Stryker Brigade News: Anbar pullback: Those left behind do the best they can

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Anbar pullback: Those left behind do the best they can

Aug-28-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

This is another article by the same author that discusses the anticipated transition from the 4-14 CAV (172nd) to the 1-14 CAV (3/2). The transition did not go as planned due to events in Baghdad. Thanks to yellowtruck for the link.

Link to Full Article
By Sean D. Naylor, Army Times

AWAH and BAGHDAD, Iraq � The call to reinforce Baghdad with U.S. forces originally destined for Anbar province may be essential to restore order in the Iraqi capital, but it risks sacrificing gains paid for with American blood in the western province.

With sectarian violence spiraling out of control in Baghdad, Multi-National Forces-Iraq announced July 29 it was moving 3,700 troops from other locations in Iraq to reinforce units already in the capital.

Most came from 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which was due to return to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, in August, but instead had its deployment stretched by up to 120 days. But at least one extra battalion-size unit sent to Baghdad was originally slated for Anbar, which stretches from Baghdad�s western suburbs away to the Syrian and Jordanian borders and forms the heart of Iraq�s Sunni insurgency.

Anbar has always been an �economy of force� theater for U.S. commanders, meaning they have never had as many troops as needed to control the province and defeat the insurgents. According to some officers, the only reasons senior leaders paid Anbar any attention was the presence there of al-Qaida in Iraq�s foreign jihadists. �If there were no foreign fighters, I don�t think anyone in Baghdad would give a flying frog about Anbar,� said Marine Lt. Col. Ron Gridley, executive officer for Regimental Combat Team 7, which is in charge of a swath of central and western Anbar.

Despite limited forces, U.S. commanders felt they were making progress in the province. But the recent repositioning has left even fewer American troops there to hold down the fort while all eyes turn to Baghdad.

With Iraqi forces nowhere near ready to take the lead, U.S. officers are concerned that everything their troops sacrificed to achieve is at risk.

Comments For "Anbar pullback: Those left behind do the best they can":

I am sorry,but it is time for the Iraqi army to stand up and protect their own country and allow our brave men and women to come home. My son had one year of training and he has been a part of the "BEST". How much more time do they need to protect their freedom while we allow our sons and daughters to enjoy some freedom of their own,with their families, at Home. I am just sick and tired of hearing they need more time.

Posted by: Tex | August 28, 2006 8:55 PM