Iraq Study Group

The most significant recommendation put forward by the Iraq Study Group is the increase of imbedded advisory American units.

The training of Iraqi units by the United States has improved and should continue for the coming year. In addition to this training, Iraqi combat units need supervised on-the-job training as they move to field operations. This on-the-job training could be best done by imbedding more U.S. military personnel in Iraqi deployed units. The number of imbedded personnel would be based on the recommendation of our military commanders in Iraq, but it should be large enough to accelerate the development of a real combat capability in Iraqi Army units. Such a mission could involve 10,000 to 20,000 American troops instead of the 3,000 to 4,000 now in this role. - ISG Report, p. 71

If President Bush decides on addition troop strength (as is currently rumored, 140K to 160K), it should be in the area of training and prepping Iraqis. An enlargement of U.S. combat forces only expands our footprint while taking the pressure to perform security operations off the Iraqi military.

Post Script: On this morning's Face The Nation, Bob Schieffer praised Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) for his candid withdrawal after assessing his presidential prospects. He closed, "that is just the kind of straight talk we need more of in politics. A man so candid about himself and his chances might have had some interesting thoughts on other subjects. In a way, I'm sorry we won't get to hear them." Sounds like what I said yesterday...