By Kenneth J. Theisen
On September 27, 2007, Defense Secretary Robert Gates stated he is likely to approve an Army proposal to expand the size of the army. At a Department of Defense press conference, Gates said, “I’m probably going to recommend they go ahead and give it a try. I’m inclined to approve it.”
In a related development regarding the size of U.S. forces in Iraq, Army Secretary Pete Geren met with a group of reporters and said it was possible that even if the Army withdraws five combat brigades from Iraq between December 2007 and July 2008, the number of “non-combat” troops there could remain the same or even increase. Geren stated that a reduction in the number of combat brigades in Iraq could mean that more support troops are needed to train the Iraqi forces or perform other functions? “That’s a possibility. I’m not saying it’s a likelihood,” Geren reportedly told the media. Gates confirmed this when he met with the Senate Appropriations Committee on September 26, 2007 and admitted that the Pentagon has not decided on the level of support troops in Iraq for 2008.
On September 27, 2007 Geren announced that in addition to expanding the active duty army to a total of 547,000, he is also planning to increase the size of the National Guard and Reserve. The army expects to reach it targeted growth within four years. In addition to the above announcements, Geren also stated that the Pentagon is studying the role of private contractors in U.S. wars. He said this study will be completed at the end of October.
In addition to the expansion of the army, the Marines intend on adding an additional 27,000 personnel to their ranks bringing their total to 202,000.
While many think the Bush regime is weakened and that the military will eventually be pulled out of Iraq, it is clear that the Bush regime is building its war capacity for expanding war. And for those who hope a Democratic presidential victory will make a difference – think again.
On September 26, 2007 Senators Clinton and Obama, and former Senator Edwards, refused to promise to withdraw troops from Iraq by 2013. All claimed they would stop the active use of “combat troops” in Iraq, with some caveats. But look at Geren’s comments above. Even if “combat troops” are no longer used there still may be the need for more troops in Iraq.
Neither the Bush regime, nor the Democrats will stop the U.S. imperialist wars. But you can, if you join us.