Operation Iraqi Freedom. Preliminary Observations on DOD Planning for the Drawdown of U.S. Forces from Iraq

Abstract : While DOD's primary focus remains on executing combat missions and supporting the warfighters in Iraq, several DOD organizations have issued coordinated plans for the execution of the drawdown from Iraq within designated time frames. Furthermore, in support of these plans, processes have been established to monitor, coordinate, and facilitate the retrograde of equipment out of Iraq. Additionally, several organizations have been created to oversee, synchronize, and ensure unity of effort during the drawdown. Moreover, DOD reports that it has exceeded its goals during the initial months of the drawdown. While DOD's progress since May 2009 has exceeded its targets, a large amount of personnel, equipment, and bases remain to be drawn down within the established timelines. Several unresolved issues may impede effective execution of the drawdown in accordance with time frames set by the President and the Security Agreement and which are encompassed in MNF-I's phased drawdown plan. These include: -contract services that have not been fully identified; -potential costs and other concerns of transitioning key contracts that may outweigh potential benefits; -longstanding shortages of contract oversight personnel; -some key decisions about the disposition of equipment that have not yet been made; -longstanding information technology system weaknesses; and -a lack of precise visibility over some equipment. Without resolution, these issues may inhibit the efficient and effective execution of the drawdown.