U.S. to End Combat Mission in Iraq to Focus on China, Russia

July 28, 2021
Congress/DoD | On Base

The U.S. will end its combat role in Iraq by the end of the year, President Joe Biden said this week.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chair Gen. John Hyten also signaled the change.

“We have to not ignore the threats in the Middle East, but deal with the threat to the Middle East in a different way, with a smaller footprint, so we can divert more of our body on threats in China and Russia,” Hyten said, according to Defense One.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki wouldn’t say how many of the roughly 2,500 troops in Iraq would remain for training and to advise strategic partners in the region.

Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Spencer

July 28, 2021
Congress/DoD | On Base

Recent News

Snap of the Week

Snap of the Week

May 17, 2024

Naval Academy plebes climb the Herndon Monument, a tradition symbolizing the successful completion of the midshipmen’s freshman year. The class of 2027 completed the climb in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 11 seconds. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

May 17, 2024

More than 74,000 residents of Whidbey Island, Washington could suffer long-term health impacts from the noise of jets stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, according to a University of Washington study, The Seattle Times reported. Researchers said the impact...

$2 Billion Aid Package Will Help Ukraine Build Its Own Weapons

$2 Billion Aid Package Will Help Ukraine Build Its Own Weapons

May 17, 2024

A new $2 billion aid package the State Department announced Thursday will help build a Ukraine Defense Enterprise Program, according to Defense News. The fund will help Ukraine buy weapons from other countries while “investing in Ukraine’s defense industrial base,...

NDAA Draft Asks for DOD Study on Privatizing Barracks

NDAA Draft Asks for DOD Study on Privatizing Barracks

May 16, 2024

The House Armed Services Committee’s draft National Defense Authorization Act indicates lawmakers may not be ready to privatize more barracks, as Military.com reported. “Members aren’t completely bought into privatizing all housing,” a senior Republican committee aide...

PAST STORIES