An F-16C Fighting Falcon sits tethered to the hot cargo pad at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, on the morning of Dec. 31, 2008. The aircraft is tethered to secure it in place before a full afterburner engine run-up. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Erik Gudmundson, U.S. Air Force. (Released)Gear For Iraq May Extend U.S. Stay -- Washington Times
Signals ties for long term.
As President Obama weighs options for withdrawing U.S. combat troops from Iraq, the country's military is purchasing American helicopters, cargo planes and tanks equipment that typically requires a prolonged U.S. presence for maintenance and training.
Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, who is in charge of training Iraq's security services and military, told The Washington Times that some of the ordered equipment would not be delivered until 2012, even though a new status of forces agreement (SOFA) requires all U.S. troops to exit the country by 2011.
Gen. Helmick said the Iraqi military had already ordered 140 M1 Abrams tanks, up to 24 Bell Assault Reconnaissance helicopters and 6 C130-J transport airplanes. The tanks will not be delivered until 2011, and the helicopters and transport planes will not arrive until the end of 2012 or possibly in 2013.
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My Comment: Weapons procurement to the Iraqis will be in the multi-billions, and will involve every weapon system in the American arsenal. Because each system will requires years to be delivered, and the support structure must be present in order to maintain, train, and protect such equipment and personnel .... a heavy U.S. military presence will need to stay in Iraq for at least the next decade.