It is widely anticipated that over the next twelve months, US combat troop levels in Iraq will be significantly reduced from current levels.  Military operations currently being conducted by American forces will be handed over to Iraqi Security Forces.  To assume this responsibility — allowing the eventual withdrawal of US combat forces — the Iraqi Army and Police require an additional 5,000 (+) armored vehicles.

Currently, most Iraqi Army units are outfitted with unarmored pickup trucks to transport soldiers through hostile fire areas.  Ground troops without armor protection lack the ability to move about safely or to respond quickly with sufficient force to threats to security.  Armored vehicles will improve force protection, morale, and unit performance.

Because of US force requirements, US-style armored vehicles are not available in sufficient quantity to meet the immediate needs of the New Iraqi Army.  Fortunately, there is a fast and cost effective solution available from the post-Cold War downsized armies in Central and Eastern Europe — countries that formed critical elements of the Multi-National Force coalition in Iraq (MNF-I) and are now members of NATO.  Large quantities of surplus armored vehicles are available to be quickly refurbished, remanufactured, or modernized with US-made spare parts, components, and assemblies to provide like-new vehicles.  These armored vehicles are superior to anything ever operated by the old Army of Iraq.  They give the Iraqis an operational capability they currently lack, pose no threat to US forces, and provide a credible deterrence to Iraq’s enemies.

Before the US-led invasion in 2003, Iraq’s Army fielded 2,300 main battle tanks, 4,400 armored personnel carriers, and more than 2,100 artillery pieces — nearly 9,000 combat vehicles.  Today, Iraq has fewer than 150 tanks, about 250 armored fighting vehicles, and no artillery — to secure a land area larger than California.

Compared to the alternatives, reequipping the Army of Iraq with remanufactured surplus armored vehicles from MNF-I allies is the fastest and least costly means to reequip the Iraqi Army.  In addition to providing the Iraqis with large quantities of very capable military vehicles, the Defense Solutions program also creates jobs for US workers by utilizing US suppliers to provide upgraded spare parts, components and assemblies that are used in the remanufacturing process.