Speaking for Nevada - February 2005

Troop Protection and Training

Number One Priority in Iraq

by Jon Porter

Question: "What efforts is Congress making to make sure the troops in Iraq have the equipment and supplies they need?"

This past summer I and four of my colleagues who serve in the U.S. House of Representatives had the opportunity to travel to Iraq less than one week before the transfer of power to the interim government took place.

While in Iraq, I met with our troops. They recognize the success they are having and the significant work that still needs to be accomplished. American troops have put their lives on the line to defeat terrorism and secure our nation and the world. I share in the thoughts and prayers of all Americans for the safe and speedy return of our troops.

The new Iraqi leadership has become a powerful voice to the Iraqi people and the rest of the world in defining a new relationship between Iraq and the United States. While in Iraq, our delegation met with President Ghazi al Yawer and Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. I know of their capability and commitment to work toward a free Iraq, and I am hopeful they will be successful in doing so.

The December Mosul attack on our very own military base demonstrates that the coalition and the Iraqi people face a vicious and determined enemy. Freedom is at stake in Iraq, and we must do what it takes to win. Our troops must have the proper training, equipment and protection. That is why our commanders on the ground continue to work to maximize force protection. Coalition forces incorporate lessons learned from every enemy attack and update their tactics. Technological advances such as unmanned aerial vehicles and remote sensors are helping to enhance force protection. Units designated for duty in Iraq receive extensive training, including convoy operations, improvised explosive device (IED) detection and reaction drills, and counter-IED training.

As enemies change their techniques for attacking U.S. forces, we will do the same. Recognizing a need for additional protection, commanders have requested an increase from their original projection in the number of heavily armored Humvees. In the past, fewer than 30 armored Humvees were produced each month. Now, more than 450 armored Humvees are produced monthly. Additionally, President Bush has added $1.2 billion for armored vehicles to the defense budget since the supplemental budget in the fall of 2003.

The largest single contributor to Iraq’s security however, is the Iraqi people themselves. More than 238,000 Iraqis serve as part of their country’s security forces (police and military). Iraqis continue to line up and volunteer to protect their country even as attacks are launched on their forces by militants trying to disrupt Iraq’s progress. The coalition is making tremendous headway training Iraqi security forces. Throughout Iraq, coalition forces are working to transfer responsibility to the Iraqi police, border police and Iraqi National Guard. While the Iraqi security forces continue to improve, performance varies by region. That is why it is critical that coalition forces continue recruitment and training of the country’s security forces.

Thus far, the process leading to Iraq’s free elections is on track. The Iraqis themselves will plan, conduct and secure the elections, and coalition forces will provide support where requested. While our commanders expect the level of violence to increase as Jan. 30 approaches, our forces will be alert and ready to respond forcefully to any insurgent attack.

While the election in Iraq will be an important step in legitimizing the Iraqi government and de-legitimizing the insurgents, there will continue to be challenges after the elections. I am convinced however, that when people are free to choose their own governments, they are less likely to support terror and to be attracted by the lies extremists tell.

The threats in Iraq, Afghanistan and the rest of the world are real. Terrorist groups have brutally murdered innocent civilians, planned attacks to kill tens of thousands in Jordan and elsewhere in peaceful Middle Eastern nations, exploded car bombs in Iraq and began the development of tactical chemical weapons for use in Iraq. Their intentions to attack the United States and its allies are clear. Completing the mission in Iraq will mark a major victory in the battle to eliminate terror. We must not allow this war to be fought on American soil. The realization of Iraqi sovereignty represents a major step forward. A free and democratic Iraq will be another victory in the war on terror.