The U.S. is formally ending its combat role in Iraq after concluding talks with Iraqi officials but will maintain the same number of boots on the ground, AP reported in an interview with Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the top U.S. commander for the region.

U.S. forces went back to Iraq in 2014 to help fight the rise of the Islamic State and rebuild the Iraqi Army. They will stay to continue to advise and assist.

“There’s no significant posture change in Iraq right now. The numbers are still where they were, which is about 2,500,” Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said Thursday, as Defense One reported. “Remember, this is a change in the mission, right? Not necessarily a changing physical posture.”

Army National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Kyle Gallagher