a. Six AABs will remain beyond August long term. 2 in the North, 2 Central, 2 South. b. Still seems like 3 brigades (1st BCT-A, 1st Armored; 4th SBCT, 2nd ID; and 2nd BCT, 10th MD) will

be in process of drawdown on 9.1.10 Drawdown date. c. Looks like 4 of the 10 brigades (not counting security brigades) currently there will remain beyond

the August drawdown. They are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd BCT-As of the 3rd ID, and the 3rd BCT-A of the 4th ID.

d. This means that 2 new brigades will have to be deployed to equal the 6 brigades that is planned for Operation New Dawn.

e. These could be the:1. 2nd SBCT, 25th ID which is scheduled to deploy currently in June 2010 to Iraq-North. 2. 4th IBCT, 3rd ID is scheduled to deploy this summer for Iraq3. 4th BCT, 1st Cavalry Division is scheduled to deploy late summer and early fall for Iraq.

f. This means that 4 currently deployed brigades will remain in Iraq through 9.1.10; 3 currently deployed brigades will be drawing down through 9.1.10; 2 brigades will be almost totally deployed to Iraq through 9.1.10; and 1 brigade will be partially deployed on 9.1.10.

g. This leaves 7 brigades, when one source said there will be only 6. 7. How many Security Brigades will remain beyond August? Which ones?

a. 278th BCT, TN Nat’l Guard will remain in country until winter 2010-2011. b. In Nov. 2010, the 116th Cavalry BCT are scheduled to arrive in Iraq.c. 72nd BCT, TX Nat’l Guard will be starting to draw down in immediately following the start of

Operation New Dawn and exit the country in Nov. 2010. d. 256th BCT, LA Nat’l Guard - ???e. 53rd BCT, FL Nat’l Guard – are stationed in Kuwait, not Iraq (Source)

8. How many bases will they remain on? Where?a. 94. According to Odierno on 6.4.10 – US forces currently on 126 bases but expect to be down to 94

by 9.1.10. Source, Sourceb. However according to this report (page 13), 94 is the number of bases that will be drawn down

between April 2010 and Aug. 31, 2010. The remaining number of bases to be drawn post-9.1.10 is 134.

88,000 currently in Iraq (28,111 are Army National Guard – current 6.8.10) – 50,000 supposed to be there on 9.1.10

1. 9-10 BCT, BCT-A, or SBCT there currently. Also, 3-4 Security Brigades there. 3,000-5,000 soldiers in each brigade.

2. Therefore, 27,000-50,000 BCT, BCT-A or SBCT troops there currently. Also, 9,000-20,000 Security Brigade troops there currently.

3. Therefore anywhere from 36,000-70,000 troops in BCT, BCT-A, SBCT, or Security Brigades in Iraq currently.

4. Based on phone conversations, the 4th BCT, 1st ID plans on returning stateside this summer. Also the 3rd and 4th SBCT, 2nd ID plan on returning stateside this summer and fall. In addition, the 2nd BCT, 10th MD plan on returning this October as well. That leaves only the BCT-As in Iraq come 9.1.10 (Although these other 4 BCTs and SBCTs will be there, they will be drawing down, equipment moving and personnel transporting out of country).

5. We will have 2 BCTs/8,800 troops in Iraq-Center on 9.1.10. Down from 4BCTs/21,000 troops currently. The will also be 2 BCT-As (transitioning to AABs) in the North and 2 BCT-As (also transitioning to AABs) in the South.

6. Will have 5-6 BCT-As that will transition to AABs on 9.1.10. (Currently 2 BCTs, 2 SBCTs, and 5-6 BCT-As in Iraq (6.3.10))

7.

(Basing)

“Enduring Presence Posts” – Source1. Joint Base Balad in the north, (also known as Camp Anaconda) (will probably be the

location for training of Iraqi Air Force post 12.31.2011 Leave date). 2. Camp Adder in southern Iraq (also known as Ali Air Base), 3. Al-Asad Air Base in the west and the 4. Victory Base Complex around Baghdad International Airport

JOINT SECURITY STATION WAHAB – border station with Iran (U.S. to stay to track Iranian influence and travel into Iraq) Source

B. Currently Deployed Brigades Deployed Dates

1. April 1, 2010 - 4th BCT, 1st Infantry Division (North-3rd Infantry Division)Battalion: 2-16 InfantryBattalion: 1-28 Infantry

Home Post: Fort Riley, Kansas – PAO – Capt. Walsh (785) 240-2319 rebecca.walsh2@conus.army.mil

Confirm in Iraq: http://www.1id.army.mil/UnitPage.aspx?unit=4ibct

Phone Call: This doesn’t make sense but said they have begun the process of bringing them back June-August 2010. They just went over in March-April 2010. They are currently based at some Camp in Saladan province.

2. April 1, 2010 – 3rd BCT-A, 4th Infantry Division (South-1st Infantry Division)Battalion: 1-8 InfantryBattalion: 4-10 CavalryBattalion: 1-68 Armor

Home Post: Fort Carson, Colorado Div. PAO - (719) 503-0071Confirm in Iraq: http://www.facebook.com/notes/3rd-brigade-combat-team-4th-infantry-division-iron-brigade/message-from-the-commander-3rd-bct-4id/10150113884115301 Confirm it is an AAB: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55117

Phone Call : Talked to a Lt. who said that they will probably remain in Iraq until March-April 2011. Suggested calling FORSCOM at (404) 464-7311. Called that # and left a message with a Lt. Col.

3. Spring 2010 – 256th BCT, LA Nat’l Guard, (337) 593-2000 [BCT Headquarters Lafayette)Phone Call – 318-792-7292 – Left message with Col. Mike DeVille

4. January 2010 – 278th BCT, TN Nat’l Guard, (865) 582-3210 [ACR headquarters, Knoxville)Phone Call – 615-313-0662 – will come back, unless change of orders, this winter 2010-2011.

5. March 2010 – 53rd BCT, FL Nat’l Guard, Source, Source 2 (727) 893-2737 (BCT HDQT – Pinellas Park] [(904) 823-0364 – FL Nat’l Guard – St. Francis Barracks]“One of the missions of the Soldiers will be to escort convoys of U.S. forces leaving Iraq as part of the scheduled drawdown of troops and equipment in the country.” SourcePhone Call – emailed questions to Crystal McNairy (called first – 904-823-0168)Looks like they are operating out of Kuwait and not Iraq – Camp ARIFJAN, Kuwait (Source)

6. November 2009 – 72nd BCT, TX Nat’l Guard, “We'll be home soon. The 72nd IBCT is part of the group will need to depart Iraq to meet the deadline of 31AUG: 50,000 troops on the ground.” Source

Phone Call – left message – 512-782-7235. Talked to TX National Guard Colonel. Said probably return Sept.-Nov. 2010. From the Houston Chronicle: currently performing various roles in the Baghdad province and throughout Iraq, such as security force, detainee and convoy operations. The 72nd Brigade headquarters has the responsibility of administering and securing the International Zone in Baghdad.

Someone called (6.10.10) who forwarded my email over to PAO – USFI to see if they wanted to comment on any of my questions. They will get back in contact with TX NG and then they will contact me.

7. Mid-Dec. 2009 – 1st BCT-A (actually an AAB), 3rd Infantry Div. (Center-1st Armored Div.)Battalion: 2-7 InfantryBattalion: 5-7 Cavalry

Home Post: Fort Stewart, Georgia, Brigade PAO – (318) 848-61591gct3idpao@gmail.com

Confirm in Iraq: http://www.facebook.com/1HBCT.3ID#!/1HBCT.3ID?v=info Confirm it is an AAB: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55117

Phone Calls: wrong #- need new #. See below for answer with the 2ndBCT,3rd ID. Emailed Major Vinston Porter, PAO, he said they are on a 12 month deployment that started in Dec. 2009 – so return stateside, Dec. 2010. The bases they will be using at the end of the summer will be the same that they are using when Operation New Dawn starts.

8. Dec. 1, 2009 – 3rd BCT-A (actually an AAB), 3rd Infantry Division (South-1st Infantry Division)Battalion: 3-1 CavalryBattalion: 1-15 InfantryBattalion: 2-69 Armor

Home Post: Fort Benning, Georgia, Brigade PAO? (706) 544-1102Confirm in Iraq: http://www.facebook.com/notes/3rd-heavy-brigade-combat-team-3rd-infantry-division-3hbct-3id/soccer-tournament-held-at-cos-kalsu/426834940861 Confirm it is an AAB: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55117

Phone Calls: Called 3 times with no answer. See below for answer with the 2ndBCT,3rd ID

9. Dec. 1, 2009 – 2nd BCT-A (actually an AAB), 3rd Infantry Division (North – 3rd Infantry Division)Battalion: 1-4 CavalryBattalion: 3-7 CavalryBattalion: 1-36 InfantryBattalion: 1-64 ArmorBattalion: 3-73 Cavalry

Home Post: Fort Stewart, GA- Brigade PAO (912) 435-6161 or 912-435-6337 FRSA: Jacqueline Barrett

Confirm in Iraq: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Stewart-GA/2nd-Heavy-Brigade-Combat-Team-3rd-Infantry-Division/160689006596?ref=ts Confirm it is an AAB: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55117

Phone Calls: Calling the brigade FRSA lady to get the PAO Div. # - (912) 767-5457, called it but no answer. CALL THIS # WHEN CALLING 3RD ID - 912-435-9879. Talked to Division PAO and he said that all 3 (1-3) BCT-As of the 3rd ID are currently scheduled to redeploy back stateside in Dec. 2010. Also he said the 4th BCT-A, 3rd ID is scheduled to rotate over to Iraq this summer and then return during the summer of 2011.

10. Mid-Nov. 2009 – 1st BCT-A, 1st Armored Division (North – 3rd Infantry Division)Battalion: 1-30 InfantryBattalion: 1-37 ArmorBattalion: 6-1 Cavalry

Home Post: Fort Bliss, Texas - 915-744-3681 (Brigade Staff Duty)Confirm in Iraq: http://www.facebook.com/ReadyFirst

Phone Calls: Talked to a Staff Sgt. – said the information is classified. Suggested calling the Adjunct at (915) 744-3719. Called Adjunct and left message for Major ?. Got phone # for Division PAO – (915) 744-4656 – also Phone # for Fort Bliss PAO - (915) 568-4505. Fort Bliss PAO gave me the PAO’s email – jean.offutt@us.army.mil - emailed her and awaiting comment. Offutt said that it will be a staggered drawdown beginning in July and continuing to Sept.-Nov.

11. Early Oct. 2009 – 2nd BCT, 10th Mountain Div. (Center-1st Armored Div.)Battalion: 2-14 InfantryBattalion: 4-31 InfantryBattalion: 3-69 ArmorBattalion: 1-89 Cavalry

Home Post: Fort Drum, NY – Division: 315-772-5461Confirm in Iraq: http://www.facebook.com/pages/2nd-Brigade-Combat-Team-10th-Mountain-Division/110069639603 Phone Calls: 6.3.10 – Talked to Media Relations Office-Ft. Drum – 2nd BCT is a BCT and not a BCT-A, they are still expected to be moved stateside in Oct. 2010.

12. Oct. 1, 2009 – 4th SBCT, 2nd Infantry Div. (Center-1st Armored Div.)Battalion: 2-1 Stryker CavalryBattalion: 4-9 Stryker InfantryBattalion: 2-23 Stryker InfantryBattalion: 1-38 Stryker Infantry

Home Post: Fort Lewis, WA – Brigade (253) 966-1063Confirm in Iraq: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=images/images_gallery.php&action=viewimage&fid=277534 Note: According to this, it looks like this brigade will be the last combat brigade to serve in Iraq. Which means it may be coming home in Aug.-Sept. 2010.

Phone Calls: Phone Call – Division PAO – (253) 968-1901 Also see below for comments on the 3rd.

13. Sept. 1, 2009 – 3rd SBCT, 2nd Infantry Div. (North -3rd Infantry Div.)Battalion: 1-14 Stryker Cavalry

Battalion: 2-3 Stryker InfantryBattalion: 5-20 Stryker InfantryBattalion: 1-23 Stryker Infantry

Home Post: Fort Lewis, WA – Division PAO (253)967-0147Confirm in Iraq: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=49513 Seems like from this article 3SBCT, 2ID will be coming back stateside within the next month or two. However, according to posts here, the ability of Iraq to form a new government may effect this unit.

Phone Calls: Talked to Katherine, Ft. Lewis PAO Office – said that both the 3rd and 4th SBCT’s have no plans to transform them into anything other than their current makeup as Stryker brigades. Suggested emailing usfipressdesk@iraq.centcom.mil. The planned return of these brigades is over this summer and fall. - Emailed above and waiting for reply.

BEFORE AUGUST WITHDRAWAL

1. May/June 2009 – 41st IBCT, Oregon National Guard – They have already returned home in April-May 2010. Source

2. Nov. 1, 2008 – 1st BCT-A, 82nd Airborne Div. (Center, 1st Armored Div.)Battalion: 1-504 Parachute InfantryBattalion: 2-504 Parachute Infantry

Phone Calls : (910) 432-0661 – talked to PAO – He said that the 1st BCT-A is planning on returning stateside this summer sometime (possibly July). Also this Source said they would be leaving by August 2010

C. NEW UNITS TO BE COMING INTO IRAQ

1. Two 25 th Infantry Division Units (Schofield Barracks, Hawaii) – “will be among the last military units to leave when the U.S. pullout is completed next year.” Source for this and below.

The 2 nd SBCT will be deployed in June 2010 to Iraq North Division Source They will be “advising and assisting Iraqi security forces and civil agencies.” Source

Maj. Gen. "Bernie" Champoux and 800 of his 25 th Infantry Division headquarters will be stationed probably in Baghdad “as part of realigned United States Division-Central working out of Camp Victory, which is led by Maj. Gen. Terry Wolff, who commands the 1st Armored Division.” (Seems like Champoux will replace Wolff later this year.)

2. An Army National Guard unit will deploy. Looks like soldiers from Idaho National Guard (1,500) and Montana and Oregon National Guard (1,200) will form the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team. Idaho Gov. Otter got news Monday, April 26. Source. They will deploy to Camp Shelby Mississippi on Sept. 17, 2010 for 2 months of training before going over to Iraq for 10 months. They will be going to Iraq in November 2010 and be there for about 10 months (Sept. 2011). “ "But we anticipate these soldiers will be providing security both for convoys and U.S. and Coalition installations in Iraq," Col. Tim Marsano, Idaho National Guard spokesman said.” Source

3. The “3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 4. 1st Cavalry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team … will depart in late summer and early fall for Iraq

in advise-and-assist roles.” Source, Source 2

5. 4 th IBCT, 3 rd Infantry Division , Fort Stewart, GA (Note: other 3 brigades of 3rd Infantry are AABs or BCT-As so this one might be too). Begin in Summer of 2010. Source3rd ID PAO said that the 4th is scheduled to go over there this summer and return in the summer of 2011.

6. 1 st BCT, 34 th Infantry Division, (Minnesota National Guard). Said that they will deploy in summer of 2011. Not sure if they mean 2010 or will deploy from summer to Dec. 2011. Source

http://www.veteransforamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/vfa-army-bcts-2-27-092.pdf

"iraq" "rotation" "2010"

Tasked: Nate (10:00AM 5.19.10)

Note: BCT-Brigade Combat TeamsAAB-Assistance & Advisory BrigadesSBCT – Stryker Brigade Combat TeamACR - Armored Cavalry Regiment10 BCTs and AABs together currently in Iraq (ballpark)2-5 battalions under each brigadeRegiment same size as Brigade = 3,000-5,000 troops.

Guidance:

Call Centcom and USF-1’s U.S. numbers and ask them for this:1. How many brigade combat teams (BCTs) are currently in Iraq, but expected to leave by deadline (9.1.10)?2. How many BCTs are to transition over to Assistance and Advisory Brigades (AABs)?3. How many AABs are already in Iraq?

1. Look at brigades and figure out who has been there for a year and who there for shorter2. Figure out what their home base is and who their parent unit is3. Get in touch with their PAO’s by email or call. 4. Ask them about:

a. Currently scheduled return date?b. If they are slated to transition to an AAB?c. How many AABs/Security Brigades will remain beyond August? Which ones?d. How many bases will they remain on? Where?

1.) find a US number you can call with your cell phone for CENTCOM and USF-I. When you have time away from the library, call for a contact. They usually ask to submit question by email, but they give you a live email address.

2.)  Meanwhile, we're going to work this unit by unit. Attached is our working excel .doc. The most up-to-date ORBAT we've found can also be found here:

(<http://www.understandingwar.org/files/IraqOrbat_DecthruMay.pdf>). Start at the brigade level. We've already got their deployed date written down, so let's figure out who will have been there for a year by the end of August and who's got a lot more time on the clock.

Then start with ones that have been there the shortest period and work your way back. Figure out their home base/parent unit (basic google search should do that) and get in touch with their PAOs either directly by email or in the same way as #1. Let's ask about their currently scheduled return date and if they are not already designated an AAB, if they are slated to transition to one.

Don't forget the three security brigades at the bottom.

What we're trying to do here is get a good sense of the ORBAT in August if the drawdown is completed. Which units will be stationed where and in what capacity (likely all that are intended to remain will be either AABs or security brigades). That way we can better monitor the drawdown and have a base of understanding for what will be left behind after August.

Let me know if you have any questions at all on this. I've got to head out about 12:30 CT / 1:30 ET today for some appointments, but see how this goes today and let me know how it is progressing before you take off today and we can revisit tomorrow.

Also..and be friendly and flexible. if they say they can't tell you x, you totally understand, you're just looking for a bit more clarity on what the us military presence in Iraq will look like beyond august(10:12 AM) Nathan Hughes: so any details they can share would be helpful(10:12 AM) Nathan Hughes: that sort of thing(10:12 AM) Nathan Hughes: how many AABs and security brigades will remain beyond august, how many bases they will remain on, etc. are all useful details

1. How many brigade combat teams (BCTs) are currently in Iraq, but expected to leave by deadline (9.1.10)?2. How many BCTs are to transition over to Assistance and Advisory Brigades (AABs)?3. How many AABs are already in Iraq?

 Note: Confirm that BCT-A stands for “advise and assist brigades” Confirmation: http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/04/29/38219-csa-discusses-progress-future-of-iraq/

7.